Apparatus for controlling the shape of a flexible spline
US4651659A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 30, 1986 |
| Grant date | Mar 24, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 30, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB25J15/0616
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for controlling the shape of an elongated flexible spline to substantially match a third order polynomial curve extending between first and second end points where the spline extends along a deformable central axis. A spline support member extends along the central axis. The spline is pivotably coupled to the support member at a first point along said central axis, and is slidingly coupled to the support member at second, third and fourth points along the central axis. The support member establishes a first predetermined distance (L) along a reference line passing through the interior two of said first, second, third and fourth points. A first spline deflector selectively deflects one of the exterior two of the first, second, third and fourth points by a distance D.sub.L in a direction perpendicular to the reference line. A second spline deflector selectively deflects the other of the exterior two of the first, second, third and fourth points by a distance D.sub.R in a direction perpendicular to the reference line. A controller controls the first and second spline deflectors so that the central axis of the spline is deformed and the intermediate two points substantiall…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.