US3882991A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Loading mechanism for a machine tool
Assignee: Acme Precision Products Inc
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Filing: 1973-01-12
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Granted: 1975-05-13
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Expires: 1993-01-12
Abstract
Abstract A loading mechanism for loading successive work pieces into successive work holders while the work holdings move continuously toward and through a fixed position machine tool. The loading mechanism is fixed in position relative to the machine tool and positions the raw work pieces by clamping in the work holders, so as to insure proper location of the work piece for finishing. The loading and clamping mechanisms are coordinated with the continuous movement of the work holders by interrelated camming devices.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph P Chayka
- 👤 David J Cartner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 02:00
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23Q; B23Q7/00; B23Q7/10; B23Q7/106; B23Q7/16
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
264 words
A machine tool having a plurality of workpiece holding pallets, means for moving the pallets sequentially past a fixed raw workpiece loading station and past at least one workpiece working position at a controlled substantially constant rate; each of the workpiece holding pallets having a first fixed jaw and a second moveable jaw defining a recess to receive the workpiece; the second jaw being moveable relative to the first jaw in a direction parallel to and opposite the direction of pallet movement; the improvement comprising loading means at the loading station for holding workpieces and adapted for moving a workpiece normal to the direction of movement of a movement of a pallet; first cam-actuated means responsive to the position of a pallet for causing the loading means to insert a workpiece into the work receiving recess of a pallet while that pallet is passing the loading station; second cam-actuated means responsive to the position of the pallet for moving the second jaw toward the first jaw while the pallet is passing the loading station; the second jaw includes guide means on the face thereof adjacent the first jaw to restrain lateral movement of the workpiece and to properly position the workpiece when clamped between the jaws; the first and second cam-actuated means being coordinated so that the workpiece initially enters the work receiving recess close to the second jaw and the workpiece remains close to the second jaw throughout the time that the recess between the two clamping jaws is being reduced by movement of the pallet to a clamping engagement with the workpiece.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
264 words
A machine tool having a plurality of workpiece holding pallets, means for moving the pallets sequentially past a fixed raw workpiece loading station and past at least one workpiece working position at a controlled substantially constant rate; each of the workpiece holding pallets having a first fixed jaw and a second moveable jaw defining a recess to receive the workpiece; the second jaw being moveable relative to the first jaw in a direction parallel to and opposite the direction of pallet movement; the improvement comprising loading means at the loading station for holding workpieces and adapted for moving a workpiece normal to the direction of movement of a movement of a pallet; first cam-actuated means responsive to the position of a pallet for causing the loading means to insert a workpiece into the work receiving recess of a pallet while that pallet is passing the loading station; second cam-actuated means responsive to the position of the pallet for moving the second jaw toward the first jaw while the pallet is passing the loading station; the second jaw includes guide means on the face thereof adjacent the first jaw to restrain lateral movement of the workpiece and to properly position the workpiece when clamped between the jaws; the first and second cam-actuated means being coordinated so that the workpiece initially enters the work receiving recess close to the second jaw and the workpiece remains close to the second jaw throughout the time that the recess between the two clamping jaws is being reduced by movement of the pallet to a clamping engagement with the workpiece.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
255 words
A machine tool having a plurality of workpiece holding pallets, means for moving the pallets sequentially past a fixed raw workpiece loading station and past at least one workpiece working position at a controlled substantially constant rate; each of the workpiece holding pallets having a first fixed jaw and a second moveable jaw defining a recess to receive the workpiece; the second jaw being moveable relative to the first jaw in a direction parallel to and opposite the direction of pallet movement; the improvement comprising loading means at the loading station for holding workpieces and adapted for moving a workpiece normal to the direction of movement of a pallet; first cam-actuated means responsive to the position of a pallet for causing the loading means to insert a workpiece into the work receiving recess of a pallet while that pallet is passing the loading station; a plurality of vertically spaced support arms are actuated by the first cam means to progressively move a workpiece downwardly into the recess of a pallet; second cam-actuated means responsive to the position of the pallet for moving the second jaw toward the first jaw while the pallet is passing the loading station; the first and second cam-actuated means being coordinated so that the workpiece initially enters the work receiving recess close to the second jaw and the workpiece remains close to the second jaw throughout the time that the recess between the two clamping jaws is being reduced by movement of the pallet to a clamping engagement with the workpiece.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
255 words
A machine tool having a plurality of workpiece holding pallets, means for moving the pallets sequentially past a fixed raw workpiece loading station and past at least one workpiece working position at a controlled substantially constant rate; each of the workpiece holding pallets having a first fixed jaw and a second moveable jaw defining a recess to receive the workpiece; the second jaw being moveable relative to the first jaw in a direction parallel to and opposite the direction of pallet movement; the improvement comprising loading means at the loading station for holding workpieces and adapted for moving a workpiece normal to the direction of movement of a pallet; first cam-actuated means responsive to the position of a pallet for causing the loading means to insert a workpiece into the work receiving recess of a pallet while that pallet is passing the loading station; a plurality of vertically spaced support arms are actuated by the first cam means to progressively move a workpiece downwardly into the recess of a pallet; second cam-actuated means responsive to the position of the pallet for moving the second jaw toward the first jaw while the pallet is passing the loading station; the first and second cam-actuated means being coordinated so that the workpiece initially enters the work receiving recess close to the second jaw and the workpiece remains close to the second jaw throughout the time that the recess between the two clamping jaws is being reduced by movement of the pallet to a clamping engagement with the workpiece.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A machine tool according to claim 2 wherein guide means maintain a workpiece in an upright posture during downward loading movement.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2830712A
Cited
US2684800A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-05-12 | 1978-11-11 | 1979-05-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-05-12 | 1982-11-11 | 1983-05-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-05-12 | 1986-11-11 | 1987-05-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |