US4242017A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Passive mating system
Assignee: Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc
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Filing: 1979-08-03
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Granted: 1980-12-30
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Expires: 1999-08-03
Abstract
Abstract A passive mating system for aligning and engaging a tool device with a workpiece including: a remote center compliance device; guide structure for movably supporting the tool device, the remote center compliance device having a remote center proximate the end of the guide structure; structure for supporting the remote center compliance device; and a feeding device for providing relative motion between the tool device and the guide structure in the remote compliance device, to advance and retract the tool device through the remote center compliance device.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas L. De Fazio
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 14:56
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23Q; B23Q35/00; B23Q35/02; B23B; B23B49/00; B23B49/02; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T408/00; Y10T408/55; Y10T408/564; Y10T408/5647
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
A passive mating system for aligning and engaging a tool device with a workpiece, comprising: a remote center compliance device; means for supporting said remote center compliance device; guide means carried by said remote center compliance device for movably supporting said tool device, said remote center compliance device having a remote center proximate the end of said guide means; and means for providing relative motion between the tool device and said guide means to advance and retract said tool device.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
80 words
A passive mating system for aligning and engaging a tool device with a workpiece, comprising: a remote center compliance device; means for supporting said remote center compliance device; guide means carried by said remote center compliance device for movably supporting said tool device, said remote center compliance device having a remote center proximate the end of said guide means; and means for providing relative motion between the tool device and said guide means to advance and retract said tool device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mating system of claim 1 in which said means for supporting includes a head member, a base member, and means for slidably interconnecting said members.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The mating system of claim 1 further including means for driving said tool device and coupling means for flexibly interconnecting said tool device and said means for driving.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The mating system of claim 2 in which said means for providing relative motion includes spring means resiliently engaging said head and base members.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mating system of claim 1 in which said means for providing relative motion includes a feed cylinder for moving said tool device along its axis.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The mating system of clim 1 in which said guide means includes a passage through said remote center compliance device and a bearing member intermediate said tool device and said passage.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The mating system of clim 1 in which said guide means includes a passage through said remote center compliance device and a bearing member intermediate said tool device and said passage.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The mating system of claim 6 in which said bearing member includes slide bearing means for enabling axial relative motion between said remote center compliance device and said tool device.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The mating system of claim 6 in which said bearing member includes rotatably bearing means for enabling rotary motion of said tool device.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The mating system of claim 1 in which said means for driving includes a motor for rotating said tool device.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The mating system of claim 1 in which said means for driving includes a double universal joint mechanism.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mating system of claim 1 in which said tool device includes a tool holder.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The mating system of claim 1 in which said tool device includes a tool engaged by said tool holder.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
The mating system of claim 1 in which said guide means includes a tool bushing for engaging a tool jig.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-12-30 | 1984-06-30 | 1984-12-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-12-30 | 1988-06-30 | 1988-12-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-12-30 | 1992-06-30 | 1992-12-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |