A jig design assisting device and a robot simulation device that can create a rough virtual model of a jig through a simple operation and assist a designer. The assisting device includes: a display section; a storage section that stores three-dimensional models of a workpiece and a jig; a workpiece designating section that designates the type of the workpiece; a workpiece locating section that automatically locates the designated workpiece in a three-dimensional space; a block selecting section that selects the type and location method of the positioning block; a clamper selecting section that selects the type of the clamper; a model part designating section that designates a part of the workpiece model; a jig locating section that locates the positioning block or the clamper within a three-dimensional space; and an adjusting section that automatically adjusts the dimension or shape of the three-dimensional model of the positioning block or the clamper.

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.

An improved tooling, including: a base housing having an interior and tooling holes, the tooling holes being configured to receive alignment studs attached to a tooling fixture; a first clamping fixture and a second clamping fixture fit inside hollowed regions within the base housing; a shaft having a length and an axis along the length of the shaft, the shaft situated inside the base housing and the shaft having a first threaded region and a second threaded region to connect the first clamping fixture and the second clamping fixture, whereby rotation of the shaft causes the first clamping fixture and the second clamping fixture to move towards and away from each other along the axis of the shaft; each of the first clamping fixture and the second clamping fixture comprising one or more securing mechanisms configured to: engage and disengage the alignment studs based upon rotation of the shaft.

A zero-point fixture is a means for securing a component in place during machining. The fixture features a base plate that is placed onto a machining surface and a mounting plate to which the component may be attached. The mounting plate and the component are secured to the base plate by operatively engaging a plurality of retention knobs on the mounting plate into a plurality of pressurized clamps on the base plate. A plurality of mounting holes and a plurality of mounting channels allow the component to be mounted in a number of positions and orientations that may be reproduced for subsequent components to be machined. A plurality of risers serves to offset the component from the mounting plate while a plurality of elongated fasteners is inserted into the component to prevent movement of the component during machining.

An apparatus for clamping a work piece is provided. The apparatus includes a base plate to support the work piece; at least one clamp body fixed to the base plate; at least one fastener fixing the at least one clamp body to the base plate; and a protruding piece having at least a portion thereof inserted into the clamp body and an end thereof extending from a lateral face of the clamp body, the protruding piece including a hollow point tip at the opposite end, where outer and inner lateral surfaces of the hollow point tip join to define a circular sharp edge at the opposite end of the protruding piece.

A work positioner includes a first work retaining portion for retaining a first workpiece, a first drive portion for outputting a first rotational force about a first rotation axis and imparting a first angular movement about the first rotation axis to the first work retaining portion, a bearing portion supporting the first work retaining portion in cooperation with the first drive portion, a base arranged away from the first rotation axis, a first support column extending along a first support axis extending from the base toward the first rotation axis and supporting the first drive portion, and a second support column extending along a second support axis extending between the base and the first rotation axis so as to be parallel to the first support axis and supporting the bearing portion. The first support column includes a plurality of first support column pieces arranged along the first support axis.

An apparatus for mounting a coordinate positioning apparatus accessory, such as a tool setter, to the workpiece mounting surface of a coordinate positioning apparatus, the workpiece mounting surface having a slot formed in it. The apparatus includes an insert for inserting into the slot of the workpiece mounting surface, and a mount attachable to a coordinate positioning apparatus accessory. The insert includes structure to fix the insert within the slot; the insert is substantially contained within the slot when inserted therein. The mount includes at least one protruding member for engaging the insert when contained within the slot, thereby fixing the mount, and therefore any coordinate positioning apparatus accessory attached to the mount, to the workpiece mounting surface of the coordinate positioning apparatus.

An adaptable assembly line work-piece processor for use at a work station includes, but is not limited to, a work-piece supporter. The adaptable assembly line work-piece processor further includes, but is not limited to, a reconfigurable interface assembly attached to the work-piece supporter. The adaptable assembly line work-piece processor still further includes, but is not limited to, a work-piece manipulator attached to the reconfigurable interface assembly. The work-piece supporter, the reconfigurable interface assembly, and the work-piece manipulator are configured to cooperate to sequentially support and manipulate a plurality of differently configured work-pieces.

Automated fixture layout is approached in two distinct stages. First, the spatial locations of clamping points on the work piece are determined to ensure immobility of the fixtured part under any infinitesimal perturbation. Second, spatial locations are matched against a user-specified library of reconfigurable clamps to synthesize a valid fixture layout or configuration that includes clamps that are accessible and collision free. The spatial locations matching during the second stage can be the same spatial locations chosen in the first stage to ensure immobility, or a different set of spatial locations.

A reconfigurable interface assembly includes, but is not limited to, a first sub-assembly that is adapted for attachment to a work-piece supporter. The first sub-assembly includes a first brake. The reconfigurable interface assembly further includes a second sub-assembly attached to the first sub-assembly. The second sub-assembly is adapted for attachment to a work-piece manipulator. The second sub-assembly includes a second brake. The first sub-assembly is configured to move the second sub-assembly in a first direction with respect to the first sub-assembly and the first brake is configured to inhibit movement of the second sub-assembly in the first direction with respect to the first sub-assembly. The second sub-assembly is configured to move the first sub-assembly in a second direction with respect to the second sub-assembly and the second brake is configured to inhibit movement of the first sub-assembly in the second direction with respect to the first sub-assembly.