Abstract: A holding fixture is disclosed for machining bearing caps that have a generally semi-cylindrical bearing bore on an interior surface and bolt shoulders on opposite sides that are drilled to receive bolts. The holding fixture comprises a fixture frame to which a mandrel is attached that receives the bearing caps with the bearing bore centered relative to the mandrel. A plurality of clamps engage an exterior portion of the bearing caps to retain the bearing caps on the mandrel. A method of manufacturing a bearing cap is also disclosed using a fixture that has a mandrel that is received in the bearing bore and clamps that engage the outer surface of the bearing caps. A pair of bolt shoulders of the bearing caps are machined and a bolt hole is drilled in each of the bolt shoulder portions. The bearing bores are subsequently machined with the bearing caps being located based upon the location of the bolt holes to form a plurality of finished bearing caps.

Abstract: An expandable mandrel for holding a part has a shank with inclined radial slots slidably engaged by keys. The keys are coordinated by a collar which engages an extension on each key. A platen affixes to the shank of the mandrel to provide a stop that will index the position of a part mounted onto the mandrel. The platen has radial key passages to allow longitudinal movement of the keys in the slots. The platen preferably has resilient indexing nubs to engage the part. Preferably, the position of the platen on the mandrel can be adjusted by a set screw engaging one of several indexing holes or engaging a longitudinal guide track. For machining in a wet environment, the slots can be provided with longitudinal rails and the keys provided with transverse channels to remove liquid from between the keys and the slots.

Abstract: A collet assembly that holds two disks to be processed simultaneously uses alternating pressure zones to press against the inner diameter of the disks to hold them in place in a processing machine. While the disks to be processed are typically media disks, any type of disk processing can make use of the collet assembly of the present invention. Each pressure zone includes a contact surface on a chuck blade. When a travel stroke is initiated by an actuating device (typically an air cylinder), the drawbar pulls an angled expander rearward. The expander urges the chuck blades outward. Half of the pressure zones apply pressure (via the contact surfaces on the chuck blades) to the first disk, while the other half of the contact surfaces press against the second disk, so that both disks are held securely in position.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for clamping adjacent ends of pipe sections to be welded, the apparatus comprising a plurality of clamping members movable between retracted and extended clamping positions, each of the clamping members comprising a clamping shoe and a connecting member connecting the shoe to the apparatus frame; each of the clamping shoes comprising a longitudinal groove on its clamping surface oriented parallel to the adjacent pipe ends, at least one gas passageway through the clamping shoe which extends from a surface of the shoe away from the clamping surface to a termination point within the longitudinal groove, and at least one alignment guide device in the longitudinal groove; a means for delivering an inert purge gas to the longitudinal groove through the gas passageway; and a means for moving the clamping members between the retracted and extended clamping positions.

Abstract: A mandrel 1 includes a top support 10, a first edge support 20, a bottom support 30, and a second edge support 40. The top support and first edge support make-up a first support section. The bottom support and second edge support make-up a second support section. The first support section and the second support section are disposed relative to one another so as to form an outer circumference. A jack 50 is coupled to the first and second support sections and is configured to move the first and second support sections relative to one another so as to adjust the outer circumference of the mandrel. A locking element 60 removably is coupled to the first and second support sections to selectively prevent relative movement between the first and second support sections.

Abstract: A fixing device for fixing a workpiece defining a hole, includes a fixing shaft, a sliding bar, and a sliding block. The fixing shaft is configured to be inserted in the hole of the workpiece and defines a groove therein along an axial direction thereof. The sliding bar is mounted to the fixing shaft and movable in the groove along the axial direction. The sliding block is mounted to the fixing shaft and movable in the groove along a radial direction of the fixing shaft. When the sliding bar moves forward along the axial direction, the sliding block is moved toward the sliding bar along the radial direction. When the sliding bar moves backward along the axial direction, the sliding block is driven to move away from the sliding bar along the axial direction to urge against a wall bounding the hole of the workpiece to fix the workpiece.

