Independent axis clamping apparatus and method
US8448319B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 21, 2010 |
| Grant date | May 28, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 4, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53978
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for performing operations on a workpiece. The method comprises the steps of: contacting the workpiece with a tool; moving the tool along any of multiple axes; moving a clamp along at least a first axis independent of the movement of the tool; and, clamping the workpiece using the clamp. Contacting the workpiece with the tool may comprise plunging a friction stir welding pin tool into the workpiece while the workpiece is being clamped. The tool may be moved by moving a spindle housing over the workpiece, and the clamp may be moved by rotating the clamp around the first axis as the spindle housing moves over the workpiece. The method may further comprise the step of coordinating the movement of the clamp with the movement of the tool.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.