Patent ID: 7140655
Filing Date: 2006-11-28
Classification: B25J,G05B,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A precision soft-touch gripping mechanism for flat objects, said precision soft-touch gripping mechanism having a longitudinal axis and an actuating member, each of said flat objects having a plane and a peripheral edge, said precision soft-touch gripping mechanism comprising: a mounting plate; a linear precision drive mechanism supported by said mounting plate; at least three gripping posts with at least two of them moveable simultaneously radially inwardly/outwardly with respect to said peripheral edge when each of said flat objects is placed into said precision soft-touch gripping mechanism, said at least three gripping posts having a plane; a gripping force control means for controlling the gripping force with which said gripping posts grip said peripheral edge by controlling operation of said linear precision drive mechanism; said at least three gripping posts comprising: