Abstract: An apparatus for removing a residue of a substance, extrudable through a nozzle of an automated end-effector, from an exterior of the nozzle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a dispenser. The dispenser comprises a platform to support at least one cleaning pad. The dispenser further comprises a cage to maintain at least the one cleaning pad on the platform. The platform is movable relative to the cage. The apparatus also comprises a constricting device to circumferentially squeeze one of at least the one cleaning pad, adhesively picked up from the platform by the nozzle, around the nozzle once the nozzle is inserted into the constricting device. The apparatus additionally comprises a disposal receptacle to collect the one of at least the one cleaning pad, released from the constricting device.

Abstract: A patch applicator arrangement for securing a patch over a hole in a vehicle part. The arrangement provides a robotic arm having at least one movable joint that allows the robotic arm to move about several axes. At the end of the robotic arm is a spindle that has several spring loaded patch applicators connected. The arrangement also includes a patch dispensing apparatus that the arrangements uses along with the robotic arm to place patches over holes in a vehicle part. The arrangement also provides a verification method to make sure the holes have been properly covered.

Abstract: A patch applicator arrangement for securing a patch over a hole in a vehicle part. The arrangement provides a robotic arm having at least one movable joint that allows the robotic arm to move about several axes. At the end of the robotic arm is a spindle that has several spring loaded patch applicators connected. The arrangement also includes a patch dispensing apparatus that the arrangements uses along with the robotic arm to place patches over holes in a vehicle part. The arrangement also provides a verification method to make sure the holes have been properly covered.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a residue of a substance, extrudable through a nozzle of an automated end-effector, from an exterior of the nozzle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a dispenser. The dispenser comprises a platform to support at least one cleaning pad. The dispenser further comprises a cage to maintain at least the one cleaning pad on the platform. The platform is movable relative to the cage. The apparatus also comprises a constricting device to circumferentially squeeze one of at least the one cleaning pad, adhesively picked up from the platform by the nozzle, around the nozzle once the nozzle is inserted into the constricting device. The apparatus additionally comprises a disposal receptacle to collect the one of at least the one cleaning pad, released from the constricting device.

Abstract: A method for removing a residue of a substance, extrudable through a nozzle of an automated end-effector, from an exterior of the nozzle, the method including steps of (1) establishing contact between the nozzle and a cleaning pad; (2) adhering the cleaning pad to the nozzle; (3) inserting the nozzle, with the cleaning pad adhered thereto, into a constricting device; (4) circumferentially squeezing the cleaning pad around the nozzle with the constricting device; (5) withdrawing the nozzle from the constricting device to separate the cleaning pad from the nozzle and remove the residue of the substance from the exterior of the nozzle; and (6) transferring the cleaning pad from the constricting device to a disposal receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for removing a residue (508) of a substance (510), extrudable through a nozzle (500) of an automated end-effector (502), from an exterior (512) of the nozzle (500) is disclosed. The apparatus (100) comprises a dispenser (108). The dispenser (108) comprises a platform (114) to support at least one cleaning pad (102). The dispenser (108) further comprises a cage (116) to maintain at least the one cleaning pad (102) on the platform (114). The platform (114) is movable relative to the cage (116). The apparatus (100) also comprises a constricting device (104) to circumferentially squeeze one of at least the one cleaning pad (102), adhesively picked up from the platform (114) by the nozzle (500), around the nozzle (500) once the nozzle (500) is inserted into the constricting device (104). The apparatus (100) additionally comprises a disposal receptacle (106) to collect the one of at least the one cleaning pad (102), released from the constricting device (104).