Norgren Automotive, Inc.

Ati Industrial Automation, Inc.

Norgren Automation Solutions, LLC

Isi Norgren, Inc.

Jeffery J Dellach

Kenneth Paul Dellach

Donald Van Zile, Iii

Henry J Brohl, Iii

David J Crorey

Michael L Gloden

Timothy Wheeler

John D Walton, Jr

A multi-axis coupling apparatus for adjustably mounting modular tooling members. The multi-axis coupling apparatus provides a first coupling member connectable to a substantially cylindrical boom for providing linear and rotational adjustment along and about a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical boom. A second coupling member is connected to the first coupling member and is connectable to a modular tooling member for providing adjustment to the modular tooling member about and along an axis extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical boom.

Multi-axis coupling apparatus for adjustably mounting modular tooling members

A quick disconnect tooling apparatus for releasably latching an end effector tool to a manipulator. The present invention provides a base module connectable to a manipulator, and a tool module connectable to the end effector tool. A power source coupling has a first portion coupled to the base module, and a second portion coupled to the tool module, wherein the first and second portions of the power source coupling may cooperatively engage one another to allow for the passing of power between the manipulator and the end effector tool. A releasable latch is connected to the base module and is moveable between a latched position, wherein the latch cooperatively engages a latch pin connected to the tool module to secure the tool module to the base module and allow the first and second portions of the power source coupling to communicate with one another, and an unlatched position, wherein the releasable latch does not engage the latch pin thereby allowing the base module and the tool module to be disconnected and the first and second portions of the power source coupling to be disconnected.

Quick disconnect tooling apparatus

A coupling apparatus for adjustably mounting modular tooling members having a base member releasably connectable to a slide mount wherein said base member is adjustably located along a predetermined path of travel defined by the slide mount. The base member is rotatably adjustable with respect to a midportion via a pair of matingly engaging contoured surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, the midportion may also be rotatably adjustable with respect to an end member along a second rotational axis. The midportion and the end member may be adjustably rotated through a pair of contoured surfaces substantially similar to that provided between the midportion and the base member. The end member provides an aperture for releasably connecting a boom rod to the end member. In an alternative embodiment, the midportion is integrally connected to the end member wherein the end member provides an aperture for matingly engaging a first spline rod. The first spline rod may be rotatably adjusted about a second rotational axis. A spline bracket may be adjustably connected to the opposite end of the first spline rod while also engaging one end of a second spline rod. The spline bracket provides rotational adjustment of the two spline rods wherein the axes of the spline rods are substantially perpendicular and axially spaced from one another. A workpiece mounting bracket having a base member, midportion, and end member, may then be used to matingly engage and adjustably connect the second spline rod to a workpiece handling device.

Modular tooling coupling apparatus

A rotary clamp having a linkage assembly that provides an over-center condition for providing high actuation and clamping forces without excessively wearing the components of the linkage assembly. The linkage assembly is connected to a linear actuator for converting linear actuator motion into rotary clamp motion between a clamped position and an unclamped position. The linkage assembly provides a first link having an aperture for receiving a pin and a roller wherein the roller is coaxially connected o the pin. The second link is pivotally connected to the first link, and the third link is pivotally connected to the second link. The roller of the first link rollably engages a surface on the third link when moving in and out of the clamped position. A beam-like structure connected to the housing provides a wear surface wherein the pin engages the wear surface in response to the roller engaging the third link to prohibit the first link from reaching an over-center position. A spring detent is provided in the third link to engage the roller in the clamped position and resist movement of the roller from moving toward the end clamped position when power is lost to the rotary clamp.

Over-center power clamp toggle mechanism

A clamping apparatus, for use with an actuator, has a housing with a guide track mounted on or formed in the housing. A roller or cam operably engages with the guide track such that the cam can be moved and positioned along the guide track by way of the actuator. At least one pivoting arm is pivotally mounted on the housing adjacent to and spaced from the guide track. Each pivoting arm has an elongate slot adjacent to the shoulder. The elongate slot has two arcuate surfaces positioned parallel to each other and has two end surfaces joining the arcuate surfaces to define a closed loop surface. The cam is positioned within the elongate slot of each pivoting arm to pivot each pivoting arm between a clamped position and a released position as the cam is moved along the guide track and driven against the arcuate surfaces of each pivoting arm. The clamping apparatus can include stop members for limiting the movement of the cam and/or the range of motion for each pivoting arm, a swivel mount and/or a mounting bracket enabling the clamping apparatus to be positioned in any desired angular orientation, a lost-motion link incorporated in the internal cam action of the clamping apparatus, and/or side plates for preventing the infiltration of foreign matter in the internal cam action.

Growing community of inventors

Macomb, MI, United States of America

Jeffery J Dellach