Patent ID: 6182956
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: B25B

Abstract:
A vacuum table comprising:a vacuum plate having a plurality of edges, said vacuum plate defining a perimetric groove and defining an aperture;a gasket affixed to said vacuum plate within said perimetric groove such that said gasket protrudes above said plate;a replaceable mat mounted on said gasket, said mat comprising:a base sheet having an upper and a lower surface, and defining a plurality of perforations passing completely through said upper and lower surfaces of said base sheet, said base sheet further defining network of channels, formed in the lower surface, interconnecting said perforations; anda resilient upper sheet affixed to said upper surface of said base sheet, said upper sheet defining a plurality of pinholes, each corresponding to and in central registry with one of said perforations of said base sheet; anda vacuum apparatus for creating a vacuum;whereby evacuation of air from the perforations of the base sheet through said network of channels of said base sheet to the vacuum apparatus causes said resilient sheet to be pulled into said perforations of said base sheet thereby forming a plurality of suction-cup-like structures for engaging and holding a work surface.