Multi-purpose vacuum clamp table

Abstract

In one embodiment, an apparatus for constraining an object includes a first clamping surface configured to apply a first holding force to a first surface of the object; a second clamping surface configured to apply a second holding force to a second surface of the object; and an actuator configured to selectively move the second clamping surface relative to the first clamping surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of constraining an object, comprising:
 applying a first holding force to the object to hold the object against a first clamping surface;   performing a first vibrational modal analysis on the object;   applying a second holding force to the object to hold the object against a second clamping surface;   changing a resonant characteristic of the object;   releasing the second clamping surface from the object; and   performing a second vibrational modal analysis on the object.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second holding force comprises a vacuum pressure force. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising moving a second clamping surface toward the object before applying the second holding force. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising moving the second clamping surface away from the object after release. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first holding force is applied while performing the first and second vibrational modal analysis and changing the resonant characteristic of the object. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second clamping surface is movable relative to the first clamping surface. 
     
     
         7 . A method of constraining an object, comprising:
 applying a first holding force to the object to hold the object against a first clamping surface;   applying a second holding force to the object to hold the object against a second clamping surface; and   moving the second clamping surface relative to the first clamping surface.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising moving the second clamping surface to a coplanar position with the first clamping surface.