Abstract: A spray head assembly for attaching to an industrial robot having an overload protection device coupled to a changer with an attached spray head body with a common nozzle supply and a plurality of nozzles selectively attached to the common nozzle supply. Each of the plurality of nozzles is selectively rotated into position and may provide a different spray pattern depending upon the application. The spray head assembly is compact and suited to working in tight spaces, and in particular spraying the interior of cavities. The present invention is particularly applicable to applying an anticorrosion wax to the inside of automobile or car body cavities.

Abstract: A spray head assembly for attaching to an industrial robot having an overload protection device coupled to a changer with an attached spray head body with a common nozzle supply and a plurality of nozzles selectively attached to the common nozzle supply. Each of the plurality of nozzles is selectively rotated into position and may provide a different spray pattern depending upon the application. The spray head assembly is compact and suited to working in tight spaces, and in particular spraying the interior of cavities. The present invention is particularly applicable to applying an anticorrosion wax to the inside of automobile or car body cavities.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an electromechanical servovalve having an electrical coil or winding movably mounted relative to a magnet so that when the winding is energized by an electric current, it interacts with the magnetic flux generated by the magnet to shift a valve member of an associated valve between operative and inoperative position. The arrangement is such that the valve member functions as the bearing for the movable coil or winding so as to render the servovalve lighter and faster in operation. The valve member is biased toward its neutral or inoperative position by a pair of opposed springs, one of which can be readily adjusted to vary the biasing force of the springs acting upon the valving member.

Abstract: A gripper assembly having a unitary housing with a cylinder bore and a pair of pistons slidably disposed within the cylinder bore and having a finger carrier connected to each of the pistons whereby the displacement of the pistons in one form of the invention may effect either a synchronous displacement of the finger carriers between a protracted and retracted position and which, in a slightly modified form, may effect a non-synchronous displacement of the finger carriers. In either form, the respective finger carriers are slidably supported on a trackway formed integral of the housing.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an electromechanical servovalve having a movable electrical coil or winding circumscribing a solid permanent magnet and disposed so that when the winding is energized by an electric current, it interacts with an intensified magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet to shift a valve member of an associated valve between an operative and inoperative position. The arrangement is such that the valve member also functions as the sole bearing support for the movable coil whereby the servovalve is rendered lighter and faster in operation.

Abstract: A parallel gripper assembly which includes a main body or housing having opposed mounting blocks and associated fingers slidably mounted thereon for movement between a protracted and retracted position. A pair of guide rods slidably support each of the mounting blocks and associated fingers for relative movement toward and away from the main housing with an independent piston and cylinder arrangement effecting the movement of each of the respective mounting blocks and associated fingers toward and away from one another. At least one of the guide rods supporting each of the respective mounting blocks is provided with a pinion rack which is disposed in meshing relationship with a pinion gear for effecting the synchronized movement of the mounting blocks and associated fingers when the piston and cylinder arrangement is actuated.

Abstract: A gripper for use in automation or robitics having a centrally located pin improving precision. A double wedge type gripper having sliding inclined surfaces is used in combination with a piston for forcing the gripper fingers open and closed. A pin slides within a bore in the double wedge increasing the precision obtainable in the positioning or placement of a part. Additionally, wear and centrality are improved.

Abstract: A tool for precisely positioning a workpiece upon a related component part that includes a housing having reciprocally mounted therein a piston and an associated piston. Connected to and mounted for relative movement therewith is a nozzle which is arranged to attach to a workpiece when a negative pressure is imparted to the nozzle. Circumferentially spaced about the housing are at least two pairs of complementary fingers that are sequentially actuated to effect the sequential positioning of the workpiece held on the end of the nozzle along a first and second axis relative to the nozzle. The arrangement is such that the precise positioning of the workpiece on the end of the nozzle is effected in translating the workpiece from its pick-up position to its deposit position where the workpiece is precisely positioned upon its receiving component part.

Abstract: A robotic gripper device having a fluid actuated piston actuating a double edged rack with a reciprocal movement. Disposed on opposite sides in meshing relationship with each edge of the rack is a spur gear, and which in turn are disposed in meshing relationship to a corresponding rack carriage; to which a gripper finger is connected. The respective rack carriage is guided along and between spaced apart rail members for movement between operative and inoperative positions. The respective carriages are mounted in rolling engagement to its respective rail member by means of a roller bearing cage and associated rollers to minimize any friction and wear, and to enhance the useful life and accuracy of the gripper device.

Abstract: A piston-operated robotic gripper system has gripper means including a piston mounted within a cylinder for movement between a first position and a second position, with the piston operatively linked to move grasping means between a first retracted position and a second extended position corresponding to the first and second piston positions, respectively. Conduit means are connected to first and second sides of the piston to introduce pressurized fluid into the cylinder on the first side of the piston to cause the piston and grasping means to move to their first positions and to introduce pressurized fluid into the cylinder on the second side of the piston while exhausting the fluid from the cylinder on the first side of the piston to cause the piston and grasping means to move to their second positions.

Abstract: An electromagnetic gripper assembly formed of a housing having an electromagnetic coil and armature reciprocally mounted thereon. A pair of gripper members are pivotally connected to the armature which is normally spring biased. The respective gripper members have a finger portion and a connected rocker lever portion, the latter having overlapping end portions by which they are pivotally connected to the armature to be actuated thereby as the electromagnetic coil is energized.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for use on robotic type devices for performing repetitive operations on machine parts that require pick-up and/or transport of such parts. The gripper assembly comprises a housing having a fluid actuated piston and a connected cam operating on a pair of slide bars to effect laterally displacement thereof so that fingers connected to the opposed ends of the slide bars close onto or grip a part to be grasped thereby. A sensor and target therefore is provided to sense the presence of absence of a part between the fingers.