Thru-feed lapping apparatus
US5181346A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 1990 |
| Grant date | Jan 26, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB24B41/005
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automated lapping system employing a rotating table with a horizontal lapping surface and one or more parts tracks with escapement mechanisms for regulating the rate at which parts cross the lapping table. Each parts track is suspended above the rotating surface of the table, and confines the parts to move in single file across the surface of the rotating table. Multiple stations are provided along each track to cause each part passing through the track to stop for a predetermined amount of time at each station. The escapement mechanisms control the stopping and releasing of the parts along each track at the stations. Selected stations, called powered lapping stations, are provided on each track for applying positive downwardly-directed pressure to the part stopped at the station. These powered lapping stations and the escapement mechanisms preferably employ hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders for actuators. All of the powered lapping stations and escapement mechanisms associated with a single track may be operated by a common set of directional control valves.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.