Patent ID: 7000966

Claim:
A pick-and-place tool for releasably retaining a part during a pick-and-place operation by an automated device, the part including a shaft, the pick-and-place tool comprising: a tool holder portion configured for coupling to the automated device; a front structure having a first bore disposed therein for receiving the shaft, the first bore extending from a free end of the front structure and along a longitudinal axis of the front structure, the first bore defining an inner surface of the front structure; a first sleeve rigidly coupled to the tool holder portion and extending along the longitudinal axis of the front structure; the front structure further having a second sleeve extending from an end of the front structure opposite the free end, the second sleeve being disposed within the first sleeve; a coupling feature disposed at the end of the front structure opposite the free end forming thereat a portion of a coupling structure integral to the pick-and-place tool; a resilient member disposed between the front structure and the tool holder portion, the resilient member being disposed within the second sleeve and being configured to absorb at least a portion of a force applied to the front structure; and a plurality of locking mechanisms disposed within the front structure, the plurality of locking mechanisms being evenly spaced around the inner surface and in fluid communication with a common fluid source, each locking mechanism in the plurality of locking mechanisms including: a bearing disposed proximate an aperture in the inner surface, and a piston in mechanical communication with the bearing and in fluid communication with the common fluid source, and wherein movement of the piston in response to a first fluid pressure at the common fluid source forces the bearing to extend through the aperture and retain the shaft within the first bore.