Self-centering stock support
AssigneeMcNeilus Truck and Manufacturing, Inc.
InventorTracy L. Schrafel
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A mounting stock support or support jig assembly is disclosed for use in the manufacture of large, symmetrical hollow welded metal vessels having openings in one end, particularly exemplified by conventional hollow concrete mixing drums for transit concrete mixing trucks. The device is fully mechanized and automatically centers a cradled drum or other vessel for turning or rotation in the cradle and completion of welding assembly and other tasks requiring accurate centered rotation of the vessel such as machining roller tracks.
Claims12
A self-centering stock support or support jig for use in processing large symmetrical hollow vessels that have a central opening at one end including drums for transit concrete mixing trucks comprising:
- (a) a central shaft assembly;
- (b) an expandable grabber assembly mounted on said central shaft including a substantially round head plate carrying an array of radially distributed, radially extendable vessel-grabbing fingers operable in unison to center and retain a vessel about said shaft using said opening;
- (c) a mounting system for retaining and enabling the rotation of said support jig assembly with rotation of said central shaft assembly;
- and
- (d) a mechanized finger operating system for extending and retracting said grabbing fingers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.