Apex Brands, Inc.

David Wise

Manfred Kogel

Klaus Wohlfarth

Martin Douglas Rola

Ulrich Kaminski

Phillip Bua

Ulrick Kaminski

Peter Wiedenhöfer

Andreas Abele

Peter WIEDENHÖFER

A spindle assembly includes a power source interface configured to be operably coupled to a power bus and power the spindle assembly via the power bus, a spindle controller comprising processing circuitry, a diagnostic switch assembly operably coupled to the spindle controller and operably coupled to a logic supply bus, and a working apparatus comprising a motor and a spindle operably coupled to the spindle controller. The working apparatus may be controllable by the spindle controller to act upon a work piece to perform a work task. The processing circuitry of the spindle controller may be configured to receive a fault localization instruction from a bus control device operably coupled to the logic supply bus, and control the diagnostic switch assembly to determine a presence and a location of a fault on the logic supply bus.

Spindle and spindle system with logic supply bus fault diagnostics

A convertible power tool that can operate in first and second configurations. The tool includes a base unit configured to receive at one time either a first module or a second module. The different modules provide for different levels of functionality. The first module includes one or more components that provide for a first level of functionality. The second module includes one or more components that provide for an advanced second level of functionality. Each of the base unit and first and second modules may include interfaces that provide for physical engagement as well as power/data engagement. In use, one of the first and second modules is connected to the base unit to provide for the desired functionality incorporated with the tool. The tool may also be reconfigured by removing the attached module and replacing it with the other module thus providing for a different functionality level.

Convertible intelligent power tool

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.

Tooling system with electronic signal maintenance

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Lexington, SC, United States of America

David Wise