Abstract: A tooling system may comprise a device configured to communicate with an identifier of a machine tool and a tool database having tool information including a predefined proximity associated with the identifier. The device may be configured to automatically activate, without a user-initiated scan, communication with at least one of the machine tool and the tool database in response to the identifier being within the predefined proximity. The device may also be configured to transfer tool information of the machine tool with respect to the tool database.

Abstract: A diagnostic device includes a reception unit and a determination unit. The reception unit is configured to receive context information and sensing information. The context information corresponds to a certain operation of a target item that constitutes a target device. The context information is a piece of a plurality of pieces of context information each describing an operation of the target item determined depending on a type of operation of the target device. The sensing information is on a physical quantity that varies in accordance with the operation of the target item. The determination unit is configured to determine a state of the target item based on the sensing information detected while the target item is performing the certain operation, and based on a model corresponding to the received context information. The model is a model of one or more models respectively defined for one or more pieces of the context information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a robot and a method for controlling a robot. The robot according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an end-effector configured to grip a tool, a tactile sensor disposed in the end-effector, the tactile sensor configured to generate tactile information about an identifier formed on the tool, and a processor configured to cause the end-effector to grip the tool, and determine at least one of a type or a posture of the tool gripped by the end-effector based on the tactile information received from the tactile sensor. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by executing an artificial intelligence algorithm and/or machine learning algorithm in a 5G environment connected for the Internet of Things.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a body including at least one attachment mechanism configured to removably couple a modular component to the body. The modular component includes at least one movable part operable to move relative to the body when the modular component is attached to the body. The system includes a communication interface coupled to the body and configured to be communicatively coupled to the modular component to receive information relating to the modular component and operation of the at least one movable part. The system includes a control system coupled to the body and the communication interface. The control system is configured to: in response to the modular component being attached to the body, receive the information from the modular component by way of the communication interface, and operate the at least one movable part of the modular component according to the information.

Abstract: Tool bodies, tools and machines for operating the tool include electronic circuits for providing data, collecting data, analyzing data and for controlling machines based on such data. Tool bodies and tools may include electronic circuits having data collecting sensors, which may be embedded in a housing with the electronic circuit and/or positioned outside of such a housing. Sensors include temperature sensors, motion sensors, strain sensors, moisture sensors, electrical resistance sensors, position sensors, antennas, and other components.

Abstract: A tooling system may comprise a tool scanner, a tool database, and a user interface device. The tool scanner may be configured to scan a tool identifier on a tool. The tool database may have tool information associated with the tool identifier. The user interface device may be in communication with the tool scanner and the tool database. The user interface device may receive tool information from the tool database in response to the scan by the tool scanner, concurrently display a tool issue description and a tool issue image from the tool information of the tool database, receive a tool area selection with respect to the tool issue image, and provide access to a tool issue history from the tool database in response to the tool area selection.

Abstract: A clamping device (1) for a machine tool (2) for machining at least one dental workpiece (3), wherein the clamping device (1) has at least one workpiece carrier (4) for accommodating the dental workpiece (3) during machining, wherein at least one tool holder (5) for holding at least one, preferably a plurality of cutting tools (6) for machining the dental workpiece (3) is arranged, preferably fixedly, on the workpiece carrier (4), and the workpiece carrier (4) and the tool holder (5) are fastened or fastenable together as one component on a carrier of the clamping device (1) in an exchangeable manner by a fastening device (7) that is non-destructively releasable, preferably without a tool.

Abstract: There is provided a component mounting apparatus, which includes: a nozzle which sucks a component; a nozzle supporting member, on which the nozzle is installed, which moves in a vertical direction with respect to an upper surface of a substrate on which the component sucked at the nozzle is mounted; an optical system which captures an image of a leading edge portion of the nozzle where the component is sucked in a component mounting operation, from a side direction, such that an optical axis of the optical system is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a sucking surface of the nozzle; and an analyzer which analyzes the image of the leading edge portion to determine whether a sucking state of the component sucked by the nozzle is normal or abnormal.

