Abstract: Production and/or installation device for producing and/or installing a workpiece, with a device frame and a workpiece support table, which has several workpiece supports and is rotating with respect to one or more stationary work stations and can be moved in synchronized fashion, and with a driving mechanism for driving the one or more workstations, which driving mechanism has a motor and at least one essentially vertically movable coupling element, the movement of which is coupled indirectly with the motor and with which a driver of a work station is or can be coupled, the driving mechanism having a working shaft, which is disposed vertically and can be rotated by the motor, with a guiding device, with which the movement of the coupling element is coupled and over which the vertical movement of the coupling element is controlled.

Abstract: A fixture is provided for supporting a vehicle hub assembly during manufacturing operations that include rotating the assembly. The fixture includes a base with an upper surface, a linearly movable housing slidably supported on the base, an adjustable support block defining two selectable bores, each for slidably receiving a stud from one of two corresponding hub assembly types, and a handle for sliding the housing along the base. An operator checks the type of hub assembly to be worked on and rotates the support block if necessary to select the proper bore. The operator then slides the housing, causing the bore in the support block to slidably engage the stud. Each bore is configured within the support block so as to be accurately aligned with a stud on a corresponding hub assembly when supported in a jig, thus, allowing repeated fixture and hub assembly engagement without any additional adjustments.

Abstract: A punching machine includes a body frame having a table to support a workpiece. First and second work movement positioning apparatuses are mounted at both sides to move and position the workpiece in a direction of axis X. A work head is mounted on the body frame and has a ram and a tool. The work head moves on the body frame in a direction of axis Y, which is perpendicular to axis X. The first and second work movement positioning apparatuses are arranged in series in the direction of axis X. The workpiece is clamped by the first positioning apparatus, moved in the direction of axis X, punched, clamped by the second positioning apparatus, unclamped by the first positioning apparatus, and moved further in the direction of axis X.

Abstract: A sunroof is automatically and precisely positioned to a mounting position by an apparatus including a floating plate movably mounted to a base member. A secondary lift structure is mounted to the floating plate and a centering cylinder unit is disposed between the secondary lift structure and the floating plate such that the centering cylinder unit aligns the floating plate to the sunroof mounting position on the vehicle body.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the invention provides a blocking apparatus and a blocking method for precisely aligning a button holder against a block during blocking process of lens manufacturing. According to another aspect, the invention provides an adjustable offset that enables pivotal movement of a button holder for precision alignment. According to yet another aspect, the invention provides a button holder that may flexibly float on a seat stage of a blocking apparatus, where the button holder may include a mechanism to self-align on the seat stage after a block of the blocking apparatus interfaces with the button holder.

Abstract: In the multi-axial machine tool, a table unit is detachably mounted on the upper surface of the interior portion of a portal bed disposed on a leg. The table unit comprises a table base fixed to the upper surface of the leg, a turning table which, when it is viewed at a reference working position, is turnably disposed on an inclined turning surface of the table base formed so as to be inclined in a descending manner toward a front side of the machine tool, and a work table disposed on the table support portion of the turning table so as to be turnable around axes lying in parallel with the axis of a spindle.

Abstract: A method and structure for a sample processing apparatus that uses a vacuum enclosure is disclosed. A focused ion beam tool, sputter target, movable stage, and hinged mount are all included within the vacuum enclosure. The hinged mount includes a sample mounting portion, for holding a sample being processed in the vacuum enclosure, and a counterweight portion. The counterweight portion is connected to the sample mounting portion at an approximate right angle to the sample mounting portion. More specifically, one end of the sample mounting portion is connected to one end of the counterweight portion, such that the sample mounting portion and the counterweight portion form an approximate right angle. There is also an axis around which the mount rotates. The axis passes through the sample mounting portion and the counterweight portion at a location where the sample mounting portion and the counterweight portion connect to one another.

Abstract: A robotic positioner for use with an automated processing system, such as an automated welding system, for example, includes a base, a support structure rotatably supported on the base, and at least one work surface supported on the support structure suitable for supportably engaging a workpiece. The support structure extends from the base at an angle relative to vertical, and the work surface extends at an angle relative to the support structure. In operation, a workpiece is secured onto a work surface while in a generally horizontal load/unload position. The support structure and work surface thereon is then rotated into an inclined work position relative to horizontal that is adjacent the automated processing system. Thereafter, the work surface is rotated with the support structure back to the generally horizontal load/unload position so that the workpiece can be removed and another loaded.

Abstract: A part mounting device is provided for mounting a front end module onto a vehicle body. The device comprises a frame structure vertically movably mounted on a carry truck through a lifter, a holding device capable of holding the front end module onto the frame structure, a positioning bar slidably disposed on the frame structure, and an actuator capable of moving the positioning bar on the frame structure. Positioning pins are movably held on both ends of the positioning bar and engageable with positioning openings formed in a front end of the vehicle body.

Abstract: Web processing apparatus (30, 300) is provided for high speed, extremely accurate die cutting or lamination operations. Processing station (32, 300) includes a Vacuum hold down plate (32, 308) which receives and holds an image bearing incremental segment of the web. In feed and out feed tension on the web is released while a segment of the web is held by the hold down plate. The hold down plate with a segment of the web thereon is selectively shifted about X, Y and ? axis as required to bring the image on the web segment into alignment with a web processing component at the processing station.

Abstract: An level-adjusting apparatus for an attachment according to this invention comprises a fixed frame attached to a sub frame that is movable horizontally; a cylinder assembly, which is mounted on one side of the fixed frame, having a suction cup on its lower end; a flexible screw shaft disposed in the cylinder assembly so as to be connected with the suction cup; and an actuator that drives the flexible screw shaft to move vertically so that the cylinder assembly contracts and elongates. Accordingly, the vertical position of the suction cup can be adjusted in accordance with the shape of a work piece.

Abstract: A wafer support device is provided including a fixed base, a guiding device on the fixed base, a movable base disposed movably vertically with respect to the fixed base by the cross roller guide, and a first pressing device fixed on the fixed base. The first pressing device presses the movable base. A wafer support device is also provided which a &thgr; stage rotatably disposed on the movable base with the vertical direction as a rotation axis, a linear motor fixed on the fixed base, a contact bar disposed on the movable base, a load control device controlling a load of pressing, and a controller controlling a pressing force by the pressing device based on the load detected by the load sensor.

Abstract: A presetting device is proposed for a tool holder (1) which holds the shank (23) of a rotary tool (3) in an interference fit in a locating opening (5) and releases said shank (23) during heating, in particular by means of an induction heating arrangement (7), and which has inside the locating opening (5) an axially adjustable positioning stop surface (21) for the tool shank (23). The presetting device comprises a holder receptacle (11), which holds the tool holder (1) in an axial position and has an opposing reference surface (25), and means (43) for measuring the axial overall length of the rotary tool (3). The presetting device also comprises a measuring device (27) which measures the axial distance between the positioning stop surface (21) of the tool holder (1) and the opposing reference surface (25) of the holder receptacle (11) and has a measured-value indicator (55), the indicated distance value of which can be increased by the measured value of the overall length of the rotary tool (3).

Abstract: A wafer chuck assembly for holding a wafer during electroplating and/or electropolishing of the wafer includes a wafer chuck for receiving the wafer. The wafer chuck assembly also includes an actuator assembly for moving the wafer chuck between a first and a second position. When in the first position, the wafer chuck is opened. When in the second position, the wafer chuck is closed.

Abstract: A machine tool circular cutting supplementary apparatus comprises an upright support vertically slidably and horizontally rotatably mounted in the worktable of a machine tool, a locating block fastened to the top of the upright support, a horizontal rod slidably inserted through a transverse through hole in the locating block and locked with a lock apparatus, and a positioning member mounted on one end of the horizontal rod member and provided with a tip being engaged with the center of the circle drawn on the workpiece to be cut by the machine tool.

Abstract: A buckle pivotally arranged in a movable clamp 12 of a first tube holder 1 is attached with play to a buckle 120 pivotally arranged in a movable clamp 82 of a second tube holder 2. When tubes are held in the first and second tube holders 1 and 2, release of the tubes from the holders 1 and 2 is prevented by a movement of a plunger 203 in correspondence of excitation and demagnetization of a solenoid 202 for a predetermined period of operation of the apparatus after holding the tubes (i.e., for a period required from the locking of the buckle 120 until the completion of moving-down of a wafer holder).

Abstract: A station (10) for shearing wood sheets from a log comprises a shearing blade (18) and a pair of chucks (16) supporting log gripping means (21). The chucks are powered to rotate around an axis (20) parallel to the blade and the gripping means (21) are movable to change the inclination of the gripped log with respect to said chuck rotation axis.

Abstract: High speed, extremely accurate web or sheet-fed segment die cutting or lamination apparatus (30, 300) has a processing station (32, 300), which receives a sheet or web segment, and is provided with a vacuum hold-down plate (142, 306) for holding initially fed segments (38). The plate is shiftable as necessary along orthogonal X-Y axes in the plane of the segment (38), and/or is rotatable about a &thgr; axis transverse to the segment plane. Plate movement is effected by a series of aligned, translatable eccentric drive units (178-182, 346-350). Segments (38) carry positioning fiducials (44) that are compared with fixed reference indicia (250, 252) in the station (32, 300). The comparison data is used by a controller (254) to generate the plate movement information used in simultaneous operation of the associated plate drive units (178-182, 346-350).

Abstract: In order to fit side doors precisely on a motor vehicle, this is performed mechanically by aligning an assembly frame on the side frame of the vehicle. This assembly frame has points for receiving supports in which the doors are held. These receiving points are configured such that they permit the alignment of the doors in directions X, Y and Z.

Abstract: There is a workpiece clamp device 10 for horizontally holding a thin section long workpiece 1 having a constant section shape or having the same section shape in spaced positions in a longitudinal direction in two positions of the same section shape. The workpiece clamp device 10 is constituted of a driving clamp device 10A and a driven clamp device 10B comprising the same holding device 12. The driving clamp device 10A rotates the workpiece 1 centering on a horizontal axis O extending in a longitudinal direction of the workpiece, and the driven clamp device 10B follows movement of the workpiece and idles centering on the horizontal axis. An arbitrary portion to be machined of the workpiece can be directed in a direction in which the portion is easily machined by the rotation (e.g., upward direction).

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a scanning method for flat objects obtains reciprocating ballistic motion without any physical contact between the mutually moving parts, as contact can create particulate matter causing defects. The method ensures that the peak forces attained during scanning are minimized to prevent dislodgement of particulate material and excessive vibration. The method furthermore ensures that both surfaces of flat plate objects be scanned simultaneously.

Abstract: A device for processing workpieces utilizes a frame and a fixture. The frame has a perimeter with an opening, and inner and outer side walls. A pair of shelves are located in the opening for supporting a workpiece and a spring retains the workpiece on the frame. The fixture has work locations with elevators that are moved by an elevator handle. The fixture also has an engagement handle for actuating the springs. The workpieces may be simultaneously mounted to or removed from the frames with the fixture. The frames are loaded into the locations and both handles are rotated to raise the elevators and bend the springs. The workpieces are then placed on top of the elevators, and the elevator handle is rotated to lower the workpieces. Next, the engagement handle is rotated to release the springs to form assemblies that can be removed from the fixture.

Abstract: A six-axis alignment and installation tool having a multi-component base unit and a plurality of multi-component interchangeable units. Some of the degrees of freedom are provided by the components of the base unit, and the remaining degrees of freedom are provided by the components of each interchangeable units. The alignment and installation tool has two modes of transportation: levitation by air bearings, and rolling by removable casters.

Abstract: A self-dispensing fastener for attachment to a substrate by a quick-setting photocuring adhesive has a UV transparent flange for placement against the substrate and UV opaque adhesive reservoir for containing the adhesive in the fastener, and upon pressing the fastener against the substrate the adhesive is expelled into the interface formed between the flange and the substrate for curing by UV radiation.

Abstract: A positioning device and method for positioning objects is provided. The device includes a movable stage and a pair of levers. The pair of levers is symmetric about a first axis of the movable stage. Additionally, the pair of levers is parallel to a second axis of the movable stage. This second axis is perpendicular to the first axis. Each of the pair of levers applies a force to the movable stage. Each of the pair of levers moves in an arc. The two levers move in opposite directions along their respective arc. The two arcs are symmetrical about an axis of the movable stage.

Abstract: A buckle pivotally arranged in a movable clamp 12 of a first tube holder 1 is attached with play to a buckle 120 pivotally arranged in a movable clamp 82 of a second tube holder 2. When tubes are held in the first and second tube holders 1 and 2, release of the tubes from the holders 1 and 2 is prevented by a movement of a plunger 203 in correspondence of excitation and demagnetization of a solenoid 202 for a predetermined period of operation of the apparatus after holding the tubes (i.e., for a period required from the locking of the buckle 120 until the completion of moving-down of a wafer holder).

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for bundling a plurality of wires placed on a receiving plate. The apparatus is provided with a bundling pawl mechanism that includes a plate and a pair of pawl members. The pawl members are respectively supported at pivot points provided on the plate in spaced-apart relation and interconnected with driving units for opening and closing movement. The pawl members also respectively extend beyond an edge portion of the plate. A wire bundling region is formed between inner surfaces of the pawl members and the edge portion of the plate when at least one of the pawl members rotates toward the other of the pawl members in a closing direction. The bundling pawl mechanism further includes a wire catch prevention member that projects into the wire bundling region from an angled inner corner formed between the inner surface of the at least one pawl member and the edge portion of the plate when the at least one pawl member rotates in the closing position.

Abstract: A material support tool used for routers for allowing pieces of wood to be cut accurately and safely. The material support tool used for routers includes a base member having a hole centrally disposed therethrough and being adapted to receive a router bit therethrough; and also includes a first material support assembly being mounted upon a top of the base member; and further includes a second material support assembly also being mounted upon the top of the base member and being spaced from the first material support assembly, and in combination with the first material support assembly being adapted to support a piece of wood therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a pipe fitting table used to temporally support a plurality of pipes being connected. More particularly, the present invention relates to providing welding, cutting and clamping devices on the pipe fitting table to assist an assembler in positioning and joining a plurality of pipes.

Abstract: A multi-purpose fixture can be used as a part of, or in conjunction with, a manufacturing line to make many different items, such as telephones or other types of communication equipment. A single, multi-purpose fixture can be used to make multiple items. When one item has completed a manufacturing process a different item can be inserted into the same fixture. The fixture is then adjusted to fit the new item. Because the fixture can be used with more than one item, changeover times are reduced as are the costs of developing separate fixtures for each item. Reductions in changeover times and costs allow a manufacturing line to operate more efficiently.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus and method for facilitating, locating and securement of supports or cushioning blocks on a container panel includes a table for receiving the container panel and a bi-directionally, vertically movable frame which receives a template. The frame is raised and lowered by one or more linear actuators which may be double acting, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, ball screw operators or similar devices. The template includes a specific pattern of openings which correspond to the desired locations of supports or cushioning blocks. A container panel is placed on the table, the template is disposed in the frame and the frame is lowered onto the panel. An adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive is distributed on the panel through the openings and the supports or cushioning blocks are positioned according to the template on the panel. The frame and template are then lifted off the pad and the completed panel is removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: A coping machine for making miter cuts on baseboard or crown molding stock includes a work platform supported on vertically movable spring assemblies. Stock to be cut is positioned on the work platform. A rotating cutting knife is disposed adjacent a rear edge of the work platform. Operation of a single lever mechanism functions to move the platform in a downward vertical direction so that the stock may be cut by the rotating cutting knife. The spring assemblies automatically return the platform to its original position when the single lever is released.

Abstract: A clutch and a workpiece support incorporating the same selectively restrict rotation of a rotatable member through the use of one or more rollers that are pinched between the outer surface of the rotatable member and corresponding convergent surfaces disposed on a housing opposing such outer surface. In effect, each roller is interposed between a surface on a fixed housing and an outer surface of a rotatable member such that rotation of the rotatable member rolls the roller toward a converging gap to restrict further rotation of the rotatable member. A biasing mechanism biases the roller toward the converging gap, and a release mechanism is utilized to quickly and efficiently decouple the roller from the rotatable member by biasing the roller in a direction away from the converging gap and thereby preventing the roller from inhibiting rotation of the rotatable member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flange fixture intended to hold a flange to a tube for welding the flange to the tube, whereby it comprises: a) a cylindrical central body comprising at least three evenly distributed expansion holders as well as one cylindrical part provided with threads, whereby the expansion holders are each arranged to receive at least a radially movable expansion mechanism, and whereby the cylindrical part being provided with threads is arranged to receive one controlling device influencing the radially movable expansion mechanism for obtaining an outwardly directed movement; b) a first cylindrical shaft axially and rotatably mounted arranged in the central body and comprising a second controlling device arranged in the end thereof facing away from the central body; c) an axially and rotatably arranged second shaft in the shaft, which second shaft in its end receives at least three evenly distributed second expansion holders, which are each arranged to receive at least one radially move

