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:
Aug. 19, 2003
Filed:
Nov. 29, 2000
Timothy C. Warren, Rochester, NY (US);
Xerox Corporation, Stamford, CT (US);
Abstract
A method and an apparatus for providing a re-configurable or adaptive manufacturing pallet that conforms to the shape of an object. The pallet comprises a frame that includes a matrix of displaceable object contacts points, such as a matrix of vertically displaceable fine rods or pins, that is laid over the object to form a cradle that conforms to the shape of the object; and a locking mechanism to lock the object contact points in a fixed position relative to each other in order to form a nest or cradle for holding the object in position during a manufacturing or assembly operation. In a preferred structure, the frame includes at least two substantially parallel guide plates having a matrix of guide holes, at least one actuator plate between and substantially parallel to said guide plates which also having a matrix of holes substantially aligned with the guides holes of the guide plates, a matrix of pins extending through and displaceable within the matrix of holes of the guide and actuator plates, and an actuator that applies a shear force against the pins to lock them in a fixed vertical position relative to said plates whereby to form cradle for holding an object in place.