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US 4,901,412 AGranted
Apparatus for moving pallets in automated machine tool assemblies
AssigneeTri-Way Machine Ltd.
InventorJoel W. Jones
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An automated machine tool assembly has a plurality of work stations between which pallets with workpieces mounted on them can be moved for the performing of various machine tool operations on the workpieces. The pallets slide on slide rails, and during their movement an upward force is exerted on the pallets which is sufficient to reduce the frictional drag between the pallets and the slide rails, but is insufficient to lift the pallets off the slide rails.
Claims5
An automated machine tool assembly comprising:
- a plurality of work stations,
- slide rails connecting the work stations in a serial manner,
- at least one pallet on which a workpiece can be mounted so that various machine tool operations can be performed on the workpiece at the different work stations, the pallet being slidable on top of the slide rails,
- transfer bar means adjacent and parallel to the slide rails, the transfer bar means having engagement means for engaging said at least one pallet and being slidable longitudinally of the slide rails to move said at least one pallet between work stations,
- means for moving the transfer bar means longitudinally of the slide rails,
- and lift means for applying an upward force against said at least one pallet which is sufficient to reduce frictional drag between the pallet and the slide rails but is insufficient to lift the pallet off the slide rails.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.