Workpiece transporter device with replaceable grip
US5317222A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 28, 1992 |
| Grant date | May 31, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 28, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49133
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An actuator for precisely moving and positioning a manufacturing component includes a housing on which a magnet is mounted. An electrical coil is wound around a coil piston which is slidingly mounted on the housing for movement within the magnetic field generated by the magnet. A grip, having a member for gripping the component, is attached for movement with the coil piston. In the operation of the actuator, a current is selectively passed through the coil. This current in the coil then moves the coil piston and the attached grip within the magnetic field to position the component as desired. Additionally, a position sensor can be mounted on the device to determine the location of the coil piston and a controller can be incorporated in the actuator to use this position determination for controlling movement of the coil piston and the attached grip. The grip is removably attached to the coil piston and is slidingly journaled within a resilient bushing mounted to the housing. The bushing functions to absorb forces generated by the interaction of the grip and work piece or another object and to transmit these forces to the housing rather than to the coil piston.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.