Abstract: A fluid actuated parts gripper assembly is provided. The fluid actuated parts gripper assembly has a pair of opposable pivoting jaw members, a fluid driven actuator, a linkage structure, a sensor target, a mounting and a sensor. The linkage structure is driven by the fluid driven actuator and is coupled to at least one of the pair of opposable jaw members. The sensor target is coupled to the linkage structure and is movable therewith. The mounting is located adjacent the sensor target and the sensor is mounted on the mounting configured to detect the sensor target.

Abstract: A swing-arm clamp is provided. The swing-arm clamp has a locating member that is movable in concert with a rod which is disposed in the clamp. The locating member engages a guide when the arm is located in a first position and separates from the guide when in a second position.

Abstract: A linear slide gripper assembly is provided having a linear slide assembly coupled to a gripper assembly. The linear slide assembly has extension and retraction ports in fluid communication with a fluid source to move the gripper assembly between extended and retracted positions. The gripper assembly is in fluid communication with the linear slide assembly to selectively actuate.

Abstract: A rodless slide assembly is provided having first and second longitudinally extending chambers. A piston assembly is disposed in the first longitudinally extending chamber and is movable relative thereto. A slide assembly is disposed in the second longitudinally extending chamber and also movable relative thereto.

Abstract: A fluid actuated parts gripper assembly is provided. The fluid actuated parts gripper assembly has a pair of opposable pivoting jaw members, a fluid driven actuator, first and second linkage structures, a sensor target, a mounting, and a sensor. The sensor target is coupled to the second linkage structure and is movable therewith. The mounting is located adjacent the sensor target, and the sensor is mounted on the mounting such that the sensor is configured to detect the sensor target.

Abstract: A synchronizing mechanism for parallel gripper and clamp assemblies which includes one or more synchronizing elements that are coupled to elongate jaw guides which guide the parallel reciprocal motion of opposed jaw members. According to one embodiment, a single synchronizing element is used which includes slots on opposite sides. The single synchronizing element is coupled to the elongate jaw guides by pins or other coupling structure or elements which are positioned in the slots and are coupled to the elongate jaw guides. According to another embodiment two synchronizing elements which pivot or rotate about a common axis and which slide relative to one another are used. In other embodiments the synchronizing mechanism can include a rotating element and shuttle elements which are configured to slide along or within the rotating element in slots or through-holes provided therein.

Abstract: A modular gripper assembly having body with a yoke structure (44) defined at one end thereof and an actuator at an opposite end for reciprocally driving a piston assembly (58) within the yoke structure (44). A pair of opposable jaw members (49) having through-slots (48) formed therein are provided within the yoke structure (44) and coupled to the piston assembly (58) by a cam pin (47) so that at least one of the opposable jaw members (49) pivots when the piston assembly (58) moves withing the yoke structure (44). The jaw members (49) are removable and interchangeable.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for a fluid actuated parts gripper having a body, a body member portion and a plurality of longitudinally extending fasteners is provided. The body member portion is removably attached to the body. A first through-opening is configured to receive the fluid actuated parts gripper and a second through-opening is configured to receive a support. The body has a variable slot configured to reduce and increase the diameter of the second through-opening to lock and unlock the support. The plurality of longitudinally extending fasteners removably attach the body member portion to the body.

Abstract: An impact assembly for use with a piston-driven actuated parts gripper of the type configured to grip a workpiece, and having first and second jaw members. The impact assembly has a rigid base member coupled to the first of the jaw members. A resilient member is also provided. The resilient member is bonded to the base member and is configured to grip the workpiece and dampen impact forces created by contact between the resilient member and the workpiece.

Abstract: A parts gripper having a continuity switch to determine the presence of a part or workpiece held between the jaws of a parts gripper comprising a parts gripper having a yoke, a pair of jaw members, a pivot pin, a cover plate, a side impact plate, and an electrical lead conductively connected to the first attachment portion of the pivot pin. The pivot pin is conductively connected to the jaw members and connects the jaw members to the yoke of the gripper body. The pivot pin includes a shaft, a neck portion, a stepped portion, and a first attachment portion. The shaft connects the jaw members to the yoke. The cover plate has a keyed through-hole for mating with the neck portion of the pivot pin. The side impact plate has a slot for mating with the stepped portion of the pivot pin to prevent the pivot pin from rotating.

