Abstract: An engraving fixture for use with an engraver including a laser moveable along a linear X-axis path wherein the fixture comprises a base structure having two mutually extendable parts to assume different axial lengths thereby to accommodate objects of different lengths. The base can accommodate at an axial mid-point an auxiliary support for especially heavy objects. The base structure includes a support structure carrying the drive wheels and a stepper motor at one end, and a slidable passive support that can be placed at any location on the base member.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for a setting device setting a blind rivet element is disclosed which comprises a hollow, which may be a hollow-cylindrical, body having an abutting end and a central through bore through which a pulling mandrel of the setting device is movable. Further, a first endless sealing is arranged adjacent to the central through bore at the abutting end for abutting at a head portion of the blind rivet element. Additionally, a second endless sealing is arranged radially outwardly of the first endless sealing at the abutting end for abutting at a component. Finally, a fluid channel extends at least partly through the hollow, which may be a hollow-cylindrical, body such that an exit opening is provided between the first and the second endless sealing and an entry opening for supplying a testing fluid is provided, which may be remote to the abutting end.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a dismantling device configured for a frame of a PV module. The dismantling device includes a connection portion, a first holding portion, and a second holding portion. The first holding portion is connected to the connection portion and configured to press against one of an inner wall and outer wall of the frame. The second holding portion is slidably disposed on the connection portion and movably closer to or away from the first holding portion along a sliding direction. The second holding portion is configured to press against the other one of the inner wall and the outer wall so as to clamp the frame with the first holding portion and to distort the frame.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving a recycled wood workpiece populated with a set of metal fasteners; accessing an internal imaging scan; detecting the set of metal fasteners embedded in the recycled wood workpiece based on internal features detected in the internal imaging scan; for each metal fastener in the set of metal fasteners, extracting an initial position and an initial orientation of the metal fastener from the internal imaging scan; generating a virtual model of the recycled wood workpiece based on the internal imaging scan; accessing an image captured by an optical sensor; detecting a first metal fastener in the recycled wood workpiece; deriving a first position and a first orientation of the first metal fastener; and, in response to identifying the first metal fastener analogous to an initial metal fastener in the virtual model, isolating the first metal fastener in the virtual model and generating a fastener removal schedule.

Abstract: A fully electric lift device includes a base assembly, a lift assembly, a platform assembly, tractive elements, an energy storage device, and a control system. The lift assembly is coupled with the base assembly and is driven by an electric linear actuator for a lifting function. The platform assembly is positioned at a top of the lift assembly and can be raised or lowered as the lift assembly performs the lifting function. The tractive elements are rotatably coupled with the base assembly and can be driven by an electric wheel motor to perform a driving function. The control system includes a controller that operates the electric wheel motor and the electric linear actuator to perform the driving function and the lifting function using power drawn from the energy storage device. The lift assembly and the tractive elements use only electrical energy to perform the lifting and driving functions.

Abstract: A workpiece clamping device having a first base body on which a first clamping body is slidably supported in a clamping direction, as well as a second base body on which a second clamping body is slidably supported in the clamping direction. The two clamping bodies are in engagement with a threaded spindle. A contact surface is provided on each base body on the side that faces the other base body respectively. The contact surfaces are arranged with base body distance in the clamping direction. A centering body of the threaded spindle has centering surfaces that abut at one assigned contact surface respectively in order to position the threaded spindle in clamping direction without clearance as far as possible.

Abstract: An adjustable tool holder is configured for interchangeable use with a variety of tools provided with different connection elements. The connection elements include at least a first connection element configured for a first manner of connection with the tool holder and a second connection element configured for a second manner of connection with the tool holder. The tool holder includes a distally extending tool support operable to detachably support each of the tools. The tool support includes a first tool connector configured to releasably connect with the first connection element in the first manner of connection. The tool support includes a second tool connector configured to releasably connect with the second connection element in the second manner of connection.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a substrate includes a detachable plate configured to reversibly attach to a base of a chuck. The base of the chuck includes one or more base-substrate vacuum inlet channels and one or more base-plate inlet channels. The detachable plate includes one or more first vacuum reservoirs and second vacuum reservoirs. The detachable plate is further configured to establish a fluidic connection between the one or more first vacuum reservoirs and the base-plate inlet channels for forming a first vacuum seal between the detachable plate and the base. The detachable plate further includes one or more pass-through channels for fluidic connection with the one or more second vacuum reservoirs for forming a second vacuum seal between the detachable plate and the substrate.

Abstract: Insect sorting conveyor systems include at least first and second insect conveyor stages. The first and second insect sorting conveyor stages each include an outwardly facing grasping surface forming at least part of a continuous loop having an upper section and a lower section, and an insect diverter positioned adjacent to the lower section. The second insect sorting conveyor stage is disposed below the first insect sorting conveyor stage.

Abstract: A magnetic device for magnetically coupling to a ferromagnetic body, comprises a housing having a central bore. A plurality of pole sectors arranged within an envelope of the central bore and forming a workpiece contact interface of the magnetic device, each of the plurality of pole sectors comprising a plurality of spaced-apart pole portions arranged at respective distances, wherein a recess of a plurality of recesses separates each pole portion of the plurality of pole portions, wherein a first sector forms a first pole of the magnetic device and a second sector forms a second pole of the magnetic device. A first permanent magnet. A second permanent being moveable relative to the first permanent magnet. And, an actuator operatively coupled to the at least one second permanent magnet to move the at least one second permanent magnet relative to the at least one first permanent magnet.

