Patent ID: 6439371
Filing Date: 2002-08-27
Classification: B21D

Abstract:
A workpiece loader/unloader system for an industrial machine, said industrial machine having a work station into which unmachined workpieces are sequentially loaded, machined and removed, said loader/unloader system comprising:a shuttle movable between an extended position in which said shuttle overlies the work station and a retracted position in which said shuttle is laterally spaced from said work station, at least one gripper mounted to said shuttle which selectively engages and supports the workpiece after the workpiece has been machined at the work station, a loader manipulator movable between a preload position in which said loader manipulator supports an unmachined workpiece at a position laterally spaced from the work station and a load position in which said loader manipulator overlies the work station, an actuator which moves said loader manipulator between said preload and said load positions, wherein said loader manipulator mechanically engages said shuttle and simultaneously moves said shuttle from said extended position to said retracted position as said loader manipulator moves from said preload to said load position.