Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a plurality of fasteners in an automated changing system, i.e., in a robotic tool changing system, wherein the system includes a tooling adaptor assembly adapted to be coupled and decoupled to and from a robot adaptor assembly. The transport apparatus includes a first member which has a first passage formed therethrough and a second member which has a second passage formed therethrough. Both the first and second members are mutually adapted for alignment to one another when the adaptor assemblies are coupled. When the adaptor assemblies are coupled together, the first and second members form an interface fitting so that the plurality of fasteners, i.e., studs, may pass therethrough, and ultimately be transported to a tool, i.e., a stud welding gun.

Abstract: A single axis force sensor assembly for sensing compressive and tensile forces along a first axis includes a first member having a center hub and a plurality of arms extending radially outward therefrom. Each of the plurality of arms terminate at a peripheral flange of the first member. Strain sensing gauges are mounted to at least one of the plurality of arms so as to detect mechanical deformation of the arm or arms to which the gauges are attached. A second member is joined to the center hub such that the first and second members are oriented generally parallel to one another. A gap extends between the first member and the second member. A circuit carrying substrate may be physically incorporated as a part of the force sensor assembly, i.e., above and adjacent to the plurality of arms. A circuit of the circuit carrying substrate is electrically connected to the strain sensing gauges.