Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for tamping the contents of a container are disclosed. An embodiment of an apparatus includes a tamp head for tamping the contents of the container; and a container support assembly structured and arranged to temporarily support the bottom surface of the container during tamping, the container support assembly comprising a support element having a protrusion extending upward from a substantially flat and horizontal upper surface, wherein the protrusion is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the bottom surface of the container.

Abstract: A tensioning cylinder device includes a housing (2), at least partly longitudinally movable piston-rod unit (30, 34) arranged in the housing and a compensating element in the form of a bellows body (18) having bellows folds. The bellows body is longitudinally variable and has a media-carrying connection to a compressible medium accommodated in a medium chamber (12) in the housing (2).

Abstract: A modular side-by-side vise structure including a base, a fixture block group located on the base, and a side clamping piece group; the side clamping piece has an upper part and a lower part, and a bolt is screwed in the upper part to prop the lower part, so that the stopper and movable fixture block cling to the base tightly; or the side grooves on both sides of the stopper and movable fixture block are provided with bolt holes, and the inner wall of side clamping piece is provided with a punch hole, the bolt is screwed in the bolt hole through the punch hole, so that the stopper and movable fixture block cling to the base tightly. Therefore, it is unnecessary to hold up the side clamping piece with a hand while tightening or loosening the bolt, favorable for the technician to implement quick assembly or disassembly.

Abstract: A robot hand is designed to open or close fingers using a linear actuator disposed in a housing. The robot hand has linear motion shafts extending from inside to outside the housing through guide holes formed in a wall of the housing. Each of the fingers includes a base portion and a tip portion. The base portions are secured to the linear motion shafts outside the housing. The tip portions are bent inwardly from the base portions in directions in which they approach each other and then extend toward tips of the fingers. A sealing member is disposed between each of the linear motion shafts and a corresponding one of the guide holes to hermetically isolate the inside of the housing from the outside thereof. This structure achieves an increased degree of sealing of the housing and is capable of having an increased opening or closing stroke of the fingers.

Abstract: Method and device for centering and temporary fixation of tube parts (1, 5) in relation to each other's interior surfaces. A first tool (9) is centered relative to a tube part interior surface (2, 6) by a radially adjustable centering mechanism (13). The centering mechanism (13) is insertable in the tube part (1, 5). A second tool (10) is centered relative to the first tool (9), by a guiding mechanism (15) which cooperates for centering of the tools (9, 10) relative to one another. The second tool comprises fixing mechanism (17) to fix the exterior surface of the tube part (1, 5) to the second tool (10), and at least one third guide (18) which centers two such second tools (10) relative to one another in their mounted position on respective tube part end (4, 8) and at least one coupling member (19) to connect the two second tools (10).

Abstract: A clamp apparatus is equipped with first and second clamp arms supported rotatably with respect to a body, and a drive unit having a pair of first and second pistons displaced under the supply of a pressure fluid. A driving force of the drive unit is transmitted to the first and second clamp arms through knuckle joints, which are connected to first and second piston rods, power-boost levers, and link arms. The power-boost levers are formed such that the length from a support pin toward the knuckle joint is longer than the length from the support pin toward the link arm.

Abstract: A clamping device (1) for internally centering pipes with respect to one another includes two clamping heads (5, 6), which can be placed into the mutually facing ends of the pipes. The clamping heads each have radially displaceable clamping shoes (7) which are evenly distributed over its external periphery and a drive mechanism (8) for causing the radial displacements of the clamping shoes. Adjusting piston/cylinder devices (10) are provided for adjusting the mutual positions of the clamping heads in the axial direction and a guide element (11) for guiding the clamping heads in the axial direction with respect to one another. Bearings (13) are provided on at least one (5) of the clamping heads and on the guide element (11). The guide element has several guide bodies (12) which are positioned in an eccentric manner in connection with the stability of the clamping heads.

Abstract: A robot includes a gripping section adapted to grip an object by open and close a pair of finger sections, a moving device adapted to relatively move the object and the gripping section, and a control device adapted to control the moving device to move the gripping section relatively toward the object, and dispose the pair of finger sections in a periphery of the object, and then control the gripping section to open and close the pair of finger sections in a plane parallel to a mounting surface on which the object is mounted, pinch the object between the pair of finger sections from a lateral side of the object, and grip the object with the gripping section at least three contact points.

Abstract: A clamp apparatus includes a pair of first and second clamp arms. A driving force transmission mechanism transmits a driving force of a drive unit, whereby the first clamp arm is operated to rotate via a link arm, while simultaneously, the second clamp arm is rotated, and after being rotated through a predetermined angle, under moving action of a roller, which is inserted into a cam groove of a link plate, rotation of the second clamp arm is stopped and maintained in advance with respect to the first clamp arm. Consequently, after positioning of a workpiece has been carried out by the second clamp arm, rotation of which is stopped, the first clamp arm continues to be rotated, whereby the workpiece is clamped.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding hydraulic hoses for use in cleaning sewer lines. The claimed hose guide locks the hydraulic hose, near the head of the hose, in a clamp, providing rigidity for an operator trying to locate the opening of a clogged pipeline. Once the hose has been placed at the pipeline opening, the operator releases the hose from the hose guide, pressurizes the hose so as to separate the hose from the hose guide, removes the hose guide from the sewer line, and cleans the pipeline with the hydraulic hose.

Abstract: An armover clamp assembly is provided that includes a housing, an actuator, a cam, a first link, a pivot pin, a driver, a rotating pin, and an arm. The cam includes a cam slot disposed therethrough and is attached to the actuator for linear movement inside the housing. The cam slot has a cam path that includes a locking portion and an extended travel portion. The first link is movably coupled to the cam slot via a cam pin coupled to the link. The cam pin is disposed in and configured to follow the cam path. The pivot pin is coupled to the first link at a position spaced apart from where the cam pin is coupled to the link. The driver is pivotally attached to the pivot pin. The rotating pin extends exterior of the housing and is attached to the driver inside the housing at a location spaced apart from the pivot pin.

Abstract: An exemplary positioning device used for moving a workpiece to a targeted position, the positioning device includes: a pulling member, a platform, a guiding member, two opposite positioning members, and a cable. The guiding member is located on the platform. The positioning members are located on the guiding member. The cable connects the pulling member with the two guiding members. The pulling member is capable of pulling the two positioning members to move along the guiding member via the cable.

Abstract: A hook unit for use with a clamp in a manufacturing environment. The hook unit includes a base and a sliding member arranged therein. A hook extends through the base and sliding member. The hook and sliding member form a barrier for the clamp.

Abstract: A mechanical device for displacing jaws of a spring biased clamp includes a housing for receiving handles of the spring biased clamp. The housing has a platform moveable toward and away from a wall to move the handles of the clamp toward and away from one another, to move the jaws of the clamp away from and toward one another, respectively. A control member activates and deactivates a force applying member operationally connected to the platform, wherein activating the force applying member moves the platform toward the wall and deactivating the force applying member moves the platform away from the wall of the housing. The device is used to apply clamps to marginal edge portions of a stack of two one or more sheets to provide a clamped subassembly. The clamped subassembly in one embodiment is laminated to provide an aircraft transparency.

Abstract: A piston is displaced by a pressure fluid supplied to a chuck body, whereupon a pair of first and second fingers that constitute a gripping member are operated to open and close along a base body. Further, a shaft-shaped bobbin is inserted through the interior of the first and second fingers, and a coil is wound around a small diameter portion of the bobbin. Accompanying opening/closing operations of the first and second fingers, an opening/closing amount thereof is detected based on a change in impedance of the coil.

Abstract: A powered clamp assembly is provided having an actuator, a cam member, a jaw arm, and a bearing member. The cam member has a camming surface and is driven by the actuator. The jaw arm is pivotable about an axis. The bearing member is attached to the jaw arm, as well as being engagable with the camming surface of the cam member. Movement of the cam member causes the camming surface to engage the bearing member which causes the jaw arm to pivot.

Abstract: A tool for forming a high strength reinforcing bar coupling driving self-locking wedge sleeves over each end of a contractible jaw assembly bridging the abutting ends of the bar to be joined. The sleeves are seated in collars engaged by the distal ends of arms driven for closure by a piston-cylinder power unit and a cam on at least one arm. In one form the cam on one arm is engaged by a roller connected by a tension link to the other arm. In another form cams are provided on each arm driven by rollers fixed with respect to each other. The collars include self-releasing collets seating the sleeves. The tool has other uses such as bar shearing or forming.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a locating and clamping fixture for locating and clamping a workpiece, wherein the fixture comprises a generally hollow body and a floating clamping arm. A first cam follower is located within the body, and a drive pin comprising a second cam follower and having a first axis associated therewith is moveable within the body along the first axis. The floating clamping arm comprises a first cam surface, a second cam surface, and a gripping portion, wherein the first cam surface and the second cam surface are operable to respectively engage the first cam follower and the second cam follower. Upon an application of a driving force by the drive pin, the clamping arm is operable to rotate and linearly translate with respect to the body via a translational movement of the drive pin along the first axis, wherein the gripping portion of the clamping arm is operable to extend over the workpiece and to clamp the workpiece to the body.

Abstract: A parallel gripper includes a housing and two adjustable gripper base jaws which are displacably guided in a jaw guiding recess. The base jaws are moved relative to one another by a wedge hook gearing that is adjusted by a piston guided in the housing. The jaw guiding recess is provided with complementary configured guiding grooves. The ratio of the wall thickness of the housing between the base of the guiding grooves and the outside of the housing to the width of the housing measured vertically in relation to the direction of displacement of the base jaws is at least 0.2. The ratio of the width of inclined traction of the wedge hook gearing to the outside width of the base jaws is at least 0.4.

Abstract: A self-centering element for clamping workpieces via deflecting pins, which act between a drive element and self-centering slides. Deflecting pins, which are provided with grooves in which carrier prisms are arranged, are introduced in pairs into recesses in a housing in a plane located in parallel to the mounting surface of the element. The carrier prisms have wedge surfaces, which are slidingly guided in the grooves of the deflecting pins. The deflecting pins are controlled by pistons, which are arranged in the same plane but at right angles to the deflecting pins. The forces are transmitted beginning from the piston via the deflecting pins to the carrier prisms and then to the self-centering slides, which are connected to the carrier prisms and which move the clamping jaws.

Abstract: The device includes a hollow pilot equipped with at least two retractable hooks and driven by a piston provided with a groove, the whole assembly being mounted on a supporting nosepiece. The piston is locked in clamping position by a three-point system actuated by a pneumatic cylinder. The device assembly is integrated in a housing. The device is designed to equip fixed or mobile posts for assembling vehicles, or clamping arms.

Abstract: A clamp for clampingly engaging a portion of a workpiece and for lifting the workpiece from a work surface.

Abstract: A device for the floating clamping of a workpiece to be machined. The device has a pair of clamping pistons and a pair of clamping jaws which are capable of being advanced onto mutually opposite sides of the workpiece with the aid of the two clamping pistons so as to exert a clamping force acting on the workpiece. The device is configured to contain a fixedly articulated collet chuck formed by a pair of clamping levers with clamping jaws and defining a chuck opening.

Abstract: A modular gripper assembly having body with a yoke structure (44) defined at one end thereof and an actuator at an opposite end for reciprocally driving a piston assembly (58) within the yoke structure (44). A pair of opposable jaw members (49) having through-slots (48) formed therein are provided within the yoke structure (44) and coupled to the piston assembly (58) by a cam pin (47) so that at least one of the opposable jaw members (49) pivots when the piston assembly (58) moves withing the yoke structure (44). The jaw members (49) are removable and interchangeable.

Abstract: A gripper includes a body, at least two jaws (11, 11′), which can move linearly on the body in opposite directions and at least one fluid-type piston (12, 12′) that is arranged in the body and is intended to control the movements of the jaws. The jaws are supported and guided on said body with the interposition of at least one cylindrical bolt (26, 26′) arranged in facing semicylindrical slots (27, 27′) provided on one side of the jaws and in an adjacent part of the body.

Abstract: A fluid power gripper which contains a receiving space, in which two pistons are located able to be moved axially by fluid power in opposite drive directions, such pistons being kinematically coupled by a synchronization means. The synchronization means comprises first mesh means, which are provided on opposite mutually facing side surfaces of two mutually overlapping axial tails of the pistons. Furthermore the synchronization means comprises second mesh means provided on a body of revolution arranged between the two axial tails and having an axis of rotation extending athwart the longitudinal axis of the receiving space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combined centering and clamping device that is actuatable by a pressure medium, and is especially useful in auto body building industry. Through this invention, large-area clamping of the work product around the circumference of the centering part is possible. This large area clamping produces not only favorable force distribution but also large-area, reliable centering around the centering part, which allows the work product to be locked together with high precision. This invention is especially advantageous in building auto bodies in the automotive industry.

