Abstract: A modular, rotisserie type tooling fixture assembly for use in a coating operation and method of its use are disclosed. The tooling fixture assembly includes an arbor or shaft and a retaining base with a plurality of anchor members disposed in a prescribed radial orientation from the center of the retaining base, the anchor members are uniquely configured or adapted to retain a plurality of workpieces to be coated. The tooling fixture assembly further comprises a unique workpiece masking arrangement that employs a unitary masking cap having a plurality of solid walls or surfaces adapted to cover portions of the plurality of workpieces in a masking relationship.

Abstract: The invention is a pallet assembly for supporting an electrically connected array of a plurality of solar panels during storage and transport, the pallet manufacture including: a deck; a plurality of feet extending downward from the deck; a plate attached to an edge portion of the deck, for aligning the pallet assembly with an apparatus for building an electrically connected array of a plurality of solar panels; and at least one alignment bracket for aligning and preventing lateral movement of at least two solar panel support channels attached to the bottom of the electrically connected array of a plurality of solar panels.

Abstract: Disclosed is an operating table with multiple degrees of freedom which is capable of moving and rotating in various directions. The operating table comprises an elevating mechanism, a moving mechanism on a horizontal plane and a multiple angle rotation mechanism, with the elevating mechanism and the moving mechanism adopting a leadscrew structure, the multiple angle rotation mechanism comprising a universal joint device (7) and a locking mechanism. The moving mechanism can drive the operating table (6) to move on a horizontal plane and ensure the operating table (6) can reach any location within a valid region on a horizontal plane, the moving mechanisms in the X and Y directions can operate separately as well as cooperatively, and the multiple angle rotation mechanism drives the surface of the operating table to tilt. These mechanisms work in combination to accomplish the location change of the operating table.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for clamping a panel comprising: a base frame; first movable units mounted on left and right portions of the base frame and adapted to reciprocate first sliding plates between the left and right; second movable units mounted on front and rear portions of the base frame between the first movable units and adapted to reciprocate second sliding plates between the front and rear; first clamping units movable between the left and right through the first sliding plates, and movable upward and downward through first vertically-movable means; a second clamping unit movable between the front and rear through the second sliding plate and movable upward and downward through second vertically-movable means; and a third clamping unit movable between the front and rear through the second sliding plate and movable upward and downward through third vertically-movable means.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for mounting workpieces to be measured, in particular sheet metal parts of a vehicle body, in a reference position, comprising a plurality of mounts each of which has a support column and can be moved on a support surface into a desired position, and further comprising connecting devices which can be fixed to the support columns and comprise an element for connecting to a support head which rests against the workpiece and is disposed in accordance with the desired position. The connecting element can be adjusted while compensating for deviation of the mount from the desired position.

Abstract: A precision leveling vice includes a vice body having a fixed jaw and an end wall. A moving jaw moves toward or away from the fixed jaw to frictionally retain or release a member. The vice assembly is connected to a swivel plate. A fixture plate is positioned oppositely about the swivel plate with respect to the vice assembly. A pivot pin is positioned in a partial circular slot of each of the swivel plate and fixture plate permitting the swivel plate and vice assembly to move in a rocking motion with respect to the fixture plate by rotation about the pivot pin. First and second adjustment fasteners positioned in through apertures at swivel plate opposite ends threadably engage the fixture plate. Opposite axial rotation of the first and second adjustment fasteners causes a head of one of the adjustment fasteners to contact the swivel plate inducing the rocking motion.

Abstract: A jig for supporting a crown molding segment during a cutting operation comprises a base and a support having a crown molding support surface. The support is attached to the base at an adjustable angle. The jig further comprises an extendable brace attached between the base and the support. The extendable brace adapted to hold the support and the crown molding support surface at a predetermined angle relative to the base. The extendable brace is adjustable to facilitate adjustment of the jig corresponding to multiple crown molding spring angles.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a measurement object, particularly an auto body component in a reference position, comprises a clamping device, which can be attached to a carrier head, and which extends over the measurement object and holds it against the carrier head, and comprises a clamping element that can be placed against the measurement object. The clamping device comprises a lockable slide for adjusting the position of the clamping element.

Abstract: Disclosed is an operating table with multiple degrees of freedom which is capable of moving and rotating in various directions. The operating table comprises an elevating mechanism, a moving mechanism on a horizontal plane and a multiple angle rotation mechanism, with the elevating mechanism and the moving mechanism adopting a leadscrew structure, the multiple angle rotation mechanism comprising a universal joint device (7) and a locking mechanism. The moving mechanism can drive the operating table (6) to move on a horizontal plane and ensure the operating table (6) can reach any location within a valid region on a horizontal plane, the moving mechanisms in the X and Y directions can operate separately as well as cooperatively, and the multiple angle rotation mechanism drives the surface of the operating table to tilt. These mechanisms work in combination to accomplish the location change of the operating table.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for clamping a panel comprising: a base frame; first movable units mounted on left and right portions of the base frame and adapted to reciprocate first sliding plates between the left and right; second movable units mounted on front and rear portions of the base frame between the first movable units and adapted to reciprocate second sliding plates between the front and rear; first clamping units movable between the left and right through the first sliding plates, and movable upward and downward through first vertically-movable means; a second clamping unit movable between the front and rear through the second sliding plate and movable upward and downward through second vertically-movable means; and a third clamping unit movable between the front and rear through the second sliding plate and movable upward and downward through third vertically-movable means.

Abstract: A positioning device includes a base, a platform, a support fixed on the base, a rotatable member, and a positioning member. The rotatable member is fixed to the platform and is rotatably connected to the support. The positioning member is fixed to the platform. The positioning member is operable to cooperate with the support to lock the platform in a desired position.

Abstract: A tooling fixture positioning system for securing automotive body part components to create an automotive body. The tooling fixture positioning system comprises a plurality of pivot joint assemblies and link arms coupled together to facilitate supporting tooling fixtures in desired positions and orientations. Each pivot joint assembly includes a brake that selectively engages and disengages the pivot joint assembly for rotation about a respective axis.

Abstract: A precision leveling vice includes a vice body having a fixed jaw and an end wall. A moving jaw moves toward or away from the fixed jaw to frictionally retain or release a member. The vice assembly is connected to a swivel plate. A fixture plate is positioned oppositely about the swivel plate with respect to the vice assembly. A pivot pin is positioned in a partial circular slot of each of the swivel plate and fixture plate permitting the swivel plate and vice assembly to move in a rocking motion with respect to the fixture plate by rotation about the pivot pin. First and second adjustment fasteners positioned in through apertures at swivel plate opposite ends threadably engage the fixture plate. Opposite axial rotation of the first and second adjustment fasteners causes a head of one of the adjustment fasteners to contact the swivel plate inducing the rocking motion.

Abstract: A machining center that includes a swivel bridge supported by a bearing wall and pivotable about a horizontal axis, at least one drive sprocket attached to a disc-type connector of the swivel bridge, and at least one drive system attached adjacent the bearing wall and operatively connected to the drive sprocket of the swivel bridge. The machining center is characterized by clamping of the swivel bridge being performed by a friction-locked clamping system which is arranged rotationally fixed about a bearing pin of the swivel bridge in a circular ring shape and which is operatively connected to the disc-type connector. A clamping force of the friction-locked clamping system is generated by an energy storage.

Abstract: A working apparatus, provided with a base stage, work hold and rotation device for holding and rotating a work, working device movable toward and away from the work via slider mechanism and having a working tool, press structure for pressing the working tool toward the work via the working device, and trace device pressed toward the work together with the working tool by the press structure and in contact with the work and moving the working device as a whole in forward and rearward directions according to outer shape of the work. By pressing of the pressing structure, the working tool deburrs and chamfers under control of working volume by the trace device. The work hold and rotation device has work rotation axis angle adjustment mechanism, for adjusting angle of rotation axis of the work by holding the work. The working apparatus can precisely deburr and chamfer complicated shape of work such as worm gear.

