Automatic position-locking tool carrier apparatus and method
US7112018B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 19, 2005 |
| Grant date | Sep 26, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T409/306384
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automatic position-locking tool carrier apparatus and method include a carriage that rides on a first rail and a second rail translatably connected to the carriage perpendicular to the first rail. Pinion gears that engage with the two rails are attached to the carriage and coupled to position encoders which transmit position signals to a controller. The controller produces control signals to control brake mechanisms coupled to the pinion gears. Translational motion of the carriage and the second rail are limited or prevented when the position of the carriage and the second rail are within predetermined limitations from a predetermined location, fixing the position of an end-effector head attached at one end of the second rail. The carriage and the second rail are propelled by forces external to the system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.