Tool
July 18th, 2009 | by Ramaswami |Automatic clamp changing apparatus
A clamp changing apparatus includes a holder (70) including a plurality of clamp-holding devices (72), each of which holding a clamp (10) thereon, a robot (50) including a shaft (501), and a coupling device (30) secured on the shaft of the robot. The robot selects one of the clamps held on the clamp-holding devices according to a predetermined machining program therein, changes out a used clamp for the selected clamp, and mounts the selected clamp on the coupling device.
Method, system and program product for enabling rapid connection of automated tools to a device network
A tool changer includes a tool attachment mechanism and a changer electronics module. The changer electronics module implements a tool changer node on a device network for the tool changer and a tool plate node on the device network for a tool plate of an automated tool that may be latched to the tool changer.
Hybrid compact sensing apparatus for adaptive robotic processes
A hybrid compact sensing apparatus for generating signals usable for guiding a process robot as a function of an object detected in a scene. The apparatus comprises a laser light generator, two optical sensors, one or more ultrasound sensors, and a control unit, all integrated in a same housing. The laser light generator and the optical sensors form a detection arrangement having a limited detection range compared to that of the ultrasound sensors. The control unit has a processing circuit monitoring the distance of the object measured by the ultrasound sensors, and triggering on the laser light generator and triggering use of the depth profile signals produced by the optical sensors among the signals usable for guiding the process robot when the distance measured by the ultrasound sensors falls within the limited detection range. Integration of an audio and video sensing unit to the apparatus enables remote monitoring.
Multiple robot arm tracking and mirror jog
A system for performing the method of this invention includes a leader having a robot arm able to articulate about first axes and supporting an end effector. A follower includes a robot arm able to articulate about respective second axes. Servo motors articulate the leader arm about the first axes and the follower arm about the second axes. A user interface allows a user to jog the arm of the leader and to program movement of the arms for automatic execution such that the end effector reaches predetermined positions. A controller, operatively connected to the servo motors and the user interface, controls operation of the servo motors, moves the arm of the leader in accordance with the programmed movement, and moves the arm of the follower such that it tracks or mirrors movement of the leader.
Roller folding head
A roller folding head is disclosed. Roller folding heads are used, for instance, when fixing the frame of a sliding roof in an opening in the roof of a vehicle. In order to do this quickly and automatically, the roller folding head is provided with at least two pairs of rollers, each pair of rollers consisting of a pressure roller and a counter-roller which interact in order to bend a flange along a folding line at a specific angle. The folding process is carried out in several stages, one flange being crimped around another flange in a series of partial steps at an angle of 180.degree.. One pair of rollers is provided for each step, at least two thereof being arranged on a roller folding head.
