Scott Andrew Clifford

US Patent:

6569258, May 27, 2003

Filed:

Aug 8, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/924691

Inventors:

Scott J. Clifford - Rochester Hills MI
Donald S. Bartlett - Troy MI
Michael G. Beem - Sterling Heights MI

Assignee:

FANUC Robotics North America, Inc. - Rochester MI

International Classification:

B08B 302

US Classification:

134 36, 134 38, 1341021, 1341022

Abstract:

A cleaning system and method for a bell atomizer spray head provides an air/solvent mixture to an exterior surface of a bell cup through shaping air passages and outlets during a color change or bell cleaning operation. In the alternative, cleaning passages can be provided for the air/solvent mixture to exit adjacent the bell cup exterior.

US Patent:

6703079, Mar 9, 2004

Filed:

May 23, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/154287

Inventors:

Scott J. Clifford - Rochester Hills MI
Matthew R. Sikowski - Van Buren Township MI

Assignee:

Fanuc Robotics North America, Inc. - Rochester Hills MI

International Classification:

B05D 102

US Classification:

427421, 427475, 427477, 427480

Abstract:

A method for painting a panel using a paint applicator defines a painting pattern with a plurality of points on a surface of a panel to be painted, the pattern extending in a predetermined direction and the points defining opposite edges of the pattern extending in a predetermined direction, with at least one edge of the pattern being adjacent an edge of the panel. The applicator is moved relative to the panel to apply the paint in the painting pattern having a desired film thickness. The pattern including a first plurality of pattern segments and a second plurality of reinforcing segments, the pattern segments being connected together each extending between an associated pair of the points on the opposite edges of the pattern, and the reinforcing segments each extending between an associated pair of the points adjacent the edge of the panel. A plurality of different painting patterns can be stored in a memory for selecting the one pattern to be used.

US Patent:

6945483, Sep 20, 2005

Filed:

Dec 5, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/004936

Inventors:

Scott J. Clifford - Rochester Hills MI, US
Stan H. McClosky - Rochester Hills MI, US
James S. Hager - Troy MI, US
Ernest M. Otani - White Lake MI, US
Gary J. Rutledge - Clarkston MI, US
John C. Reinicke - Bloomfield Township MI, US
Robert C. Foti - Fenton MI, US

Assignee:

Fanuc Robotics North America, Inc. - Rochester Hills MI

International Classification:

B05B005/00
B05B015/02
F23D011/32

US Classification:

2396901, 239690, 239112, 239104, 239106

Abstract:

A waterborne paint bell applicator is movable to and from a docking position and includes a paint receptacle connected to a paint canister. A paint filling station has a plurality of paint injectors each connected to a different color paint supply and being movable to the docking position for engagement with the paint receptacle for filling the paint canister with paint. A servomotor drives a piston in the canister. A paint valve in each injector is prevented from opening when the bell applicator is not present at the docking position.

US Patent:

7399363, Jul 15, 2008

Filed:

Oct 23, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/691939

Inventors:

Scott J. Clifford - Rochester Hills MI, US
Paul D. Copioli - Sterling Heights MI, US
Mike G. Beem - Sterling Heights MI, US
Robert C. Foti - Fenton MI, US
Stan H. McClosky - Rochester Hills MI, US
Matt Zimmerer - Royal Oak MI, US
Brad O. Niederquell - Troy MI, US
W. Daniel Mantz - Clarkston MI, US

Assignee:

Fanuc Robotics America, Inc. - Rochester Hills MI

International Classification:

B05B 3/00
B05B 5/00

US Classification:

118323, 118300, 118326, 239305, 239722, 901 43, 901 49

Abstract:

A painting robot outer arm includes a non-conductive housing mounting a color changer on the outside and a paint canister on the inside connected by an isolating paint transfer line. The paint canister is releasably attached to a piston ram and drive motor by a quick disconnect coupling. The paint supply is isolated from the applied high voltage by cleaning and drying the transfer line. The rate of filling of the canister can be controlled in response to sensed torque applied by a drive motor moving a piston in the paint canister.

