Transfer line workpiece inspection apparatus and method
US6502294B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 8, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 7, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T409/303752
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A transfer line apparatus for performing multiple machining operations on each of a plurality of workpieces in a transfer line. The apparatus includes a plurality of different kinds of machining units disposed at respective machining stations along a transfer path. A workpiece transporter moves workpieces along the transfer path to position each of the workpieces at each of the machining stations and allow each of the machining units to machine each of the workpieces as the workpieces move along the transfer path. A controller connected to the machining units responds to an inspection command by causing all machining units downstream from a designated machining unit along the transfer path to allow a workpiece selected for inspection to pass by without being machined by the downstream units. This allows the workpiece to be inspected in a form that the remaining machining units have not altered.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.