Abstract: The present invention is a tool for inserting an evaporator orifice tube check valve into an evaporator orifice tube. The tool uses a press pin comprising a pneumatically activated cylinder which forces the evaporator orifice tube check valve into the evaporator orifice tube a predetermined distance. The tool also includes a reciprocating cylinder which locates the valve to a proper seating depth, a signal generator which notifies the operator if the valve in a particular evaporator is not seated properly, and a marking device which creates a label on the evaporator orifice tube only if the evaporator orifice tube check valve is at the predetermined desired location.

Abstract: A clamping system has a clamping device inserted in an installing hole formed in a fixture base, a cylinder unit for operating a clamp and a detection unit for detecting operation positions of the clamp, both of which are formed in the clamping device. In the fixture base, there are formed clamping fluid supplying passages for supplying clamping fluid and detection fluid supplying passages for supplying detection fluid, in which pressure switches are provided. And also, in the clamping device, there are formed detection fluid supply passages and clamping fluid supply passages. When the clamping device is inserted into an installing hole formed in the fixture base, the clamping fluid supplying passages are communicated with clamping fluid supply passages, and also the detection fluid supplying passages is communicated with the detection fluid supply passages through nozzles formed in the cylinder unit.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for retaining the rear window of a truck in place within its window frame while the urethane seal therebetween is curing. The overall length of the apparatus is adjustable and suction cups are attachable in a spaced-apart relationship to the central portion thereof to grippingly engage the window and hold same in place during the curing process. An adjustable tie-down clamp is received through each of the opposite ends of the apparatus and engages either a window frame in the truck cab or the truck door frame.

Abstract: A membrane press is provided for applying a laminating foil to a three-dimensional workpiece to be laminated. The membrane press includes a work base having a supporting surface for carrying the workpiece, and a frame located above the workpiece for holding the foil. The improvement in the membrane press includes a pedestal housing located in the work base and having a cylinder therein communicating through a pedestal opening with the supporting surface of the work base. A piston rod including a workpiece elevating and lowering pedestal is positioned in the cylinder in axial alignment therewith. The pedestal communicates with the supporting surface through the pedestal opening. Upper and lower pistons are affixed to the piston rod in fluid-pressure transmitting relation within the cylinder in axially spaced-part relation to each other. The pistons define respective upper and lower axially aligned pressure-transmitting surfaces.

Abstract: A fluid-actuated workholding apparatus that includes a base member that has a longitudinally extending slot and a fixed jaw attached thereto. The apparatus further includes first and second movable jaw members that are operably supported on the base member for movement towards and away from the fixed jaw member along the longitudinally extending slot. A clamping assembly is operably supported within the longitudinally extending slot and serves to define a fluid receiving cavity for receiving a pressurized fluid therein. The clamping assembly communicates with the first and second movable jaw members such that when a predetermined amount of pressurized fluid is admitted to the receiving cavity, the first and second movable jaw members are caused to move away from the fixed jaw member.

Abstract: A workpiece support is provided that is locked in its normal state. A balanced system of spring force is provided to lock the positioner in a chosen position. It will remain in the selected position until fluid pressure is provided to release it. The unit is designed to provide a large surface area for the fluid pressure.

Abstract: A table saw is disclosed comprising a main saw unit and an air table attachment. The air table is mounted adjacent a main support surface of the main saw unit, and includes a body portion and a generally planar table top. The body portion has a plurality of subsections formed therein. The table top is substantially coplanar with the main support surface, and is attached to the body portion to cover the subsections so that a plurality of holes through the table top communicate between the subsections and the exterior. A shop vacuum produces either a partial vacuum or a stream of pressurized air, and a manifold attached to the body portion selectively communicates the vacuum or stream of air to one or more of the subsections to respectively produce either a suction force or a supporting air cushion over a variable portion of the table top. Preferably, the air table is movable along the front and rear guide rails in a direction transverse to the direction of rotation of the saw blade.

