Workpieces Parallel To Each Other (e.g., Box-shook Clamp) Patents (Class 269/43)
  • Patent number: 8277624
    Abstract: A workpiece holder for fluid processing a workpiece including a transportable frame, a flexible member connected to the frame and defining at least one retaining feature, and a ring comprising at least one engagement feature engageable with the at least one retaining feature of the flexible member, wherein the flexible member is flexed to provide a force to the at least one engagement feature to cause the ring to form a barrier to fluid entry with the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Tel Nexx, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Keigler, John Harrell, Zhenqiu Liu, Qunwei Wu
  • Patent number: 8266776
    Abstract: A device and method of use for aligning structural elements to be connected is presented. In particular, the present invention relates to providing an end of a first structural element and an end of a second structural element; providing an aligning device including a head configured to be removably secured proximate the end of the first structural element, the aligning device further including an alignment element attached to the head, the alignment element having a rotatably secured plunging body extendable from the head; extending the plunging body from the head to non-rotatably engage the second structural element; and moving the non-rotatably engaged second structural element via extension of the plunging body to align the end of the second structural element with the end of the first structural element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Dwileski, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120228815
    Abstract: A case clamp is used to properly align two or more cabinet sides and/or gable ends, such as those of European-style cabinet units. The clamp comprises a frame with an upper jaw, a lower jaw, and an alignment wall connected to the upper and lower jaws. The clamp further includes an upper engagement member associated with the upper jaw for movement in a first direction and a side engagement member associated with the lower jaw for movement in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction. Corners of the workpieces are placed adjacent to each other and the clamp is applied to the corners. The engagement members are advanced to press the corners into alignment with each other. A surface of the clamp frame also provides an alignment function, resulting in three-dimensional alignment of the workpieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: James J. Gurule
  • Patent number: 8262070
    Abstract: A clamping device with a linking member, the linking member is pivotally connected with a first and a second slide member, the slide members can be extended outwards and contracted inwards; wherein when deviation angles of two guide slits of the linking member are sharp angles, the first and the second slide members are at their initiate positions, and when deviation angles of two guide slits are obtuse angles, the first and the second slide members are at their extending positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Comart Corporation
    Inventor: Woody Liu
  • Patent number: 8256753
    Abstract: A multi-station machine vise that is disclosed herein that utilizes soft jaws, which are symmetrical and machineable on all four sides. The jaws being identical in size and configuration makes them interchangeable/usable on any vise station, which results in reduced operating costs. The movable jaws are precisely located and fastened to the vise utilizing a jaw carrier, which incorporates a pull-down action to eliminate jaw lift. The jaw carrier includes a downwardly positioned wedge design that engages a corresponding wedge on a slide that moves the jaw carrier and the jaw. Incorporating the pull-down mechanism into the jaw carrier disposed between and slide and the jaw allows for simplifying the design and manufacture of the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Productivity Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Rene Teo
  • Patent number: 8246028
    Abstract: A telescopingly adjustable clamp for securing an object to a support may include an anchor rod with a plurality of circumferentially extending grooves which define at least one barrier wall. A positioning member defines a receptacle that receives a portion of the anchor rod and allows motion of the anchor rod relative to the positioning member in the receptacle. The positioning member includes a positioning tab that projects into the receptacle and is sized and shaped to be received in one of the grooves. The positioning member supports a clamping member that extends generally radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the anchor rod. Relative movement of the anchor rod and the positioning member changes the distance between the clamping member and the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Harold Larkin, Jeffrey Gibson, Kirk Aubertine
  • Patent number: 8246027
    Abstract: A clamping apparatus includes a motor, a first cone gear secured to a shaft of the motor, and two clamping bodies attached to opposite sides of the motor. Each of the clamping bodies includes a second cone gear meshing with the first, a threaded post fixed to the second cone gear, a carriage threadedly connected with the threaded post, and a clamp arm fixed to the carriage. The motor rotates the first cone gear, and in turn the second cone gears and the corresponding threaded posts. With the rotation of the threaded posts, the carriages move towards or away from each other, whereby the clamp arms cooperatively acquire an object between the clamp arms, or release the object therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shen-Chun Li, Shou-Kuo Hsu
  • Patent number: 8240648
    Abstract: An arrangement for clamping a flat plate to a flat surface includes juxtaposing the plate to the flat surface. An axially-movable wedging element defining a surface fitted with wedges is fixed against motion in other than a direction of elongation, and is forced to move in the direction of elongation. The wedges are forced against a first spring beam to impart forces thereto. The forces are coupled from the first spring beam to a second spring beam by intermediary supports. The second spring beam bears against a surface of the flat plate to force the plate against the flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Brian A. Pluymers, Khanh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8210510
    Abstract: A clamping device for clamping a portable electronic device is provided. The clamping device includes a mounting board and a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism includes two adjusting members, two sliding blocks, and a sliding rail. The adjusting members can adjust the positions of the sliding blocks on the sliding rail. The sliding rail is selectively attached to the mounting board, either horizontally or vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Lei Li, Ping Chen, Zhi Cheng, Jian-Gui Wu, Hong-Yan Li, Lin-Sen Dong, Yong-Zhi Tao, Chang-Fa Sun
  • Patent number: 8205774
    Abstract: A connecting assembly for support frames of a bicycle saddle is fixed to the support frames under the saddle in a simple and stable way, the connecting assembly can also be used together with a connecting member which has one end engaged with the connecting assembly and the other end for clamping or carrying objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Sunny Wheel Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chong-Jiang Lin
  • Patent number: 8201813
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fixture and method for mounting a head window to a frame for use in a submarine periscope system. The fixture supports the head window during the potting of the head window to the frame. A spring-loaded clamping plate is mountable to a baseplate for relative movement therebetween. The clamping assembly has an oval recessed portion. A plurality of spaced apart feet are formed within the oval. The feet support and are bonded to the head window. Shim stock are placed between the feet to define a critical gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Wendell C. Maciejewski, Douglas Sasko, Gary N. Motin
  • Patent number: 8191879
    Abstract: The present disclosure general relates to vise pads which provide accurate alignment of work pieces in a vise. The movement of internal members of these pads eliminates the need for manual adjustment such as with the use of a hammer to ensure alignment. The vise pads include wedge bars in combination with connectors which reduce friction and thus provide for longer life and efficient operation. In another embodiment, the vise pads include elastomeric bars which act as sealant to reduce entry of dust resulting from machining of a work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Man Sung Jang
  • Patent number: 8181949
    Abstract: A micro-adjustable parallel bench vise includes a slide holder having a top dovetail rail, a vise body having a bottom dovetail groove coupled to the dovetail rail of the slide holder and holding a fixed jaw member, a screw holder slidably mounted in the top side of the vise body, a screw rod threaded into the screw holder and rotatable to move the screw holder relative to the vise body. When multiple vise bodies are mounted on the slide holder in parallel, they are micro-adjustable to hold a workpiece or multiple workpieces precisely in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Yi-Po Hung
  • Patent number: 8177206
    Abstract: A clamp is configured for compressing a section of a battery module. The clamp includes a body, an arm, a first jaw, and a second jaw. The first jaw is operatively connected to the body. The arm is operatively connected to the body. The second jaw is operatively connected to the arm. Each jaw is con figured to engage opposing ends of the battery module. The arm is slidably attached to the body to allow linear movement of the arm relative to the body along an axis. The second jaw moves with the arm a clamping distance between an extended position, for releasing the section of the battery module, and a compressed position, for holding the section of the battery module in compression between the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Scheuerman, Rick F. Rourke
  • Patent number: 8177209
