US3927909A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for transporting and adjusting rotative workpieces
Assignee: Carl Schenck AG
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Filing: 1974-09-23
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Granted: 1975-12-23
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Expires: 1994-09-23
Abstract
Abstract This apparatus for transporting and adjusting the position of a rotatable longitudinal, flexible workpiece such as a transmission shaft or the like, includes a pair of gripping means positioned to hold and reinforce the ends of the workpiece. The gripping means comprise a pair of grippers defining an internal contour conforming to the external shape of the ends of the workpiece being held, for example, the ends may be universal joints secured to a shaft. The gripping means are supported by telescoping cross support arms extending parallel to the rotative workpiece and adjustable along a common longitudinal axis to avoid applying any bending moments to the workpiece.
Inventors
- 👤 Heinrich Hack
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 20:38
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G47/00; B65G47/74; B65G47/90
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
An apparatus for handling and precisely positioning long, flexible workpieces or workpieces with portions which are pivotable relative to each other so that their longituDinal alignment is necessary for said positioning, comprising a rigid frame structure, first and second horizontally extending cross support arms having a common longitudinal axis and arranged to telescope one within the other, means movably securing said support arms to said frame structure, said securing means including rigid guide means for said cross support arms to keep said arms in longitudinal alignment with each other, said cross support arms having free ends longitudinally aligned with each other, and gripping tongs operatively secured to said aligned free ends of the cross support arms, whereby a longitudinally effective aligning force may be applied to said workpiece by simultaneously gripping said workpiece at both of its ends, and then extending said support arms longitudinally outwardly.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
146 words
An apparatus for handling and precisely positioning long, flexible workpieces or workpieces with portions which are pivotable relative to each other so that their longituDinal alignment is necessary for said positioning, comprising a rigid frame structure, first and second horizontally extending cross support arms having a common longitudinal axis and arranged to telescope one within the other, means movably securing said support arms to said frame structure, said securing means including rigid guide means for said cross support arms to keep said arms in longitudinal alignment with each other, said cross support arms having free ends longitudinally aligned with each other, and gripping tongs operatively secured to said aligned free ends of the cross support arms, whereby a longitudinally effective aligning force may be applied to said workpiece by simultaneously gripping said workpiece at both of its ends, and then extending said support arms longitudinally outwardly.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said gripping tongs have an inner contour corresponding to the outer contour of the workpiece at the point where the tongs grip the workpiece.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein force sensor means are arranged in said tongs for sensing the pressure between the tongs and the workpiece.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising tong operating means (52) operatively responsive to said sensor means to limit said pressure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, for use in a balancing machine including workpiece support means, comprising sensor means arranged to sense the position of a workpiece relative to the workpiece support means of said balancing machine.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
79 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said rigid guide means for said cross support arms comprise a tubular member rigidly secured to said frame structure, at least two pairs of guide rollers secured for rotation in said tubular member, and a guide rod rigidly secured to one of said cross support arms in such a position that the guide rod is held between said pairs of guide rollers at spaced points for movement relative to said tubular member.
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) | 1978-12-22 | 1979-06-23 | 1979-12-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-12-22 | 1983-06-23 | 1983-12-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-12-22 | 1987-06-23 | 1987-12-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |