Patent ID: 6427322
Filing Date: 2002-08-06
Classification: B23Q,Y10T

Abstract:
A registration mechanism comprising:a datum unit; a bolster segment-pallet pair having a bolster aligned with said datum unit and a pallet disposed between said datum unit and said bolster, said bolster segment-pallet pair having first, second, and third sockets and first, second, and third mounts facing respective said sockets, said mounts defining parallel, first, travel and cross-track mount axes, said pallet having a registering face facing said datum unit, said bolster segment-pallet pair being movable between a lowered position wherein said registering face is spaced apart from said datum unit and a raised position wherein said registering face is in registration with said datum unit; and first, second, and third pins supported by said bolster, said pins supporting said pallet, said pins each having a fixed end joined to and restrained from lateral movement by a respective said mount, said pins each having a free end engaging a respective said socket, said free end of said first pin obstructing said first socket from translating along orthogonal travel and cross-track axes perpendicular to said first mount axis, said free end of said first pin allowing rotation of said first socket about said first mount axis and through a hemisphere centered on said first mount axis, said free end of said second pin obstructing said second socket from translating perpendicular to said travel axis, said second socket being unobstructed from translational repositioning along a segment of said travel axis, said second socket being rotatable relative to said free end of said second pin through a hemisphere centered on said second mount axis, said third socket being unobstructed by said third pin from translating along said travel and cross-track axes.