Abstract: A rotating internal support for a large hollow structure can include a rigid central truss and two or more annular disks coupled to the truss by support arms. The annular disks can be axially spaced along the longitudinal centerline of the truss, and can be coupled to the support arms by guide rollers that allow the annular disks to rotate about a central axis. The internal support can also include support rods with contact pads that extend axially around the annular disks to contact and support the inner surface of the large hollow structure.

Abstract: A hopper securing device includes a tubular member having a first end connected to the dropping hole of the paint ball gun and a second end in which a tube of the hopper extends. A nut is threadedly mounted to the second end of the tubular member and a bushing is located in the nut. The nut includes a groove defined in an inner periphery thereof and the bushing includes an engaging flange extending radially outward from an end thereof. The engaging flange is rotatably engaged with the groove. The bushing includes an inclined opening and a tapered outer periphery, a lower end of the tube extends beyond the bushing. The second end of the tubular portion is inserted between the nut and the bushing.

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling the uniform application of a layer of a coating composition to a tubular substrate includes a shaft, and upper and lower circular rim members of equal diameter that are concentrically attached to the shaft. A pneumatically inflatable tube disposed on each circular rim member has an outer diameter that is variable with changes in its internal pressure. A first flexible cylindrical sheet in contact with the inflatable tubes has parallel edges that form a first slit sufficiently wide to permit movement of the first sheet in response to pressure variation in the tubes. A second flexible cylindrical sheet surrounding the first cylindrical sheet has parallel edges that form a second slit sufficiently wide to permit movement of the second sheet also in response to pressure variation. The second slit is laterally displaced from the first slit, and the second cylindrical sheet has a diameter nearly equal to the specified diameter of the substrate.

Abstract: A core adapter formed as a hollow cylindrical sleeve. A plurality of apertures extend through the sleeve, parallel to the sleeve's longitudinal axis. A plurality of radial apertures are formed in the sleeve for each longitudinal aperture. Each radial aperture is perpendicular to sleeve's axis and intersects a longitudinal aperture. Studs are provided in each radial aperture, initially recessed beneath the sleeve's outer surface. The sleeve's outside diameter is sized for insertion into a 6-inch inside diameter core. The sleeve's inside diameter is the same size as a 3-inch inside diameter core. The adapter is inserted into a 6-inch core until it is flush with the end of the core. Wedge-tipped bars are driven into each of the adapter's longitudinally aligned rows of studs, and against the bottom of each stud, thereby driving the studs perpendicularly away from the sleeve's axis into the core.

Abstract: A machine tool arbor for holding a rotating machine part or workpiece is fitted with an actuator member at a back or distal end of an arbor main body for tool-less chucking and unchucking of a machine part or workpiece at a front or proximate end of the arbor main body. An actuator ring or knob is mounted at the back end of the arbor main body which, when rotated in one direction, causes an pusher member (collet pusher part, hydraulic piston) to move in such a manner as to displace a chuck member (inclined collet, flex collet, expansion ring) and release the machine part or workpiece that is chucked. When rotated in the opposite direction, the actuator knob causes the actuator member to move in an opposite manner as to fix the chuck member in a position to firmly hold the machine part or workpiece to be chucked.

Abstract: A core adapter formed as a hollow cylindrical sleeve. A plurality of apertures extend through the sleeve, parallel to the sleeve's longitudinal axis. A plurality of radial apertures are formed in the sleeve for each longitudinal aperture. Each radial aperture is perpendicular to sleeve's axis and intersects a longitudinal aperture. Studs are provided in each radial aperture, initially recessed beneath the sleeve's outer surface. The sleeve's outside diameter is sized for insertion into a 6-inch inside diameter core. The sleeve's inside diameter is the same size as a 3-inch inside diameter core. The adapter is inserted into a 6-inch core until it is flush with the end of the core. Wedge-tipped bars are driven into each of the adapter's longitudinally aligned rows of studs, and against the bottom of each stud, thereby driving the studs perpendicularly away from the sleeve's axis into the core.

Abstract: The process provides an expandable chuck with a variable diameter bulb having a variable wall thickness, the chuck being operatively designed to stretch the bulb to reduce its diameter for insertion into a photoreceptor pipe and upon relaxation to compress the bulb so as to increased diameter. The design solves provides a universal chuck to reduce the cost of changing to different diameter chucks in accommodating different size photoreceptors during the coating and drying process.

Abstract: A device for centring and internal clamping of tubular parts such as metal conduits, placed end-to-end so as to be welded to form metal pipelines is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated mandrel clamping and indexing mechanism for a multi-piece AFP mandrel wherein a clamping mechanism is used in order to secure mandrel segments together as well as to join mandrel segments to end rings. The clamping mechanism is preferably integrated with an indexing mechanism according to embodiments of the present invention such that mandrel segments will preferably remain securely connected and aligned until air is applied to the clamping and indexing mechanism in order to unclamp the secured mandrel segments and remove the part being manufactured. The clamping and indexing mechanism preferably withstands the autoclave heat and pressure that is typically experienced during the curing part of the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A mandrel assembly is provided for insertion into a hollow tube to support the interior walls of the tube during bending of the tube in a tube bending apparatus. The mandrel assembly includes at least one mandrel segment that is adapted for positioning within the tube and has an exterior support surface for supporting the interior walls of the tube during bending. The mandrel segment is anchored at a fixed axial location within the tube by an anchoring device that is radially expandable and retractable between an expanded condition in which an anchor shoe is engaged with the interior wall of the tube and a retracted condition in which the anchor shoe is loose within the tube. A mandrel support rod is attached to the anchoring device for inserting and withdrawing the anchoring device into the tube when the anchor shoe is retracted.

Abstract: An isolation system with imaging or radiation therapy capability is disclosed. At least one containment barrier (14, 15, 16, 17) defines an isolation region (10). An imaging or therapy system (20) is disposed outside of the isolation region. The containment barrier includes a substantially hollow tubular extension (24, 42, 44, 124, 224, 324) protruding away from the isolation region (10). The substantially hollow tubular extension surrounds an interior volume (26) that is in fluid communication with the isolation region and is in fluid isolation from the imaging or therapy system. The substantially hollow tubular extension is made at least partially of a material providing operative communication between the imaging or therapy system and the interior volume of the substantially hollow tubular extension.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for clamping and subsequently machining a disk- or ring-shaped workpiece, wherein the workpiece is set down on a contact surface of a contact member made from elastomeric material. The workpiece is axially pressed against the contact surface with an elastomeric-material clamping member of a clamping device and simultaneously fixed in place perpendicular to the workpiece axis. Subsequently, the workpiece is machined with a tool.

Abstract: A housing (15) fixed to a reference block (1) is provided with a guide hole (20) into which a plug portion (3) of a movable member (2) is allowed to be inserted. Inside this guide hole (20) is arranged an outer sleeve (21) vertically movably, and this outer sleeve (21) is advanced upward by a predetermined advancing stroke by a coned disc spring (25). An inner sleeve (31) which is allowed to fit outside the plug portion (3) is wedge-engaged with the outer sleeve (21) from above, and this inner sleeve (31) is adapted to be diametrically expandable and diametrically contractible. The inner sleeve (31) is moved vertically by an output member (36).

Abstract: A pneumatic collet assembly has a housing, a piston, a collet, and ball bearings. The piston is disposed within the housing. A bore within the piston receives the collet. The collet has a base and fingers. The fingers of the collet define a center channel or bore configured to receive a torsion bar. The central channel extends along a longitudinal axis. The ball bearings are disposed between the piston and the fingers of the collet. The piston is configured to move between a first position along the longitudinal axis and a second position along the longitudinal axis in response to pressure changes within the housing. The piston increases force against the ball bearings to urge the fingers of the collet against the torsion bar to clamp the torsion bar.

Abstract: Hydromechanical clamping device which in one end thereof is designed as a mandrel pin with an outer envelope surface onto which one or more tools may be mounted. The mandrel pin 5 comprises outer expanding means (6), the outer surface of which consisting of said envelope surface, with a relatively thin, radially expandable wall and a conical inner surface in the axial direction, the mandrel pin further comprising a centre pin (8), the outer diameter of which being smaller than 10 the diameter of the inner surface of said means, wherein in the space between the centre pin (8) and the expanding means there are arranged intermediate means (7) connected to a piston (9).

Abstract: A workholding apparatus including a body and a drive member carried by the body, so that the drive member and body partially define a fluid chamber therebetween for containing a fluid. A driven member is also carried by the body and includes multiple displacement reliefs therein. An intermediate member with a displacement relief is received between the drive and driven members. The intermediate member prevents the drive member from extruding through the displacement reliefs in the driven member under fluid pressures of the fluid, thereby enabling use of the apparatus under higher performance applications that would not be possible without the intermediate member.

Abstract: A temporary fastener includes a grip length indicator. By machining a flattened area into a body of the temporary fastener, by engraving an scale into the flattened area, and by attaching an indicator dot visible in the groove to a moving part of an internal assembly of the temporary fastener, the grip length of the installed temporary fastener may be read directly on the scale while the temporary fastener applies a clamp-up force to a structure. By using the temporary fastener of the present invention, it is possible to determine a fastener hole length while a temporary fastener is installed. Using the method for determining a fastener grip length of the present invention enables the effective determination of the correct fastener grip length for each particular fastener hole of a large structure, such as an aircraft airframe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a workholder and a method for securing a work piece by engaging either a bore contained in the work piece or by gripping the edge of the bore of the work piece. The workholder includes a support platform, and a bore clamping device that is mounted to the support platform. The clamping device has a cylindrical, expandable arbor extending upwardly from the support platform for positioning in and engaging the bore or for gripping an outer edge of the bore.

Abstract: An expansion lance assembly for an expansion of a hollow profile by the exertion of a fluidic high internal pressure. The expansion lance assembly includes a rod-shaped seal carrier detachably connected to a carrier holder and having a seal arrangement including at least two sealing rings. At least one spacer sleeve is situated between the at least two sealing rings and is arranged on the seal carrier. The seal carrier has an axial inflow bore connected to a fluid high-pressure source and at least one transverse bore branching off from the axial inflow bore. To provide that the lance can be used for long periods of time with a reliable seal of the seal arrangement, the expansion lance assembly includes that each of the sealing rings includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a low-abrasion high-pressure-resistant elastomer ring which bears against a circumferential surface of the seal carrier such that it is elastically deformable axially by high internal pressure.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a fixture bolt assembly is disclosed. The fixture bolt assembly includes a fixture housing that defines a bore therethrough and a cavity. A securement member is disposed through the bore and the cavity. A retaining member is disposed on the securement member and within the cavity of the fixture housing. In an embodiment for a method in accordance with the present invention, a method of mounting a securement member on a fixture housing is disclosed. The method includes the steps of disposing the securement member through a bore and cavity defined by the fixture housing. A retaining member is disposed on the securement member within the cavity of the fixture housing.

Abstract: An expandable mandrel for holding a workpiece, including a mandrel body having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface defines at least first and second interior regions separated by a transition surface, the first region having a cross sectional area greater than a cross-sectional area of the second region. A plurality of slots extend between the interior surface and the exterior surface. A slave actuator having a bearing surface is at least partially disposed in the first region, and a master actuator is provided for urging the bearing surface against the transition surface to expand the mandrel against the workpiece.

Abstract: A wedge-lock fastener is provided in which the distance by which the tongue protrudes beyond a workpiece may be controlled. The wedge-lock fastener may include a shank and an adjustable spacer member mounted upon the shank and adapted for controlled lengthwise movement relative thereto so as to adjust the position of the tongue with respect to the workpiece. Correspondingly, a method for installing a wedge-lock fastener is provided in which the respective forward ends of the tongue and tongs are inserted through aligned holes defined by two or more workpieces and the tongs are then retracted to clamp the workpieces together with the respective forward ends of the tongue and the tongs being disposed completely within a counterbore defined by a workpiece.

Abstract: A flexible or semi-rigid support fixture is sized and shaped to supportably engage a surface of a polymeric matrix object such as an organic bonded abrasive grinding wheel. The support fixture is utilized to support the object to help prevent slumping and/or expansion during thermal curing operations. The fixture is fabricated from a material, such as silicone rubber, that is capable of withstanding heat commonly associated with thermal curing operations and which provides sufficient resilience to permit use with objects manufactured within a relatively wide range of dimensional tolerances. Suitable materials include silicone rubber or other polymers or copolymers such as PTFE, FEP, Polyimide or blends with or without fillers or substrates.

Abstract: A clamp for securing a tool to a multi-piece panel assembly. The clamp is especially suited for applications where access to only one side of the panel assembly is available. The clamp uses a blind temporary fastener that is secured to the panel assembly to hold the independent panels of the assembly together. The clamp includes an sleeve member that is attached to the temporary fastener and a socket that attaches to the sleeve member and is axially adjustable therewith. The clamp attaches to the temporary fastener without modification of the temporary fastener and clamps the tool to the panel assembly. The clamp is adjustable for a variety of tool thicknesses and can be removed without removal of the temporary fastener.

Abstract: The invention concerns a clamping device comprising a tensioning spindle whereof one end has a first axially fixed support surface and whereof the other end has a second axially mobile support surface and mobile relative to the first support surface through a clamping element. Between the two support surfaces on the tensioning spindle are one or several elastomer adapter sleeves.

Abstract: A push-type expandable fixture provided to secure a work-piece to a rotatable machine. An expandable sleeve is inserted within a bore of a hollow work-piece. The work-piece together with the expandable sleeve is disposed about a pair of wedge members which are in turn secured to a first rotatable portion of the machine. The wedge members engage a corresponding tapered internal surface of the expandable sleeve. The second wedge member is longitudinally displaceable relative to the first wedge member and together extends through the work-piece to engage a second rotatable portion of the machine. As the first and second rotatable portions of the machine are brought toward one another, the wedge members act on the tapered surfaces of the sleeve forcing the sleeve to radially expand and firmly grip the work-piece. The arrangement provides the ability to firmly secure a work-piece to a rotatable machine tool by a simple push-type action without the need to induce compression forces on the work-piece.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder (4) moves a rod (3) in the direction of the axial center. The interior of a casing member (2) has an annular pressure booster (7) for pressurizing the oil in an external hydraulic chamber (6). The casing member (2) has a pressurized oil feed port (27) for feeding pressurized oil to the rod-moving hydraulic cylinder (4) and the input oil chamber (16) of the pressure booster (7). A throttle valve (8) is interposed in an oil supply channel extending from the pressurized oil feed port (27) to the input oil chamber (16). An oil discharge channel, extending from the input oil chamber (16) to the pressurized oil feed port (27), is provided with a nonreturn valve capable of discharging pressurized oil from the input oil chamber (16). The nonreturn valve (9) is opened when the pressurized oil is discharged through the pressurized oil feed port (27).

