Reconfigurable fixture device and methods of use

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 7480975
APP PUB NO 20060157908A1
SERIAL NO

11335192

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Abstract

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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.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCP O BOX 300 M/C 482-C24-A65 DETROIT MI 48265-3000

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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

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  • 14 Citation Count
  • B23Q Class
  • 69.66 % this patent is cited more than
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Citation count rangeNumber of patents cited in rangeNumber of patents cited in various citation count ranges1211233116111101 - 1011 - 2021 - 3031 - 4041 - 5051 - 6061 - 70100 +05101520253035404550556065707580859095100105110115120

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