Patent ID: 6334745
Filing Date: 2002-01-01
Classification: B23Q,H05K,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for working on both sides of a flat workpiece, said apparatus comprising:(A) a first support surface having a first axial line thereacross; (B) a second support surface juxtaposed to and associated with said first support surface and having a second axial line thereacross which lies in a first common plane with said first axial line; (C) a first carrying assembly operably connected to said first support surface in a manner to movably reciprocate along said first axial line; (D) a second carrying assembly operably connected to said second support surface in a manner to movably reciprocate along said second axial line, wherein said second carrying assembly includes means for removably mounting said workpiece in a manner to position said workpiece in said first common plane; (E) a working tool means for performing work on said workpiece removably operably connected to said first carrying assembly in a manner to maintain said working tool means adjacent to a first plane side of said first common plane and to permit said working tool means to perform work from a first workpiece side position to a first face of said workpiece; (F) a backup tool means for backing up a second face of the workpiece opposite the working tool means, which backup tool means is removably connected to said first carrying assembly such that said backup tool means is maintained adjacent to a second plane side of said common plane, in close proximity to said second workpiece face, and generally opposing said working tool means in a manner to support said workpiece from a second workpiece side; (G) a first and second actuating means operably connected to respective said carrying assemblies for causing said carrying assemblies to reciprocate along respective said axial lines wherein said tool means are caused to traverse about respective said workpiece sides in unison during a working process; (H) a tool engagement means connected to said working tool means for causing said working tool means to engage and disengage said workpiece; (I) an automation means connected to said engagement means and to said actuating means for causing said working tool means to engage and disengage said workpiece and for causing said tool means to traverse about said faces according to an automated predetermined sequence; (J) said working tool means and said backup tool means having means for mounting to said first carrying assembly, said mounting means configured such that said working tool means can be interchanged with said backup tool means whereby said work can be effected by said working tool means from said second workpiece side; (K) a means for precisely controlling a depth of penetration of work performed to the workpiece whereby: (1) said working tool means is adaptable to function either as: (a) an inscribing tool for use in inscribing line patterns independently to either of said workpiece faces or (b) a cutting tool for use in making hole patterns through said workpiece from either of said sides; (2) said automation means includes a first data set of instructions for inscribing a first pattern of lines to said first workpiece face and a related second data set of instructions for inscribing a second pattern of lines to said second workpiece face.