Abstract: A disposable cutting board assembly (10) having an inner cutting surface (12), a plurality of peripheral outer borders (14) each including an exterior edge (16), and a plurality of corners (18). A plurality of peripheral score lines (20) separate the outer borders (14) from the inner cutting surface (12). The outer borders (14) and the corners (18) are foldable between a first position with the outer borders (14) and the corners (18) in a substantially horizontal position and a second position with the outer borders (14) and the corners (18) in a substantially vertical position. The folding of the outer borders (14) and corners (18) creates a transport tray (10) having an impervious and continuous exterior wall surrounding the inner cutting surface (12). The disposable cutting board assembly (10) also includes a number of partially die cut indicia (30) disposed along one of the outer borders (14).

Abstract: This invention relates to a corrosion-resistant member having a resistance to plasma of a halogen based corrosive gas, which comprises a main body and a corrosion-resistant layer formed on a surface of the main body and containing a fluoride of at least one element selected from the group consisting of rare earth elements and alkaline earth elements.

Abstract: A chopping board includes a U-shaped groove defined in a bottom thereof and a basket has an open top so that the peripheral rail defining the open top of the basket is engaged with the groove if the chopping board. The area of the chopping board is smaller than the area of the open top of the basket so that the food treated on the chopping board is pushed directly into the basket from the open top not covered by the chopping board. A frame is slidably engaged with two sides of the basket so as to conveniently position the basket on the sink top of the counter.

Abstract: A workpiece clamp comprising an upstanding pillar (30, 32) having two relatively movable workpiece engaging jaws (34, 36, 42, 44) extending from, and carried by the upper end of the pillar. A drive (74) for effecting the movement of the jaws is located remote from the pillar and thrust transmitting means (54, 56, 62, 66) extends between the drive and one or both of the jaws, to effect relative movement between it and the other. The drive transmitting means may comprise a rigid thrust transmitting member such as a rod or lever, or a flexible sheathed cable, a sheathed rod or an exposed rod, a chain or a set of levers operatively connected one to the other, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A jig for use in washing optical elements. The jig is arranged to receive and hold a plural number of optical elements, which are formed by polishing and cutting into predetermined unit lengths a plural number of glass rods adhesively fixed on a polishing tray, and then heating the polishing tray to kill adhesive power of an adhesive agent bonding the optical elements to the polishing tray. The jig is in the form of a pallet which is constituted by a base member and a cover member of similar grid-like forms, which are closable one on the other in an overlapped state and fixable to each other to form therebetween rows of nesting pockets for securely holding therein rows of optical elements in the same positional relations as on said polishing tray. The base and cover member of the pallet are provided with openings on the opposite sides of the nesting pockets to bring the respective optical elements into contact with a cleaning liquid.

Abstract: A handling and supporting structure (10) for cutting machines, applicable in particular to machines that perform water jet cutting operations on leathers, hides and synthetic materials, has a plurality of comb-like elements (12), obtained starting from a reduced thickness sheet. These elements are parallel with one another and/or differently oriented, and are formed by approached and aligned needles (20), whose sides decrease in width from the portion near the base (12') from which they develop vertically up to the top of the structure. The structure also has a supporting frame for the comb-like elements (12), made up by two or more laminations (14) of any form and size, vertically and transversally arranged relatively to the elements (12).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for holding tile during cutting to obtain defined angles, preferably 45.degree. angles. The present invention further encompasses a method for using such a device in combination with a table-style tile cutter, preferably one using a roller tray with a lip, to cut defined angles into various orientations of tile and, more specifically, tile caps. The device comprises a base having a bottom and at least two straight edges that meet in a right angle in a corner of the base. In its preferred embodiment the base includes two grooves. One of the grooves includes a curved section shaped to mirror and support the concave side of the curved nose of a standard bullnose tile cap. The other groove includes a curved section shaped to mirror and support the convex side of the curved nose of a standard bullnose tile cap. These grooves allow for holding and supporting tile as aligned by the base for cutting pre-defined angles into various orientations of the tile.