Abstract: A device for cutting tubular and rod-shaped work pieces using the whirling method includes a whirling unit on which a holder mounted so as to rotate, connected with a drive, for a saw blade having internal teeth is disposed. The holder and saw blade are provided with corresponding reference mechanisms for fixation of the saw blade in a defined position. The device also includes a mechanism for automatic replacement of the saw blade. A saw blade having internal teeth is also provided for use in this device. The saw blade has at least two indexing bores and at least two gripping openings, which are disposed offset relative to one another.

Abstract: It is determined whether the first tool identification information that is output from a robot control device, and that indicates a present tool and the second tool identification information for detecting and identifying a tool attached to the robot are unequal to each other. The position coordinates of the taught reference point in an actual space of the robot occurring at the time when the unequalness therebetween is first detected are set as reference coordinates, and a region that contains the reference coordinates is set as a predetermined region. If the position coordinates of the taught reference point have come to exist outside the predetermined region during a period during which it is determined that the foregoing two pieces of information are unequal, an emergency stop signal for causing the robot to be in a safe state is output.

Abstract: An ID tag (27) is attached to a bottom surface (31) of a hollow portion (17) of a tool holder (11) having a hollow taper shank. Concretely, a circular recess (33) is formed on bottom surface (31) of hollow portion (17), and ID tag (27) is attached in recess (33) by means of adhesive or the like. The center of circular recess (33) coincides with a rotation axis of tool holder (11).

Abstract: A chip holder and a mounting device for the installation of a chip holder in cutting-tool bodies. The chip holder includes a male thread and one or more through, suitably peripheral recesses for accommodating torque-transferring fingers included in the mounting device, as well as for allowing passage of cooling liquid through a bore formed in the tool body in which bore the holder is placed. The mounting device includes one or more torque-transferring fingers, which have looking hooks in order to provisionally clamp the chip holder upon installation. Furthermore, the invention relates to a cutting-tool unit having an installed chip holder.

Abstract: A processing program preparing apparatus for a numerically controlled punch press includes a processing intention data generator for generating, on the basis of product shape data, processing intention data for specifying a processing region to be processed to manufacture a product. The processing program preparing apparatus also includes a tool data adding section for adding, to the processing intention data, data for specifying a punch and a die to be used to process the processing region.

Abstract: A processing program preparing apparatus for a numerically controlled punch press includes a processing intention data generator for generating, on the basis of product shape data, processing intention data for specifying a processing region to be processed to manufacture a product. The processing program preparing apparatus also includes a tool data adding section for adding, to the processing intention data, data for specifying a punch and a die to be used to process the processing region.

Abstract: A component mounting apparatus including an exchangeable suction nozzle is easily supplied with another suction nozzle to replace the former suction nozzle. A plurality of mounting modules 12 having respective identical constructions are arranged adjacent to each other such that the mounting modules are oriented in a same direction, so that the mounting modules 12 constitute a mounting-apparatus line. When the mounting-apparatus line is reset, a mounting head 40 is used to exchange automatically suction nozzles 158 between a nozzle stocker 330 and a nozzle carrier plate 400, so that a current arrangement of suction nozzles on the nozzle stocker 330 is changed to a new arrangement of suction nozzles for the next component mounting operation. The nozzle carrier plate 400 can hold a plurality of sorts of suction nozzles 158 that are needed for the next component mounting operation but are not held by the mounting modules 12.

Abstract: An exchangeable spindle assembly for a machine tool. The spindle assembly includes an assembly attachment coupling being connectable to said machine tool, a tool spindle having a predetermined spindle diameter, and a spindle drive coupling being connectable with a drive mechanism of the machine tool. The drive coupling communicates with the tool spindle whereby rotation of the drive coupling effects rotation of the tool spindle. The spindle assembly further includes at least one coolant distribution manifold being connectable with a coolant supply source on the machine tool via a coolant connection on the spindle assembly. The spindle assembly being arranged in a manner whereby upon mounting the spindle assembly on the machine tool, the assembly attachment coupling, spindle drive coupling and coolant connection are all concurrently connectable to the machine tool. Additional connections may be included.

