Inserted Holder Movable Relative To Work Backup Patents (Class 269/49)
  • Patent number: 11879486
    Abstract: A flexible shoulder pin module includes a barrel having an annular head portion, a cylindrical body portion, and a through-hole extending from a top surface of the body portion to a bottom end of the head portion; and a shoulder pin having a shaft portion and a shoulder portion formed thereon. The through-hole includes a first portion adjacent to the top surface of the body portion, and a second portion having a greater diameter than the first portion. The shaft portion is insertable through the first portion into the second portion. The shoulder portion is configured to adjustably extend above the top surface of the body portion to clamp a panel thereto. A compressible device is configured to be disposed around the shaft portion and secured by a stopper panel, which is coupled to the shaft portion and placed adjacent to the head portion within the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: QUANTA COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Chun Chang, Hsin-Chieh Lin, Yao-Long Lin
  • Patent number: 11667420
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tray sealer comprising a gripper device with two gripper arms, a supply device for unsealed trays, a removal device for sealed trays and a sealing device. Each gripper arm can comprise a coupling device that is configured to hold a first tray gripper for supplying trays into the sealing device and a second tray gripper for removing trays from the sealing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMÜLLER SE & CO. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Mader, Wolfgang Negele, Christoph Wagner
  • Patent number: 11608848
    Abstract: A single side temporary fastener (SSTF) capable of maintaining a clamping force in a material stack subject to material creep or adjunct extrusion during clamp up processes is disclosed. The SSTF comprise a rotationally constrained but freely translatable collet body that is disposed within an auxiliary structure such as a fastener housing. A fastener comprises the aforementioned collet body, which at least partially translates within the aforementioned auxiliary structure, and further comprises a threaded screw for rotationally engaging with the collet body, which by way of an antirotation means associated therewith and with the auxiliary structure, is rotationally constrained but is free to axially translate. Constant clamping pressures are made possible in such embodiments by the inclusion of at least one biasing element between compression force transmitting elements and/or assemblies of the fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Centrix Inc.
    Inventor: Travis McClure
  • Patent number: 11390974
    Abstract: An embroidery frame includes an inner frame formed like a hoop and an outer frame that has a separation section at which the outer frame is separated so as to form a first end portion and a second end portion that oppose each other. The outer frame is configured to nip an embroidery object, in collaboration with the inner frame, from outside the inner frame. The embroidery frame also includes an opening-closing mechanism configured to adjust a clearance of the separation section. In the embroidery frame, the opening-closing mechanism has a connection shaft that connects the first end portion and the second end portion to each other and also has a manipulation member that is rotatably mounted on the connection shaft with a center of rotation being positioned at the first end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: JANOME CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shotaro Matsubara, Ushio Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 10661932
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tray sealer comprising a gripper device with two gripper arms, a supply device for unsealed trays, a removal device for sealed trays and a sealing device. Each gripper arm can comprise a coupling device that is configured to hold a first tray gripper for supplying trays into the sealing device and a second tray gripper for removing trays from the sealing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Mader, Wolfgang Negele, Christoph Wagner
  • Patent number: 10639773
    Abstract: A garbage disposal installation tool can support a garbage disposal at an installation position beneath a sink drain. The tool includes a hook configured to hang the garbage disposal from the hook and a suspender configured to suspend the hook beneath a connection point with the sink. The suspender can have an elastic segment that is extended during use to impart a biasing force that urges the garbage disposal toward a bottom portion of the sink. The suspender can also be a flexible suspension line that includes a plurality of connectors at spaced apart locations for connecting the suspender to the sink at respective locations. The tool can include a brace configured to rest on the sink over the drain opening. The brace can include a slot that defines the connection point and is arranged to be in communication with the drain opening when the brace rests on the sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Fundi, LLC
    Inventors: James Edward Gibson, Davis James Gibson, Stuart S. Coutchie
  • Patent number: 10533594
    Abstract: A temporary fastening device comprises a collet and mandrel connected to a temporary fastener body. The device comprises a first float cap, a second float cap, a third float cap, and a temporary fastener body which may be axially connected. The lateral clearance between the collet and a first aperture defines a first radially extending float region. The lateral clearance between the second float cap and the first float cap define a second radially extending float region. The collet and temporary fastener body may radially translate within the first and second radially extending float regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Zephyr Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Paulo Cesar Pajuelo Lopez
  • Patent number: 9446469
    Abstract: An installation for welding top plugs on to nuclear fuel rods comprising a device for axially holding the rod and setting it in rotation and a weld chamber, where the device comprises a gripper and structure to close the gripper on the rod, where the structure comprise a pusher to apply an axial force on to the gripper, a linear actuator of axis parallel to the lengthways axis of the device, a yoke translationally secured to the pusher, and able to rotate freely around a fixed axis orthogonal to the lengthways axis which is not secant with the latter, where the yoke is connected and able to pivot relative to the linear actuator around a fixed axis parallel to the orthogonal axis such that the linear actuator causes the yoke to rotate around the first orthogonal axis and causes the pusher to slide, closing the gripper on the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Areva NC
    Inventors: Marc Fischer, Jean-Marc Boyer
  • Patent number: 8651785
    Abstract: One embodiment of a quick release fastener insertable into apertures in platen tables and other surfaces, having at one end a threaded recess (30) to receive studs or bolts, and having a transversely displaceable member (60) to secure the fastener in the aperture. The displaceable member (60) is moved between the inoperative and operative positions by a tool engageable operating rod (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Erik William Lander
  • Patent number: 8561974
    Abstract: A pin clamp assembly having a housing, locating pin, at least one finger, a drive rod and an actuator is provided. At least a portion of the locating pin may be extendable exterior of the housing. The finger is located adjacent the locating pin and movable relative thereto. The drive rod is movable and is engagable with the finger to move the finger between clamped and unclamped positions. The actuator drives the locating pin and the drive rod. Movement of the locating pin and drive rod is linear only and no rotational movement of the locating pin and drive rod is employed to move the finger between clamped and unclamped positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: PHD, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Steele, Bruce D. McIntosh, Steven M. Moilanen, William E. Davenport, William D. Givens, Parag Patwardhan
  • Patent number: 8534651
    Abstract: A temporary attachment device for securing a number of parts or sheets together has an elongated hollow body with three, slidable and spreadable prongs spaced apart 120°, protruding from an open end of the elongated body over a substantially Y-shaped spreader held in the elongated body and extending through the open end to more evenly and accurately maintain the spacing between and spread the three prongs. The three prongs and spreader more accurately fill pilot holes, after insertion into the openings and the prongs have outwardly facing heads, lobes or noses to more securely clamp at least two sheets of material together. The device may include an internal spring and a movable plunger to allow the prongs to be operated by the pliers, or may include a threaded shaft and a nut secured to the shaft to allow operation of the device by turning the nut and the shaft to slidably move the three prongs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Ino Scapa, Thomas H. Lomas
  • Patent number: 8448929
    Abstract: The invention relates to a riveting tack (50) to be introduced into coaxial openings of at least two elements to be assembled, and comprising a hollow cylindrical body (51), a rod (53) passing through the hollow body and partially provided with an external thread (52a), a nut (54) mounted on the threaded end (53a), two half-clips (56) fixed to the rod (53) and comprising hooking lips (57) on the ends thereof, and a spacer (58) arranged between the two half-clips (56), the rod/half-clip set being axially mobile along the spacer (58) between a first position wherein the hooking lips (57) are radially close, and a second position wherein the two half-clips (56) are retracted inside the hollow body (51) and radially distanced from each other. The invention is characterized in that the set formed by the half-clips (56) and the spacer (58) is, in the cross-section thereof, in the form of a near-perfect circle having a diameter identical to the inner diameter of the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Lisi Aerospace
    Inventors: Philippe Prot, Marc Roussy
  • Patent number: 8413970
    Abstract: A pin clamp assembly having a body, a locating pin, an actuator, a drive rod, a cam, and a finger is provided. The locating pin is coupled to the body and movable between extended and retracted positions. The drive rod is movable relative to the locating pin. The cam is movable relative to the locating pin and the drive rod. The finger is coupled to the drive rod and movable between extended and retracted positions. Actuation of the actuator causes the drive rod to move which extends the finger without moving the locating pin. Also, continued retraction of the drive rod after the finger has extended causes the cam to move out from the slot in the body to allow the locating pin to retract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: PHD, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce D. McIntosh
  • Patent number: 8382083
    Abstract: A clamping apparatus has a shaft (2) mounted in a housing element (1). The shaft (2) is rotated about an axis of rotation. One end of the shaft (2) is connected to a drive mechanism (3) disposed in the housing element (1). The other end of the shaft (2) is connected to an actuating element (4), in a torsion-proof manner. The shaft (2) implements a rotational and translational movement to the actuating element (4). The shaft (2) is mounted so that it can be displaced perpendicular to the axis of rotation in a guide element (5) connected to the drive mechanism (3). The guide element (5) is rotatably mounted in the housing element (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: David Martin
  • Patent number: 8376336
    Abstract: A pin clamp assembly is provided that includes a housing, a locating pin, and a finger. The locating pin is movable with respect to the housing. The locating pin can also selectively entirely retract inside the housing. A finger is supported by the locating pin and retractable and extendable into and out of the locating pin. The finger is also extendable out of the locating pin when at least a portion of the locating pin supporting the finger is exterior of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: PHD, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce D. McIntosh
  • Publication number: 20120279390
    Abstract: A piston may include a piston upper part and a piston lower part. The piston upper part may be welded via a contact surface with the piston lower part forming a cooling duct therebetween. The cooling duct may define an inlet opening and an outlet opening extending from the piston lower part in the cooling duct. A welding bead may be formed within the cooling duct at each of the inlet opening and the outlet opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: Sascha-Oliver Boczek
  • Patent number: 8303784
    Abstract: A bandoleer of article carriers includes a carrier band, and a plurality of carrier racks connected with a bottom edge of the carrier band each by means of a connecting plate and arranged at regular intervals. Each carrier rack shows a substantially inverted-V shape and has a pair of elastic arms extending downward from two ends of a bottom edge of the connecting plate and gradually inclined away from each other. Two distal ends of the elastic arms protrude oppositely to each other to form a pair of hook portions. Upper portions of two opposite side edges of the connecting plate oppositely protrude sideward to form two blocking portions. Lower portions of the two opposite side edges of the connecting plate oppositely protrude sideward and then are bent towards two opposite directions perpendicular to the plane of the connecting plate to form two lying-L shaped resisting portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Lin Yang
  • Patent number: 8246029
    Abstract: A clamp device includes an annular grip member capable of being inserted into an hole in a workpiece and of gripping the inner circumferential surface of the hole, a clamp rod having a tapered shaft portion fitted inside the grip member and engaged therewith, a hydraulic cylinder capable of axially advancing and retracting the grip member and the clamp rod, and a clamp main body member. The clamp device is provided with seating surfaces formed upon the clamp main body member, on which the workpiece is seated, and a poor clamping detection mechanism that detects poor clamping, in the state in which the grip member is driven in its clamping direction by the hydraulic cylinder via the clamp rod, and the workpiece is in its state of being seated upon the seating surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Pascal Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: Takayuki Kawakami
  • Patent number: 8132801
    Abstract: A positioning and clamping apparatus clamps a panel material by moving a clamp arm to a clamping position while the panel material positioned by a locating pin is supported by a workpiece supporting face of a workpiece support. An extruding member having a plurality of extruding rods protruding from the workpiece supporting face is slidably provided in the workpiece support, and the panel material is detached from the locating pin since the extruding member causes a tip face of the extruding rods to be moved to a carry-out position by the hollow piston. The extruding member is caused to protrude by a spring force up to a standby position located between the carrying-out position and the workpiece supporting position, thereby being pushed down up to the workpiece supporting position by the panel material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Koganei Corporation
    Inventors: Yukihiro Miyashita, Satoshi Miyazaki, Masakazu Tezuka
  • Publication number: 20100096790
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved structure of a sleeve for labeling tools and fasteners. There is a sleeve body, containing a tool coupling end, an acting end and a cylinder. There is an identification ring, which is provided with a through hole for sleeving and positioning onto the cylinder of the sleeve body. A locating spring is provided with a connecting end and a positioning end. As the locating spring is positioned when the identification ring is sleeved onto the sleeve body, the identification ring has identification and positioning functions, so the sleeve with streamlined members has two additional efficacies: ease of identification and positioning, thereby helping to reduce the cost, and improve the applicability and industrial benefits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Jui-Min HUANG
  • Publication number: 20090315236
    Abstract: A pin clamp assembly is provided that includes a housing, a locating pin, and a finger. The locating pin is movable with respect to the housing. The locating pin can also selectively entirely retract inside the housing. A finger is supported by the locating pin and retractable and extendable into and out of the locating pin. The finger is also extendable out of the locating pin when at least a portion of the locating pin supporting the finger is exterior of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: PHD, INC.
    Inventor: Bruce D. McIntosh
  • Patent number: 7556188
    Abstract: A clamping device includes a backing member having an upper face pressing against two work pieces having a welding gap therebetween. A rod extends through the backing member and has an exposed upper portion extending through a narrower portion of the welding gap into a wider portion of the welding gap. An elastic element is mounted between a bottom face of the backing member and an abutting portion on a lower portion of the rod to bias the backing member to press against the work pieces. The upper portion includes a hooked section having a first width smaller than a width of the narrower portion and a second width perpendicular to and larger than the width of the narrower portion. The rod is turnable to a position in which the second width of the hooked section presses against the work pieces under the action of the elastic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventor: Mar Lon Chen
  • Publication number: 20090096149
    Abstract: A positioning and clamping apparatus clamps a panel material by moving a clamp arm to a clamping position while the panel material positioned by a locating pin is supported by a workpiece supporting face of a workpiece support. An extruding member having a plurality of extruding rods protruding from the workpiece supporting face is slidably provided in the workpiece support, and the panel material is detached from the locating pin since the extruding member causes a tip face of the extruding rods to be moved to a carry-out position by the hollow piston. The extruding member is caused to protrude by a spring force up to a standby position located between the carrying-out position and the workpiece supporting position, thereby being pushed down up to the workpiece supporting position by the panel material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: Koganei Corporation
    Inventors: Yukihiro Miyashita, Satoshi Miyazaki, Masakazu Tezuka
  • Publication number: 20080315478
    Abstract: A pin clamp assembly having a body, a locating pin, an actuator, a drive rod, a cam, and a finger is provided. The locating pin is coupled to the body and movable between extended and retracted positions. The drive rod is movable relative to the locating pin. The cam is movable relative to the locating pin and the drive rod. The finger is coupled to the drive rod and movable between extended and retracted positions. Actuation of the actuator causes the drive rod to move which extends the finger without moving the locating pin. Also, continued retraction of the drive rod after the finger has extended causes the cam to move out from the slot in the body to allow the locating pin to retract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: PHD, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce D. McIntosh
  • Publication number: 20080315477
    Abstract: A locating pin assembly is provided. The assembly includes a body and a cylinder assembly for moving a ram in a reciprocally linear manner. A bearing is coupled to the ram and configured to engage a bearing wedge to reduce “play” between the ram and the assembly. Illustratively, the bearing and bearing wedge reduce or substantially eliminate this “play” to prevent axial rotation of the ram.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: PHD, INC.
    Inventors: Clinton L. Alexander, Parag Patwardhan, Bruce D. McIntosh
  • Patent number: 7448607
    Abstract: A pin clamp assembly having a housing, locating pin, at least one finger, a drive rod and an actuator is provided. At least a portion of the locating pin may be extendable exterior of the housing. The finger is located adjacent the locating pin and movable relative thereto. The drive rod is movable and is engagable with the finger to move the finger between clamped and unclamped positions. The actuator drives the locating pin and the drive rod. Movement of the locating pin and drive rod is linear only and no rotational movement of the locating pin and drive rod is employed to move the finger between clamped and unclamped positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: PHD, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Steele, Bruce D. McIntosh, Steven M. Moilanen, William E. Davenport, William D. Givens, Parag Patwardhan
  • Patent number: 7370856
    Abstract: A clamp includes a body, a lead pin moveable relative to the body and an actuator supported by the body. The actuator is axially moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. The actuator includes a camshaft drivingly coupled to the lead pin. Axial movement of the camshaft causes the lead pin to rotate between a first positioned aligned with a first longitudinal axis and a second position aligned with a second longitudinal axis laterally offset from the first longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: BTM Corporation
    Inventors: Edwin G. Sawdon, Michael D. Miller, Brian D. Petit
  • Patent number: 7311301
    Abstract: A hook pin unit for use in a manufacturing environment. The hook pin unit includes a pin having an orifice through a surface. A base having an orifice with the pin arranged within the orifice of the base. A hook arranged within the pin and moveable between a first and second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Xu Liu, Douglas D. Colby
  • Patent number: 7300042
    Abstract: A temporary fastener tool (20) for establishing and maintaining compressive alignment between at least two parts, each having an aperture through which the fastener tool is inserted. The tool includes a spindle (120) having a first and second end wherein a bulbous element (126) extends from the first end. The spindle engages collet (100) that includes a plurality of finger elements (106).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Travis D. McClure
  • Patent number: 7182326
    Abstract: A pin clamp assembly is provided which includes a housing, a locating pin, a body, a twist pin, and a cam pin. The locating pin extends from the body. Both the body and the locating pin include longitudinally extending cavities contiguously disposed therein. The body also includes longitudinally extending and opposed slots, each disposed from opposed exterior surfaces of the body and into the cavity. At least a portion of the locating pin and the body is located in a bore disposed through the housing. The twist pin is disposed in the longitudinally extending cavities of the locating pin and body. The twist pin includes a longitudinally extending cavity disposed therein, and longitudinally extending and opposed cam slots disposed from opposed exterior surfaces of the twist pin and into the cavity therein. The cam pin is coupled to the housing within the bore and extending there across.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: PHD, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce D. McIntosh, Kenneth A. Steele, Matthew R. Williams
  • Patent number: 7146717
    Abstract: The present invention features a method and apparatus wherein a component in a component placement machine is rejected during the placement cycle and subsequently retained in a component rejection station. A component is imaged and the image processed using an automated vision system. The image processing determines whether the component is placeable based upon a comparison of the component image to preprogrammed mechanical parameters for the component. A non-placeable component is rejected into a reject station with means to retain the component. Because a component can not escape the reject station, there is no degradation of the placement machine performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: Jack A. Kinback
  • Patent number: 7108255
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a locating and clamping fixture is provided, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a drive pin that is linearly positionable along a first axis. The drive pin comprises a driver portion and a driven portion, wherein the driver portion is coupled to a piston of the fixture and the driven portion is coupled to a clamping arm of the fixture. The driver portion of the drive pin further comprises an annular groove, wherein one or more rollers are associated with the annular groove of the drive pin and a body of the fixture. The one or more rollers are operable to generally maintain a position of the clamping arm upon a loss of a driving force to the driver portion via an interface between the one or more rollers, the drive pin, and the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Zaytran, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore S. Zajac, Jr., Brian K. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7029000
    Abstract: A clamp and method for locating a clamping workpiece in predetermined location are disclosed. The clamp includes a clamp body, a driving member, a workpiece-locating pin and a clamping member. The driving member is moveable in a first linear direction at least partially inside the clamp body. The workpiece-locating pin is moveable in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and at least partially externally projects from the body. The clamping member is moveable relative to the workpiece-locating pin in the first direction when moving between a retracted position and a clamping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: BTM Corporation
    Inventors: Brian D. Petit, Edwin G. Sawdon
  • Patent number: 7017895
    Abstract: A locating pin is mounted on a hollow post member in such a manner that a slit of the locating pin is communicated with an interior of the post member. A clamp arm is axially movably received in the slit and has a hook-shaped head exposed to an upper portion of the slit and a base portion exposed to the interior of the post member. The clamp arm is axially movable between a clamp position wherein the hook-shaped head is projected outward from the upper portion of the slit and an unclamp position wherein the hook-shaped head is retracted in the upper portion of the slit. A guard structure is installed in the slit of the locating pin to isolate the interior of the post member from the interior of the slit while permitting the axial movement of the clamp arm in the slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 6913254
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a locating assembly for centering and securing a work piece. The locating assembly includes a body. The body defines an internal cavity and an opening from the cavity to the exterior of the body. A locating pin is disposed in the cavity and extends along an axis out of the opening. An actuator moves the locating pin rectilinearly along the axis. A pair of fingers are supported by the locating pin and move radially into and out of the locating pin, transversely to the axis. A central post rotates in response to the rectilinear movement of the locating pin. A dowel extends from an end of the central post into a slot in the finger. The central post moves the dowel in an arcuate path through the slot to radially move the finger simultaneous with the rectilinear movement of the locating pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Welker Bearing Company
    Inventors: Joseph M. Pavlik, Douglas J. Holt, Robert C. Adams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6902160
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Zaytran, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore S. Zajac, Jr., Brian K. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6903316
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for induction hardening a workpiece can first include fastening a workpiece in a clamping assembly. The clamping assembly is provided with a plurality of hardness testing devices. Alternatively, one or more hardness testing devices are provided directly to the induction hardening head. The induction hardening head is moved over the workpiece to harden a portion thereof, such as an edge. Then, a series of hardness measurements are taken with the plurality of hardness testing devices to allow an operator or controller to adjust the input to the induction hardening head. This allows the workpiece to be provided with a predetermined hardness profile within a desired tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Forward Technology
    Inventor: Brian Kivisto
  • Patent number: 6902159
    Abstract: A sealed pin locating and clamping apparatus includes a body, an actuator moveably supported by the body, a pin mounted to the body and a clamping member drivingly coupled to the actuator. The actuator includes a first rod having an internal cavity and a second rod rotatably positioned within the internal cavity. A portion of the pin is positioned within a cam slot formed in the second rod and the second rod rotates in response to linear movement of the first rod to position the clamping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: BTM Corporation
    Inventors: Edwin G. Sawdon, Brian D. Petit
  • Patent number: 6827345
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Matthew L. Anderson, William J. Koch
  • Publication number: 20040217529
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a locating assembly for centering and securing a work piece. The locating assembly includes a body. The body defines an internal cavity and an opening from the cavity to the exterior of the body. A locating pin is disposed in the cavity and extends along an axis out of the opening. An actuator moves the locating pin rectilinearly along the axis. A pair of fingers are supported by the locating pin and move radially into and out of the locating pin, transversely to the axis. A central post rotates in response to the rectilinear movement of the locating pin. A dowel extends from an end of the central post into a slot in the finger. The central post moves the dowel in an arcuate path through the slot to radially move the finger simultaneous with the rectilinear movement of the locating pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph M. Pavlik, Douglas J. Holt, Robert C. Adams
  • Patent number: 6786478
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a locating assembly for centering and securing a work piece. The locating assembly includes a body. The body defines an internal cavity and an opening from the cavity to the exterior of the body. A locating pin is disposed in the cavity and extends along an axis out of the opening. An actuator moves the locating pin rectilinearly along the axis. A pair of fingers are supported by the locating pin and move radially into and out of the locating pin, transversely to the axis. A central post rotates in response to the rectilinear movement of the locating pin. A dowel extends from an end of the central post into a slot in the finger. The central post moves the dowel in an arcuate path through the slot to radially move the finger simultaneous with the rectilinear movement of the locating pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Welker Bearing Company
