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Adaptable, programmable production system

  • US 4,809,425 A
  • Filed: 05/25/1988
  • Issued: 03/07/1989
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/06/1984
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An adaptable, programmable production system for manufacturing articles requiring a plurality of operations, comprising, in combination:

  • (a) electronically programmable robot means having one controllable arm, said robot means being disposed proximate a surface utilized for the assembly of said articles;

    (b) end effector means, disposed upon the distal end of said arm having movable gripper means, said gripper means including a pair of moving fingers having a locking mechanism disposed therein with a first or locking position and a second or releasing position, said gripper means fingers automatically exchanging and replacing end effector tools and components in response to a prescribed program coupled to said robot means, said gripper means fingers receiving, locking and releasing a plurality of end effector tools and components;

    (c) storage means for positioning said plurality of tools and components to be installed on said article being manufactured, said storage means being passive and non-interactive, solely providing a predetermined location for said tools and components and disposed proximate said robot means within the reach of said arm;

    said arm moving said end effector means to said storage means for selecting a component, a tool and thereafter a component and installing said component in said article being manufactured and selecting another tool for performing a plurality of pre-programmed operations on said article; and

    (d) means for supplying programmed information for performing said operations to said robot means.

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