Metal working – Method of mechanical manufacture – With testing or indicating
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-27
2001-10-02
Hughes, S. Thomas (Department: 3726)
Metal working
Method of mechanical manufacture
With testing or indicating
C029S251000, C029S559000, C029S281400, C029S798000, C100S269200, C100S226000, C269S073000, C227S152000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06295710
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
An important consideration in the design of automatic fastening machines is reduction in the overall cycle time for installation of a fastener. This can involve aspects of the movements of individual tools and other components of the machine.
Other important considerations involve forces encountered by machine components such as the pressure foot and the need to orient clamping tools to accommodate shapes of details being fastened.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an automatic fastening machine and method which reduces fastener installation cycle time by virtue of unique tool movements, pressure foot operation and other features. In particular, the pressure foot plate is coupled to motive means for moving the same in a manner allowing tilting of the plate relative to the plane of the workpiece during movement from one fastener installation location to another. The motive means are independently operated by a servo control arrangement in conjunction with the machine control. As a result, it is not necessary for the system to seek a new down position thereby saving machine cycle time. Sensors operatively associated with the motive means in conjunction with the machine control cause movement of the pressure foot plate in reaction to force applied to the workpiece during fastener installation to maintain the workline established by the position of the workpiece prior to application of force. The clamp of the lower ram is driven positively during both upward and downward strokes so as to save cycle time. The lower ram tool is rotated in a matter which does not interfere with other components on the lower ram assembly. A new and improved slug riveting process also is provided by the machine and method of the present invention.
The following detailed description of the invention, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein the same reference numerals denote the same or similar parts throughout the several views, is in such full, clear, concise and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is mostly nearly connected, to make and use the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3874070 (1975-04-01), Falcioni
patent: 4382728 (1983-05-01), Anderson et al.
patent: 4717291 (1988-01-01), Zafir
patent: 4828474 (1989-05-01), Ballantyne
patent: 4873923 (1989-10-01), Manning
patent: 4908928 (1990-03-01), Mazurik et al.
patent: 4998943 (1991-03-01), Roberts et al.
patent: 5060362 (1991-10-01), Birke et al.
patent: 5222289 (1993-06-01), Michalewski et al.
patent: 5357668 (1994-10-01), Roberts
patent: 5477597 (1995-12-01), Catania et al.
patent: WO98/13156 (1998-04-01), None
Burns Thomas E.
Kellner Robert J.
Kubanek Kurt R.
Roberts Bradly M.
General Electro Mechanical Corporation
Hodgson & Russ LLP
Hong John C.
Hughes S. Thomas
LandOfFree
Automatic fastening machine and method does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Automatic fastening machine and method, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Automatic fastening machine and method will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2577601