Patent US4676142A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4676142A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Adapter with modular components for a robot end-of-arm interchangeable tooling system
Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation Inc
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Filing: 1985-04-30
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Granted: 1987-06-30
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Expires: 2005-04-30
Abstract
Abstract An improved adapter is provided for an interchangeable robot end-of-arm tooling system. The quick change adapter is made from modular components including a body, an interface package, and a robot adapter plate with locator system.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter E. McCormick
- 👤 Rick C. Edwards
- 👤 Walter D. Autry, Jr.
- 👤 Timothy D. Culbertson
- 👤 Jerome F. Goch
- 👤 Marc S. Linder
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 18:05
CPC Classifications
B; B25; B25J; B25J15/00; B25J15/04; B23; B23Q; B23Q3/00; B23Q3/155; B23Q3/1552; B23Q3/15553; B23Q7/00; B23Q7/04; B23Q7/043; B23Q7/046; G; G05; G05B; G05B19/00; G05B19/02; G05B19/418; G05B19/41815; G05B19/41825; G05B2219/00; G05B2219/30; G05B2219/39; G05B2219/39468; Y; Y02; Y02P; Y02P90/00; Y02P90/02; Y10; Y10S; Y10S279/00; Y10S279/90; Y10S279/904; Y10S279/905; Y10S483/00; Y10S483/901; Y10T; Y10T279/00; Y10T279/12; Y10T279/1241
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
An adapter for use in connecting a tool to the end of a robot arm the tool having a locking element, comprising: a first module connected to the end of the robot arm; means disposed on the first module for disengageably locking the tool to the adapter by means of rigid engagement with the tool's locking element; a second module attached to the first module; a plurality of interface connectors disposed on the second module for establishing connections between the tool and interface passageways within the second module; and the second module being removable from the first module without removing the first module from the end of the robot arm.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
110 words
An adapter for use in connecting a tool to the end of a robot arm the tool having a locking element, comprising: a first module connected to the end of the robot arm; means disposed on the first module for disengageably locking the tool to the adapter by means of rigid engagement with the tool's locking element; a second module attached to the first module; a plurality of interface connectors disposed on the second module for establishing connections between the tool and interface passageways within the second module; and the second module being removable from the first module without removing the first module from the end of the robot arm.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The adapter of claim 1 wherein the means for disengageably locking the tool comprises a spring-loaded piston actuated to a disengaged position by fluid pressure in a first fluid passageway.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The adapter of claim 2 wherein the piston causes a plurality of balls within a receiver element to grip a portion of the tool extending into the receiver when fluid pressure in the first fluid passageway is released.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
The adapter of claim 3 wherein the piston is double acting such that fluid pressure in a second fluid passageway actuates the piston to a locked position and the spring operates to maintain tool coupling if fluid pressure in the second fluid passageway is inadvertently released.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The adapter of claim 1 further comprising means for locating the tool in a particular angular relationship with respect to the first module.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The adapter of claim 5 wherein the means for locating the tool comprises at least two holes in the first module located less than 180 degrees apart and adapted for receiving corresponding pins projecting from the tool.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
The adapter of claim 5 wherein the means for locating the tool comprises at least two holes in the first module located less than 180 degrees apart and adapted for insertion in corresponding holes located in the tool.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-06-29 | 1990-12-29 | 1991-06-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-06-29 | 1994-12-29 | 1995-06-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-06-29 | 1998-12-29 | 1999-06-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |