Shaping apparatus
OwnerMichael Langenbachinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A shaping apparatus for shaping a flotation core includes a worktable. At least one support is adjustably mounted on the worktable to be adjustable at least along a z-axis and configured to support the core. At least one engagement mechanism is mounted on the worktable and is displaceable relative to the worktable to engage and retain the core in position on the worktable. A gantry supports a rotary shaping machine so that a tool of the machine rotates in a y-z plane. The worktable and the gantry are displaceable relative to each other along x-, y- and z-axes. A displacement mechanism displaces the worktable and the gantry relative to each other on receipt of suitable control signals.
Claims22
A shaping apparatus for shaping a flotation core, the shaping apparatus including
- a worktable;
- at least one support that is adjustably mounted on the worktable to be adjustable at least along a Z-axis and configured to support the core;
- at least one engagement mechanism that is mounted on the worktable and is displaceable relative to the worktable to engage and retain the core in position on the worktable;
- a gantry for supporting a rotary shaping machine so that a tool of the machine rotates in a Y-Z plane, the worktable and the gantry being displaceable relative to each other along X-, Y- and Z-axes;
- and
- a displacement mechanism for displacing the worktable and the gantry relative to each other on receipt of suitable control signals.
A worktable for a shaping apparatus for shaping a flotation core, the worktable including
- a support structure;
- at least one support that is adjustably mounted on the support structure to be adjustable at least along a Z-axis and configured to support the core;
- and
- at least one vacuum cup assembly that is mounted on the support structure and is displaceable relative to the support structure at least along the Z-axis such that a vacuum cup of the, or each, vacuum cup assembly engages the core while the core is positioned on the, or each, support.
A method of shaping a flotation core, the method including the steps of:
- supporting the core against gravity on supports extending from a worktable;
- adjusting a position of the core relative to the worktable;
- securing the core in position on the worktable;
- and
- performing a material-removing operation on the core by rotating a shaping tool in a Y-Z plane, while displacing the core relative to a tool along at least the X-axis.
A method of securing a flotation core for a shaping operation to be carried out on the core, the method including the steps of:
- positioning the core on supports that are adjustable with respect to a worktable of a shaping apparatus;
- and
- subsequently displacing at least one vacuum cup assembly with respect to the worktable such that a vacuum cup of the vacuum cup assembly engages the core.
A new shaping apparatus for shaping a flotation core, substantially as described herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
A new worktable for a shaping apparatus for shaping a flotation core, substantially as described herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
A new method of shaping a flotation core, substantially as described herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
A new method of securing a flotation core for a shaping operation to be carried out on the flotation core, substantially as described herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.