Abstract: A jig for coaxially welding together a pair of generally coaxial tubular pipe ends meeting at a joint has a pair of support bodies in the pipe ends flanking the joint and each having an outer surface tapering axially inward toward the joint. Respective arrays of wedges are axially displaceable on the surfaces so that as the arrays are displaced apart the respective wedges move radially outward. Respective springs engaging the arrays urge the respective jaws radially together and urge the respective arrays axially toward each other. An abutment between the arrays has annular end faces engageable axially outward with the respective wedges. Thus when the bodies are drawn axially toward each other and the respective wedges are forced radially outward so that, when the arrays are flanking a joint and displaced radially outward, they coaxially center and lock together the pipe ends.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing and centering substrates that are each provided with an inner hole is provided. The apparatus has a housing having an axis that extends perpendicular to the plane of a substrate placed on the apparatus. A fixation unit is guided in the housing and is introducible into the inner hole of a substrate. The fixation unit includes an outer element that is moveable along the axis of the housing and relative to the housing, and also includes an inner element that is moveable along the axis of the housing and relative to the housing and to the outer element, which, by way of a relative movement of the inner and outer elements, is expandable for engagement with the inner hole of a substrate.

Abstract: An expandable mandrel for holding a workpiece, including a mandrel body having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface defines at least first and second interior regions separated by a transition surface, the first region having a cross sectional area greater than a cross-sectional area of the second region. A plurality of slots extend between the interior surface and the exterior surface. A slave actuator having a bearing surface is at least partially disposed in the first region, and a master actuator is provided for urging the bearing surface against the transition surface to expand the mandrel against the workpiece.

Abstract: A device for assembly of a flexible conduit element consisting essentially of a flexible ring-corrugated or helical-shaped bellows body which is displaced over an inner arbor in order to introduce a jacket into the corrugations of the bellows body, has an the inner arbor comprising actuating elements for engagement into the corrugations of the bellows body at an inner side thereof. The inner arbor has an axial length which can be adjusted.

Abstract: A support device for a stent and a method of coating a stent using the device are provided.

Abstract: A work holder support arm for supporting a work article at a desired orientation with respect to a support structure is provided with a first clamp (12) having clamped and unclamped states for coupling with the support structure. The first clamp (12) has an opening therethrough for accommodating the support structure, and there may be provided a through-hole arranged transverse to the opening. A shaft portion (27) is coupled to the first clamp (12), the shaft portion (27) having a longitudinal bore therethrough arranged to be axial in registration with the through-hole of the first clamp. Additionally, a second clamp (11) couples with the work article and has clamped and unclamped states. A tube portion (14) is coupled to the second clamp (11) for accommodating telescopically therewithin the first shaft portion (27). An expansion portion (30) is arranged coaxially with the shaft portion (27) within the tube portion (14) and is provided with a threaded section.

Abstract: A device and method for joining fitting parts provided with a passage opening on hollow profiles through partial expansion of the hollow profiles at the location of the fitting parts is provided. The fitting parts are slid on with the passage openings and are held in position by-means of fluid high internal pressure expansion of the hollow profile. The device includes an expanding lance, which can be slid into the hollow profile and exhibits an axial borehole for the purpose of guiding the pressure fluid. The axial borehole is connected to a fluid high pressure generating system and exhibits a cross channel with an outlet for the pressure fluid in the direction of the hollow profile location to be expanded. The shell surface of the expanding lance exhibits sealing elements that are spaced apart and that define the outlet so as to seal axially on both sides against high pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a workholder and a method for securing a work piece by engaging either a bore contained in the work piece or by gripping the edge of the bore of the work piece. The workholder includes a support platform, and a bore clamping device that is mounted to the support platform. The clamping device has a cylindrical, expandable arbor extending upwardly from the support platform for positioning in and engaging the bore or for gripping an outer edge of the bore.

Abstract: A mechanism for supporting an elongated hollow workpiece during a heat treatment process in which the workpiece is rapidly heated and cooled, such as by a induction coil and a quenching ring through which the workpiece is moved. The support mechanism includes a driver member and at least one chuck, but preferably a plurality of chucks, positioned around the driver member. The chucks are movable relative to the driver member in a lateral direction with respect to an axis defined by the elongated workpiece between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the disengaged position, contact surfaces of the chucks are spaced apart from an inner surface of the workpiece. In the engaged position, the contact surfaces frictionally engage the inner surface of the workpiece, thereby supporting the workpiece.

