Method and apparatus for facilitating loading of a panel processing machine and positioning of artwork on a work surface thereon

摘要

A method and apparatus for positioning a locating mechanism and the artwork frame of a panel processing machine has been devised utilizing a flexible beam apparatus for suspending the panel location mechanism and artwork frame which permit these devices to be moved out of the way during loading and unloading panels into and from the work surface of processing machinery. The flexible beam suspending the location mechanism in the disclosed embodiment comprises two parallel surface thin members of resilient sheet material. These members are each attached along one edge to a rigid portion of the machinery and along an opposing edge to the panel locating mechanism. This flexible beam arrangement permits the locating elements of the locating mechanism to be moved from and restored to a previous position with great accuracy. A pair of co-planar high aspect ratio sheet beam members are used to support the artwork frame. One end of these flexible beams is each attached to the machine and an opposing end is attached to the artwork frame. These flexible beam arrangements permit the locating elements and artwork to be moved while panels are inserted into or removed from a work surface of the processing machine and restored to a previous operative position with great accuracy.