Abstract: A clamp having a pneumatic cylinder with an actuating rod connected to one end of a drive arm which has its other end attached to a crankshaft which in turn has crankpins eccentrically mounted thereon to drive inner and outer clamp arms between retracted and advanced positions corresponding to open and closed positions of the clamp. The length of the drive arm, the extent to which the crankpins are offset from the crankshaft, the specific portion of a quadrant through which the crankpins are rotated, and the distance between the application of the force to the clamp arms and the axes about which the clamp arms pivot all provide a significant mechanical advantage and an extremely large clamping force from relatively low pressure compressed air supplied to the pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating a workpiece on a processing surface includes a first locator arm assembly, a second locator arm assembly, and a pivotal member. The first locator arm assembly includes a first surface disposed for lateral movement and mating engagement with a first portion of the workpiece. The second locator arm assembly includes a second surface disposed for lateral movement parallel to the first surface, the second surface further for mating engagement with a second, opposite side, portion of the workpiece.

Abstract: Adjustable stoppers for limiting the angle at which pivotal gripper jaws are opened. The stoppers include a stop block and at least one stopper pad which is made from a shock absorbing material such as urethane. The stoppers are secured to a pivotal one of a pair of gripper jaw members of a parts gripper and positioned to abut the other of the pair of gripper jaw members. Stoppers which are provided with two or more stopper pads of different lengths are reversible and can be used to adjust the angle at which the jaw members open. A mounting assembly which includes a mounting plate, and clamping plate and a spherical collar therebetween can be used to mount a workpiece holder from the rear or at a side. Providing the mounting plate with a central circular bore allows a cylindrical support member to be inserted therein and thus axially aligned with the mounting plate.

Abstract: A preferred clamping apparatus includes an hydraulic pull cylinder having a piston rod connected to the shaft of a wedge-shaped clamp operator received in a complementally shaped opening defined in a clamp block having a shiftable jaw. In operation, retraction of the piston rod pulls the operator toward the base of the block in order to shift the jaw to a clamping position to hold a workpiece. In preferred forms, the clamping apparatus is included as part of a fixture and operable to clamp a workpiece to the fixture.

Abstract: The clamping device has two jaws between which a workpiece to be machined is immobilized on the table of a machine tool. Each jaw is supported by a carriage, and the carriages are coupled so as to move in a mirror symmetric fashion with respect to a plane orthogonal to the path of the carriages and at rest relative to the device. This avoids adding up tolerances of the shape of the workpiece with tolerance in the position of the clamping device relative to the machining tools.

Abstract: An apparatus for contacting and applying a force to opposite sides of a workpiece, such as a resistance welding device adapted for use on an automated assembly line. The apparatus is configured to be extremely rigid to ensure accurate movement and positioning of a pair of contacts with respect to a workpiece. The apparatus includes a frame member supported by a base with first and second shafts that are secured to the frame member and slidably supported by the base. The second shaft prevents rotation of the frame member about the first shaft during operation of the apparatus. The frame member carries one of the contacts, and is biased away from the workpiece and toward a second position nearer the workpiece. An extendable member and a link are both pivotably mounted to the frame member, and support an anvil carrying the remaining contact. The link is engaged with the base when the link is in a first rotational position, at which point the second contact is held away from the workpiece by the anvil.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating a workpiece on a processing surface includes a first locator arm assembly, a second locator arm assembly, and a pivotal member. The first locator arm assembly includes a first surface disposed for lateral movement and mating engagement with a first portion of the workpiece. The second locator arm assembly includes a second surface disposed for lateral movement parallel to the first surface, the second surface further for mating engagement with a second, opposite side, portion of the workpiece.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated clamp and gripper including a fluid actuated piston and cylinder assembly and a clamp arm supported for pivotal movement and having a moving end for clampingly engaging a workpiece. The clamp includes a link having one end pivotally connected to the clamp arm for causing movement of the clamp arm and the other end of the link being connected to the piston. The clamp also includes a frame assembly for supporting the clamp arm for pivotal movement, the frame assembly including a pair of frame halves clamped together in face-to-face relation and housing the projecting end of the piston and clamp arm therebetween. The frame assembly includes a pair of pivot pin bores for selectively and alternatively supporting the clamping arm for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis. The clamp also includes a roller assembly for supporting the drive member connected to the link for reciprocating movement and for preventing wear of the drive member and the frame components.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated clamp and gripper including a fluid actuated piston and cylinder assembly and a clamp arm supported for pivotal movement and having a moving end for clampingly engaging a workpiece. The clamp includes a link having one end pivotally connected to the clamp arm for causing movement of the clamp arm and the other end of the link being connected to the piston. The clamp also includes a frame assembly for supporting the clamp arm for pivotal movement, the frame assembly including a pair of frame halves clamped together in face-to-face relation and housing the projecting end of the piston and clamp arm therebetween. The frame assembly includes a pair of pivot pin bores for selectively and alternatively supporting the clamping arm for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis. The clamp also includes a roller assembly for supporting the drive member connected to the link for reciprocating movement and for preventing wear of the drive member and the frame components.

Abstract: A device for moving gripping jaws into engagement with a workpiece comprises a housing defining a chamber and first and second ends for closing opposite ends of the chamber. First and second pistons are located in the chamber and are movable toward and away from each other. The first and second pistons are connected to the gripping jaws. Fluid pressure is applied to opposite sides of the first and second pistons to move the first and second pistons toward and away from each other. A rod extending along a longitudinal axis of the housing ensures synchronous movement of the first and second pistons. The rod and the first and second pistons have a driving interconnection which effects rotation of the rod in one direction when the first and second pistons move toward each other and in an opposite direction when the first and second pistons move away from each other. Axial end surfaces of the rod engage the first and second housing ends.

Abstract: Apparatus for locking a workpiece, such as a compact disc, in a vacuum chamber includes a locking mechanism, movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a sealed bellows assembly that is coupled to the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is automatically actuated by the bellows assembly between the locked and unlocked positions when the pressure in the chamber is changed by a predetermined amount. The locking apparatus is preferably used for locking the compact disc to a disc holder during processing and/or handling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for setting rock bolts. The device employs a common element for affixing the end of a feed shell with respect to a rock surface, stabilizing the feed shell and providing a common centralizer for centering all subsequent bolt setting operations. The device also has a bolt magazine which stores, advances and positions the bolts in line with a bolt driver.

Abstract: A sidewall applicator for heat fusion of a fitting to a plastic pipe has first and second spaced apart paralleled main shafts each having a lower end that is supported by rounding shells to the exterior of the plastic pipe so that the main shafts are supported in a plane that includes the pipe tubular axis. A housing is slidably supported by and positioned between the main shafts. A hydraulic displaceable force piston extends from the housing in the direction towards the pipe. A fitting holder is removably attached to the force piston which, in turn, removably supports the plastic fitting to be secured to the pipe. Brake arms are pivotally supported to the housing, each having an outer end that releasably engages one of the main shafts. An actuator piston supported in the housing is in closed communication with a fluid filled passageway within the housing, the fluid passageway being in communication with the brake pistons and the force piston.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a clamping chuck consisting of a fork-like clamp jaw holder (1) to which an adjusting element (2) moving back and forth in the longitudinal extension of the clamp jaw holder (1) is provided for the relative movement of the clamp jaw supports (3, 4) with respect to each other in the clamped and open setting. According to the invention, in each leg (5) of the clamp jaw holder (1) one bearing hole (6) and four additional holes (7, 7') are mutually aligned laterally, with their centers (Z) positioned on the corners (E) of the square (Q). The two bearing holes (6) are arranged centrally on the respective connecting line (L) of the two holes (7') on the clamp jaw side and the two clamp jaw supports (3, 4) provided on the clamp jaw holder (1) have a drilled hole (6') aligned with the bearing hole (6). In this case the moving or pivoting clamp jaw support (3) has features (8) for a frictional and/or form-fit actuated connection with the adjusting element (2).

