Vacuum-hydrostatic shoe for centerless grinding
US6287183A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 11, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB24B5/18
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vacuum-hydrostatic shoe especially suited for supporting a workpiece in metalworking operations is disclosed. The vacuum-hydrostatic shoe is comprised of a body with a support surface confronting the workpiece. Preferably the support surface is shaped to substantially conform to the workpiece shape. The shoe body comprises hydrostatic pockets. Each hydrostatic pocket has a first pressure opening defined in the support surface and a second pressure opening fluidly connected to a respective first pressure opening. The second pressure openings are also fluidly connected to a supply of pressurized fluid so that a flow of pressurized fluid can be created between the shoe body and the workpiece. The shoe body further comprises a vacuum pocket. The vacuum pocket has a first vacuum opening defined in the support surface and a fluidly connected second vacuum opening. The second vacuum opening is also fluidly connected to a source of vacuum to create a vacuum pressure between the shoe body and workpiece. The vacuum-hydrostatic shoe creates a hydrostatic pressure to provide a non-contact support to the workpiece and a vacuum pressure to preload and stabilize the workpiece.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.