Dr. Vojislav Kalanovic, professor, mechanical engineering, has been officially been awarded Patent No. 7,300,333 by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This patent addresses specific control solutions related to the VDK 1000, a robotic jewelry polishing system invented by Kalanovic. For example, patented control is specifically linked to the gantry and gimbal unit motors, the gripper unit actuator, and actuators associated with a series of work stations for carrying out processing operations such as lapping, polishing and grinding. This controller also accommodates a user-input device that provides optional operator control of the movement and processing for system training purposes.
"We are very pleased that Dr. Kalanovic has received this important recognition," School of Mines President Dr. Charles Ruch said. "This is just one example of the ground-breaking work that happens every day at the School of Mines."