Apparatus for supporting and conveying irregularly-shaped workpieces
US4759282A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 23, 1987 |
| Grant date | Jul 26, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 23, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06K13/07
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Apparatus for processing a workpiece having a flexible upper wall. The apparatus includes a vacuum plenum having a bottom wall provided with a multiplicity of apertures. In addition, the apparatus includes workpiece feeding apparatus. The feeding apparatus includes container structure including an evacuatable enclosure made of a flexible air-impermeable material rendering the enclosure contractable upon evacuation. The enclosure has a top wall dimensioned for receiving thereon a workpiece. And the feeding apparatus includes structure for moving the container structure in a predetermined path of travel relative to the bottom wall of the plenum. The workpiece processing apparatus also includes instrumentalities for initially evacuating the plenum to cause atmospheric pressure to urge the top wall of the enclosure and an upper wall of a workpiece received on the top wall into engagement with the bottom wall of the plenum, whereby the top and upper walls are flattened against the bottom wall, and then evacuating to the enclosure to cause the remainder of the enclosure to contract towards the plenum and rigidify in the form of a workpiece supporting casting.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.