Abstract: A flexible tooling system includes a support table with multiple openings adapted to removably accept a self-contained actuator. Each opening of the support table provides vacuum and air supply lines as well as a bus interface so that each position may be uniquely addressed and commanded separately from any other openings. The self-contained actuator has corresponding connectors for receiving the vacuum and air supply as well as for interfacing with the bus. An actuator may be placed at a particular location by insertion into the receptacle at the opening in the support table aperture. The actuator may be commanded to raise, lower, lock in position and supply vacuum separate from any other actuator.

Abstract: A membrane press and method of elevating a three-dimensional workpiece are provided. The membrane press includes a work base having a supporting surface for carrying the workpiece. A foil-pressing frame is positioned above the workpiece for heating and applying a laminating foil to the workpiece. A plurality of fluid actuated pedestal assemblies are positioned for movement between a workpiece-loading position and a workpiece-lifting position above the supporting surface of the work base. Fluid passages communicate with the pedestal assemblies, and fluid pressure control means. The control means selectively directs a flow of fluid to the pedestal assemblies in response to the loading of the workpiece onto the supporting surface of the work base.

Abstract: system of helically coiled air hoses (18) supports a printed circuit board (14) in an assembly station, and allows the conveyor rails (15, 16) to adjust in and out, accommodating various widths of printed circuit boards (PCB). One of the conveyor rails is fixed and the other is movable. Air hoses are each formed in a helix and placed below the PCB and above the upper work surface of the assembly station, and arranged so that when the air hoses are pressurized the helix expands in diameter to become wedged between the work surface and the PCB to support it from below. One end of each of the air hoses is connected to the fixed rail and the other end is connected to the movable rail. The hoses are sufficiently flexible so as to be free to move about in a lateral direction, but they are diametrically rigid to prevent the diameter of each hose from changing substantially when the hoses are pressurized.

Abstract: A hydraulically-operated swing clamp (16) shiftable between a retracted, clamping position and an extended, releasing position is disclosed. The swing clamp (16) includes a speed control mechanism (26,52,54), which is formed directly on the clamp (16), for selectively and individually varying the speed at which the clamp (16) is shifted between its extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A holding device for peripherally holding workpieces of any desired outline is provided, comprising two shape-adjustable jaws arranged opposite one another on a base body. The gripping surfaces of the jaws are constituted a plurality of plungers able to be moved independently against such workpiece by fluid power and arrested in a work holding position. The base body is rotatably supported in a clasping device for turning about an axis perpendicular to the work holding direction and possesses a connection member for the fluid power operation of the fluid power drive of the plungers at least. Furthermore a counter-connection member connected with fluid power lines is adapted to be thrust against the connection member and in the stationary state of the base body is able to be coupled with the same in a certain angular setting, the base body possessing valve means for locking the positions of the plungers in the clamping state thereof after uncoupling the counter-connection member.

Abstract: A clamping device for butt welding metal sheets includes a base for supporting adjoining edges of a first and a second associated metal sheet. A first clamping unit is positioned above the base. The first clamping unit includes a plurality of first springs longitudinally spaced from each other. Each first spring has a first end, for selectively contacting the first associated metal sheet, and a second end as well as a first support linkage to which the second ends of each of the plurality of first springs are secured. The support linkage selectively applies the plurality of first springs to the associated first metal sheet. A second clamping unit is positioned above the base in a spaced manner from the first clamping unit. The second clamping unit includes a plurality of second springs longitudinally spaced from each other. Each second spring has a first end for selectively contacting the second associated metal sheet and a second end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulically actuated bar-like clamping tool with an elongated base body (1), a reciprocating elongated clamping body (2) and a tubular inflatable body (18) arranged between both said bodies for moving the clamping body. The inflatable body is secured in a fluid-tight manner at one end and is connected to a fluid connection at its other end. The base body (1) and the clamping body (2) consist each of a U-shaped section with meshing legs (9;10). A reciprocating, elongated thrust piece (15) supported on the ends of the legs of the clamping body (2) and a fixed, elongated abutment (13) are arranged between the legs (9) of the base body (1). The tubular inflatable body (18) extends on the one hand between the base body (1) and the pressure member (15) and after it is deflected it extends on the other hand between the abutment (13) and the clamping body (2). The U-shaped base body (1) has a close-off arrangement (3) at least at its end provided with the fluid connection (3a).

