Workpiece positioner
US5873569A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 29, 1996 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 29, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23Q7/02
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention relates to a workpiece positioner and assembly therefore which optimizes workpiece rotation for manufacturing processes, and specifically for use with an industrial robot. In general, the workpiece positioner assembly is supported on a base. The workpiece positioner assembly is rectangular in shape and includes drive arms and idler arms between which workpieces are supported. Due to the unique shape of the workpiece positioner assembly, the workpiece-to-workpiece rotational clearance can be reduced to zero due in part to the position of cross tubing from the drive end of the workpiece positioner assembly to the idler end of the workpiece positioner assembly. The cross tubing does not interfere with the workpiece rotational area thereby allowing workpiece size and orientation to be increased without affecting positioner swing or operation height.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.