Compliant workholder for machinery
OwnerDarryl D. Kimmel, Donald L. Hildredinventors
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A compliant workholder for use with woodworking, metalworking, or other machinery which pushes against a workpiece with substantially constant pressure while moving in and out to accommodate variation in the size of the workpiece. Preferably, the workholder uses a feather board mounted on one or more sliding guide rods. Rollers, a low friction shoe, or other elements may also be used to contact the workpiece. A pneumatic cylinder is the preferred mechanism for applying outward pressure to the feather board. The workholder will retract on activation of a momentary switch by the user and will remain retracted for an adjustable time period to allow positioning of the workpiece.
Claims20
A compliant workholder for use with a machine having a table which supports a workpiece, the workholder comprising:
- (a) a frame adapted to attach to the machine table;
- (b) at least one guide rod slidably attached to said frame;
- (c) a head attached to the distal end of said guide rod;
- and
- (d) means for urging said head outward against the workpiece with substantially constant pressure.
A compliant workholder for use with a machine having a table which supports a workpiece, the workholder comprising:
- (a) a frame adapted to attach to the machine table;
- (b) at least one guide rod slidably attached to said frame;
- (c) a head attached to the distal end of said guide rod;
- (d) an extension mechanism to urge said head outward against the workpiece with substantially constant pressure when activated;
- (e) a retraction mechanism, to retract said head inward proximate said frame, when activated;
- and
- (f) a control device, responsive to an operator input by activating said retracting mechanism, and activating said extension mechanism in the absence of said user input.
A compliant workholder for use with a machine having a table and a workpiece guide, the workholder comprising:
- (a) a frame adapted to attach to the machine table;
- (b) at least one guide rod slidably attached to said frame;
- (c) a head attached to the distal end of said guide rod;
- (d) a double acting pneumatic piston, mounted to said frame and acting on said head to cause it to extend outward toward the workpiece guide and retract inward proximate said frame;
- (e) a control valve, regulating air flow to said pneumatic piston whereby said piston retracts when said valve is activated and extends when said valve is inactive;
- and
- (f) at least one momentary switch coupled to said control valve whereby said valve is activated when said switch is pressed;
- (g) an air coupling, adapted to be connected to an external air source and providing the air to said piston and said control valve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.