Patent ID: 8092357

Claim:
A Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine, comprising: a spindle disposed within a work envelope of the CNC machine, the spindle configured to releasably operably clamp a machining tool and to generate a rotational motion; and a gripper tool configured to be releasably operably attached to the spindle as an alternative to the machining tool, the gripper tool having moveable claws and being configured to translate the rotational motion generated by the spindle into an opening and closing of the claws, wherein the gripper tool comprises: an attachment portion configured to be attached to and rotated by the spindle; a driving portion attached to the attachment portion so as to be integrally rotatable therewith; a non-rotary translational portion operably engaged with the attachment and driving portions so as to translate the rotation of the attachment and driving portions into linear motion, the non-rotary translational portion comprising a housing having a threaded opening defined therein, an adapter attached to and extending from the housing, and a piston attached to and extending from the adapter, wherein the driving portion includes a threaded rod threadably received in the housing threaded opening; and a gripper portion including the claws, the gripper portion being attached to the non-rotary translational portion so as to utilize the linear motion of the non-rotary translational portion to open and close the claws.