Plural Positioning Means Sequentially Operated Patents (Class 269/24)
-
Patent number: 11772239Abstract: A clamping apparatus includes: a support member (19) inserted in a leading-end-side portion of the housing (1) so as to be movable in its axial direction; a resistance giving mechanism (34) configured to give resistance to axial movement of the support member (19); and an engagement maintaining mechanism (26) configured to maintain engagement between a wedge surface (24) of a clamp rod (7) and a locking member (23). When the clamp rod (7) is driven toward a leading end side for unclamping action, the clamp rod (7) moves the locking member (23) toward the leading end side via the support member (19) after the locking member (23) moves radially inward.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2019Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: KOSMEK LTDInventors: Masahiro Yoshimi, Junichi Goto
-
Patent number: 11679601Abstract: A method/system of mechanical holdowns allows a substrate sheet in a CBAM (composite-based additive manufacturing technology) process to lie flat during printing. The invention includes a process of mechanically clamping sheets to be printed by a print head to a flat platen using a set of barrel cam driven clamping fingers. The finger supports are attached to the platen and the fingers can be raised and lowered with respect to the platen. Each finger can rotate while swinging downward toward a sheet at the edge of the platen. To clamp the sheet, the fingers are rotated to the perpendicular position and swung lower down to pinch the sheet to the platen. The process can include additional steps that release some, but not all, of the fingers to allow the sheet to relax before re-clamping them.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2020Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: Impossible Objects, Inc.Inventors: Robert Swartz, Eugene Gore, Drew Marschner
-
Patent number: 11628530Abstract: The present invention discloses a positioning system with an adjustable clamping force and a milling equipment for a rail transit honeycomb workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2021Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignees: QINGDAO UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, QINGDAO KAWS INTELLIGENT MANUFACTURING CO. LTD.Inventors: Changhe Li, Zhuang Shi, Aiguo Qin, Bo Liu, Yun Chen, Huajun Cao, Zongming Zhou, Naiqing Zhang, Qidong Wu, Bingheng Lu, Teng Gao, Yanbin Zhang, Min Yang, Mingzheng Liu, Xiaoming Wang
-
Patent number: 11326630Abstract: A toolless clamp comprises a shaft, a base, a latch, a first biasing member, and a clamping member. The base has a base bore configured and arranged to slidably receive a portion of the shaft. The latch has a latch bore configured and arranged to slidably receive a portion of the shaft and a portion of the base. The first biasing member is configured and arranged to bias the latch in a first direction away from the clamping member in an unclamped position and bias the shaft and clamping member in a second direction toward the base in a clamped position. The clamping member is operatively connected to a proximal end of the shaft and is configured and arranged to disengage the connecting member when the latch is in the unclamped position and engage the connecting member when the latch is in the clamped position.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2020Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: Domaille Engineering, LLCInventors: Gregory A. Schumacher, Jill B. Christie, Timothy E. Kanne, Peter N. Torgerson, Brian M. Fredrickson
-
Patent number: 11255758Abstract: A clamping device includes: an operating member; a wedge having a first inclined surface; a clamping member having a second inclined surface movable relative to the first inclined surface, the first and second inclined surfaces being provided in a face-to-face arrangement; and a housing having a first guiding part, a second guiding part and a chamber. The operating member is mounted in the first guiding part, the clamping member is mounted in the second guiding part, and the wedge is disposed in the chamber; the operating member is operated to move towards the wedge, such that the operating member contacts and pushes the wedge to move, and further the first inclined surface contacts and moves along the second inclined surface; whereby a pushing force of the operating member in a first direction is converted into a clamping force of the clamping member in a second direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2018Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: Leica Microsystems Ltd., ShanghaiInventors: Zheguang Fan, Xiangyu Hao, Xiaoqi Jiang
-
Patent number: 11135701Abstract: A hook clamp that includes a clamping hook, an actuator, and a spring member configured to be received in an opening of a component which is to be clamped. The hook clamp requires only a small through-opening on the component which is to be clamped. The hook clamp is useable, for example, in instances of larger component tolerances, and facilitates a greater pulling force.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2019Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: MAGNA STEYR Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KGInventor: Gerhard Spanner
-
Patent number: 10836005Abstract: A locating pin assembly including a locating pin movable between extended and retracted positions. The locating pin includes a locating pin top having a top end and a bottom end, a locating pin base receiving the bottom end of the locating pin top, and a dowel pin configured to couple the locating pin top and locating pin base together. The locating pin assembly also includes a drive rod moveable relative to the locating pin. The drive rod includes a drive rod top having a top end and a bottom end, and a drive rod base partially housing the drive rod top. The locating pin assembly also includes a finger coupled to the drive rod and movable between extended and fully retracted positions, the finger is extended by the drive rod without movement of the locating pin, and the finger is rotatable from a first position to a second position.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2017Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: PHD, Inc.Inventor: Bruce D. McIntosh
-
Patent number: 10751854Abstract: The device (1) for locking workpieces on machine tools comprises: —a first hydraulic cylinder (2) inside which at least one piston (3, 4) is inserted slidably along a main line (A); —a second hydraulic cylinder (15) inside which the first hydraulic cylinder (2) is inserted slidably along the main line (A), the feeding of a pressurised hydraulic fluid into a first chamber (8) being designed to apply to the first hydraulic cylinder (2) a primary force (F) that shifts the first hydraulic cylinder (2) from a home position to a second operating position; —an auxiliary chamber (28) provided between the first hydraulic cylinder (2) and the second hydraulic cylinder (15) and associated with pneumatic feeding means (29, 30, 31) designed to feed pressurised air into the auxiliary chamber (28), the feeding of the pressurised air applying to the first hydraulic cylinder (2) an auxiliary force (Fa) along the main line (A) in the same direction as and operating in conjunction with the primary force (F).Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2017Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: Hydroblock S.r.l.Inventor: Davide Zanni
-
Patent number: 10682741Abstract: A device for clamping a workpiece on tool includes a ram and a clamp, the ram being selectively actuated by a pressurized fluid. The ram includes a body which, when in use, is secured to the tool and a slide mounted such that it can slide with respect to the body. The clamp is hinged with the slide about a pivot axis. The body includes a front face beyond which the clamp projects when it is in a clamping position in order to clamp the workpiece. In addition, the clamp has a release position which it reaches at least partially by pivoting about the pivot axis. The slide includes a piston and a rod that are assembled to one another. The pivot axis is offset by a predetermined distance with respect to the axis of the rod in the direction of the front face.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2013Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Inventor: Christophe Boiteux
-
Patent number: 10576533Abstract: A staking tool is disclosed. The staking tool may include a main body, at least one punch disposed within the main body, and an actuator in mechanical communication with the at least one punch. The actuator may be configured to drive the at least one punch from a first position to a second position.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2018Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Magdalena Gaca, Adrian Adam Klejc, Mateusz Dolecki
-
Patent number: 10520087Abstract: A cylinder device includes a piston and a piston rod disposed movably, and a movable body in which another end portion of the piston rod is inserted. The piston rod includes a first pin groove that extends along an axial direction and through which a support pin is inserted. The support pin is also inserted through second pin grooves formed in the movable body and having a substantially L-shaped cross section. Further, a link pin is inserted through a pin hole on the other end portion of the piston rod. The link pin is inserted through third pin grooves in the movable body which are inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the axis of the movable body. In addition, under a moving action of the piston, the movable body is displaced linearly, and thereafter, is rotationally displaced by the link pin moving along the third pin grooves.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2017Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: SMC CORPORATIONInventors: Mikihito Ishii, Hiroshi Kusaka, Ken Nakajima
-
Patent number: 10465821Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for detecting a piping alignment using image information and laser sensors capable of precisely and accurately measuring and aligning the alignment of the entire pipes. The apparatus includes: a fixed plate installed on a base stage and having a reference pipe located thereon; a movable plate installed on the base stage along three axes to face the reference pipe and has an aligning pipe located thereon; a circular stage installed between the reference and aligning pipes and is configured to rotate and move along three axes so as to detect levelness and deformations of the reference and aligning pipes; a laser sensor and an imaging device installed on an upper side of the circular stage; and a controller configured to control the laser sensor and the imaging device and determine an alignment of the aligning pipe.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2017Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: Mokpo National Maritime University Industry-Academic Cooperation FoundationInventors: Taek-kun Nam, Jin-man Kim, Heon-hui Kim, Jae-jung Kim
-
Patent number: 10018191Abstract: Apparatus configuration in which: a piston (10) is inserted into a housing (1) ascendably and descendably; and pressurized oil supplied to and discharged from a driving chamber (11) arranged above the piston (10). An output rod (15) inserted into an upper wall (2) of the housing (1) protrudes upward from the piston (10). A descent-detecting first detection valve (31) and an ascent-detecting second detection valve (32) arranged outside the periphery of the output rod (15) and in the upper wall (2), circumferentially spaced apart at a predetermined interval. Each first detection valve (31) and second detection valve (32) has an operated portion (49) (79) which faces the piston (10) from above. The apparatus is configured so that pressurized air for detection is supplied through a first supply passage (B1) and a second supply passage (B2) inlets (31a) (32a) of the first detection valve (31) and the second detection valve (32), respectively.Type: GrantFiled: December 25, 2013Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: KOSMEK LTD.Inventors: Hideaki Yokota, Keitaro Yonezawa
-
Patent number: 9951799Abstract: An open/shut valve mechanism for detecting that a piston member of a hydraulic pressure cylinder has reached an unclamp position comprises: a valve body reception hole that communicates with a unclamp hydraulic pressure operating chamber, a valve body movably received in the valve body reception hole and having an annular concave engagement portion on its external circumferential portion; a spherical body that is movably installed in a cylinder main body and that can engage with the concave engagement portion; and an engagement portion that is formed on an auxiliary rod and with which the spherical body can engage; and when hydraulic pressure is charged into the unclamp hydraulic pressure operating chamber and the piston member has reached its unclamp position, the valve body receives the hydraulic pressure, a portion of the spherical body engages to the engagement portion and the valve body changes over to the valve closed position; and, when the piston member has shifted from its unclamp position, the spherType: GrantFiled: September 20, 2013Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Pascal Engineering CorporationInventor: Takayuki Kawakami
-
Patent number: 9808921Abstract: A tool has a biased piston, a plunger, and a base contained in a tool body. The plunger is positioned between the biased piston and the base and in contact with the base. A tool head is fixed to the base and extends outside of the tool body. The tool body is configured to be movable along a longitudinal axis relative to the base and plunger to move the plunger to load the piston when a load is applied to the tool body along a first load path. The tool body, the base, and the biased piston are configured to align the plunger with the longitudinal axis only when the load applied along the first load path is at least a first predetermined load, and thereby release stored energy of the piston as a dynamic load applied to the tool head along a second load path.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2014Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Brian D. Christoff, Travis S. Larson
-
Patent number: 9770810Abstract: A pin clamp assembly has a housing, an actuating device and a movable locating pin. A clamping device is coupled with the actuating device to move within the locator pin. The clamping device includes a rod and a finger. The finger extends and retracts in and out of the locating pin to enable the locating pin and clamping device to be moved so that the clamping finger clamps a workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2014Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: DE-STA-CO Europe GmbHInventors: Peter Schauss, Aravind Dugganna Naik, Michael Joanes Chaumet
-
Patent number: 9724161Abstract: A system for exchanging at least one end tool includes at least one tool exchange device for retaining each of the at least one end tool and at least one operating instrument engageable with each of the at least one end tool. The tool exchange device includes a tool retaining mechanism having an opening and a plurality of engagement features to enable mutually exclusive engagement and disengagement of the tool retaining mechanism with each of the at least one tool. Each of the at least one tool is receivable in the opening and has a biasing member engageable with the plurality of engagement features for at least one of biasing to an engaged position and a disengaged position.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2011Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: CAREFUSION 2200, INC.Inventor: Mark Doyle
-
Patent number: 9636803Abstract: An actuating device has a linearly-movable fluidly operated piston drive (1). A pivot shaft (3) is movably, rotatably mounted in a housing (2). A lever arm (4) is connected with the pivot shaft (3) in a torsionally rigid manner. An adjustment mechanism (5) connects the piston drive (1) with the pivot shaft (3). A damping device (6) dampens movement of the lever arm (4). The damping device (6) is associated with the housing (2) and with the pivot shaft (3).Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2012Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: DE-STA-CO Europe GmbHInventor: Bernhard Schuh
-
Patent number: 9604734Abstract: The invention relates to a centring arrangement for a component carrier, in particular for a mounting frame for structural aircraft components, having a centring pin, a centring receptacle for the centring pin, and a rotary drive for rotating the centring pin about a longitudinal axis of the centring pin, so that the centring pin can be brought into centring engagement with the centring receptacle as a result of the rotation. The invention further relates to a method for centring and locking a centring receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Broetje-Automation GmbHInventor: Christoph Eusterwiemann
-
Patent number: 9469003Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to unclamp sensing feedback devices for clamping or holding devices in automatic production lines more specifically to a link clamp assembly. Further, the disclosure also provides the method of achieving feedback to sense fully unclamped condition of the link clamp cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2013Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: KENNAMETAL INDIA LIMITEDInventors: Deepak Kumar Ravilla, Vijay Chandra Pothamsetti, Akshath Shenoy H.B.
