Patent ID: 8926484
Filing Date: 2015-01-06
Classification: B23Q,B29C,B33Y,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A head tool changer for use with a deposition-based digital manufacturing system for building layer-based three-dimensional models, the head tool changer comprising: a tooling unit configured to retain a deposition head of the deposition-based digital manufacturing system; a master unit operably mounted to a gantry of the deposition-based digital manufacturing system, the master unit being configured to detachably engage with the tooling unit and to relay electrical power to the tooling unit; an actuator assembly operably mounted to the deposition-based digital manufacturing system, wherein at least a portion of the actuator assembly is configured to move along an axis toward the master unit; and a grip unit secured to the actuator assembly and configured to detachably engage with the tooling unit and to relay electrical power to the tooling unit; wherein the relay of electrical power from the grip unit to the tooling unit is configured to be cut upon the tooling unit being disengaged from the grip unit and being engaged with the master unit.