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:
Apr. 17, 2012
Filed:
Dec. 05, 2008
Fernando Martinez Diez, Dunlap, IL (US);
Keith Alan Herman, Peoria, IL (US);
Huijun Wang, Peoria, IL (US);
Howard W. Ludewig, Groveland, IL (US);
Mathew Mark Robinson, Peoria, IL (US);
Fernando Martinez Diez, Dunlap, IL (US);
Keith Alan Herman, Peoria, IL (US);
Huijun Wang, Peoria, IL (US);
Howard W. Ludewig, Groveland, IL (US);
Mathew Mark Robinson, Peoria, IL (US);
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
A system for automated assembly and welding is disclosed. The system includes a pallet for receiving incoming workpieces; a workpiece holder having a plurality of electromagnets; a handling robot configured to transport incoming workpieces from the pallet to the workpiece holder; and a controller in communication with the workpiece holder and the handling robot. The controller is configured to determine an orientation of a workpiece positioned on the workpiece holder, and to selectively adjust an activation state of one or more electromagnets of the workpiece holder based upon the orientation of the workpiece. A method of assembling and welding workpieces is also disclosed.