Ati Industrial Automation, Inc.

Tyco Electronics Corporation

Richard I Heavner

Dwayne Perry

Terry Edward Frye

Matthew Spalding

A tool changer comprising a master module and a tool module includes a rapid-connect communication bus between the master and tool modules. A unique tool identification number, along with other tool-related information, may be transmitted from the tool module to the master module within about 250 msec of the master and tool modules coupling together. The master module includes a robotic system communications network node connected to the rapid-connect communication bus, and operative to transmit data between the tool and the network via the communication bus. The need for a separate network node in the tool module is obviated, reducing cost and reducing the start-up time required to initialize such a network node upon connecting to a new tool. The rapid-connect communication bus may be a serial bus.

Robotic tool coupler rapid-connect bus

A wedge connector assembly for forming an electrical connection with first and second electrical conductors includes a coupling portion, first and second resilient spring sleeve portions located on the coupling portion, a first wedge member and a second wedge member. The first spring sleeve portion defines a first sleeve cavity tapering in a first direction away from the second spring sleeve portion and the second spring sleeve portion defines the second sleeve cavity tapering in a second direction away from the first spring sleeve portion. The first wedge member is configured to be forcibly driven into the first sleeve cavity in the first direction to capture the first conductor and the second wedge member is configured to be forcibly driven into the second sleeve cavity in the second direction to thereby capture the second conductor.

Wedge connector assemblies and methods for connecting electrical conductors using same

A robotic tool changer with an improved safety interlock includes a master unit, a tool unit, and a coupler movable between coupled and decoupled positions and operative to couple the master and tool units. A circuit for actuating the coupler is associated with the tool unit, for connection to an interlock that closes when the tool is safely parked in a tool stand. The circuit enables the coupler to assume the decoupled position when the master and tool units are coupled and the circuit is closed. The robotic tool changer additionally includes a circuit operative to enable the coupler to assume the decoupled position when the master unit is decoupled from the tool unit.

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Apex, NC, United States of America

Richard I Heavner