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:
Sep. 20, 2005
Filed:
Dec. 30, 2003
James Snape, Raleigh, NC (US);
Robert Little, Apex, NC (US);
James Snape, Raleigh, NC (US);
Robert Little, Apex, NC (US);
ATI Industrial Automation, Inc., Apex, NC (US);
Abstract
A multi-position electrical connector for a robotic tool changer includes a bracket mountable to a robotic tool changer master or tool module, a coupling interface in a fixed position with respect to the bracket, and a cable interface moveable to a plurality of positions with respect to the bracket. Both the coupling interface and the cable interface include a plurality of electrical contacts, which are electrically connected. In one embodiment, the cable interface is disposed at substantially 90 degrees to the coupling interface, and is rotatable about an axis of the coupling interface. The cable interface may be fixed in one of a plurality of positions around the coupling interface. In one embodiment, a selected position is fixed by mating a retention member on one of the cable interface and the bracket, with a recess on the other of the cable interface and the bracket.