With Means For "hold-down" Component Of Force Patents (Class 269/134)
  • Patent number: 11964372
    Abstract: An in-line clamp (100), including: a base (200) having a bottom (202) that defines a bottom plane (204) and a ramp feature (210); and a pusher (300) having a cooperating feature (304) and a contact ridge (314) disposed opposite the cooperating feature. Movement of the cooperating feature along the ramp feature moves the contact ridge downward toward the bottom plane and away from the base in a clamping direction (510). The clamping direction forms an acute clamping direction angle (514) with the bottom plane. An adjustment mechanism (500) is configured to apply a push force (322) on the pusher to move the contact ridge in the clamping direction. The push force is applied in a push force direction (322D) that forms an acute push force direction angle (508) with the bottom plane. The acute clamping direction angle is different than the acute push force direction angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Inventor: Henry Wang
  • Patent number: 11185955
    Abstract: A manufacturing includes a template support and a plurality of template members. The template support comprises a structural member, a first rail, and a second rail. The first rail is coupled to the structural member, and is positioned outward of the first side of the structural member and extends parallel with the structural member. The second rail is movably coupled to the structural member and is normally biased outward to an outward position in which second rail is parallel with the structural member. Each template member is coupled to the template support when the first rail is positioned in a first recess thereof and the second rail is in the outward position in a second recess thereof, and is removable from the template support when the second rail is in an inward position and out of the second recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Corey Chappus, Vincent C. Rabaut, III, Dale Lesh, Scott Rollo, Donovan Brown
  • Patent number: 10792167
    Abstract: A surgical assembly includes a housing, a first arm extending outside the housing and a linkage assembly housed by the housing and connected to the first arm. Movement of the linkage assembly inside the housing is linked to movement of the first arm outside of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: ARTHREX, INC.
    Inventors: Rudraksh Khosla, Mark A. Wise
  • Patent number: 10406607
    Abstract: A clamp is disclosed for a key making machine. The clamp may have an anvil, and a door movable toward the anvil to sandwich a key blank therebetween. The clamp may also have a gate pivotally connected to the door and configured to engage the key blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip Gerlings, Michael Schmidt, Lawrence Perea
  • Patent number: 10086486
    Abstract: A part-holding device includes a holding portion configured to hold an object to be held and a main body configured to detachably connected to the holding portion. The main body has a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface oriented in respective differing directions, and the holding portion has a first abutting surface, a second abutting surface and a third abutting surface capable of abutting against the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface, respectively. The part-holding device further includes pressing means configured to press the holding portion to cause the first abutting surface to abut against the first surface and to cause the second abutting surface to abut against the second surface, and fixing means configured to cause the third abutting surface to abut against the third surface and to fix the holding portion to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES MACHINE TOOL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoko Hirono, Noritaka Fujimura, Kazuyuki Ishizu
  • Patent number: 9345588
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inserting an implant comprising providing an expandable vertebral implant. The method further may comprise providing an angling inserter tool. The angling inserter tool comprises a handle portion, a base portion, and a tip assembly, the base portion being disposed between the handle portion and the tip assembly. The method further may comprise distally advancing a central shaft of the tip assembly with rotation into an opening in the expandable vertebral implant to secure the angling inserter tool to the expandable vertebral implant. The method further may comprise positioning the expandable vertebral implant in a patient's spine. The method further may comprise for causing the tip assembly to angulate with respect to a longitudinal axis of the angling inserter tool, wherein the internal shaft is coaxial with an outer cylinder of the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: James Himmelberger, Colm McLaughlin, Mark Weiman
  • Patent number: 9004474
    Abstract: A fixing device for fixing a workpiece includes a base, a first pressing block pressing the workpiece to the base, a second pressing block, a first support member, a second support member, and a side pressing block. The workpiece includes a preprocessing portion to be machined, which has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner and outer surfaces of the preprocessing portion are sandwiched between non-rigid materials during a machining process to avoid the generating of swarfs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zi-Ming Tang, Ming-Fu Luo, Fa-Guang Shi
  • Patent number: 8979086
    Abstract: A workpiece hold-down clamp for securing a workpiece to a fixture plate, the workpiece hold-down clamp comprising: a clamp post for mounting to the fixture plate; and a clamp finger which is adjustably mounted to the clamp post, wherein the clamp finger is configured for selective movement along the clamp post, and wherein the clamp finger comprises a portion for engaging the workpiece; wherein the clamp finger comprises a cantilever beam which is flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Steven E. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8864965
