Method and apparatus for transporting workpieces
AssigneeCommonwealth Scientific Corporation
InventorGaines W. Monk
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for transporting workpieces during surface altering treatment in which each workpiece is mounted on a holder which moves along a guide slot forming a non-circular, closed path. A double sprocket chain extending along one side of the slot engages a gear of each workholder for moving the holders along the slot as the double chain is driven. A second chain on the other side of the slot also engages the gear to rotate the holders as they move along the slot. Links connect the holders and cover the portions of the slot not covered by the upper surfaces of the holders on which the workpieces rest. The workpieces are thus uniformly treated, for example, coated.
Claims14
An apparatus for transporting workpieces along a closed, non-circular path in a treatment chamber for treatment which alters a surface of the workpieces, comprising:
- a plurality of workholders for each mounting at least one workpiece;
- means defining said closed non-circular path for guiding movement of said workholders along said path including a base plate along which said workholders slide in direct contact with said plate for effective heat transfer;
- means for controlling the temperature of said base plate;
- and
- means for engaging said workholders to drive said workholders along said path and rotating each of said workholders about its axis during movement along said path so that all of the workpieces follow the same path and are treated identically.
A method of transporting workpieces during treatment which alters a surface of the workpieces, comprising:
- mounting at least one workpiece on each of a plurality of workholders connected together for movement along a closed non-circular path;
- moving said workholders along said path while sliding on a base plate in direct contact therewith for effective heat transfer;
- rotating each of said workholders about its axis during movement along said path;
- and
- controlling the temperature of said base plate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.