Reconfigurable clamping system
US8499433B2 · kind B2 · utility
4Cited by
18References
24Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 2007 |
| Grant date | Aug 6, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 9, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49998
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A clamping system can be reconfigured to clamp any of multiple workpieces having differing shapes. The system includes a retention assembly for retaining an inflatable bladder that applies a clamping force to the workpiece. The retention assembly includes a flexible chain of pivotally connected links that can be locked in place to form a rigid assembly that conforms to the shape of the workpiece. The links can be unlocked to allow reconfiguration of the retention assembly into shapes matching other workpieces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.