Reconfigurable fixture device and methods of use
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
United States of America Patent
Stats
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Jan 27, 2009
Grant Date -
Jul 20, 2006
app pub date -
Jan 19, 2006
filing date -
Jan 19, 2005
priority date (Note) -
In Force
status (Latency Note)
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Importance

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Abstract
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.
First Claim
all claims..Other Claims data not available
Family

- 15 United States
- 10 France
- 8 Japan
- 7 China
- 5 Korea
- 2 Other
Patent Owner(s)
Patent Owner | Address | |
---|---|---|
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC | P O BOX 300 M/C 482-C24-A65 DETROIT MI 48265-3000 |
International Classification(s)

- 2006 Application Filing Year
- B23Q Class
- 327 Applications Filed
- 153 Patents Issued To-Date
- 46.79 % Issued To-Date
Inventor(s)
Inventor Name | Address | # of filed Patents | Total Citations |
---|---|---|---|
Browne, Alan L | Grosse Pointe, US | 345 | 6814 |
# of filed Patents : 345 Total Citations : 6814 | |||
Cheng, Yang T | Rochester Hills, US | 26 | 356 |
# of filed Patents : 26 Total Citations : 356 | |||
Lukitsch, Michael J | Marysville, US | 26 | 272 |
# of filed Patents : 26 Total Citations : 272 | |||
Mankame, Nilesh D | Ann Arbor , US | 172 | 2155 |
# of filed Patents : 172 Total Citations : 2155 | |||
Verbrugge, Mark W | Troy, US | 178 | 3407 |
# of filed Patents : 178 Total Citations : 3407 | |||
Yang, Jihui | Lakeshore, CA | 36 | 469 |
# of filed Patents : 36 Total Citations : 469 |
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Patent Citation Ranking
- 14 Citation Count
- B23Q Class
- 69.66 % this patent is cited more than
- 16 Age
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Maintenance Fees
Fee | Large entity fee | small entity fee | micro entity fee | due date |
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Fee | Large entity fee | small entity fee | micro entity fee |
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Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unavoidable | $700.00 | $350.00 | $175.00 |
Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unintentional | $1,640.00 | $820.00 | $410.00 |
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