Patent · US Expired

Machinable datum for a self-centering vacuum fixture

US6767018B1 · kind B1 · utility

2Cited by
5References
6Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 26, 2002
Grant dateJul 27, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 26, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T279/3487
  • WIPO fieldMachine tools
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A machinable datum for use in a vacuum fixture is disclosed. The vacuum fixture comprises: a cylindrical stationary mandrel portion having a central cavity therethrough, and comprising: a first end mountable to a machine tool, such as a lathe; a second end terminating in a contact datum intended for contact with a workpiece; and, vacuum means capable of introducing a vacuum into a space between said contact datum and said workpiece; a cylindrical plunger portion residing within said central cavity of said cylindrical stationary mandrel portion, said cylindrical plunger portion comprising: a first end approximately coextensive with said first end of said stationary mandrel portion, comprising a biasing spring; a plunger comprising a cylindrical plunger residing within said central cavity of said cylindrical stationary mandrel portion, and biased away from said first end of said stationary mandrel portion by said biasing spring; and, a second end terminating in a contact datum intended for contact with a workpiece; and wherein at least one of said contact datums are comprised of an easily machinable material which can be shaped to facilitate contact with a workpiece.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.