Abstract: A punch press has a punch supporting member (22) for supporting a plurality of punches (26) and a die supporting member (24) for supporting a plurality of dies (28), wherein identification media (34, 36) representing a punch and a die identification information for identifying each tool are attached to each punch and die, respectively. The punch press comprises a punch identification medium reader (38) for reading out a punch identification information from the punch identification medium (34) attached to said punch; a die identification medium reader (40) for reading out a die identification information from the die identification medium (36) attached to said die; and a comparator (68) for comparing a punch identification information from said punch identification medium reader and a die identification information from said die identification medium reader with each other.

Abstract: Accessories for power tools and combinations are provided. An accessory for a power tool may include a body including a connecting portion for connecting the accessory to the power tool and a communication member positioned on the body for communicating with the power tool. The accessory may be capable of communicating with a power tool and an inventory system via the communication member. A combination may include a power tool including a housing and a motor supported by the housing, and a power tool accessory connectable to the power tool and driveable by the motor, the power tool accessory may communicate with the power tool for affecting operation of the power tool. A combination may include an indication device operable to indicate operation characteristics of the power tool to a user. The communication member may be operable to communicate with the indication device.

Abstract: A tool attachable to a spindle of a machine tool in the same way as an ordinary tool, capable of being driven without connecting with an external power supply etc., giving a higher rotational speed than that of the spindle of the machine tool without supplying electric power from the outside, and able to be changed automatically, provided with a machining tool for machining a workpiece, a motor for driving the machining tool, a generator for generating electric power to drive the motor by the rotation of the spindle, a rotational speed detecting device for detecting the rotational speed of the motor, and a rotational speed display for displaying the rotational speed detected by the rotational speed detecting device so as to be visually recognized from the outside of the attachable tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to the transmission of power and/or data from/to a stationary part of a machine tool 200 to/from an accessory 100 mounted in the spindle 210 of the machine tool 200. A first electrical link or interface 1a,1b,1c,1d provides electrical communication between the stationary part 200 and the spindle 210, and a second electrical link or interface 3 is provided electrically connected to the first electrical link at the accessory mounting area 230. The second link 3 is in the form of electrical contacts. The invention extends to an accessory shank 360 for mounting to the spindle 210 of the machine tool, and also to an accessory 100 e.g. in the form of a measurement probe, connected to the said shank 360.

Abstract: A tool coupler for connecting tool heads, such as drills, reamers, millers, turn-cutters, dies, and rams, to a tool holder. The tool coupler has a hollow shaft, a ring-shaped collar, and a gripper groove, in which gripper groove are disposed two diametrically opposite blind bore holes with varying bore hole contours.

Abstract: A plurality of atomizers or other tools are disposed in a mounting plate (10) in storage places (12), respectively. The mounting plate (10) is rotatable relative a paint robot of a coating installation and has a pneumatic lock or a tool holder (19) that can only be released automatically during storage of the atomizers by an external control device of the mounting plate.

Abstract: A tool identification system has a tool holder allowing removable attachment thereto of any one of a plurality of tools; a sensor arrangement operable to sense features present on a tool attached to the tool holder; a processor operable to identify uniquely, from the sensed features, the type of the tool attached to the tool holder; and an insulation arrangement provided between the tool holder and the sensor arrangement, thereby electrically insulating the tool holder from the sensor arrangement.

Abstract: A mounting system for mounting tools to a base includes a movable base, a tool mounting frame for selective attachment to the base, and a locking assembly movable between a locked position where the tool mounting frame is securely attached to the base and an unlocked position where the tool mounting frame is movable relative to the base. The tool mounting frame includes at least one tool mount for supporting a first tool to perform a tooling operation after the locking assembly is moved to the locked position. The locking assembly includes a first mount supported by the base and a second mount supported by the tool mounting. The locking assembly is automatically interlocks the first and second mounts. A first sensor component is mounted to the base and a second sensor component is mounted to the tool mounting frame. A controller controls mounting speed based on the proximity of the sensor components. Additionally, a code corresponding to the type of tool mounting frame may be used.

Abstract: A tool identification system, comprising: a tool holder allowing removable attachment thereto of any one of a plurality of tools; a sensor arrangement operable to sense features present on a tool attached to the tool holder; a processor operable to identify uniquely, from the sensed features, the type of the tool attached to the tool holder; and an insulation arrangement provided between the tool holder and the sensor arrangement, thereby electrically insulating the tool holder from the sensor arrangement.

