Method and apparatus for retaining one or more layers of sheet type work material on a support surface
US6042095A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 15, 1998 |
| Grant date | Mar 28, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 15, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S269/90
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In an apparatus for retaining one or more layers of sheet type work material on a permeable support surface, at least two vacuum manifolds are positioned under the support surface, each defining at least one vacuum inlet for drawing vacuum therethrough. Proportional control valves are coupled to the manifolds for selectively controlling the location and intensity of the vacuum being drawn, such that work material positioned on the support surface is held thereto by the vacuum drawn through the inlets and the support surface. The intensity of the vacuum is selectively controlled by the valves to concentrate vacuum in the area along the work material where a work operation is being performed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.