Abstract: For machining a part or a series of parts on a machine tool, it is proposed that said part be successively fixed in at least two different gripping modules (12a to 12e) mounted on a central unit (10) placed on the machining plate of the machine. The rapid assembly and disassembly of the modules with respect to the central unit is ensured by flanging jacks (42a,42c) actuated by a hydraulic control system (14) carried on the central unit. This system (14) also actuates control and locking jacks (34,40,64) ensuring the gripping of the parts on the modules (12a to 12e).

Abstract: The part holder for workstations with a revolving table has a first prism-shaped supporting element and at least one second supporting element which is adapted to support parts to be machined. The holder comprises locator pins for positioning the second supporting element on a lateral face of the first supporting element and protrusions for removably locking the second supporting element on the face.

Abstract: A membrane press and method of elevating a three-dimensional workpiece are provided. The membrane press includes a work base having a supporting surface for carrying the workpiece. A foil-pressing frame is positioned above the workpiece for heating and applying a laminating foil to the workpiece. A plurality of fluid actuated pedestal assemblies are positioned for movement between a workpiece-loading position and a workpiece-lifting position above the supporting surface of the work base. Fluid passages communicate with the pedestal assemblies, and fluid pressure control means. The control means selectively directs a flow of fluid to the pedestal assemblies in response to the loading of the workpiece onto the supporting surface of the work base.

Abstract: The devices and systems of the present invention encompasses both an apparatus and method enabling quick repositioning of positional devices, and quick positioning of supports, particularly useful in edging and milling applications. The positional device uses a set of nested pistons which are mounted in an offset fashion onto a circular vacuum platform. The platform has a push tubing connection which is amenable to manual evacuation onto the working table, and a manual pressure release to facilitate spot movement of individual positional devices. An auxiliary vacuum system enables the positional devices in each work area to be individually controlled.The quick positioning of supports is accomplished through the use of a "spider" shaped hub which is connected to the supports using a set of approximately equal lengths of pressure tubing.

Abstract: The invention is an improved membrane press, and method of elevating a workpiece above the supporting surface of a work base. The membrane press includes a work base having a supporting surface for carrying the workpiece, and a foil-pressing frame positioned above the workpiece for heating and applying the laminating foil to the workpiece. The improvement in the membrane press includes a plurality of workpiece-lifting pedestals residing substantially beneath the supporting surface of the work base. A piston is located beneath each pedestal, and responds to the placement of the workpiece onto the supporting surface of the work base. The piston imparts an upward force on certain ones of the pedestals residing adjacent to and beneath the workpiece to raise the pedestals and workpiece upwardly above the supporting surface of the work base. The raised pedestals permit the top surface, corners, and peripheral borders of the elevated workpiece to be laminated.

Abstract: The invention is an improved membrane press, and method of elevating a workpiece above the supporting surface of a work base. The membrane press includes a work base having a supporting surface for carrying the workpiece, and a foil-pressing frame positioned above the workpiece for heating and applying the laminating foil to the workpiece. The improvement in the membrane press includes a plurality of workpiece-lifting pedestals residing substantially beneath the supporting surface of the work base. A piston is located beneath each pedestal, and responds to the placement of the workpiece onto the supporting surface of the work base. The piston imparts an upward force on certain ones of the pedestals residing adjacent to and beneath the workpiece to raise the pedestals and workpiece upwardly above the supporting surface of the work base. The raised pedestals permit the top surface, corners, and peripheral borders of the elevated workpiece to be laminated.

Abstract: A device for supporting slabs during the phases of punching and in general operations of plastic deformation has a plurality of jacks (6) placed under the slab in a position corresponding to at least a substantial portion of the surface of the slab during all the operations being carried out on the slab. These jacks are normally placed in contact with the lower surface of the slab and are capable of lowering for the purpose of avoiding interference with the portions of the slabs which have already been plastically deformed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for manufacturing products such as laminates or thermal moldings. The apparatus includes a first member, a flexible sheet, and a cord and channel arrangement to mount the flexible sheet to the first member to form an enclosed chamber. Valve structure is provided in airflow communication with the enclosed chamber. The apparatus may be used as a vacuum frame apparatus wherein the enclosed chamber receives product for exposure to a vacuum environment. Heat may be applied to facilitate manufacturing. External force may be provided to the product through external mechanical structure or an external pressure greater than atmospheric pressure external of the enclosed chamber. In another embodiment, the apparatus may be used as a membrane press wherein the product is outside the enclosed chamber and the enclosed chamber is pressurized to a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure such that the flexible sheet, sometimes heated, is pressed against the product.