Abstract: A dual spring hold down for use with wood working tools, such as table saws, routers and shapers comprises a bracket mounted on the wood working table behind the tool and a hold down bar pivotably attached to the bracket with the hold down bar surrounding the wood working tool. A threaded rod is threaded into and extends upward from an extension arm of the bracket and though a slot in a hold down bar cross plate. A first coil spring surrounds the threaded rod immediately above the cross plate and a second, stronger coil spring surrounds the threaded rod above the first coil spring while a cylindrical sleeve surrounds the first coil spring. The hold down bar is free to drop down to act as a safety barrier when no wood panel is present. Then, initial lifting of the hold down bar by a wood panel is initially against the relatively light downward bias of the first coil spring until the sleeve is lifted to a “hold down height” at a point sufficient to compress the first coil spring within the sleeve.

Abstract: A punching machine includes a body frame having a table to support a workpiece. First and second work movement positioning apparatuses are mounted at both sides to move and position the workpiece in a direction of axis X. A work head is mounted on the body frame and has a ram and a tool. The work head moves on the body frame in a direction of axis Y, which is perpendicular to axis X. The first and second work movement positioning apparatuses are arranged in series in the direction of axis X. The workpiece is clamped by the first positioning apparatus, moved in the direction of axis X, punched, clamped by the second positioning apparatus, unclamped by the first positioning apparatus, and moved further in the direction of axis X.

Abstract: A grinding fixture that allows a variety of helical shapes to be ground upon a variety of cutting inserts. The grinding fixture includes a bottom sine base for varying a first angle. A shaft is rotatably attached to the bottom sine base for providing rotation of the insert about an axis. A primary slide is rotatably attached to the shalt in parallel relation to the top surface of the bottom sine base for adjusting the position of a locating point on the insert in a first direction relative to the axis of rotation. The locating point is adjusted in a second direction relative to the axis of rotation by a cross slide attached to, and disposed in perpendicular relation with, the primary slide. A top sine assembly is fixedly attached to the cross slide for varying a second angle and includes a connection surface for fixedly connecting the insert holder to the sine assembly.

Abstract: A device for clamping a work piece or a tool in a well defined position comprises a first coupling element assigned to the work piece or tool to be clamped and a second, stationary coupling element. The first coupling element is provided with grooves that cooperate with aligning members provided on the second coupling element to effect a precise positioning of the first coupling element with respect to the second coupling element in X- and Y-directions. A clamping pin member required for locking the two coupling elements to each other is located on the second coupling element. To protect the parts and element essential for the fine positioning, the first coupling element is provided with a supporting member towering above the aforementioned parts and elements.

Abstract: A stand for supporting an automobile body panel having a peripheral edge for inspection and repair comprises two sets of clamping members secured on opposite ends of two clamping assemblies which are pivotally mounted to the top of a vertically oriented telescoping support assembly. Each clamping member include a clamp pad having a groove formed therein and adapted to receive a peripheral edge of the automobile body panel to support the panel during inspection and repair.

Abstract: A vise for securing plastic pipe while sawing a section of pipe to length is formed by a U-shaped base supported by a plurality of short legs. A V-shaped cradle is pivotally connected by its legs with the legs of the U-shaped member for successively receiving and holding a plurality of pipe of different diameters. The confronting surfaces of the V-shaped legs have a layer of material having a high coefficient of friction bonded thereto.

Abstract: A system for positioning an article at a predetermined angular orientation with respect to a vacuum collet comprising a vacuum collet having an article pickup surface; and an alignment ledge overhanging the pickup surface, wherein the alignment ledge is at a predetermined angular orientation with respect to the vacuum collet.

Abstract: A membrane press is provided for applying a laminating foil to a three-dimensional workpiece to be laminated. The membrane press includes a work base having a supporting surface for carrying the workpiece, and a frame located above the workpiece for holding the foil. The improvement in the membrane press includes a pedestal housing located in the work base and having a cylinder therein communicating through a pedestal opening with the supporting surface of the work base. A piston rod including a workpiece elevating and lowering pedestal is positioned in the cylinder in axial alignment therewith. The pedestal communicates with the supporting surface through the pedestal opening. Upper and lower pistons are affixed to the piston rod in fluid-pressure transmitting relation within the cylinder in axially spaced-part relation to each other. The pistons define respective upper and lower axially aligned pressure-transmitting surfaces.

Abstract: A jig for holding an arcuate wood piece is mounted on the table of a molder-planar. The jig has a base which is attached to the table. Mounted for rotation on the base is a clamp holder. A clamp is attached to the clamp holder for holding the arcuate wood piece for rotation with the clamp holder and for engagement with the cutting tool of the molder-planar so as to cut the arcuate wood piece.

Abstract: A reciprocating table assembly includes a frame, a table, and a bearing assembly for rotatably mounting the table to the frame. A cylinder assembly rotates the table at a pivot point by extending and retracting a piston rod from the cylinder. Three sensors sense which position the table is in its rotational path and signal the piston rod to either extend or contract at the appropriate time.

Abstract: A stator support assembly for use during the manufacture of electric motor stator assemblies includes a pallet, a rotatable stator support nest mounted on the pallet, and a lock arrangement that resists rotation of the nest from plural, locked, rotary orientations. The nest has generally horizontal, upwardly-facing, stator core supporting surfaces and generally vertical stator core confining wall portions. Accordingly, a stator assembly being manufactured is supported in a substantially fixed position or orientation as required when a stator assembly is being transferred from one workstation to the next but can be manually rotated from one locked position to the next for the convenience of a human operator when manual operations on the stator assembly are performed. Lock arrangements that may be used comprise recesses and one or more cooperating spring-biased detents or, alternatively, holes and a spring-biased shot pin.

Abstract: A method for reconfiguring a jig for supporting an elongated workpiece to enable the jig to support two different configurations of the workpiece. The jig has a multiplicity of clamps for holding the workpiece, each clamp mounted at the top of a clamp post and each clamp post supported on a pillar mounted on a fixed solid base. The jig is configured by sliding the posts along slides on the pillars to a first position at which the posts can be placed to position the clamps at the correct elevation to support the workpiece at a first configuration position, and inserting a pin through aligned pairs of holes in each of the clamp post and the pillar to prevent the post from sliding from the first position relative to the pillar. The weight of the clamp post and clamp are counterbalanced with a fluid cylinder connected at one end to the clamp post, and connected at the other end to the pillar.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat welding together thermoplastic components and work-pieces comprises a heating unit and a carriage unit. The heating unit is axially movable to contact and melt part of the work-piece to a sufficiently tacky state for the component to be fused thereto. The carriage unit releasably retains the component and is axially movable to move a component contact surface against the melted part of the work-piece, mounting the component thereto. The carriage unit is pivotally movable about the axis, whereby the initial contact of the component against a mis-aligned work-piece causes the component and the carriage unit to pivot so that the component contact surface is re-aligned with the melted part of the work-piece.

Abstract: A clamp structure for holding a workpiece in a vertical position, and which is reconfigurable to enable manufacture of an opposite hand version of the workpiece, includes a plurality of pillars mounted on a fixed solid base and a clamp post on each of the pillars having a top end on which is mounted a clamp. An air cylinder has one end connected to the pillar and an opposite end connected to the clamp post. The air cylinder is connected to a source of air pressure for pressurizing the air cylinder to a pressure sufficient to substantially counterbalance the weight of the clamp post and clamp. A pair of holes in structure mounted on the pillar, and a pair of holes in structure mounted on the clamp post are alignable in pairs for two heights of the clamp for two different configurations of the workpiece, so the clamp structure can be used to clamp two different configurations of the workpiece.

Abstract: A membrane press and method of elevating a three-dimensional workpiece are provided. The membrane press includes a work base having a supporting surface for carrying the workpiece. A foil-pressing frame is positioned above the workpiece for heating and applying a laminating foil to the workpiece. A plurality of fluid actuated pedestal assemblies are positioned for movement between a workpiece-loading position and a workpiece-lifting position above the supporting surface of the work base. Fluid passages communicate with the pedestal assemblies, and fluid pressure control means. The control means selectively directs a flow of fluid to the pedestal assemblies in response to the loading of the workpiece onto the supporting surface of the work base.

Abstract: A goniometer arm for use in conjunction with a precision cutting apparatus comprising an arm for supporting a rotating adaptor arm which in turn supports and secures a rotating disc and a specimen holder. The goniometer arm allows a specimen to be cut along a specific plane about a specific axis.