Abstract: The present invention is a universal fixture for holding printed circuit boards with different sizes and shapes during stencil printing and other manufacturing processes related to printed circuit boards. In one embodiment, a universal fixture for holding a printed circuit board has a platform with a work surface, a first support member attached to the platform to hold a portion of a printed circuit board, and a second moveable support member attached to the first support member to support another portion of the printed circuit board. The platform is preferably adapted to be attached to a workstation of a processing machine, such as a stenciling machine for printing older or adhesive onto the printed circuit board. The first support member preferably has an elongated sidewall, a first endwall extending transversely from the sidewall, and a second endwall spaced apart from the first endwall along the sidewall and extending transversely from the sidewall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for a flexible support system using elongated support members to support a face of a workpiece. The flexible support members are arranged through at least one plane of perforated material, where the elongated support members are raised to the maximum designed position, the shafts of the elongated support members are subjected to a resistive force, the position of the elongated support members are adjusted by the contacting forces applied by bringing the workpiece and the flexible support assembly together, then applying a locking force to secure the elongated support members where the elongated support members can sustain the loads applied during the operation onto the workpiece. Additionally, methods are disclosed which allow the elongated support members to optionally drop upon reaching a designed position.

Abstract: A top load threaded bolt assembly (60) for restraining a workpiece (36) on a operating surface (32) of a tooling fixture (50) is provided. Top load threaded bolt assembly (60) includes a housing (66) having a bolt cavity (75) and a bolt passage (76) disposed within housing (66). A bolt (64) having a first threaded portion (70) is disposed within bolt cavity (75) such that first threaded portion (70) extends above a operating surface (32) of tooling fixture (50). The top load threaded bolt assembly (60) may be disposed in the operating surface (32) of tooling fixture (50). Top load threaded bolt assembly (60) may further include a conical spring (62) to bias bolt (64) in an extended position. Bolt (64) may be secured in a non-extended position by threading a second threaded portion (72) into a threaded passage (58) which is adjacent bolt cavity (75) and opposite bolt passage (76).

Abstract: A weld platen includes a top plate welded to a fabricated support frame. The support frame includes component parts that are interconnected into a lattice structure that provides the top plate with rigidity and flatness. The top plate includes top access holes for conventional clamps and a matrix of work piece alignment holes. The support frame in conjunction with the top plate provides several holes through which the clamps can extend and grip to clamp a work piece against the top plate.

Abstract: A board and waste container arrangement for a work surface having an edge includes a waste container having an open top, side walls and a bottom defining a waste receptacle for placement next to the edge of a work surface in a use position for the container. A board member having a bottom for placement on the work surface near the edge of the work surface in a use position for the board member, having a top and a discharge side. The discharge side of the board member is placed over and along the edge of the work surface when the board is in the use position. A pivot structure, such as a pair of ears extending from opposite ends of the discharge side of the board member, connects the board member to the container for pivotally mounting the container to the board member adjacent the discharge so that the container hangs over the edge of the work surface in the use positions of the container and the board member, with one side wall of the container being nearest the discharge side of the board member.

Abstract: An improved cutting board having a fan or similar member for drawing air across the surface of the cutting board. A housing at one side of the board contains a fan in connection with an air filter that removes airborne particles commonly associated with foods. There is another housing beneath the board that directs air back out of the lower housing and across the cutting surface. Exit passages in the side walls of the lower housing aid proper circulation of the air. A second embodiment includes the lower housing in connection with the cutting surface. The lower housing contains an air drawing member such as a fan, that is used to draw air from apertures in the cutting surface. These apertures surround the cutting surface drawing downward removing airborne particles and create a passage in connection with the lower housing. Exit passages in the side walls of the lower compartment provide a passage for the exit of air from the cutting board.

Abstract: For disassembly purposes, a holder holds the bearing assembly of a spindle assembly so that a free end of the spindle of the spindle assembly extends upward from the bearing assembly. A guide aligns a disassembly striker with the free end of the spindle and the disassembly striker drives the spindle at least partially through the bearing assembly. The holder defines a lower collection chamber that the spindle falls into. For assembly purposes, the holder holds the bearing assembly and the spindle so that the spindle extends through the bearing assembly and the free end of the spindle extends upward from the bearing assembly. The guide aligns an assembly striker with the spindle and a collar that encircles the spindle. An internal surface of the assembly striker includes a annular first portion that abuts the collar. The assembly striker drives the collar onto the spindle until a stop arrests movement of the assembly striker and the collar.

Abstract: A cutting board assembly comprises a rigid base member and a selectively removable surface layer. Both the base member and the surface layer are composed of a material suited for food service. The base has a flat level upper surface. The selectively removable skin layer is received over the base to provide a replaceable cutting surface thereto. The surface includes a downwardly extending skirt to provide a snug fit about the perimeter of the base. A curb extends upwardly from the cutting surface adjacent an outer edge thereof to provide a trap for inhibiting food or juices from sliding off the cutting surface. At least a portion of the cutting surface outer edge is free of the curb to enable the sliding transfer of food to and from the surface.

Abstract: A work holder for internal combustion engine heads in which an upper platen is adapted to be fixedly retained vis-a-vis an underlying platen so that an operator can contact the head operatively coupled to the upper platen for work thereon for crack repair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and improved cutting board assembly comprising a base component having a substantially rectangular cutting surface with two opposing side walls depending therefrom. The area between the cutting surface and side walls define an interior chamber. The cutting surface has a plurality of apertures aligned in substantially parallel rows which are received within longitudinal channels having downwardly converging sidewalls for directing juices produced from cut food items into the apertures. A hollow cylindrical conduit is in fluid communication with the apertures and the interior chamber. Slidably received within the interior chamber of the base component is a drawer type collection tray which may be easily removed therefrom for receiving juices from the conduits. The base component also has a pair of substantially C-shaped support members each attached to an opposing side wall for elevating the cutting surface a predetermined distance from a table or kitchen counter.

Abstract: A locking extension for a tool table includes first and second rails slidingly mounted to opposing sides of the tool table and an extension having a support surface fixedly mounted to and spanning the first and second rails. A locking assembly for locking both of the rails to the tool table at a desired position includes a first linkage member having an axis and being longitudinally movable relative to the axis by a pair of cooperating cam blocks. A second linkage member is biased and is operably connected to the first linkage member by a pivot member. The linkage members each have a rail engaging element mounted to an end thereof that is engagable with its respective rail to lock the rails into the desired position and disenageable with its respective rail to unlock the rails from the desired position. The locking assembly includes an actuator operably connected to one of the cam blocks for moving the locking assembly between the locked and unlocked states.

Abstract: A food slicing rack device includes a base with a top surface and two rows of spaced apart fingers defining knife guide slots extending from the base. A backstop is provided at one end of the device. The top surface of the device slopes downwardly in a direction from an open end of the device toward the backstop. Electric knife rivet recesses are provided for removing the knife after cutting. A snap arrangement is provided to snap the knife to the device for storage. The fingers are provided with alternating colors to facilitate alignment of the guide slots and uniform cutting. A hand slot in the backstop is provided for removing the sliced food item from the device. One construction provides for separate U-shaped members joined together to form the device.

Abstract: A jig adapted to hold a contact lens material having a concave surface, for holding the contact lens material, including a protruding portion which has a top end having as an outer surface thereof a convex surface. This convex surface of the jig is bonded to the concave surface of the contact lens material. The protruding portion has a recess which extends from an inner surface of the top end toward a bottom end of the protruding portion. The recess is defined by an inner surface which includes a first portion that corresponds to the convex surface of the top end of the protruding portion. At least the first portion of the inner surface is roughened with a light-scattering texture. A method of holding the contact lens material while the contact lens material is processed into a contact lens is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a universal fixture for holding printed circuit boards with different sizes and shapes during stencil printing and other manufacturing processes related to printed circuit boards. In one embodiment, a universal fixture for holding a printed circuit board has a platform with a work surface, a first support member attached to the platform to hold a portion of a printed circuit board, and a second moveable support member attached to the first support member to support another portion of the printed circuit board. The platform is preferably adapted to be attached to a workstation of a processing machine, such as a stenciling machine for printing solder or adhesive onto the printed circuit board. The first support member preferably has an elongated sidewall, a first endwall extending transversely from the sidewall, and a second endwall spaced apart from the first endwall along the sidewall and extending transversely from the sidewall.

Abstract: The present invention is a hand-held cutting board to be used when slicing bagels or other small food articles. This invention is made up of a circular base having a thumb hole and a finger slot cut out of the base. The thumb hole and finger slot are placed over the thumb and fingers of the receiving hand of the user, so that the circular base comes to rest at the bottom of the thumb and fingers. The thumb and fingers are able to move freely in order to pick up a bagel or the like to be sliced. Pressure is applied by the thumb and fingers so that the bagel is held securely in place above the circular base. The opposite hand using a knife slices through the bagel down to the circular base, which protects the receiving hand of the user from the sharp knife.

Abstract: A flexible sheet to which manufacturing processes are to be applied is tensioned within a carrying fixture having tacky surfaces to which the flexible sheet is fastened. One version of the fixture includes an "L"-shaped attachment surface on a frame member and two tensioning members deflected toward the frame member in mutually perpendicular directions. When the flexible sheet has been fastened to the carrying fixture, the tensioning members are allowed to return toward their undeflected positions while applying tensioning forces to the flexible sheet. Another version of the fixture includes "L"-shaped attachment surfaces on both a frame member and a tensioning member. A loading station includes a stack of unprocessed flexible sheets, a fixture for deflecting tensioning member(s) within the carrying fixture, and a robot arm moving a transport fixture capable of carrying a flexible sheet and a carrying fixture.

Abstract: Apparatuses are provided for thermally conditioning material. The apparatus includes a plate having a top surface for receiving material, a temperature controller connected to control the temperature of the top surface of the plate and the temperature controller is controlled by a computer controller. In a preferred embodiment, three tubular shaped ceramic support members, each containing a bore, are provided to support the material and a negative pressure source is provided in fluid communication with the bores. In addition, three lift elements having contacting ends are slidably disposed through receiving holes in the thermal conditioning plate and aligned to support the material on the contacting ends.

Abstract: A machine for routing end portions of frame pieces produces a channel that extends with increasing spacing from the bevelled face of the frame piece. Structure on the machine supports the frame piece in a plane that converges toward the plane in which the router bit lies, and cutting is carried out by effecting either curvilinear or rectilinear relative movement of the router and the frame piece or pieces.

Abstract: A generally planar rectangular base plate supports a quartet of upwardly extending outwardly angled support members each terminating in a receptacle end. The receptacle ends receive and support a rectangular generally planar cutting board at the four corners thereof. A plurality of openings are formed between the base plate and the upwardly extending support members through which a generally rectangular working pan having a bottom, opposed sides, frontal wall and rear wall is slidingly received through any of the openings to rest upon the base plate beneath the cutting board. The working pan may be partially withdrawn from the cutting board tray thus formed to extend partially beyond the overlying edge of the cutting board to facilitate the transfer of discarded materials from the cutting board to the working pan.

Abstract: A cutting board for cutting food products which is composed of a plurality of abrasive inserts arranged in parallel rows. In use, the knife blade is drawn along the channel formed between the adjacent rows, and the contact between the knife blade and the abrasive inserts acts to sharpen the knife blade on both of its sides.

Abstract: A semiconductor processing chamber includes a substrate support member on which a substrate and a clamp ring are aligned during processing in the chamber. To align the substrate on the support member, a frustoconical substrate alignment member extends about the perimeter of the substrate receiving surface of the support member to capture a substrate received in the chamber and center the substrate on the upper surface of the support member. The alignment member includes an alignment face thereon, which urges a substrate into alignment with the substrate receiving face of the support member as the substrate is deposited on the support member. To clamp the substrate in proper alignment on the support member and flatten any warpage in the substrate, a clamp ring alignment member is provided which aligns and supports a clamp ring on a substrate without causing significant shadowing of the substrate. The clamp ring is vertically and laterally aligned relative to the support member and substrate centered thereon.

Abstract: A kitchen caddy that includes a main housing block formed of component parts in a manner to define a solid block having a series of grooves formed therein for stowing a variety of knives having blades of varying widths, and having connected to either side of the main housing block so formed a side housing section having slots formed therein for stowing the handle portions of various kitchen tools such as spoons, forks, spatulas and the like, in combination with a cutting board holder for stowing thereon a cutting board capable of having a width greater than that of the caddy knife block and connected tool holding side housing block.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer anchoring device, which includes a platen having a flat upper surface adapted for mounting a semiconductor wafer thereon, an elastic O-ring located between the platen and the semiconductor wafer, and a clamp disposed to face with the O-ring, which is adapted for pressing upon the upper surface of the semiconductor wafer and for anchoring same. The clamp is a ring-type plate having an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the semiconductor wafer, and having a plurality of protrusions projecting from each quadrant of an inner circumferential surface of the ring-type plate toward the center thereof, an end of each protrusion being adapted to be positioned between a chip pattern and the edge of the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A fixture for positioning and supporting parts for measurement on a measuring machine, the fixture including a number of reconfigurable supporting elements, each having a base positionable automatically on a reference surface of the measuring machine by a head of the machine itself, and a column, which is adjustable in height by means of a reference tool, and is subsequently fitted to a respective base.

Abstract: This invention provides a portable system for adjustably grasping and cradling a model train engine or other car (especially Garden Scale) without damaging it and presenting the desired portion of such engine or car for repair or maintenance. The device used includes: a rectangular longitudinal plywood base plate having in its upper surface a pair of transverse upside-down T-slots with sloppy-fit nut members captured in the T-slots; and a pair of longitudinal plywood vertical side plates, each fitted with vertical bolt members tightenable in the corresponding nut members. When the piece to be worked on is placed between the side plates, with appropriate cushioning, the sloppy fits permit the side plates to be pushed into snug position before tightening. The device also provides a cover with a handle for portability between uses.

Abstract: A table apparatus for a machine tool for moving a table along a guide member by a driving mechanism, feeding of the table being controlled by a feedback scale in cooperation with the driving mechanism, the feedback scale having a scale portion and a detecting portion, with opposed vicinal surfaces for accepting the feedback scale defined on the guide member and the table, respectively, the scale portion of the feedback scale being mounted on one of the surfaces, while the detecting portion is mounted on the other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for carrying and supporting a portable bench top saw wherein the saw has a body housing a saw blade, the body being generally adapted for four-corner screw attachment downwardly into a table, the apparatus comprising a carrying frame having a transversely adjustable member for receiving a screw for attachment to the saw body in a multitude of transverse locations required thereby. Preferably, the saw also includes an attachable table assembly supported with a downwardly projecting table leg and, preferably, the carrying frame includes a transversely positionable leg receiving member, for receiving the table leg at any of a multitude of transverse locations required thereby.

Abstract: A tool for batch processing the definition of air bearing surfaces on rows comprising a plurality of sliders is disclosed. The tool has a main body member having a length defining a y-axis direction, a width defining an x-axis direction, and a thickness defining a z-axis direction. The main body member has a top surface defining an upwardly facing z-axis base surface. The main body also defines a y-axis alignment reference surface, and an x-axis alignment reference surface. The rows are positioned on the tool for processing, where the upper surface of the platform engages the lower surface of the plurality of rows to provide proper z-axis positioning on the tool. The y-axis alignment reference engages one longitudinal side of an anchor row to provide proper y-axis positioning, and the x-axis alignment reference surface abuts the second end of the plurality of rows to provide proper x-axis positioning. The top surfaces of the rows lie in a common plane.

Abstract: Semiconductor wafer clamp device includes at least one clamp apparatus, the clamp apparatus including a removable clamp finger coupled to a connecting block by a connector. The device allows access to clamp apparatus from a top surface of a substrate holder, eliminating the need to remove the substrate holder in order to perform maintenance or repair operations on clamp apparatus. Tempered springs in the clamp apparatus reduce resilience losses experienced with non-tempered springs. Plastic clamp shaft bushings and spring retainers extend the useful life of clamp apparatus components by eliminating wear caused by metal-to-metal contact of moving parts.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a modular block for the formation of suction surfaces in machines for the cutting of fabrics with a free blade with alternating movement. The block includes a first base element having structure for its installation and a second complete element having a plurality of bristles perpendicular to it. The two elements are superimposed and are attached firmly to one another. The two elements combined define lateral openings in the direction at right angles to the base of the bristles and are able to be connected to a suction apparatus for the formation of the vacuum among the bristles.

Abstract: An apparatus for machining workpieces includes a feed conveyor which has an alignment station and a discharge conveyor which adjoin a machining zone. Between the feed conveyor and the discharge conveyor, there is a transport device which is disposed at one side of the machining field and which has displaceable work holders which grasp the workpieces at one of their edges. The transport device receives the workpieces at the alignment station at the end of the feed conveyor, conveys them at substantially the same level to the machining station in the machining zone, transfers them there to vacuum work holders on a work rest, and then transports them, after the machining, to the discharge conveyor.

Abstract: A door assembly apparatus comprises a table having a top frame and a controllably driven lift frame supported immediately beneath the top frame to support a first door component, such as an insert, adjacent to the top frame for insertion into an associated opening in the main body of the door that has been placed upon the top frame and is captured by a workpiece member capture and manipulation unit. The workpiece grasping and manipulation unit is mounted adjacent to opposite ends of the table to grasp and manipulate the orientation of the main body relative to the door insert, to join the door components together into an assembled door. To facilitate removal of the assembled door from the table, a controllably tiltable frame is arranged to receive the assembled door from the top frame and controllably tilt the assembled door away from the top frame.

Abstract: A tilting platform that elevates and tilts an object while maintaining a center of gravity of the object about a center line of the platform. The platform includes a surface upon which the object is fastened, and a plurality of slideable sections each having a forward end coupled to a forward end of the surface. The slideable sections are retractable. The tilting plaform also includes a base coupled to a forward end of each of the plurality of slideable sections, where the plurality of slideable sections are retractable into the base, an actuator that retracts and expands the plurality of the slideable sections uniformly along the direction of the base, and the vertical linkage, coupled to the base, and coupled to the surface to cause the surface to tilt as the plurality of slideable sections are retracted by the actuator.

Abstract: A back-up board for use in drilling holes in printed circuit boards is disclosed. The inventive back-up board comprises outer layers of paper impregnated with a high-density resin, and a core consisting of alternating layers of paper impregnated with low-density resin and dry paper.

Abstract: A jig for releasably holding a modular jack having a base and a modular jack holder connected thereto. The base is structured for being placed upon a rest surface, such as a table top or a floor, wherein it provides a stable platform. The modular jack holder has a work surface and is provided with an L-shaped slot having a perpendicular slot component and a parallel slot component (the L-shaped slot component orientations being with respect to the work surface). The perpendicular slot component of the L-shaped slot opens at the work surface and has a first predetermined depth with respect thereto. The parallel slot component of the L-shaped slot communicates with the perpendicular slot component and extends a second predetermined distance spaced from, and parallel with respect to, the work surface. A front face of the modular jack holder is provided which extends from the base to the work surface, wherein both the parallel and perpendicular slot components of the L-shaped slot are open thereat.

Abstract: A workpiece pick-up and positioning tool or apparatus and, more particularly, a jig and fixture arrangement facilitating the controlled movement and positioning of a workpiece in order to enable the specific treatment thereof. The workpiece, particularly, such as an aircraft inlet duct, is moved to a pick-up jig inlet tool arrangement from an assembly jig whereby the inlet duct is then inserted into and supported by a cradle. The cradle, in turn, is supported above the floor by at least two workstands whereby one of the workstands is equipped with a swivel attaching and joining the workstands to the cradle. A specific linear motion device is then adapted to tilt the cradle upwardly and into a vertical position, thereby concurrently pivoting the duct supported therein into a similar position, whereupon latching mechanisms locks the cradle into the vertical position through the intermediary of a suitable cable which is coordinated with the movement of the cradle.

Abstract: A clamp device for clamping a specimen holder. The clamp device includes a rotatably mounted clamping lever, a rotatable clamping wedge, and a guide member which is located adjacent to the clamping wedge for receiving the specimen holder. The clamping wedge is in operative communication with the clamping lever, so that by rotating the clamping lever, the clamping wedge is rotated into the guide member which causes the specimen holder to be clamped within the guide member. The specimen holder may be provided with a removable adapter plate wherein the adapter plate is sized to fit within the guide member. By including the adapter plate, multiple sizes and types of specimen holders can thereby be employed using the same clamping device.

Abstract: A bumper holder for securely supporting an automobile bumper includes a movable carriage and an adjustable cradle that has indexable arms with slidable brackets attached thereto. The adjustable cradle is configurable into a collapsed storage position and an expanded holding position adaptable to receive various sizes and configurations of automobile bumpers. The movable carriage includes a handle and a tubular support column which slidably receives a telescopic shaft on which the indexable arms and slidable brackets are supported. The indexable arms and slidable brackets are movable into any desired position to securely hold a bumper during a repair and finishing process. The indexable arms also have a bracket aperture for receiving a slidable cross bracket that is substantially perpendicular to the slidable brackets.

Abstract: A slicer guide suitable for use with a food item such as a loaf of bread, certain vegetables or the like is provided. The slicer guide includes a base having a generally planar upper surface. A flange is affixed to the base. The flange includes a top surface suitable for guiding a knife as it travels alongside the top surface, and a plurality of spaced-apart generally parallel grooves therein. A cutting board having a generally planar cutting surface suitable for abutting the product to be sliced thereon is adapted for slidable insertion into a selected groove. The slicer guide is used with the knife and the product to provide slices of thicknesses corresponding with the selected groove. The slicer guide is generally used for food items including bread and items such as cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms and the like.

Abstract: The wafer support apparatus and method provide a plurality of elastic supports having a smooth curvature for contacting a wafer at a respective plurality of support points. Each elastic support directly contacts the wafer at a support point and expands and/or compresses independently of the other elastic supports to accommodate the bending of the wafer during processing.A wafer support apparatus includes a plurality of flexible elastic supports onto which a wafer is directly positioned, wherein each of the plurality of elastic supports holds the wafer during processing by compressing or expanding in response to bending of the wafer during processing to provide continuous even support for the wafer during processing.

Abstract: A food slicing rack device includes a base with a top surface and two rows of spaced apart fingers defining knife guide slots extending from the base. A backstop is provided at one end of the device. The top surface of the device slopes downwardly in a direction from an open end of the device toward the backstop. Electric knife rivet recesses are provided for removing the knife after cutting. A snap arrangement is provided to snap the knife to the device for storage. The fingers are provided with alternating colors to facilitate alignment of the guide slots and uniform cutting. A hand slot in the backstop is provided for removing the sliced food item from the device. One construction provides for separate U-shaped members joined together to form the device.

Abstract: An improvement of a sanitary chopping plate of the Ser. No. 08/284,854 application now U.S. Pat. No. 5,485,937, wherein it comprises at least a bottom disk having a plain plane and at least a chopping plate, and is characterized by that: the bottom of the chopping plate has a recess which is conformed in shape with the bottom disk for receiving the chopping plate; the bottom disk is structurally simplier and is easier and more convenient for manufacturing and processing, and more, cost of production thereof is largely reduced; the bottom disk further is provided with a plurality of annular and radiant grooves having heat sinking function, thereby the bottom disk can also be used as a defrosting plate.

Abstract: A food preparation and serving plate (10) is provided which assists a disabled user in preparing and consuming food items placed thereon. The plate (10) includes a planar top surface (20) surrounded by a sidewall (50). A bottom surface (30) parallel to and beneath the top surface (20) includes a non-slip pad (40) thereon to secure the plate (10) to an underlying support surface. The sidewall (50) includes an overhang (60) on a portion of the sidewall (50) which includes a lip (62) which assists the user in loading a utensil, such as a spoon (S), with small food items. The top surface (20) includes a fulcrum (70) spaced above the top surface (20). The fulcrum (70) is utilized along with a knife (K.sub.1) to provide leverage in cleaving food items into bite-sized morsels. A tip (T) of the knife (K.sub.1) is placed under the fulcrum (70) and then a handle (H) of the knife (K.sub.1) is forced downward with a blade (B.sub.1) of the knife (K.sub.1) between the handle (H) and the tip (T) driving into the food item.