Abstract: A clamp assembly having a body, a power supply, a vane, jaw arm and stop is provided. The power supply is coupled to the body, and the vane located in the body. The power supply pivots the vane about an axis between first and second positions. The jaw arm is coupled to and movable with the vane. The stop limits the movement of the jaw arm during a loss of power to the vane.

Abstract: A pin clamp assembly is provided which includes a housing, a locating pin, a body, a twist pin, and a cam pin. The locating pin extends from the body. Both the body and the locating pin include longitudinally extending cavities contiguously disposed therein. The body also includes longitudinally extending and opposed slots, each disposed from opposed exterior surfaces of the body and into the cavity. At least a portion of the locating pin and the body is located in a bore disposed through the housing. The twist pin is disposed in the longitudinally extending cavities of the locating pin and body. The twist pin includes a longitudinally extending cavity disposed therein, and longitudinally extending and opposed cam slots disposed from opposed exterior surfaces of the twist pin and into the cavity therein. The cam pin is coupled to the housing within the bore and extending there across.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement 1 is provided in which clamping pairs comprising a clamping pad 2 and seating pads 3 are arranged about a mounting end of a component 4. Thus, the component 4 is appropriately presented to a machining device but the component 4 can slip relative to the pads 2, 3 in order to relieve residual stresses in the component due to initial forging processes. A damper 8 is provided in order to augment vibration control in association with the contact abutments between the pads 2, 3. In such circumstances accurate machining of a component 4 to a final profile 6 from an initial rough profile 5 can be achieved more efficiently without periodic release of the component 4 so that distortions are avoided in the final component as a result of retained residual stresses by previous clamping.

Abstract: A clamp apparatus has a lower body. A rotary driving source driven by an electric signal, a pump mechanism having a pressure oil-sucking/discharging mechanism energized/deenergized by the rotary driving source, a cylinder mechanism provided with a piston for moving in an axial direction in accordance with supply of pressure oil, and an accumulator for retaining the pressure oil are integrally assembled to the lower body.

Abstract: A swing-arm clamp is provided. The swing-arm clamp has a piston rod which is disposed therein. The piston rod is movable through the swing-arm clamp in response to movement by the piston along a longitudinal axis between first and second positions. The clamp also has a plug that is selectively positionable to affect the positioning of the piston rod.

Abstract: A system for detecting collisions in a shared communications medium, such as a TDMA medium, includes a receive path adapted to generate a first intermediate signal, a second intermediate signal, and a data symbol sequence from an input signal. A preamble detection module generates a correlation metric from the first intermediate signal. A power measurement module generates a power indication signal from the second intermediate signal. A noise measurement module generates a noise indication signal from the second intermediate signal and the data symbol sequence. A processing module is adapted to characterize the input signal as a collision for certain values of correlation metric, power indication signal, and noise indication signal.

Abstract: A toggle-lever clamping device for clamping work pieces includes a box-shaped body which supports a clamping member movable between a forward disengaging position and a backward position for clamping the work piece. The device also includes control elements operatively connected to the clamping member by elements of an intermediate toggle-lever connecting link, and an articulated quadrilateral system; the intermediate connecting link is in the form of an axially yieldable flat spring having a plurality of side by side arranged elastically yieldable spring sections, aligned according to its longitudinal axis. The articulated quadrilateral system and the intermediate connecting link are constructed and disposed in such a way as to maintain an irreversible locking condition of the clamping member to clamp work pieces, compensating differences in thickness of the work pieces.

Abstract: A fluid actuated parts gripper assembly is provided. The fluid actuated parts gripper assembly has a pair of opposable pivoting jaw members, a fluid driven actuator, a linkage structure, a sensor target, a mounting and a sensor. The linkage structure is driven by the fluid driven actuator and is coupled to at least one of the pair of opposable jaw members. The sensor target is coupled to the linkage structure and is movable therewith. The mounting is located adjacent the sensor target and the sensor is mounted on the mounting configured to detect the sensor target.

Abstract: A swing-arm clamp is provided. The swing-arm clamp has a locating member that is movable in concert with a rod which is disposed in the clamp. The locating member engages a guide when the arm is located in a first position and separates from the guide when in a second position.

Abstract: A clamping device for clamping work pieces; the clamping device comprises a box-shaped body, a clamping member, and a manually operable control lever; first and second toggle-lever system and an intermediate guide member are provided to connect the control lever to the clamping member of the device. The first and the second toggle-lever systems are constructed and arranged to act in correlation, in such a way that in the clamping condition of the device, the pivotal axes and the intermediate hinge axis of the second toggle-lever system, in the advanced condition of the clamping member are arranged on reference lines forming a small angle against a stop.

Abstract: A mechanized device for externally grabbing and rotating the operating capstan of a railroad car bottom discharge gate is disclosed which utilizes a pair of spaced converging, opposed normally open gripper fingers operable between a closed and an open position, operated between a closed and an open position by a reciprocating fluid cylinder and a motor for rotating the gripper mechanism relative to the cylinder to thereby rotate the capstan to operate the gate.

Abstract: A toggle lever clamping device for clamping a workpiece to a support frame includes a box-shaped head to which a clamping arm is pivoted to rotate between an open and a closed condition to release respectively to lock the workpiece; the clamping arm is operatively connected to an actuator by a toggle lever mechanism having a dead center condition beyond which the clamping arm is tightened against the workpiece. The toggle mechanism includes an elastically yieldable connection link which, upon reaching the dead center of the toggle lever mechanism is sequentially allowed to axially yield for a some degree and to deflect in a controlled mode by a confronting stop provided on the same clamping arm.

Abstract: A clamp rod (5) is vertically movably inserted into a housing (3). The housing (3) has a lower end wall (3b) formed with a detecting hole (58) substantially concentrically with an axis of the clamp rod (5). The detecting hole (58) has a peripheral surface opened to provide at least one inlet hole (71, 72) for supplying compressed air. A detecting member (62) is vertically movably fitted into the detecting hole (58). The detecting member (62) has an outer peripheral surface provided with a closing surface (68) which closes an opening portion (71a, 72a) of the inlet hole (71, 72) and with a recess (69) which communicates the opening portion (71a, 72a) with the outside air. The clamp rod (5) has a downwardly oriented projection (5a). The projection (5a) is connected to the detecting member (62) so that it can make a relative movement radially.

Abstract: An adapter for picking up and placing a fixture element on a fixture body using a controlled tool handling device having a tool translating and rotating spindle. The spindle has a tool receiving end and an axis of rotation. The adapter receives a cylindrical post member of a fixture element on a fixture body. The adapter has a first end having a receptacle for receiving the end of the spindle. The second end of the adapter is displaced from the first end and includes a cylindrical socket formed on the end. The socket is co-axial with the spindle and receives the cylindrical post member of the fixture element. A fluid passage is formed in the adapter from the receptacle to the cylindrical socket. The cylindrical socket has an upstream end and a down stream end. A piston is disposed in the upstream end of the socket. The piston is moveable longitudinally within the socket in response to fluid pressure delivered from the spindle through the fluid passage.

Abstract: A clamp rod (5) is inserted into a housing (3) rotatably around an axis and movably downwards for clamping. The clamp rod (5) has an outer peripheral portion formed with three guide grooves (26) which are arranged peripherally at substantially the same spacing. An engaging ball (29) which is fitted into every guide groove (26) is supported by a lower end wall (3b) of the housing (3). Each of the guide grooves (26) comprises a rotary groove (27) and a straight groove (28) which is in upward continuity with the rotary groove (27). The rotary grooves (27) as well as the straight grooves (28) are arranged in parallel with one another. A partition wall between the adjacent guide grooves (26), (26) has a minimum thickness (T) set to a value smaller than a diameter (D) of the engaging ball (29).

Abstract: An apparatus to position or clamp a work piece includes a body, a generally linearly moving powered actuator positioned in the body, and a mechanism to adjust an available stroke of the actuator. The actuator has a first piston coupled to a second piston. The available stroke is defined by a distance spanned by the first and second pistons.

Abstract: An electrically powered clamp has a housing, a motor attached to the housing, a ball screw driven by the motor via gears, and a linkage driven at one end by the ball screw such that the linkage rotates an output shaft attached to the other end of the linkage. The motor and gears drive the ball screw to a fully extended position to rotate the shaft to a clamped position or to a fully retracted position to rotate the shaft to an unclamped position. A built-in computer monitors and controls the clamp. The clamp can also be controlled and monitored by a remote pendant. Indicator lights on the housing and remote pendant convey clamp status information. The clamp is programmable and can memorize the clamped and unclamped positions. The clamp uses velocity and position feedback to determine appropriate drive mode. Torque monitors and timers determine if the clamp becomes stuck.

Abstract: A rotary clamp having an adjustable pre-stop wherein the rotary clamp includes a linear actuator for transmitting linear motion to a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly converts the linear motion into rotary motion of a clamp arm, wherein the clamp arm moves between a clamped position and an unclamped position. The adjustable pre-stop provides a substantially cylindrical member having a substantially polygonal shaped surface formed on the cylindrical member. The polygonal surface matingly engages a substantially polygonal shaped aperture formed in the housing of the rotary clamp. An eccentric mid-portion of the cylindrical member engages the linkage assembly in the clamped position to prohibit the clamp arm from rotating beyond the clamped position.

Abstract: A workpiece securing apparatus or clamp includes a piston, a coupling or transmission mechanism, and an unlock device. In another aspect of the present invention, the unlock device is rotatable to move the coupling mechanism. Still another aspect of the present invention provides a mechanism which converts linear movement of a piston to rotary motion of a hub and workpiece interfacing arm.

Abstract: A rotary clamp having a telescopic piston rod with predetermined adjustable lengths corresponding to predetermined rotational angles of a clamp arm. The rotary clamp utilizes a linear actuator for transmitting linear motion to the piston rods and a linkage assembly is connected to the piston rod to convert the linear motion of the piston rod into rotary motion of the clamp arm. The telescopic piston rod provides an outer shaft and an inner shaft wherein the outer shaft is connected to a piston in the linear actuator. The outer shaft also provides a bore extending from the free end of the outer shaft for receiving an inner shaft of the piston rod. The inner shaft of the piston rod has a plurality of apertures extending transverse to and spaced along the longitudinal axis of the inner shaft. The apertures of the inner shaft may correspondingly align with an aperture provided in the outer shaft.

Abstract: A clamp apparatus comprising a holding member which is formed of a metal material and which is displaceable in an axial direction of a body in accordance with rotary action of an arm, and a pair of proximity switches for sensing the position of the holding member respectively. The holding member is selected from a plurality of available holding members having respective different lengths and selectively provided corresponding to a rotation amount of the arm.

Abstract: A clamp apparatus comprises a cylinder unit for displacing a rod member provided at the inside of a body in an axial direction of the body, and a link plate for being connected to the rod member, and it further comprises a toggle link mechanism for converting rectilinear motion of the rod member into rotary motion, an arm for making rotation by a predetermined angle in accordance with a driving action of the cylinder unit, and a guide roller supported by the body, the guide roller being rotatable while making contact with a curved surface of the link plate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a clamping and positioning mechanism for the inclined axis of two-axes rotary tables comprising an annular recessed slot formed along the outer surface of a stationary supporting frame. In this slot, there is installed a piston with a large cross sectional area and a plurality of connecting rods are in connection with the piston. These connecting rods are penetrated through corresponding plurality of respective through holes which are bored through the stationary supporting frame, and are extended until the surface of an axle bush of the inclined axis. There are plurality of double diameter holes opened on the axle bush so as to accept a plurality of double diameter brake members passing through those corresponding double diameter holes and screw combine with the extended ends of the connecting rods respectively. A spring is provided to regularly and elastically pressing against the piston such that the double diameter brake members are under relaxed position.

Abstract: A hold-down clamp has a post extending along an axis and having a lower end adapted to be secured to a work surface and an upper end and a clamping body axially displaceable along the post and formed offset from the axis with at least one seat. A locator ring engaged around the post can be fixed to the post adjacent the body in any of a multiplicity of angularly and axially offset positions. A locator element fixed on the ring is engaged in the seat. The seat is a radially outwardly open notch and the locator element is a small-diameter pin extending parallel to the axis from the locator ring.

Abstract: A work bench top constructed preferably of hardwood dimension lumber of a thickness sufficient to provide the strength and rigidity required for heavy duty work bench use. The bench top consists of two sections, one of which forms the main body of the top and a movable narrower section the same length and thickness as the main section of the top. The narrower or front section of the top is pulled to the main section by hydraulic power and an arrangement of cable and pulleys creating a full length vise. The front section of the top is attached to the main portion or balance of the top by wooden guides that slide into brackets on the underside of the top and by a steel cable attached to eye bolts installed on wooden blocks reinforced by angle iron and attached to this front member of the top. The cable is then threaded around two pulleys mounted on the underside of the main portion of the top and to a third pulley mounted on a metal block also on the underside of the main part of the top.

Abstract: A gripping device, particularly for vehicle body work, comprises a housing 1 containing a moveable equipment 26 displaceable in translation. One end 26a of the moveable equipment 26 is connected to an actuator 25 and the other end 27 of the moveable equipment 26 is connected to a gripping member 24. The housing 1 has two separate and spaced openings 8, 9 adapted each to receive a detector 18, 19 of the position of the moveable equipment 26 or of a rod 25a of the actuator 25.

Abstract: An annular piston (4) is inserted into a housing (1) axially movably but unrotatably. A clamp rod (9) is hermetically inserted into a through-hole (4a) of the piston (4). When the piston (4) is lowered by a clamping spring (20), a back pressure is produced in pressurized oil within a second chamber (12) formed below the piston (4). The back pressure pushes an input portion (9a) for clamping provided at a lower end of the clamp rod (9) to a stopper (23) through a bearing (24) and a transmission plate (25). The piston (4) is lowered relatively to the clamp rod (9) at a raised position, whereby the clamp rod (9) is rotated by a converting mechanism (21).

Abstract: A retracting power clamp includes a body having a generally cylindrical external surface. A clamping arm is movable from a retracted position to a clamping position with the arm being linearly extendable and pivotable relative to the body when moved between the retracted and clamping positions. Another aspect of the present invention utilizes a spring biased plunger for selectively engaging a detent in the sleeve to encourage the sleeve and arm to remain in a fully retracted position if fluid pressure is lost. A further aspect of the present invention provides various mount configurations.

Abstract: A hydrostatic holding device has a first actuator constructed to increase the pressure of a hydraulic fluid within a pressure chamber to urge a metal sleeve into firm engagement with a workpiece received in a hydrostatic sleeve and a second actuator constructed to relieve the high pressure within the system to permit the workpiece to be removed from the sleeve when desired. Preferably, the first and second actuators are separate cylinders each having pistons displaceable by separate actuating rods to conveniently achieve the increased pressure needed to firmly hold the workpiece and the bleeding or relieving of the pressure so that the workpiece can be removed from a holder. A check valve downstream of the first actuator prevents reverse flow of the hydraulic fluid from downstream of the check valve back into the first actuator and thereby permits the increased pressure to be maintained independently of the first actuator.

Abstract: A cylinder apparatus comprises a body having a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape, a cylinder unit for accommodating a piston which is reciprocatable along a cylinder chamber, a toggle link mechanism for converting linear motion of a piston rod into rotational motion, and an arm for making rotation by a predetermined angle in accordance with a driving action of the cylinder unit, wherein reaction force-receiving plates for absorbing reaction force applied when a workpiece is clamped are detachably provided in the body.

Abstract: The combination of a table and a table-type microtome has a base having an internal volume and a linear guide. A seating device is movably mounted on the base. The seating device is movable along the linear guide. A drive causes movement of the seating device relative to the base along the linear guide for height adjustment. A table-type microtome is arranged on the seating device. At least one appliance for the table-type microtome is arranged in the internal volume of the base and is operatingly connected to the table-type microtome.

Abstract: A clamp rod has an outer peripheral surface provided with a first concaved passage communicated in entirety of the outer peripheral surface and in the shape of sawtooth. The first concaved passage comprises first spiral grooves in the shape of a multi-start thread and communication grooves. A sleeve externally fitted onto the clamp rod has an inner peripheral surface provided with a second concaved passage corresponding to the first concaved passage. A number of rolling balls are charged between the first concaved passage and the second concaved passage. The clamp rod and the sleeve are moved in a direction of an axis relatively to each other, thereby rotating the clamp rod around the axis.

Abstract: A powered clamp and gauging apparatus performs as a clamp with moveable members which generate a toggle action, or performs as a gauging device having a pair of moveable members which mechanically abuts against each other to maintain, at least temporarily, a locking position of an arm even when actuating fluid pressures have been decreased or lost. In another aspect of the present invention, a lost linear motion device is provided in order to maximize arm unlocking forces. A uniquely configured slide, crank and hub are provided in a further aspect of the present invention. Methods of operating and assembling the present invention apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: An engine clamping apparatus is provided for firmly fixing engines having different fixing points. The invention includes a cylinder serially accommodating an upper and lower piston for providing a shorter rising stroke when supplying an oil pressure so that a rising stroke of the lower piston pushes up the upper piston, than upon supplying the oil pressure so as to push up only the upper piston. The engine clamping apparatus also includes an operating rod extended to top portion of the upper piston, a groove formed in a side of a body of the operating rod, a rotating grip pivotable about a hinge shaft and having one end bound in the groove, and a fixing bar horizontally projected at a free end of the rotating grip, the fixing bar being pushed into a fixing hole of an engine so as to fix the engine when the operating rod is raised and a free end of the rotating grip is lowered.

Abstract: A hydraulically-operated swing clamp (10) for holding and clamping a workpiece (14) to a fixture (12) is disclosed. The swing clamp (10) includes an improved cam assembly (24) that swings its clamping head (22) away from the workpiece (14) when the piston (22) of the clamp (10) is shifted to its extended, unclamped position. The cam assembly (24) includes at least one cam track or groove (38,40,42) and a corresponding cam follower ball (44) received within the groove (38,40,42). The cam track (38,40,42) includes a central arcuate region (48) and a pair of substantially planar side faces (50,52) extending tangentially from the central arcuate region (48). The central arcuate region (48) has a radius of curvature substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the cam follower ball (44). The planar side faces (50,52) extend tangentially away from the central arcuate region (48) and the cam follower ball (44).

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated clamp and gripper including a fluid actuated piston and cylinder assembly and a clamp arm supported for pivotal movement and having a moving end for clampingly engaging a workpiece. The clamp includes a link having one end pivotally connected to the clamp arm for causing movement of the clamp arm and the other end of the link being connected to the piston. The clamp also includes a frame assembly for supporting the clamp arm for pivotal movement, the frame assembly including a pair of frame halves clamped together in face-to-face relation and housing the projecting end of the piston and clamp arm therebetween. The frame assembly includes a pair of pivot pin bores for selectively and alternatively supporting the clamping arm for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis. The clamp also includes a roller assembly for supporting the drive member connected to the link for reciprocating movement and for preventing wear of the drive member and the frame components.

Abstract: A power operated clamp assembly 10 includes a clamp body 12, a reciprocatable member 20 extending into the clamp body 12, and a clamp arm 22 pivotally mounted to the clamp body 12 by a first pivot element 36. The clamp arm 22 is pivotable about a pivot axis 38 of the first pivot element 36 between first and second positions of movement termination C and D, respectively. A linkage assembly 46 has a drive end 48 adjustably secured to an end 56 of the reciprocatable member 20, and a clamp end 50 operatively secured to the clamp arm 22 so as to pivot the clamp arm 22 as the member 20 reciprocates. The linkage assembly 46 includes a connection pivotable about the pivot axis of a second pivot element 80. The drive end 48 is adjustable with respect to the end 56 of the reciprocatable member 20 so as to allow adjustment of the first and second positions C and D, respectively. One pivot element of the first and second pivot elements 66 and 80, respectively, includes an eccentric shaft having a central axis 124.

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: 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 method for reconfiguring a jig for supporting an elongated workpiece to enable the jig to support two different configurations of the workpiece. The jig has a multiplicity of clamps for holding the workpiece, each clamp mounted at the top of a clamp post and each clamp post supported on a pillar mounted on a fixed solid base. The jig is configured by sliding the posts along slides on the pillars to a first position at which the posts can be placed to position the clamps at the correct elevation to support the workpiece at a first configuration position, and inserting a pin through aligned pairs of holes in each of the clamp post and the pillar to prevent the post from sliding from the first position relative to the pillar. The weight of the clamp post and clamp are counterbalanced with a fluid cylinder connected at one end to the clamp post, and connected at the other end to the pillar.

Abstract: A clamp structure for holding a workpiece in a vertical position, and which is reconfigurable to enable manufacture of an opposite hand version of the workpiece, includes a plurality of pillars mounted on a fixed solid base and a clamp post on each of the pillars having a top end on which is mounted a clamp. An air cylinder has one end connected to the pillar and an opposite end connected to the clamp post. The air cylinder is connected to a source of air pressure for pressurizing the air cylinder to a pressure sufficient to substantially counterbalance the weight of the clamp post and clamp. A pair of holes in structure mounted on the pillar, and a pair of holes in structure mounted on the clamp post are alignable in pairs for two heights of the clamp for two different configurations of the workpiece, so the clamp structure can be used to clamp two different configurations of the workpiece.

Abstract: A vise including a body 30 comprising a way 31 integrally formed to a rear column of support 35, a housing 46 attached below way 31, a front column of support 32, and a front jaw 34 attached to the upper portion of column 32. Front jaw 34 having a pad 82 with a clamping surface 83 facing the rear. A hydraulic jack 150 resting within housing 46 while having a ram 138 to project through an opening 33 in front column 32. Ram 138 to push a pad 64 having side arms 63 extending rearward while being tracked along the sides of housing 46. Side arms 63 being attached by hinge to side arms 76 which are joined to a drawbar 75. A carriage 52 being capable of sliding and reversing on way 31. Carriage 52 having a back jaw 54 which has two jaw pads 86 and 90 with opposing clamping surfaces 87 and 91. Carriage 52 also having gripping formations 57GF for adjustable placement of drawbar 75. Rear column 35 is attached by hinge to the rear portion of a platform 94.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for holding a hollow cylindrical body with openings at both ends during a dip coating apparatus having a flange member, a first pressing member fastened to the flange member, a shaft member extending from the flange member in the direction of the first pressing member, a second pressing member fastened to the shaft member, a flexible bag member located between the first pressing member and the second pressing member, and means for moving the shaft member in a direction of the shaft to move the first pressing member to cause the flexible bag member to expand laterally to contact the inside of the hollow cylindrical body to hold the hollow cylindrical body.

Abstract: A test device and method of testing includes a BOP skid mounted to center an upright housing and piston beneath the BOP. A flange on the BOP mates with a flange on the housing to enable the BOP to be clamped by a ring. The ring is divided into two halves having upper and lower encircling lips. In the housing, the piston seats a seal ring to isolate fluid in a chamber for pressure testing of the seal ring with the flange and other components of the BOP. In addition, the test device and method can be applied to industry standard flanges on valves and the like.

Abstract: An offset powered toggle clamp which is very compact and in which the entirety of the actuating mechanism is fully enclosed so that it is sealed from contaminants, and can be permanently lubricated. The clamp also accommodates various clamping arm locations and orientations for different applications.

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: Several embodiments of a power clamp are disclosed which enable one arm or a pair of arms to be actuated for linear or rotational movement over a selected range of motion, depending on the manner in which the arm or arms are connected to the power clamp. Several embodiments, in addition to permitting actuation of various arms through various ranges of motion, further enable the arm or arms to be rotated about a transverse axis to a desired angular position, thereby further enhancing the adaptability of the power clamp device.

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: A power clamp having linear bearing tracks for actuating toggle linkage characterized by a combination of fixed and moving cover elements completely enclosing the bearing tracks to prevent intrusion of foreign materials.

Abstract: A swing clamp for clamping work pieces to a fixture is mechanically actuated. The clamp has a body with a base. The base has a threaded hole in it. A mandrel is carried by the body. A clamp member is mounted to one end of the mandrel. A shaft extends through the mandrel and engages a threaded hole in the base. A translational device changes rotational movement of the shaft to linear movement of the mandrel. A guide causes the mandrel to swing about 90 degrees during this linear movement. This releases and actuates the clamp member.