    Abstract: A substrate holder includes a fixed holding member and a movable holding member for detachably holding a substrate by gripping a peripheral portion of the substrate therebetween, and an inner seal member and an outer seal member which are fixed to the movable holding member. When the substrate is held by the movable holding member and the fixed holding member, the inner and outer seal members seal the connection between the movable holding member and a peripheral portion of the substrate and the connection between the movable holding member and the fixed holding member, respectively. The movable holding member includes a seal holder, and the inner seal member and the outer seal member are fixed between the seal holder and a fixing ring secured to the seal holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Jumpei Fujikata, Yuji Araki, Masaaki Kimura
  • Publication number: 20140239569
    Abstract: A clamping apparatus and method for maintaining a workpiece flatness during processing includes a base having a planar surface for receiving a first workpiece. Two sets of opposing clamping mechanisms are mounted to the base and include a clamp head at a distal end of a rod extending from a housing in removable overlapping relation to the first workpiece. Each set of the clamp heads are in opposing spaced relationship to each other defining a second workpiece area, and the clamp heads are configured to mate with a top surface of the first workpiece. A biasing member is coupled to each of the housings and apply a downward vertical force to the housings, rods, and the clamp heads for applying a downward vertical pressure to the first workpiece. The first workpiece is thereby discouraged from thermally expanding in a vertical direction and is thermally expandable horizontally along the planar surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Donald A. Merte, Thomas Weiss
  • Publication number: 20140103594
    Abstract: A coupling for use with a holder. A tool that can be attached to a holder using such a coupling. The coupling comprises a slot to hold the holder in a retaining position, a channel defining a pathway which permits movement of the holder from an outer peripheral edge of the coupling into the retaining position, and having a cam surface on its outer peripheral edge about which the coupling can be moved to facilitate movement of the holder out of the retaining position into alignment with the channel for removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Graham Noel Drummond
  • Patent number: 8656771
    Abstract: A device and method for measuring the thickness of a cloth when the predetermined pressing force is applied to the cloth. A device for measuring a cloth thickness includes a stationary part having a base surface; a movable member having a pressing end to press a cloth against the base surface; a movable member driving mechanism to move the movable member linearly without rotating around itself from an initial position up to an over-pressing position where the pressing end presses the cloth against the base surface with a force exceeding the predetermined pressing force; a load cell for detecting a force with which the pressing end presses the cloth against the base surface; and a pulse coder for detecting the space between the base surface and the pressing end when a force value detected by the load cell reaches the predetermined pressing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Hasegawa, Tomoyuki Okada, Nobuhisa Ito
  • Publication number: 20130292893
    Abstract: The present invention addresses the issue of providing a jig for fixing a cylinder block, said jig being capable of stably fixing a cylinder block and contributing to a reduction of the size of the whole equipment including a processing tool. A jig for fixing a cylinder block of the present invention is used for the purpose of fixing a cylinder block, and is provided with a table having the cylinder block placed thereon such that the crank cases of the cylinder block are positioned on the lower side, and a clamping device, which can project upward from the upper surface of the table, and which clamps a journal wall that separates the crank cases of the cylinder block from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masato Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8544831
    Abstract: A clamp is provided, having a slide rail, a fixed arm fastened to the slide rail and on which a first abutment surface for a workpiece is arranged, a sliding arm displaceable on the slide rail, and a housing arrangement, on which are held a first bearing device and a second bearing device, by means of which the housing arrangement is guided on the slide rail. The sliding arm is positioned between the first and second bearing devices. A second abutment surface for a workpiece is arranged on the housing arrangement and faces the first abutment surface. A force application device is held on the sliding arm and acts on a pressure piece held on the housing arrangement. The housing arrangement has a first housing part with a housing interior having an opening. The sliding arm is brought into the housing interior through the opening during production of the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: BESSEY Tool GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Klein, Hans Roesch, Gerhard Kloepfer, Karl Philipp
  • Patent number: 8459623
    Abstract: A powered grip that can engage and hold an item which includes a primary body member, an actuator dependent from the primary body member and a pair of spaced apart clamp jaws to move towards and away from each other. A force transmission mechanism is operatively located intermediate of the actuator and each of the clamp jaws to displace the clamp jaws relative to the primary body and that, through mechanical advantage, establishes a multiplication of the force of the actuator force at the clamp jaws. A force transmission mechanism geometry adjuster is provided to vary the spacing between the clamp jaws for any given operating force applied by the actuator, allow the pre-testing setting of the spacing between the jaws such that the range of force applied by the clamping jaws to the item to be tested is within a desired range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Instron Singapore Pte Ltd
    Inventor: Kuo Tsing Tsai
  • Publication number: 20130119044
    Abstract: A jaw support and a sealing jaw for form, fill and seal machines are provided. In alternative embodiments, the form, fill and seal machines may include a fitment applicator station, a fitment applicator, a fitment heater assembly and a sealing jaw constructed and arranged to form a container and transfer and apply a fitment to the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventor: Robert Lawrence Gynnild
  • Publication number: 20120299234
    Abstract: A fixing device for fixing a workpiece includes a base, a first pressing block pressing the workpiece to the base, a second pressing block, a first support member, a second support member, and a side pressing block. The workpiece includes a preprocessing portion to be machined, which has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner and outer surfaces of the preprocessing portion are sandwiched between non-rigid materials during a machining process to avoid the generating of swarfs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FU TAI HUA INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: ZI-MING TANG, MING-FU LUO, FA-GUANG SHI
  • Publication number: 20120285001
    Abstract: A clamping system includes a housing, a clamping lever pivotally coupled relative to the housing, a clamping arm pivotally coupled relative to the housing and the clamping lever, and an expandable link coupled to the clamping arm. The clamping lever and the clamping arm are rotatable from an open position to a closed position. A method of mounting a device on a substrate using the clamping system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher A. Swan
  • Publication number: 20120237310
    Abstract: A holding device and method for engaging a work piece to route an end thereof. The device includes parallel first and second side plates and first and second clamping plates; where the clamping plates are positioned between the side plates. A connector member connects all the plates together. An activator assembly is engaged with the plates and, in a first instance, moves the clamping plates laterally toward each other and in a second instance moves them laterally away from each other. When moved toward each other, each clamping plate contacts one of the elongated sides of the work piece and the work piece is thereby clamped between the clamping plates. A clamping element extends downwardly from the connector member to contact the work piece. The holding device is usable in two different orientations to enable routing of the end face or second face of the work piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Sjoerd Anne van Valkenburg
  • Patent number: 8176610
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method for precisely placing holes or attaching sub-components to vertical mullions or other workpieces of various shapes and material compositions. The apparatus, in its basic mode of operation, can accurately locate the positions of holes or groupings of holes to be drilled in the workpiece by means of the calibrated positioning, along the workpiece, of a plurality of fixtures affixed to specially-designed drill guide plates. When used in its advanced mode of operation, the fixtures of the apparatus are re-configured and loaded with a plurality of shear blocks or other connectors, and thereupon an operator, by calibrated placement of the fixtures, may simultaneously pinpoint the required fastening location of the shear blocks and sequentially attach specified fasteners through each shear block, directly onto the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventors: Donald L. Arrington, Fred D. Harris
  • Patent number: 8172489
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine tool for machining of workpieces, having a workpiece support for mounting the workpiece, a tool holder, which can be moved at least along one axis, for holding a tool for machining the workpiece, and workpiece holding units for fixing the workpiece during the machining, the workpiece holding units being arranged outside the workpiece support surface of the workpiece support, which is covered by the workpiece in the mounted state, and each having a holding element for fixing the workpiece. In order that also workpieces of greater diameter can be machined, the machine tool otherwise being of the same dimensions, it is provided according to the invention that the holding elements can each be moved, substantially parallel to the workpiece support surface, in the direction of the workpiece, in particular in the direction of a central workpiece axis, which runs perpendicular to the workpiece support surface, for the purpose of centering and fixing the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Chiron-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Prust, Hans-Henning Winkler, Torsten Winkler
  • Publication number: 20110215511
    Abstract: The invention refers to a machine tool for machining one or more work pieces, wherein the work piece is held indirectly or directly by a clamping device in the machine tool on or at a non-rotary work piece table or a work piece table rotating around at least one axis. The invention is characterized in that the clamping device comprises at least one clamping element interacting indirectly or directly with the work piece, and an electric motor is provided for generating the clamping power that is in active connection with the clamping element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: Burkhart Grob
  • Publication number: 20110210494
    Abstract: A workpiece hold-down clamp for securing a workpiece to a fixture plate, the workpiece hold-down clamp comprising: a clamp post for mounting to the fixture plate; and a clamp finger which is adjustably mounted to the clamp post, wherein the clamp finger is configured for selective movement along the clamp post, and wherein the clamp finger comprises a portion for engaging the workpiece; wherein the clamp finger comprises a cantilever beam which is flexible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Steven E. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20110018186
