Steven Craig Jones
Architects at 1/2 North Main St, Ann Arbor, MI
License number
Colorado 402654
Issued Date
Oct 25, 2011
Renew Date
Nov 1, 2015
Expiration Date
Oct 31, 2017
Type
Architect
Address
Address
219 North Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Professional information
Computer Controlled Reconfigurable Part Fixture Mechanism
US Patent:
5732194, Mar 24, 1998
Filed:
Aug 4, 1995
Appl. No.:
8/511126
Inventors:
Steven Donald Jones - Ann Arbor MI
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, Inc. - Dearborn MI
International Classification:
G05B 1132, G05B 1942
US Classification:
395 80
Abstract:
A computer controlled reconfigurable fixture mechanism having a base, rotatively and pivotably supporting a plurality of fixture linkages. Each linkage has at least two arms connected by a wrist assembly. The wrist assemblies are motor-driven and permit the arms to be rotated and pivoted relative to each other and to the base. A control computer includes a keyboard. Using a keyboard an operator can individually move the arms to a desired location and orientation. Angle sensors associated with each wrist assembly generate feedback signals indicative of the current configuration of the linkages which can be stored in the control computer. The computer can generate position signals for each linkage to return them to the stored configuration. The control computer may also use the physical data of the part generated by a CAD system to configure the linkages to hold the part at the desired location and orientation.