Abstract: An adjustable bicycle workstand is disclosed. The bicycle workstand may include a height adjustable post having at least a first and second tubular member in telescopic arrangement. The second tubular member may be insertable into the first tubular member. The first tubular member may have a ground engaging portion or support base. The workstand may include an internal mechanism for gradual extension and retraction of the second tubular member from the first tubular member. The workstand may include an attachment means for mounting a bicycle associated with the second tubular member. The workstand may be configured for safely raising and lowering a bicycle attached to the stand. Thus, the bicycle workstand may safely and securely support a bicycle for assembly, maintenance and/or repair purposes.

Abstract: A positioning device includes a base, a platform, a support fixed on the base, a rotatable member, and a positioning member. The rotatable member is fixed to the platform and is rotatably connected to the support. The positioning member is fixed to the platform. The positioning member is operable to cooperate with the support to lock the platform in a desired position.

Abstract: The positioning device can position a spherical object. This object is placed and held by gravity on three points of support (P, P?, P?) of the positioning device. The center of gravity of the object in any position is within the triangle formed by the three points of support. The positioning device includes means for driving the object in rotation. The drive means includes a drive member including wheel whose contact with the external surface of the object forms one of the support points (P) of the positioning device. This drive member can impose a rotation on the object, via the wheel, in all directions. The other two points of support (P?, P?) are made using two ball and socket joints, wherein the ball is held on an air cushion in a housing of the ball and socket joint.

Abstract: A stage apparatus, includes a holding member configured to hold a subject; an elevation supporting member configured to support the holding member so that the holding member can go up and down; a rotation supporting member configured to support the elevation supporting member so that the elevation supporting member can be rotated with respect to a Z axis; and a Z axis driving part configured to elevate the holding member in a Z axial direction; wherein the Z axis driving part is located on the rotation supporting member and makes the holding member go up and down relative to the rotation supporting member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sharpening clockwise rotating standard blades, counter-clockwise rotating standard blades and mulching style blades of either clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation is provided. The present invention comprises a base with a blade fixture which is reversible to accommodate both clockwise and counter-clockwise rotating blades. Uprights, a slide shaft, a slide bushing and a handle shaft connected to a disc grinder provide a means for setting a primary cutting angle for sharpening the primary cutting edges of a blade. An adjusting wheel rotatable attached to the handle shaft and pivotably coupled to the disc grinder provide a means for quickly and easily adjusting the cutting angle in order to accommodate sharpening the secondary cutting edges of a mulching style blade and returning the disc grinder back to its original cutting angle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for mounting workpieces to be measured, in particular sheet metal parts of a vehicle body, in a reference position, comprising a plurality of mounts each of which has a support column and can be moved on a support surface into a desired position, and further comprising connecting devices which can be fixed to the support columns and comprise an element for connecting to a support head which rests against the workpiece and is disposed in accordance with the desired position. The connecting element can be adjusted while compensating for deviation of the mount from the desired position.

Abstract: A device allowing essentially simultaneous clamping of at least two clamps, that may have different clamping strengths and/or clearance capacities.

Abstract: A device for splicing the free end of a strip of web material to a homologous strip of web material being supplied includes a first moving element and a second moving element, each of which is able to function alternatively as retention structure for the free end and as guiding structure for the web. The moving elements are, at least in part, translatable with respect to one another for connecting the free end to the web, performing the operation of splicing. The first and the second moving elements are selectively orientable between a position of opening, in which the moving element has a gripping formation exposed to receive the free end, and a position of closing, in which the gripping formation faces the other moving element of the device to allow the free end to connect to the web.