-
Patent number: 9248224Abstract: A connection device, and an arrangement comprising such a connection device, for connecting, in particular coupling, at least one external functional device to an arrangement by pressing the external functional device. The connection device comprises at least one reception device having at least one first contact portion. It further comprises at least one pressing device which is configured for transferring at least the first contact portion from a first position into the second position by applying a first force (F1) and a second force (F2). The two forces (F1) and (F2) are of a different magnitude.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2010Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbHInventor: Martin Lauer
-
Patent number: 9156115Abstract: In some aspects of the disclosure, a workpiece retention device for securing plate-like workpieces to a workpiece movement unit of a machine tool includes first and second workpiece clamping elements and a clamping drive by which the workpiece clamping elements can be moved towards one another starting from an initial relative position in order to clamp a workpiece that is arranged between the workpiece clamping elements. The workpiece retention device also includes an adjustment device that can adjust the initial relative position of the workpiece clamping elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2011Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KGInventor: Christoph Schmidt
-
Patent number: 9144888Abstract: A clamping assembly is provided. The clamping assembly includes a base member having a base portion and an extension portion. The clamping assembly further includes a piston that is adapted to move first and second cam fingers toward the base portion to induce first and second pins, respectively, to move first and second wedge members, respectively, in first and second directions, respectively, on the extension portion to lift a wedge coupling member relative to the extension portion. The clamping assembly further includes a shaft coupled to the wedge coupling member that is further coupled to a clamping arm.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2015Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: Praxis Industries, LLCInventors: Richard Dennis Corriveau, Robert Anthony Pohutski
-
Publication number: 20150145193Abstract: An object fastening device which can prevent foreign matter from ending up damaging an object when confirming the object is properly seated, which object fastening device is provided with a receiving part, a pushing part which pushes the object against the receiving part, a first drive part which makes the pushing part generate a first force, a second drive part which is provided separate from the first drive part and makes the pushing part generate a second force which is smaller than the first force, and a foreign matter detecting part which detects foreign matter which is interposed between the object and receiving part while the second drive part is being used to cause the pushing part to push the object against the receiving part.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2014Publication date: May 28, 2015Applicant: FANUC CORPORATIONInventor: Kenichi Ogawa
-
Patent number: 9033323Abstract: A clamp device includes a clamp main body, an engagement assembly, a clamp rod, a drive mechanism, and a support mechanism. The engagement assembly can be changed over between a diameter-expanded state in which it engages with an inner circumferential surface of an aperture in a workpiece, and a diameter-reduced state in which it does not so engage. The clamp rod is engaged with an interior of the engagement assembly. The drive mechanism drives the clamp rod to and from the clamp main body. The support mechanism supports the engagement assembly with a pneumatic force of pressurized air. At least a part of the pneumatic force is released after the engagement assembly has been expanded in diameter.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2011Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Pascal Engineering CorporationInventor: Takayuki Kawakami
-
Patent number: 9033324Abstract: A rotating cylinder includes and a main body, a piston head, a piston rod and a guide assembly. The piston head slidably is received within the main body. The piston rod partially received within the main body, the piston head is fixed to the piston head, the piston rod defines one or more guiding groove adjacent to the piston head, the guiding groove includes a straight portion, a first helix portion and a second helix portion, the straight portion extends axially toward the piston head, the first helix portion curvedly extends away from the straight portion toward the piston head, the second helix portion curvedly extends from an end of the first helix portion toward a direction away from the piston head and the straight portion. The guide assembly is mounted on the main body and includes one or more guiding member slidably engaged with the guiding groove.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2012Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Yu-Cheng Chou, Xiao-Feng Wu
-
