Fixtures and methods for increasing the efficiency of manufacturing lines
US6397481B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 27, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 4, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 27, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB25B11/00
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A multi-purpose fixture can be used as a part of, or in conjunction with, a manufacturing line to make many different items, such as telephones or other types of communication equipment. A single, multi-purpose fixture can be used to make multiple items. When one item has completed a manufacturing process a different item can be inserted into the same fixture. The fixture is then adjusted to fit the new item. Because the fixture can be used with more than one item, changeover times are reduced as are the costs of developing separate fixtures for each item. Reductions in changeover times and costs allow a manufacturing line to operate more efficiently.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.