    Inventors: Joseph M. Pavlik, Douglas J. Holt, Robert C. Adams, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040164475
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Matthew L. Anderson, William J. Koch
  • Patent number: 6755407
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Vincent T. Olson, Scott T. Ulinski
  • Patent number: 6736385
    Abstract: A tool (1) for centering and gripping a part (10) to be secured, having a through passage (10a) and sized for the tool (1), includes a guide member (3), at least one gripping element (4) mounted on the guide member (3) and a body (2) enclosing the drive and guide element of the tool (1). The guide member is mounted on a securement support having a support part (6) provided with a passage (7). The guide member (3) projects at the free end of the support part (6), the free end constituting the reference surface or support surface (9) of the part (10) to be secured whilst the body (2) of the tool (1) is gripped against a surface of the support opposite the support part (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Michel Beffrieu
  • Patent number: 6698736
    Abstract: A clamping and locating fixture includes a hollow body, a pin mountable to the body, a locking arm positionable within the body locatable between two positions and a drive pin moveable within the body to engage the locking arm. A workpiece can be directed to a clamping position by the guide pin. The pin includes an aperture allowing a locking projection of the locking arm to extend therethrough and over a workpiece to clamp the workpiece for a processing operation. The locking projection can be retracted through the aperture while the workpiece is being located or is being removed. The drive pin can be moved within the body to engage a cam follower of the locking arm. The drive pin can be supported during movement by one or more rollers mounted in the body. The drive pin can include a pin body and a pin member moveably associated with one another to selectively define the position of a cam surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Progressive Tool & Industries Co.
    Inventors: Michael R. Dugas, Velibor Kilabarda, Fred Zarna, Greg Bildson, William J. Maybee
  • Patent number: 6648316
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Patrice Vouland
  • Patent number: 6591468
    Abstract: A sink lifting device for aiding in the removal and installation of sink assemblies. The sink lifting device includes a base member designed for extending over a sink, a lifting assembly that is coupled to the base member such that the lifting assembly is couplable to a sink for removal and installation of the sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: John Q. Douglas
  • Patent number: 6557229
    Abstract: A tool to assist in the installation of a waste disposer beneath a kitchen sink includes a central, threaded shaft with a flared bottom end supporting a lift plate which is cocked on the shaft so that it may be inserted into the top of the waste disposer. The tool further contains a threaded stabilizing plate which mates with the threaded shaft, and which is inserted and retained in the top of the sink strainer, so that the shaft and lift plate extend through the sink strainer and into the waste disposer beneath. When the lift plate is straightened on the shaft, and the shaft rotated relative to the stabilizing plate, the waste disposer is drawn up until it engages the adapter on the sink strainer, to which it attaches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Rudolph V. Ricci
  • Publication number: 20020135116
    Abstract: A clamping and locating fixture includes a hollow body, a pin mountable to the body, a locking arm positionable within the body locatable between two positions and a drive pin moveable within the body to engage the locking arm. A workpiece can be directed to a clamping position by the guide pin. The pin includes an aperture allowing a locking projection of the locking arm to extend therethrough and over a workpiece to clamp the workpiece for a processing operation. The locking projection can be retracted through the aperture while the workpiece is being located or is being removed. The drive pin can be moved within the body to engage a cam follower of the locking arm. The drive pin can be supported during movement by one or more rollers mounted in the body. The drive pin can include a pin body and a pin member moveably associated with one another to selectively define the position of a cam surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Michael R. Dugas, Velibor Kilabarda, Fred Zarna, Greg Bildson, William J. Maybee
  • Patent number: 6439560
    Abstract: A clamp jig has a positioning pin provided at the tip of a cylindrical member, and a clamp arm is mounted in a slit formed in this positioning pin, so as to be able to swing and so as to be able to axially advance and retreat. A reciprocating shaft is connected to the clamp arm by a connecting pin, and a spring force is applied to this reciprocating shaft in a retreating direction by a compression coil spring. A plunger 35 brought into contact with the reciprocating shaft is mounted in a drive housing so as to be able to axially reciprocate, and a female screw member driven by a motor is thread-connected to a male screw member secured to this plunger. Accordingly, it is made possible to reliably perform positioning and clamping, of a member to be fixed, and unclamping thereof by a low-cost motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Koganei Corporation
    Inventors: Ken Sawada, Akio Nakata, Masakazu Tetsuka