Patent ID: 6220813
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: B23Q,Y10T

Abstract:
A workpiece transfer apparatus, comprising:a support member;first and second control shafts, each defining an axis and rotatably supported by said support member in a parallel, spaced-apart configuration;a workpiece support operably connected to said first and second control shafts, said workpiece support including an operating member shaped to support a workpiece and a base slidably mounted on said first and second control shafts and permitting shifting of said workpiece support along said axes of said first and second control shafts;said operating member operably connected to said first control shaft, such that rotation of said first control shaft shifts said operating member in a vertical direction;said operating member operably connected to said second control shaft, such that rotation of said second control shaft shifts said operating member in a horizontal direction; andwherein:said base including a horizontal guide and a vertical guide;said operating member slidably connected with said horizontal guide and with said vertical guide, such that rotation of said first and second control shafts shifts said operating member in horizontal and vertical directions along said guides;a first drive pulley mounted on said first shaft and rotating therewith;a first idler pulley rotatable mounted on said workpiece support base in a vertically spaced-apart relation from said drive pulley;a first elongate flexible member having a portion thereof fixedly connected to said operating member, said flexible member extending around said idler pulley and said drive pulley, such that rotation of said first shaft vertically shifts said operating member; and including:a second drive pulley mounted on said second drive shaft and rotating therewith;a second idler pulley rotatably mounted on said base in a horizontally spaced-apart relationship to said second drive pulley; anda second elongate flexible member having a portion thereof fixedly connected to said operating member, said second flexible member extending around said second idler pulley, and around said second drive pulley, such that rotation of said second shaft horizontally shifts said operating member.