Dwayne D Perry

US Patent:

7027893, Apr 11, 2006

Filed:

Aug 25, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/647559

Inventors:

Dwayne Perry - Raleigh NC, US
Richard Heavner - Apex NC, US

Assignee:

ATI Industrial Automation, Inc. - Apex NC

International Classification:

G06F 19/00

US Classification:

700245, 700179, 700256, 700264, 318561, 31856811, 901 3, 901 42, 361 71

Abstract:

A tool changer comprising a master module and a tool module includes a rapid-connect communication bus between the master and tool modules. A unique tool identification number, along with other tool-related information, may be transmitted from the tool module to the master module within about 250 msec of the master and tool modules coupling together. The master module includes a robotic system communications network node connected to the rapid-connect communication bus, and operative to transmit data between the tool and the network via the communication bus. The need for a separate network node in the tool module is obviated, reducing cost and reducing the start-up time required to initialize such a network node upon connecting to a new tool. The rapid-connect communication bus may be a serial bus.

US Patent:

7312615, Dec 25, 2007

Filed:

Jun 27, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/608758

Inventors:

Dwayne Perry - Raleigh NC, US

Assignee:

ATI Industrial Automation, Inc. - Apex NC

International Classification:

G01L 3/22
G01R 35/00

US Classification:

324601, 73862474, 73862325

Abstract:

A Force/Torque (FT) sensor includes memory for storing calibration data associated with the FT sensor. Force and torque analog signals are output to a data acquisition (DAQ) system. The digital calibration data is output to the DAQ system as a digital bitstream comprising a series of predetermined voltage levels driven for predetermined durations. The DAQ system interprets the series of voltage levels on the calibration input as a digital bitstream, receives and quantizes the force/torque signals, and calibrates the force/torque signals using the calibration data. Alternatively, the calibration signals may be routed to a standard serial port on the DAQ system. For small form factor FT sensors, the calibration data may be stored in an associated power supply unit.

US Patent:

7328086, Feb 5, 2008

Filed:

Mar 16, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/376927

Inventors:

Dwayne Perry - Raleigh NC, US
Richard Heavner - Apex NC, US

Assignee:

ATI Industrial Automation, Inc. - Apex NC

International Classification:

G06F 19/00

US Classification:

700245, 700256, 700264, 318561, 31856811, 901 3, 901 42

Abstract:

A tool changer comprising a master module and a tool module includes a rapid-connect communication bus between the master and tool modules. A unique tool identification number, along with other tool-related information, may be transmitted from the tool module to the master module within about 250 msec of the master and tool modules coupling together. The master module includes a robotic system communications network node connected to the rapid-connect communication bus, and operative to transmit data between the tool and the network via the communication bus. The need for a separate network node in the tool module is obviated, reducing cost and reducing the start-up time required to initialize such a network node upon connecting to a new tool. The rapid-connect communication bus may be a serial bus.

US Patent:

20040180769, Sep 16, 2004

Filed:

Mar 12, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/387279

Inventors:

Dwayne Perry - Raleigh NC, US
Richard Heavner - Apex NC, US

International Classification:

B23Q003/155

US Classification:

483/001000

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.