    Abstract: A powered grip that can engage and hold an item which includes a primary body member, an actuator dependent from the primary body member and a pair of spaced apart clamp jaws to move towards and away from each other. A force transmission mechanism is operatively located intermediate of the actuator and each of the clamp jaws to displace the clamp jaws relative to the primary body and that, through mechanical advantage, establishes a multiplication of the force of the actuator force at the clamp jaws. A force transmission mechanism geometry adjuster is provided to vary the spacing between the clamp jaws for any given operating force applied by the actuator, allow the pre-testing setting of the spacing between the jaws such that the range of force applied by the clamping jaws to the item to be tested is within a desired range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Kuo Tsing Tsai
  • Patent number: 7861752
    Abstract: A saw guide system for securing a panel and providing a guide for a saw to cut a straight line across the panel includes a sawhorse being positioned on a support surface. A first rail is coupled to a top plate of the sawhorse. The first rail supports the panel when the panel is positioned on the sawhorse. A support mount is attached to the first rail. A second rail is pivotally coupled to the first rail by the support mount. The second rail is vertically spaced from the first rail to allow the panel to be placed on the first rail. The second rail is pivoted towards the first rail to position the panel between the second rail and the first rail. The second rail is abutted by a saw to maintain a straight cut across the panel when the saw is used to cut the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Michael A. Leaf
  • Patent number: 7814644
    Abstract: A positioning assembly for a composite structure is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the positioning assembly includes at least one vertical carriage support, at least one vertical carriage carried by the at least one vertical carriage support, at least one vertical motor drivingly engaging the at least one vertical carriage, a transverse carriage support carried by the at least one vertical carriage, a riser block carried by the transverse carriage support and at least one horizontal motor drivingly engaging the riser block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: John D. Harrison
  • Patent number: 7717386
    Abstract: A support device includes a support arm and a support plate in which the support arm has two opposite clamps each having an arrangement for laterally moving a height adjustment mechanism so that after performing both vertical and horizontal adjustments of the clamps pressing pivotably connected arm members will secure a visual display (e.g., computer LCD display) onto the support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Nai-Hsuan Wang
  • Publication number: 20090224453
    Abstract: Attachment device for a clamp, said clamp having at least one clamp contact member for workpieces, said attachment device comprising a fixing member for fixing the attachment device in a releasable manner to the at least one clamp contact member, an attachment device contact member for contacting workpieces, which is held on the fixing member, and a pivot bearing via which the attachment device contact member is pivotable with regard to the fixing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: BESSEY Tool GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Duss, Thomas Klein, Hans Roesch
  • Publication number: 20080224375
    Abstract: A clamp has a first jaw and a second jaw mounted to be movable with respect to one another between a clamping configuration and a release configuration. A catch mechanism has a movable detent operable to engage with a locking element in a plurality of different positions dependent upon the degree of separation of the jaws. A tightening mechanism is manually operable to tighten the jaws by providing a tightening force acting via the catch mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Simon Mills, Paul Jenkins
  • Patent number: 6409161
    Abstract: The housing of a two station machining device has thereon a stationary jaw and two movable jaws reciprocable between open and closed positions relative to the stationary jaw by a pair of spaced slides that are reciprocable in a recess in the housing beneath the work surface. A piston in the recess has one end thereof secured to one of the slides and has its other end slidable sealingly in an axial bore and counterbore in the other slide. Normally the slides and the piston are retained resiliently in first limit positions in which the movable jaws are disposed in their open positions. Hydraulic fluid under pressure is supplied to the bore in the other slide beneath the head of the piston initially to move the piston and the one slide into second limit positions in which the jaw connected to the one slide is moved to its closed position, and then to move the other slide to a second limit position and its associated jaw to be moved to its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Parlec, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley D. Wolff, Matthew T. Hoyt, David L. Durfee, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6250620
    Abstract: A machining vise which includes a main body having a recess for guiding movable vise jaws therein is disclosed. The vise also includes a stationary jaw removably mounted at a mid-point on the main body, a first movable slide and a second movable slide. The first and second slides are mounted in the recess for guiding the movable vise jaws, wherein the first jaw is removably mounted to the first movable slide and the second jaw is removably mounted to the second movable slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Parlec, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Durfee, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6244580
