US Patent 8464413 Robot gear reducer replacing apparatus and method

An apparatus for removing and installing a gear reducer from an assembly, such as a Fanuc robot, is provided. The apparatus includes a bracket that is attached to a casing of the robot in a vicinity of a position where the gear reducer is to be removed or installed. The bracket provides a sleeve that is disposed so as to be spaced from and aligned with the gear reducer when the bracket is mounted to the casing. A guide bearing is slidably received through the sleeve and has a first end that attaches to the gear reducer via an attachment assembly. The gear reducer can then be removed by pulling the guide bearing away from the robot or installed by pushing the guide bearing toward the robot.