| 摘要 |
<p>An automated workpiece handling system rapidly moves a workpiece (127) into a controlled atmosphere chamber (11) such as a vacuum chamber, to a work station and withdraws the piece (127) after the work has been completed. While at the work station, the handling system manipulates the piece (127) linearly and in rotation, as desired, according to a set program. The workpiece (127) is loaded and unloaded at the same location outside the chamber (11), at atmosphere pressure. A split piston having a headstock (49) and tailstock (50) holds the workpiece (127). The piston seals the vacuum chamber (11) during loading and unloading, and during the work cycle. During transfer into the vacuum chamber (11), pressure around the workpiece is reduced. A pneumatic counterbalance system (111,143,141,109) reduces the loading on the piston drive system caused by the pressure differential between the vacuum chamber (11) and atmosphere.</p> |
