Method and apparatus for clamping a workpiece in a quasi-liquid medium
US3953013A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 1974 |
| Grant date | Apr 27, 1976 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 1994 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23Q3/086
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A quasi-liquid vise is provided for clamping irregularly shaped workpieces which comprises an open-topped vessel into which a workpiece may be inserted, a particulate fluidizable material located within and, substantially filling said vessel, pressure means connected to said vessel for introducing a gas or fluid therein to fluidize said particulate material, and means for applying a vacuum to said vessel and the particulate material to substantially solidify said particulate material when it is desired to clamp a workpiece therein. The solidifying effect of said vacuum applied to said particulate material may be enhanced by utilizing alternate layers of different sized particulate material wherein smaller particles fill voids and enhance the vacuum effect and hence the rigidity of the particulate material when it is desired to solidify same. Two additional approaches to improving the vacuum solidification effect include coating relatively dense particles with a somewhat resilient deformable material whereby better sealing action will be effected. Also, uniquely shaped particles may be utilized wherein a more rigid interlocking particle effect will be obtained upon application of th…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.