Abstract: A parts stamper which includes a pair of jaw members, including at least one movable jaw member. The movable jaw member(s) include(s) a cam bearing. The parts stamper includes an actuator which is coupled to a cam element. The cam element cooperates with the cam bearings of the jaw member(s) to cause the jaw members to open and close. The jaw members include tool seats in which various tools can be secured, including an anvil and a number backing plate.

Abstract: A parts gripper assembly is provided. The gripper assembly includes a body, a pair of opposable jaw members, and at least one side impact plate. The body includes a yoke structure defined at one end thereof by a pair of spaced apart wall members and a fluid driven actuator at an opposite end. The side impact plate is coupled to one of the spaced apart wall members of the yoke structure and extends beyond the ends of the same. The side impact plate is secured in an adjustable manner to one of the spaced apart wall members of the yoke structure.

Abstract: A bearing rail system for load-bearing transfer devices which includes a pair of split rail sections that are designed and configured to engage and lock together when manipulated in a rail channel. The rail channel can be provided in a support structure which functions as a guide for a load-bearing transfer system. The split rail sections include cooperating pivotal structures which can engage one another and about which the split rail sections can be pivoted so as to expand the overall or effective base of the rail system. By positioning the split rail sections in a rail channel and pivoting them about one another, the overall or effective base can be expanded to secure the rail system in the rail channel.

Abstract: A parts stamper which includes a pair of jaw members, including at least one movable jaw member. The movable jaw member(s) include(s) a cam bearing. The parts stamper includes an actuator which is coupled to a cam element. The cam element cooperates with the cam bearings of the jaw member(s) to cause the jaw members to open and close. The jaw members include tool seats in which various tools can be secured, including an anvil and a number backing plate.

Abstract: Jaw tips and jaw tip assemblies having concave and convex gripper tips are provided for use on parts grippers.

Abstract: A set of angled gripperjaw tips. Each jaw tip has a gripping surface that is complimentarily angled to the other jaw tip. The gripping surfaces become substantially coplanar when closed together.

Abstract: Jaw tips and jaw tip assemblies for fluid pressure actuated grippers which allow for the gripping, sensing and transferring of a variety of workpieces. Mating concave and convex gripper tips are provided which eliminate or reduce the formation of particulate which flake or peel off a gripper workpiece. Gripper tips having angled workpiece gripping surfaces are provided which allow the gripping of non-flat or non-planar workpieces. Gripper tip assemblies are provided which include sensors which can be used to detect the present or absence of a workpiece. Gripper tip extender assemblies are provided which extend the forward and sideways reach of gripper jaws. Padded gripper tips are provided with gripping surfaces having surface channels formed therein which surface channels direct fluids away from the gripping surfaces.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for a workpiece holder which includes a pair of plates which can be coupled together so as to define two openings at their coupled surfaces. The plates are coupled together by threaded members which are located on either side of each of the two openings. One of the openings is cylindrical and designed to receive a workpiece holder. The other opening has a partial spherical bore and is provided with a spherical collar that can receive a support structure. The threaded members can be selectively loosened to allow either or both of the openings to expand.

Abstract: Internal bearing assemblies for a rodless slide assembly. The internal bearing assemblies are positioned in bearing slots which are provided in portions of a transmission bracket and include inner bearing members and outer bearing shell members. Force applied to the internal bearing members causes them to slide up inclined surfaces of the bearing slots. The inner bearing members press against the outer bearing shell members which in turn press against the inner surface of the rodless slide bore. As a result, a radially inward force is applied to the transmission bracket. This radially inward force is transmitted to a saddle and external bearing assembly. The internal bearing assemblies thus hold the saddle against the outer surface of the rodless slide.

Abstract: A modular gripper assembly having body with a yoke structure (44) defined at one end thereof and an actuator at an opposite end for reciprocally driving a piston assembly (58) within the yoke structure (44). A pair of opposable jaw members (49) having through-slots (48) formed therein are provided within the yoke structure (44) and coupled to the piston assembly (58) by a cam pin (47) so that at least one of the opposable jaw members (49) pivots when the piston assembly (58) moves withing the yoke structure (44). The jaw members (49) are removable and interchangeable.