Gimbal assembly for six axis machine tool
AssigneeGiddings & Lewis, Inc.
InventorsPaul C. Sheldon, Edward E. Kirkham
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A pivotable joint usable, for instance, with a multi-legged machine tool, is disclosed. The basic design of the joint includes a central block to which is connected a first yoke pivotably mounted for motion about one axis. A second yoke is also pivotably mounted to the central block for motion about a second axis. The central block includes an opening extending therethrough between two surfaces, and the cross-sectional area of the opening decreases towards the central region of the block. This type of opening permits the use of an extensible mounting leg having a rod that moves through the opening during pivoting of the joint.
Claims20
A pivotable joint, comprising:
- a central block;
- a first yoke pivotably connected to the central block for pivotable motion about a first axis;
- and
- a second yoke pivotably connected to the central block for pivotable motion about a second axis, wherein the central block includes an opening having a cross-sectional area and extending therethrough between a first surface and a second surface, the cross-sectional area of the opening decreasing from the first surface and the second surface towards a region located between the first surface and the second surface, wherein the opening is oblong at the first surface and the second surface.
A gimbal assembly, comprising:
- an extensible member including a rigid outer housing, a rod configured to move therethrough, and a mechanism to move the outer housing with respect to the rod;
- a center member having a hole configured to receive the rod therethrough;
- a first mounting member rigidly connected to the outer housing and pivotably connected to the center member for pivotable motion about a first axis;
- and
- a second mounting member pivotably connected to the center member for pivotable motion about a second axis, wherein the hole is configured to allow pivotable motion of the rod about the first axis while the center member remains rotationally stationary with respect to the first axis.
A pivotable joint assembly configured for connection between two machine components, at least one of which is movable, the pivotable joint assembly comprising:
- an extensible leg member including a rod, a stationary platform connected to the rod, a movable outer housing configured to fit about the rod and to move in an axial direction along the rod, and a mechanism to move the outer housing with respect to the rod;
- a first pivotable joint including a center member having a hole configured to receive the rod therethrough;
- a first mounting member rigidly connected to the movable outer housing and pivotably connected to the center member for pivotable motion about a first axis;
- a second mounting member pivotably connected to the center member for pivotable motion about a second axis, wherein the hole is configured to allow pivotable motion of the rod about the first axis while the center member remains rotationally stationary with respect to the first axis;
- and
- a second pivotable joint connected to the stationary platform.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.