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:
Dec. 29, 1998
Filed:
May. 08, 1997
John F Hern, Jasper, MO (US);
Kevin T Smith, Lamar, MO (US);
O'Sullivan Industries, Lamar, MO (US);
Abstract
A vacuum pod system for supporting a workpiece. A work table is provided with a shouldered opening formed therein in communication with a vacuum source. A pod is provided having a first longitudinal portion of a first outside diameter which seats on the shoulder in the opening, and a second longitudinal portion for supporting the workpiece, the second portion having a second outside diameter unequal to the first diameter. A passageway extends through the pod for providing communication between the first and second portions so that when the workpiece is supported on the second portion, a vacuum generated by the vacuum source creates a suction force which secures the workpiece to the pod.