US3722078A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for conducting machining and assembly operations
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-03-04
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Granted: 1973-03-27
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Expires: 1991-03-04
Abstract
Abstract The disclosure is directed to a vertically oriented automatic tool changer employing non-captive tools for performing machining and/or assembly operations at a plurality of work locations on a single workpiece which workpiece is supported by a work positioner capable of infinite adjustment to present any desired number and spacing of work locations, on the workpiece, to the working axis of the non-captive tools. A method for performing machining and assembly operations on a work piece is also disclosed. One of a number of non-captive machining or assembly tools is positioned in a non-captive bearing and advanced toward the work piece to perform an operation thereon. Upon completion of the operation, the first tool is withdrawn from the work piece and interchanged with a second tool which is subsequently advanced toward the work piece to perform another operation.
Inventors
- 👤 J Cupler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 23:01
CPC Classifications
B; B43; B43K; B43K15/00; B43K15/02; B23; B23Q; B23Q3/00; B23Q3/15; B23Q3/155; B23Q3/157; B23Q3/15706; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49826; Y10T29/4984; Y10T29/49845; Y10T29/49853; Y10T29/49995
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
A method of performing separate machining and assembly operations on a single workpiece employing a single tool changer, comprising; positioning a machining tool in machining position in engagement with open tool bearing means defining a tool infeed axis, supporting at least one assembly tool adjacent said bearing, infeeding the machining tool relative to said bearing means along said axis and machining said workpiece, interchanging said assembly tool with said machining tool, said interchange consisting of movement of said tools transversely of said axis into and out of engagement with said open tool bearing means, and infeeding said assembly tool along said axis and performing an assembly operation on said workpiece.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
110 words
A method of performing separate machining and assembly operations on a single workpiece employing a single tool changer, comprising; positioning a machining tool in machining position in engagement with open tool bearing means defining a tool infeed axis, supporting at least one assembly tool adjacent said bearing, infeeding the machining tool relative to said bearing means along said axis and machining said workpiece, interchanging said assembly tool with said machining tool, said interchange consisting of movement of said tools transversely of said axis into and out of engagement with said open tool bearing means, and infeeding said assembly tool along said axis and performing an assembly operation on said workpiece.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said machining step includes rotation of said machining tool.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said assembly operation includes rotation of said assembly tool.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said assembly operation includes the addition of at least one element to the machined workpiece.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 4 wherein said assembly operation further includes the step of interjoining said workpiece and said element.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
59 words
A method of manufacturing, comprising; supporting a non-captive machining tool in a non-captive bearing defining a working axis intersecting a workpiece, infeeding said tool along said axis relative to said bearing and machining said workpiece, interchanging a non-captive assembly tool with said machining tool, infeeding said assembly tool along said axis and performing an assembly operation of said workpiece.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
59 words
A method of manufacturing, comprising; supporting a non-captive machining tool in a non-captive bearing defining a working axis intersecting a workpiece, infeeding said tool along said axis relative to said bearing and machining said workpiece, interchanging a non-captive assembly tool with said machining tool, infeeding said assembly tool along said axis and performing an assembly operation of said workpiece.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-03-26 | 1976-09-25 | 1977-03-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-03-26 | 1980-09-25 | 1981-03-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-03-26 | 1984-09-25 | 1985-03-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |