Abstract: In attachment system provided with an industrial robot having a hand movable at an arm tip, a base is attached to the hand. The base supports a plurality of suction pads such that angles of virtual suction surfaces including suction pad ends intersect each other in a hand operating space. Under control of a control device, the respective pads suction a sealing material at the respective suction surfaces, and the position and orientation of the base is controlled in the operating space such that partial suction surfaces face a designated attachment position on the object. Further, an attachment surface of the sealing material is partially attached to the designated attachment position on the object, in a state the sealing material to part of which the partial suction pads are suctioned is still faced to the designated attachment position. Such steps are repeated for the remaining attachment positions of the object.

Abstract: Disclosed herein in a system for positioning a sub-assembly for installation. The system comprises a tool comprising a base and a sub-assembly support. The sub-assembly support is positioned above the base and pivotably mounted to the base at a pivot axis. The tool is positioned adjacent to an interior surface of an assembling body and configured to support a sub-assembly. The system also comprises at least one actuator that is selectively operable to tilt a first surface of the sub-assembly support toward an opening in the assembling body and adjust an angle of the sub-assembly support, relative to the base. The system further comprises an interior conforming device attached to the tool and configured to interface with the interior surface of the assembling body. The system additionally comprises an exterior conforming device configured to interface with the exterior surface of the assembling body.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable bar clamp leveling device operable to receive a plurality of conventional woodworking bar clamps and provide space above and below a workpiece for positioning cauls and clamps to the workpiece a glue-up. A plurality of bar clamp leveling devices may be incorporated into a workbench with or without T-slots for securing a workpiece at various positions while maintaining planar alignment of the workpiece components during a glue-up.

Abstract: An adjustable square for wooden I-beams the adjustable square being adapted for marking cut lines on an I-beam having parallel flanges with a connected web disposed there between. The adjustable I-beam square includes first and second tongue members adapted for engaging an outer surface of the first and second flanges respectively. The adjustable square for wooden I-beams further includes an adjustable blade assembly. First and second saddle members bridge the respective flanges and adjoin the tongue members with the adjustable blade assembly. The adjustable blade assembly extends in a plane perpendicular to the first and second tongue members.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for use with a trimmer to produce a plurality of books having different trim sizes are disclosed. An example method includes obtaining recipient data; based on the recipient data, generating an order to produce first books and second books, the first books having a first size and the second books having a second size, the second size different from the first size; and producing the first books and the second books in accordance with the order by: actuating a first backstop to enable a first book of the first books to engage the first backstop; trimming the first book with a cutting device; and actuating a second backstop to enable a second book of the second books to engage the second backstop; and trimming the second book with the cutting device, the first backstop at a first distance from the cutting device and the second backstop at a second distance from the cutting device.

Abstract: This invention is a panel mount for non penetrative fastening of a panel (such as a glass pane). The panel mount has clamp jaws defining an elongate slot in which an edge of a panel can be received. A foot is provided for mounting and fastening the clamp jaws to a structure. At least one of the clamp jaws carries at least one threaded fastener that can be actuated by a user, including when the foot is fastened to the structure. The threaded fastener(s) of the at least one clamp jaw, in cooperation with the other clamping jaw, is capable of operatively clamping the panel to hold it in the slot, irrespective of any non-parallel disposition of the plane of the panel to the elongate direction of the slot.

Abstract: A high temperature brazing fixture and method of manufacture for a gas turbine component made of a superalloy is disclosed herein. The high temperature brazing fixture includes a first and second frame member, a support member, and positioning member, all of which are made from the superalloy and fastened together using tab and tab lock couplings. The support member is configured to interface with and support the gas turbine engine component, and the positioning member is configured to interface with and position at least a first location of or hold a first dimension of the gas turbine component.

Abstract: A panel mount for non penetrative fastening of a panel (such as a glass pane). The panel mount has clamp jaws defining an elongate slot in which an edge of a panel can be received. A foot is provided for mounting and fastening the clamp jaws to a structure. At least one of the clamp jaws carries at least one threaded fastener that can be actuated by a user, including when the foot is fastened to the structure. The threaded fastener(s) of the at least one clamp jaw, in cooperation with the other clamping jaw, is capable of operatively clamping the panel to hold it in the slot, irrespective of any non-parallel disposition of the plane of the panel to the elongate direction of the slot.

Abstract: A system is provided that is capable of supporting an object during application of surface coating that would enable access to multiple surfaces of the object while minimizing the impact on any surface that has not dried. The system provides stable support for the object during the application process and allows the coatings of all surfaces to dry with minimal effect on the coated surface. The system comprises a plurality of support units. Each support unit comprises a base portion and a contact portion. Each base portion is adapted to rest stably upon a work platform and contact portion is adapted to contact an underside of the object during application of surface coating. The plurality of support units together supports the object above the work platform.

Abstract: A pipe vise stand and system for increasing the size capacity of the pipe vise stand are described. Upon incorporation of the system in a pipe vise stand, the stand can accommodate pipes of significantly larger diameter. The system includes a pipe support member which is configured to be positioned on a vise base of the stand. The system also includes a jackscrew extender that provides or relocates a jackscrew associated with the stand to a lateral position alongside the stand. Related provisions and methods are also described.

Abstract: A positioning device for positioning an object includes a platform, a slide rail vertically extending from the platform, two standard units, and a retaining unit. The standard units are slidably mounted to the slide rail to abut against a first side of the object to cooperatively define a position reference plane for the object. The retaining unit includes a fixing block fixed to the high standard unit, a slide bar slidably mounted to the fixing block, a holding arm fixed to the slide bar to abut against a second side opposite to the first side of the object, and a spring to bias the slide bar to ensure that the holding arm abuts against the second side of the object.

Abstract: An exemplary reconfigurable workpiece support fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a base, and a plurality of spaced-apart plates are removably attachable to the base. Each plate defines a plurality of notches along an angular profile. A plurality of spaced-apart manifolds are receivable in the plurality of notches, and each manifold spans across the plurality of plates. A plurality of attachment devices are removably attachable to the plurality of manifolds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) which is used to place an object (1). The object (1) is placed on brushes (5,6), whereby a first part of the brushes (5) are in contact with the surface (4) of the object (1) and alternatively with a second part of the brushes (6). The invention also relates to a device (10) which is used to place an object (1) placed on brushes (5,6) enabling the object to (1) be positioned in a precise manner.

Abstract: This invention is a panel mount for non penetrative fastening of a panel (such as a glass pane). The panel mount has clamp jaws defining an elongate slot in which an edge of a panel can be received. A foot is provided for mounting and fastening the clamp jaws to a structure. At least one of the clamp jaws carries at least one threaded fastener that can be actuated by a user, including when the foot is fastened to the structure. The threaded fastener(s) of the at least one clamp jaw, in cooperation with the other clamping jaw, is capable of operatively clamping the panel to hold it in the slot, irrespective of any non-parallel disposition of the plane of the panel to the elongate direction of the slot.

Abstract: A vascular implant derived from natural vascular tissue material, wherein the vascular implant is substantially free of non-fibrous tissue proteins, cells and cellular elements and lipids or lipid residues and comprises collagenous material displaying the original fibre architecture and molecular ultrastructure of the natural vascular tissue material from which it is derived.

Abstract: An exemplary reconfigurable workpiece support fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a base, and a plurality of spaced-apart plates are removably attachable to the base. Each plate defines a plurality of notches along an angular profile. A plurality of spaced-apart manifolds are receivable in the plurality of notches, and each manifold spans across the plurality of plates. A plurality of attachment devices are removably attachable to the plurality of manifolds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable framing fixture for fabricating wall frames. Pneumatically controlled clamping mechanisms retain and locate various components of a frame wall. Spring loaded locator pins allow for variations in openings in the frame wall and allow for various frame wall designs. An offloading system allows for removal of completed frame walls from the portable framing fixture. The portable framing fixture is mounted onto a wheeled axle assembly to allow for easy transportation of the portable framing fixture to different job sites.

Abstract: A vehicle body assembly line locator assembly (16) includes locators (18) driven by horizontal longitudinal X, horizontal sideways Y and vertical Z power operated actuators (50. 58. 72) and having locator pins (82) received by vehicle body positioning holes (84) upon upward movement to provide accurate positioning. As the locator pins (82) are moved upwardly and initially move into the vehicle body positioning holes (84 ), the horizontal power operated actuators (50,58) are back driven. The upward movement is continued so that vertical rest surfaces (80) of locator heads (78) contact the vehicle body (20) and provide lifting thereof upwardly off a system conveyor, and the power operated actuators then move the vehicle body to the proper positioning for further assembly.

Abstract: A manufacturing cell having a plurality of work stations, where at least one of the work station comprises a metalworking machine, and where at least one metalworking machine is provided with a modular tooling apparatus. The modular tooling apparatus consists of a base having one or more attachment surfaces, and one or more inserts that can be inserted semi-permanently to the attachment surfaces. The attachment surface is typically a pocket in the surface of the base. The insert has a workpiece support feature that can support and/or secure the workpiece into the proper position and orientation for machining. The base, pockets and inserts are configured to provide a characteristic location and orientation for the workpiece relative to the base, and to the metalworking machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting dados in two boards used to form a box joint includes a support member and a rear member adapted for securing the apparatus to a miter of a table saw or to another type of a woodworking power tool. An insert assembly in the support member includes an adjustable elliptical pin having an oval shaped cross-section. The elliptical pin is adapted for rotational placement into a dado cut and, subsequent to its rotation sufficient to remove all slack intermediate the pin and the boards followed by a tightening thereof, for securing the boards in place for subsequent dado cuts. An insert is placed in the insert assembly and is used to establish the proper offset from the elliptical pin to a dado blade or other type of a cutting instrument. Different sized elliptical pins and inserts are used with different sized dado blades or cutting instruments. The step sequence necessary to make all of the dado cuts in both boards is described.

Abstract: A manufacturing cell having a plurality of work stations, where at least one of the work station comprises a metalworking machine, and where at least one metalworking machine is provided with a modular tooling apparatus. The modular tooling apparatus consists of a base having one or more attachment surfaces, and one or more inserts that can be inserted semi-permanently to the attachment surfaces. The attachment surface is typically a pocket in the surface of the base. The insert has a workpiece support feature that can support and/or secure the workpiece into the proper position and orientation for machining. The base, pockets and inserts are configured to provide a characteristic location and orientation for the workpiece relative to the base, and to the metalworking machine.

Abstract: A device for processing workpieces utilizes a frame and a fixture. The frame has a perimeter with an opening, and inner and outer side walls. A pair of shelves are located in the opening for supporting a workpiece and a spring retains the workpiece on the frame. The fixture has work locations with elevators that are moved by an elevator handle. The fixture also has an engagement handle for actuating the springs. The workpieces may be simultaneously mounted to or removed from the frames with the fixture. The frames are loaded into the locations and both handles are rotated to raise the elevators and bend the springs. The workpieces are then placed on top of the elevators, and the elevator handle is rotated to lower the workpieces. Next, the engagement handle is rotated to release the springs to form assemblies that can be removed from the fixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holder for a semiconductor substrate including a main body which is provided with three or more projections by means of which the substrate can be held fixed in the holder. Two projections are fixedly connected, and a third projection present opposite the other two is movably connected to the main body. The third projection can be moved away from the other two and is urged towards the latter two by means. According to the invention, a lateral side of each projection facing towards the substrate to be inserted is provided with a convex recess whose geometry is such that exclusively the outermost edges of both the upper surface and the lower surface of the substrate to be inserted come into contact with the convex recess. A substrate, for example a round substrate, can be satisfactorily fastened in such a holder while still its entire surface area can be processed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holder (10) for a semiconductor substrate (1) comprising a main body (2) which is provided with three or more projections (3) by means of which the substrate (1) can be held fixed in the holder (10). Two projections (3A, 3B) are fixedly connected, and a third projection (3C) present opposite the other two (3A, 3B) is movably connected to the main body (2). The third projection (3C) can be moved away from the other two (3A, 3B) and is urged towards the latter two by means (4).

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: An elevation fixture for supporting a workpiece on the work supporting table of a machine tool. The fixture includes a pair of flanged support beams, each of which has a transverse groove at the bottom of the beam. The fixture also includes a key for each beam which fits into one of the inverted T-shaped keyways of the table and the transverse groove of the beam for locating the beam relative to the table. The fixture has a stop at one end for enabling a workpiece to be precisely positioned relative to the beams and to the table. Each beam has at least one upper horizontal flange for enabling the workpiece to be clamped to the beams. More specifically, each beam has at least one bottom horizontal flange which has a vertical slot. Each beam is secured to the work supporting table by a retaining nut which fits into the keyway of the work supporting table and a bolt which extend through the slot and is threaded into the retaining nut.

Abstract: An apparatus for open-heart surgery includes a platform (20) to support the surgeon's hand (or an instrument) and a cam (30) for reciprocating the platform oscillation around a hinge (12). The cam is shaped so that the pattern of the platform oscillation follows the beating heart's motion. The platform motion triggers a momentary-contact switch on each cycle. The switch drives a pacer, which paces the heart to beat in synchrony. The platform rate is set slightly above the un-paced heart beat rate; this keeps the heart in close synchrony with the platform oscillation and stabilizes its motion. The platform and heart move together, relative motion is canceled, and the surgeon need not compensate. The platform is mounted (10) on an adjustable support and a laser beam is used to angularly align the platform to the heart oscillation.

Abstract: Clamping apparatus for disk-shaped information medium having a central hole, the disk-shaped information medium having a surface upon which information is to be printed, including a baseplate having holes; a slider guidably mounted on the baseplate for centering the disk-shaped information medium with the central hole; stationary holding elements arranged on the baseplate, and movable holding elements arranged on the slider, in such a way that when an information medium is placed in the clamping apparatus, a predetermined number of the stationary and movable holding elements are arranged along the outer periphery of the information medium, and the remainder of the stationary and movable holding elements are arranged along the inner periphery of the central hole of the information medium; a bottom plate positioned under the baseplate and movable perpendicular thereto; and information medium contact elements which are formed on the bottom plate and adapted to pass through holes in the baseplate and contact the

Abstract: Universal chuck for holding of irregular or regular shaped parts for machine processing such as milling, shaping, grinding and the like. Movable and fixed platens have grid-like patterns including protrusions and spaces into which gripping jaw members, having a configured bottom surface, align and secure. A robotic tool provides for selection and transfer of jaw members from a jaw storage fixture and for securing of the jaw members to the movable and fixed platens.

Abstract: A pallet holds one or more circuit boards for processing. A pallet opening for receiving the circuit board has grooves at one side to retain an edge of the circuit board and rotary clips at the other side to receive and hold the opposite edge of the board. Each clip is a disk which is mounted for rotation about a central axis and is constrained to two angular positions by a detent. A notch in the disk receives the circuit board when in one position and clamps the board against a seat when in the other position. The notch is deep enough to allow the board to be shifted laterally for alignment with test apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating arched wooden structures such as headers for window and door jambs, said apparatus comprising a mandrel table having a planar bed from which a plurality of rigid arms upwardly extend. Each of the arms is movable on the bed so that the arms can be positioned to define and form in conjunction with each other an arcuate shaped mandrel about which wooden planks are to be bent into arched structures. A clamp secures a long work piece at its center to the mandrel intermediate the ends of the mandrel and a flexible steel band is wrapped tightly and progressively about the mandrel on either side of the clamp to bend each end section of the work piece about and conform it to the shape of the mandrel.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in repairing turbine rotors comprises a stand which supports a turbine rotor at positions spaced along its axis, the stand further comprising work stations adapted to provide a work surface extending alongside a blade positioned in an array of blades on the rotor and stop means prevents movement of the rotor relative to the work station so that work operations can be carried out on a blade. The rotor may then be rotated about its axis until an adjacent blade is brought into proximity with the work station whereafter that blade may too be repaired and so on until all blades have had necessary repairs carried out thereto. The work surfaces may be adapted to receive machine tools and other apparatus for the repair of the blades. A plurality of work stations may be provided enabling the simultaneous repair of a plurality of blades on the rotor thereby considerably decreasing the time necessary to carry out full repair to the rotor.

Abstract: A jig comprising a plurality of clamping heads arranged in an adjustment device, with each clamping head comprising two elements adjustable in different planes, with one of the actuating elements connected with a suction part which comes to contact the work piece and a vacuum thus pulls the work piece towards this clamping head. The adjustment arrangement is laid out in such a way that each clamping head is movable in elevational, longitudinal, and transverse directions and because of its adjustment possibility any position on the work piece to be machined is accessible.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for aligning groups of plates and separators in a group for use in an accumulator battery and can more broadly relate to general alignment apparatus.In one construction the alignment apparatus 19 has a table 20 which is mounted on a frame, which can be lifted by a hydraulic ram 21 and vibrated by a vertically acting low frequency vibrator 22 and a cyclically horizontally acting vibrator 23. A head 24 is provided with lug aligning walls, 25, 26 which align the plates 31, while walls 17 and 18 provide lateral alignment of the separators 30. Weights 27 and 27A act on top of the plates 31 and separators 30 respectively to provide vertical alignment. The combined vibrations produced by the vibrators 22, 23 free the plates and separators to allow these alignments to occur.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bench mountable joining machine. The joining machine comprises machine apparatus for supporting and positioning a workpiece while making a slot-like plunge cut into a joint surface of the workpiece. The machine also includes a base member for removably mounting the machine to a bench.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a pipe and pipe snapping tool having the advantages of ease of assembly and disassembly and portability. The apparatus includes a main support and pair of upwardly opening pipe trays fixedly attached to the main support and aligned with each other along the longitudinal axis of the main support. The pipe trays are separated from each other by a predetermined space adjacent the center of the main support to create a support gap over which the pipe to be cut lies when supported on the pipe trays. Wall supports, attached to each of the pipe trays at the inner and outer ends thereof, extend to the main support to raise the pipe trays above the main support such that the lower jaw of a pipe snapping tool positioned between the wall supports will lie beneath a pipe spanning the support gap when supported by the pipe trays.

Abstract: A universal apparatus for holding contoured work-pieces in a selected pre-determined contour during the performance of various manufacturing operations is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a spring metal frame supported by a base, which through the activation of computer programmable linear actuator members can be deformed to a desired pre-determined contour to form a contoured support plane for a work-piece. The spring metal frame portion of the apparatus further comprises a device for indexing the contoured work-piece in the contoured support plane formed by the deformed spring metal frame. The spring metal frame is also provided with a constraining device which comprises a plurality of spaced vacuum cups which are selectively activated to secure the work-piece to the metal frame.

Abstract: A portable workbench including a pair of front legs and a pair of rear legs, with a support extending between the legs. A pair of beams extends laterally across the support and provides a work surface. The pair of beams and the support are adjustable to permit the beams to be positioned at a plurality of predetermined spacings relative to each other. Each of the beams has a plurality of spaced vertical axis apertures extending therethrough. A vise member having a mounting shaft extending therefrom which is proportioned to be received through one of the vertical apertures is also provided, the vise including a stationary jaw and a movable jaw together with a screw which extends between the stationary and the movable jaws for moving the movable jaw toward and away from the stationary jaw.

Abstract: This printed circuit board assembly fixture is of such structure, that it will enable an assembler to assemble a multiple number of printed circuit boards at the same time, and it consists of an angular support frame, so as to enable the user to work at a comfortable angle on a work bench. It further includes a rail-containing assembly, in which the rails are adjustable by thumb screws, so as to accommodate printed circuit boards of various sizes.

Abstract: A universal self-aligning rack for carrying and holding substrates of different sizes and shapes during the processing of the substrates. The rack includes first and second spaced substrate supports which are pivotal about parallel axes. Each support includes a pair of spaced elongated elements parallel to the axes, formed with tapered circumferential grooves oriented perpendicularly to the axes. The substrates to be supported are arranged parallel to one another in planes perpendicular to the axes and are supported at their edges in the grooves in respective elongated elements, which elements pivot to appropriate supporting positions in response to the placement of the substrates in the rack.

Abstract: Apparatus for making propellers having a base plate with an upstanding central shaft for receiving a blank propeller hub. A plurality of blocks are radially arranged on the plate about the central shaft, and each block has an upwardly projecting pin near one end thereof. The blocks each have vertical set screws therethrough opposite their pins to allow swingable movement to adjust the pin radial distances from the central shaft. The heads of said set screws are positioned on the top of said blocks, and provide positioning means for locating a cylindrical collar on said blocks. The collar has a plurality of radially arranged and adjustable arms, one for each block, extending inwardly therefrom, with each of said arms having a collet thereon with an inwardly presented slotted face.A propeller is made by positioning a plurality of propeller blade blanks each with its root in contact with the blank hub and its tip resting upon one of said blocks in contact with the pin thereon.

Abstract: A double plating wall framer for use in assembling wall frames with a series of cross beams secured at each end to an end beam and, optionally, to an auxiliary end beam. The wall framer includes a movable frame locating member for retaining the end beams within the wall framer and allowing the wall framer to be used in assembling wall frames either with or without auxiliary end beams.