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:
Aug. 17, 1999
Filed:
Feb. 18, 1997
William J Gerding, Cadillac, MI (US);
Jack N Rabun, Jr, Cadillac, MI (US);
Wedin International, Inc., Cadillac, MI (US);
Abstract
The invention relates to a device for performing contouring operations on a three-dimensional member, such as boat hulls, decks and molds. The device comprises a first frame and a second frame wherein the second frame is movably mounted to the first frame. A robotic arm is movably mounted to the second frame whereby a distal end of the arm is positionable in three dimensions with respect to the member. The distal end of the arm is adapted to carry a tool thereon. The structure of the first frame defines a pair of working chambers therein and a passageway so that the arm can travel therebetween. A controller is interconnected to the arm and the first and second frames for controlling the position of the second frame with respect to the first frame, the arm with respect to the second frame, and the distal end of the arm with respect to the arm. The tool on the arm can thereby be positioned to abut the member and perform contouring operations thereon.