Abstract: A machine vise that can serve multipurpose uses is constructed utilizing a cast base made so that it can be easily mounted for NC machining, or mounted on a swivel base, and can be used mounted on its sides or on one end. The cast base is made to simplify clamping to a tool table by providing an accessible ledge for clamping along the sides and ends. The ledge also provides a coolant drain trough. A support for the distal end of the vise screw is mounted to simplify manufacturing without losing precision operation. The same vise body can be adapted for use with interchangeable screws for manual operation of a movable jaw from either end of the vise or using a hydraulic actuator for clamping the movable jaw.

Abstract: A clamping device for clamping a fireproof plate into a metal frame of slide gate includes a clamping jaw that can be pressed against the plate perimeter. A wedge-shaped member acts on the clamping jaw and is threaded onto a bolt that is rotatably positioned in the frame. The clamping jaw and the wedge-shaped member have engaging slots and keys that cause positive withdrawal of the clamping jaw upon loosening the wedge-shaped member.

Abstract: A workpiece holding device which wedges against the side of a workpiece during machining operations to provide a clear surface for machining. A tool head having a clamping face and a wedge ramp face is attached to a flexible shaft and support structure. A wedge is pressed against the wedge ramp face by a hold down fastener which also secures the support structure. The multipurpose components produce a very lightweight, low profile holding device for use in machining operations.

Abstract: A clamping device for securing and accurately positioning an item relative to a predetermined surface includes a laterally-extending fixed jaw and a laterally-extending movable jaw. A locating surface is fixed relative to the fixed jaw and extends transversely at a laterally rearward or inward position relative to the fixed and movable jaw surfaces, with the locating surface being engageable by the item to be clamped when the item is inserted between the jaw surfaces. A resilient biasing apparatus is included for resiliently biasing the movable jaw in a generally forward or outward lateral direction, and a clamping apparatus is positioned laterally inward or rearward of the locating surface. The clamping apparatus is selectively actuable for forcibly urging the movable jaw toward the fixed jaw in order to clamp the item therebetween, and for exerting a clamping force on the movable jaw at a lateral position rearward or inward of the locating surface.

Abstract: A reedmaking system is disclosed that includes a device for thickness sizing by sliding a cane segment along a guide surface past a cutting edge that is spaced apart from the guide surface a distance slightly greater than the thickness of a conventional finished reed. An adjacent length sizing tool on a common base member enables cutting to length with a blade spaced apart from a stop member a distance slightly greater than the length of a conventional finished reed. A separate hand held tapering tool includes a tapered bar on a handle for tapering by trimming to the taper of the bar as a rough reed blank is retained against the tapered bar with a single clamp member attached adjustably to the distal end of the tapered bar, while a duplicator mounted on a separate base member includes a cutting assembly with a follower that follows the shape of the pattern reed as a blade shaves the reed accordingly.

Abstract: A machine for operating on sheet stock workpieces having stock grippers mounted on a work positioning carriage for moving the sheet stock workpiece along first and second relatively transverse paths in the plane of the stock to position the workpiece at predetermined positions relative to the machine tools. Work grippers are mounted on the work positioning carriage for adjustment relative to the carriage when the work grippers are released and the work grippers are automatically clamped against movement relative to the carriage when the work grippers are actuated to grip the stock.

Abstract: A vise for clamping two works comprising a vise body having a groove of T-shaped section and first and second reference surfaces perpendicular to the groove; a pair of movable members fitted in said T-shaped groove between said first and second reference surfaces, having clamping surfaces opposed to said reference surfaces, respectively, and provided at the rear sides opposite to said clamping surfaces with inclined surfaces inclined to converge toward the T-shaped groove; a wedge fitted between said inclined surfaces; a block slidably and disengageably fitted in the T-shaped groove between said movable members; and a bolt connecting said wedge and the block for forcing the wedge toward the block. The second reference surface is disposed on a supporting member which carries an inclined third reference surface. By removing a movable member and reversing the supporting member, the third reference surface opposes the first reference surface for clamping a single work therebetween.

Abstract: A vise jaw for attachment to a vise jaw support which includes a first plate for attachment to the vise jaw support in place of the standard vise jaw and having a plurality of vertically elongated openings formed therein and a second plate overlying the first plate and having a plurality of pins extending therefrom and engaging the openings in the first plate, a spring carried by the first plate and engaging at least one pin to urge the second plate to a normal uppermost position and a structure carried by the first plate and operable to engage one of the pins in an opening therein to urge the second plate downwardly when a work piece has been fastened in the vise.