    Abstract: A clamp includes a rear receptacle; a front fixed jaw carrier having an eccentric guide and a guide slot; an intermediate moveable jaw carrier; a handle having one end urged against the guide member and comprising a slide sleeve retained in one end of the guide slot in a standby position; a slide bar having one end fastened in the slide sleeve and the other end being spring-actuated in the receptacle, a portion of the slide bar passing the guide member and the moveable jaw carrier; and a locking assembly comprising a seat including a funnel shaped channel; a spring-actuated slide member threadedly fastened in the seat and including a funnel shaped member having two steel balls and a projection; and a release lever having one retained end and including a tunnel and a biasing member put on the projection and biased between the seat and the release lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Lai Lien Steel Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei-Li Chen
  • Patent number: 8146901
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular positioning robotic system and method of use of the positioning system. In general, the modular positioning robotic system is comprised of a controller module, a positioning module and a base that can be either a stationary base or drive module. The positioning module also allows for additional flexibility by allowing for designs with multiple allowable adjustments that can be changed for a change in turn diameter, length, width and weight of a fixture and part combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Genesis Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Jan Christian Mangelsen, Mike Stoecker, Terry O'Connell, Terry Daggett, Mike Skahill, Dean Anderson
  • Patent number: 8142712
    Abstract: A heating furnace according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a furnace body that has an inlet at the upper portion through which a steel sheet blank is inserted from a wound coil and an outlet at the lower portion through which the steel sheet blank is discharged, and has a cylindrical structure having a space for conveying the steel sheet blank; a conveyer that is spirally disposed on the inner circumference of the furnace body and sequentially conveys the steel sheet blank from the inlet at the upper portion and the outlet at the lower portion; and a clamping means that is disposed at one side of the conveyer and selectively clamps the steel sheet blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Steel Company
    Inventors: Kanghee Ko, Chisang Yoon, Soonyong Kwon
  • Patent number: 8141855
    Abstract: A film stretcher utilizes a spring bias to clamp the film. The film stretcher may include a stretch head having one or more clamps positioned about the film in locations necessary to clamp the film for stretching in one or more axes. The clamp may utilize a spring to provide the clamping force. The stretch head may include structures that operate to counter the spring bias to move the clamp to one state and then to allow the spring bias to move the clamp to another state. Thus, the stretch head may effectively clamp and unclamp the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Inventure Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: John McCracken, Mike Carroll, Adan Akerman, Thomas Shope
  • Patent number: 8132489
    Abstract: A clamping and cutting apparatus for a conveyor belt is provided. The apparatus includes upper and lower elongate members between which the belt is to be clamped. A clamping mechanism has a screw drive mechanism mounted to the upper member and an end linkage assembly which are operable to generate a more rapid clamping operation of the elongate members on the belt. The upper elongate member can be releasably latched to the lower elongate member for quick connection and removal therefrom. A cutting blade of the apparatus is preferably provided with upper and lower guides to increase the rigidity thereof for increasing cutting accuracy and allowing thicker belts to be cut therewith without increasing blade thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Flexible Steel Lacing Company
    Inventor: Andrew J. Zieger
  • Publication number: 20120043709
    Abstract: A tool for spacing and holding a first framing member relative to a second framing member has a first bar and a second bar that are slidably interconnected. A first stop and a second stop are connected to the first bar and a first and second counter-stop are connected to the second bar. The first stop and first counter-stop form a first jaw and the second stop and the second counter-stop form a second jaw. A mechanism is provided for moving the second bar relative to the first bar. Movement of the handle from an open position to a closed position moves the first and second jaws from the open position to the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: Procopio Cusumano
  • Patent number: 8109494
    Abstract: A device for holding a workpiece, the device comprising a base, a first jaw member, a movable jaw member, and features which allow the movable jaw member to be moved in large increments relative to the first jaw member in addition to features which allow the movable jaw member to be moved in smaller increments. The device can include a drive member operably engaged with the base and the movable jaw member such that the operation of the drive member can move the movable jaw member in small increments. The movable jaw member can include a connection member, or claw, which can operatively engage the movable jaw member with the drive member. The connection member can be moved between first and second positions to disengage the movable jaw member from the drive member such that the movable jaw member can be slid relative to the first jaw member in large increments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Chick Workholding Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Warth
