Patent ID: 6732558
Filing Date: 2004-05-11
Classification: A61C,B21F,B25J,B33Y,G16H

Abstract:
A gripping tool for a bending apparatus, said bending apparatus comprising a robotic arm moveable about multiple axes, comprising:a pair of opposing gripping fingers moveable between open and closed positions, said pair of opposed gripping fingers mounted to the end of said robotic arm, said gripping fingers for gripping a workpiece and thereby bending and/or twisting said workpiece by virtue of movement of said robotic arm while gripping said workpiece while a first portion of said workpiece remains fixed relative to said gripping fingers; a force system coupled to said gripping fingers for detecting forces imparted by a workpiece either during bending or after a bend has been placed in said workpiece; and a heating system for heating said opposing gripping fingers above ambient temperature.