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:
Apr. 27, 2004
Filed:
Feb. 28, 2002
Allen David Hertz, Boca Raton, FL (US);
Eric Lee Hertz, Indian Harbor Beach, FL (US);
DEK International GmbH, Zurich, CH;
Abstract
An apparatus and accessories are disclosed for a flexible support apparatus using elongated support members to support a face of a workpiece and respective protrusions . The elongated support members are arranged through at least one plane of perforated material , where the elongated support members are profiled against the workpiece and respective protrusions . The profile of the elongated support members is created by contacting forces generated by bringing the workpiece and the plurality of elongated support members together. A holding force is then applied to the elongated support members to support the workpiece against forces applied by a workstation. Fluid is used to raise expansion members to raise the plurality of elongate support members . A perforated plate is used to control the flow of fluid between a fluid cavity and the plurality of expansion members . Accessories to improve performance and reliability include a protective collar for protection from foreign materials (solder paste) and a reinforcing member to reinforce thin, flexible workpieces