Flexible manufacturing and workpiece transfer system
US6745454B1 · kind B1 · utility
24Cited by
17References
11Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 30, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 8, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 30, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/5196
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A flexible manufacturing line and manufacturing process employs an overhead gantry system to transfer fixtured workpieces between machining stations served by the gantry system. The machining stations include CNC machines, turret cells, and/or dedicated machines which receive the fixtured workpieces through top-entry openings. The invention provides flexibility and adaptability to variation, improved maintenance of reference position on the fixture during manufacture, improved accessibility to machining stations during operation, and increased safety.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.