Abstract: A workholding apparatus including a body and a drive member carried by the body, so that the drive member and body partially define a fluid chamber therebetween for containing a fluid. A driven member is also carried by the body and includes multiple displacement reliefs therein. An intermediate member with a displacement relief is received between the drive and driven members. The intermediate member prevents the drive member from extruding through the displacement reliefs in the driven member under fluid pressures of the fluid, thereby enabling use of the apparatus under higher performance applications that would not be possible without the intermediate member.

Abstract: A workholding apparatus including a body and a drive member carried by the body, so that the drive member and body partially define a fluid chamber therebetween for containing a fluid. A driven member is also carried by the body and includes multiple displacement reliefs therein. An intermediate member with a displacement relief is received between the drive and driven members. The intermediate member prevents the drive member from extruding through the displacement reliefs in the driven member under fluid pressures of the fluid, thereby enabling use of the apparatus under higher performance applications that would not be possible without the intermediate member.

Abstract: A zero-deflection support chuck is provided for gripping a load shaft which includes a stable support body having a bore, a gripping sleeve closely embracing the load shaft and a pressure sleeve within the bore and surrounding the gripping sleeve. The outer surface of the pressure sleeve is exposed to a pressure medium from a pressure source. The outer surface of the pressure sleeve has sealing lands at each end cooperating with the ends of the bore and a spiral groove and lands extending between the sealing lands. The lands between the grooves have the same diameter as the bore in the body. Pressure in the spiral grooves and the inner surface of the body bore moves the gripping sleeve tightly against the support shaft along the entire length of the sleeves and locks the shaft in a stable position.

Abstract: A pressure clamping structure for irregular workpieces includes initial locator points for positioning a part, multiple, opposed and spaced pressure discs operated by fluid pressure to engage the part and secure it in the located position, and spring backed support jacks engaging the part which are pressure locked in position to insure a rigid locking of the part for purposes of metal removal by machining or grinding. In addition, flexible pressure walls extending over areas of the workpiece are pressurized to further stabilize the workpiece and prevent vibration during the work operation.

Abstract: A holding chuck for parts to be machined utilizing hydrostatic forces for the gripping pressure but including a two-stage gripping action and a multiple area arrangement wherein a combination of a mechanical gripping and a fine hydrostatic pressure lock-up permits use on rough or out-of-round parts with large tolerances as to loading clearance with the advantages of a conforming chuck pressure which prevents distortion of the parts.