Abstract: An adjustable length cylinder assembly includes a housing and a piston reciprocably mounted within the housing for movement between an extended position and a retracted position. The piston defines first and second hydraulic fluid chambers of differing cross-sectional area on opposite sides of the piston. An accumulator is housed within one of the housing and the piston. Channels communicate hydraulic fluid the first and second chambers and the accumulator during the movement of the piston. A valve member is concentric with the piston and accumulator and rotatable between a first rotary position in which the channels are open so that fluid can be transferred between the chambers to allow retracting and extending movement of the piston and a second rotary position in which the channels are closed so that fluid cannot be transferred and the piston is locked against retracting and extending movement.

Abstract: A tool module associated with an end-effector for a robot arm that includes both linear and rotational locking mechanisms providing movement in five degrees of freedom. The tool module includes an integrated locking assembly that includes a linear locking mechanism and a rotary locking mechanism that are simultaneously locked and unlocked. The linear locking mechanism locks to a rod and the rotary locking mechanism locks and unlocks a shaft that is rigidly coupled to a swing arm. An opposite end of the swing arm includes another linear locking mechanism that locks and unlocks a shaft supporting a vacuum cup at an opposite end. The vacuum cup is mounted to a ball joint on the shaft that allows the vacuum cup to pivot. By locking and unlocking the locking mechanisms of the tool module, the end-effector can be readily configured to grasp and hold various parts of different dimensions and shapes.

Abstract: An integrated locking assembly that includes a linear locking mechanism and a rotary locking mechanism. The linear locking mechanism employs opposing locking plates having aligned bores that can lock onto a rod extending through the bores. The rotary locking mechanism includes rollers positioned between a housing and a cam where the rollers are wedged between the housing and the cam to lock the rotary locking mechanism and are positioned in an open position between the housing and the cam to unlock the rotary locking mechanism. The rotary locking mechanism includes T-shaped driving lugs each including a key portion that is slidably engaged in a slot in the cam and a driving portion having a flange that is positioned within an indented neck portion of the rollers when the rotary locking mechanism is in the locked position.

Abstract: An end-of-arm tool having a workpiece interface tool is attachable to an articulable robotic arm. The end-of-arm tool can be configured by engaging an adjustable modular unit including a swing arm, a cylinder, and a workpiece interface tool to a rail element of the end-of-arm tool. The adjustable modular unit machine-slides in the rail element to a preferred x-axis position, machine-pivots to a preferred angular orientation, and machine-extends along a longitudinal axis of the cylinder to a preferred z-axis position, and machine-rotates to a preferred rotational angle about the z-axis.

Abstract: A configurable end-of-arm tool attachable to an articulable robotic arm is described. The end-of-arm tool comprises a rail element, a machine-adjustable swing arm, a machine-adjustable extendable shaft attached to the swing arm. A machine-adjustable rotator set is attached to the extendable shaft, and a workpiece interface tool is attached to the extendable shaft. The swing arm, the extendable shaft, and the rotator set are machine-adjustable to place the workpiece interface tool at a predetermined position.

Abstract: A reconfigurable pallet that supports a structure includes a pallet base and a plurality of modular stanchions that are adhesively secured to the pallet base. The modular stanchions are selectively positionable along x and y axes relative to a top surface of the pallet base. The modular stanchions each include a support element that has a height along a z axis that is transverse to the x and y axes. The support element supports the structure.

Abstract: An adjustable length cylinder assembly includes a housing and a piston reciprocably mounted within the housing for movement between an extended position and a retracted position. The piston defines first and second hydraulic fluid chambers of differing cross-sectional area on opposite sides of the piston. An accumulator is housed within one of the housing and the piston. Channels communicate hydraulic fluid the first and second chambers and the accumulator during the movement of the piston. A valve member is concentric with the piston and accumulator and rotatable between a first rotary position in which the channels are open so that fluid can be transferred between the chambers to allow retracting and extending movement of the piston and a second rotary position in which the channels are closed so that fluid cannot be transferred and the piston is locked against retracting and extending movement.

Abstract: A bayonet collet pickup tool includes a collet chuck having a collet portion including a bore disposed therein. A collet is held in the bore and is operable therein. A bayonet cap is mounted to an outer surface of the collet chuck proximate the bore. The bayonet cap includes a tubular socket concentric with the bore, at least one pair of diametrically opposed linear slots adjacent the socket, and a circular ledge adjacent the socket and perpendicular to the slots. A part including a shaft and at least one pair of diametrically opposed pins projecting from the shaft is receivable in the bayonet cap and the bore. Rotating the collet chuck while the pins are level with the ledge and then closing the collet releasably retains the part in the tool.

Abstract: A magnetic force sensor assembly for a workholding fixture includes a magnetic force switch operatively supported by a base of a component disposed on the workholding fixture. The magnetic force sensor assembly also includes a sensor operatively supported by the base of the component to sense a position change of the magnetic force switch and inform a controller that there is sufficient magnetic force between the workholding fixture and the base.

Abstract: A magnetic force sensor assembly for a workholding fixture includes a magnetic force switch operatively supported by a base of a component disposed on the workholding fixture. The magnetic force sensor assembly also includes a sensor operatively supported by the base of the component to sense a position change of the magnetic force switch and inform a controller that there is sufficient magnetic force between the workholding fixture and the base.

