Abstract: An apparatus for automatically drying wet floors includes a controller, a moisture detector that is operable to detect the presence of moisture at a first location and transmit a moisture detection signal to the controller in response to detecting the presence of moisture at the first location, and a blower. The blower is operative to turn on and off for drying the wet floors by directing moving air toward the first location in response to an operating signal from the controller. The controller outputs the operating signal to the blower based on the moisture detection signal.

Abstract: An adapter assembly (28) for use in an automated handling equipment system includes a first component and a second component that is selectively mountable to the first component. At least one first code member (82) is associated with the first component and at least one second code member (84) is associated with a second component. The at least one first code member and the at least one second code member have a variable orientation relative to each other that controls whether the second component can be mounted to the first component.

Abstract: A gripper assembly including at least one gripper jaw and an actuator head linked with the at least one gripper jaw. An actuator selectively operates to move the actuator head between a plurality of positions. A support is fixed relative to the actuator and includes a guide slot that guides the actuator head. One of the actuator head or the guide slot includes a channel and the other of the actuator head or the guide slot includes a guide member extending there from at least partially into the channel.

Abstract: A modular tooling apparatus having serrated teeth for providing orbital and linear adjustment of a modular tool. The modular tooling apparatus includes a mounting member and a base coupling having mating contoured surfaces for providing linear adjustment of the base coupling relative to the mounting member. A spacer is provided having contoured surfaces wherein the contoured surfaces matingly and adjustably connect to a contoured surface of the base coupling for rotational adjustment of the modular tool about a longitudinal axis. The modular tool has a contoured surface that matingly and adjustably connects to the contoured surface of the spacer for rotational adjustment about the longitudinal axis. A biasing member engages the spacer and the modular tool for biasing the spacer toward the base member and away from the modular tool.

Abstract: A gripper assembly including at least one gripper jaw and an actuator head linked with the at least one gripper jaw. An actuator selectively operates to move the actuator head between a plurality of positions. A support is fixed relative to the actuator and includes a guide slot that guides the actuator head. One of the actuator head or the guide slot includes a channel and the other of the actuator head or the guide slot includes a guide member extending there from at least partially into the channel.

Abstract: A gripper assembly including at least one gripper jaw and an actuator head linked with the at least one gripper jaw. An actuator selectively operates to move the actuator head between a plurality of positions. A support is fixed relative to the actuator and includes a guide slot that guides the actuator head. One of the actuator head or the guide slot includes a channel and the other of the actuator head or the guide slot includes a guide member extending there from at least partially into the channel.

Abstract: A gripper assembly including at least one gripper jaw and an actuator head linked with the at least one gripper jaw. An actuator selectively operates to move the actuator head between a plurality of positions. A support is fixed relative to the actuator and includes a guide slot that guides the actuator head. One of the actuator head or the guide slot includes a channel and the other of the actuator head or the guide slot includes a guide member extending there from at least partially into the channel.

Abstract: A gripper assembly has an extended position and a retracted position. The gripper assembly includes a first jaw and a second jaw that are each coupled for movement of a range of motion. The range of motion of each of the first jaw and the second jaw is independently adjustable from the range of motion of the other of the first jaw and the second jaw.

Abstract: A gripper assembly includes at least one gripper jaw and an actuator head linked with the at least one gripper jaw. An actuator selectively operates to move the actuator head between a plurality of positions. A support is fixed relative to the actuator and includes a guide slot that guides the actuator head. One of the actuator head or the guide slot includes a channel and the other of the actuator head or the guide slot includes a guide member extending there from at least partially into the channel.

Abstract: A composite support arm for an automated handling device includes an elongated tubular body having an outer metal layer and an inner fibrous reinforcement layer adjacent to the outer metal layer.

Abstract: An adapter assembly (28) for use in an automated handling equipment system includes a first component and a second component that is selectively mountable to the first component. At least one first code member (82) is associated with the first component and at least one second code member (84) is associated with a second component. The at least one first code member and the at least one second code member have a variable orientation relative to each other that controls whether the second component can be mounted to the first component.

