Workpiece holding system
US5019129A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 18, 1990 |
| Grant date | May 28, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 18, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB25B1/2484
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A workpiece holding system utilizing an improved vise having jaws that remain parallel with the workpiece and introduce a downward force on the workpiece to retain it against a precision supporting surface with the system of this invention primarily intended for use in holding workpieces on EDM wire machines. Each jaw has a step at the bottom which is significant when used on a wire EDM machine as it provides the ability to "pick up" the location of the workpiece from four sides. The system includes a dovetail incorporated into the vise with the position of the dovetail being the same regardless of the size of the vise thereby making it possible to use two different vises in a vertical setup to hold elongated workpieces accurately and making it easy to change from one vise to another. A single adjustment block can be used for a number of vises thus reducing the overall cost of the system. The jaws are inclined towards the top providing the ability to spring under pressure to force the workpiece downwardly but once the jaws are parallel with the workpiece, they will not bend any further even under increased pressure thereby holding the workpiece more firmly and accurately. A vertica…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.