Flexible tooling apparatus
US5722646A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 1995 |
| Grant date | Mar 3, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49998
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A flexible tooling system includes a support table with multiple openings adapted to removably accept a self-contained actuator. Each opening of the support table provides vacuum and air supply lines as well as a bus interface so that each position may be uniquely addressed and commanded separately from any other openings. The self-contained actuator has corresponding connectors for receiving the vacuum and air supply as well as for interfacing with the bus. An actuator may be placed at a particular location by insertion into the receptacle at the opening in the support table aperture. The actuator may be commanded to raise, lower, lock in position and supply vacuum separate from any other actuator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.