US3863394A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for machining work pieces
Assignee: Speedfam Corp
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Filing: 1974-02-04
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Granted: 1975-02-04
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Expires: 1994-02-04
Abstract
Abstract The apparatus defines at least two work stations, at one of which is disposed an abrading machine having an operating surface, and between which carrier means is reciprocally movable. Power actuated means on the carrier means selectively serves to raise and lower at least one work piece, to transfer the work piece from one work station to the other, and to forcibly urge the work piece against the operating surface.
Inventors
- 👤 Raymond E Dumentat
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 21:47
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23P; B23P23/00; B23P23/06; B23P23/04; B23Q; B23Q7/00; B23Q7/003; B23Q7/14; B23Q7/1426; B24; B24B; B24B27/00; B24B27/0023; B24B7/00; B24B7/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
168 words
Apparatus for finishing the surface of work pieces and defining at least two horizontally spaced apart work stations, comprising a rotatable member with a horizontal operating surface disposed at one of said work stations for engagement by work pieces, carrier means movable horizontally above said two work stations, means for reciprocally moving said carrier means between said two work stations, at least one horizontally disposed plate means to which at least one work piece is adapted to be secured on the underside thereof, vertically disposed power actuated means carried by said carrier means for selectively raising and lowering said plate means, said power actuated means selectively serving to transfer said plate means and work piece secured thereto from one of said work stations to the other of said work stations upon movement of said carrier means, and said power actuated means selectively serving to apply downward pressure on said plate means to forcibly urge the work piece secured thereto against said horizontal operating surface of said rotatable member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
168 words
Apparatus for finishing the surface of work pieces and defining at least two horizontally spaced apart work stations, comprising a rotatable member with a horizontal operating surface disposed at one of said work stations for engagement by work pieces, carrier means movable horizontally above said two work stations, means for reciprocally moving said carrier means between said two work stations, at least one horizontally disposed plate means to which at least one work piece is adapted to be secured on the underside thereof, vertically disposed power actuated means carried by said carrier means for selectively raising and lowering said plate means, said power actuated means selectively serving to transfer said plate means and work piece secured thereto from one of said work stations to the other of said work stations upon movement of said carrier means, and said power actuated means selectively serving to apply downward pressure on said plate means to forcibly urge the work piece secured thereto against said horizontal operating surface of said rotatable member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said power actuated means includes engagement means selectively operable to engage and disengage said plate means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
132 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a plurality of horizontally spaced apart work stations are defined, at least two rotatable members with horizontal operating surfaces are disposed at two of said work stations for engagement by work pieces, said carrier means is movable horizontally above said plurality of work stations, at least two vertically disposed power actuated means are carried by said carrier means and include engagement means selectively operable to engage and disengage said plate means, one of said power actuated means serves to transfer said plate means and work piece secured thereto from one work station to a second work station, and the other of said power actuated means serves to transfer said plate means and work piece secured thereto from said second work station to a third work station.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
58 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said work stations are arranged in a straight line, said carrier means is movable rectilinearly above said work stations, said means for moving said carrier means effects reciprocal movement of the latter in periodic strokes with brief dwell periods, and said power actuated means each comprise a fluid piston and cylinder assembly.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
81 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said carrier means comprises a plurality of sections which number one less than the number of work stations, at least one pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly is carried by each of said sections, each of said pneumatic assemblies includes engagement means selectively operable to engage and disengage said plate means, and said pneumatic assemblies sequentially serve to transfer said plate means and work piece secured thereto from one work station to the next work station.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
92 words
The apparatus of claim 5 including a group of pneumatic piston and cylinder assemblies carried by each of said sections, and a group of plate means to each of which at least one work piece is adapted to be secured on the underside thereof; and wherein each of said pneumatic assemblies includes engagement means selectively operable to engage and disengage said plate means, and said groups of pneumatic assemblies sequentially serve to transfer said group of plate means and work pieces secured thereto from one work station to the next work station.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 6 including indexing means for positively locating the groups of pneumatic assemblies at the work stations where said rotatable members are disposed.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said indexing means comprises at least one power actuated plunger selectively engageable with said carrier means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein each of said plate means includes an elevated collar, and each of said engagement means comprises latch means releasably engageable with one of said elevated collars.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein a plurality of horizontally spaced apart work stations including a loading station and an unloading station are defined, and a conveyor system extends between said unloading station and said loading station for returning plate means from said unloading station to said loading station.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
100 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said conveyor system comprises first conveyor means at said unloading station, second conveyor means at said loading station at the same level as said first conveyor means, third conveyor means extending between said unloading and loading stations beneath the level of said first and second conveyor means, first elevator means for lowering plate means from the level of said first conveyor means to the level of said third conveyor means, and second elevator means for raising plate means from the level of said third conveyor means to the level of said second conveyor means.
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) | 1978-02-03 | 1978-08-05 | 1979-02-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-03 | 1982-08-05 | 1983-02-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-03 | 1986-08-05 | 1987-02-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |