초록 ▼

A device is provided which is capable of generating a surface that at least partially conforms to the contour of an article. The surface is defined by the ends of a number of threaded members which are supported within a suitable support structure. The threaded members are aligned so as to be substa

A device is provided which is capable of generating a surface that at least partially conforms to the contour of an article. The surface is defined by the ends of a number of threaded members which are supported within a suitable support structure. The threaded members are aligned so as to be substantially parallel to and threadably engaged with each other. As a result, rotation of an individual threaded member will cause that threaded member to be longitudinally moved relative to its adjacent threaded members and the support structure, without displacing an adjacent threaded member. The surface can be readily configured manually or automatically to serve as a die or mold cavity when the entire surface has been generated to conform to the entire contour of the article. Alternatively, the surface can be generated so as to provide a suitable fixture surface for supporting and securing a workpiece during a machining or welding operation. Due to its method of generation, the surface can be quickly and repeatedly reconfigured to conform to an article or workpiece having a completely different contour.

대표청구항 ▼

[ The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:] [1.] A fixture for supporting an article having a predetermined contour, the fixture comprising:a structural support member having an interior surface, the interior surface having threa

[ The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:] [1.] A fixture for supporting an article having a predetermined contour, the fixture comprising:a structural support member having an interior surface, the interior surface having threads formed thereon;threaded members supported within the structural support member, each of the threaded members having a thread formed thereon, the threaded members being oriented substantially parallel with each other such that adjacent ends of the threaded members define a fixturing surface on one side of the structural support member, the threads formed on each of the threaded members being threadably engaged with the threads of each adjacent threaded member, the threads formed on the threaded members located adjacent the interior surface of the structural support member being threadably engaged with the threads of the interior surface, such that longitudinal positioning of an individual threaded member relative to its adjacent threaded members and the structural support member can be achieved by rotating the individual threaded member; andmeans adjustably mounted to at least one of the threaded members for locating the article on the fixturing surface;whereby appropriate longitudinally positioning of at least one of the threaded members relative to its respective adjacent threaded members can be performed such that the threaded member supports at least a portion of the article.