Patents by Inventor Robert J. Watkinson

Robert J. Watkinson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5820538
    Abstract: In a tool changer system comprising one or more tool grippers together with a pressure foot insert change pod supported on a U-V slide which is independent of the machine work table. The slide services a tool magazine mounted on the machine tool in close proximity to the work table. Because the tool changer is independent of the machine table, the selection and retrieval of the next tool to be used is performed while the machine tool is working. Similarly, the replacement of the tool back into its storage location is done while the machine tool is working. The exchanging of the pressure foot insert is done as part of the tool change process. Time is saved because the work table does not have to be moved to position the tool changer under the spindle. In fact, the work table may be moved to the next work location while the tool changer changes the tool in the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Excellon Automation Company
    Inventor: Robert J. Watkinson
  • Patent number: 5769768
    Abstract: In a tool changer system comprising one or more tool grippers together with a pressure foot insert change pod supported on a U-V slide which is independent of the machine work table. The slide services a tool magazine mounted on the machine tool in close proximity to the work table. Because the tool changer is independent of the machine table, the selection and retrieval of the next tool to be used is performed while the machine tool is working. Similarly, the replacement of the tool back into its storage location is done while the machine tool is working. The exchanging of the pressure foot insert is done as part of the tool change process. Time is saved because the work table does not have to be moved to position the tool changer under the spindle. In fact, the work table may be moved to the next work location while the tool changer changes the tool in the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Excellon Automation Co.
    Inventors: Richard Polacek, Robert J. Watkinson
  • Patent number: 5716310
    Abstract: A tool changer system is disclosed comprising one or more tool grippers together with a pressure foot insert change pod supported on a U-V slide which is independent of the machine work table. The slide services a tool magazine mounted on the machine tool in close proximity to the work table. Because the tool changer is independent of the machine table, the selection and retrieval of the next tool to be used is performed while the machine tool is working. Similarly, the replacement of the tool back into its storage location is done while the machine tool is working. The exchanging of the pressure foot insert is done as part of the tool change process. Time is saved because the work table does not have to be moved to position the tool changer under the spindle. In fact, the work table may be moved to the next work location while the tool changer changes the tool in the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Excellon Automation Company
    Inventors: Richard Polacek, Dennis M. Pumphrey, Robert J. Watkinson
  • Patent number: 5626217
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a stack pusher apparatus which is used for pushing a workpiece such as a stack of printed circuit cards between rest locations. The pusher apparatus includes an articulated engagement unit which permits reasonable tolerances relative to the dimensions of the workpiece to be pushed or moved. In addition, a pneumatically driven control mechanism for moving the stack pusher apparatus is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Excellon Automation Co.
    Inventors: Robert J. Watkinson, W. Vernon Smith
  • Patent number: 4742803
    Abstract: A reciprocating internal combustion engine comprises a cylinder block having at least one bore formed therein and a cylinder liner fitted into each bore. The cylinder liner defines a cylinder in which a piston is slideable, with a combustion chamber being disposed to one side of the piston and a crank mechanism to the other side. An annular groove is provided at the mating surfaces of the cylinder liner and the cylinder block, for example in the outer surface of the liner, and at least one lubricant discharge nozzle is provided in the cylinder liner in communication with the annular groove and opening on the crank side of the piston when the piston is at the combustion chamber end of its stroke. The nozzle is angled towards the combustion chamber such as to discharge lubricant onto the crank side of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: Jaguar Cars Limited
    Inventors: Christopher J. W. Chiles, Robert J. Watkinson