Patent number: 8967604Abstract: A centering and clamping device has a housing (1) with a drive mechanism (2) situated in its interior for actuating a clamping hook (5). The clamping hook (5) is active outside the housing (1). The clamping hook (5) engages a seal element (3) that is positioned in an opening (4) on the housing (1). The seal element (3) has a passage opening (6) for receiving the clamping hook (5). The passage opening (6) fits exactly with the clamping hook (5) in every position. The seal element (3) is mounted so that it is rotatable in the opening (4) of the housing (1). A portion of the sealing element projects, at all times, outside of the housing (1) so that the opening (4) of the housing (1) is completely closed in every rotation position of the seal element (3).Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.Inventor: Walter Fleischer
-
Patent number: 8950741Abstract: A clamping assembly is provided. The clamping assembly includes a base member having a base portion and an extension portion. The clamping assembly further includes a piston that is adapted to move first and second cam fingers toward the base portion to induce first and second pins, respectively, to move first and second wedge members, respectively, in first and second directions, respectively, on the extension portion to lift a wedge coupling member relative to the extension portion. The clamping assembly further includes a shaft coupled to the wedge coupling member that is further coupled to a clamping arm.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2014Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Praxis Industries, LLCInventors: Richard Dennis Corriveau, Robert Anthony Pohutski
-
Patent number: 8894053Abstract: A beveling apparatus, for manufacturing screws and the like, includes a fixed support structure, which includes a first motor unit and a second motor unit which actuate a pliers unit adapted to lock an item to be machined and associated with a movable supporting structure. The first motor unit is constituted by a pair of linear motors having rotors associated with a carriage which actuates the pliers unit. The second motor unit has a pair of linear motors having rotors associated with the movable supporting structure so as to actuate the axial movement of the movable supporting structure with respect to the fixed supporting structure in order to define at least two operating positions of the pliers unit; a position for picking up and unloading the item to machined, in which the pliers unit is at a certain distance from a machining head of a machine tool, and a position for machining the item, in which the pliers unit is located at the machining head of a machine tool.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2010Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: S.M.A.R.T. S.r.L.Inventor: Enrico Ghezzi
-
Patent number: 8800133Abstract: Gas turbine engine systems involving rotor bayonet coverplates and tools for installing such coverplates are provided. In this regard, a representative turbine assembly for a gas turbine engine includes: a turbine disk operative to mount a set of turbine blades; and a coverplate having an annular main body portion and a spaced annular arrangement of tabs extending radially inwardly from the main body portion with open-ended gaps being located between the tabs, the tabs being operative to secure an inner diameter of the coverplate to the turbine disk.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2012Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Joseph T. Caprario, Daniel J. Griffin
-
Patent number: 8800981Abstract: A hanger apparatus for a vehicle and a changer comprising the same are provided herein, which are configured to correspond to a multitude of vehicle components (e.g., bodies or panels) of different shapes and sizes according to vehicle type and are commonly applicable to various types of vehicles by utilizing variable locating units capable of varying locating positions according to vehicle type and automatically varying the variable locating units.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2011Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: In Ho Jeong
-
Patent number: 8777197Abstract: An annular piston is vertically movable and rotatable. A guide groove is provided in an outer peripheral portion of the annular piston, and an engaging ball to be fitted into the guide groove is provided on an inner peripheral wall of a cylinder hole. A transmission mechanism prevents the clamp rod and the annular piston from rotating relatively to each other and permits them to move relatively to each other in a vertical direction. When the clamp rod is moved from a released raised position to a locked lowered position, the annular piston descends while rotating via a rotational groove and the engaging ball, and the annular piston causes the clamp rod to rotate, causing the clamp rod to descend straight down.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Kosmek Ltd.Inventor: Hideaki Yokota
-
Patent number: 8746664Abstract: A clamp has a housing with a piston assembly positioned in the housing. A detent mechanism is coupled with the piston rod and is positioned in the housing. A clamping arm is coupled with the piston rod. The clamping arm is moved by a biasing mechanism from a position parallel to the piston rod, when in a retracted position, to a position substantially perpendicular to the piston rod, when in a clamping position.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.Inventor: Matthew Rentz
-
Patent number: 8740202Abstract: An apparatus comprises a cavity coupled to a pneumatic controller configured to control pressure in the cavity; a piston configured to be pulled into the cavity when pressure in the cavity is below atmospheric pressure and to be pushed outward when pressure in the cavity is greater than atmospheric pressure; and a gripper arm mechanically coupled to the piston. The gripper arm may be configured to support a device under test. The gripper arm may be coupled to the piston through a pusher bar. The apparatus may further comprise a pneumatic control port; and a pneumatic bleed port. The pneumatic control port is coupled to the cavity, and the pneumatic bleed port is configured to bleed pneumatic pressure to atmosphere if the piston over-travels a predetermined position.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2011Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Delta Design, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth B. Uekert
-
Patent number: 8561974Abstract: A pin clamp assembly having a housing, locating pin, at least one finger, a drive rod and an actuator is provided. At least a portion of the locating pin may be extendable exterior of the housing. The finger is located adjacent the locating pin and movable relative thereto. The drive rod is movable and is engagable with the finger to move the finger between clamped and unclamped positions. The actuator drives the locating pin and the drive rod. Movement of the locating pin and drive rod is linear only and no rotational movement of the locating pin and drive rod is employed to move the finger between clamped and unclamped positions.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2008Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: PHD, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth A. Steele, Bruce D. McIntosh, Steven M. Moilanen, William E. Davenport, William D. Givens, Parag Patwardhan
-
Patent number: 8556247Abstract: A vise provided with a movable jaw device having separated approaching and clamping steps in a bending machine die, the vise (4) having a fixed jaw portion (7) and a movable jaw device (10) including a body (6) having two abreast supporting walls (8, 9), on an external side of one of which an operation mechanism (20) of the movable jaw is mounted, and upper edges (31, 32) of the supporting walls acts as cams for opposite spindles (29, 30) laterally projecting from one hydraulic cylinder (28) that is swing mounted on the movable jaw (11). The upper edges (31, 32) have two respective notches (33, 34) designed to receive the projecting spindles in such a way that the extension of the rod (27) of the hydraulic cylinder (28), being locked in position by its projecting spindles.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: CML International S.p.A.Inventor: Alessandro Caporusso
-
Patent number: 8517360Abstract: A clamp device includes a support mechanism that supports a grip member when expanding the diameter thereof, a clamping hydraulic cylinder that can drive the grip member and a clamp rod axially forwards and backwards (up and down), and a main body member to which the grip member, the clamp rod, the support mechanism, and the clamping hydraulic cylinder are mounted, with the grip member, the clamp rod, and the support mechanism being positioned at one end portion of the body member, and with the common axis of the grip member and the clamp rod being offset from the axis of the clamping hydraulic cylinder in a direction orthogonal to the clamp rod.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Pascal Engineering CorporationInventor: Takayuki Kawakami
-
Patent number: 8496238Abstract: A tubular gripping apparatus has a jaw assembly that has a tubular-contacting surface at an end thereof, a drive yoke that has a tubular-contacting surface at an end thereof, an actuator connected to the drive yoke, and a locking mechanism interconnected to the drive yoke. The drive yoke is connected to the jaw assembly. The actuator moves the jaw assembly and the drive yoke such that the tubular-contacting surfaces thereof move radially inwardly for a substantially identical distance. The locking mechanism directs a load away from the actuator while the jaw assembly and the drive yoke grip the tubular. The locking mechanism has a cylinder yoke positioned around the piston-and-cylinder assembly, and a wedge assembly positioned adjacent the bearing bar and the cylinder yoke. The wedge assembly is suitable for contacting the cylinder yoke so as to prevent a movement of the cylinder yoke.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2009Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: T&T Engineering Services, Inc.Inventor: Keith J. Orgeron
-