  • Patent number: 8104753
    Abstract: Support means are provided for supporting one or more items in use. The support means includes at least first and second members and at least one of said first and second member movable relative to the other member to allow clamping and/or unclamping on an item located between said members. The first and second members being hingedly or pivotably movable between said clamped and/or unclamped positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: David Crampton
  • Patent number: 8096536
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is directed toward an alignment device for soldering roughed-in pipes for plumbing applications that assists plumbers by acting as a third hand for the plumber. One portion of the device removably attaches to a plumbing wall-strap while another portion of the device holds one or more pipes perpendicularly in place, in order that a plumber may solder the pipes in place without the need for assistants or additional tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Perry Anthony Steele
  • Patent number: 8091875
    Abstract: A gripping jig for assembling whereby a force is applied to a molded body in a direction perpendicular to an assembling direction. When an assembling load is applied to the molded body, the force is adjustable with an adjustment screw such that the molded body is guided to move in the assembling direction. Since the force is applied from a direction different from the assembling direction, the molded body can move in the assembling direction, and since the force is adjustable, application of the assembling load to the molded body and the movement of the molded body can be adjusted. Since a plurality of the molded bodies are fixed and assembled respectively, when there are variations in size of the molded bodies, an excessive assembling load is is avoided with each molded body guided to move, so that a more uniform assembling load is applied to the plurality of molded bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunihiko Yoshioka, Kazuhi Matsumoto, Koji Kimura, Shinya Yoshida, Takashi Ota
  • Patent number: 8066270
    Abstract: A vise jaw accessory that attaches to a conventional vise having a unique means of mounting above the vise, using a set of accessory jaw brackets, front and rear, with special mounting provisions for each, capable of supporting and positioning a set of accessory jaws that hold and stabilize a wide variety of irregularly shaped objects by means of opposing arrays of spring-loaded pins capable of individual deflection. The jaws are designed to be interchangeable to accommodate work types ranging from delicate to heavy-duty, as well as flat faces or other jaw face types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Robert P Siegel
  • Patent number: 8061699
    Abstract: A clamping system for clamping aerofoils. The clamping system has pivotally mounted engagement members that engage the aerofoil mounted on a pivotally mounted arm either side of the pivotal mounting. The arm can pivot as required relative to the item, to accommodate differences in shape in the item, while providing a substantially equal clamping force by both engagement members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Yan Wang, Nabil Gindy, Kevin Walker, Jamie Charles McGourlay, Michael James Berry
  • Patent number: 8042240
    Abstract: A machine tool is provided with a machining unit, a base plate, an intermediate plate, a lower plate, and a pair of upper plates. The machining unit is fixed to a frame. The base plate is movable along a rail on the frame. The base plate moves a work piece toward and away from the machining unit. The intermediate plate is movable along the rail between the machining unit and the base plate. The intermediate plate pushes a reference plane of the work piece set on the base plate so that the work piece is positioned in a machining position. The lower plate is tiltably connected to the base plate and the upper plates are tiltably connected to the lower plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shingo Mitsui, Shugo Arakawa, Makoto Izumi
  • Patent number: 8038856
    Abstract: A method of fluid sealing a workpiece is provided. The method includes placing a workpiece on a ring, engaging at least one engagement feature of the ring with at least one retaining feature defined by the member and flexing the member to provide a force to the at least one engagement feature to cause the ring to form a barrier to fluid entry with the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: NEXX Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Keigler, John Harrell, Zhenqiu Liu, Qunwei Wu
  • Patent number: 8033535
    Abstract: A stair making apparatus is disclosed. The stair making apparatus comprising a bench adapted to support a plurality of members and a beam; a stop fixture connected to the bench, the stop fixture having a plurality of stops for individually engaging each of the plurality of members; and one or more fasteners connected with the bench, the one or more fasteners configured to cooperate with the plurality of stops to brace the beam and the plurality of members in a form of a stair stringer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Robert C. Mannon
  • Patent number: 8020843
    Abstract: A clamping fixture is provided for mounting work pieces. The clamping fixture includes a base, a supporting member, a covering member, and a positioning member. The supporting member and the positioning member are attached to the base. The work piece is clamped by the covering member and the supporting member. The positioning member is used for changing its position with respect to the base and fixedly mounted thereby for abutting against the work pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xiao-Jie Wang
  • Publication number: 20110203702
    Abstract: A gauge and frame for a portable sawmill to make wooden box culvert has a frame adapted to receive the portable sawmill, the frame including a pair of spaced guide members; each the guide member includes a worm screw member adapted to linearly move a retainer member, a holding member adapted to orient the retainer member at a desired angle, and an angle selecting member adapted to move the retainer member; a beam rotating member rotatably attached to the frame and located between the guide members, the beam rotating member including a support member adapted to hold wooden beams, and a handle member used for rotating the support member in a plurality of axes, such that wooden beams can be manipulated and held in desired orientations and thereby cut in chosen angles and shapes by a ribbon saw of the sawmill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Errol Sheehy
  • Patent number: 8002254
    Abstract: This patent pertains to a work piece clamping system with manual or powered clamping. Work piece locations of all three axis can be determined from the device. Various clamping devices can be included in the system. Single or multiple work pieces of various sizes and shapes can be clamped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventors: Jack Leon Bayer, Scott Leon Bayer
  • Patent number: 7997568
    Abstract: An adjustable clamping device to secure a tube to a track system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventors: Dennis Theodore Krizan, Jon T Erickson
  • Patent number: 7984895
    Abstract: A jaw assembly for a clamp is provided that comprises a jaw body having a jaw rotatably mounted on the jaw body. A locking member is movable between a first position where the jaw is locked relative to the jaw body and a second position where the jaw is unlocked relative to the jaw body such that it can rotate relative thereto. A clamp is also provided that incorporates the jaw assembly. In the unlocked position the jaw can pivot such that it can orient itself relative to the workpiece and in the locked position the jaw is fixed such that it can clamp the edges of a workpiece. A method of operating a clamp is also set forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: Ralf Strauss, Patrick Barry
  • Patent number: 7975996
    Abstract: Provided is a scan stage for a semiconductor wafer pollutant measurement apparatus, which includes: a stage main body which comprises: a circular fixed housing; an adsorption plate which is rotatably installed in the inside of the fixed housing, at the center of which an adsorption path is formed, at the bottom of which a vacuum port is connected, and which is rotated by an external rotating force; and a step motor which is placed at the bottom of the fixed housing and connected with the adsorption plate; a base plate that is supported by pillars to form a lower space between the fixed housing of the stage main body and the base plate; a cylinder at the bottom of which a cylinder load is connected so that the base plate moves up and down; and support jigs that hold up a wafer in the outer side of the stage main body, in which three support jigs are disposed in proximity with the outer circumference of the stage main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Korea Techno Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Ho Jin Kim, Hyoung Bae Kim
  • Patent number: 7971864
    Abstract: The method and the device for positioning a columnar structure which can promote properties of the resulting columnar structure, such as thermal shock resistance, isostatic strength, thermal stress, mechanical stress, and the like, and can exhibit improved productivity due to excellent drying performance of the coated areas by approximation of the central axis of the columnar structure and the central axis of the seat, thereby flattening the coating thickness when a coating is applied to the outer circumferential surface of the columnar structure, are provided. After causing the positioning fixture to abut on the seat mounting the columnar structure thereon, the columnar structure is moved from the seat using a positioning adjustment fixture placed opposing the positioning fixture, while keeping the columnar structure to abut on the positioning adjustment fixture at one or two points, thereby causing the columnar structure to abut on the positioning fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeki Kato
  • Patent number: 7971863
    Abstract: An exemplary clamping apparatus includes a supporting body, a plurality of clamping units installed on the supporting body, a PWM controller, and a detection unit. Each clamping unit includes a magnet, a clamping pin, an electrical coil, and a coil core mechanically engaged with the clamping pin. The magnet is configured for holding the clamping pin at a target position. The PWM controller is configured for supplying a pulse signal to the respective electrical coil of each clamping unit and for thereby creating a magnetic force causing a corresponding coil core and a corresponding clamping pin to, synchronously, move. The detection unit is configured for detecting a back electromotive force representative of the arrival to the target position of a clamping pin and signaling the PWM controller to stop supplying the pulse signal. A clamping process utilizing the clamping apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Hung Chen, Chen-Hsing Cheng
