Abstract: A rollup barrier is provided for a robotic station. The barrier includes a track having a tapered portion at its lower end. A switch is mounted at the extreme lower end of the track. The switch prevents actuation of the robotic equipment unless the barrier is moved to its extreme lowermost position. Extensible cylinders are used for connection to a chain trained around a sprocket in order to roll the roller.

Abstract: A break away barrier utilizes first and second spaced apart upstanding posts positioned a predetermined safe distance away from the outer movement limit of a robot. A pair of barrier assemblies are hinged to the first and second spaced apart upstanding posts and are hinged for movement from a closed position inside the safe distance to an open position outside the safe distance. A break away latch permits the opening and separation of the first and second barriers in response to a predetermined force.

Abstract: A quick change fixture mounting arrangement includes a pair of mating ball-and-socket connectors at the headstock end of the fixture and a ball joint coupler at the tailstock end of the fixture. This arrangement allows for some misalignment of the fixture relative to the axis of rotation and permits the fixture to be rotated about a second, external axis of rotation.

Abstract: A zero gravity robotic tool includes a robotic arm having a distal end. A motor is mounted on the distal end of the robotic arm and is rotated about a motor axis which passes through the center of gravity of the motor and the tool. A prime mover is connected to the robotic arm and to a pivot mechanism for causing the rotation of the motor and the tool about the motor axis.

Abstract: A dual cylinder pivotal work piece holding device includes a fixture pivotally mounted on a frame. A crank arm drives the fixture about a pivot axis. First and second cylinders have rods pivotally connected to the crank arm at a drive point offset from the fixture pivot axis. The rods form an oblique angle with each other and a controller is provided for extending and retracting the rods in a coordinated cycle so that at least one of the rods is moving at any instant during rotation of the fixture.

Abstract: An adjustable shelving unit for a robotic work station includes a plurality of elongated upright channel members each having a C-shaped transverse cross-section, the channel members being arranged in parallel pairs; and at least one shelf being releasably and movably clamped to the channel members by spring nut means so as to be adjustable in both height and angle with respect to the channel members. The adjustable shelving unit is useful in combination with a work piece positioning device and can even be attached thereto so that bins for parts and parts can be stored near their point-of-use.

Abstract: A robot aligning apparatus includes a pointer which may be connected to either the robot or the tool carried by the robot. The apparatus also includes a stationary post having a sleeve mounted thereon. The robot or the tool with the pointer mounted thereon are moved to a test station adjacent the sleeve and post, and the sleeve is moved upwardly over the pointer to indicate proper alignment.

Abstract: A light seal for use with robotic equipment includes a window having a divider panel rotatably mounted therein. Flexible sealing flaps at the opposite sides of the window opening engage the divider panel when the divider panel is in a sealed position to provide a light seal between the edges of the divider panel and the edges of the window opening.

Abstract: An improved workcell is provided with a door hinged at a midpoint between the opposite sides and maintained in a parallel relationship to the workcell access opening, thereby minimizing the clearance space required to open and close the door. The workcell is formed of a plurality of posts and wall panels which can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled, such that the workcell is portable. The wall panels are pinned to the posts and include hollow ribs to receive cabling, wiring, and tubing for work functions within the workcell.

Abstract: A reciprocating table assembly includes a frame, a table, and a bearing assembly for rotatably mounting the table to the frame. A cylinder assembly rotates the table at a pivot point by extending and retracting a piston rod from the cylinder. Three sensors sense which position the table is in its rotational path and signal the piston rod to either extend or contract at the appropriate time.

Abstract: A welding system includes a feeder with a reel rotatably mounted therein for supplying welding wire; and a torch having a cable extending therefrom connected to the feeder for receiving wire therefrom and a pair of opposing conductive drive rolls connected to a source of charging power and mounted for powered rotation on the torch. The rolls engage, charge and deliver the wire to the work piece. Opposing rollers driven by a motor through a clutch also pull the wire from the reel in the feeder and push it through the cable. The torch is equipped with a nozzle on the torch is fitted with a nonconductive delivery tube to guidingly receive the welding wire without sparking. A unique method of delivering a charged wire electrode in a MIG welding torch assembly is disclosed. Also disclosed is a special configuration for the groove for engaging the wire electrode between the rolls or rollers.

Abstract: A wire brake for a robotic welding torch includes an adapter which is attached to the upper end of the welding torch and which includes an adapter bore through which the wire electrode is inserted. A cylinder body is threadably attached to the adapter and includes a reciprocating piston having a piston stem which is movable into a brake position engaging the wire electrode so as to hold the wire electrode against axial movement within the adapter bore.

Abstract: The tool of the present invention includes a compliance guide having a cylindrical vertical bore extending therethrough. Slidably mounted within the bore is a tool holder which is free to slide vertically, but which is held against lateral movement within the bore. Attached to the tool holder is a tool having a dauber pad at its lower end. A nipple is threaded within a vertical bore in the tool holder and extends upwardly therefrom through an aperture in a closure plate which fits over the upper end of the vertical bore in the compliance guide. A nut is threaded over the nipple above the closure plate and a spring below the closure plate yieldably urges the nipple and the tool holder downwardly until the nut engages the closure plate. Fluid is introduced through the nipple and extends downwardly to the dauber pad which absorbs the liquid and applies it to the work surface.

Abstract: Apparatus to prevent the formation of welding material about the outlet end of a welding nozzle comprising valve units activated upon contact by engagement thereby of the welding nozzle, a pneumatic system connected with the valve units, and reciprocal hammer device proximate the valve units and fluid connected to the pneumatic system, the hammer device operable by the pneumatic system upon activation of the valve units to repeatedly strike the welding nozzle, thereby dislodging any material build-up thereon. The apparatus further includes a spraying unit connected with the valve units and pneumatic system to spray an anti-welding spatter compound toward and into the outlet of the welding nozzle.