Abstract: A cutter tool assembly includes a cutter head having an axial end face with an axially extending recess in the end face. A plurality of cutter blades are carried by and extend axially from the end face of the cutter head. A non-volatile memory device is disposed within the recess and affixed to the cutter head.

Abstract: A device and a method for distinguishing and automatically identifying and classifying tools using the device are disclosed. The device has a fixed reading unit attached to a machine tool and a coding system on a rotating tool. The coding system is a series of coding elements which are arranged on the rotating tool in the circumferential direction having a prescribed pitch spacing at different circumferential distances from one another, and which are successively sensed by the reading unit during rotation of the tool.

Abstract: A tool changer for a machine tool having a toolhead assembly including a spindle with a device detachable securing a tool thereto, generally consisting of at least one device for holding a tool detachably securable to the spindle, pivotally connected to the assembly and angularly displaceable in a plane including the axis of the spindle between a retracted position and an extended position for transferring a tool between the tool holding device and the spindle; and a device for angularly displacing the tool holding device between such retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: A punch press is replaced for processing where the punch press has a cartridge on which a plurality of tools are mounted. The punch press includes a control apparatus for controlling a press machine body and a tool information storage device for storing plural pieces of tool information and tool identification information on each of the tools in such a way that the pieces of information mutually correspond. It also includes a cartridge replacement input device for inputting the tool identification information to the control apparatus. The control apparatus has an identification device for using the input tool identification information to identify the tool information on the plurality of tools stored in the tool information storage device.

Abstract: A punch press has a punch supporting member (22) for supporting a plurality of punches (26) and a die supporting member (24) for supporting a plurality of dies (28), wherein identification media (34, 36) representing a punch and a die identification information for identifying each tool are attached to each punch and die, respectively. The punch press comprises a punch identification medium reader (38) for reading out a punch identification information from the punch identification medium (34) attached to said punch; a die identification medium reader (40) for reading out a die identification information from the die identification medium (36) attached to said die; and a comparator (68) for comparing a punch identification information from said punch identification medium reader and a die identification information from said die identification medium reader with each other.

Abstract: A resistance welding device having a welding current source, a control and/or regulating device for regulating the welding current, and at least one set of interchangeable welding guns on which welding electrodes are mounted in such fashion that they can be pressed toward one another to hold sheets to be welded between them. The interchangeable welding guns contain a local data storage memory located on the welding guns for storing data specific to the operation of the welding guns, and a data interface which can interact with a second data interface located on the control and/or regulating device. When the set of welding guns in attached to the welding device, the two data interfaces are connected thereby permitting the specific operating data for the welding guns to be transmitted to the program memory of control and/or regulating device.

Abstract: A machine tool control system and method are provided that utilize metal mold arrangement information to improve machining efficiency and control. According to the disclosure, a machining schedule, a machining program and metal mold information (indicating the characteristic properties of a metal mold to carry out machining) are transferred to a controller for controlling a CNC device and a machine tool unit (e.g., a turret punch press). The controller transfers the metal mold information for the machining program to the CNC device by a different transfer route than that of the machining program. The CNC device searches for a metal mold specified by the metal mold information based on metal mold arrangement information stored in a file. The metal mold arrangement information indicates each metal mold that is located in the machine tool unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a versatile apparatus for securely storing and retrieving a variety of tools. A tool holding rack according to the present invention has a plurality of tool-holding clamping units. The tool-holding clamping units are mounted in a horizontal array, and a robot arm can access the units from below for retrieving and storing tools on the units. Consequently, the rack can be mounted above a work area, thereby increasing the working space available on the work area for manufacturing operations. In one embodiment of the present invention, each tool holding unit has a first jaw and a second jaw, with at least the second jaw being open at the bottom. The second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw. The tool-holding clamping units have a clamped mode in which the unit is adapted to clamp a tool in place on the rack, and an open mode in which the first jaw is spaced from the second jaw such that the unit is adapted to permit removal of a tool from the rack.

