Lincoln Global, Inc.

Wolf Robotics, LLC

Rimrock Automation, Inc.

John Schoening

Lance F Guymon

Disclosed is a rotary actuated axial clamp that includes a primary fixture, having a rotatable primary clamp, having primary clamp fingers that engage secondary clamp fingers on a stationary secondary clamp. The primary fixture is attached to a positioner, while the secondary fixture is attached to the work piece. Different secondary fixtures can be utilized to fit the shape and size of the work piece, while maintaining a secondary clamp that is able to engage the primary clamp of the primary fixture. The primary fixture can consequently be utilized with numerous different work pieces having different shapes and sizes by simply modifying a secondary fixture to adapt to the size and shape of the work piece. Roller engagement of the primary clamp and secondary clamp reduces the force required to clamp and unclamp the primary and secondary fixtures. This reduces problems associated with attaching a work piece to a positioner.

Rotary actuated axial clamp

Disclosed is a method and system for compensating for the load a part places on a part positioner system that positions the part for work operations by a robot. The part positioner system rotates a part holding assembly about the axis of rotation of a shoulder drive. The part holding assembly may have a column that extends perpendicular to the shoulder center line. A counter weight system is incorporated into the column that includes a counter weight pack that is moved along the length of the column. The shoulder drive drives the part and part holding assembly load in order to measure a torque applied to the shoulder drive. A load offset may be calculated based on the applied torque. The counter weight pack may then be moved to a position on the column calculated to balance the load of the part and part holding assembly. Alternatively, the counter weight may be moved empirically in a feedback loop in response to repeated torque measurements of the shoulder drive until an optimum torque is achieved at the shoulder drive.

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Fort Collins, CO, United States of America

John Schoening