Precision assembly table and method
AssigneeMaglev, Inc.
InventorsJoseph T. Cioletti, Fred J. Gurney, Frank E. Young
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A precision assembly table and method includes a plurality of rigid bars connected to adjustable support members which can individually adjust the position of the rigid bars above a surface and a frame to create a desired contour. The structure to be assembled, such as a magnetic levitation guideway, is positioned and held in place on top of the rigid bars which have been positioned so as to define a desired contour of the structure and to which the structure will mechanically conform. The position of the rigid bars is monitored and adjusted by a computer to maintain the desired contour while the structure resting on the rigid bars is being assembled.
Claims16
A precision assembly apparatus comprising:
- a frame;
- a plurality of rigid bars upon which items to be assembled are positioned;
- a plurality of adjustable support members wherein each of said rigid bars is connected to at least two of said adjustable support members and wherein said adjustable support members are connected to said frame such that the position of each of said rigid bars above said frame is capable of individual adjustment and the contour defined by such rigid bars is adjustable by adjustment of said adjustable support members;
- and
- a hold down fixture capable of holding said items to be assembled in position.
A precision assembly table comprising:
- a frame;
- a surface connected to the top of said frame;
- a plurality of rigid bars above said surface that define a contoured surface upon which items to be assembled are positioned;
- a plurality of adjustable support members wherein each of said rigid bars is connected to at least two of said adjustable support members and wherein said adjustable support members are connected to said frame such that the position of each of said rigid bars above said frame and said surface is capable of individual adjustment and the countered surface defined by said rigid bars is capable of adjustment by adjustment of said adjustable support members;
- and
- a hold down fixture capable of holding said items to be assembled in position.
A precision magnetic levitation vehicle guideway assembly table comprising:
- a frame;
- a surface connected to the top of said frame;
- a plurality of rigid bars above said surface that define a contoured surface upon which the guide plate of a magnetic levitation vehicle guideway to be assembled is positioned;
- a plurality of adjustable support members wherein each of said support bars is connected to at least two of said adjustable support members and wherein said adjustable support members are connected to said frame such that the position of each of said rigid bars above said frame and said surface is capable of individual adjustment and the countered surface defined by said rigid bars and to which said guide plate will mechanically conform is capable of adjustment by adjustment of said adjustable support members;
- and
- a hold down fixture capable of holding said guide plate in position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.