Patent ID: 7338419

Claim:
A tool coupler for connecting tool heads, such as drills, reamers, millers, turn-cutters, dies, and rams, to a tool holder, said tool coupler comprising: a connecting portion being configured to be inserted into a receiving opening of a tool holder of a machine to removably connect said tool coupler to the tool holder; a collar portion being disposed adjacent said connecting portion; said collar portion comprising a gripper groove; said gripper groove being configured to permit gripping of said tool coupler by a gripping device of a tool replacer; said collar portion comprising a first blind hole and a second blind hole, each being disposed opposite one another and having at least a portion disposed in said gripper groove; said first blind hole having a different hole contour than said second blind hole; said collar portion further comprising at least a third blind hole and a fourth blind hole, each being disposed diametrically opposite one another and having at least a portion disposed in said gripper groove; and said third and fourth blind holes each being disposed so as to be offset by essentially 90° from said first and second blind holes.