Bi-directional actuator for working tool
AssigneeDesign Systems, Inc.
InventorsCraig E. Pfarr, Michael J. Wierman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An actuator apparatus (10) includes a transverse support structure (14) for guiding a transverse carriage (16) therealong, with the carriage being powered by a remotely located rotational actuator (20) through an endless belt (80) secured to the carriage (16). A second carriage (26) moves along a longitudinal support structure (24) cantilevered transversely from carriage (16). The second carriage is powered by a remotely located second rotational actuator (28) acting through a second endless belt (150). A working tool (30) is mounted on the second carriage (26) for high speed bi-directional movement.
Claims24
An apparatus for supporting and moving a working apparatus, comprising;
- (a) a first carriage;
- (b) a first carriage support structure for supporting and guiding the first carriage for movement along the first support structure;
- (c) a drive system for moving die first carriage along the first support structure;
- (d) a second carriage support structure supported and carried by the first carriage;
- (e) a second carriage adapted to ride along the second carriage support structure, the working apparatus carried by the second carriage;
- and
- (f) wherein the drive system also moves the second carriage along the second support structure, the drive system comprising:
- (1) a motive system for the first and second carriages, the motive system positioned at a location remote from both the first and second;
- carriages and from both the first and, second support structures;
- and
- (2) a drive train interconnecting the second carriage with the remotely located motive system of the drive system said drive train comprising a line element to transmit motive force from the remotely located motive system to the second carriage to move the second carriage along the second support structure.
An apparatus for carrying out work on a workpiece by operation of a work tool, comprising:
- (a) a conveyor for advancing the workpiece;
- (b) a first carriage;
- (c) a first support structure for supporting and guiding the first carriage for directional movement of the first carriage relative to the conveyor;
- (d) a second carriage for carrying the working tool;
- (e) a second support structure mounted on the first carriage to support and guide the second carriage for movement in the direction generally perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the first carriage;
- and
- (f) a drive system for moving the first carriage along the first support structure and for moving the second carriage along the second support structure, the drive system comprising:
- (1) a motive system disposed at a location remote from both the first and second carriages and also remote from both the first and second support structures;
- and
- (2) a drive train system comprising line means interconnecting the motive system with the first carriage and interconnecting the motive system with the second carriage.
An apparatus for cutting a moving workpiece, comprising:
- (a) a conveyor for advancing the workpiece;
- (b) a first carriage;
- (c) a first track structure located adjacent the conveyor, the first track structure adapted to support and guide the first carriage for directional travel relative to the first conveyor;
- (d) a second carriage;
- (e) a cutter mountable on the second carriage;
- (f) a second track structure mounted on the first carriage to support and guide the second carriage for movement in a direction generally transversely to the direction of travel of the first carriage;
- and
- (g) a drive system for moving the first carriage along the first track structure and for moving the second carriage along the second track structure, the drive system comprising:
- at least one torque-generating motor disposed at a location remote from both the first and second carriages and remote from both the first and second track structures;
- and
- a drive belt system to interconnect the at least one motor with the first carriage and to interconnect the at least one motor with the second carriage.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.