Abstract: A ball and socket type universal workpiece support is provided that is locked in its normal state. A balanced system of spring force is provided to lock the positioner in any position chosen by the operation. It will remain in the selected position until fluid pressure is provided to release it for movement to another position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable fastening device e.g. for an axially-shaped, tubular, flat or spherical tool or working piece or machine part or a like of a desired shape. The device includes: a body section (1), a clamping means (2), mounted within the body section (1) and at least partly pressable/squeezable indirectly or directly against a piece (10) to be fastened. Between the body section (1) and the clamping is provided a space (3), which is pregreased for a medium effecting said pressing/squeezing. The medium comprises in situ cast elastomer (5) whereby, upon the application of pressure on elastomer by means of a screw, a piston or the like, said elastomer (5) delivers by way of its displacement and/or deformation said pressure to clamping means (2) which thus presses/squeezes against a piece (10) to be fastened and, upon releasing said pressure, the elastomer (5) returns to its initial state.

Abstract: An improved wood working facility has a table saw which is operated in combination with a table saw extension table. The extension table is provided with an array of orifices through which air is ejected to provide a buoyant support for boards and sheet material laid atop the extension table. An ordinary shop vacuum cleaner may be utilized as the source of air being expelled from the orifices. Air may also be received from a distribution system in the shop which distributes compressed air to the various machine sites. The air is provided to an air plenum below the extension table top and exits from the plenum via the multiplicity of orifices in the top of the table. A low surface frictional veneer on the table top adds to the effort reducing efficiency of the extension table.

Abstract: A centering and clamping device for clamping a support (4) to a base (1) has contact surfaces (29 and 8) which come into contact with each other and have installed therein device parts (5 and 2), with passive (6) and active (3) coupling elements. The device parts have centering elements (31 and 33) which work in conjunction, one of which (31) is designed to yield elastically in the direction of clamping. The active coupling element (3) contained in the base part (2) of the device can be moved between its retracted position within the contact surface (8) of the base (1) and an operating position where it projects above this contact surface. The elastic centering element (31) is a circular collar having a base area, reduced in cross-section, and an S-shape (36) by narrow radial circular grooves (34, 35).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for easily and reliably removing cut-out pieces cut out from a workpiece by wire-cut electric discharge machining, in which, upon completion of cutting a piece (41) out, a constraining assembly (63) mounted on the distal end of a piston (62) is brought close to the top surface of the piece under the control of a numerical control unit, and machining fluid is upwardly jetted from a lower nozzle (19) toward the bottom surface of the piece, to thereby hold the piece in the workpiece, with the piece kept away from the lower nozzle and prevented from being detached upwardly from the workpiece. While jetting the machining fluid, a worktable is horizontally moved to cause the cut-out piece to move in unison with the workpiece away from the lower nozzle in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A set of anchoring elements including a first and a second anchoring element of modular type, usable either as an alternative to or in combination with one another in relation to the requirements of height adjustment of a clamping fixture's components. Each of the anchoring elements includes a hollow external casing provided with a hollow threaded screw for its fastening to an underlying anchoring element or to a supporting pallet for a piece which is to be machined, and a hollow threaded bush for the fastening of a clamping fixture's anchoring element or active component located immediately above. The first and the second anchoring element are provided with structure suitable for preventing their rotation with respect to the underlying anchoring element, or supporting pallet.

Abstract: An automated machining center performs various operations on a work piece which is locked onto the pallet using a hydraulically operable fixture. An automatic coupling system according to the invention provides for automatic coupling between the pallet and a source of hydraulic power to selectively lock or release the work piece on the pallet. The coupling system includes a cam ring associated with the pallet in axial alignment with a rotatable locking rod associated with a base unit. The locking rod is axially mounted to a dual acting hydraulic cylinder itself axially mounted to a carriage which is moveable relative to the base unit. Alternate extension and retraction of the cylinder causes the locking rod to selectively engage the cam ring to draw the carriage towards the pallet to provide automatic coupling between quick coupler sockets on the carriage and quick plug couplers on the pallet to provide a fluid communication line between a source of power and the hydraulic fixture.

