Metal working – Method of mechanical manufacture – Work holding
Reexamination Certificate
1997-11-26
2001-04-03
Watson, Robert C. (Department: 3723)
Metal working
Method of mechanical manufacture
Work holding
C269S020000, C269S266000, C269S329000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06209188
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to machine tools and more specifically to a flexible tooling apparatus for providing a support deck for use with machine tools or assembly tools for processing materials.
When machining material with machine tools or assembly material for fastening, it is necessary to provide a support system for the material being machined or operated upon. In the past, such supports have comprised a tooling support which substantially conforms to the three-dimensional shape of the part or item being processed. The design, fabrication and storage of such tooling supports can become prohibitive. A separate tooling support is required for each uniquely shaped item being processed. Often the setup time and effort to prepare and position the tooling die becomes greater than the time involved in actual machining or processing of the part.
To resolve some of the drawbacks of the fixed tooling die situation, variable tooling supports have been developed, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,357, wherein a plurality of spaced supports are provided in fixed relation to one another and the supports are adjusted heightwise to support the workpiece at certain points. The workpiece is then either clamped to the supports or the supports provide some sort of clamping through the use of vacuum at the suction cups, for example.
Heretofore, these systems have been quite expensive and complex with a large number of interactions required to provide the appropriate control and power to cause the raising and lowering, as well as the application of vacuum to each of multiple support members. Variable systems which allow movement of the support stanchions in a horizontal plane, as well as the vertical extension thereof, provide even further difficulties given that control wires, power wires and hydraulic or pneumatic or vacuum supply lines are required to also be movable. Maintenance costs related to such systems can be quite high. Over the useful life of such an apparatus, the potential for failure of electrical connections, for example, becomes greater with each successive movement.
Further, the cost of such systems is out of the reach of many businesses and such a system may be overly complex for small business applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a flexible tooling system is provided wherein a support table has a plurality of apertures therein wherein said apertures are adapted for receiving a self-contained actuator therewithin in removable relation. Each position of the support table provides a vacuum and air supply line as well as a bus or network interface so that each position may be addressed separately. The removable actuator has corresponding connectors for receiving the vacuum and air supply as well as for interfacing with the bus, each position having a unique address so that an actuator may be placed at a particular location by insertion into the receptacle at the table aperture and subsequent securing thereto. The actuator may then be addressed on the bus to command the actuator to raise, lower, lock in position and supply vacuum.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an improved flexible tooling support system.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved flexible tooling support system which allows easy removal and repositioning of support actuators.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved flexible tooling system wherein individual actuators are passively moved to an appropriate position and then locked into place.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved flexible tooling system wherein individual actuators are actively operable to position themselves to a precision position.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved flexible tooling system with active positioning with a non-servo technology.
The subject matter of the present invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this specification. However, both the organization and method of operation, together with further advantages and objects thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like elements.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3542354 (1970-11-01), Fitzpatrick
patent: 3853313 (1974-12-01), Appenzeller et al.
patent: 4080716 (1978-03-01), Vom Dorp
patent: 4088312 (1978-05-01), Frosch et al.
patent: 4317577 (1982-03-01), Camerron
patent: 4432559 (1984-02-01), Rasmussen
patent: 4684113 (1987-08-01), Douglas et al.
patent: 5163793 (1992-11-01), Martinez
patent: 5230594 (1993-07-01), Pilkington
patent: 5364083 (1994-11-01), Ross et al.
patent: 5372357 (1994-12-01), Blaimschein
patent: 5457868 (1995-10-01), Blaimschein
patent: 5546784 (1996-08-01), Haas et al.
patent: 5551677 (1996-09-01), Puettmer et al.
patent: 5562276 (1996-10-01), Blick
ETP Hydro-Grip brochure, publication date unknown—believed to be circa 1993 or 1994.
Stover, “A new edge on cutting: Machines made specially for carving composites”, High-Performance Composites, Jan/Feb. 1995, pp. 23-26.
Cook Larry R.
Soderberg Mark S.
Starr Robert A.
Thomas Robert J.
CNA Manufacturing Systems, Inc.
Dellett and Walters
Watson Robert C.
LandOfFree
Flexible tooling 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 Flexible tooling method, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Flexible tooling method will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2451330