Patent ID: 7549953

Claim:
A quick-change tool-holding system for securing a tool within a primary tapered recess adapted for receiving the tool provided to a location where the tool is to be supported, the tool-holding system comprising: an adaptor having a tapered exterior that closely approximates interior dimensions of the tapered recess to fit snugly within the tapered recess, wherein the adaptor defines a secondary interior tapered recess and comprises a threaded portion coaxial with an aperture leading into the secondary tapered recess; a threaded fastener comprising: a threaded portion cooperable with threads provided adjacent to the primary tapered recess to secure the adaptor therein; and an aperture through which at least a portion of the threaded portion of the adaptor extends when the adaptor is secured within the primary tapered recess by the threaded fastener; a collet comprising a plurality of slits formed therein to allow the collet to elastically deform and constrict the tool when placed within an internal passage defined by the collet; and an end cap with threads that are cooperable with the threaded portion of the adaptor to urge the collet into the secondary tapered recess resulting in a constricting force on the tool within the collet's internal passage.