    Abstract: A machining vise is disclosed. The machining vise includes a main body having a recess, a stationary vise jaw removably mounted at a mid-point on the main body, a first movable slide and a second movable slide mounted in the recess. A first vise jaw is mounted to the first movable slide and a second vise jaw is mounted to the second movable slide. The vise also includes a drive for moving the first and second movable slides, wherein a controlled release assembly associated with the first movable slide controls the movement of the first movable slide and the second movable slide. The controlled release assembly includes an offset adjustment mechanism and a spring biasing mechanism. The vise further includes a structure for releasably securing the vise jaws to the slides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Parlec, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Durfee, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6231035
    Abstract: A fixture for holding a workpiece in a predetermined position during a manufacturing operation. The fixture includes a support having a surface for receiving the workpiece. The surface has a reference point for locating and orienting the workpiece in the predetermined position. The fixture also includes a clamp for clamping the workpiece in a fixed position with respect to the reference point to hold the workpiece in the predetermined position and a brace mounted on the support for bracing the workpiece to prevent the workpiece from deforming during the manufacturing operation. The brace has at least two jaws adapted for clamping the workpiece when received by the support to prevent movement of the workpiece toward or away from the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Willem T. De Graaff, Allen L. Kelly
  • Patent number: 6217014
    Abstract: A work stop for use on a machine vise is received in a jaw plate for such vise and is securely locked in position. The work stop is fixed in a groove that is machined into a top edge of the jaw plate or jaw, with a member extending over the edge of the jaw plate and adjacent the face of the jaw plate that is used for clamping, a workpiece. This permits the workpiece to be slid against the stop before being clamped. The jaw plate is removably mounted onto a fixed jaw, and is located precisely relative to the fixed jaw so that the jaw plate with the work stop attached can be removed, and then replaced when the same part is to be machined again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Kurt Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Ingo E. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 6170814
    Abstract: A method for attaching a jaw to a vise-like workholding apparatus. The method includes placing the jaw member onto a support member of the workholding apparatus in a first direction that is perpendicular to a worksurface of the workholding apparatus. The jaw member is placed such that at least a portion of the support member is received within a cavity in the jaw member in a first released position. The method also includes applying a first axial force in a first axial direction to the jaw member to cause the jaw member to move axially in the first axial direction to a second position wherein it is retained on the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Chick Workholding Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Swann, Eric R. Moore, Edward S. Paris
  • Patent number: 6112858
    Abstract: An assembly line fixture includes an elevator having a mounting surface, and a turntable mounted on the mounting surface and rotatable about an axis of rotation with respect to the mounting surface. Also mounted on the mounting surface are a detent mechanism, a locking mechanism, and a clamping mechanism. The detent mechanism includes a roller that is spring biased against the turntable, and that is operable to resist rotation of the turntable at preselected angular positions. The locking mechanism includes a lever, a locking member, and a biasing member. The locking member engages notches in the turntable to prevent the turntable from rotating. The lever actuates the locking member and the biasing member biases the locking member toward the notches for engagement therewith. The clamping mechanism includes at least one clamp that is adapted to engage a portion of an apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company
    Inventor: Michael L. Arnst
  • Patent number: 6017026
    Abstract: A machining vise which includes a main body having a recess for guiding movable vise jaws therein is disclosed. The vise also includes a stationary jaw removably mounted at a mid-point on the main body, a first movable slide and a second movable slide. The first and second slides are mounted in the recess for guiding the movable vise jaws, wherein the first jaw is removably mounted to the first movable slide and the second jaw is removably mounted to the second movable slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Inventor: David L. Durfee, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5975513
    Abstract: A vise has a fixed jaw mounted stationarily relative to a vise body. A movable jaw is supported on side rails that have upper way surfaces. A jaw nut that exerts a downward force on the movable jaw operated to move the movable jaw along the way surfaces. Resilient member is provided between the under side of the movable jaw and at least one of the way surfaces to space the movable jaw slightly from the way surfaces until the movable jaw engages a workpiece, at which time the resilient material compresses and provides a positive hold down force on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Kurt Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Ingo E. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 5921534
