Apparatus with belt valve vacuum system for working on work material
US4587873A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 22, 1985 |
| Grant date | May 13, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 22, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T83/748
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for working on a single layer or a layup of sheet material, or other work material, has a table for supporting the work material with a support surface selected areas of which may be vacuumized. The selective vacuumization of support surface areas is accomplished by a simple valving system interposed between an air plenum and a plurality of individual compartments underlying the work surface, the valving system including an elongated valving member having a plurality of first and second ports distributed along the length thereof, a belt extending along the length of the valving member and overlying the ports and a belt deflector movable along the length of the valving member, the position of the belt deflector determining the selection of which second ports are connected to which first ports. In the selective vacuumization mode of operation a vacuum is applied to the air plenum. The same apparatus however may also be used to provide a positive air pressure over all of the work surface by applying a positive pressure rather than a vacuum to the air plenum, the valving system in this case simultaneously connecting all of the first ports and all of the second ports to one…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.