Patent · US Expired

Method of elevating a three-dimensional workpiece

US5718307A · kind A · utility

2Cited by
11References
6Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMay 10, 1996
Grant dateFeb 17, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 10, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T156/1028
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A membrane press and method of elevating a three-dimensional workpiece are provided. The membrane press includes a work base having a supporting surface for carrying the workpiece. A foil-pressing frame is positioned above the workpiece for heating and applying a laminating foil to the workpiece. A plurality of fluid actuated pedestal assemblies are positioned for movement between a workpiece-loading position and a workpiece-lifting position above the supporting surface of the work base. Fluid passages communicate with the pedestal assemblies, and fluid pressure control means. The control means selectively directs a flow of fluid to the pedestal assemblies in response to the loading of the workpiece onto the supporting surface of the work base.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.