    Abstract: A removable jaw assembly for a workholding apparatus having a base that defines a worksurface and a first longitudinal axis. The assembly includes an tower portion provided on the workholding apparatus that protrudes above the worksurface and defines a second longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The assembly also includes a removable jaw member that has a cavity that is sized to receive the tower portion therein such that the jaw member may be selectively longitudinally moved on the tower portion between a released position and an attached position. The tower portion includes at least one spring-biased latch member adapted to engage an engagement area formed in a wall of the cavity at right angles to the second longitudinal axis to selectively retain the removable jaw on the tower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Chick Workholding Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Swann, Eric R. Moore, Edward S. Paris
  • Patent number: 5868379
    Abstract: A collapsible trailer safety stand may be positioned adjacent the front of a loading bay a predetermined distance away from a dock. The stand in one position engages adjacent the kingpin of an unfettered trailer. It has a top and bottom and has located proximate its bottom a base having pivotally attached thereto at least one lifting arm and at least one stabilizing arm. The arms have pivotally attached therewith a support which moves from a first position wherein the support is disposed substantially within the base and the safety stand lays substantially flat in the loading bay to a second position wherein the support is disposed adjacent the kingpin. The arms are engaged with a drive to drive the support from the first position to the second position locating the mechanism adjacent to the kingpin of the tractor trailer. The collapsible safety stand in use prevents nose diving of the trailer when the trailer is being loaded or unloaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Elwood Blair Ellis
  • Patent number: 5869194
    Abstract: A blank for manufacturing a precisely shaped part, such as a turbine blade, generally comprises a tip, a root region longitudinally spaced from the tip, and a midspan region extending therebetween. The blank is further characterized by a sacrificial region extending substantially longitudinally from the root region, a stacking axis and a root centerline from which critical dimensions of the blade are referenced, and a plurality of locators. The first locator, a bore, being disposed at the tip on the stacking axis. The second locator, a notch, being disposed within the sacrificial region aligned with the stacking axis. The third locator, a notch, being disposed within the sacrificial region is characterized by a corner, which is parallel to the root centerline. The locators are shaped to mate with corresponding features on a fixture, such that the fixture uses the locators to securely hold the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: James P. Dwyer
  • Patent number: 5732992
    Abstract: A tool is disclosed in which components can be grasped and secured using a single actuation motion. A mechanical system converts a single actuation motion into sequential motions at least in part mutually orthogonal. The advantages of this system are one-handed operation and ability to accommodate variations in dimensions of the components to be secured in the tool. A particular device is disclosed which is used in the handling of human prosthesis components during surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Exactech, Incorporated
    Inventor: Cary M. Mauldin
  • Patent number: 5730433
    Abstract: A tool for mating, clamping, and gluing under high pressure, two picture frame members, the ends of which have been precisely cut prior to clamping. This high pressure produces a stronger joint than is now available in existing clamps that only hold the adjacent times while the glue is setting. It also produces a faster glue setting time than conventional clamps since excess glue is squeezed out, thus increasing clamp efficiency by making it available sooner for the next glue joint. In addition, it embodies an optional vertical clamp, which, in conjunction with a transparent triangular plate, applies a vertical pressure on members that may have been slightly warped or inaccurately cut. The triangular plate is optionally used with complex profiles to distribute the pressure. This combination results in a tight aesthetic joint. Existing clamps on the market do not embody this feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: John Veres
  • Patent number: 5720476
    Abstract: A removable jaw assembly for a workholding apparatus having a base member with a longitudinal slot therein. The assembly includes a movable support member that has a lower portion operably supportable in the longitudinal slot such that it can be selectively axially moved therein. The movable support member has an upper portion that protrudes from the slot for supporting a jaw member thereon. A jaw retaining member is attached to the upper portion of the movable support member such that it is selectively movable between a first position wherein the jaw member is nonremovably attached to the upper portion of the movable support member and a second position wherein the jaw member can be removed from the upper portion of the movable support member. An actuation member is provided on the base member for biasing the jaw retaining member to the second position when the movable support member is moved to a disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Chick Machine Tool, Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Swann, Eric R. Moore
  • Patent number: 5467972
    Abstract: A clamping apparatus having a fixed post with a pad and a clamping jaw post with a threaded hole, through which a screw with a handle on one end and a pad on the other passes. The clamping apparatus may be used with rails so that on the bottom rail the fixed post is placed within one hole and the clamping jaw post placed within another hole such that a workpiece may be clamped between the two, and additionally a top rail with holes that the other ends of the fixed and clamping jaw post engage with may be added to prevent the workpiece from buckling when clamping pressure is applied by turning the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Lee Valley Tools, Ltd.
