Samuel F Robinson

US Patent:

42704219, Jun 2, 1981

Filed:

Mar 22, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/022898

Inventors:

Samuel C. Robinson - Clinton TN
Howard L. Gerth - Knoxville TN

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the United States
Department of Energy - Washington DC

International Classification:

B23B 2100

US Classification:

82 21A

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to a mechanism by which small deviations in slideway straightness and roll of a precision machining apparatus may be compensated for. The mechanism of the present invention comprises a fixture support disposed between the slideway carriage and the tool or workpiece fixture and provided with a hinge-like coupling between the carriage and the fixture support so as to allow for the minute and precise displacement of the fixture support in a direction normal to the direction of the slide path so as to readily compensate for slight deviations in the straightness and roll of the slide path.

US Patent:

53102339, May 10, 1994

Filed:

Apr 22, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/872152

Inventors:

Roy E. Pollard - Maryville TN
Samuel C. Robinson - Knoxville TN
William F. Thompson - Oak Ridge TN
Scott A. Couture - Knoxville TN
Bill J. Sutton - Powell TN

Assignee:

Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc. - Oak Ridge TN

International Classification:

B25J 1500

US Classification:

294 864

Abstract:

An end effector for use with robotic arms and like devices that utilizes a flexible band to draw an object against an anvil having a concave surface. One typical convex surface is created by a V-block, with an apex of the V being centrally located. If an object to be grasped is fragile, the contour of the concave surface closely matches the surface of the object. Typically the movement of the band is effected by a linear actuator, with the anvil remaining fixed relative to a support base. Several embodiments are described that utilize variations in drawing the band toward the anvil, with one of these embodiments described in detail in the form of a fabricated unit. One embodiment includes a cover element that can be moved over an object after the grasping thereof, with this cover potentially serving various functions. Movement of the cover can be effected with a second linear actuator.

US Patent:

44807988, Nov 6, 1984

Filed:

Oct 12, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/541187

Inventors:

Samuel C. Robinson - Clinton TN
William G. Dodge - Oak Ridge TN
Roy E. Pollard - Powell TN

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the United States
Department of Energy - Washington DC

International Classification:

B65H 5402

US Classification:

242 18R

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to a system for sensing and correcting the alignment of a mandrel being wound with filamentary material with respect to the filamentary material winding mechanism. A positioned reference pin attached to the mandrel is positioned in a beam of collimated light emanating from a laser so as to bisect the light beam and create a shadow therebetween. A pair of photocells are positioned to receive the bisected light beam with the shadow uniformly located between the photocells when the pin is in a selected position. The mandrel is supported in the selected position for the winding of a filamentary material by a position adjustable roller mechanism which is coupled by a screw drive to a reversible motor. Changes in the pin position such as caused by winding growth are sensed by the photocells to provide the displacement of the roller mechanism in the direction necessary to return the mandrel to the selected position.

US Patent:

43261370, Apr 20, 1982

Filed:

Jan 23, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/228035

Inventors:

R. Jack Brown - Clinton TN
Howard L. Gerth - Knoxville TN
Samuel C. Robinson - Clinton TN

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the United States
Department of Energy - Washington DC

International Classification:

H02K 4100

US Classification:

310 12

Abstract:

This invention is a low-drag electrical contact arrangement for establishing continuity between upper and lower spaced members which are subject to relative horizontal movement. In one aspect, the invention comprises an electrical commutating arrangement which includes a horizontally disposed linear electrical commutator. A horizontally movable electrically conductive pedestal is positioned below the commutator and defines a clearance therewith. The pedestal is formed with a cavity confronting the commutator. In the cavity is a bead of electrical conductive liquid, the bead being characterized by an upwardly convex meniscus portion which extends across the clearance and contacts the commutator. The surface tension of the bead is sufficient to maintain the bead intact when the commutator and pedestal are displaced horizontally at speeds from zero to at least twelve inches a minute. This arrangement provides a significant advance in highly precise machining processes, such as diamond-turning, where precision is limited by the drag imposed by conventional commutators of the carbon-brush type.

US Patent:

54178150, May 23, 1995

Filed:

Feb 7, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/154912

Inventors:

Samuel C. Robinson - Knoxville TN
Roy E. Pollard - Maryville TN
William F. Thompson - Oak Ridge TN
Marshall W. Stark - Gastonia NC
Robert T. Currin - Salisbury NC

Assignee:

Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc. - Oak Ridge TN

International Classification:

C25C 302
C25C 700

US Classification:

204 68

Abstract:

This invention relates to an apparatus for separating two fluids having different specific gravities. The invention also relates to a method for using the separating apparatus of the present invention. This invention particularly relates to the skimming of molten lithium metal from the surface of a fused salt electrolyte in the electrolytic production of lithium metal from a mixed fused salt.