Expansible polymer clamping device
US6481204B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 2001 |
| Grant date | Nov 19, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 2, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF03G7/0635
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A clamping device includes an expansible polymer that is disposed in a polymer chamber (14). A heat transfer conduit (22) transports heat transfer fluid and brings it into thermal conductivity with the polymer. By cooling or heating the polymer as needed, the polymer expands and contracts as it melts and freezes, respectively. The volume change of the polymer is used to advance a piston (16). The piston is used to engage upon a surface, e.g., clamp a machine part. In this manner, the surface is disposed between the actuated piston (16) and an immobile plate, causing the surface to become rigidly held in position. When the piston (16) contacts the surface, pressure builds in the polymer chamber(14), which translates into clamping force on the surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.