Abstract: An immobilizing device particularly useful during processing or testing flat workpieces includes an air-cushion unit carried at the lower end of a carrier member and having an annular skirt defining with the workpiece, an air-cushion chamber effective, when pressurized, to cause the air-cushion unit to hover over the workpiece to permit relative movement between the air-cushion unit and the workpiece and table, while immobilizing and flattening the board with respect to the table.

Abstract: An electrode carrier for mounting the electrodes of an electrode-erosion hining device having the capabilities of effectively clamping a plurality of needle-type electrodes in a short amount of time, without applying excessive forces to the electrodes. The electrode carrier has a mounting body defining a cavity, as well as passageways, through which the electrodes pass such that they extend through a cavity. A deformable elastic material is disposed within the cavity in contact with portions of the electrodes. A clamping piston is urged into contact with the deformable elastic material such that it applies a compression force on the material causing it to deform and clamp the electrodes in the mounting body.

Abstract: A holding device for semiconductor disks or wafers orients and secures the disk during transport to a working position. Shortly before the disk reaches a working position the device releases the surface to be worked or secures the disk position with the aid of a ring which remains in the working position. Thereby the disk surface can be worked completely or with minimal shadowing and simultaneously the transport mechanics can be effectively protected against the working process, for example coating or etching. All parts continuously exposed to the working process can be readily exchanged. If the disk remains adhered in the working station, it is torn off by a form-fitting transport securement.

Abstract: A core retaining apparatus for a wire-cut electro-discharge machine which is capable of effectively and reliably retaining a core cut out of a workpiece by wire-cut electro-discharge machining when the core is removed to a position outside the machining area. The core retaining apparatus comprises a core retaining element for retaining a core cut out of a workpiece, the element being elastic and having a space therein, and pressure control elements for maintaining the pressure inside the space at a desired value.

Abstract: A moving optical fiber (10) is guided in its motion by an annular guide apparatus (40) which receives the optical fiber (10) within an inner bore (66) and stabilizes its transverse position as it moves longitudinally. The guide (40) has a plurality of gas jets extending into the inner bore (66) that create a cushion of gas to maintain the position of the optical fiber (10) in the center of the bore (66), without the need for any physical contact between the bore (66) and the optical fiber (10). The annular guide (40) is preferably formed from a housing (42) that defines a gas plenum (74) and a flow control plate (52) that fits to the housing (42) and has circumferentially spaced, radially extending gas flow passages (54) etched therein. A gas flow introduced into the plenum (74) from an external source is distributed to the gas flow passages (54) and thence to the inner bore (66) to prevent the optical fiber (10) from physically contacting the guide (40).

Abstract: This invention is generally accomplished by providing continuous self-adhesive strands of elastic to a substrate having retractable supports extending therefrom. The retractable supports in a convex pattern are contracted with the self-adhering elastic and the substrate bearing the elastic and supports is brought into contact with the web to which the elastic is to be transferred. The series of supports around which the elastic contacts are forced to retract as the self-adhering elastic is pressed against the web causing the elastic to transfer to the substrate thereby creating an elastic band on the substrate. In a preferred form the substrate is fed two strips of self-adhering elastic that are applied on each side of a series of a convex pattern of pins and then pressed together around opposing sides of the convex pattern of pins to seal the elastic to itself and sever the elastic, creating a contoured closed loop around the pins.

Abstract: Two partial cylindrical, externally pressurized static air bearings are used to provide a self aligning air bearing platform. The self aligning air bearing platform is useful in a tape automated bonding system to bond a semiconductor device having a high pin count. A bottom bearing block has a top surface in the shape of an arc and at least one air outlet. A middle bearing block has a bottom surface configured to mate with the top surface of the bottom bearing block. The middle bearing block also has a top surface in a shape of an arc which is rotated 90.degree. with respect to the arc shaped top surface of the bottom bearing block and at least one air outlet. A top bearing block mates with the middle bearing block and provides the platform for holding the semiconductor device. Air bearings between the moving bearing blocks provide a low friction bearing for the aligning platform.

