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. 02, 2017
Filed:
Oct. 23, 2015
Flow International Corporation, Kent, WA (US);
Ethan E. Romanoff, Bonney Lake, WA (US);
Kenneth E. Claeys, Kent, WA (US);
Kirby J. Eide, Des Moines, WA (US);
Flow International Corporation, Kent, WA (US);
Abstract
Systems and related methods are provided for maintaining a spatial relationship between a tool of the multi-axis machine (e.g., fluid jet nozzle of a fluid jet cutting machine) and a workpiece to be processed by the tool. An example system includes a contour follower apparatus having a sensor and a gimbal assembly operable with the sensor to sense a deviation between a machine focal point and a gimbal assembly focal point defined by the gimbal assembly as the gimbal assembly rides upon the surface of the workpiece during operation. The system may further include a gimbal mount assembly configured to sense a collision event of the gimbal assembly with another object.