The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 12, 1993
Filed:
Oct. 01, 1992
Gary Tolocko, Milton, WI (US);
Giddings & Lewis, Inc., Fond du Lac, WI (US);
Abstract
An automatic framing system comprises at least one framing station located along a path. Workpiece carrying pallets are propelled along the path by draw bars. At each framing station, a critical lift lifts the workpiece from the pallet to a work station. The critical lift comprises a first lift mechanism for raising a frame located under the workpiece from a lowered position remote from the workpiece to an intermediate position proximate the workpiece. A second lift mechanism raises the frame from the intermediate position to a third position to contact and lift the workpiece from the pallet to the work station. Side gates pivot between open and closed configurations about respective horizontal axes located near the critical lift. The critical lift frame interlocks with the closed side gates when the frame is in its third position When in the closed configuration, tooling within the side gates clamps the workpiece at the work station. The workpiece is then welded or otherwise processed by suitable equipment at the framing station.