Reconfigurable fixture device and methods of use

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 7480975
APP PUB NO 20060157908A1
SERIAL NO

11335192

Stats

ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

Importance

Loading Importance Indicators... loading....

Abstract

See full text

A fixture device generally includes a base member, a reconfigurable pad comprising a shape memory material configured to selectively conform to a surface contour of a workpiece, and a thermoelectric unit in operative communication with the shape memory material of the reconfigurable pad. A process for operating a fixture device includes passing a current in a first direction through a thermoelectric unit in operative communication with a reconfigurable pad in an amount effective to heat a shape memory material therein to or above a shape setting temperature, contacting a surface of a workpiece with the reconfigurable pad, cooling the shape memory material below the shape setting temperature, and fixturing the workpiece with the fixture device.

Loading the Abstract Image... loading....

First Claim

See full text

Family

Loading Family data... loading....

Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCPO BOX 300 MAIL CODE 482-C22-A68 DETROIT MI 48265-3000

International Classification(s)

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Browne, Alan L Grosse Pointe, US 345 6814
Cheng, Yang T Rochester Hills, US 26 356
Lukitsch, Michael J Marysville, US 26 272
Mankame, Nilesh D Ann Arbor , US 172 2155
Verbrugge, Mark W Troy, US 178 3407
Yang, Jihui Lakeshore, CA 36 469

Cited Art Landscape

Load Citation

Patent Citation Ranking

Forward Cite Landscape

Load Citation