Abstract: A quick release adapter for releasably mounting a tool or the like on a support includes a holding fixture adapted to be mounted on the support and having a slot therein for slideably receiving a mounting plate upon which there is secured a tool or the like. The mounting plate is releasably locked in the holding fixture by a locking element which extends through a through-hole in the fixture. The locking element is carried by a lever which is pivotally mounted on the back of the fixture and includes a handle which may be manipulated to move the locking element into and out of locking engagement with one edge of the mounting plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for lifting a load through an arc includes two pivotally connected, overlapping housings which are pivoted relative to each other by a fluid operated piston disposed between the housings. The housings have overlapping sides provided with oppositely inclined cam tracks. Rollers driven by the piston and captured within the cam tracks transmit force between the sidewalls of the housings, thereby causing the housings to pivot relative to each other. One of the housings is adapted to have the load mounted thereon.

Abstract: A fluid driven piston and cylinder includes a pair of wide opening jaws for gripping relatively thick workpieces. The jaws are mounted on a head which is linearly displaceable by a piston rod powered by the piston and cylinder. An actuating plate on the head actuates closure of the jaws when the head reaches its maximum outward position of displacement. The actuating plate displaces a U-shaped yoke reciprocably mounted on the head. The jaws are pivotally mounted on the head and are squeezed into gripping relationship to a workpiece by rollers mounted on the extremities of the yoke.

Abstract: A pair of actuatable gripping jaws are secured to a mounting head which is slidably mounted on a support by a pair of guides. The mounting head is of unitary construction and includes a fluid operated motor integral therewith for actuating the jaws at any point along the stroke of the mounting head. One of the guides is defined by the drive shaft of a fluid operated piston and cylinder which reciprocably drives the mounting head. A rigid fluid conduit coupled with the mounting head for supplying fluid to the motor defines the other guide.

Abstract: A clamping assembly is operated by a piston and cylinder assembly rotatably mounted on a support. A mounting bracket rotatably mounted on the support is provided with a pair of pivotally mounted plates each having a clamping arm and a cam track. The mounting bracket includes an annular shoulder engaging the support; a flange draws the shoulder against the support, thereby selectively locking the bracket and the piston and cylinder against rotation in any of a plurality of rotational positions. A drive rod connected to the piston extends through the support and into an elongate slot in the bracket. A pair of rollers secured to the outer end of the rod are disposed in the cam slots and drive the plates to pivot. The cam slots are specially configured to lock the clamp in a locking position in the event that fluid pressure is lost in the piston.

Abstract: A fluid operated vacuum device for manipulating a workpiece includes a rectangularly shaped metal body having a plurality of fluid passageways therein. One passageway communicates with a suction cup for creating a vacuum between the cup and the workpiece. Another fluid passageway terminates in an exhaust opening on one end of the body over which there is secured a plastic muffler for dispersing and silencing fluid exiting from the body. The muffler is substantially hollow and includes a plurality of openings in one side thereof through which exhaust fluid may escape into the ambient atmosphere. The effectiveness of the muffler is increased by a recess in the body circumscribing the exhaust opening, a perforated baffle member within the muffler, and a series of dimples in an interior wall of the muffler upon which exhaust fluid impinges.

Abstract: A pair of clamping jaws for gripping a work piece are coupled by a link mechanism to a fluid operated piston and cylinder assembly which opens and closes the jaws. The jaws and cylinder are mounted on a unitary support having a cavity therein within which the cylinder is received. The jaws and link mechanism are mounted on a head which is slidably carried on the support by guide rods fixedly secured to the head. The link mechanism includes an overcenter link arrangement which locks the jaws in a closed, gripping position in the event that the cylinder fails due to loss of fluid pressure.