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US 2025/0058416 A1Published application
Selectively-Engageable Fluid-Connection System for CNC Spindle-Mounted Gripper Background
OwnerMichael Gimbelinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention pertains to a selectively-engageable fluid-connection system designed for CNC spindle-mounted fluid-actuated gripping devices. The system features a bypass block affixed to the CNC machine, allowing for reliable and efficient coupling/decoupling with the spindle. A specialized fluid connection engages and disengages as the gripper assembly interacts with the spindle. This innovation comprises a tapered cone fluid tube or hemispherical configuration for optimal fluid flow.
Claims20
A selectively-engageable fluid-connection system for a CNC spindle-mounted gripping device, comprising:
- a bypass block configured to be mounted on a CNC machine;
- a spindle-mounted gripping-device assembly adapted to be coupled to and decoupled from a spindle of the CNC machine;
- and a fluid connection between the bypass block and the spindle gripping device assembly, wherein the fluid connection is configured to engage when the spindle gripping device assembly is coupled to the spindle and disengage when the spindle gripping device assembly is decoupled from the spindle;
- wherein the spindle gripping device assembly is actuated by a fluid flowing through the fluid connection between the bypass block and the spindle gripper assembly.
1 more element
A CNC machine tool system comprising:
- a spindle configured to receive a tool holder;
- a tool changing apparatus adapted to automatically couple and decouple tool holders to and from the spindle;
- a spindle gripper assembly configured as a tool holder to be coupled to and decoupled from the spindle by the tool changing apparatus;
- a bypass block mounted on the CNC machine tool;
- and a fluid connection between the bypass block and the spindle gripper assembly, the fluid connection configured to engage when the spindle gripper assembly is coupled to the spindle and disengage when the spindle gripper assembly is decoupled from the spindle;
- wherein the spindle gripper assembly includes a gripper actuated by a fluid flowing through the fluid connection between the bypass block and the spindle gripper assembly.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.