  • Patent number: 7959142
    Abstract: Proposed is a clamping device for clamping pipes, particularly plastic pipes for welding on butt welding machines. A base part (10) and a clamping lid (11) that is removable from the same or can be pivoted away from the same each have, to receive a pipe, a receptacle channel (13, 14) with circle segment-shaped cross section, whose circle segment radius is matched to the pipe radius. To provide for clamping also pipes with a smaller radius, at least one clamping insert is provided that is fixable in the receptacle channel (13) of the base part (10) and consists of an insert base part (23) and an insert clamping lid (25) that is removable from the same or can be pivoted away from the same, whose receptacle channels (30, 31) have a circle segment-shaped cross section with a smaller circle segment radius than that of the base part (10). Accordingly, when clamping smaller pipes the usually very heavy clamping lid (11) does not need to be provided with inserts and does not need to be pivoted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Armin Dommer and Dieter Dommer
    Inventor: Martin Dommer
  • Publication number: 20100327504
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for clamping components of a workpiece together. In one exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a bar clamp assembly including a guide rail extending along an axis between a first end and a second end. The bar clamp assembly also includes a slide jaw disposed along the guide rail having a first abutment surface and a first support surface and a fixed jaw attached to the guide rail having a second abutment surface and a second support surface. The clamp assembly further includes a compress mechanism disposed with the slide jaw. The compress mechanism includes a moveable member configured to move the first abutment surface towards the second abutment surface. The first and second support surfaces extend generally perpendicular to the first and second abutment surfaces and provide reactionary force to compressive forces applied perpendicular to the guide rail axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Charles Seidel
  • Publication number: 20100320666
    Abstract: A multi-station machine vise that is disclosed herein that utilizes soft jaws, which are symmetrical and machineable on all four sides. The jaws being identical in size and configuration makes them interchangeable/usable on any vise station, which results in reduced operating costs. The movable jaws are precisely located and fastened to the vise utilizing a jaw carrier, which incorporates a pull-down action to eliminate jaw lift. The jaw carrier includes a downwardly positioned wedge design that engages a corresponding wedge on a slide that moves the jaw carrier and the jaw. Incorporating the pull-down mechanism into the jaw carrier disposed between and slide and the jaw allows for simplifying the design and manufacture of the jaws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: PRODUCTIVITY SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventor: RENE TEO
  • Publication number: 20100269326
    Abstract: A tooling for holding parts in position to enable them to be friction-welded together in order to construct a hollow structure, the tooling includes: a framework made up of two frames for receiving the parts for welding together in their positions for forming the hollow structure, the parts including preformed parts and an intermediate section; shape-holder members for holding the hollow structure, associating backing thrust members and lateral grip members for gripping the outsides of the preformed parts; anvils suitable for being placed inside the set of preformed parts beside the section; and clamping elements operable to take up a clamping position in which they cause opposing thrust to be applied against the anvil and the inside face of a preformed part, its part itself bears against the shape-holder members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: EUROCOPTER
    Inventors: Delphine ALLEHAUX, Jean-Loup GATTI, Laurent MARCHIONE, Philippe DURAND
  • Patent number: 7815178
    Abstract: A device allowing essentially simultaneous clamping of at least two clamps, that may have different clamping strengths and/or clearance capacities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Donald E. Troutman
  • Patent number: 7798459
    Abstract: A quick insert and release laser beam guard panel clamping apparatus having a base plate mountable on an optical table, a first jaw affixed to the base plate, and a spring-loaded second jaw slidably carried by the base plate to exert a clamping force. The first and second jaws each having a face acutely angled relative to the other face to form a V-shaped, open channel mouth, which enables wedge-action jaw separation by and subsequent clamping of a laser beam guard panel inserted through the open channel mouth. Preferably, the clamping apparatus also includes a support structure having an open slot aperture which is positioned over and parallel with the open channel mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventor: Richard K. Dickson