Abstract: A polymeric lens material is cast within a mold body which includes a generally conical external surface portion, an annular wall portion defining a pocket in which the material is cast, and a base wall disposed of between the conical external surface portion and the annular wall portion. The base wall defines an optical surface at the bottom of the pocket for forming a surface of a contact lens. The conical external surface portion of the mold body is dimensioned to complement an internal conical surface portion of a collet for accurately positioning and aligning the mold within the collet for a machining operation.

Abstract: A fixture for accurately locating a workpiece during machining operations. A table includes a plurality of frusto-conical openings arranged in a grid pattern to receive locator pins each having a frusto-conical base to seat closely in the opening in which it is inserted. The locator pins establish stops against which some parts of the workpiece are positioned. The workpiece is held against the pins by power cylinders carried on special pegs that can be inserted in the table openings. Air for operating the cylinders is made available to each opening through a valved line and a passageway extending to each opening in the table. Each peg has a passage arranged to receive the incoming fluid from the opening and to transmit the air to its cylinders to extend them against the workpiece.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for positioning a workpiece to a pallet on a working line. The line transports plural kinds of workpieces. Plural positioning pins are provided at various locations on each pallet to enable all the plural kinds of the workpieces to be carried by the pallets. Each positioning pin has a set position and a reset position. All positioning pins are first reset to the reset position. Thereafter, a selected positioning pin is set to the set position to accommodate a particular kind of workpiece. The positioning of the workpiece is accomplished by fitting a positioning hole defined by the selected workpiece onto the selected positioning pin.

Abstract: A machining system includes at least one machine tool (10) having at least one powered spindle (12) and a plurality of tools (14A-14F) stored in a magazine (40) for automatic retrieval and return by the spindle (12). A portable fixture assembly (16A, 16B, 16C) is employed in conjunction with the machine tool (10) and the tool magazine (40) for holding a workpiece (WP) during machining by the machine tool (10). The fixture assembly (16A, 16B, 16C) includes a plurality of clamping cylinders (70, 72, 80) and a plurality of clamping assemblies (84, 86) which are actuated either by the rotational torque supplied by spindle (12) or by the coolant fluid obtained from the spindle (12).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rotatably supporting a workpiece WP includes a bearing ring 300 which extends around a center support member 204. The bearing ring is deflectable inwardly at a plurality of spaced apart locations 310 to engage the center support member at these locations during machining of a workpiece. At each of the locations where the bearing ring is deflected inwardly into engagement with the center support member, the bearing ring has a reduced thickness to thereby reduce the resistance of the bearing ring to deformation at these locations. Fluid pressure applied against the outside of the bearing ring deflects the bearing ring inwardly at the locations of reduced thickness. The deflected portions of the bearing ring engage the center support member to securely hold it during machining of a workpiece.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated device for moving machine parts or the like, especially a device for pressing or fitting bearings into place in the forks of universal joints, consisting of a linear-action work cylinder, a pressure generator with a constant pressure, a supply tank with pressure medium, a main valve which controls the flow of pressure medium to provide the required amount in the work chamber of the work cylinder, a main line connecting these parts of the device, and a measurement system, which controls the main valve as a function of a measurement value, especially the center offset of the joint fork with respect to a reference axis or the like, characterized in that, between the work chamber of the work cylinder and the supply tank, a return line is provided, which has a throttle device which sharply reduces the return flow of pressure medium by comparison to the flow of medium into the work chamber.

