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:
May. 20, 2008
Filed:
Aug. 29, 2003
Roy L. Wolschlager, Rochester, MI (US);
Ali M. Saeedy, Sterling Heights, MI (US);
Hussein M. Kalaoui, Troy, MI (US);
Philip S. Szuba, Algonac, MI (US);
Keller J. Mcgaffey, Troy, MI (US);
Floyd P. Crelley, Linden, MI (US);
Roy L. Wolschlager, Rochester, MI (US);
Ali M. Saeedy, Sterling Heights, MI (US);
Hussein M. Kalaoui, Troy, MI (US);
Philip S. Szuba, Algonac, MI (US);
Keller J. McGaffey, Troy, MI (US);
Floyd P. Crelley, Linden, MI (US);
Other;
Abstract
A tool changing apparatus automatically changes tools mounted on the spindle of a transfer machine module. The apparatus includes a tool gripper magazine that releasably holds at least two tools. A guillotine supports the tool gripper magazine for motion between a raised stand-by position clear of the spindle and a lowered tool change position closer to the spindle so that the tools in the magazine can be exchanged with a tool supported on the spindle. A carriage movably supports the guillotine on a support frame for motion between a forward position adjacent the transfer line and the spindle and a rearward position displaced from the transfer line. When the carriage is in the rearward position, the guillotine can be lowered to a position where it is easily accessible to an operator so that the tools in the magazine can be replenished.