Abstract: A material joining end effector generally includes a first arm, an optics assembly, a clamp, and a second arm. The first arm elongated along a longitudinal axis. The optics assembly is configured to focus an energy beam. The clamp is movably coupled to the first arm, the clamp being configured to move along a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The second arm is rotationally coupled to the first arm, the second arm being configured to rotate relative to the first arm. The clamp is configured to removably couple the optics assembly to the first arm to allow the optics assembly to be decoupled from the first arm.

Abstract: A method of laser cutting a slug from a workpiece may include angling a laser cutting head other than perpendicular relative to a cutting surface of a layer of the workpiece from which the slug will be cut, laser cutting the slug from the layer, with the slug having a wider portion on the cutting surface than a portion of the slug on a backside surface of the layer, and removing the slug from the layer through the cutting surface side of the layer.

Abstract: A material joining end effector generally includes a first arm, an optics assembly, a clamp, and a second arm. The first arm elongated along a longitudinal axis. The optics assembly is configured to focus an energy beam. The clamp is movably coupled to the first arm, the clamp being configured to move along a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The second arm is rotationally coupled to the first arm, the second arm being configured to rotate relative to the first arm. The clamp is configured to removably couple the optics assembly to the first arm to allow the optics assembly to be decoupled from the first arm.

Abstract: An enclosure assembly includes a housing and a platform disposed within the housing. The platform is rotatably moveable about a vertical axis. A partition is attached to and moveable with the platform, and includes a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The first lateral edge and the second lateral edge of the partition are spaced from an exterior wall of the housing to define a gap therebetween. A sealing mechanism is moveable between a sealing position and an open position. The sealing mechanism is moveable into the sealing position to seal the gap between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge and prevent light from passing through the gap. The sealing mechanism is moveable into the open position to vacate the gap and allow rotational movement of the platform and the partition about the vertical axis relative to the exterior wall of the housing.

Abstract: A system (20) adapted for securing a hollow workpiece (22) in a fixed position, for cutting at least one portion of the workpiece (22) to produce a free body scrap (24), and for collecting and conveying the scrap (24) to a predetermined destination away from the interior space defined by the workpiece (22), wherein said system (20) includes a cutting device (26), a base plate (36), and at least one clamp (30), a collecting and conveying conduit (32) having a tube (42), ejector (44), and biasing mechanism (48) for biasing the tube (42) towards a first inlet position, and a bin (34) for receiving the scrap (24), and more preferably also includes an air pressure device (38) for directing the scrap (24) towards the conduit (32).

Abstract: A multi-purpose end effector for a welding robot includes a base plate mounted on a robot and carrying a plurality of tools including a welder, a cleaning wheel for cleaning a workpiece, and a buffing wheel for buffing the weld. The tools are arranged in serial order on the base plate beginning with the cleaning wheel to clean workpieces, then the welder for welding the workpieces, and then the buffing wheel to buff the weld.

Abstract: A system (20) adapted for securing a hollow workpiece (22) in a fixed position, for cutting at least one portion of the workpiece (22) to produce a free body scrap (24), and for collecting and conveying the scrap (24) to a predetermined destination away from the interior space defined by the workpiece (22), wherein said system (20) includes a cutting device (26), a base plate (36), and at least one clamp (30), a collecting and conveying conduit (32) having a tube (42), ejector (44), and biasing mechanism (48) for biasing the tube (42) towards a first inlet position, and a bin (34) for receiving the scrap (24), and more preferably also includes an air pressure device (38) for directing the scrap (24) towards the conduit (32).