Method for using a fixture enabling more accurate machining of a part

Abstract

A fixture securely holds a blank having at least two spaced apart locators. The fixture has a base with spaced apart end walls, one supporting a clamping mechanism and the other supporting an abutment, at least one of which is free to pivot in relation to the end wall that supports it. Upon securing the blank into the fixture, the clamping mechanism mates with one of the locators on the blank and forces another of the locators into contact with the abutment. A method includes providing a blank having a least two spaced apart locators, providing a fixture having a base with two spaced apart end walls, one supporting a clamping mechanism and the other supporting an abutment, at least one of which is fee to pivot in relation to the end wall that supports it, and securing the bland into the fixture where in the clamping mechanism mates with one of the locators and forces another of the locators into contact with the abutment.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.