Patent ID: 7020596

Claim:
A method for creating a two dimensional pattern that can be used to create a three dimensional part with complex contours, and slots, having predetermined shapes and locations on the part, the method comprising the steps of: (a) creating a first three dimensional computer model of the part including the contours and the slots; (b) creating a generally two dimensional computer model of the part by inputting the first three dimensional computer model into a stamping tool software; (c) creating a second three dimensional computer model of the part by inputting the generally two dimensional computer model into a transfer die software; (d) comparing at least one of the slot shapes and locations of the first three dimensional computer model to the second three dimensional computer model; (e) modifying the at least one of the slot shapes and locations in the generally two dimensional computer model if the comparison indicates differences between the compared at least one slot; and (f) repeating steps (c) through (e) until the comparison indicates substantially the same slot shapes and locations for the at least one slot in the first three dimensional computer model and the second three dimensional computer model.