Abstract: Devices and methods for providing power to tools when the tools are not attached to a robotic device. The power source may be an energy storage device that is attached to a tool frame of a tool cluster. The power provides for the tools to be maintained in a ready state which expedites and/or eliminates the initiation process when the tools and the tool cluster are subsequently reattached to the robotic device. This reduces the time necessary for the tools to be used in the assembly process thereby increasing the efficiency of the tooling system.

Abstract: Devices and methods for providing power to tools when the tools are not attached to a robotic device. The power source may be an energy storage device that is attached to a tool frame of a tool cluster. The power provides for the tools to be maintained in a ready state which expedites and/or eliminates the initiation process when the tools and the tool cluster are subsequently reattached to the robotic device. This reduces the time necessary for the tools to be used in the assembly process thereby increasing the efficiency of the tooling system.

Abstract: A multi-tool process station includes a tool sub-station having a plurality of electrically powered tools moveable between an operating position and a ready position; a voltage source spaced therefrom by a distance; at least one controller spaced from the tool sub-station and in communication with the tools; a cable structure extending across the distance and having not more than one outer cable sheath at any point along the distance, the cable structure supplying power from the voltage source to a plurality of the tools and further carrying control signals to the plurality of tools. The cable structure may consist of a single continuous cable, or may comprise multiple cable segments, such as first and second cables connected in series. The tool sub-station may be disposed proximate a vehicle manufacturing line and the plurality of tools comprise at least a plurality of screw spindles.

Abstract: An intelligent tightening spindle comprises a drive output; a housing adapted to detachably mount to a moving platform of a multi-tool processing station, with the housing substantially enclosing: at least one electric drive motor having an associated servo amplifier; a gear unit operatively connecting the drive motor to the drive output; a spindle measurement transducer operative to monitor at least one of the drive motor, the gear unit, and the drive output; and a measurement data processing unit in communication with the spindle measurement transducer. An output signal port may have signals applied thereto representing measurement data that has been processed by the measurement data processing unit. The measurement transducer and/or the data processing unit may be removably coupled to the spindle via one or more electrical connectors. One or more of the tightening spindles may be used to form a multi-tool processing station.

Abstract: An intelligent tightening spindle comprises a drive output; a housing adapted to detachably mount to a moving platform of a multi-tool processing station, with the housing substantially enclosing: at least one electric drive motor having an associated servo amplifier; a gear unit operatively connecting the drive motor to the drive output; a spindle measurement transducer operative to monitor at least one of the drive motor, the gear unit, and the drive output; and a measurement data processing unit in communication with the spindle measurement transducer. An output signal port may have signals applied thereto representing measurement data that has been processed by the measurement data processing unit. The measurement transducer and/or the data processing unit may be removably coupled to the spindle via one or more electrical connectors. One or more of the tightening spindles may be used to form a multi-tool processing station.

Abstract: A multi-tool process station includes a tool sub-station having a plurality of electrically powered tools moveable between an operating position and a ready position; a voltage source spaced therefrom by a distance; at least one controller spaced from the tool sub-station and in communication with the tools; a cable structure extending across the distance and having not more than one outer cable sheath at any point along the distance, the cable structure supplying power from the voltage source to a plurality of the tools and further carrying control signals to the plurality of tools. The cable structure may consist of a single continuous cable, or may comprise multiple cable segments, such as first and second cables connected in series. The tool sub-station may be disposed proximate a vehicle manufacturing line and the plurality of tools comprise at least a plurality of screw spindles.