Abstract: A wafer stage is provided with a plurality of through holes in its central and peripheral portions. To each of the through holes is coupled an end of a vacuum line the other end of which is coupled to a vacuum pump. With each of the vacuum lines is associated a respective one of electromagnetic valves. A controller controls the timing of opening of the electromagnetic valves by sensing the direction of a warp in the wafer. When a wafer placed on the stage is warped so that its central portion is higher than its peripheral portion, the electromagnetic valves associated with the vacuum lines coupled to the peripheral portion of the stage are opened first and the electromagnetic valves associated with the vacuum lines for the central portion of the stage are opened next.

Abstract: The invention discloses an adjustable closure force control device for a screw-type vise and a method for selectively controlling the closure force of the vise. The control device uses a nut barrel for threadingly receiving a screw of a screw-type vise with a movable vise jaw being operatively connected to the screw so that advancement of the screw through the nut barrel results in vise jaw closure about an article to be held. The closure force control selectively controls the advancement of the screw through the nut barrel in response to the resistance to movement encountered by the movable vise jaw. In a preferred form of the invention, a compressible detent plunger cooperates with a series of apertures spaced about the nut barrel periphery. This allows the nut barrel to rotate with the screw, ending screw advancement and jaw closure despite continued screw rotation, when the predetermined resistance to jaw movement is encountered.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a workpiece to a known position without regard to the angularity of the surface of the workpiece at the point of contact with the apparatus includes a disk shaped, substantially flat contact pad for engaging the workpiece. The surface of the contact pad opposite the workpiece is substantially spherical and fits in a conical seat so that the center point of the upper surface of the contact pad is always at an known position when the contact pad is seated, without regard to the angularity of the contact pad. A proximity detector determines when the contact pad is seated providing an indication to an operator that the workpiece is properly engaged by the apparatus. The contact pad is contained within the interior of a suction cup that engages the workpiece whereupon externally supplied vacuum pulls the suction cup and the workpiece together.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for cracking off glass attached to, or comprising a portion of, the constricted end (neck) of the glass funnel component of a glass cathode ray tube and thereafter sealing a replacement glass neck component to the funnel component. A gauge and sensor mechanism are used to produce a signal representative of the location of a defined plane through the funnel. This signal is sent to a central processing unit which controls the apparatus so that the cracking off of the old neck and subsequent sealing of the new neck take place at that defined plane. In this way, the individual method steps are integrated into an automated process.

Abstract: A clamp apparatus used for machining a workpiece, such as a structural beam, includes a stationary clamp apparatus and a movable clamp apparatus. The stationary clamp apparatus clamps onto a first side or flange of the workpiece, and the movable clamp apparatus clamps onto another, generally opposite side of the workpiece. The movable clamp apparatus is capable of shifting position in the direction of the stationary clamp means. A pair of fastening mechanisms are positionably secured to the clamp apparatuses, for securing and positioning the workpiece with respect to the clamp apparatuses.

Abstract: A clamping device which holds a workpiece at a predetermined position during a machining operation of the workpiece comprises a clamper for clamping a workpiece, a feed device for moving the clamper in the axial direction, a load sensor which is fixed to the clamper and detects a clamping force acting on the workpiece, and a memory in which a target clamping force corresponding to the shape of the workpiece and a method of machining operation is stored. The control device compares the clamping force detected by the load sensor with the target clamping force stored in the memory and controls the clamper in response to the deviation between the detected clamping force and the target clamping force. The clamping device also has a position detecting means for detecting the axial position of the clamper.

Abstract: A workpiece clamping apparatus for clamping various types of workpieces comprises a pair of finger members adapted to be moved toward and away from each other, a first command position setting device for setting a first command position according to the outer configuration of a workpiece to be clamped, a second command position setting device for setting a second command position closer to the position of the workpiece than the first command position and, a driving device for moving the finger members to the second command position past the first command position.

Abstract: A workpiece-position detector used in combination with a workpiece having a face and with a support having a surface adapted to engage the workpiece face has an element at the surface formed with a passage having a mouth open generally at the surface and blockable by the face of the workpiece, a flexible hose connected to the passage of the element, and a feed line connected to the hose. A pump connected to the feed line supplies a gas under pressure to the hose so that the gas exits from the passage mouth when same is not blocked. A restriction is provided in the feed line and a pressure sensor in the feed line downstream of the restriction produces an output corresponding to pressure in the conduit so that when the mouth is blocked the pressure at the sensor is relatively high and when not blocked it is relatively low. A controller connected to the pressure sensor takes action when the pressure sensor detects the relatively low pressure.

Abstract: In a wire bonding method and apparatus for connecting first and second bonding points by a wire, a wire clamper, that is made up of an immovable member and a movable member which is driven by a linear motor, is used. The linear motor is actuated so that the clamper first acts in a direction of clamping, then the power to the linear motor is switched off or the linear motor is actuated so that the clamper acts in a direction of releasing, and then the linear motor is actuated in the direction that the clamper clamps the wire, thus moving the movable member.

Abstract: A quick release single arm clamp used temporarily on a miter box to securely clamp a workpiece against the inner side where the invention is placed on one edge of a side of the miter box to securely clamp a workpiece against the inner side where the invention is placed on one edge of a side of the miter box by means of a bracket with an axle fitted with a knob to be either pushed in or pulled out at one end with the other end adapted to fit the cavity of the miter box with a space bar at its end longer than it is wide which when the axle is pushed in holds the workpiece in tension by a spring and lever combination through which the axle is threaded which tension can be released by a lever releasing the tension.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a robotic tool end assembly used to transport a blade of a jet engine to a specific workstation and then to transfer this blade to this workstation. It encompasses gripping means to grip the blade and coupling means that couple with the workstation prior to the exchange of the blade between the workstation and this robotic tool end assembly.

Abstract: A work clamping apparatus for clamping various types of works comprises a pair of finger members adapted to be moved toward and away from each other, a first command position setting device for setting a first command position according to the outer configuration of a work to be clamped, a second command position setting device for setting a second command position closer to the position of the work than the first command position, and a driving device for moving the finger members to the second command position past the first command position.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of paperboard tray forming machines which typically consist of an upper and lower die which interlock to deform a paperboard blank. The invention is an arcuate yoke having a pair of legs to which locating stops and side guide plates are rigidly attached. The die is angled to the earth so that a blank deposited onto the die is gravity biased toward the locating stops. The yoke is vibratingly driven and the blank is vibrated into position on the lower die by contacting the locating stops and side guide plates and vibrating to the blank's lowest position on the die.

Abstract: A packaging machine and method of packaging utilizing chains of interconnected preopened bags which are fed sequentially and one at a time to a load station. Bag tops are clamped against spreading horns by sensor equipped clamps which cause disablement of a bag filling mechanism unless a bag is properly located at the load station. A bag spreading and transfer mechanism spreads a loaded bag and transfers it to a bag closure station for sealing. The mechanism includes bag-supporting structures for supporting the bag during loading transfer and sealing and for expelling a completed package from the machine.

Abstract: A proximity switch assembly (10) for signaling the location of a movable member (36) at either of opposite end limits of movement relative to a stationary frame (44, 46) includes a compact elongate housing (58) adapted to be mounted on the frame to extend along the path of movement of a power driven member (32), such as the piston rod of a hydraulic cylinder, which shifts the movable member between its end limits. The proximity switch is fixedly mounted in the housing and carries a switch actuating member (68) mounted for sliding movement over a relatively short distance sufficient to move an actuating target (74) into and out of actuating proximity of an air core proximity sensing coil (120) within the housing. Lost motion abutment shoulders (70, 72) on the switch actuation member and power driven member (54) move into engagement with each other as a power driven member approaches each end of its stroke.

Abstract: This combination holding tool and vise allows the operator, using hands and a foot pedal, to insert and adjust one or more work pieces between vise jaws before allowing spring pressure to hold the work pieces between the jaws in the holding tool mode. The arrangement permits the holding tool assembly with the work piece(s) to be transferred intact to another work station. Instead, the work piece(s) may be firmly gripped in their held position by advancing a rigid mechanical stop against one of the jaws, so that the holding tool now becomes a conventional vise. If desired, the vise assembly with the work piece(s) may be transferred to another work station. The combination has obvious advantages over a separate holding tool and vise in speeding up production and assembly operations, such as lower cost, ability to perform added operations on the work piece, and simplicity, so that it can be operated by handicapped, partially disabled people.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for actuating a clamping tool means by fluid pressure and for monitoring the fluid pressure, which comprises a carrier for a workpiece and the clamping tool means, a first mounting element on the carrier, a second mounting element, and means for detachably coupling the second mounting element to the first mounting element. A pressure fluid conduit system is connected to a fluid pressure generator and includes a first fluid pressure conduit in the first mounting element, a second fluid pressure conduit in the second mounting element, detachable connections between the first and second fluid pressure conduits, the detachable connection in the first fluid pressure conduit including a check valve retaining the fluid pressure in the first fluid pressure conduit when the second fluid pressure conduit is detached, and a third fluid pressure conduit connecting the first fluid pressure conduit to the clamping tool means.

Abstract: A work piece of irregular or random outer contours is geometrically determined in its position in a given three-dimensional coordinate system before any supporting and clamping of the work piece. This determination of a precise geometrical work piece position is accomplished with the aid of three and only three flat plane work piece seating surfaces forming part of three spheres having a segment cut off to form the respective flat plane seating surface. The three spheres are held in three spherical sockets which define three pivot points for the respective sphere. The pivot points are fixed in the three-dimensional coordinate system and hence define a first reference plane relative to which the geometrical work piece position is determined. Any subsequent supporting and/or clamping of the position determined work piece does not disturb the position determination.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated stop for advanced workpiece comprises a pneumatic cylinder with a displaceable piston rod on which a stop is secured. A limit stop coacting with the extended piston rod defines the setpoint position of the stop. A precision limit switch for sensing the setpoint position of the stop generates a command signal when the stop moves away from its setpoint position. This signal controls a valve which is connected with the pneumatic cylinder. This valve connects the pneumatic cylinder in an unpressurized manner with the ambient atmosphere when the stop is occupying the setpoint position and no workpiece is resting against the stop. Once the stop has been displaced from its setpoint position by an advanced workpiece, pressure is applied to the cylinder by this valve in order to return the stop together with the workpiece to the setpoint position, and this pressure is maintained for a preselected amount of time by the valve.

Abstract: A kind of vise comprising a back jaw and a front jaw which are separately provided with a plurality of different jaw faces corresponding to one another for pinching different shapes of things or material, the faces are changeable in their position by turning for choosing the most proper one for pinching a thing to be worked on. A punch set on the screw is also able to punch a hole.

Abstract: A clamp device for retaining a side marginal edge of a work piece during a cutting operation, which includes an elongated frame standing along substantially the entire side marginal edge of the work piece, for receiving it during the cutting operation. The clamp device also includes an adjustable upper gripping element which is retained releasably within the frame, and which extends along substantially the entire length thereof, for engaging frictionally the back side of the side marginal edge of the work piece. A lower gripping element is disposed inside the frame, and extends along substantially the entire length thereof, for engaging frictionally the underside of the marginal edge of the work piece. The upper gripping element includes an inflatable bladder for engaging the frame, and an elongated rail, which depends integrally from the bladder, for engaging frictionally the side marginal edge of the work piece, and for pressing it downwardly against the lower gripping element.

Abstract: Two shearing blades disposed along two lines which intersect each other are carried on the bottom edges of two adjacent walls of a four-sided ram structure. The ram is supported at four points whereby to provide greater stability. The workpiece is carried on the aligned top surfaces of a fixed bed and a movable carriage. The movable carriages is movable in a first direction. Finger grippers, joined by a connecting bar, are movable in slots along the top surface of the movable carriage in a second direction. Thus, the workpiece is moved in the first direction by movement of the movable carriage and in the second direction by movement of the finger grippers. The workpiece may be precisely and accurately positioned under the shearing blades making use of sensors in each of the finger grippers and a lateral sensor at the end of the movable carriage.

Abstract: In a clamping apparatus, a pressing member is moved on a base in a vertical and horizontal directions by rotation of a bolt. The bolt is provided with a longitudinal hole open end of which is covered by a window. A rod is placed in the hole so as to fix the inner end thereof to the inner end of the hole. A transparent holding member holding a colored fluid is sandwiched by the open side end of the rod and the window. When a tension stress is developed in the bolt, the open side end is far away from the holding member so that fluid covers the open side end.

Abstract: A guillotine type cutting machine wherein the length of cuts to be made in stacks of sheets determines the force with which a hold-down device bears upon a stack in the course of the cutting operation to prevent stray movements of the sheets. The force varies as a function of the length of the contemplated cuts and is regulated in such a way that the pressure of the hold-down device per unit area of a larger or smaller stack containing identical numbers and types of sheets is the same.

Abstract: A machine vise for clamping a workpiece between a stationary jaw fixed to a body, and a movable jaw provided on a movable member which is moved relative to the body by a rotating motion of a feedscrew member which is rotatably supported by a support portion formed on one of the body and the movable member, the feedscrew member having an externally threaded portion engaging an internally threaded member provided fixedly to the other of the body and the movable member. The feedscrew member includes a radially outwardly extending flange portion which prevents the feedscrew member from moving in the axial direction relative to the support portion, due to a reaction force which is produced upon clamping of the workpiece. The machine vise includes a strain detector device disposed between the support portion and the flange portion of the feedscrew member, for detecting an axial force which is exerted on the support portion via the flange portion and the detector device due to the reaction force.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping workpieces made from varied materials and complicated shapes comprises a body and clamping member, which are formed by adhesive films which can be used a number of times. These adhesive films can be moved from a position above the clamping surface of the body into a position below the clamping surface. In the first position, the workpiece is e.g. reliably fixed by pressing down. The adhesive film is then lowered into the plane of the clamping surface, so that the workpiece rests thereon and is reliably and firmly supported there for machining purposes. The adhesive film simultaneously secures the workpiece in the machining position. When machining is ended, the adhesive film is lowered beneath the plane of the clamping surface, so that the adhesive connection can be broken and the workpiece removed. The adhesive film can be moved mechanically, e.g. by an eccentric drive, or alternatively by a hydraulic or pneumatic mechanism.

Abstract: A support for sensing the proper positioning of a workpiece and holding the workpiece for a machining operation in response to the proper positioning includes elements for sensing the position of the workpiece at a plurality of locations on the workpiece and a power drive mechanism for operating a clamp to secure the workpiece in the proper position. The sensing elements are connected in series to a power source and are actuated by engagement with predetermined locations on the workpiece when the workpiece is in the proper position. The clamp includes clamp arms which swing laterally away from seats for the workpiece as the clamp arms are moved forward to release one workpiece and accept another.

Abstract: An arrangement for clamping a lumber element during its processing especially in a sawing installation includes at least two spaced abutment members having abutment surfaces for the lumber element. A substantially vertically extending suction plate is situated between the abutment elements and includes an upright contact plane. The suction plate is movable transversely to its contact plane and has a plurality of suction openings capable of exerting suction effect on the lumber element which is juxtaposed with the contact plane. Respective contactless sensors sense the presence of the lumber element at the respective suction openings and generate corresponding indication signals. The suction effect of the suction openings is controlled by an electrical switching and control device in dependence on the indication signals.

Abstract: An angle clamping tool is provided having a handle including a lockable clamping mechanism operably connected to two jaw arms. Each jaw arm includes an end portion and a medial portion. Secured to the end portion of each jaw arm is a clamping jaw comprising a pair of two elongate clamp members. The clamp members are adjustable to form a selected angular relationship with respect to each other, depending on the types of materials being secured together and the uses for such materials. Once a selected angle is obtained, means are provided for locking the clamp members in such angle during use. The jaw arms in the invention are designed so that, when the handle portion is gripped, the clamping jaws move inwardly toward each other so as to meet and engage work pieces therebetween. The jaw arms are further designed so that when the clamping jaws meet, the medial portions of the jaw arms are sufficiently spaced from each other to permit passage of the clamped work pieces therebetween.

Abstract: A proximity switch assembly for signalling the location of a movable member at either of opposite end limits of movement relative to a stationary frame includes a compact elongate housing adapted to be mounted on the frame to extend along the path of movement of a power driven member, such as a piston rod, which shifts the movable member between its end limits. A proximity switch is fixedly mounted in the housing and a switch actuating member is mounted for sliding movement over a relatively short distance sufficient to move an actuating tab into and out of actuating proximity to the switch.

Abstract: At a base of a vise a U-shaped tie element is floatingly mounted in such way that a front leg portion thereof abuts aginst the rear inner face of a stationary clamping jaw. The area of contact between the front leg portion and the clamping jaw comprises the combination of a convex nose at the one part and a planar face at the other part. The tie element is supported by resilient means which are separated from the contact area. Thereby the tie element is self-adjusting and a uniform contact is gained along the whole width of the tie element. During clamping the front leg portion is pivoted with respect to the base section of the tie element, however, thanks to a rolling line contact at the stationary clamping jaw no forces are transmitted which would angularly displace the stationary clamping jaw.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for engaging a printed circuit board (12) positioned in rough alignment therewith comprises an housing (14) having a bore (16) which is partially tapered (20). Loosely mounted within the bore is a sleeve (24) having a tapered portion (30) complementary to the tapered portion (20) of the bore. A pin (36) is spring-biased within the sleeve and extends therefrom beyond the housing for insertion into a tooling hole (76) in the printed circuit board upon movement of the sleeve into the bore in the housing. While the tapered portion (30) on the sleeve remains spaced from the tapered section (20) of the bore, the pin is capable of limited lateral movement about the axis of the bore which virtually eliminates wedging or sticking thereof in the tooling hole. Once the sleeve is fully inserted into the housing, the tapered portion on the sleeve nests with the tapered section of the bore, rigidly locking the pin in place.

Abstract: An engineers' or carpenters' vise comprising a tubular outer member (12) having a plurality of apertures (13) aligned along one side of the member. A jaw is fixed to one end of the member. A second tubular inner member (18) is telescoped within the first member and has a plurality of apertures (19) which cooperate with the aperatures (13) in the outer member. A movable vise jaw (20) is attached to the end of the inner member. A tapered lever (24) is provided for insertion into apertures which are not in line, so as to forcibly pry or move the inner member (18) in either one of two alternative directions. A tapered locking pin (22) is provided to securely lock the inner member (18) to the outer member (12) so as to prevent any return movement. The pin is inserted into apertures which are not in line. The inner member (18) can be removed from the outer member (12) and re-inserted into the opposite end of the outer member, so as to arrange the vise to have an even greater jaw opening.

Abstract: This method is intended to permit installing of a cable of considerable length within a conduit, by means of a hauling line, under the most favorable possible conditions, so as to eliminate friction between the cable and the inner surface of the conduit, and, specifically, with reduction of tractive force to be applied to the cable. In accordance with the present invention, the aforementioned method consists of attaching the cable to a hauling line, according to its full length, at locations whose positions are to be determined in relation to resistance to tension affecting sections of the cable demarcated in this manner, so that, with the cable possessing some slackness, none of the sections of said cable shall be affected by stress affecting the preceding section, and so that tractive force shall be distributed along successive sections of the cable while it is being installed.

Abstract: A pressure clamping structure for irregular workpieces includes initial locator points for positioning a part, multiple, opposed and spaced pressure discs operated by fluid pressure to engage the part and secure it in the located position, and spring backed support jacks engaging the part which are pressure locked in position to insure a rigid locking of the part for purposes of metal removal by machining or grinding. In addition, flexible pressure walls extending over areas of the workpiece are pressurized to further stabilize the workpiece and prevent vibration during the work operation.

Abstract: A vise with conventional fixed and moveable jaws, a cylindrical support secured to the lower side of the fixed jaw, a mounting for attaching the vise to a bench or the like, a tube accommodating the cylindrical support for sliding and rotational movement, and a clamping arrangement on the mounting for clamping the tube and cylindrical support in place, is also provided with a gas spring within the tube. One end of the gas spring abuts the cylindrical support at its axial center while the other end abuts the sidewall of the tube exerting an upwardly directed force at an inclined angle which counteracts and offsets the tilting moment caused by the cantilevered jaws. The tube is formed with a portion of decreased diameter engaging the cylindrical support in the clamping zone, minimizing contact and friction, and preventing sticking or canting.

Abstract: A clamping system for use in air float tables in machine tool and other environments wherein the workpiece supporting fixture is supported on a cushion of pressurized air established between it and the surface of the table. The clamping system comprises one or more T-clamps mounted within the table for vertical rectilinear movement under the action of a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, and a T-slot in the lower surface of the fixture which is capable of receiving the T-clamps, preferably through enlarged entry openings at various places along the slot. With the T-clamps received in the T-slots in unclamped condition, the fixture is guided by the T-clamps as it is moved about on the table. When the fixture has been located in the desired position, pneumatic or hydraulic pressure is applied to the cylinder thereby drawing the T-clamps downwardly so that they clamp the fixture to the table.

Abstract: A sawbuck has a base in support of a log holder having transverse, horizontal receivers of different sizes which establish a size range such that the end of a log or split section thereof within a substantial range of cross sectional dimensions may be entered in and held by the appropriate one of the receivers as a cantilever and then cut into wanted lengths.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the precise positioning of a body exhibiting a flat face, said latter requiring to be aligned, or in other words brought into coincidence with a mechanically indexed reference plane. The loading device in accordance with the invention comprises a levelling stage associated with a loading flap which can pivot about an axis. The stage comprises a base containing a cylindrical bore, and a lockable supporting stand equipped with a spherical-walled sleeve located in said cylindrical bore. The flap and the stage are equipped with mechanical indexing means which cooperate with those defining the reference plane.