A vacuum chuck system may include a vacuum chuck and a vacuum stopper collection and dispensing system. The vacuum chuck may include a ceramic plate with a retaining surface. The retaining surface may include a plurality of depressions and a plurality of openings, each of the openings being disposed on a bottom surface of one of the depressions and fluidly coupled to a vacuum pump. Vacuum stoppers may be used to seal one or more of the openings so as to restrict the vacuum area of the vacuum chuck. The vacuum stopper collection and dispensing system may be used to collect vacuum stoppers from and dispense vacuum stoppers onto the retaining surface. In addition or in the alternative, an electromagnet or a robotic arm may be used to move a vacuum stopper from a blocking position to a non-blocking position on the retaining surface.

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 system for supporting workpieces during machining. The system comprises one or more adjustable workpiece support assemblies and a robotic unit. Each workpiece support assembly comprises a pedestal and a rotatable fixture element. The robotic assembly comprises means of mobilizing and immobilizing each support assembly, so that the fixture element may be secured in a particular orientation. The robotic unit moves along a frame, and manipulates and fixes the position of the fixture elements to match the contour of a workpiece. Vacuum forces may be applied through the workpiece support assemblies to secure the workpiece against the fixture elements.

A locating fixture that includes a base, an adjustable locating member, a plurality of indicia, a restraining member and a lower substructure. The base includes a raised platform having a mounting aperture. The adjustable locating member is disposed within the mounting aperture and includes a part locating feature and a position indicator fixedly attached to the adjustable locating member. The plurality of indicia is located on the raised platform adjacent to the adjustable locating member. The position indicator cooperates with the plurality of indicia to determine a vertical position of the adjustable locating member. The restraining member is cooperatively engaged with the adjustable locating member. The lower substructure is configured to allow for longitudinal and lateral translation of the base. The base is translatably mounted to the lower substructure.

Embodiments of the disclosure advantageously provide base plates with decreased metal contamination. Some embodiments of the disclosure advantageously provide base plates with increased edge purge channel uniformity. Some embodiments provide methods of forming base plates. Embodiments of the disclose are directed to a heater pedestal configured to support a substrate during processing. In some embodiments, the heater pedestal includes the base plate described herein.

A system for supporting workpieces during machining. The system comprises one or more adjustable workpiece support assemblies and a robotic unit. Each workpiece support assembly comprises a pedestal and a rotatable fixture element. The robotic assembly comprises means of mobilizing and immobilizing each support assembly, so that the fixture element may be secured in a particular orientation. The robotic unit moves along a frame, and manipulates and fixes the position of the fixture elements to match the contour of a workpiece. Vacuum forces may be applied through the workpiece support assemblies to secure the workpiece against the fixture elements.

A carrier for receiving and restraining a container against rotation during an automated filling and capping operation includes an array of modular container housings. A bumper is disposed below the housing and projects outwardly to cushion the carrier against impact. The bumper is supported by a base. Structure extends from the housing through the bumper and into the base to secure the carrier. One housing module includes a recess having container abutment surfaces and angled surfaces at the opening to guide a container into engagement with the abutments. One housing module includes a recess having ribs separated by relief vents to relieve air pressure as a container is loaded into the carrier. One housing module includes a container holder having a pair of upright supports separated by side openings. The bumper and the base each including a weight positioned at a selected location to uphold the filled container.

A locating fixture that includes a base, an adjustable locating member, a plurality of indicia, a restraining member and a lower substructure. The base includes a raised platform having a mounting aperture. The adjustable locating member is disposed within the mounting aperture and includes a part locating feature and a position indicator fixedly attached to the adjustable locating member. The plurality of indicia is located on the raised platform adjacent to the adjustable locating member. The position indicator cooperates with the plurality of indicia to determine a vertical position of the adjustable locating member. The restraining member is cooperatively engaged with the adjustable locating member. The lower substructure is configured to allow for longitudinal and lateral translation of the base. The base is translatably mounted to the lower substructure.

A locating fixture includes an adjustable locating member for supporting and restraining a part. The adjustable locating member allows for rotational and translational adjustment for aligning to a particular part configuration. The adjustable locating member utilizes a plurality of indicia and a position indicator to assist in the alignment of the adjustable locating member to a desired position, which is then restrained at a desired position by a restraining element.

Fixture Apparatus and methods of manufacturing fixture apparatus. Fixture apparatus comprising: a first body to at least partially support an object, the first body including a structure having variable stiffness along at least a first axis of the first body.