Abstract: An automated workpiece handling system rapidly moves a workpiece into a controlled atmosphere chamber, like a vacuum chamber, to a work station, like an electron beam, and withdraws the piece after the work has been completed. While at the work station, the handling system manipulates the piece linearly and in rotation, as desired, according to a set program. The workpiece is loaded and unloaded at the same location outside the chamber, at atmosphere. A split piston having a headstock and tailstock holds the workpiece. The piston seals the vacuum chamber during loading transfer in and out, and during the work cycle. During transfer into the vacuum chamber, pressure around the workpiece is reduced. A pneumatic counterbalance system reduces the loading on the piston drive system caused by the pressure differential between the vacuum chamber and atmosphere.

Abstract: An automated workpiece handling system rapidly moves a workpiece into a controlled atmosphere chamber, like a vacuum chamber, to a work station, like an electron beam, and withdraws the piece after the work has been completed. While at the work station, the handling system manipulates the piece linearly and in rotation, as desired, according to a set program. The workpiece is loaded and unloaded at the same location outside the chamber, at atmosphere. A split piston having a headstock and tailstock holds the workpiece. The piston seals the vacuum chamber during loading transfer in and out, and during the work cycle. During transfer into the vacuum chamber, pressure around the workpiece is reduced. A pneumatic counterbalance system reduces the loading on the piston drive system caused by the pressure differential between the vacuum chamber and atmosphere.