Workpiece positioning table

Abstract

A workpiece positioning table includes a generally channel-shaped base member having a bottom web element and a pair of laterally spaced side wall elements projecting upwardly therefrom. At least one of the side wall elements is pre-tensioned so as to possess a spring force tending to deflect such side wall element inwardly towards the other of the side wall elements. A V-shaped notch is formed in the inner face of each side wall at a location above the bottom web element and in vertical alignment with each other. Each such notch extends lengthwise of the side wall, desirably to be coextensive therewith, and is heat-treated to a hardness greater than that of the adjacent surfaces of the side wall. The positioning table includes a carriage member carried by the base for reciprocatory movement between the side walls thereof. A V-shaped notch is formed in each of the opposed outer edges of the carriage side walls, such notches extending lengthwise of the carriage member and being located in vertically aligned relation with each other. The V-notches in the carriage are also heat-treated to a hardness greater than that of the adjacent surfaces of the carriage side walls. Sets of cross-mounted roller elements are positioned within the aligned and corresponding notches of the carriage and base members so as to rollably mount the carriage on the side walls of the base member. Driving means are provided for reciprocably moving the carriage, and a mechanism is provided for determining the extent of linear movement of the carriage. The pre-tensioned side wall construction of the base member thus serves to maintain alignment of the carriage within the ways which comprise the cooperating notches of the carriage and base members.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.