Interlocking precision flexible rail system
US7677181B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 6, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 16, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23Q2210/008
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An interlocking precision flexible rail system for carrying a positionable machine tool employs a first rail element having a first step on a lower surface extending from a first end to a termination at a predetermined length and a second rail element having a mating step on an upper surface extending from a second end to receive the first step. A pair of first clips is removably affixed to a top surface of the first rail element adjacent the first end with a first pin and to the second rail element with a second pin in each clip. A pair of second clips is removably affixed to a bottom surface of the second rail element adjacent the second end with a third pin and to the first rail element with a forth pin in each clip. Alignment holes to receive the pins have tolerances defined in conjunction with the predetermined length of the step, the length of the step allowing a reduced tolerance. The first and second pairs of clips and associated pins laterally secure the rail elements in mated engagement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.