US 6,722,020 B2 · Workpiece table assembly

Abstract

A workpiece table assembly is configured to hold a plurality of workpieces (e.g. conductive strands) so that the workpieces can be modified (e.g. bent). In one embodiment, the workpiece table assembly advantageously comprises a table, a saddle, a lift mechanism, and a die. The saddle is advantageously recessed below the table and raised or lowered by the lift mechanism. The table advantageously has a top surface with holes adapted to accept quick-release pins from a step-off board. The step-off board also has notches to accept and position the strands for die pressing. In one exemplary operation, the step-off board is used to stagger the strands over the down-positioned saddle. The saddle is then raised by the lift mechanism and the die placed within the saddle on top of the strands. A force is applied to the die to bend the strands.

Claims26

Dependent claims

A workpiece table assembly, comprising:

a table having a surface adapted to support at least one workpiece;
a unitary saddle adapted to be movable between a first position and a second position, the first position having at least a portion of the saddle recessed below the surface of the table and the second position having at least a portion of the saddle raised above the surface of the table, the saddle further adapted to hold at least a portion of the workpiece within the saddle;
a die adapted to apply a pressure onto the workpiece within the paddle sufficient to modify the workpiece;
and
a step-off board having at least one workpiece portion holder positioned at a desired location along the step-off board, each workpiece portion holder sized and configured to at least partially accept a portion of the workpiece and position the workpiece on the table.

2 more elements

A workpiece table assembly, comprising:

a table having a surface adapted to support at least one workpiece and having a plurality of table mating elements;
a saddle adapted to be movable between a first position and a second position, the first position having at least a portion of the saddle recessed below the surface of the table and the second position having at least a portion of the saddle raised above the surface of the table, the saddle further adapted to hold the workpiece within the saddle;
a die adapted to apply a pressure onto the workpiece within the saddle sufficient to modify the workpiece;
and
a step-off board having at least one workpiece portion holder positioned at a desired location along the step-off board, each workpiece portion holder sized and configured to at least partially accept a portion of the workpiece and position the workpiece on the table, and the step-off board having a plurality of step-off board mating elements sized and configured to mate with the table mating elements.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Workpiece table assembly

Life of this patent

Workpiece table assembly

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims26