Complementary To Work Configuration Patents (Class 269/270)
  • Patent number: 8997324
    Abstract: A compact tube clamping device for inspecting an electric resistance welded tube quality. A lifting/lowering base including a tube support body is provided onto a fixed base. Clamp claws sandwich the tube support body. A claw drive body lifting/lowering independently of the lifting/lowering base is provided in the lifting/lowering base. Opposite side portions of the claw drive body are connected to opposite clamp claws by links to turn the opposite clamp claws in closing directions by lowering with respect to the lifting/lowering base. A first drive mechanism for the lifting/lowering base and a second drive body for lifting/lowering the claw drive body are provided to the fixed base. A lowering stroke of the claw drive body necessary for closing operations of the clamp claws is partially born by lifting of the lifting/lowering base in transferring the tube, thereby suppressing the lowering stroke of the claw drive body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Nakata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Tsuruta, Katsuhiko Ito, Katsumi Ishigaki, Hiroaki Yabuta
  • Patent number: 8496238
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: T&T Engineering Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith J. Orgeron
  • Patent number: 8292281
    Abstract: A stake installation tool for installing a stake in strata wherein the stake has a head at one end and a strata penetrator at the other end. The stake installation tool includes a driver. The stake installation tool further includes a stake retention assembly including a retention body, which contains a retention passageway. There is a flexible holder connected to the retention body. The head of the stake is received within the retention passageway and the flexible holder engages the head of the stake to operatively retain the stake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Michael C. Smith
  • Patent number: 8142117
    Abstract: A locating system and method for accurately positioning key blanks with respect to a key cutter where the key head is clamped between opposing jaws with the key blade working edges projecting therefrom, the key head is provided with shaped recesses having at least a partially specifically shaped edge wall and wherein at least one jaw member is provided with a projection having a correspondingly shaped sidewall, the pin being positioned with respect to the clamp such that when the key blank head is abutted against the pin with the key blank edge configuration mating to the pin sidewall configuration, the key blade will project from the jaw in a proper position for engagement by either the bitting follower or bitting cutter respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Kaba ILCO Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph F. Belflower, Kermit Lawson, Gary E. Morehart, Doug G. Davis
  • Patent number: 7918629
    Abstract: A locating system and method for accurately positioning key blanks with respect to a key cutter where the key head is clamped between opposing jaws with the key blade working edges projecting therefrom, the key head is provided with shaped recesses having at least a partially specifically shaped edge wall and wherein at least one jaw member is provided with a projection having a correspondingly shaped sidewall, the pin being positioned with respect to the clamp such that when the key blank head is abutted against the pin with the key blank edge configuration mating to the pin sidewall configuration, the key blade will project from the jaw in a proper position for engagement by either the bitting follower or bitting cutter respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Kaba Iko Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph F. Belflower, Kermit Lawson, Gary E. Morehart, Doug G. Davis
  • Patent number: 7918024
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a turbine nozzle assembly using a fixture includes providing a first position of the fixture, positioning at least one datum of the turbine nozzle assembly adjacent at least one datum location point on the fixture when the fixture is in the first position, coupling the turbine nozzle assembly to the fixture when the fixture is in the first position, rotating the fixture from the first position into a second position that facilitates manufacturing the turbine nozzle assembly, and performing a manufacturing process on the turbine nozzle assembly when the fixture is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Frank Delano Mooney, Jr., Gary Eugene Wheat, Timothy Riggs, Kenneth Ray Hill, Jr., Ronald Dale Edwards
  • Publication number: 20110000568
    Abstract: A pipe-clamping tool (100) comprises a tool body (102) and first and second tool jaws (104, 106). The tool further comprises a bar (110) in threaded engagement with a portion of the tool body. One end of the bar engages with a boss (108) on a side of the first tool jaw opposite the curved surface thereof. The tool jaws may be closed and opened by rotation of a handwheel (112). The first tool jaw has projections (111A, 111B) which engage respective grooves (101A, 101B) on opposite sides of the tool body; together with the bar and boss, these inhibit rotation of the first tool jaw with respect to the tool body. The pipe-clamping tool may be used to stop a leak in a pipe by applying a layer of deformable material around the pipe and clamping it in place using the tool. The tool enables a substantially complete (360°) azimuthal seal around a pipe with only a single operation on the tool (i.e. rotation of the handwheel to close the tool jaws). The tool jaws remain mutually aligned as they are opened and closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Carl Trevor Parton
  • Patent number: 7770875
    Abstract: An aspect of the invention is provides a clamping shell for placement about an elongate pipe for accommodating a chain vise thereover, the clamping shell having: a pair of elongate generally arcuate half-shells, each half shell having an internal portion for engagement with the pipe, the internal portion including a non-uniform surface for frictional engagement with the pipe; and at least one of the half-shells of the pair including a pocket formed on an external surface thereof for supporting the chain vise therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Pyron
  • Patent number: 7765658
    Abstract: A fixture assembly for securely positioning a plurality of blades loosely assembled on to a rotor of a gas turbine engine in which axial clamping forces are translated to apply radial expansion forces on the blades to simulate a centrifugal force on the blades during engine operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: Eric Piccioni
  • Publication number: 20080224377
    Abstract: An aspect of the invention is provides a clamping shell for placement about an elongate pipe for accommodating a chain vise thereover, the clamping shell having: a pair of elongate generally arcuate half-shells, each half shell having an internal portion for engagement with the pipe, the internal portion including a non-uniform surface for frictional engagement with the pipe; and at least one of the half-shells of the pair including a pocket formed on an external surface thereof for supporting the chain vise therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Roger Pyron
  • Patent number: 7334331
    Abstract: A method of using a machining assembly to machine a plurality of different turbine components that include a dovetail having a contoured profile. The method includes removably coupling a first set of retainers into the machining assembly, the first set of retainers include an upper portion having a profile that substantially mirrors a portion of the first dovetail, and a lower portion having a profile that substantially mirrors an opposite side of the first dovetail, coupling a first turbine component between the upper and lower portions such that the first turbine component is secured by the first set of retainers, coupling the machining assembly into a milling machine, and machining at least one seal groove into the dovetail of the first turbine component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Eric Bouchard, Michael Anthony Umney, Robert Allan Ahti
  • Patent number: 7219408
    Abstract: A method enables a component to be secured within a tool for manufacture. The tool includes a fixture, a component locator, and a clamping member. The method includes fixedly coupling the component locator to the fixture, coupling the clamping member to the fixture, locating the component within the tool using the component locator such that the component is positioned for manufacture with respect to the fixture, securing the component within the tool between the component locator and the clamping member such that the component locator, the clamping member, and the component are fixedly secured in position for manufacture with respect to the fixture, and retaining the component in position with respect to the fixture using the component locator and the clamping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel Edward Jones, Jacques Juneau
  • Patent number: 7021688
    Abstract: A test core clamp comprising a first longitudinally split tube comprising a split portion having opposing ends and attached to a base, and a tightening device for moving the opposing ends towards each other. The tightening device comprises two brackets one affixed to each of the opposing ends and both having apertures therein. One of the bracket apertures is threaded to engage one end of a clamping bolt inserted through and rotating freely within the other bracket aperture such that rotation of the clamping bolt causes the opposing ends to close or open. According to a preferred embodiment, an insert comprising a second longitudinally split tube having a plurality of fins extending radially from its outer surface is slideably located inside of the first split tube with the fins frictionally engaging the inner surface of the first split tube such that closing and opening of the first split tube results in opening and closing of the second split tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Timothy Dale Glynn
  • Patent number: 6969057
    Abstract: A device and a method are provided for positioning an air cap of a pneumatically aided atomizer. The air cap has air horns extending from its face to provide flows of air to aid in atomizing and shaping the atomized particle stream. The method and apparatus contemplate providing a device having at least one first opening adapted to receive the horns and a first level for indicating when the horns received in the at least one first opening are in a desired orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Baltz, Brian J. Shull
  • Patent number: 6830240
    Abstract: A method for securing a component for manufacture. The method includes fixedly coupling a first clamping member and a biasing mechanism to a tool that includes a fixture. The fixture includes a first clamping member, a second clamping member, and a biasing mechanism. The method further includes coupling the second clamping member to the fixture, using the biasing mechanism to align the component within the tool between the first and second clamping members such that the component is maintained in position relative to the fixture, securing the component between the first and second clamping members such that the first clamping member, the second clamping member, and the component are fixedly secured in position with respect to the fixture, and retaining the component in position with respect to the fixture using the first and second clamping members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel Edward Jones, Jacques Juneau
  • Patent number: 6761350
    Abstract: A clamping device having a front member, a back member opposing the front member, a pair of opposing side members, a stop block and a clamping mechanism. The side members extend between and connect the front member and the back member. The work piece is supported by and between the side members. The stop block is interposed between the back member and the work piece. The clamping mechanism, which is operatively coupled between the front member and the work piece, exerts a clamping force against the work piece to press the work piece against the stop block. In this way, the work piece is clamped between the front member and the back member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Webster, Jeff J. Adams
  • Patent number: 6701594
    Abstract: At a crossing, rubber interface strips are positioned between the rails and the asphalt or concrete. A U-shaped spring-clip fits underneath the rail, and has upstanding arms that carry tappets, which engage the strips. One of the arms is threaded, and carries a screwed tappet-rod. Turning the tappet-rod closes the distance between the tappets, clamping the strips onto the sides of the rail, and forcing the springy arms apart. The spring-clips are manipulated into position while in an unstressed condition. The spring-clip is only brought up to force when finally assembled. Assembly can be done without tools, and with little danger of mix-assembly, or of injury to workers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Performance Polymers Inc.
    Inventor: Dominicus Bruyn
  • Patent number: 6530567
    Abstract: A clamping device for work piece(s) having at least one clamping surface and coupling elements on the clamping surface. The clamping device comprises a first clamping element having a contact surface and a plurality of form-fit elements and a second clamping element having a contact surface and a plurality of form-fit elements. The plurality of form-fit elements have a shape that complements that of the coupling elements. The distance between the contact surfaces are adjusted by a retaining device which is coupled to surfaces of the clamping elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: Günter Lang
  • Patent number: 6401318
    Abstract: At a crossing, rubber interface strips are positioned between the rails and the asphalt or concrete. A U-shaped spring-clip fits underneath the rail, and has upstanding arms that carry tappets, which engage the strips. One of the arms is threaded, and carries a screwed tappet-rod. Turning the tappet-rod closes the distance between the tappets, clamping the strips onto the sides of the rail, and forcing the springy arms apart. The spring-clips are manipulated into position while in an unstressed condition. The spring-clip is only brought up to force when finally assembled. Assembly can be done without tools, and with little danger of mis-assembly, or of injury to workers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Performance Polymers Inc.
    Inventor: Dominicus Bruyn
  • Patent number: 6264134
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for centering a film spool or similar object. A quill or object support means arranged on either inboard and outboard ends a frame are used to engage end portions or flanges of the film spool. A pivot member provides translational simultaneous movement of both quills toward and away from the spool. The quills move equidistant relative to the centerline of the spool so that the centerline of an incoming web to be wound thereon will always align with the centerline of the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Stephen M. Reinke, Frank Castrignano, William R. De Munck
  • Patent number: 6213376
    Abstract: An apparatus used for holding a first semiconductor device in proper alignment to a second semiconductor device, whose size is different from the first device, while performing a C4 bond between the two devices. The apparatus for holding the two devices in proper alignment consists of a holding fixture, which includes upper and lower pocket receptacles for receiving the semiconductor devices. The semiconductor devices are placed into the respective upper and lower slots aligned to two or more edges of the holding fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corp.
    Inventors: George C. Correia, John E. Cronin, Edmund J. Sprogis
  • Patent number: 5946998
    Abstract: A bagel, roll, and bun holder device for holding a bagel, roll, bun or other similar object which provides a safe and stable device for slicing the bagel, roll, bun or other similar object with a hand-held knife is provided. The bagel, roll, and bun holder device comprises a base element and a first and a second holding element. The base element has a first and second edge. The first and second holding elements each have a marginal side edge, each have an inside surface and an outside surface, each have a stop element on their inside surface, and each have a frictional element on their outside surface. The first holding element is pivotally attached to the first edge of the base element at its marginal side edge. The second holding element is pivotally attached to the second edge of the base element at its marginal side edge. The first and second holding elements are pivotally movable from an opened position to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Stephen M. Thompson
    Inventor: Stephen M. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5896760
    Abstract: A tool for holding an exterior hub component of a dead bolt door lock within a cylinder bore extending between interior and exterior surfaces of a door includes first and second flat rigid plates elongated between proximal and distal extremities, and a securing mechanism interactive between both plates adjacent their proximal extremities. The distal extremity of the first plate is provided with an arcuate recess configured to embrace the cylinder bore. In use, the first plate is caused to lie flush against the interior surface of the door while the second plate rests atop the exterior hub positioned within the cylinder bore, and forces the hub toward the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: H. Scott Osburn
  • Patent number: 5770006
    Abstract: A machine for use in butt fusing in axial alignment plastic pipe having a selected maximum diameter is adaptable by the use of specially designed inserts secured in the lower portions of fixed and moveable clamps, the inserts serving to elevationally raise segments of pipes to be joined when the machine is used to manufacture a segmented pipe turn. In addition to the employment of inserts providing increased height of support for pipe segments, the pivotal upper portions for the fixed and moveable clamps are replaced by specially designed upper clamp portions that have contacting surfaces configured to accept inclined and elevationally upwardly supported pipe segments. By the use of such specially designed inserts and replacement upper clamp portions a butt fusion machine can be employed to manufacture segmented pipe turns of the maximum pipe diameter for which the machine is designed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: TDW Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Bill Dean Andrew, Paul Michael Hatch, Richard Leroy Goswick, William Joseph Tefft
  • Patent number: 5556085
    Abstract: Work holder comprising a first adjustable jaw having spaced holding surfaces thereon and a second jaw comprising a pair of arms pivoted in the housing and having holding surfaces on their distal ends, the arms adapted to be drawn together by a threaded adjustment rod having right-hand and left-hand portions. The housing is swivelly positioned on a suitable weighted base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Adelard N. Cyr
  • Patent number: 5497982
    Abstract: A universal ski holding device positively and fixedly mounts a ski, via its binding's heel piece and toe piece, in its inverted position with its major bottom surface uppermost for maintenance and tuning. Two mounting supports support an elongated bed having a way with which heel-carriage and toe-carriage pieces are complementally engaged. A nut carried by the toe-carriage piece is operatively engaged by an elongated screw to move the toe-carriage piece longitudinally relative to the heel-carriage piece to constitute a boot portion simulating a ski boot and thereby effect mounting via the ski's binding. Adjustably pivotable spatial accommodating elements mounted by the heel-carriage and toe-carriage pieces further spatially accommodate the vertical-height differences in the various heel and toe pieces of conventional bindings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventors: James V. Stoltz, Tony J. Zeeb
  • Patent number: 5312319
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding the stator of a vessel rotatable about an axis of rotation, includes a pivotable swing arm having a first end and a second end, the second end having an engagement portion for contacting the stator of a rotating vessel. A support is connected to the first end of the swing arm and has an axis spaced from and substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. The support cooperates with the swing arm to permit the swing arm to pivot toward and away from the stator. A detent finger, located in the swing arm cooperates with the stator to hold the stator against rotation when the swing arm is in a predetermined angular position, and maintains the stator in a fixed position relative to the swing arm during a centrifuge operation. Finally, a detent cam assembly resists pivotal movement of the swing arm when the swing arm is in the predetermined angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Cobe Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Salter
  • Patent number: 5228668
    Abstract: A hand-held jig for confining a bagel, or like object, while it is being sliced by a knife blade and a method of using the jig are disclosed. The jig comprises two identical structures that are joined together by a specialized hinge. The two structures are mirror images of each other and each comprises a circular cage (for loosely surrounding the rim of a bagel) that is attached to the hinge on one side and to a radially extending handle on the opposite side, and clamps in front of the cage for retaining and gripping the bagel and preventing its movement. The hinge is composed of material not injurious to a knife blade when it strikes the hinge, and is so constructed as to be fixed with respect to one of the structures and yet allow rotation of the other structure with respect to the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventor: Daniel O. Guyer
  • Patent number: 5203484
    Abstract: A cycle bracket for transport of a cycle on a vehicle roof is provided with an anchorage strut secured to the vehicle roof and provided with two clamps which are adjustable to one another and which, by means of gripping members manufactured of a semi-rigid material, grasp about a frame tube in the cycle. The form of the gripping members is adjustable to the frame tube. In order to achieve simple and reliable adaptation of the gripping members, these include a jaw which is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the clamp and which, together with an abutment fixedly disposed at the free end of the clamp, defines an accommodation space variable in both size and shape for the frame tube. Furthermore, the abutment portion is of one-piece manufacture with a flexible form-adapting member which is located between concave surfaces on the jaw and the frame tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Industri AB Thule
    Inventor: Curt Englander
  • Patent number: 5178431
    Abstract: In a robot having a gripper including a pair of fingers and a drive motor for driving the fingers toward and away from one another while the fingers remain parallel to each other, the fingers consist of finger pads, which interface with a handle on an object to be grasped, and a shank, which attaches the fingers to the robot gripper. The double-V finger has two orthogonal V-grooves forming in the center of the finger pads a recessed cruciform. The double-V finger is used with a handle on the object to be grasped which is the negative of the finger pads. The handle face consists of v-shaped pads capped with a rectangular cruciform. As the gripper is brought into place near the handle, the finger pads are lined up facing the handle pads. When the finger pad and the handle pad are in proper alignment, the rectangular ridges on the handle fall inside the rectangular grooves on the finger, and the grip is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: George M. Voellmer
  • Patent number: 5107935
    Abstract: An accessory for a jack hammer that includes clamping means for gripping the upper end of the stake so that the stake can be controllably driven into the ground by the user. The accessory includes a stake receiver that has a channel into which the end portion of the stake is inserted and further includes a jaw and clamping means for forceably retaining the jaw against the inserted stake. The channel includes guide ways that permit it to be used interchangeably with the more common sizes and shapes of stakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Marvin Richard Teaby
    Inventor: L. Robert McBride
  • Patent number: 5067532
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a conveyor system for conveying tubes, having respective self-sealing closure members, sequentially to a station whereupon the conveyor system is temporarily halted. At the station, a clamping device having a clamp lowers to prevent movement of the tube. An arm moves in the direction of the tube to enable a hollow needle to penetrate the closure member of the tube. A metering pump enables a predetermined volume of a fluid, preferably liquid agar, to be introduced into the tube. Following release of the needle from the closure member, the conveyor systems moves to enable another tube to arrive at the station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Inventors: John Lang, Cormac Garvey
  • Patent number: 5054193
    Abstract: A fixture for supporting a double-sided surface mount printed circuit board during installation of components on a second side of the board. After components have been installed on one side of the board, a slab of controllably shapable material such as thermally compliant foam is shaped by pressing it against the board under heat and pressure to conform to the shape of the board and its components. When the material cools, it is used to support the board during the installation of components on the other side. In an alternate embodiment, a viscous substance is used as the shapable material and is conformed to the shape of the board while the substance is being hardened. A board on which components are being installed may be held in place on the fixture by a vacuum which is supplied from a manifold through holes in the fixture to the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Kurt Ohms, Juan Jimenez
  • Patent number: 5048808
    Abstract: A clamping device for clamping a workpiece and, in particular an irregularly-shaped workpiece is disclosed. The device includes a pair of movable jaws. Each of the jaws carries at least one clamping member, including a clamping surface, thereon for movement therewith. At least one of the clamping members is movably mounted on a respective jaw for rotational and lateral sliding movement relative to the other clamping member in response to the shape of the workpiece clamped therebetween. The clamping surfaces are shaped, so as to matingly engage one another when moved towards one another without the workpiece therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 4997174
    Abstract: A workpiece positioning system for a machine (34) which is supplied by a robotic transfer mechanism, the system being composed of:a workpiece (2) in the form of a length of barstock having a longitudinal dimension and two opposed longitudinal ends (8), with each end (8) being provided with at least one recess (10) having surfaces (16,18) which are inclined to the longitudinal dimension;a locating device (20) having components for securing the device in a defined position to the machine (34); anda workpiece engaging device (24) secured to the locating device (20) in a defined position relative to the locating device (20) and having a projecting portion (26) provided with positioning surfaces (50,52) corresponding to the surfaces (16,18) of the recess (10) at a respective end (8) of the workpiece (2) and engageable with the corresponding surfaces (16,18) for bringing the respective end (8) of the workpiece (2) to a defined position relative to the engaging device (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Jacob F. Nifong, William E. Kiger, James R. Lippart, John W. Blount
  • Patent number: 4953602
    Abstract: The construction and installation of a curved, laminated wooden bending rail used as a hand rail on a spiral staircase or the like is significantly facilitated utilizing a series of contoured clamp structures which circumscribe the rail and uniformly engage it, at each clamp location, around its entire periphery. Each clamp structure includes a pair of bolt-connected clamping blocks which may be drawn into circumbscribing abutment with and tightened around the rail. When the clamp structure is fully tightened, the surfaces of cutout portions in the two clamping blocks each closely conform to and uniformly engage a lateral half of the rail periphery and laterally clamp the rail laminae together with a clamping force which is very evenly distributed along the nonplanar opposite lateral side surfaces of the clamped rail section, thereby essentially eliminating marring and deformation of the rail caused by clamping force concentrations on circumferentially spaced portions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventor: Lynn H. Smith
  • Patent number: 4934677
    Abstract: A work piece holder for dual-in-line packages and other electronic devices comprises a base on which is mounted a fixed jaw and a movable jaw having opposing vertical surfaces that are substantially parallel to one another. At least a portion of the area encompassed by these two jaw surfaces constitutes a grasping area for immobilizing at least one DIP or similar electronic device located on the upper surface of the fixed jaw. The movable jaw is urged into contact with the fixed jaw by at least one spring or other resilient means associated with the movable jaw. The holder is equipped with a means for releasing the secured device(s) from the holder, which comprises means for exerting a force on the movable jaw in a direction substantially opposite to the force acting on the movable jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy W. Mitlin, James C. Sell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4877227
    Abstract: A set of jaw pieces comprising at least two separate jaw pieces for use in a vice arrangement is provided in which the individual jaw pieces can move between a release position in which a work piece may be selectively inserted or removed and an operative position in which the work piece is securely held between at least two of the jaw pieces, each of the jaw pieces is provided with a flange or groove for interlocking with a complementary flange or groove of another jaw piece to facilitate relative movement of the jaw pieces when moving between the release and operative positions and each of the jaw pieces is provided with a relatively involutedly shaped portion such that when a shaped work piece having a similar involutedly shaped profile is placed between the opposing involutedly shaped jaw portions the work piece is securely held in such a manner that it may be machined without substantially damaging or distorting the work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Dowell Australia Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Sassella, John R. Whitney, Harold K. McGeehan
  • Patent number: 4722257
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cutting threaded rods.This apparatus essentially comprises a frame (1) to which a square (2) is fixed by a bolt (6), the said square having a semicylindrical threaded nest (2a) at the top, and to which a moving part (3) is jointed, the said moving part being provided at the bottom with another semicylindrical threaded nest (3a) arranged opposite the one (2a) located in the fixed part (2). The moving part (3) is actuated by a force-multiplying lever (4).The threaded nests (2a and 3a) come to bear against the threaded rod (5) at the moment when cutting takes place, so as to preserve the integrity of the thread of the threaded rod (5).Application: building industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Assignee: Applications Industrielles de Champagne S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Deon, Michel Gerard
  • Patent number: 4655267
    Abstract: A holder for embossing items of irregular cross-section is utilized in an embossing machine which has a pair of opposed platens with embossing dies mounted thereon. The holder includes a support plate positioned between the platens and having a central opening formed therein for receiving the die mounted on a first one of the platens. A pair of support blocks extends from the support plate toward the second platen on opposite sides of the opening and supports an article to be embossed over the opening. A plurality of guide posts extend from the first platen through apertures formed in the support plate and helical biasing springs encircle the guide posts to space the support plate and the article from the first die. As the second platen is moved toward the first platen, the second die engages the article and moves the article and the support plate against the biasing means to engage the article with the first die. Thus, equal pressure is applied to the article by the first and second dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: LOF Plastics Inc.
    Inventors: Elvin T. Smith, Jr., Robert D. Ramsey
  • Patent number: 4542825
    Abstract: Packaging and handling device for an item that is to remain protected from any direct manual contact, as well as a set of such a device and such an item.The device includes a forceps and a box cooperating in such a manner that the jaws of the forceps remain closed on the item to prevent it from any motion when the forceps are engaged in the box; this box includes a casing that is to receive the jaws of the forceps and the item and a lid towards which the forceps presents the handling means; thus, after opening of the box, the item can be accurately handled without having to take it directly in hand.It can notably be applied to the packaging and handling of implantable prostheses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1985
    Assignee: Synthese Et Creation
    Inventors: Jacques Thomas, Claude Raval
  • Patent number: 4519129
    Abstract: A tool assembly for use with a prime mover, such as a bench press, for terminating a plurality of insulated conductors in a mass terminator connector. The tool assembly includes a pair of supports, at least one of which is adapted for attachment to the prime mover, for reciprocal movement relative to one another. The assembly also includes a conductor insertion die set carried by one of the supports for inserting the conductors into the connector. This die set includes an insertion die corresponding to each terminal element of the connector. Finally, the assembly includes connector holding means carried by the other support for holding the connector in alignment with the die set. The holding means has connector release means for retaining the connector in the holding means and is engageable by the connector and movable by the connector from a retention position to a release position and biased to the retention position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jack E. Caveney, Roy A. Moody, John J. Bulanda, Russell E. Wende
  • Patent number: 4417515
    Abstract: A lateral support for a squeegee of an application mechanism of an application machine, has a supporting element arranged to support one end portion of a squeegee, and at least one substantially upright upwardly open guiding element arranged to slidingly guide the supporting element. The supporting element can be guided in or on the guiding element. An application mechanism of an application machine has perhaps a rotary stencil, a squeegee perhaps inside the rotary stencil, and a lateral support including a supporting element and an upwardly open guiding element arranged to slidingly guide the supporting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1983
    Inventor: Mathias Mitter
  • Patent number: 4375284
    Abstract: A fly tying device including relatively heavy resilient steel bars which are provided with a supportive means and also concave edges which face each other to space the bars for a major portion of the length thereof together with a cam to temporarily spread the free ends of the bars apart to accept the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1983
    Inventor: Gerald J. Doiron
  • Patent number: 4350381
    Abstract: A manipulator gripper includes a plurality of serially pivoted cylindrical finger members 3, each having an axially parallel but eccentrically disposed bore hole 14 slidably accommodating a piston 5. Upon the application of fluid pressure each piston acts upon the rear surface 15 of a finger member immediately in front to pivot the latter about a bearing bolt 11. A frictional coating 13 may be provided on the working surfaces of the finger members to implement firm workpiece gripping, and a pneumatic sensor line 12 may be disposed below such coating to detect workpiece engagement. Springs 8 provide a restoring force after fluid pressure is relieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1982
    Assignee: Colortronic Reinhard & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wolf D. Hellmann
  • Patent number: 4322065
    Abstract: A fly tyer's vise comprising a pair of hardened spring members rigidly adjacent one end of the pair and having a cam operated device for spreading the opposite ends to accept hook, the members including a relatively small transverse slotted member for receiving and holding the hook at the point in front of the barb, the members also holding the hook in the area of the bend thereof, the vise being able to firmly clamp hooks from size 28 to size 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1982
    Inventor: Gerald J. Doiron
  • Patent number: 4309849
    Abstract: A workpiece holder is provided for holding a workpiece, such as an airfoil, during a machining operation. The holder comprises a first mold part having a first resilient member shaped to conform to one side of the workpiece and a second mold part having a second resilient member shaped to conform to the other side of the workpiece. The mold parts are secured together with the workpiece sandwiched therebetween so that the resilient members in the respective mold parts abut against and hold the workpiece during a subsequent machining operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1982
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Melvin Kowalski, E. N. Stefanelli
  • Patent number: 4288066
    Abstract: The present invention provides a container, package, or case and at the same time an article of surgical equipment for the storage, transportation, asepsis and surgical preparation of a medical device. The container is especially adapted for small, delicate, otic prostheses, the type used as a middle ear implant, such as a total or partial ossicular replacement prosthesis. The container comprises a base that constitutes a work area and has a first recessed area formed therein conforming to the shape and size of the prosthesis which it will carry. The end of this first recessed area opens laterally into a contiguous, coplanar second recessed area adapted in cooperation with the said work area to use in preparation of the prosthesis. Disposed on the base opposite the second recessed area and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first recessed area are measuring apparatus having a scale set perpendicular to the said longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Assignee: Richards Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry T. Treace
  • Patent number: 4105358
    Abstract: A support device for a pipe driller and particularly for sewer pipe which eliminates excavation from the underside of the pipe. A support means engages a standard pipe driller and arm members extend from the support. The arm members are pivotally secured to the support and extend in one direction to partially surround the pipe. The arm members also extend in the opposite direction and are operable with screw means to secure the opposing arms against the pipe. The pipe contacting portions of the arm are preferably arcuate in configuration and surround the pipe over not more than ninety degrees of its radius and above the lowermost portion of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1978
    Inventor: Richard J. Walker
  • Patent number: 4052047
    Abstract: Improved clamping or gripping means particularly for gripping an elongated formed member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1977
    Assignee: Joy Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Edward A. Bailey