Abstract: A reconfigurable pallet that supports a structure includes a base and a modular stanchion. The modular stanchion is magnetically attachable to the base along x and y axes relative to a top surface of the base. The modular stanchion includes a support element that has a height along a z axis that is transverse to the x and y axes. The support element supports the structure.

Abstract: A pick-and-place tool releasably retains a part during a pick-and-place operation by an automated device. The pick-and-place tool includes a front structure having a first bore disposed therein for receiving a shaft extending from the part. A plurality of locking mechanisms is disposed within the front structure. The plurality of locking mechanisms are evenly spaced around the inner surface and are in fluid communication with a common fluid source. Each locking mechanism in the plurality of locking mechanisms includes a bearing disposed proximate an aperture in the inner surface, and a piston in mechanical communication with the bearing. Movement of the piston in response to a fluid pressure at the common fluid source forces the bearing to extend through the aperture and retain the shaft within the first bore. In one aspect, a resilient member is disposed between the front structure and a tool holder coupled to the automated device.

Abstract: A bayonet collet pickup tool includes a collet chuck having a collet portion including a bore disposed therein. A collet is held in the bore and is operable therein. A bayonet cap is mounted to an outer surface of the collet chuck proximate the bore. The bayonet cap includes a tubular socket concentric with the bore, at least one pair of diametrically opposed linear slots adjacent the socket, and a circular ledge adjacent the socket and perpendicular to the slots. A part including a shaft and at least one pair of diametrically opposed pins projecting from the shaft is receivable in the bayonet cap and the bore. Rotating the collet chuck while the pins are level with the ledge and then closing the collet releasably retains the part in the tool.

Abstract: A reconfigurable pallet that supports a structure includes a pallet base and at least one track formed in the pallet base. A plurality of modular stanchions are supported on the pallet base and slidably engage the at least one track to selectively position the modular stanchions along x and y axes relative to a top surface of the pallet base. The modular stanchions each include a support element that has a height along a z axis that is transverse to the x and y axes. The support element supports the structure.

Abstract: A reconfigurable pallet that supports a structure includes a base and a modular stanchion. The modular stanchion is magnetically attachable to the base along x and y axes relative to a top surface of the base. The modular stanchion includes a support element that has a height along a z axis that is transverse to the x and y axes. The support element supports the structure.

Abstract: A reconfigurable pallet that supports a structure includes a pallet base and a plurality of modular stanchions that are adhesively secured to the pallet base. The modular stanchions are selectively positionable along x and y axes relative to a top surface of the pallet base. The modular stanchions each include a support element that has a height along a z axis that is transverse to the x and y axes. The support element supports the structure.

Abstract: A reconfigurable fixture for workpieces is disclosed. It utilizes a flat surface magnetic chuck with modular workpiece supporting, locating and clamping elements that are carefully located on it and held by magnetic attraction to it. These elements are precisely located to hold the workpiece in spaced relation to the chuck surface. Some locating elements are mechanically fixed to the chuck for securing the workpiece from transverse movement on the chuck surface. Preferably, each of the supporting, locating and clamping members are fixed to separate steel bases for magnetic attraction to the chuck. Each base may also carry its own hydraulic actuator for height adjustment of a support element or for height adjustment and closure of a clamping element. These modular elements have locating slots or grooves or the like so that they can be selected from a storage magazine and located on a chuck by numerically controlled mechanisms.

Abstract: A reconfigurable fixture for workpieces is disclosed. It utilizes a flat surface magnetic chuck with modular workpiece supporting, locating and clamping elements that are carefully located on it and held by magnetic attraction to it. These elements are precisely located to hold the workpiece in spaced relation to the chuck surface. Some locating elements are mechanically fixed to the chuck for securing the workpiece from transverse movement on the chuck surface. Preferably, each of the supporting, locating and clamping members are fixed to separate steel bases for magnetic attraction to the chuck. Each base may also carry its own hydraulic actuator for height adjustment of a support element or for height adjustment and closure of a clamping element. These modular elements have locating slots or grooves or the like so that they can be selected from a storage magazine and located on a chuck by numerically controlled mechanisms.

Abstract: An adapter for picking up and placing a fixture element on a fixture body using a controlled tool handling device having a tool translating and rotating spindle. The spindle has a tool receiving end and an axis of rotation. The adapter receives a cylindrical post member of a fixture element on a fixture body. The adapter has a first end having a receptacle for receiving the end of the spindle. The second end of the adapter is displaced from the first end and includes a cylindrical socket formed on the end. The socket is co-axial with the spindle and receives the cylindrical post member of the fixture element. A fluid passage is formed in the adapter from the receptacle to the cylindrical socket. The cylindrical socket has an upstream end and a down stream end. A piston is disposed in the upstream end of the socket. The piston is moveable longitudinally within the socket in response to fluid pressure delivered from the spindle through the fluid passage.

Abstract: An adapter for picking up and placing a fixture element on a fixture body using a controlled tool handling device having a tool translating and rotating spindle. The spindle has a tool receiving end and an axis of rotation. The adapter receives a cylindrical post member of a fixture element on a fixture body. The adapter has a first end having a receptacle for receiving the end of the spindle. The second end of the adapter is displaced from the first end and includes a cylindrical socket formed on the end. The socket is co-axial with the spindle and receives the cylindrical post member of the fixture element. A fluid passage is formed in the adapter from the receptacle to the cylindrical socket. The cylindrical socket has an upstream end and a down stream end. A piston is disposed in the upstream end of the socket. The piston is moveable longitudinally within the socket in response to fluid pressure delivered from the spindle through the fluid passage.