Abstract: A side-by-side robot workcell includes two tables each of which is movable from a work position to a load position. Linkages are connected to the tables and cause the tables to have a slow speed at the time the tables approach either the load or the work position, and a faster speed in the middle of the movement between the work and load positions.

Abstract: A torch reamer includes a reamer assembly having a reamer bit and a motor which are movable toward and away from a work station. A clamping arm is pivotally mounted to a frame and is movable from an inoperative position to an operative position adjacent the work station. Movement of the clamp arm toward the work station causes a clamp member to clamp a torch nozzle and hold it in the work station while the reamer assembly rotates the reamer bit within the inside of the torch nozzle. Lifting of the torch nozzle causes the release of the clamp, the deactuation of the motor, and the retraction of the motor and reamer bit to an inoperative position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a workpiece positioner and assembly therefore which optimizes workpiece rotation for manufacturing processes, and specifically for use with an industrial robot. In general, the workpiece positioner assembly is supported on a base. The workpiece positioner assembly is rectangular in shape and includes drive arms and idler arms between which workpieces are supported. Due to the unique shape of the workpiece positioner assembly, the workpiece-to-workpiece rotational clearance can be reduced to zero due in part to the position of cross tubing from the drive end of the workpiece positioner assembly to the idler end of the workpiece positioner assembly. The cross tubing does not interfere with the workpiece rotational area thereby allowing workpiece size and orientation to be increased without affecting positioner swing or operation height.

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 device for indicating the alignment of a tool held by the arm of a robot includes a frame mounted at a known coordinate, an electrical switch mounted on the frame and connected to the robot, a lever having opposite first and second end portions and a central portion therebetween pivotally connected to the frame such that the first end portion normally makes contact with the switch in the absence of outside forces on the lever. The second end portion of the lever has a target bore therein for receiving the tool with a given tolerance for misalignment of the tool. If the tolerance is exceeded, the tool engages the second end portion of the lever and forcibly pivots the first end portion out of contact with the switch to indicate misalignment of the tool.

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.