Patent ID: 6224121
Filing Date: 2001-05-01
Classification: B25J,G01R,Y10T

Abstract:
A quick disconnect articulated chuck apparatus for device handling, the apparatus comprising:a chuck base housing, such that the base housing may be secured to a manipulator;a quick disconnect assembly housing such that the quick disconnect assembly housing may be secured to the chuck base housing and removed from the chuck base housing without removing the chuck base housing from the manipulator;a quick disconnect assembly alignment means, such that the alignment means permits accurate alignment of the quick disconnect assembly housing to the chuck base housing;a quick disconnect assembly attachment means, such that the quick disconnect assembly housing may be secured to the chuck base housing;a vacuum introduction port, such that a vacuum may be introduced through the port to a device support means;the device support means is integral to the quick disconnect assembly housing, the device support means comprisinga device positioning fixture,a retractable piston, such that the piston retracts when a vacuum is introduced, and the piston extends when a vacuum is released,and a vacuum cup integral to the piston, such that the vacuum introduction port provides a vacuum to the vacuum cup in order to secure a device when vacuum is introduced to the chuck, and to release the device when the vacuum is released; anda quick disconnect articulation means, such that the device support means is permitted to make positional adjustments in all principal axes of the device support means, and to make angular adjustments in order to change the angle of the device support means relative to an external plane.