Abstract: Unlike axle replacement on vehicles, where the weight of the vehicle and air-assisted tools may be used, replacement of axle shafts in confined spaces (e.g. benchtop testing rigs) demand improved methods for controlling axle rotation during loosening and tightening of hub nuts. The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for controlling axle rotation during axle shaft replacement in confined spaces. The apparatus further includes a safety mechanism to prevent accidental team member injury caused by an independently rotating axle. Additionally, the disclosure describes a method of the apparatus for efficient loosening and tightening of hub nuts, reducing team member physical burden and expediting axle shaft replacement.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis includes a core of synthetic foam having an elongate shape with a length, greater than a width, defining a longitudinal direction; an upper plate, its surface substantially matching the surface of the core; and a lower plate, its surface substantially matching the surface of the core. The core is sandwiched between the upper plate and the lower plate while being rigidly connected thereto, and is reinforced by at least one metal tube arranged longitudinally over a portion of the length of the core.

Abstract: A modular cutting board system comprised of a plurality of cutting boards is disclosed. In this invention, individual cutting boards can be retentively conjoined to other cutting boards of the same or similar make through magnetic holding force, provided by magnets disposed in the non-working surface sides of the cutting boards, to produce a larger working surface. This invention allows for the optional use of magnetic assemblies in place of magnets alone to increase holding force and prevent magnetic interference with steel utensils. Other optional embodiments include rubber gaskets to produce watertight seals and complementary protrusions and recessions to aid in alignment at the conjoining sides. Importantly, this plurality of cutting boards can be easily detached from a conjoined state and into individual cutting boards. This quality of the present invention improves sanitation through easier cleaning and also facilitates storage, compared to large and unwieldy cutting boards.

Abstract: A support pin assembly for supporting and/or locating a fixture on a tooling plate is provided. The support pin assembly includes a stanchion with a bore configured to secure the support pin assembly to a locating surface on the tooling plate. A sleeve is included within the stanchion bore, such that the sleeve is infinitely adjustable between two positions and lockable with respect to the stanchion. The assembly additionally includes a locator pin engaged at a first end thereof with the sleeve, and configured to mate at a second opposing end thereof with the fixture. Furthermore, the assembly includes a stopper pin operatively connected to the sleeve and configured to selectively extend and retract relative to the locator pin. The locator pin is free to displace relative to the locating surface when the stopper pin is retracted and is blocked from displacing when the stopper pin is extended.

Abstract: A workpiece holding fixture including a base plate having an engagement surface including a travel slot. A first static riser includes a position control member configured to removably couple a workpiece to the first static riser. A second static riser includes a rotation control member and is configured to removably couple the workpiece to the second static riser. A dynamic riser is configured to abut the workpiece by automatic, semi-automatic, or manual movement into secure engagement with the workpiece. The dynamic riser is slidably coupled with the travel slot and is operable between a plurality of positions associated with workpiece variants having different locating features and geometries.

Abstract: A material shaping machine and a method of mounting a table top to the material shaping machine is disclosed. The machine includes first and second support members extending generally in a vertical direction. A bridge longitudinally extends between the first and the second support members. A carriage is configured to move longitudinally along the bridge. A rotary cutting tool is mounted on the carriage. A work table including a table top having a silicon/epoxy combination material supports a workpiece to be cut by the cutting tool. An actuator moves the rotary cutting tool toward and away from the workpiece positioned on or above the table top and a motor provides rotational motion to the rotary cutting tool.

Abstract: A hanger apparatus for a vehicle and a changer comprising the same are provided herein, which are configured to correspond to a multitude of vehicle components (e.g., bodies or panels) of different shapes and sizes according to vehicle type and are commonly applicable to various types of vehicles by utilizing variable locating units capable of varying locating positions according to vehicle type and automatically varying the variable locating units.

Abstract: A supporting member, carrier and method of supporting are provided with a supporting member main body mounted to freely rotate. The supporting member main body is provided with a plurality of projections extending radially from a central rotation axis. Since the substrate is supported by abutment of the projections with an end of the substrate, the occurrence of cracking in the substrate can be prevented or the durability of the supporting member main body can be increased.

Abstract: The present invention provides a positioning and pressing device, a pressing device and a tool for auxiliary machining of motor train underframe, the positioning and pressing device comprises a crossbeam, two supporting frames, two rotary vertical pressing structures, a lateral positioning structure, a lateral holding structure and two adjustable intermediate supporting structures; the two supporting frames are mounted in sliding manner on two sides of the upper surface of the crossbeam; the two rotary vertical pressing structures are respectively mounted on the tops of the two supporting frames; the lateral positioning structure is mounted on the side of one of the two supporting frames; the lateral holding structure is mounted on the side of the other one of the two supporting frames; and the two adjustable intermediate supporting structures are mounted on the upper surface of the crossbeam and between the two supporting frames.

Abstract: A modular structure, particularly for supporting blanks, which comprises at least one flat plate which has a plurality of seats which can be integrally and removably associated with at least one portion of a blank to be worked on by way of fixing elements, which comprise a fixing element that has at least one lower portion which can be faced towards the plate and which is provided with at least one pin which can be engaged, respectively, with a seat of the plate, and can be inserted along its axis in a cavity defined by a lower portion through a hole with a substantially elongated shape along a predefined direction and is substantially perpendicular with respect to the axis of the pin.

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: The present invention provides a flexible support assembly for supporting and/or locating a fixture on a tooling plate. The support assembly includes a stanchion with a bore, and a threaded portion on an inner-diameter surface thereof. A base plate is attached to, and configured to repositionably fix the stanchion to the tooling plate. A cylindrical sleeve with a threaded portion on an outer-diameter surface thereof is threadably engaged with the stanchion, whereby the sleeve is operable to telescope with respect to the stanchion between a first, lowest position and a second, highest position. A nut is threadably engaged with the sleeve to lock the sleeve at any predetermined position between the first and second positions. A locator pin is releasably engaged with the sleeve at a first end thereof. The locator pin has a protrusion projecting outward from a second opposing end thereof for engaging a pinhole in the fixture.

Abstract: A portable workbench includes a pair of first support structures, a pair of second support structures, a first top member coupled to the first support structures, a second top member and a clamping mechanism. Each second support structure is pivotally coupled to an associated one of the first support structures. The clamping mechanism is coupled to the second support structures and is configured to selectively translate the second top member relative to the second support structures.

Abstract: A modular cutting board system comprised of a plurality of cutting boards is disclosed. In this invention, individual cutting boards can be retentively conjoined to other cutting boards of the same or similar make through magnetic holding force, provided by magnets disposed in the non-working surface sides of the cutting boards, to produce a larger working surface. This invention allows for the optional use of magnetic assemblies in place of magnets alone to increase holding force and prevent magnetic interference with steel utensils. Other optional embodiments include rubber gaskets to produce watertight seals and complementary protrusions and recessions to aid in alignment at the conjoining sides. Importantly, this plurality of cutting boards can be easily detached from a conjoined state and into individual cutting boards. This quality of the present invention improves sanitation through easier cleaning and also facilitates storage, compared to large and unwieldy cutting boards.

Abstract: A positioning fixture includes a base and a holder. The base defines an arcuate notch and plurality of slots therein. At least one projection protrudes from the holder. The at least one projection is selectively received in one of the slots to allow the holder to hold a workpiece at a predetermined angle relative to the base.

Abstract: A portable cradle device is provided and includes a cradle top section and a cradle bottom section, wherein the cradle top section includes a top portion base structure having a first component support structure and a second component support structure, and the cradle bottom section includes a cradle support structure extending downward from the cradle top portion, wherein a portion of the cradle top section is sized relative to the cradle bottom section to form a cradle lip such that when the portable cradle device is associated with a utility bucket, the cradle lip rests on the edge of the utility bucket cavity.

Abstract: A hinge positioning apparatus includes a base, a first positioning unit, and a second positioning unit. The first positioning unit includes a load-supporting platform, a first locking mechanism, and a plurality of limiting blocks. The load-supporting platform is mounted on the base. The first locking mechanism is movable between a loose position and a locking position. The limiting blocks respectively mounted on the load-supporting platform and the first locking mechanism. The second positioning unit includes two coaxial supports and two second locking mechanism. The supports are mounted on the base adjacent the load-supporting platform, each defines a positioning groove in side surface facing the load-supporting platform. The second locking mechanism are mounted on the supports respectively, configured for maintaining hinges in the positioning grooves. The apparatus is used to position two hinges coaxially on an enclosure of a notebook computer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible support assembly for supporting and/or locating a fixture on a tooling plate. The support assembly includes a stanchion with a bore, and a threaded portion on an inner-diameter surface thereof. A base plate is attached to, and configured to repositionably fix the stanchion to the tooling plate. A cylindrical sleeve with a threaded portion on an outer-diameter surface thereof is threadably engaged with the stanchion, whereby the sleeve is operable to telescope with respect to the stanchion between a first, lowest position and a second, highest position. A nut is threadably engaged with the sleeve to lock the sleeve at any predetermined position between the first and second positions. A locator pin is releasably engaged with the sleeve at a first end thereof. The locator pin has a protrusion projecting outward from a second opposing end thereof for engaging a pinhole in the fixture.

Abstract: A handheld, portable cutting board assembly includes a cutting board and a frame configured to support the cutting board within a top portion thereof such that a major surface of the cutting board is exposed for use as a cutting surface. The frame also is further configured to receive and retain the cutting board within a bottom portion thereof for storage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a template for checking the geometry of shaped and/or bent profiles (T) having rectilinear sections and bent sections. This template comprises a support plate (2), in which holes (8-10) are provided, and a superstructure comprised of, for each rectilinear section of the profile, a bracket (12) and at least one reinforcement (24) consisting of planar plates provided with lugs (16, 17, 29, 30) adapted for being inserted into the holes (8-10) of the support plate (2) and of assembling means (20, 30) that permit said bracket and reinforcement to be fit together in a position in which they extend perpendicularly. In addition, each bracket (12) is provided with at least one guiding element (45, 46) of the rectilinear section of the profile (T).

Abstract: Tiles are installed on a vertical wall by employing an elongate, straight device that includes a spirit level. The device is positioned in overlying relation to the wall and rotated until it is horizontal as indicated by the spirit level. A plurality of longitudinally spaced and vertically staggered slots is formed in the device. Each slot receives a fastener so that the device can be secured to studs behind the wall. A row of tile supported by the device is then installed on the wall. The fasteners are removed after the tile installation is complete so that the device can be moved and re-used. Opposite ends of the device are configured to releasably engage a device of the same structure so that multiple devices can be linked together. An alternative embodiment is notched along its extent to provide utility in the context of convex and concave walls.

Abstract: The present invention provides a workholder for securing a work piece by engaging at least one bore contained in the work piece. The workholder includes a support platform, bore clamping device, and a locator assembly. The bore clamping device is mounted to the support platform and has a cylindrical, expandable arbor extending upwardly from the support platform for positioning in and engaging the bore.

Abstract: A welding jig comprising a weld head support mounted on a support surface and one or more tube support pedestals having a top groove for supporting a tube in alignment within the weld head. The pedestals may be threaded to provide a height adjustment of the pedestals.

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: A brush mounting structure for a cutting support surface in an automatic cutting machine capable of dismounting a desired damaged brush out of plural brushes mounted on the cutting surface and disposed in parallel on the brush mounting table. The invention comprehends allowing one to replace the removed brush with a new brush, or alternatively, to fill the gap caused by removal of a damaged brush on the brush mounting table by sliding the remaining brushes together and placing the new brush on the end of the existing brush group. In that way, the worn bristles of the used brushes are maintained at a more uniform operational height than were a new brush with longer bristles interposed therebetween.

Abstract: An in-jig assembly bond fixture for manufacturing a composite component having a plurality of parts includes at least one fixture for holding each of the plurality of parts in proper alignment relative to one another during a bonding operation. A mechanical mechanism is provided integral with the at least one fixture for applying a predetermined uniform compressive force to each bond line between each of the plurality of parts during the bonding operation. A plurality of heating elements is provided for applying heat directly to each bond joint and are each selectively located within the fixture for applying heat uniformly across each bond line during the bonding operation.

Abstract: A portable universal saw table used to rip long narrow pieces such as trim molding, siding and plywood which supports a long piece while sawing without binding the power saw including two parallel rails held by cross braces between which are removable cross pieces for supporting the work piece. The cross pieces are cut during sawing and are replaced when sufficiently chopped up. The table also permits transverse cutting. A back guide is provided. An electric saw platform is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning and supporting confronting pipe or tube sections to be welded together. An elongated supporting table is provided with a pair of inwardly grooved tracks and various pipe secondary support members are also provided to mate with the tracks and to hold several pipe or tube arrangements utilizing conventional T-fittings, 45.degree. and 90.degree. elbow fittings, nozzle fittings, etc. The apparatus permits minimal setup time, proper alignment, stability during welding and the use of conventional orbital pipe welding heads and a smooth angular welding surface free from interference by prior art longitudinally disposed clamping external members.

Abstract: A work set up method and apparatus is disclosed for use with tape controlled machine tools including quick connect ball locks which accurately lock one or more fixtures and workpieces to a work table. The tape is indexed with one ball lock and controls the machining of the workpiece. The fixture and workpiece may be locked to the table of other tape controlled machines for performing other machining functions on the workpiece. A second embodiment includes a work set up apparatus in combination with a drill holding mechanism and at least one multiple spindle drilling head secured to the vertically movable head of a multiple drilling head machine. Depending upon the complexity and size of the workpiece and the number of drills in the second embodiments, set up time is reduced from a prior art time of between about 4-16 hours to between about 5-20 minutes in accordance with the present invention.