Abstract: A patient bed for use with an NMR scanner utilizes a surface extending into the RF coil having a plurality of valves projecting therefrom which vent pressurized air when depressed. A patient bed, disposed over the surface, depresses the valves therebelow, engendering a cushion of air under the bed. The bed is selectively positioned in and out of the examination region via a sprocket-driven perforated belt which engages a sprocket on the bed. In a second embodiment, the bed is supported by a cushion of air on a vertically adjustable pedestal which is placed adjacent an NMR scanner which also provides a cushion of air for supporting the bed which is moved from the pedestal to the scanner and thereafter returned to the pedestal. Methods in accordance with the apparatus of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides work piece support apparatus for supporting resilient sheet material during a machining operation, e.g., routing, in which the support apparatus includes hydrostatic clamping means comprising perforated support pads positioned each side of the resilient material and connected to a fluid supply. By this arrangement a fluid layer under relatively high pressure is interposed between each pad and the adjacent region of sheet material which is thus fluid pressure supported in the immediate vicinity of the routing tool throughout the machining process. The invention beneficially provides a routing machine including the work piece support apparatus in which the work piece is positioned in a generally vertical plane and the routing tool is mounted about a generally horizontal axis.

Abstract: In a sensitive analytical instrument having an optical bench carried by a base member, new and improved vibration and shock isolation apparatus which includes three spaced pneumatic mounts interposed between the optical bench and the base member to provide vibration and shock isolation therebetween, each of the mounts having a preselected optimum linear range of operation, a source of pressurized gas, apparatus for individually controlling the inflation and deflation of each of the mounts with pressurized gas to maintain actual operation of each of the mounts within its preselected optimum linear operating range.

Abstract: An eddy current probe is supported against the force of gravity with an air earing while being urged horizontally toward the specimen being examined by a spring and displaced horizontally against the force of the spring pneumatically. The pneumatic displacement is accomplished by flowing air between a plenum chamber fixed with respect to the probe and the surface of the specimen. In this way, the surface of the specimen can be examined without making mechanical contact therewith while precisely controlling the distance at which the probe stands-off from the surface of the specimen.

Abstract: This invention is generally accomplished by providing continuous self-adhesive strands of elastic to a substrate having retractable supports extending therefrom. The retractable supports in a convex pattern are contracted with the self-adhering elastic and the substrate bearing the elastic and supports is brought into contact with the web to which the elastic is to be transferred. The series of supports around which the elastic contacts are forced to retract as the self-adhering elastic is pressed against the web causing the elastic to transfer to the substrate thereby creating an elastic band on the substrate. In a preferred form the substrate is fed two strips of self-adhering elastic that are applied on each side of a series of a convex pattern of pins and then pressed together around opposing sides of the convex pattern of pins to seal the elastic to itself and sever the elastic, creating a contoured closed loop around the pins.

Abstract: The invention is a mold adapted for forming a member from a thermoset or thermoplastic resin about a substrate at a distance from the end of the substrate without leaking of the thermoplastic or thermoset material onto the portion of the substrate between the end and the starting point of the member being formed about the substrate, wherein the mold comprises(A) a mold casing adapted for forming a member from a thermoset or thermoplastic material about a substrate at a distance from the end of the substrate,(B) an inflatable seal adapted for forming a seal about the substrate when inflated at a distance from the end of the substrate such that the thermoset or thermoplastic material is contained to the area of the substrate about which the member is to be formed,(C) a means for inflating the seal such that the seal can form a seal about the substrate at a distance from the end of the substrate.

Abstract: A clamping device, for use for example for clamping a tool or workpiece in position in a machine tool comprises a clamping anchor to which a clamping force is applied by a hydraulically operated cylinder. The device also includes a screw operated compensating or back-up unit which acts on the piston of the hydraulic cylinder. The compensating unit is driven by the same hydraulic system as the hydraulic cylinder and when the piston has been moved hydraulically to apply the clamping force to the anchor, a screw component of the compensating unit moves into engagement with the piston to lock the piston in position and maintain the clamping force even if the hydraulic pressure on the piston is then released.

Abstract: A machine tool bolster includes a horizontal fixture support plate and a pressure-operable clamp device is vertically shiftably mounted to the underside of the plate and includes a clamp insert holder extending axially into a circular hole provided in the plate. A fixture is mounted to a locating plate provided with a receptacle adapted to receive the clamp insert holder when the clamp device is raised relative to the plate. A rod is connected to a piston of the clamp device and extends vertically through the holder. The upper end of the rod is conically shaped and acts against complementary shaped clamp inserts radially slidably mounted in the holder to shift them outwardly against a conically flared portion of the locating plate receptacle so as to clamp the fixture to the bolster.