Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for positioning tooling (16, 16) with respect to an arc-shaped workpiece assembly (12) spaced radially away from a centerline (14). The apparatus includes axially spaced apart support arm assemblies (40, 42) which are swingable about the centerline. Each support arm is provided with a fixed portion (72) and a radially inwardly and outwardly movable portion (70), the movable portions of both arm assemblies being simultaneously movable under the control of a CNC controller (58). The ends of inner and outer beams (36, 38) are supported by the radially movable portion (70). Supported upon each of the inner and outer beams is a carriage assembly (32, 34) movable along the beam (36, 38). A head (28, 30) is supported upon each of the carriages, each head having a relatively stationary half (124) and a shiftable half (122), the shiftable half being mounted upon a track carried by the stationary half to provide for movement about a center point. In operation the beams will be swung to their desired position about the centerline, the carriages will be moved to their desired positions, at least one of the heads will be extended, and the tooling will be advanced towards the workpiece, all of this movement being controlled by the CNC controller. To permit loading of the apparatus, the inner beam may be split and shifted axially outwardly as the workpiece assembly is loaded.

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First Claim