Patent ID: 6823979
Filing Date: 2004-11-30
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 along a central path to a workstation, the central path being generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the workpiece; at least one elongated link arm oriented generally parallel to the central path; a plurality of clevis-shaped members, the clevis-shaped members being spaced apart along the path, each clevis-shaped member having a pair of uprights, each of the clevis-shaped members coupled to the at least one link arm; and at least one actuator operatively connected to the at least one link arm; wherein in response to operation of the actuators, the at least one link arm is shiftable between a first position in which the pair of uprights of each of the plurality of clevis-shaped members are disposed away from the central path and a second position in which the pair of uprights of each of the plurality of clevis-shaped members are shifted toward the central path, thereby clamping and centering the workpiece at the workstation.