Metal working – Method of mechanical manufacture – Work holding
Patent
1999-10-18
2000-12-26
Bryant, David P.
Metal working
Method of mechanical manufacture
Work holding
29743, B23Q 700
Patent
active
061639508
ABSTRACT:
A self-aligning end effector is mounted to a robot for transferring a magnetic read/write head from a feeder to an assembly fixture. The robot positions the end effector above the head. A hollow needle extends from the end effector adjacent to the head. A vacuum is applied through the needle to draw the head to the end of the needle and the end effector is lifted away from the feeder. As the robot moves the end effector toward the assembly fixture, a nest with an alignment locator is lowered onto the head. The locator has tapered sides for orienting the head in a precise alignment. An upper surface of the head seats against a flat surface when it is aligned. The vacuum holds the head on the end effector throughout this operation. The nest is then withdrawn from the head so that it is again located on the end of the needle. When the end effector is located above the assembly fixture, the head is released into the assembly fixture by turning off the vacuum.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3676911 (1972-07-01), Austin
patent: 4473247 (1984-09-01), Itemadani et al.
patent: 4553322 (1985-11-01), Cappos et al.
patent: 4599037 (1986-07-01), Ross, Jr. et al.
patent: 4703965 (1987-11-01), Lee et al.
patent: 4705311 (1987-11-01), Ragard
patent: 4753004 (1988-06-01), Fujioka
patent: 4822091 (1989-04-01), Vermeer et al.
patent: 4950011 (1990-08-01), Borcea et al.
patent: 5050919 (1991-09-01), Yakou
patent: 5207465 (1993-05-01), Rich
patent: 5231753 (1993-08-01), Tanaka et al.
patent: 5572785 (1996-11-01), Tveit
patent: 5870820 (1999-02-01), Arakawa et al.
patent: 5953812 (1999-09-01), Ferrante
Bodiker, II Thomas Carl
Hollowell John Philip
Bryant David P.
International Business Machines - Corporation
Millett Douglas R.
LandOfFree
Method of aligning small components using self-aligning end effe does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method of aligning small components using self-aligning end effe, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method of aligning small components using self-aligning end effe will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-981954