Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Including component designed to receive a disparate article... – Task-area type repositionable component
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-27
2001-11-13
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Including component designed to receive a disparate article...
Task-area type repositionable component
C052S032000, C052S079100, C219S121860, C219S121820, C219S121210, C219S121220
Reexamination Certificate
active
06314686
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a light seal for use with robotic equipment. A sealing arrangement has been needed for a laser enclosure containing robotic laser welding equipment. Such enclosures usually include a display table which may be indexed to several positions moving a plurality of work pieces to a workstation within the enclosure for being operated upon by the robotic laser welding system. In order to protect the eyes of persons working around the enclosure it is desirable to have a “light tight” seal between the enclosure and the indexing table. “Light tight” refers to a seal that prevents a direct line of sight into the enclosure where the laser welding system is operating.
Therefore, a primary object of the present invention is the provision of an improved light seal for use with robotic equipment.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of an improved light seal which utilizes flexible seals that block light and create a “light tight” enclosure.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of an improved light seal that utilizes a double flap seal which provides two sealing surfaces for providing a “light tight” seal.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of an improved light seal which can easily be removed and replaced when it becomes worn or damaged.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of an improved light seal which is economical to manufacture, durable in use, and efficient in operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The foregoing objects may be achieved by a light seal comprising a window frame forming a window opening and having at least a first side frame member positioned adjacent the window opening. A sealing member is attached to the first side frame member. A divider panel includes at least a first side panel edge and is mounted within the window frame for rotation about a panel axis. The divider panel rotates to about the panel axis to a sealed position wherein the first side panel edge is positioned adjacent the first side frame member and engages the sealing member. The sealing member creates a light seal between the first side panel edge and the first side frame member.
The divider panel is rotatable about the panel axis from its sealed position to an unsealed position wherein the first side panel edge is free from engagement with the sealing member. The sealing member comprises a flexible material having a normal shape and which flexes and bends away from that normal shape in response to movement of the divider panel to its sealed position. The sealing member flexes and returns to its normal shape in response to movement of the divider panel to its unsealed position.
According to another feature of the invention the window frame comprises a second side frame member and the divider panel comprises a second side panel edge. A flexible second sealing member is attached to the second side frame member and engages the second side panel edge to create a light seal therebetween when the divider panel is in its sealed position.
According to another feature of the invention the divider panel and the first and second sealing members substantially fill the window opening to prevent light from passing through the window when the panel is in its sealed position.
According to another feature of the invention the panel is rotatable about its panel axis from the first mentioned sealed position to a second sealed position wherein the first panel edge is adjacent the second side frame member and is engaged by the second seal member and the second panel side edge is adjacent the first side frame member and is engaged by the first seal member.
According to another feature of the invention the first sealing member comprises first and second flexible flaps both of which engage the first panel side edge when the divider panel is in its sealed position.
According to another feature of the invention the first and second flexible flaps each comprise in cross section a flap tip. The flap tip of the first flap member and the flap tip of the second flap member both engage the first panel side edge.
According to another feature of the invention an elongated extruded member is attached to the first side frame member and retentively attaches the first and second flap members of the first sealing member to the first side frame member.
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patent: 5643477 (1997-07-01), Gullo et al.
patent: 5658476 (1997-08-01), Gullo et al.
patent: 6147323 (2000-11-01), Erickson et al.
Juhl Douglas H.
Scherer Timothy A.
Friedman Carl D.
Genesis Systems Group, Ltd.
Syres Christy M.
Zarley McKee Thomte Voorhees & Sease
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