METHODS AND MACHINE TOOL ASSEMBLIES FOR PERFORMING OPERATIONS ON WORKPIECES AND GRIPPER ATTACHMENTS FOR MACHINE TOOL ASSEMBLIES

Abstract: a method for performing an operation on a workpiece includes moving a machine tool assembly to a desired location on a work surface of the workpiece, the machine tool assembly defines a proximal end and a distal end and includes a gripper attachment affixed to the distal end, the gripper attachment includes a conformable foam seal opposing the work surface; activating a vacuum source to draw a vacuum on the work surface through the conformable foam seal and the gripper attachment; and vacuum clamping the machine tool assembly to the work surface at the desired location in response to the vacuum drawn on the work surface. the machine tool assembly includes a machine tool and the gripper attachment. the machine tool includes a housing, a rotational drive, a drive shaft and a bit clamp. the gripper attachment includes a body, a cover and a conformable foam seal.

Inventor(s): Doan D. Pham, Derek A. Goetz

CPC Classification: B25B11/005 (Work holders not covered by any preceding group in the subclass, e.g. magnetic work holders, vacuum work holders (for holding or positioning work for welding, soldering, or cutting by applying heat locally ; specially adapted to machine tools ))

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