Part processing apparatus with detachable parts holder
AssigneeEngineered Abrasives, Inc.
InventorMichael J. Wern
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present disclosure includes a shaft and spindle assembly for retaining a part in a part processing assembly. The part is retained on the shaft via a downward force from a part hold-down assembly. The shaft is retained in the spindle assembly that is coupled to a turntable of the part processing assembly. The shaft includes an annular step that abuts against a portion of the spindle assembly to block downward movement of the shaft when the downward force is applied. In this way, the part is retained in a precise location relative to processing nozzles of the part processing assembly even after multiple parts are held down by the part hold-down assembly and processed.
Claims5
A part processing apparatus, comprising:
- a turntable;
- at least one spindle assembly coupled to the turntable, wherein the turntable is operable to move the at least one spindle assembly through a part processing path;
- a slotted shaft coupled to the spindle assembly, wherein the at least one spindle assembly is operable to rotate the slotted shaft as the spindle assembly moves throughout the part processing path and a slot of the slotted shaft is adapted to receive a securement member;
- a parts holder adapted to hold a part as the spindle assembly moves through the part processing path;
- and
- a coupling mechanism comprising a base plate and the securement member, wherein the base plate is attached to a bottom end of the parts holder, includes an opening to receive the slotted shaft, and is adapted to removably attach the parts holder to the slotted shaft by engaging the securement member with the slot of the slotted shaft, the securement member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.