The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 11, 2005
Filed:
Mar. 12, 2003
Dwayne Perry, Raleigh, NC (US);
Richard Heavner, Apex, NC (US);
Dwayne Perry, Raleigh, NC (US);
Richard Heavner, Apex, NC (US);
ATI Industrial Automation, Inc., Apex, NC (US);
Abstract
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.