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US 4,978,263 AGranted
Slot forming apparatus
OwnerPeter H. Sheppardinventor
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OwnerPeter H. Sheppardinventor
Estimating the term…
An apparatus for forming a slot in a workpiece is disclosed. A variable radius crank, driven by a generating head assembly imparts a reciprocating/oscillating motion to a connecting rod. The distal end of an extension of the rod includes a tool for machining the slot. The connecting rod is mounted in a reciprocable slide and is retained therein by a transverse pin. The slide translates the motion of the connecting rod to a substantially elliptical tool motion. Thus, the tool cuts a substantially elliptical slot in the workpiece. The profile of the slot can be passively modified by selection of a different ratio of the connecting rod to the extension. A computerized control system with a programmable controller governs the operation of the generating head assembly (and thus the crank throw) to actively modify the shape and length of the slot. The control system can also be utilized to further vary the throw of the crank to provide other functional modifications to the operation, such as providing additional clearance for the return stroke of the tool.
An apparatus for cutting a slot in a workpiece, comprising:
An apparatus for cutting a slot in a workpiece, comprising:
An apparatus for cutting a slot in a workpiece, comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.