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US 4,611,377 AGranted
Interchangeable robot end-of-arm tooling system
AssigneeEOA Systems, Inc.
InventorsPeter E. McCormick, Rick C. Edwards, Keith R. Crawford
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An interchangeable robot end-of-arm tooling system is provided for performing multiple tasks using interchangeable tools within a work cell. The system includes a computer control for the system attached to the robot controller, a quick change adapter, and at least two tools adapted for attachment to the quick change adapter.
Claims12
A method of performing multiple tasks upon a work piece within a work cell with a robot arm and robot controller comprising the steps of:
- (a) connecting a quick change adapter to the end of the robot arm;
- (b) connecting a preprocessor to the robot controller and quick change adapter;
- (c) placing at least two tools within the work cell;
- (d) picking up a first of said two tools with said quick change adapter, thereby establishing power and intelligence communications between said tool and said preprocessor;
- (e) positioning the robot arm and said first tool at a work location within the work cell by means of signals from said robot controller;
- (f) performing a predetermined first task on the work piece with said first tool when located at the work location by means of signals from said preprocessor;
- (g) dropping the tool in response to signals from the preprocessor indicating that the task is completed;
- and
- (h) repeating steps (d), (e), (f) and (g) with the second of said two tools to perform a predetermined second task.
6 more elements
An interchangeable robot end-of-arm tooling system for use with a robot arm controlled by a computer, comprising:
- (a) an adapter attached to the end of the robot arm and having locking means for physically supporting each of a plurality of tools and connector means for establishing power and intelligence communications with each tool;
- (b) each of said plurality of tools having means for interconnection with said connector means on said adapter, means for interconnection with said locking means on said adapter, means for performing a task on an object, and means for sensing one or more conditions associated with said task performable by said tool;
- and
- (c) computing means electrically connected to said adapter and to the computer for said robot arm for instructing the robot arm computer to move the arm to preprogrammed positions, for operating a tool connected and locked to the adapter through intelligence and power communication sent to and received from the tool, and for performing a sequence of preprogrammed tasks with said plurality of tools.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.