Patent ID: 8108978
Filing Date: 2012-02-07
Classification: B23K,B25J,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A tooling apparatus for positioning end effector tooling for engagement with a workpiece to facilitate the performance of work operations on the workpiece, the apparatus comprising: an elongated tubular backbone member of polygonal cross-section; a plurality of annular collars having a polygonal cross-sectional corresponding to the polygonal cross-section of the backbone member positioned over and secured to the backbone member at predetermined spaced locations along the backbone member; a support structure sized to be secured to a side of one or more collars, wherein the support structure defines an outwardly opening socket; a tubular boom rod telescopically received at its inboard end in the outwardly opening socket; a coupling including a socket portion telescopically receiving an outboard end of the tubular boom rod and a mounting surface for mounting a respective end effector tool, wherein the coupling includes a base member defining the socket portion and a mounting plate defining the mounting surface, and the base member and the mounting plate are adjustably interconnected; and a plurality of fasteners adapted to secure the support structure to the collars, wherein the fasteners engage apertures in the collars and aligned apertures in the underlying backbone member.