Patent ID: 7100758
Filing Date: 2006-09-05
Classification: B23C,B23Q

Abstract:
1. A device for clamping an elongated workpiece for processing, the workpiece having a longitudinal axis, the device comprising: a plurality of clamps disposed along a path, each of the clamps adapted to be shiftable between a retracted position and a clamped position, each of the clamps straddling the path and centering the workpiece when in the clamped position, each of the clamps adapted to rotate about a vertical axis oriented perpendicular to and intersecting a center of the path; a link arm coupled to each clamp and adapted to shift the clamps in unison; and at least one actuator operationally coupled to at least one of the clamps; wherein operation of the actuator shifts the plurality of clamps between the retracted and the clamped positions.