Described herein is an operating unit that can be connected to a wrist of a robot arm, including: a tool, and a supporting structure carrying the tool, wherein the supporting structure includes a connection member via which the operating unit can be operatively connected in a releasable way to said the of the robot arm, wherein the connection member has an opening on an end wall thereof, which is configured to receive a head of a connection device associated to the wrist of the robot arm, and wherein the connection member includes an internal seat accessible through the opening and configured to receive blocking elements carried by the head so as to enable fixing of the operating unit to the wrist of the robot arm.

A machine tool for machining workpieces comprising a support structure, a punching device mounted on the support structure, and a laser machining device mounted on the support structure. The machine tool includes a suspension device provided between the punching device and the laser machining device to reduce the laser machining device from being stimulated to move unintentionally due to the operation of the punching device. The suspension device has a spring rate which can be adjusted by a laser positioning device. The laser positioning device can move the laser machining device relative to the workpiece into a functional position and also into a position remote from the functional position. The spring rate of the suspension device is adjusted such that the functional position of the laser machining device is assigned a higher spring rate than that assigned to the position of the laser machining device remote from the functional position.

A plasma arc torch is provided that includes a torch body and a torch height controller. The torch height controller includes a movable part mounted to the torch body and a fixed part connected to a robotic arm. The movable part and the torch body are biased toward a workpiece and are translational relative to the fixed part.

An apparatus may include a bracket having a post-tensioned cable tunnel and a pair of tabs configured to receive a post-tensioned cable and to prevent rotation of the bracket relative to the post-tensioned cable. An apparatus may include a plasma torch attachment member configured to releasably engage with the head of a plasma cutting torch of the type having a plasma cutting tip attached thereto, and to rotatably attach to the bracket such that the plasma cutting tip may be moved in an arc relative to the post-tensioned cable.

The present disclosure relates to a modular connector for a robotic tool system. The modular connector comprises a first plate, a bracket, a second plate and a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism includes at least two fixed clamping features and an at least one movable clamping feature positioned opposite to the at least two fixed clamping features. A tool is adapted to be received between the at least two fixed clamping features and the at least one movable clamping feature, such that movement of the at least one movable clamping feature relative to the at least two fixed clamping features facilitates clamping of the tool on the second plate of the modular connector. The modular connector facilitates easy and quick mounting of the tool of variable shape and size of the tool.

An apparatus may include a bracket having a post-tensioned cable tunnel and a pair of tabs configured to receive a post-tensioned cable and to prevent rotation of the bracket relative to the post-tensioned cable. An apparatus may include a plasma torch attachment member configured to releasably engage with the head of a plasma cutting torch of the type having a plasma cutting tip attached thereto, and to rotatably attach to the bracket such that the plasma cutting tip may be moved in an arc relative to the post-tensioned cable.

A torch support and guide apparatus for a plasma cutting torch, for assisting a user in beveling workpiece edges and in sectioning workpieces. The apparatus includes a main support body having a base plate and a pair of support arms extending upwardly from the base plate, the arms configured to support a handle therebetween. The base plate has a cutout notch formed therein to accommodate a clamp subassembly which includes a U-shaped swing member and a clamping bracket. The base plate has a substantially rectangular shape, and has a horizontally extending groove formed in an upper surface thereof. The apparatus also includes a fence with a guide portion and a slide arm integrally attached to the guide portion. The slide arm of the fence fits slidably in the groove of the base plate. A kit for constructing the apparatus and a method of using the apparatus are also disclosed.

A device for welding may include a track configured to surround a workpiece. The device for welding may also include a cart configured to contact the track such that the track guides the cart around the workpiece. The cart may include a frame and a welding torch receptacle. The welding torch receptacle can be attached to the frame. The welding torch receptacle may be configured to maintain a tip of the welding torch at a set distance away from the workpiece while the cart moves around the workpiece.

An apparatus may include a bracket having a post-tensioned cable tunnel and a pair of tabs configured to receive a post-tensioned cable and to prevent rotation of the bracket relative to the post-tensioned cable. An apparatus may include a plasma torch attachment member configured to releasably engage with the head of a plasma cutting torch of the type having a plasma cutting tip attached thereto, and to rotatably attach to the bracket such that the plasma cutting tip may be moved in an arc relative to the post-tensioned cable.

The present invention provides improved systems for supporting and translating a robotic welder around a structural column to perform automatic welding of joints. The improved system permits a robotic welder to perform the required welds in at least half the time it would take a human welder, thereby significantly reducing construction costs, improving safety of construction, and improving accuracy of welding, and requiring less testing of the welds.