  • Patent number: 7770875
    Abstract: An aspect of the invention is provides a clamping shell for placement about an elongate pipe for accommodating a chain vise thereover, the clamping shell having: a pair of elongate generally arcuate half-shells, each half shell having an internal portion for engagement with the pipe, the internal portion including a non-uniform surface for frictional engagement with the pipe; and at least one of the half-shells of the pair including a pocket formed on an external surface thereof for supporting the chain vise therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Pyron
  • Patent number: 7766125
    Abstract: A collapsible work horse has legs pivotally mounted to opposing surfaces of a support beam. The legs are secured in the extended position by a two-part locking arrangement. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a first part of a locking arrangement is mounted to each of the first ends of the legs adjacent the pivot point of its respective leg, and a second part of the locking arrangement is mounted to the supporting member. When the legs are in the extended position, the first and second parts of the locking arrangement engage one another to securely fix the legs in the extended position. In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a plurality of work horses are assembled with a tool support and work piece supports to provide a work station. The tool support and work piece supports are designed to be fixable in a compact storage arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Gerald L. Fowler
  • Patent number: 7753352
    Abstract: A holding member for facilitating the cleaning of optical components includes two end walls and at least two spaced plates. The two end walls face toward each other. One of the two end walls defines at least one through slot. The at least two spaced plates are held between the two end walls and define at least one pair of respective inner surfaces. Each respective pair of inner surfaces has a pair of corresponding elongated grooves defined therein along a longitudinal direction thereof. Each slot communicates with a respective pair of elongated grooves. In particular, each such through slot and the respective pair of elongated grooves associated therewith are cooperatively aligned with one another in a manner so as to direct the optical components into the respective pair of corresponding elongated grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tai-Cherng Yu, Hsin-Ho Lee, Tsai-Shih Tung
  • Patent number: 7740216
    Abstract: A support system for a bird feeder. The support system allows vertical and circumferential adjustment of the bird feeder, and prevents dislodgement of the bird feeder from the support system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Droll Yankees, Inc.
    Inventors: Betsy P. Puckett, Paul Artigues
  • Patent number: 7722020
    Abstract: An arrangement for clamping a thin rod of glass or quartz having a diameter below 1 mm in two mutually-spaced clamping locations for holding the rod extended between the two clamping locations. The arrangement also comprises first clamping device arranged to clamp the rod in a first clamping location. The first clamping device has a first clamping member (22) with a clamp face (23) of substantially V-groove type for receiving the rod in the groove (24). The first clamping member is movably arranged with respect to a framework (45) of the apparatus for clamping a rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Nyfors Teknologi AB
    Inventor: Uwe Böttcher
  • Patent number: 7699299
    Abstract: A gripping jig for assembling applies a force to a molded body in a direction perpendicular to an assembling direction. When an assembling load is applied to the molded body, the force is adjustable with an adjustment screw such that the molded body is guided to move in the assembling direction. Since the force is applied from a direction different from the assembling direction, the molded body can move in the assembling direction, and as the force is adjustable, application of the assembling load to the molded body and movement of the molded body can be adjusted. Since a plurality of molded bodies are fixed and assembled respectively, when there are variations in size of the molded bodies, if an excessive assembling load is applied, each molded body is guided to move, so that more uniform assembling load is applied to the plurality of molded bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunihiko Yoshioka, Kazuhi Matsumoto, Koji Kimura, Shinya Yoshida, Takashi Ota
  • Patent number: 7673861
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for clamping a workpiece in a vise. The apparatus generally includes a stationary jaw with a first gripping surface and a moveable jaw with a second gripping surface connected and operated by a spindle. The spindle moves the stationary jaw and the moveable jaw toward and away for each other when rotated. The vise includes an actuation rod configured to engage and disengage a semi-nut from the spindle thereby engaging and disengaging the moveable jaw from the fixed jaw in order to allow an operator to quickly move the moveable jaw by hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Thorsen Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: David Meholovitch, Walt Kopala, Lisa Kopala, legal representative