Method of using a universal intermediate support
First Claim
1. A method for using a device to support a part, the device having a base plate, at least one deformable sealed enclosure filled with particles and connected to a vacuum source, the deformable sealed enclosure having an outer surface and a concave inner surface, a chamber defined by the concave inner surface of the at least one deformable enclosure and at least a portion of the base plate, the chamber also connected to the vacuum source, and a flexible body disposed within the chamber of the at least one deformable sealed enclosure the method comprising the following steps:
- applying a vacuum from the vacuum source to the chamber in such a way as to collapse the deformable sealed enclosure and crush the flexible bodyremoving the vacuum from at least the chamber so that the flexible expands and pushes the deformable sealed enclosure into contact with the part, andapplying a vacuum to the deformable sealed enclosure (3) so as to stiffen the deformable sealed enclosure.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is a method for using a universal support consisting of one or more modules having a deformable enclosure (3) connected to a vacuum source (5) through an orifice. Said enclosure is of concave shape forming a chamber (6) provided with a flexible body (7). The method consists in the following series of steps: applying a vacuum to the chamber (6) so that the deformable enclosure (3) collapses; positioning the part which is to be supported; breaking the vacuum in the chamber (6); and applying a vacuum inside the deformable enclosure (3).
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method for using a device to support a part, the device having a base plate, at least one deformable sealed enclosure filled with particles and connected to a vacuum source, the deformable sealed enclosure having an outer surface and a concave inner surface, a chamber defined by the concave inner surface of the at least one deformable enclosure and at least a portion of the base plate, the chamber also connected to the vacuum source, and a flexible body disposed within the chamber of the at least one deformable sealed enclosure the method comprising the following steps:
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applying a vacuum from the vacuum source to the chamber in such a way as to collapse the deformable sealed enclosure and crush the flexible body removing the vacuum from at least the chamber so that the flexible expands and pushes the deformable sealed enclosure into contact with the part, and applying a vacuum to the deformable sealed enclosure (3) so as to stiffen the deformable sealed enclosure. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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2. A support device comprising:
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a base plate; at least one deformable sealed enclosure filled with particles, the at least one deformable sealed enclosure resting on top of the base plate;
wherein the at least one deformable sealed enclosure has a concave inner surface;a chamber defined by the concave inner surface of the at least one deformable enclosure and at least a portion of the base plate; a flexible body disposed within the chamber; and a vacuum source in communication with at least one of the deformable sealed enclosure and the chamber; and a control that selectively connects and disconnects at least one of the chamber and the deformable sealed enclosure from the vacuum source, wherein the control has at least two positions, wherein when the control is in the first position, the vacuum source is connected to the chamber;
wherein when the control is in the second position, the deformable enclosure and the chamber are connected to an exhaust. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification