Automated loading of work pieces via staging regions into adverse environments associated with horizontal milling machines and controllers and methods for same
US9718160B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 2, 2016 |
| Grant date | Aug 1, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 2, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T409/306048
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Embodiments relate generally to milling machines and milling techniques, and more particularly, to apparatuses, milling machines and methods to control automatic loading and/or unloading of work pieces in relation to the adverse milling machine environments. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a subset of guide members constituting a staging region, a loader member configured to impart a loading force unto the work piece to transition the work piece from the staging region, and an effector coupled to the loader member. The effector is configured to apply a cleaning force to a path in a first interval of time and is configured further to transfer the loading force from the loader member to the work piece in a second interval of time, and an alignment device configured to align the subset of guide members and the effector to form a portion of the path in a first mode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.