Abstract: A jack assembly and a system for supporting a partially submerged structure. The jack assembly may include a fluid jack including a cylinder and a ram, the cylinder having at least one fluid chamber configured to receive a pressurized fluid to move the ram; and a valve housing removably coupled to the fluid jack for providing fluid communication between the fluid jack and at least one fluid conduit, the valve housing including a link movable from a first position toward a second position, the valve housing being secured to the jack while the link is in the first position, the valve assembly being disconnectable from the jack while the link is in the second position.

Abstract: A method for installing a section of heat shrink tubing on a wire. The method utilizes an infeed guide that receives the continuous length of tubing and initially opens the tubing from a compressed condition. The continuous length of tubing is received in a cutting guide and cut to a desired length. After cutting, a pair of spaced support jaws move together to open the cut section of tubing. A funnel having a first opening and a second opening is moved into engagement with the section of tubing such that the second opening is received within the section of tubing. A wire is inserted into the funnel which guides the wire into the cut section of tubing. Once the wire is received within the cut section of tubing, the funnel and support jaws are removed and the wire is removed with the section of support tubing installed thereon.

Abstract: A spring compressor tool is provided. A tool for compressing an inline spring-loaded serpentine belt tensioner used in motive power systems, comprising a frame affixed with a fastening pin, the fastening pin optionally inserted into a hollow axle of the inline spring-loaded serpentine belt tensioner. A threaded stud affixed to an end of the frame, the threaded stud optionally coupled to a yoke providing lateral movement of the yoke along the threaded stud. A threaded fastener optionally coupled to the threaded stud and the yoke restricting movement of the yoke, the yoke optionally coupled to an end of the inline spring-loaded serpentine belt tensioner opposite the fastening pin. A lip attached to the yoke, the lip grasping the end of the inline spring-loaded serpentine belt tensioner, movement of the yoke along the threaded stud controls extension and contraction of the inline spring-loaded serpentine belt tensioner.

Abstract: A magnetic device for magnetically coupling to a ferromagnetic body, comprises a housing having a central bore. A plurality of pole sectors arranged within an envelope of the central bore and forming a workpiece contact interface of the magnetic device, each of the plurality of pole sectors comprising a plurality of spaced-apart pole portions arranged at respective distances, wherein a recess of a plurality of recesses separates each pole portion of the plurality of pole portions, wherein a first sector forms a first pole of the magnetic device and a second sector forms a second pole of the magnetic device. A first permanent magnet. A second permanent being moveable relative to the first permanent magnet. And, an actuator operatively coupled to the at least one second permanent magnet to move the at least one second permanent magnet relative to the at least one first permanent magnet.

Abstract: A workholding system includes an adjustable vise, a fixed vise, and a fixture plate. The adjustable vise and the fixed vise are secured to the fixture plate using a T-slot and a fastener. The system includes multiple precision locating surfaces, including interchangeable precision locating surfaces, to secure a working part. In one embodiment, a T-slot fastener facilitates the creation of an entire workholding system that facilitates the rapid installation of studs into receiving members. The fastener includes a quarter turn fastener used in workholding applications to quickly hold and release components of the system, such as tooling, parts, and plates. The compact design of the system makes possible the ability to insert the quarter turn fastener into a device that can fit into a T-slot and still have considerable holding power. The system is lower in cost than other solutions.

Abstract: A fork assembly can include multiple forks configured to surround a load. Multiple attachments can be made on the forks to couple to straps for support a load. The fork assembly can further include multiple fork extensions having end attachments to couple to straps for pulling on the load. Alternatively, the fork assembly can include multiple fork lifters having blades rotatable between a non-lift position and a lift position. The fork extensions can also have blades rotatable between a non-pullable position and a pullable position. The blade rotation can be performed by a remote rotate mechanism by an operator operating the fork assembly.

Abstract: A conveyance apparatus includes two clamp mechanisms. Each of the clamp mechanisms is configured to freely change its state among a fully clamping state, a semi-clamping state, and a non-clamping state. When an object is delivered from a first clamp mechanism that is holding the object to a second clamp mechanism, the second clamp mechanism is brought into the semi-clamping state to temporarily hold the object. Then, the first clamp mechanism is brought into the non-clamping state and the second clamp mechanism is brought into the fully clamping state.

Abstract: A clamp for retaining a workpiece onto a fixture whereby the method of connecting the clamp to the fixture provides for a simultaneous combination of both horizontal and vertical clamping forces against the workpiece without locating any portion of the clamp above the upper surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A tool for retracting pistons into cylinder bores is disclosed, with a narrow gap between facing pressure plates allowing use of the tool in tight places, and ratcheting spreading of the facing pressure plates causing outward moving of the pistons, enabling work to be performed, wherein movement of a threaded stud through a coupler moves a first pressure plate.

Abstract: A power clamp includes a body. A piston assembly is coupled with the body. The piston assembly includes an actuation mechanism and a movable piston rod. A linkage is housed in the body. The linkage is movably coupled with the piston rod. A plunger is movably coupled with the linkage. A clamp hook is coupled with the plunger for clamping a workpiece. The linkage moves the clamp hook between a release and clamping position.