Abstract: A suction cup removably attached to a housing lifts and moves an object. A venturi removably attached to the housing provides a vacuum effect to secure the suction cup to the object. The venturi includes a pair of opposing ears. When the venturi is inserted into a venturi hole of the housing, the ears compress a pin. When the venturi is rotated to an attached position, the ears do not contact the pin, and a spring biases the pin outwardly to secure the venturi to the housing. The pin is coupled to a button on the housing that can be slid to move the pin inwardly to allow rotation and removal of venturi.

Abstract: A suction cup removably attached to a housing lifts and moves an object. A venturi removably attached to the housing provides a vacuum effect to secure the suction cup to the object. The venturi includes a pair of opposing ears. When the venturi is inserted into a venturi hole of the housing, the ears compress a pin. When the venturi is rotated to an attached position, the ears do not contact the pin, and a spring biases the pin outwardly to secure the venturi to the housing. The pin is coupled to a button on the housing that can be slid to move the pin inwardly to allow rotation and removal of venturi.

Abstract: A gripper assembly includes at least one gripper jaw and an actuator head linked with the at least one gripper jaw. An actuator selectively operates to move the actuator head between a plurality of positions. A support is fixed relative to the actuator and includes a guide slot that guides the actuator head. One of the actuator head or the guide slot includes a channel and the other of the actuator head or the guide slot includes a guide member extending there from at least partially into the channel.

Abstract: A gripper assembly has an extended position and a retracted position. The gripper assembly includes a first jaw and a second jaw that are each coupled for movement of a range of motion. The range of motion of each of the first jaw and the second jaw is independently adjustable from the range of motion of the other of the first jaw and the second jaw.

Abstract: A mounting system for mounting tools to a base includes a movable base, a tool mounting frame for selective attachment to the base, and a locking assembly movable between a locked position where the tool mounting frame is securely attached to the base and an unlocked position where the tool mounting frame is movable relative to the base. The tool mounting frame includes at least one tool mount for supporting a first tool to perform a tooling operation after the locking assembly is moved to the locked position. The locking assembly includes a first mount supported by the base and a second mount supported by the tool mounting. The locking assembly is automatically interlocks the first and second mounts. A first sensor component is mounted to the base and a second sensor component is mounted to the tool mounting frame. A controller controls mounting speed based on the proximity of the sensor components. Additionally, a code corresponding to the type of tool mounting frame may be used.

Abstract: A suction cup removably attached to a housing lifts and moves an object. A venturi removably attached to the housing provides a vacuum effect to secure the suction cup to the object. The venturi includes a pair of opposing ears. When the venturi is inserted into a venturi hole of the housing, the ears compress a pin. When the venturi is rotated to an attached position, the ears do not contact the pin, and a spring biases the pin outwardly to secure the venturi to the housing. The pin is coupled to a button on the housing that can be slid to move the pin inwardly to allow rotation and removal of venturi.

Abstract: A resilient suction cup includes a body having an outer lip and a centrally located stem. The stem includes a substantially bell shaped stop and a plurality of expandable bellows. When the suction cup is positioned on an object, a vacuum source withdraws air from a cavity formed by the body. As the air is withdrawn by the vacuum source, the plurality of bellows collapse, and the outer lip forms a tight seal against the object. As the plurality of bellows collapse, the lower surface of the stop contacts the plurality of bellows, which further pushes against an upper surface of body, preventing the suction cup from being over-compressed while the vacuum source withdraws air from the cavity.

Abstract: A resilient suction cup includes a body having an outer lip and a centrally located stem. The stem includes a substantially bell shaped stop and a plurality of expandable bellows. When the suction cup is positioned on an object, a vacuum source withdraws air from a cavity formed by the body. As the air is withdrawn by the vacuum source, the plurality of bellows collapse, and the outer lip forms a tight seal against the object. As the plurality of bellows collapse, the lower surface of the stop contacts the plurality of bellows, which further pushes against an upper surface of body, preventing the suction cup from being over-compressed while the vacuum source withdraws air from the cavity.

Abstract: A combined vacuum cup and sensor is utilized to lift parts. The vacuum cup defines a vacuum chamber between radially inner and outer lips. The sensor is mounted radially inwardly of the inner lip, but is isolated from the vacuum chamber. In this way, parts that are difficult for a larger cup to lift can be lifted easily. Moreover, the sensor need not be provided with a fluid tight seal.