Abstract: Energetic material can be rapidly cut or machined at high speed in the substantial absence of liquid coolant with a cutting tool having a rotating cutting surface by maintaining a portion of the cutting surface out of contact with the energetic material and continuously removing the resulting reduced energetic material from the area of the cutting tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for precisely forming curved surfaces on a wooden workpiece in which the workpiece is automatically centered on a work table which is controllably movable inwardly and outwardly relative to a rotating cutter. The rotating cutter is slidably mounted within a supporting frame so that the cutter can be controllably moved past the workpiece as the workpiece is moved inwardly and outwardly relative to the cutter. A template and a template follower precisely controls the movement of the table and the workpiece relative to the cutter to produce precisely formed curved surfaces on the workpiece.

Abstract: A hand-held apparatus for vulcanizing the damaged bead zone of a pneumatic tire. The apparatus includes tongs to engage the bead to be repaired and a hold-up element to engage the diametrically opposite point on the bead. At least one transport and manipulation handle is provided for carrying the apparatus and at least one actuator is included to activate the tongs and the hold-up element.

Abstract: A unit is provided for grasping and clamping generally circular shaped parts such as lenses, comprising a central body on which three grasping and clamping elements are mounted adapted to bear tangentially on said part at three points or regions of tangential contact forming, pairwise, angles greater than 90.degree., one of the grasping and clamping elements being arranged to lie on the axis of said central body at one end of a movable central push rod, the other two said elements being arranged symmetrically with respect to said axis at the distal end of two levers, the push rod being urged by at least one clamping spring in the axial clamping direction, and the other two elements being urged to rotate in the direction of clamping by at least one lever-action producing spring, release of clamping being obtained by application of fluid pressure to a piston adapted to operate in opposition to said clamping spring.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing wooden deck planks on a supporting frame of joists has an actuator mounted on a base plate with an output shaft movable between an open position and a closed position. A control device is mounted on the frame for selectively controlling the actuator to move the output shaft. A fixed angle clamp is mounted on the base plate and has a leg for engaging an edge of a first deck plank, a sliding angle clamp is attached to the output shaft and has a leg for engaging an edge of a second deck plank, and a spacer plate is slidably mounted on the base plate between the clamps and has a predetermined thickness corresponding to a desired spacing between adjacent deck planks.

Abstract: A method and an improved eductor apparatus for producing ultrafine explosive particles is disclosed. The explosive particles, which when incorporated into a binder system, have the ability to propagate in thin sheets, and have very low impact sensitivity and very high propagation sensitivity. A stream of a solution of the explosive dissolved in a solvent is thoroughly mixed with a stream of an inert nonsolvent by obtaining nonlaminar flow of the streams by applying pressure against the flow of the nonsolvent stream, to thereby diverge the stream as it contacts the explosive solution, and violently agitating the combined stream to rapidly precipitate the explosive particles from the solution in the form of generally spheroidal, ultrafine particles. The two streams are injected coaxially through continuous, concentric orifices of a nozzle into a mixing chamber. Preferably, the nonsolvent stream is injected centrally of the explosive solution stream.

Abstract: A fluid pressure actuated gripper including a fluid pressure actuated motor including a cylinder and a piston with the piston being fixedly mounted by a purality of support rods upon a fixed base. The support rods are slidably and sealingly received in the rear end wall of the cylinder and passages through the support rods are employed to conduct fluid under pressure to and from the opposite ends of the piston chamber. A piston rod projecting from the front end of the cylinder is pivotally coupled to linkage operatively connected to gripper jaws pivoted on extensions of the cylinder. In operation, the piston remains stationary and movement of the cylinder relative to the piston is employed to open and close the jaws. The jaws are carried upon pivots which move horizontally with the cylinder, hence horizontal displacement of the jaws relative a fixed reference point is substantially increased as compared to grippers in which the jaw pivots are stationary during operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for precisely forming curved surfaces on a wooden workpiece in which the workpiece is automatically centered on a work table which is controllably movable inwardly and outwardly relative to a rotating cutter. The rotating cutter is slidably mounted withing a supporting frame so that the cutter can be controllably moved past the workpiece as the workpiece is moved inwardly and outwardly relative to the cutter. A template and a template follower precisely controls the movement of the table and the workpiece relative to the cutter to produce precisely formed curved surfaces on the workpiece.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for tensioning uniform foil shadow masks by clamping the edges of a mask and moving the clamps through a preselected fixed displacement, thereby obviating the need for extensive controls on the tensioning process.