Work holders – With fluid means – Cylinder-piston means in series with additional positioning...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-23
2001-10-09
Hail, III, Joseph J. (Department: 3723)
Work holders
With fluid means
Cylinder-piston means in series with additional positioning...
C269S024000, C269S900000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06299151
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a fluid distribution system, and more particularly a fluid distribution system for transporting pressurized fluid to a fluid actuated apparatus of a tooling fixture.
Tooling fixtures are used to hold workpieces during manufacturing operations. One such tooling fixture is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/432,790, entitled “Workpiece Fixture”, filed Nov. 2, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Frequently, these fixtures include fluid actuated apparatus such as workpiece supports for supporting the workpiece and hydraulic cylinders which activate clamps on the fixtures for holding the workpieces. The apparatus are actuated by pressurized fluid which is transported to the apparatus from a fluid source such as a reservoir and pump.
Some prior art fixtures use flexible or rigid tubing to transport fluid from the source to the apparatus. Although the tubing is relatively inexpensive and easy to install, it is subject to damage and can hinder the manufacturing operations. For instance, the workpiece may hit the tubing and damage it as the workpiece is loaded into the fixture. Further, tools used in the manufacturing operation can damage the tubing. Even if the tubing is not damaged, it can hinder the loading operation or can hinder movement of the tools during the manufacturing operation.
To avoid problems associated with tubing, some fixtures have internal passages for transporting the fluid to the apparatus. Conventional methods of forming these passages require that holes be drilled through the fixture. Frequently, the configuration of the fixture requires that the internal passages have complex shapes. Conventionally, these passages are formed by drilling several intersecting holes and plugging ends of some of the holes. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, forming these internal passages, particularly those having complex shapes, using conventional methods is expensive and time consuming.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Among the several features of the present invention may be noted the provision of a fluid distribution system for transporting pressurized fluid. The system includes a plate having a first face and a slot extending along the first face between opposite first and second ends of the slot. In addition, the system includes a body having a surface sealingly engaging the first face of the plate and overlying the slot so that a portion of the surface and the slot at least partially define a passage for transporting pressurized fluid between the first and second ends of the slot.
In another aspect of the present invention, the system includes a plate having opposite first and second faces and a slot extending through the plate from the first face to the second face and along the plate between opposite first and second ends of the slot. Further, the system includes a first body sealingly engaging the first face of the plate and overlying the slot, and a second body sealingly engaging the second face of the plate and overlying the slot so that the slot and portions of the first and second bodies define a passage for transporting pressurized fluid between the first and second ends of the slot.
In yet another aspect, the present invention includes a method of making a fluid distribution system for transporting pressurized fluid. The method includes the step of forming a slot in a plate having opposite first and second faces so that the slot extends along the plate between opposite first and second ends of the slot. The method also includes the step of bonding a body to the first face of the plate to form a passage for transporting pressurized fluid between the first and second ends of the slot.
Other features of the present invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5161788 (1992-11-01), Guzzoni
patent: 5192058 (1993-03-01), VanDalsem et al.
patent: 5316255 (1994-05-01), Marcussen
patent: 5842690 (1998-12-01), Lee et al.
patent: 5899445 (1999-05-01), Kimble
patent: 6139682 (2000-10-01), Iwata
patent: 6173648 (2001-01-01), Misono et al.
patent: 6196532 (2001-03-01), Otwell
General Electric Company
Gressel Gerry S.
Hail III Joseph J.
Hess Andrew C.
Wilson Lee
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