Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Daniel Puzio

William H Georges

Robert M Farrand

Gary L Bevilacqua

The present invention provides an apparatus and method of utilization thereof of a clutch for placement between a robot or the like and an attached end of arm tooling device. A preferred embodiment of the inventive clutch provides compliance in six axes with adjustable setting and detection means to signal the robot or like to cease operation upon deformation of the clutch element.

Clutch

A check valve assembly is disclosed having a valve chamber with an inlet port and an outlet port. An elastomeric umbrella valve is contained in the chamber between the ports and is attached by an integral stem in a preloaded condition to normally close the inlet port and be deflectable in response to differential fluid pressure acting in one direction to open same to permit forward fluid flow therethrough past the valve and through the chamber to the outlet port. An inwardly projecting retention arrangement formed in the chamber retains the valve in operational relationship with the inlet port in the event the valve becomes unattached so that any backward flow from the outlet port still forces closure of the valve on same. A bypass channel arrangement also formed in the chamber maintains forward fluid flow past the valve to the outlet port in the event the valve becomes unattached.

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Boonton, NJ, United States of America

Daniel Puzio