Abstract: A robotic tool changer and systems and methods for controlling the operation of a robotic tool changer are provided. The tool changer, methods, and systems include a robot-side component mountable to a robot arm end interface; a tool-side component adapted to engage a tool; a first slave module associated with the robot-side component and adapted to communicate with a first master module; and a second master module associated with the robot-side component and adapted to communicate with a second slave module associated with the tool. The second slave module may include a temporary power supply, for example, a battery or a capacitor, for instance, a super capacitor. Aspects of the invention are advantageous for performing high-speed robotic connections and disconnections, and for providing tool and tool changer performance information gathering.

Abstract: A frozen hamburger patty separator for separating a single hamburger patty from a frozen hamburger block including a U-shaped holding member having a bottom wall connected to front and rear walls for holding a frozen hamburger block in place. A U-shaped handle support component is connected to the holding member, and a blade support component is pivotally mounted on the handle support component. A separator blade is connected to the blade support component and is less than 2 inches from the pivotal mounting. A handle is connected to the blade support component for pivotally moving the separator blade between a separating position for separating hamburger patties from the frozen hamburger block and a non-separating position for allowing the frozen hamburger block to be moved along the holding member for holding the frozen hamburger block.