US Patent:

7611069, Nov 3, 2009

Filed:

Aug 9, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/199948

Inventors:

Scott J. Clifford - Rochester Hills MI, US
Matthew R. Sikowski - Van Buren Township MI, US

Assignee:

Fanuc Robotics America, Inc. - Rochester Hills MI

International Classification:

B05B 3/02
B05B 17/04

US Classification:

239 7, 23922211, 239224, 239296, 239297, 239300, 239424

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for forming and controlling a pattern for spraying surfaces with a fluid uses a rotary atomizer spray head having an air shaping ring with shaping air nozzles inclined in a direction of rotation of a bell cup to direct the air onto the cup surface near the cup edge. The air shape ring optimizes the shape air control to create a stable, focused pattern that minimizes robot speed while maintaining high transfer efficiency. Nozzles extending parallel to the axis of rotation of the bell cup can be provided. Selection of the shaping air flow rate produces broad, collapsed and tubular spraying patterns.

US Patent:

7622158, Nov 24, 2009

Filed:

May 4, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/417368

Inventors:

Scott J. Clifford - Rochester Hills MI, US
James M. Kowalski - Lake Orion MI, US
Martin D. Rola - Oakland Township MI, US
Donald S. Bartlett - Troy MI, US
Paul D. Copioli - Sterling Heights MI, US
Marcin Gora - Shelby Township MI, US
Stan H. McCloskey - Rochester Hills MI, US

Assignee:

Fanuc Robotics America, Inc. - Rochester Hills MI

International Classification:

B05B 3/00
B05B 15/12
B05B 3/02
B05D 1/02

US Classification:

4274272, 4274273, 427424, 118323, 118314, 118315, 118324, 118326, 901 43, 239752

Abstract:

A system for painting an article, such as an automotive vehicle body, includes a painting booth, a conveyor for transporting articles through the painting booth, a first rail located beside and extending along the conveyor, a second rail located beside and extending along the conveyor at a lower elevation than an elevation of the first rail, a paint robot including an articulating arm mounted on the first rail for displacement along the first rail, a panel opener robot mounted on the second rail for displacement along the second rail such that the paint robot and the panel opener robot can move past each other on the rails without interference.

US Patent:

7638000, Dec 29, 2009

Filed:

Oct 15, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/872372

Inventors:

Scott J. Clifford - Rochester Hills MI, US
Paul D. Copioli - Sterling Heights MI, US
Michael G. Beem - Sterling Heights MI, US
Robert C. Foti - Fenton MI, US
Stan H. McClosky - Rochester Hills MI, US
Matt Zimmerer - Royal Oak MI, US
Brad O. Niederquell - Troy MI, US
W. Daniel Mantz - Clarkston MI, US

Assignee:

Fanuc Robotics America, Inc. - Rochester Hills MI

International Classification:

B05B 3/00
B05B 5/00

US Classification:

118323, 118620, 118629, 118326, 901 45, 901 29

Abstract:

A painting robot outer arm includes a non-conductive housing mounting a color changer on the outside and a paint canister on the inside connected by an isolating paint transfer line. The paint canister is releasably attached to a piston ram and drive motor by a quick disconnect coupling. The paint supply is isolated from the applied high voltage by cleaning and drying the transfer line. The rate of filling of the canister can be controlled in response to sensed torque applied by a drive motor moving a piston in the paint canister.

US Patent:

7650852, Jan 26, 2010

Filed:

Oct 23, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/691763

Inventors:

Scott J. Clifford - Rochester Hills MI, US
Eric D. Buchanan - Oxford MI, US
James M. Kowalski - Lake Orion MI, US
Roy A Jerue - Bloomfield Hills MI, US
Paul D. Copioli - Sterling Heights MI, US
Mike G. Beem - Sterling Heights MI, US

Assignee:

Fanuc Robotics America, Inc. - Rochester Hills MI

International Classification:

B05C 11/10

US Classification:

118681, 118305, 118315, 118316, 118323, 901 29, 901 43

Abstract:

An apparatus for processing objects includes an elevated tubular frame rail mounting a four axis robot arm with a tool such as a painting applicator. The robot is attached to a mounting base that moves along the rail permitting painting of the top and/or side of a vehicle body. Electrical power and fluid lines can be routed through the rail to the robot. Two such rails and multiple robots can be combined as a module for installation in a new or an existing painting booth.