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:
Jul. 06, 1999
Filed:
May. 08, 1997
Dennis M Pumphrey, Torrance, CA (US);
Excellon Automation, Co., Torrance, CA (US);
Abstract
In a tool changer system comprising one or more tool grippers together with a pressure foot insert change pod supported on a U-V slide which is independent of the machine work table. The slide services a tool magazine mounted on the machine tool in close proximity to the work table. Because the tool changer is independent of the machine table, the selection and retrieval of the next tool to be used is performed while the machine tool is working in a work cycle. Similarly, the replacement of the used tool back into its storage location is also performed while the machine tool is working. Exchange of the pressure foot insert is also done as part of the tool change process in part during the tool change work cycle. Time is saved because the machine tool work need not be interrupted and the machine tool table need not be moved to accommodate the tool change. In addition, adjustment of tool tip positioning may also be accomplished off line during the machine tool cycle by control of a tool gripper with multiple positions which allows the tool to be dropped to an adjustment pad and gripped at a known distance. When the tool is ultimately inserted into the spindle the position of the tip of the tool is known with precision.