US Patent 10451109 Linear guide bearing and associated quick-change system

A linear guide bearing and an associated quick-connect system are provided. The linear guide bearing includes a carriage that moves linearly along a guide rail. The carriage includes an upper surface having a groove defined therein, and a depression formed in the groove. A tool is configured to connect to the carriage in a quick-connect fashion. To do so, the tool has a spring-loaded plunger biased downward toward the carriage. As the tool is slid along the groove of the carriage, the tip of the plunger is biased to depress into the depression in the groove. To release the tool from the carriage, a force can be applied sufficient to overcome the spring-bias force to allow the tool to lift off from the carriage.