Abstract: The present invention is part of a system and method for creating products of varying characteristics on an automated production line. The system includes one or more production line devices, for example robots and machines. Specifically, the present invention provides a system and method for automating a laser cutting device. The method comprises receiving a data file to the laser cutting device, converting the data file to an instruction file, and operating the laser cutting device with the instruction file. The instruction file may be a computer numeric control computer program, for example. The data file includes characteristics to be created on a workpiece by the laser cutting device. In one embodiment, the method may further comprise programming the laser cutting device with a parametric computer program, such that the parametric computer program receives the data file.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to facilitate the insertion, alignment, and bending of metal sheets in a press brake machine is described herein. Automated insertion of properly aligned sheets into a bending machine can be accomplished using a press brake that includes at least two press brake fingers that act independently with respect to one another to determine whether the sheet has been received by the respective finger. The fingers are electrically coupled (via the sheet itself, for example) to a processor that communicates with a robot. As the robot inserts the metal sheet into the press brake, it adjusts the alignment of the sheet until the sheet contacts the back planes of both press brake fingers. An electrical connection is formed when the metal sheet is received by the fingers (which are maintained at a nominal potential of 24V). When electrical connections are formed with both fingers, the processor tells the robot that the sheet is aligned and bending of the sheet can begin.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for arc welding a stud to a workpiece without the use of a ferrule are disclosed. Apparatus according to the invention include a stud arc welding gun having a spacer at a distal end thereof, and a chuck adapted to receive a stud having a diameter of more than about ⅜ inch. A stud feeding device is coupled to the gun for automatically loading studs into the gun. The stud feeding device can include a bowl feeder and a stud feeding conduit via which studs are transferred from the bowl feeder to the stud gun. A gun positioning device, such as an arm of a robot, is coupled to the gun, and automatically positions the gun such that the spacer is against a receiving surface of the workpiece. A controller coupled to the stud gun initiates a stud arc welding process to arc weld the stud to the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for attaching a device to an inside wall of an enclosure. The device is removably attached to a positioner. Where the device includes a metal substance, it may be attached to the positioner by a magnet affixed to the positioner, for example. A first motor-operated moving device moves the enclosure such that the device abuts an inside wall of the enclosure. A second motor-operated moving device, for example a robot, then attaches the device to the inside wall of the enclosure. Where the enclosure and the device are composed of metal, the two may be welded together. In this instance, the first motor-operated moving device may be a non-robotic, motor-operated moving device that provides a ground path for the weld.

Abstract: An apparatus allows the automated feeding and transporting of parts having open internal geometries using pressurized gas. The apparatus comprises a tip with a plurality of holes, one or more part rests, and a conduit to deliver a stream of pressurized gas. A part with open internal geometry is inserted atop of or through the tip. A stream of pressurized gas enters the interior cavity of the tip in a first direction. The holes extend from the interior surface of the tip to the exterior surface of the tip at an angle. This angle is sufficient to redirect the incoming flow of gas to a second direction having a vector component that is substantially opposite to the first direction. The stream of pressurized gas exits the holes of the tip and is subsequently directed to the internal surface of the part to be transported and/or feed. This stream of pressurized gas forces the part against the part rest thereby allowing the part to be transported and fed onto the workpiece.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to facilitate the insertion, alignment, and bending of metal sheets in a press brake machine is described herein. Automated insertion of properly aligned sheets into a bending machine can be accomplished using a press brake that includes at least two press brake fingers that act independently with respect to one another to determine whether the sheet has been received by the respective finger. The fingers are electrically coupled (via the sheet itself, for example) to a processor that communicates with a robot. As the robot inserts the metal sheet into the press brake, it adjusts the alignment of the sheet until the sheet contacts the back planes of both press brake fingers. An electrical connection is formed when the metal sheet is received by the fingers (which are maintained at a nominal potential of 24V). When electrical connections are formed with both fingers, the processor tells the robot that the sheet is aligned and bending of the sheet can begin.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to facilitate the insertion, alignment, and bending of metal sheets in a press brake machine is described herein. Automated insertion of properly aligned sheets into a bending machine can be accomplished using a press brake that includes at least two press brake fingers that act independently with respect to one another to determine whether the sheet has been received by the respective finger. The fingers are electrically coupled (via the sheet itself, for example) to a processor that communicates with. a robot. As the robot inserts the metal sheet into the press brake, it adjusts the alignment of the sheet until the sheet contacts the back planes of both press brake fingers. An electrical connection is formed when the metal sheet is received by the fingers (which are maintained at a nominal potential of 24V). When electrical connections are formed with both fingers, the processor tells the robot that the sheet is aligned and bending of the sheet can begin.