Abstract: A back-up clamp component for use in a back-up clamp and adapted to fit with other sections of the back up clamp, the component carrying a number of shoes which can be moved radially inwardly and outwardly, each shoe being connected to a respective piston and cylinder arrangement, each piston having a first side and a second side, first means permitting pressurised fluid to be introduced to the first side of a piston and second means permitting pressurised fluid to be introduced to the second side of a piston so that the shoes can be positively driven outwardly and inwardly, the first means and the second means including respective first and second conduits within the body, which conduits open at an end face of the component.

Abstract: A mandrel for use in tin box manufacturing apparatus is described. The mandrel is provided with a base component and a plurality of side wall components which are indirectly coupled to said base component such that the movement of said base component towards the center of said mandrel causes laterally outward displacement of said side wall components. The coupling is achieved by connecting a rod member to the base component which moves vertically within the mandrel when the base component moves and providing inclined cam surfaces on either side of said rod member against which cam followers provided on lateral actuating members are springingly biased. The cam surfaces of the rod member and the actuating members are ideally disposed within the mandrel in a plane parallel with the base component and at the mid point of the depth of the mandrel.

Abstract: The invention provides a mandrel comprising a shaft (1) the forward end of which has the shape of a forward pointing truncated cone (7), an expanding sleeve (15) constituted by a ring provided with longitudinal slits designed to slide over said conical forward end (7), and a piston (8) which is guided in a cylindrical bore provided along the axis of the mandrel shaft (1), from which it projects forwards, with the sliding of said piston (8) driving said sleeve (15) so as to control the gripping or the releasing on said mandrel of a workpiece to be machined.

Abstract: The present invention provides a workholder and a method for securing a work piece by engaging either a bore contained in the work piece or by gripping the edge of the bore of the work piece. The workholder includes a support platform, and a bore clamping device that is mounted to the support platform. The clamping device has a cylindrical, expandable arbor extending upwardly from the support platform for positioning in and engaging the bore or for gripping an outer edge of the bore.

Abstract: A workpiece holder features a grip post having an interior wall structure and an exterior wall structure defining a plurality of expandable sections adapted to engage the wall of a bore formed on a workpiece. The grip post houses a cam arrangement abutting the interior wall structure. A pin arrangement is movably mounted in the grip post and has a tapered head engageable with the cam arrangement. A fluid system is provided for instantaneously imparting longitudinal movement to the pin arrangement whereby the exterior wall structure of the grip post is expanded into gripping relationship with the workpiece bore by the progressive engagement of the tapered head with the cam arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention is a universal workpiece holder that includes a unique positioning hub and a plurality of clamping devices for clamping a variety of annularly shaped workpieces having different interior and/or exterior diameters. The positioning hub includes multiple sets of spokes, wherein when a particular set of spokes aligns with the clamping devices, the workpiece holder is able to secure a particularly sized annulus without distorting it. Moreover, upon rotating the positioning hub about its center and aligning a different set of spokes with the clamping devices, the workpiece holder is able to secure a differently sized annulus. Each set of spokes corresponds to a certain sized annulus, thereby eliminating the need for an independent workpiece holder for each differently sized annulus.

Abstract: The invention provides a mandrel comprising a shaft (1) the forward end of which has the shape of a forward pointing truncated cone (7), an expanding sleeve (15) constituted by a ring provided with longitudinal slits designed to slide over said conical forward end (7), and piston (8) which is guided in a cylindrical bore provided along the axis of the mandrel shaft (1), from which it projects forwards, with the sliding of said piston (8) driving said sleeve (15) so as to control the gripping or the releasing on said mandrel of a workpiece to be machined.

Abstract: The present invention provides a workholder and a method for securing a work piece by engaging either a bore contained in the work piece or by gripping the edge of the bore of the work piece. The workholder includes a support platform, and a bore clamping device that is mounted to the support platform. The clamping device has a cylindrical, expandable arbor extending upwardly from the support platform for positioning in and engaging the bore or for gripping an outer edge of the bore.