Patent number: 8474806Abstract: A pipe gripping apparatus has a first jaw with a pipe-contacting surface at one end thereof, a second jaw having a pipe-contacting surface at one end thereof, a tongue having a pipe-contacting surface at one end thereof, and an actuator connected to the first and second jaws and to the tongue. The actuator serves to move the first and second jaws and the tongue such that the pipe-contacting surfaces thereof move radially inwardly simultaneously for a substantially identical distance. A first link pivotally connects the tongue with the first jaw. A second link pivotally connects the tongue with the second jaw. The first and second links extend angularly outwardly from the tongue. The first and second pivot points of each jaw have a distance unequal to a distance between the first pivot point and pipe-contacting surface of each jaw. The pipe-contacting surfaces can be elastomeric pads, toothed dies, or rollers.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2009Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: T&T Engineering Services, Inc.Inventor: Keith J. Orgeron
-
Patent number: 8459628Abstract: A work piece support device that includes a body and at least two portions of high-grip material on opposite sides of the body is provided. The body may have a flowable media stored therein to provide a lowered center of gravity depending on the orientation of the work piece support device. The work piece support device may include mating projections and recesses for coupling a plurality of work piece support devices together. Further, the projection can be in the form of a cone such that the work piece support device may function as a support cone.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Nomis LLCInventor: Edward D. Adkins
-
Patent number: 8454003Abstract: A clamping device has a hollow shaft (1) rotatably mounted in a housing with a clamping element fastenable to the shaft and includes a lever arm (2) as part of a toggle lever mechanism. An intermediate element is articulated on both sides by the lever arm (2) and an axially movable final control element (4) of a drive element, respectively. An inner shaft (6), connected to a hand lever (5), is arranged in the hollow shaft (1). The inner shaft has a pin element (7) that extends through a link guide (8) on the hollow shaft (1). The inner shaft (6) can be operationally linked to the toggle lever mechanism. A spring element (9) tensions the inner shaft (6) against the hollow shaft (1) in the main axial direction. The spring element (9) is arranged in the interior of the hollow shaft (1).Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2012Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.Inventor: Richard Kaiser
-
Patent number: 8444128Abstract: A work support comprises a plunger, a transmission member, a first chamber, a second chamber, a third chamber, a clamping mechanism, a plug, and a body. The plunger may be slidably retained within the clamping mechanism, which in turn is firmly held within the transmission member. The transmission member may extend and retract from the body corresponding to a pressure in the first chamber and the second chamber. Extension of the transmission member also extends the plunger such that the plunger may contact and receive a load from a work piece. The third chamber may be located between the outer surface of the clamping mechanism and the inner surface of the transmission member. Increasing pressure in the first chamber while decreasing pressure in the second chamber extends the transmission member and opens the plug which blocks the entry to the third chamber. Pressure in the third chamber closes the gap between the clamping mechanism and the plunger and applies a clamping force to the plunger.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2009Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Vektek, Inc.Inventors: Nick J. Karras, Aaron Luthi
-
Patent number: 8430386Abstract: In a wave linear motion mechanism (4) of a holding mechanism (1), those portions of a flexible screw (14) where first and second male screws (32, 33) are formed are elliptically deformed by first and second wave generators (12, 13) installed on an input shaft (11), and the first and second male screws (32, 33) are respectively partially engaged with first and second female screws (42, 44) of first and second circular nuts (15, 16). First and second holding members (5, 6) are mounted on the first and second circular nuts (15, 16), respectively. When the input shaft (11) is rotated by a motor (3), the first and second holding members (5, 6) are opened or closed depending on the rotation direction to release or hold an object (W).Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2008Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Harmonic Drive Systems Inc.Inventor: Keiji Ueura
-
Patent number: 8424858Abstract: A flexible fixture system for a CNC machine is coupled to a base fixture. The flexible fixture includes quick connects that connect with the base fixture in order to allow hydraulic fluid, air, and water to be communicated from the base fixture to the flexible fixture system. The flexible fixture system includes features operable to hold a workpiece within the CNC machine. The flexible fixture system is modular and may be swapped out for a different flexible fixture in order to allow other operations to be performed on the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2010Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Kharati Pawa, Brian Holmes
-
