Abstract: A maze-based switch generally having three functional blocks is disclosed. The first functional block handles communications by accepting an entered maze pattern from an external system controller and outputting the entered maze pattern (and optionally its directional complement) to the second functional block. The second functional block stores the maze pattern (and optionally its directional complement) to a permanent storage element and outputs the stored, entered maze pattern and its directional complement to a series of transistors in the third functional block. The third functional block is an electronic maze in which a correct maze pattern and its directional complement must be received by the transistors for the transistors to pass electrical power through the electronic maze to a connected element. The third functional block may alternatively be implemented with optical elements, optoelectronic elements, microelectromechanical elements, or elements formed by other microsystem technologies.

Abstract: A fixture for establishing stop surfaces against which a workpiece can be held to accurately locate it during robotic machine tool operations. The fixture includes a table surface having frusto-conical openings arranged in a preselected pattern to receive locator pins. Each locator pin has a frusto-conical base which automatically centers itself in the opening so that a robotic machine can insert the pins without having to first precisely align them with the openings. Each locator pin is locked in its opening by a releaseable slide mechanism which acts against the pin on opposite sides by wedging action to securely hold the pin down on the table.