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:
Jun. 05, 2001
Filed:
Mar. 03, 1999
Helmut Hebener, Frankfurt, DE;
Jeffrey M. Warth, Mars, PA (US);
Chick Workholding Solutions, Inc., Warrendale, PA (US);
Abstract
An indexing apparatus for selectively indexing a payload about an axis. The apparatus includes a housing that supports an indexable support table. A second retainer is provided on the indexable support table that is adapted to selectively axially engage a first retainer on the housing to lock the indexable support table in any one of a plurality of selected rotational positions about the axis. The apparatus also includes an axial displacement member that is movably supported within the housing to selectively engage the indexable support table while the indexable support table is locked in any one of the preselected rotational positions. Thereafter, the axial displacement member biases the indexable support table in a first axial direction out of the locked position and applies a rotational force to the indexable support table to rotate it a desired amount about the axis. After the indexable table has been rotated, a biaser causes the indexable support table to move in a second axial direction until the first and second retainers are re-engaged to lock the indexable support table in the selected rotational position. The apparatus may also include a device for detecting when the indexable support table is in a “zero” or “home” position.