Patent number: 8382083Abstract: A clamping apparatus has a shaft (2) mounted in a housing element (1). The shaft (2) is rotated about an axis of rotation. One end of the shaft (2) is connected to a drive mechanism (3) disposed in the housing element (1). The other end of the shaft (2) is connected to an actuating element (4), in a torsion-proof manner. The shaft (2) implements a rotational and translational movement to the actuating element (4). The shaft (2) is mounted so that it can be displaced perpendicular to the axis of rotation in a guide element (5) connected to the drive mechanism (3). The guide element (5) is rotatably mounted in the housing element (1).Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2011Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.Inventor: David Martin
-
Patent number: 8376336Abstract: A pin clamp assembly is provided that includes a housing, a locating pin, and a finger. The locating pin is movable with respect to the housing. The locating pin can also selectively entirely retract inside the housing. A finger is supported by the locating pin and retractable and extendable into and out of the locating pin. The finger is also extendable out of the locating pin when at least a portion of the locating pin supporting the finger is exterior of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: PHD, Inc.Inventor: Bruce D. McIntosh
-
Patent number: 8348252Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method for aligning a first workpiece to a second work piece that includes: (a) placing the first workpiece on an alignment apparatus including: (i) two or more fluid chambers disposed in fixed relation to each other, the chambers having a movable wall and one or more apertures for admitting or releasing fluid; (ii) fluid channels coupled to the one or more apertures that enable fluid to flow between at least two of the fluid chambers; and (iii) one or more valves disposed to enable or to stop the flow of fluid through one or more of the one or more fluid channels; (b) pumping incompressible fluid into the fluid chambers; (c) opening the one or more valves; (d) bringing the first and second workpieces into contact; (e) waiting a predetermined time for fluid flow in the fluid channels; (f) determining whether the first and second workpieces are aligned; (g) if they are aligned, shutting the valves; and (h) if they are not aligned, moving the second workpiece a predeType: GrantFiled: June 9, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Centipede Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas H. Di Stefano, Peter T. Di Stefano
-
Patent number: 8302947Abstract: A clamp rod (6) inserted into a guide hole (5) of a housing (4) has: a clamping member (10); an inner piston (12); and a tapered pressure receiving surface (13), which are provided in this order in an axial direction from a left end to a right end. An output portion (26) for locking and releasing is provided on an inner periphery of a right end portion of one outer piston (23) inserted between the inner piston (12) and the guide hole (5). A collet (33) inserted between the pressure receiving surface (13) and the guide hole (5) is formed of four divided members (34) arranged circumferentially at substantially regular intervals. An input portion (36) driven by the output portion (26) and a pressing surface (40) which makes a wedge-engagement with the pressure receiving surface (13) from a right side are respectively provided in an outer periphery portion and on an inner periphery portion of each divided member (34).Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2008Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Kosmek Ltd.Inventors: Keitaro Yonezawa, Toshinao Nishimoto, Hironori Yamada
-
Patent number: 8272629Abstract: A swing clamp apparatus is provided in which the clamp arm is positioned and attached to a clamp rod at a desired position in a simple and reliable manner and the clamp arm replacement workload is certainly reduced. The swing clamp apparatus comprises an attachment block fixed to the leading end of a clamp rod and to which a clamp arm is detachably attached and a pair of clamping force transmission pins inserted in the attachment block and clamp arm in the direction parallel to the orthogonal direction to the axis for coupling the positioned clamp arm to the attachment block in an integrated manner.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2006Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Pascal Engineering CorporationInventor: Takayuki Kuroda
-
Patent number: 8256755Abstract: A clamp apparatus includes a clamp unit capable of retaining a workpiece, a cylinder driven under the supply of a pressure fluid, and a drive force transmission mechanism, which is capable of transmitting a drive force from the cylinder to the clamp unit. The drive force transmission mechanism includes a guide body disposed displaceably inside of a body, two pairs of rollers retained rotatably on both side surfaces of the guide body, and a spindle inserted through a second link groove of the guide body that rotatably supports a clamp arm. The clamp arm is rotatably operated and is capable of clamping the workpiece under a displacement action of the guide body.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: SMC Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshinori Hiromatsu