Abstract: A data carrier in the form of an elastic ring segment has a radially outwardly facing surface to which the data providing tool information, are applied for example by printing. The ring segment has at least one radially inwardly effective connector element that forms a snap-on connector for securing the data carrier in an elastic, releasable manner to a connector area of a tool carrier to provide an elastic, interlocking form-fit between the data carrier and the tool carrier. Thus, the data carrier can be easily exchanged or replaced in accordance with the type of tool carried by the tool carrier.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed to provide an automatic exchanging device of a cross bar of a transfer feeder and a control system therefor, which makes it possible to perform automatic exchanging of the cross bar. The cross bar automatic exchanging device of a transfer feeder comprises a cross bar exchanging robot (7) for exchanging cross bars (8) removed from a press body (1) with cross bars (8) to be used for the next time via a moving bolster (10), together with die (11) to be exchanged, and a cross bar storage rack (9) for storing necessary number of cross bars (8) for press processes to automatically perform all operations in that the cross bars (8) removed from the press body are taken out by the cross bar exchanging robot (7) and stored in the cross bar storage rack (9), and the cross bars (8) to be used in the next operation are taken out from the storage rack (9) and set on the cross bar receptacle base (12).

Abstract: An automatic machining apparatus includes a rack for storing workpieces mounted on pallets, setting stations for setting the workpieces on the pallets, processing machines for processing the workpieces according to specified processing information, and a stacker crane for transporting the workpieces on the pallets between the rack and setting stations and between the rack and processing machines. The entire apparatus is operable under control of a main controller, with the processing machines controlled by an auxiliary controller. Each pallet carries an IC card for storing information on treatment done to the workpiece mounted thereon. The main controller includes a first communicating device for writing the information on treatment into the IC card. The auxiliary controller includes a second communicating device for reading the information on treatment from the IC card.

Abstract: According to this invention, common tool codes for specifying tools are used in a whole system, a T code command including tool codes, tool shape information and tool machining ability information are inputted into each NC machine, and this information is converted into local information of individual NC machines to perform machining. The tool codes and the tool information can be subjected to centralized control as a whole in the system.

Abstract: In a machine tool such as a machining center or the like having an automatic tool changing apparatus, the tool holders adapted to respectively hold the tools provided for the automatic tool change are equipped with transmitters for transmitting signals indicative of tool data including the tool discrimination data of the tools. The receiver which receives the transmitted signals from the transmitters is attached to the machine tool. When a transmitter approaches the receiver, the transmitted data is received by the receiver. The kind and other data concerning the tool stored in the tool holder to which a transmitter is attached can be discriminated by the control unit of the machine tool on the basis of the received data.

Abstract: An electrode for use in an electric spark machine has recording means integral therewith which stores an electrode information unique to the electrode. The electric spark machine reads the electrode information when the electrode is mounted thereon and stores it in a memory. The electric spark machine operates according to a machining program contained in the electrode information read from the memory while correcting misalignment of the electrode according to misalignment information contained in the electrode information.

Abstract: A tool holding device for use in a printed circuit board processing machine is provided with a record which is capable of storing data concerning the states of tools held on the tool holding device and data concerning processing conditions and which enables reading and updating of the recorded content through a communication with an external control device. Necessity for renewal of data registered in the NC device, which has to be executed in the known apparatus each time the tool holding device is exchanged, is eliminated thereby improving the rate of operation of the printed circuit board processing machine. In addition, the present invention enables an easy automatic replacement of tools when the lives of the tools are expired.

Abstract: A machine tooling system is provided, comprising a tooling machine having a plurality of adjustable cutting units installed at various locations therein, a collet for holding a workpiece to be tooled, and a presetter machine for adjusting the adjustable cutting units to within prescribed specifications when the adjustable cutting units are detached from the tooling machine. Each of the adjustable cutting units may be precisely positioned to contact the workpiece to be tooled, and each is provided with an identification device attached thereto. The identification devices provide (i) location information identifying a particular location on the tooling machining for which the cutting unit is precisely adjusted and (ii) adjustment information including the adjustment parameters at which the adjustable cutting unit is preset. A cutting unit identification subsystem reads and stores the location information and the adjustment information provided by the identification devices.