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US 2018/0257221 A1Published application
Quick-release mechanism for tool adapter plate and robots incorporating the same
AssigneeRethink Robotics, Inc.
InventorsCalvin TOOTHAKER, Umberto SCARFOGLIERO, Daniel COOKSON
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Abstract
In various embodiments, a tool plate configured to receive a robotic end effector is removably matable with a robot appendage via a quick-release mechanism.
Claims26
For use with a robot system comprising a robot body, a robot arm connected to the robot body and having a distal end including a first connector, a robot controller for controlling the robot arm, and an end effector connected thereto via the first connector, an interchangeable end-effector assembly comprising:
- a. a tool plate removably connectable to the robot arm;
- and
- b. a quick-release mechanism for removably retaining the tool plate against the robot arm,
- wherein the tool plate includes:
- (1) nonvolatile memory storing data comprising at least one of identification information or configuration information;
- (2) a communication interface;
- (3) a processor;
- and
- (4) a second connector matable with the first connector for establishing bidirectional communication between the processor and the robot controller via the communication interface, the processor being configured to cause transmission of the data to the robot controller upon mating of the first and second connectors.
6 more elements
A robot system comprising:
- a. a robot body;
- b. a robot arm connected to the robot body, the robot arm having a distal end including a first connector;
- c. a robot controller for controlling the robot arm and an end effector connected thereto via the first connector;
- d. a tool plate removably connectable to the robot arm;
- e. an end effector connected to the tool plate;
- and
- f. a quick-release mechanism for removably retaining the tool plate against the robot arm,
- wherein the tool plate includes:
- (1) nonvolatile memory storing data comprising at least one of identification information or configuration information;
- (2) a communication interface;
- (3) a processor;
- and
- (4) a second connector matable with the first connector for establishing bidirectional communication between the processor and the robot controller via the communication interface, the processor being configured to cause transmission of the data to the robot controller upon mating of the first and second connectors.
10 more elements
-65. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.