The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 04, 1996
Filed:
Oct. 17, 1994
Paul J Sauve, Warren, MI (US);
Chrysler Corporation, Auburn Hills, MI (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for centering and aligning a semi-rigid material, preferably a vehicle headliner, relative to a centering apparatus, is disclosed for mounting thereon a locating feature about the actual center line of the headliner. The method and apparatus is also suitable for use with an automotive backwall, shelf panel or carpeting. The apparatus includes a support, a centering device comprising a rack and pinion assembly driven by a low air pressure drive means, a sensor including a limit switch or the like to detect when the headliner is aligned relative to the apparatus, and a hinged arm and nest assembly for placing the locating feature on the vehicle headliner. The nest, which is attached to the hinged arm, is sized to receive the locating feature, and the arm is connected to a bearing adapted to rotate in a plane containing the apparatus axis so that when the hinged arm and nest assembly is pivoted about the bearing, after the headliner has been centered, the locating feature is accurately placed and mounted on the workpiece about the workpiece center line.