Automated exchangeable parts feeding system

Abstract

An automated exchangeable parts feeding system which permits rapid exchange of parts presentation devices so that different size and shape parts can be handled on the parts feeding system. The automated exchangeable parts feeding system includes a parts presentation device having a tool exchange unit attached thereto, and a base exchange unit. The exchange units are mutually adapted to be coupled and decoupled to and from one another. At least one of the exchange units is controllably operable for coupling and decoupling. A robot arm or a pick and place device grasps and places the presentation device on the base exchange unit. The robot arm or pick and place device also functions to grasp and remove the presentation device from the base exchange unit. A control source coordinates the operation of at least one of the exchange units and the robot or pick and place device. The automated exchangeable parts feeding system further includes an optical detector, e.g., a fiberoptic sensor, for detecting the presence or absence of a part at a predefined location or the presentation device. The optical detector comprises at least one optical pathway section positioned and configured on each exchange unit so as to be optically aligned when the exchange units are coupled.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.