Abstract: The low profile of the flexible tooling system disclosed allows for flexible tooling to be added to nearly all CNC machines with an accommodating z-axis height and allows easier relocation of the system from one CNC machine to another. The system includes one or more pods, each of the pods of the system replacing the function of four independent actuators of earlier systems but operating with a shared mechanical frame. Arranging the mechanism into groups of four allows for greater density of part support spacing, minimizes cable requirements, and allows for air, vacuum, and vacuum sensor requirements be localized on each pod. The pods allow for part supports to be spaced as close as 6? in the x and y axis. An increased variable position assembly density allows for greater flexibility to hold complicated parts.

Abstract: The low profile of the flexible tooling system disclosed allows for flexible tooling to be added to nearly all CNC machines with an accommodating z-axis height and allows easier relocation of the system from one CNC machine to another. The system includes one or more pods, each of the pods of the system replacing the function of four independent actuators of earlier systems but operating with a shared mechanical frame. Arranging the mechanism into groups of four allows for greater density of part support spacing, minimizes cable requirements, and allows for air, vacuum, and vacuum sensor requirements be localized on each pod. The pods allow for part supports to be spaced as close as 6? in the x and y axis. An increased variable position assembly density allows for greater flexibility to hold complicated parts.

Abstract: A clamp for clamping extendible supports in flexible tooling system includes three overlapping tapered collets surrounding the extendible support, with a set of ball bearings positioned between each of the collets. The middle collet is tapered in a direction opposite to that of the inner and outer collets, so that when the middle collet is pressed by springs into a gap between the inner and outer collet, the inner collet is forced against the extendible support, thereby clamping it. The ball bearings and the three collet assembly prevent the clamp from binding with thermal expansion so that the clamp releases when the force pressing the middle collet into the space between the inner and outer collet is removed. The springs maintain a sustained clamping force so the clamp does not release upon thermal expansion of it components.

Abstract: A flexible tooling system includes a support table with multiple openings adapted to removably accept a self-contained actuator. Each opening of the support table provides vacuum and air supply lines as well as a bus interface so that each position may be uniquely addressed and commanded separately from any other openings. The self-contained actuator has corresponding connectors for receiving the vacuum and air supply as well as for interfacing with the bus. An actuator may be placed at a particular location by insertion into the receptacle at the opening in the support table aperture. The actuator may be commanded to raise, lower, lock in position and supply vacuum separate from any other actuator.

Abstract: A component pocket tape which resists inadvertent unsealing includes a tape cover having discrete edge portions with gaps therebetween such that when one edge portion is unsealed or bent, subsequent edge portions will not unseal or bend unless such unsealing or bending is desired. An apparatus for unsealing and sealing pocket component tape includes a component tape deforming portion and a plow portion which urges the tape and the component tape cover together whereupon the tape deforming portion releases the tape so as to allow the tape to expand into the tape engaging portion of the cover. For unsealing, the apparatus may be run in reverse such that the tape is deformed and then the plow portion drives the tape and cover apart such that when the deforming portion releases the tape, the tape returns to its original configuration but is separated from the tape cover.

Abstract: A flexible tooling system includes a support table with multiple openings adapted to removably accept a self-contained actuator. Each opening of the support table provides vacuum and air supply lines as well as a bus interface so that each position may be uniquely addressed and commanded separately from any other openings. The self-contained actuator has corresponding connectors for receiving the vacuum and air supply as well as for interfacing with the bus. An actuator may be placed at a particular location by insertion into the receptacle at the opening in the support table aperture. The actuator may be commanded to raise, lower, lock in position and supply vacuum separate from any other actuator.

Abstract: A component pocket tape which resists inadvertent unsealing includes a tape cover having discrete edge portions with gaps therebetween such that when one edge portion is unsealed or bent, subsequent edge portions will not unseal or bend unless such unsealing or bending is desired. An apparatus for unsealing and sealing pocket component tape includes a component tape deforming portion and a plow portion which urges the tape and the component tape cover together whereupon the tape deforming portion releases the tape so as to allow the tape to expand into the tape engaging portion of the cover. For unsealing, the apparatus may be run in reverse such that the tape is deformed and then the plow portion drives the tape and cover apart such that when the deforming portion releases the tape, the tape returns to its original configuration but is separated from the tape cover.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a workpiece to a known position without regard to the angularity of the surface of the workpiece at the point of contact with the apparatus includes a disk shaped, substantially flat contact pad for engaging the workpiece. The surface of the contact pad opposite the workpiece is substantially spherical and fits in a conical seat so that the center point of the upper surface of the contact pad is always at an known position when the contact pad is seated, without regard to the angularity of the contact pad. A proximity detector determines when the contact pad is seated providing an indication to an operator that the workpiece is properly engaged by the apparatus. The contact pad is contained within the interior of a suction cup that engages the workpiece whereupon externally supplied vacuum pulls the suction cup and the workpiece together.

Abstract: A component pocket tape feeder system employs a registration mechanism to precisely position a component within a pocket tape just prior to retrieval of the component by a robotic assembly device. The registration mechanism precisely aligns the part thus enabling the robot to locate the part. The registration mechanism includes hold down and tamp apparatus for preventing tumbling of the part during alignment and an alignment mechanism which extends through apertures in the component tape to engage portions of the component and move the component, which was theretofore loosely held within the tape. The alignment mechanism is removable to allow other alignment mechanisms to be attached to the system to enable use with various components.