    Inventors: Leonard G. Lee, John S. Lynn, Francis A. McLean, Edwin C. Tucker, Lloyd Sevack
  • Patent number: 5356124
    Abstract: A clamp fixture with multi-directional opening comprises a front clamping head, a rear clamping base, a top and a bottom pressing plates and two latching bases. The latching bases are provided on top of the front clamping head and the rear clamping bases respectively. Each of the latching bases further comprises a bracket, a pin shaft, a thumb latch and a torsion spring. The thumb latch can be pressed down to securely position the top pressing plate, cooperating with the bottom pressing plate which feeds through the front clamping head and the rear clamping base to form a space for securely clamping the working objects with multiple panels. The operation is simple and the structure is compact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventor: Yu-Fang Ai
  • Patent number: 5342031
    Abstract: A clamp fixture with multi-directional opening mainly comprises a front clamping head, a rear clamping base, a top pressing plate, a bottom pressing plate and two lock clamping bases. The front clamping head consists of two side plates which are riveted together by a lower stud shaft and a central stud shaft. The central shaft has a bolt, the front portion of which has a pushing block, and the rear end of the bolt has a wing nut connected thereto. Moreover, the rear clamping base also consists two side plates to cooperate with a lower stud shaft. The central stud shaft is inserted with an inverted U-shaped blocking base for holding the objects to be clamped. In addition, the upper and the bottom pressing plates are designed to have appropriate thickness. The two lock clamping bases are respectively installed on top of the front clamping head and the rear clamping base. Each of the lock clamping bases is made up of a bracket, a stud shaft, a screw bolt with a holding block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: Ai Yu-Fang
  • Patent number: 5141213
    Abstract: A vise comprises mainly a base, a sliding member, a movable base, and an urging member. The base consists of a long slot extending axially in the middle thereof and of a holding base located at upper portion of the rear end thereof. The holding base comprises at front end thereof a jaw. The sliding member comprises on front end thereof a cooperating block of a predetermined shape and at front end thereof a circular arc portion having an appropriate curvature radius. The movable base consists of a bevel face with hole having at rear end thereof a bevel fave with a cavity disposed thereon for placing and positioning an intermediate member and of a protruded block with the protruded arc portions of predetermined curvature radii. The urging member is composed of a screw and a top block comprising at rear end thereof a recessed arc portion having a curvature radius corresponding to that of the circular arc portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Inventor: Sen-Kuen Chern
  • Patent number: 5083759
    Abstract: An apparatus for inhibiting movement of a workpiece comprises a bed, a pair of opposed vise jaws associated with and extending from the bed, each of the jaws having a gripping surface and at least one of the jaws being movable for gripping and releasing the workpiece positioned between the jaws, and a movable projection member rotatably disposed in a recess in the gripping surface of one of the jaws, where the projection member is extendable outwardly in a direction generally transverse to the gripping surface between the pair of jaws for being positioned above the workpiece when the workpiece is positioned between the jaws without exerting a substantial force on the workpiece to inhibit fly-away movement of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: American Machine & Tool Co.
    Inventors: Henry Pollak, Gordon V. Wells
  • Patent number: 4930760
    Abstract: A multiple chucking device is disclosed, which is suitable in particular for clamping in grooves of a machine table. The device includes a clamping block, at least one clamping piece, and an end block which are mounted on a pair of guide axles. The clamping block is rigidly supported on the pair of guide axles, and the clamping pieces and the end piece are adjustable in a longitudinally displaceable manner, and may be secured by locking screws that engage the axles. The clamping piece and the end block are equipped with a clamping jaw in the form of a wedge collet, and with a support housing a recess, in which an obliquely downwardly extending tightening screw is located. The screw is tightened by the wedge collet so as to engage and clamp a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Inventor: Zivorad Mirkovic