# US 9,724,795 B2 · Tooling system with visual identification of attached component

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- Number: US 9,724,795 B2
- Document ID: US9724795B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 14/074,492
- Filed: 2013-11-07
- Published: 2015-05-07
- Granted: 2017-08-08
- Earliest claimed: 2013-11-07
- Assignees: Apex Brands, Inc.
- Applicants: Apex Brands, Inc.
- Inventors: Martin Douglas Rola; Adrian Hilary Hetzel
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9724795B2

## CPC

- B23Q 17/2457: {of tools}
- G05B 19/12: using record carriers
- G05B 2219/43125: Speed as function of size of chuck, diameter tool
- G05B 2219/49302: Part, workpiece, code, tool identification
- G05B 2219/49304: Tool identification, code
- G05B 2219/50275: Safety, verify correct code of chosen tool, probe
- B23Q: DETAILS, COMPONENTS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR MACHINE TOOLS, e.g. ARRANGEMENTS FOR COPYING OR CONTROLLING (tools of the kind used in lathes or boring machines B23B27/00); MACHINE TOOLS IN GENERAL CHARACTERISED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF PARTICULAR DETAILS OR COMPONENTS; COMBINATIONS OR ASSOCIATIONS OF METAL-WORKING MACHINES, NOT DIRECTED TO A PARTICULAR RESULT
- G05B: CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS (systems for controlling or regulating non-electric variables G05D; systems for regulating electric or magnetic variables G05F; control devices or systems insofar as characterised by mechanical features only G05G)

## Abstract

A tooling system that includes a drive unit configured to provide rotational force to a tool member. The tool member is attached at a mount on the drive unit. A camera associated with the drive unit is aligned to capture a target on the tool member. The data is sent to a controller that identifies the tool member based on the target. The controller determines whether the tool member is correct for performing an operation on a work piece. If the tool member is correct, the controller may set one or more operating parameters on the drive unit. If the controller determines that the tool member is not correct, the drive unit is disabled. Further, a signal may be sent to inform an operator of the issue.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A tooling system for performing an operation on a work piece, the tooling system comprising:
a drive unit comprising a mount and a motor that rotates the mount, the drive unit including different settings to adjust drive parameters of the motor;
a tool member attached to the mount of the drive unit and configured to engage with a work piece;
a target that is visible on the tool member;
a camera incorporated with the drive unit and configured to capture an image of the target when the tool member is attached to the mount; and
a controller that identifies the target based on the image of the target captured by the camera and adjusts one or more of the settings on the drive unit based on the image of the target captured by the camera.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The tooling system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to identify the tool member based on the identification of the image of the target captured by the camera.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The tooling system of claim 1, wherein the drive unit includes an exterior housing and the motor and the controller are positioned within the exterior housing.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The tooling system of claim 3, wherein the camera is positioned within the exterior housing with the exterior housing including an opening for a lens of the camera.

### Claim 5 (depends on 3)

The tooling system of claim 3, wherein the camera communicates with the controller through a wireless interface.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The tooling system of claim 1, further comprising a cable that extends between the drive unit and the controller to send data regarding the image captured by the camera from the drive unit to the controller.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The tooling system of claim 1, wherein the controller prevents the mount of the drive unit from rotating based on the identification of the image of the target captured by the camera.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The tooling system of claim 1, wherein the controller identifies the target based on the image of the target captured by the camera when the tool member is stationary.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The tooling system of claim 1, wherein the target is visible on the tool member when the tool member is stationary.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The tooling system of claim 1, wherein the target is positioned at an end of the tool member.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The tooling system of claim 1, wherein the target is a separate element that is attached to the tool member.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The tooling system of claim 1, wherein the drive unit is configured to be stationary prior to the controller identifying the target.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

The tooling system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to rotate the mount after the image of the target is captured by the camera and the target is identified.