A modular fixture plate system includes fixture plates and docking stations for securing the fixture plates to a worksurface. Fixture plates include recessed corners for receiving keystones. A keystone may be used as a docking station in addition to or instead of a corresponding rail system. Fixture plates include magnets for providing a secure attachment to keystones, rails and other fixture plates to allow for rapid loading of parts and plates on any CMM or manufacturing system. Fixture plates are designed to be stacked multiple wide to fill the table and maximize coverage of a work surface. The keystone design allows a user to create L configurations or T configurations of plates from a single docking location.

A method generates a nesting plan for controlling a cutting process of a flatbed machine tool for cutting workpieces from a material sheet. The nesting plan includes an overlap-free arrangement of sub-spaces corresponding to the workpieces in a two-dimensional planning space as well as a spatial arrangement of predetermined supported spaces. After each new insertion of a sub-space during nesting, a packing density evaluation and at least one evaluation incorporating the position data of the respective initial position of the newly inserted sub-space in a local search space are performed.

This invention is directed toward a panel framing device. The device comprises a portable framing table that can be driven in a trailer to remote locations and a pre-printed roll of framing tape that is used to tell a worker where different parts of a framed panel will go. The goal of the device is to facilitate the building of structures using a panel approach, with the framing table and template tape minimizing the chances that a worker will make a mistake in either the selection of materials or the location of the materials. The technology can also be used to construct entire walls, which are then either transported to the site, or merely tilted-up into place, having been constructed on the slab.

An adjustable depth magnetic device comprises a switchable magnet, switchable magnet carrier, or switchable magnet integrated into a carrier, constrained by and locked into position by a receiver that is separate from or integrated into an object or fixture. The adjustable depth magnetic device may be affixed to or integrated into an object for the purpose of constraining said object to a ferrous target; or the adjustable depth magnetic device may be affixed to or integrated into a fixture to facilitate manufacturing, production, and/or assembly operations.

This multi-product pallet device (1) includes a multi-product pallet (2) deforming a shape thereof in conformity with a shape of a workpiece; and a device main body (3) to which the multi-product pallet is attached and which stores shape restoration data for deforming the multi-product pallet and restores the shape of the multi-product pallet based on the shape restoration data, wherein the multi-product pallet is detachable from the device main body.

This invention is directed toward a panel framing device. The device comprises a portable framing table that can be driven in a trailer to remote locations and a pre-printed roll of framing tape that is used to tell a worker where different parts of a framed panel will go. The goal of the device is to facilitate the building of structures using a panel approach, with the framing table and template tape minimizing the chances that a worker will make a mistake in either the selection of materials or the location of the materials. The technology can also be used to construct entire walls, which are then either transported to the site, or merely tilted-up into place, having been constructed on the slab.

This invention is directed toward a panel framing device. The device comprises a portable framing table that can be driven in a trailer to remote locations and a pre-printed roll of framing tape that is used to tell a worker where different parts of a framed panel will go. The goal of the device is to facilitate the building of structures using a panel approach, with the framing table and template tape minimizing the chances that a worker will make a mistake in either the selection of materials or the location of the materials. The technology can also be used to construct entire walls, which are then either transported to the site, or merely tilted-up into place, having been constructed on the slab.

The present application relates to a method for assembling a stator stage of a turbomachine, the stage having an inner ring, an outer ring, and vanes extending radially between the inner ring and the outer ring. The method includes at least the following essential step: applying at least one inflatable bladder against at least one opening between a vane and one of the inner ring and the outer ring on that face of the ring which is opposite the face for application of a sealing material, so as to form one or more retention surfaces for the sealing material. The present application also relates to an assembly device designed for implementing the method.

An apparatus for supporting a workpiece includes a master template, a locking assembly and a plurality of substantially planar gauge slice templates. The master template includes a plurality of positioning features. The locking assembly is connected to the master template and is movable with respect to the master template between a locked position and an unlocked position. The gauge slice templates are each associated with a workpiece engaging structure that is engageable with the workpiece for supporting the workpiece. Each gauge slice template releasably engages at least one positioning feature of the master template. Each gauge slice template engages the locking assembly, wherein the gauge slice templates are not moveable with respect to the master template when the locking assembly is in the locked position, and the gauge slice templates are moveable with respect to the master template when the locking assembly is in the unlocked position.

A lathe or other rotating machine includes a chuck for holding a work piece or tool. The chuck is operated between grasping and releasing positions. At least one non-slip mat rests on the housing of the rotating machine, including raised edges.