Gapped Support Patents (Class 269/296)
  • Patent number: 6945523
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping tool com-prising a clamping jaw (5), which is releasably fixed on a rail, preferably at the end (2) thereof, and which comprises a pin (4) that passes through an opening of the rail. The clamping jaw is releasably fixed on the rail, whereby, after pulling the pin (4) out of the opening, the clamping jaw can be fixed at an opening (3) located at another position of the rail, preferably at its other end by reinserting the pin into an opening (3) located at that po-sition. A second clamping jaw (7) is displaceably arranged on said rail (1). A tightening element (8) is used to bring the second clamping jaw, according to the location of the first clamping jaw (5) on the rail (1), into a clamping position in the direction of the latter or in a direction away from the latter. The aim of the invention is to achieve a simplified changing from one fixing position to another fixing position on the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: wolfcraft GmbH
    Inventor: Klemens Degen
  • Patent number: 6939131
    Abstract: A support slug (2) used for the heat treatment of a part (3), particularly for the hardening of a steel part, comprises a guide element (221) that is used to guide the part (3) towards a supporting surface (230) of the support slug (2) when said part is being positioned on the support slug. A ceramic element (23) including the supporting surface (230) is embedded in the metal body (20) of the support slug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Snecma Propulsion Solide
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Maumus, Serge Chateigner
  • Patent number: 6921457
    Abstract: The placement of a wafer can be performed with good positional precision, and the positioning of wafer clamps during maintenance is facilitated. A tapered recess is formed in that portion of the wafer support on which a wafer is placed. When a wafer is placed in the recess, the sloped surface inside this recess comes into contact with the edge of the wafer from beneath the wafer. The wafer is supported in a specific attitude by the sloped surface inside this recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Kisaichi
  • Patent number: 6890248
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of retaining a gas turbine engine blade in a fixed predetermined position includes the following steps: inserting an airfoil portion of the gas turbine engine blade within a device so as to be loosely held therein; orienting the gas turbine engine blade so as to have a predetermined relationship with the device; providing an initial clamping force on the device so as to retain the gas turbine engine blade in the predetermined position; and, actuating a mechanism associated with the device to provide a fixed clamping force on the airfoil portion so that the gas turbine engine blade is retained in the predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Duane Whitmarsh, Larisa Alexandra Elman, Robert Allan Ahti
  • Patent number: 6880817
    Abstract: A support apparatus adapted to support a snowboard having a threaded insert during a tuning operation is provided. The support apparatus includes a support member and a board rest supported on the support member. An attachment member extends from the board rest and is adapted to engage the threaded insert of the snowboard. A method of supporting a snowboard is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Robert C. Clarke
  • Patent number: 6859989
    Abstract: An improved fixture and method for assembling a structure, wherein the improved fixture comprises a frame and a pair of position compliance devices. The compliance devices are attached to a selected one of the ends of the fixture frame for engagement with the arms of a selected one of a headstock and a tailstock used to rotate the fixture and structure to be assembled. The compliance devices each comprise a slidable block having a locating pin rotatably mounted therein, which enables the fixture to be accurately and removably positioned between a headstock and a tailstock, serving to reduce unwanted stress on the fixture and the structure to be assembled during rotation. Removability of the fixture and structure to be assembled facilitates convenient loading/unloading of the structure and 360 degree access to the structure and fixture by an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: The Boler Company
    Inventors: Eric Talbott Bauer, Paul Edward Miller, Jeffrey R. Wittlinger, Gary E. Gerstenslager
  • Patent number: 6805338
    Abstract: A wafer chuck assembly for a semiconductor wafer processing device has axially movable wafer support pins associated with a wafer chuck body of the wafer chuck assembly. The wafer support pins are biased to contact and support the backside of a semiconductor wafer when the semiconductor wafer is placed and/or maintained (typically via air suction) on the wafer chuck assembly. Each support pin axially moves independent of one another such that any area of contamination on the backside of the semiconductor wafer that registers with a support pin, moves the affected support pin axially downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: LSI Logic Corporation
    Inventor: Masakazu Okuda
  • Patent number: 6783123
    Abstract: A vise jaw assembly for supporting and securing an object to be worked upon in a vise is provided. The jaw assembly 10 has a block 14 with a plurality of apertures 16, a plurality of channels 40 passing through a portion of the block 14, a plurality of inlet holes 44, and a plurality of pins 48. Each pin 48 is located within an aperture 16 and is in slidable engagement with the aperture 16. The channels 40 can extend in a generally longitudinal direction of the block 14. Each channel has a first segment 42 in fluid communication with an inlet hole 44 and a second segment 45 in fluid communication with at least one aperture 16. At least one fluid passageway 46 extends from an inlet hole 44 to at least one aperture 16. Each pin 48 is independently deployable to a use position P1 and retractable to a non-use position P2. A plate 18 is secured to the rear surface 32 of the block 14 to enclose the channels 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Easy-Set Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas R. Guimont, Gus Romas
  • Publication number: 20040159997
    Abstract: The disclosure is a baking apparatus including a susceptor, lift pins, and guiding blocks positioned at the edge of the susceptor to lead a wafer to be exactly positioned on the susceptor. The guiding blocks are linearly movable within a range of a semidiameter of a plate. A wafer is partially mounted on a wafer guide, being inclined against the susceptor, and thereby may heats uniformly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Kwang-Ho Han, Sun-Kyu Kim
  • Publication number: 20040119222
    Abstract: A workpiece assembly jig is provided with a plurality of first brackets provided around the perimeter of an aluminum jig main body for mounting thereon and assembling a long aluminum workpiece. A plurality of second brackets are provided around the perimeter of a steel jig base and are connected together via connecting members having first and second male threaded portions extending in opposite directions from a middle flange. The first male threaded portion of the connecting member is screwed into a female threaded portion formed in the second bracket, and the second male threaded portion runs through a long hole formed longitudinally (perpendicular to the plane of the paper) in the first bracket which is secured between the flange and a nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kato
  • Patent number: 6745452
    Abstract: An apparatus for making temporary road mats characterized by multiple layers of mutually perpendicular elongated timbers having an array of vertical intersections aligned in lateral rows. The apparatus includes a pair of assembly tables spaced along an assembly line on a work floor. Each table has an upper layout surface spaced vertically above the work floor and provides a work bay therebelow. The layout surface having indicia for orienting the discrete timbers in each layer whereby the timber may be roughly assembled. A gang drill moves in a longitudinal path along the assembly line with respect to the assembly tables. The gang drill carries a plurality of drills for sequentially drilling the lateral rows of intersections. The gang drill alternates between tables while manual assembly operations are conducted at the other table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald Harrison
  • Patent number: 6726195
    Abstract: An apparatus and accessories are disclosed for a flexible support apparatus 100, 900 using elongated support members 110 to support a face of a workpiece 10 and respective protrusions 335. The elongated support members 110 are arranged through at least one plane of perforated material 120, where the elongated support members 110 are profiled against the workpiece 10 and respective protrusions 335. The profile of the elongated support members 110 is created by contacting forces 132 generated by bringing the workpiece 330 and the plurality of elongated support members 110 together. A holding force is then applied to the elongated support members 110 to support the workpiece 10 against forces applied by a workstation. Fluid 902 is used to raise expansion members to raise the plurality of elongate support members 110. A perforated plate 920 is used to control the flow of fluid 902 between a fluid cavity 910 and the plurality of expansion members 904.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: DEK International GmbH
    Inventors: Allen David Hertz, Eric Lee Hertz
  • Patent number: 6705596
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus for a motorcycle and a fastener. The lifting apparatus comprises a lifter and a fastener arranged in the lifter. The fastener comprises two supports located at a distance from each other whose upper end is provided with fastening elements for seizing footpegs/footboard of the motorcycle. The lifting apparatus further comprises at least one stabilizing member for preventing the motorcycle from tilting in a longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventors: Markus Reinikka, Juho Keskinen, Arttu Kotilainen
  • Patent number: 6698479
    Abstract: A log catcher for catching and holding logs which fall from a log splitter which is supported upon an I-beam. The log catcher comprises five parallel cylindrical rods each having two ends, a horizontal first cross-beam attached to the rods at one end, and a horizontal second cross-beam attached to the rods at the other end. The log catcher further comprises an angular cross-beam having evenly spaced holes through which the rods extend at a point which is substantially closer to the second cross-beam than to the first cross-beam. All five rods are evenly spaced throughout. Each rod has a right angle bend, thereby forming a curved portion, wherein the falling logs may be effectively contained. In use, the log catcher is positioned below the I-beam, and the second cross-beam and the angular cross-beam effectively bracket the lower surface of the I-beam, thereby imparting additional stability to the log catcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Warner Kelso
  • Patent number: 6695298
    Abstract: An apparatus and accessories are disclosed for a flexible support apparatus 100, 900 using elongated support members 110 to support a face of a workpiece 10 and respective protrusions 335. The elongated support members 110 are arranged through at least one plane of perforated material 120, where the elongated support members 110 are profiled against the workpiece 10 and respective protrusions 335. The profile of the elongated support members 110 is created by contacting forces 132 generated by bringing the workpiece 330 and the plurality of elongated support members 110 together. A holding force is then applied to the elongated support members 110 to support the workpiece 10 against forces applied by a workstation. Fluid 902 is used to raise expansion members to raise the plurality of elongate support members 110. A perforated plate 920 is used to control the flow of fluid 902 between a fluid cavity 910 and the plurality of expansion members 904.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventors: Allen David Hertz, Anthony A. Imm, Eric L. Hertz
  • Patent number: 6663094
    Abstract: Apparatus for holding a ski in a stable horizontal position during ski base preparation and maintenance, which apparatus also employs means permitting the ski to be placed in an edge-up orientation and held there in a stable manner for ski edge maintenance procedures. A three-point arrangement includes two ski end supports and an intermediate device which secures the ski to a work station while retracting and holding the ski brake. The apparatus is portable and adaptable for use with all skis having a ski brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Richard K. Weissenborn
  • Publication number: 20030222388
    Abstract: A modular fixturing apparatus component includes a body and a locator means. The locator means is supported in the body for linear movement along the longitudinal axis of the body and for rotational movement about the longitudinal axis. The locator means is provided to locate a center of an opening in an article undergoing inspection or the like. The modular fixturing apparatus component further includes a support surface that is provided at the body and that provides support for the article along the longitudinal axis. In this manner, when the component is mounted to a modular fixturing base plate, the fixturing apparatus component of the present invention provides a datum hole locator means with a sliding action along the Z-axis and, further, provides Z-axis support for the article undergoing inspection or the like. Optionally, the locator means may be rotationally locked to provide an additional, rotational restraint to the article undergoing inspection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: H. James Vander Wal,
  • Patent number: 6640408
    Abstract: A device and method for removing or installing a vehicular component, such as a transmission or differential, from a vehicle. The device (1) includes a trolley (2) having an actuation means (3) thereon. A saddle like device (14) is engaged with the vehicular component (9), the saddle (14) utilizing a self-aligning guide channel (38) and roller (19) locating and engaging system. Once attached, the vehicular component (9) may be uniquely manoeuvred via the underside of the vehicle, effected by a pair of articulated arms (24) and (25) operated by a plurality of hydraulic cylinders (31) and (32) to achieve the required movement of the arms (24) and (25). The trolley may then be moved from under the vehicle, such that the transmission, differential or other vehicular component may then be easily accessed for servicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Jostoy Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Ian Hedley, Scott Johnson
  • Patent number: 6619645
    Abstract: A fixturing system is provided for rigidly clamping an engine block while precisely orienting the engine block for accurate machining of selected engine surfaces during rebuilding process. The fixturing system is designed to be mounted on a working table to machine and/or inspect a variety of block surfaces. The fixturing system comprises a head stock assembly, tail stock assembly, a support member, and an indexing member. The engine block is placed between the head stock assembly and the tail stock assembly. The support member is inserted through the main bearing crankshaft bore and connects with the head stock assembly and the tail stock assembly to align and rigidly clamp the engine block to the tool table. The engine block may then be rotated to an indexed position by inserting the indexing cam bar through the cam bore and into locating slots in the head stock assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Rottler Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Craig Rottler, Donald Brooks Rottler
  • Publication number: 20030141648
    Abstract: Device for enabling a rigid or semi-rigid material of a planar shape or of the thin, elongate type to be rapidly supported and chocked in order to carry out a finishing process on it. The device includes a top chocking structure on which the material to be finished can be supported and clamped, the top structure being made from one or more elements of the bar or tube type extending essentially in a vertical plane and having at least one substantially horizontal support portion, extended by a substantially vertical support portion. The device includes a bottom base structure on which on which the top structure is mounted, enabling the device to be stabilized on a working surface, the support zones of which are fitted with non-slip fixtures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Michel Wahl
  • Patent number: 6585248
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved portable ski and snowboard tuning table that can be employed with skis or snowboards of any length, width or binding style including downhill, telemark or cross-country. In addition, the device allows the skis or snowboards to be installed in either a horizontal or side mounted fashion depending on the user's preference. The device is integrated to include storage for all of the tools required to tune the skis as well as being completely portable in a compact package. The lower surface of the work surface has four legs that are pivotally connected and can be selectable rotated to either a retracted position beneath the work surface or an extended position for use of the table. The ski supports only support the skis from the lower surface and do not wrap around the edges of the ski providing an obstruction to the optimal full stroke tuning method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Gary C. Baud
  • Publication number: 20030114080
    Abstract: A gas turbine component blank is shaped by clamping the gas turbine component blank into a fixture that accurately positions the gas turbine component blank in three dimensions. The positioning is accomplished against stops accurately machined into a base of the fixture, by first supporting the gas turbine component blank on one set of stops that prevents movement in the direction perpendicular to a plane of the base, and then operating a movable clamp to force the gas turbine component blank against other sets of stops that limit the movement of the gas turbine component blank in directions lying in the base plane. The clamp has a compound movement that simultaneously forces the gas turbine component blank against stops that prevent movement in orthogonal directions lying in the base plane. The gas turbine component blank is thereafter shaped, preferably by grinding the sides of the root precursor of the gas turbine component blank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel Edward Jones, Jacques Juneau
  • Patent number: 6572092
    Abstract: A work holding fixture includes a support frame having a first and a second side member. The first and second side members are connected by a connecting member. Fixed to the first side member is a fixture brake, with a shaft rotatably mounted relative to the first side member. A brake barrel assembly is mounted to one of the first and second side members. The brake barrel assembly has a barrel portion fixed to one of the first and second side members, and has a backing plate rotatably mounted to the one of the first and second members, and is in axial alignment with the fixture brake shaft. The backing plate has a feature which slidably receives a first bracket. The first bracket is configured for attachment to a work piece received by the backing plate. A tail stock assembly, with a drum portion and a bracket guide, is rigidly mounted to the other of the first and second side members. The tail stock assembly slidably receives a second bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Autocraft Tool & Die
    Inventors: Daniel J. DuVernay, Brad L. Siemen
  • Patent number: 6533260
    Abstract: An adjustable, portable truck bed assembly holder is disclosed herein. The holder includes a base structure and a retaining frame that is rotatably coupled thereto. The base structure includes a moveable chassis having opposing front and rear ends, a pair of vertical support posts extending upwardly from each of said the front and rear ends, a generally U-shaped center support member horizontally and rotatably displaced between said the upwardly extending free ends of the pair of vertical support posts. The retaining frame is attached to the center cross member, has a generally rectangular construction and includes a pair of retaining members, a pair of support members joined at the underside of said the retaining members, and securing flanges fixed to the retaining members. In an alternative embodiment of the truck bed assembly holder, the retaining frame includes retaining members which are expandable in the traverse direction of the center support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Clyde Odell Mock
  • Publication number: 20030042663
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved portable ski and snowboard tuning table that can be employed with skis or snowboards of any length, width or binding style including downhill, telemark or cross-country. In addition, the device allows the skis or snowboards to be installed in either a horizontal or side mounted fashion depending on the user's preference. The device is integrated to include storage for all of the tools required to tune the skis as well as being completely portable in a compact package. The lower surface of the work surface has four legs that are pivotally connected and can be selectable rotated to either a retracted position beneath the work surface or an extended position for use of the table. The ski supports only support the skis from the lower surface and do not wrap around the edges of the ski providing an obstruction to the optimal full stroke tuning method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Gary C. Baud
  • Patent number: 6517063
    Abstract: A holder for an oil filter includes a container having an open top and a base having an upper surface. An upwardly opening socket is disposed upon the upper surface. The socket is shaped and dimensioned to receive the head portion of the oil filter. Once the oil filter is inserted into the holder, retaining means hold the oil filter firmly in place. The holder and oil filter may then be placed in a vice, and the filter cut open in accordance with established procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Donald J. Beyer
  • Patent number: 6516694
    Abstract: A machine for cutting damaged ends off of rolls of wound sheet material includes a saw that moves in a circular motion about the circumference of one end of the roll of material. The circular motion of the saw is coupled with a movement of the saw radially inward toward the center of the axis of the circular movement. The roll is thereby cut in ever increasing depths about its circumference. The machine is mounted on a portable hydraulic lift and controlled by a remote controller positioned a safe distance away from the saw. The machine and the roll of material can be more easily aligned through the use of an alignment track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: SOS Service, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Easton, Jerry Bystry, Patrick Rasler, Richard Horr
  • Patent number: 6513260
    Abstract: A customizable nest plate for securely positioning a device to be nested. An alignment device may be used to position nest pins within one version of the nest plate. In another version, several tugboat stop blocks may be adjusted and secured against a nest plate having many threaded apertures in order to secure the device to be nested. In addition, adjustable ramps may be used to adjust the height of a device to be nested above the surface of the nest plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Steven Krajec, John L Bidwell, William R Miner
  • Patent number: 6502808
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding a part on a fixture in a precisely known predetermined position includes pressing a surface of the part against a vacuum head and sealing an annular elastomeric sealing ring against the part surface. A valve button of a valve is engaged by the part surface to open the valve and establish communication between a vacuum source. The part is pulled by the vacuum against a hard stop in the vacuum head having a fixed precisely known relationship to said vacuum head reference surface. The hard-stop can be mounted in the base of the vacuum head for pivoting about at least one axis to self-align the hard-stop face with the part face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Paul R. Stone, David E. Strand, Paul E. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6497403
    Abstract: A holder for holding a semiconductor wafer for treatment in wafer treating apparatus including a plurality of supports for generally point support of the wafer at a plurality of points on the wafer. Each support bears a fraction of weight of the wafer and is movable up and down and subject to force biasing it to move upward. The total of the forces exerted on the supports biasing them upward is adapted to counterbalance the weight of the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Ries
  • Patent number: 6497025
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fixture for securing hardware to a shaped sheet. The fixture includes supports having sheet supporting surfaces generally corresponding to a desired elevational contour of selected portions of a sheet to be supported and a holder to support hardware to be secured to the supported sheet at a predetermined location and orientation corresponding to a desired location and orientation of the hardware when secured to a sheet shaped to a desired configuration. In one particular embodiment of the invention, the sheet supporting surfaces correspond to selected marginal edge portions of the supported sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Bohannan, Neil S. Curliss
  • Publication number: 20020135118
    Abstract: A windshield holder includes a foot frame, two connect frames, a lateral rod, and plural support members combined together. The foot frame has two detachable support rods at both sides. Each connect frame has an inverted U-shaped connect rod connected to the fit end of each support rod. A connect chain is provided between two inverted U-shaped connect rods, and plural protruding tubes are fixed on each connect rod for receiving rubber support members, The windshield holder is not only easy and quick in assembling or disassembling, but also decreases dimensions and lowers cost of transporting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Hsin-FA Kang
  • Publication number: 20020130061
    Abstract: A wafer boat for supporting silicon wafers. The wafer boat includes a ceramic body having at least one wafer support structure sized to support a silicon wafer thereon. A ceramic coating is disposed on a surface of the wafer slot. The ceramic coating has an impurity migration preventing thickness and a wafer contact surface. The wafer contact surface has a post coating surface finish, which substantially prevents slip in the silicon wafers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Richard R. Hengst
  • Patent number: 6450490
    Abstract: A quick change fixture mounting arrangement includes a pair of mating ball-and-socket connectors at the headstock end of the fixture and a ball joint coupler at the tailstock end of the fixture. This arrangement allows for some misalignment of the fixture relative to the axis of rotation and permits the fixture to be rotated about a second, external axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Genesis Systems Group, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jan C. Mangelsen, John W. Brewer, Michael P. Skahill
  • Patent number: 6446952
    Abstract: An improved clip system is disclosed for holding parallels in place against the respective jaws of a vise head. The clip system comprises a pair of specially configured clip members adapted to releasably engage a notched slot formed along the side edges of the jaw on the rearward surface thereof, each slot being accessible for engagement through corresponding opening formed in the forward comers of the vise head. Each clip member is integrally formed having a hook section inwardly disposed at an intermediate position along its length to engage the notched slot in a forwardly direction and a cap section inwardly disposed at the forward end of the clip member to clamp flush against the parallel and hold it firmly against the jaw when the hook section is engaged with the notched slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Precision Products Co., Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Sheehy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6435497
    Abstract: V-block apparatus for holding around object being worked on includes a base element which may be appropriately secured to a work bench or to a table of a drill press. The V-block includes a pair of angularly oriented sides or wings which define a trough for receiving a round object. At the juncture of the sides or wings is a bottom slot which may receive the tip of a drill after the round object has been drilled through to provide a pair of diametrically aligned holes. The V-block apparatus also includes friction enhancing elements to aid in holding the round object while the round object is being worked on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas W. Borter
  • Patent number: 6427991
    Abstract: A non-contact holder including one or more chucks holds a planar workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer, particularly a thin wafer. Each chuck in the holder includes a cavity that opens to a surface adjacent to the workpiece. A tangential orifice introduces a tangential gas flow into the cavity to create a vortex having a central, low-pressure region. A central orifice directs a gas flow into the low-pressure region of the vortex. The combination of gas flows creates a more uniform vacuum attraction holding a workpiece in close proximity to the chuck. The gas exiting from the chuck provides a cushion that prevents contact between wafer and chuck. Small diameter chucks located close to each other help avoid distortion when processing very thin workpieces. In addition to equalizing pressure, the central gas flow increases the angular spread of gas exiting from each chuck and thus simplifies the design of a holder providing a gas flow that inhibits entry of contaminants between the holder and the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Tru-Si Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Sam Kao
  • Patent number: 6418601
    Abstract: A wall frame assembly table for rapid assembly of wall frames at a central location for shipment to a construction site. The wall frame assembly table can be configured for construction of wall frames of different shapes and sizes. The table is constructed to inhibit the accumulation of debris on the table for consistently accurate placement of the wall frame elements. Locating pins along the sides of the table engaging the wall frame elements can be selectively removed as needed for driving nails through the elements. An adjustable support is provided for the top plate of the wall frame which can be extended to different distances from an edge of the table for walls of different height. In addition, the adjustable support can be angled in correspondence with a wall frame which has a top plate extending at an angle relative to the bottom plate. A laser projection system may be used to locate the elements of the wall frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Mitek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Olden, Glenn R. Moore, John C. Dean
  • Patent number: 6419216
    Abstract: A working hold-down system for a worktable of a machine tool having a wall member for supporting the workpiece, defining a plenum connectable to a vacuum source; a surface portion cooperable with the workpiece and a seal, defining a zone; a passageway intercommunicating the plenum with the zone; and a valve disposed in the passageway. In operation, the vacuum source generates a vacuum in the plenum connected to the zone by the passageway to hold down the workpiece on the worktable. The system further includes a fixture connectable to the wall member via the vacuum source having a surface that is cooperable with workpiece and the seal defining the zone. For large, flat workpieces, a porous spoilboard replaces the supporting wall member to create a universal hold-down system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Susnjara
  • Publication number: 20020074706
    Abstract: A working table device includes a base having a table plate supported on top, and one or more boards coupled to the table plate with one or more beams for increasing the working or supporting surfaces or areas for the work pieces and for smoothly supporting the work pieces on the table plate and the boards. The beams include one or more side channels for receiving fasteners and for securing to the table plate and the boards. One or more legs may be attached to the beams or to the boards for flushing the board with the table plate and for smoothly supporting the work pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Tian Wang Wang
  • Publication number: 20020050674
    Abstract: A workpiece support apparatus includes an elongate primary body having several height adjustable primary support columns which extend vertically from the primary body. One or more arms extend radially from and are pivotally secured to the primary body. The arms pivot about a substantially vertical axis for angular adjustment on a substantially horizontal plane. At least two height adjustable secondary support columns extend vertically from each arm. The workpiece support apparatus is particular adapted for use by welders when welding pipe to form complex branch structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventor: Clayton Dean Babchuk
  • Patent number: 6371469
    Abstract: A workpiece holder features a grip post having an interior wall structure and an exterior wall structure defining a plurality of expandable sections adapted to engage the wall of a bore formed on a workpiece. The grip post houses a cam arrangement abutting the interior wall structure. A pin arrangement is movably mounted in the grip post and has a tapered head engageable with the cam arrangement. A fluid system is provided for instantaneously imparting longitudinal movement to the pin arrangement whereby the exterior wall structure of the grip post is expanded into gripping relationship with the workpiece bore by the progressive engagement of the tapered head with the cam arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: David T. Gray
  • Patent number: 6367635
    Abstract: An ultra precision stamped process carrier frame for use in the manufacture of microelectronic devices comprises a frame into which a plurality of precision-stamped apertures are made. Each of the coupon carrying apertures in the frame has a serrated side wall comprising a plurality of fingers extending into the aperture. The ends of the fingers are precision punched to define the aperture that registers the semiconductor coupon simultaneously with the punching of the reference fiducials. Since only the ends of the fingers are punched in the final process operation, the coupon-registering apertures can be held to a tighter tolerance relative to the fidicuals and relative to each other than is possible when the entire side wall of the aperture is punched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Auer Precision Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl Auer
  • Patent number: 6364277
    Abstract: An armature assembly support pallet has armature assembly support surfaces which exhibit a magnetic field that magnetizes the portions of the armature shaft adjacent the support surfaces so that armature assembly is magnetically attracted to the support surfaces and thereby maintained in a precise axial position on the pallet as the pallet is conveyed between work stations. The magnetic field is preferably created by thin layers of magnetic material secured to upwardly-facing surfaces of V-shaped portions of support members or blocks affixed to the body of the pallet. The pallets may be used without changes or adjustments for supporting armature assemblies having a substantial range of various different configurations. Pallets of known construction, including those with adjustable support members, may be modified or retrofitted by providing them with magnetic support surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Globe Products Inc.
    Inventor: Danny L. Miller
  • Patent number: 6322064
    Abstract: A device for holding varying pieces of wood when cutting, for instance with a chain saw, comprising a frame (9), a pendulum (2) having spikes (4) and being pivotally mounted at an upper part (8) of the frame and a lower frame part having upwardly directed spikes (3). The pendulum (2) with its spikes (4) is arranged to assume steplessly varying positions in relation to the upwardly directed spikes (3) of the lower frame part. The freely pivoting pendulum (2) with its spikes (4) is arranged, by its own weight, to engage into and hold an inserted piece of wood within the range of pivotation of the pendulum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Nils Tallving
  • Patent number: 6322061
    Abstract: A universal axle and differential carrier stand comprising a base provided with a pair of upright support arms secured to the base at their lower end, and being horizontally adjustable for providing a variable spacing between the pair of support arms. A pair of axle clamps for receiving and positively engaging the vehicle axle or a pair of differential carrier mounts for mounting the differential carrier are alternatively and interchangeably affixed to upper ends of the support arm. Furthermore, the axle clamps and the differential carrier mounts may be adjustable in height. The stand may be quickly and easily loaded and unloaded, because no tools are required to operate axle clamps. The base is provided with caster wheels that allow easy movement of the universal stand with or without vehicle components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory James Maser, Sean Karl Hoefer
  • Patent number: 6308944
    Abstract: A wiring jig is provided with a cable receiving area which receives cables. A crank-shaped supporting member supports a pillar which supports the cable receiving area. A pressing member having a pair of locating feet is provided with a pressing screw. Tightening the pressing screw of the pressing member fastens the supporting member to a perforated panel. Loosening the pressing screw allows the supporting member to rotate and/or slide so that the pillar can be installed at any desired position without being limited by the position of mounting holes pre-formed with a predetermined spacing in a perforated panel which receive the pair of locating feet of the pressing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Norio Ota, Hajime Kato
  • Patent number: 6305679
    Abstract: A portable stand for holding snowboards and skis horizontal and upright during servicing, comprising two identical and free standing stations. Each station having one horizontal member having two temporarily connected support legs. The top surface of the horizontal member and the bottom surface of the support legs are covered with an anti-slip material. A two sided angular slot is centrally located along the top surface of the horizontal member for receiving an upright, base vertical, snowboard or ski for side edge servicing. The depth of the angular slot being approximately equal to one half the width of the widest portion of a typical ski and having a vertical wall and an inclined wall. A wedge dimensioned to mate with the angular slot rests within the angular slot and a means for securing the wedge within the angular slot is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Donald James Brill
  • Patent number: 6293058
    Abstract: A support system of brackets and rods designed to be removably attached to a building stud. Used in pairs, the system can hold sheets of building material within the holing bracket and supported by a back rod so that the builder has the materials within easy view and reach and can replace partial sheets with the brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Michael Sink
  • Patent number: 6286822
    Abstract: The devices and systems encompass the provision of a plurality of supports specially designed to closely support a work piece immediately adjacent the edge being worked, ground or polished. The top surfaces of the supports are machineable in place on the working table to insure that all are brought to exactly the same height to prevent adjacent supports from creating uneven support and adjacent shear forces. The top members of the supports are a hardened plastic which will not enable the work piece to displace downwardly but which will provide a vacuum downward force. The hardened plastic top of the edge hold down are machineable without losing the ability to act as a vacuum hold down. The shape of the hardened plastic top portions of the edge hold downs are complementary to each other and provide gently interlocking support and can be placed closely enough to eliminate the possibility of any significant amount of work piece area exposure which could produce shear forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: John Blick