Sheet metal positioning and gripping apparatus and method
US4297927A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 6, 1980 |
| Grant date | Nov 3, 1981 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 6, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T83/6563
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A sheet metal workpiece is held by holders as the workpiece is cut and moved relative to a device such as a shearing machine or punch press. An improved apparatus and method is provided to precisely position the sheet metal workpiece relative to the holders. This apparatus includes a first gripper assembly which is disposed at an opening in a support structure for the sheet metal workpiece. The first gripper assembly moves the workpiece to position it along a first axis. A second gripper assembly is disposed at another opening in the support structure and moves the workpiece to position it along a second axis which extends transversely to the first axis. The two gripper assemblies can be moved between extended positions projecting upwardly from the support structure and retracted positions in which the gripper assemblies are disposed within the support structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.