Patent ID: 6648120
Filing Date: 2003-11-18
Classification: B23C,B23Q

Abstract:
A device for clamping an elongated workpiece for processing, the workpiece having a longitudinal axis, the device comprising:a conveyor arranged to convey the workpiece a path to a workstation, the path being generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the workpiece; a plurality of clamps disposed along the path, each of the clamps including a pair of counter-rotating members pivotable about a common vertically oriented axis, each of the counter-rotating members having a pair of upwardly extending posts straddling the path; a first actuator operatively engaging a first one of the counter rotating members of each clamp for rotating the first counter rotating member in a first direction; a second actuator operatively engaging a second one of the counter rotating members of each clamp for rotating the second counter rotating member in a second direction opposite to the first direction; whereby in response to operation of the actuators the posts of all of the clamps shift in unison and cooperate to center and clamp the workpiece at the workstation.