Abstract: For use in a milling or like machine, a fixture is provided to hold a part to be machined, the fixture including portions to clamp the part against relative shifting motion. A mount for the fixture includes components movable in tilting and vertical senses whereby a previously machined surface on a held part may be brought into mating contact with a reference surface in the machine thereby locating the part for a succeeding machine operation. A single means is operable to lock the components in a set position of adjustment. The part is firmly held in an unstressed condition for precise performance of the succeeding machine operation thereon.

Abstract: An assembly of top and bottom plates spaced apart vertically by peripheral and intermediate spacer bars forming a shelf of freeze drying or other processing equipment, is held together on a movable base support by peripheral clamps mounted removably at selected positions on the base support. A hollow framework carriage is mounted on the base support for movement above and relative to the shelf assembly and it supports a pair of elongated, laterally spaced clamp bars for retractable movement toward and away from the base support for releasably clamping therebetween interposed portions of the shelf assembly. A laser welder then is moved relative to the clamp assembly to weld the components together in the clamped areas. Upon completion of the welding operation, the clamp bars are retracted and the framework moved over the base support and assembly to the area next to be welded, whereupon the clamp bars are extended into clamping position and the welding operation is repeated.

Abstract: A work-holding clamp retains a work piece on a machine tool table and includes a body member having a flat supporting surface and the means to secure the body member to a work table. This body member is made with a stepped bore formed therein and therethrough. The forward end of the body member has a formed dovetail in which moves a jaw member at a selected slant or slope. Within this body member is a reciprocal hydraulic piston having its forward end formed with two cam surfaces. A lower cam surface is adapted to engage a mating cam surface on the jaw to move the jaw member forwardly and downwardly to a gripping condition. An actuation of the piston rearwardly causes an upper cam surface to engage a removable pin to move the jaw member upwardly and rearwardly to disengage the jaw member from the workpiece. This piston is carried in the stepped bore with the rear of the piston being a sliding fit in the larger portion of the bore.

Abstract: A vise having a base portion with two end abutments and a sliding block therebetween and a screw for moving the block into clamping relation with one of the abutments. The block and the base have a rail relationship for sliding of the block on the base, and the screw forces on the block to urge the block toward the sliding surface of the base. Also, a screw is disposed to one side of the block for holding it down on the base in the sliding relationship. The width of the block is less than the width of the abutments so that a clamp can be placed across the abutments but the block is free to move back and forth. Also, the block has a pin and a wedge which are forced upon by the screw for forcing the block downwardly on the base in the clamping action.

Abstract: A clamp effort intensifier that multiplies the manual effort used for clamping vise jaws onto a workpiece through the use of a cam that actuates the vise jaws together to provide adequate clamping forces while substantially reducing the manual effort necessary to achieve a safe clamp force. The effort intensifier acts to load the vise jaw through a heavy spring which deflects as the jaws are loaded. The amount of deflection can be used to indicate the clamping force exerted on the jaws. An interlock to the machine tool used will prevent operation of the tool until the clamp force exceeds a desired level.

Abstract: This clamping device comprises a fixed jaw and a movable jaw sliding on the body of the fixed jaw; it comprises furthermore a structure for receiving the reactions of the stresses exerted on the fixed and movable jaws, this structure having for this purpose a front part against which the fixed jaw bears and a rear part having therethrough a tapped orifice in which the threaded portion of the clamping screw of the movable jaw is meshingly engaged; the front part and the rear part of this structure are each formed by a flange, and these two flanges are connected to one another, in the central part thereof, by means of at least one stay-rod, parallel to the clamping screw, and in the lower part thereof opposite that where the clamping screw is located by at least one compression bar.

Abstract: A machine vise grasps a given work blank by causing a movable jaw to be moved toward a stationary jaw fixed in position on one end of the vise bed. When the work blank is grasped between the stationary jaw and the movable jaw and the clamping force of the movable jaw is increased, no bending stress is exerted upon the vise bed and a force causing the movable jaw to be directed to the surface of the slide for the movable jaw is applied thereto to thereby increase the force of adhesion of the movabe jaw to the vise bed, with the result that the work blank is prevented from rising off the vise bed, that the rigidity and structural strength of the vise as a whole are increased and that the jaws grasp the work blank therebetween in a state wherein the jaw plates of the jaws keep their postural angle relative to the surface of the slide for the movable jaw at a precise right angle at all times.