ROBOTIC TOOL INTERCHANGE SYSTEM

• US 20120298706A1
• Filed: 12/22/2011
• Published: 11/29/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Stratom, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Stratom, Inc.
• Inventors: Davies, Jeffrey P., White, Christopher M., Vermeer, William H., Vega, Michael J., Gordon, Mark D., Kelly, Timothy J., Whitlock, Matthew A.
• Granted Patent: US 9,272,423 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 224/401
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 15/0483 with head identification means
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 15/0491 comprising end-effector racks

Abstract

Systems and methods for mounting and using various different accessories on a robotic system such as a unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). A tool library may include interchangeable modules, each module having a number of tool holders. Electronic components may be mounted to each of the modules adjacent to each of the of tool holders that identify the module and tool that is associated with the tool holder. The UGV may have a reader that is capable of reading the electronic components to determine the module and tools that are available for use on the UGV.

Claims

1. A tool library apparatus for an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), comprising:

a plurality of interchangeable modules mountable on a UGV, each module having a plurality of tool holders; and

a plurality of electronic components mounted to each of the modules adjacent to each of the plurality of tool holders that identify the module and tool that is associated with the tool holder.