Abstract: A tooling fixture positioning system for securing automotive body part components to create an automotive body. The tooling fixture positioning system comprises a plurality of pivot joint assemblies and link arms coupled together to facilitate supporting tooling fixtures in desired positions and orientations. Each pivot joint assembly includes a brake that selectively engages and disengages the pivot joint assembly for rotation about a respective axis.

Abstract: A workpiece table arrangement for a milling and drilling machine comprising a rigid machine tool frame comprising an upper cross girth, a machining unit movable on the front side of the cross girth along at least two coordinate axes by means of a motor and including a rotationally driven work spindle including exchangeable tools. The workpiece table is disposed in front of the machine tool frame and horizontally movable along at least one coordinate axis by means of a motor and comprises a tabletop for clamping at least one workpiece. The machine tool frame comprises two rigid side walls rigidly connected to each other by the upper crossbar and a front end.

Abstract: A machining center that includes a swivel bridge supported by a bearing wall and pivotable about a horizontal axis, at least one drive sprocket attached to a disc-type connector of the swivel bridge, and at least one drive system attached adjacent the bearing wall and operatively connected to the drive sprocket of the swivel bridge. The machining center is characterized by clamping of the swivel bridge being performed by a friction-locked clamping system which is arranged rotationally fixed about a bearing pin of the swivel bridge in a circular ring shape and which is operatively connected to the disc-type connector. A clamping force of the friction-locked clamping system is generated by an energy storage.

Abstract: A workpiece guiding device for guiding a workpiece fed on a workbench of a working machine, such as a wood planing machine, includes a seat unit, an elongate guiding member having an abutment major surface to be in sliding contact with the workpiece, and a connecting major surface with an anchoring mount, a journal shaft disposed on the anchoring mount, and left and right clamping members disposed to be forced to abut against lateral surfaces of the seat unit and the anchoring mount to thereby hold the guiding member firmly on the workbench. The journal shaft is turnable on the clamping members to permit the guiding member to turn about a rotating axis. An angular position presetting member has a coupling portion rotated with the journal shaft, and an anchoring portion offset from the rotating axis. A retaining unit is disposed to releasably retain the anchoring portion on the clamping member.

Abstract: A support jig makes it possible to easily machine and/or test a small chip product such as a magnetic head slider using existing manufacturing equipment that processes a workpiece in the form of a wafer. The support jig includes a substrate formed in the shape of a flat plate, a slide plate that is set inside a setting concave portion provided in one surface of the substrate and moves between a locking position where a tested object is locked between the slide plate and an inner surface of the setting concave portion and a withdrawal position away from the locking position; and a holding means that holds the slide plate at the locking position.

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 workpiece shift apparatus includes a bottom plate (10), a middle plate (40), and a top plate (70). A first pushing plate (26) is slidably attached on the bottom plate. The first pushing plate includes cutouts (30) in one edge thereof, and arcuate steps (32) on an opposite edge thereof. A first pushing means is installed on the bottom plate, and includes a handspike (19). The handspike sequentially engages in the cutouts to move the first pushing plate in a first direction. The steps thereby push the combined middle plate and top plate in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A second pushing plate (56) similar to the first pushing plate, and a second pushing means similar to the first pushing means are attached on the middle plate for pushing the top plate in the first direction.

Abstract: A clamp assembly has a separate and independent clamp stand base, such that several clamp stand bases may be mounted on desired surfaces at various locations, and the clamp may be moved from one clamp stand base to another for quick and easy mounting at the different locations, and to minimize the number of clamps required to service of all of these different locations. The assembly permits the position of the clamp to be adjusted relative to the stand by pivoting and by raising and lowering the clamp relative to the base.

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: An electroplating rack includes a cathode flight bar from which depends an insulated rack bar over an acid bath. A clamp is fixed to the rack bar, and has a bridge electrically connected to the flight bar through a conducting core inside the insulated rack bar. The clamp has a main body made of plastic, which includes a slot in which protrudes the bridge. An electrically conducting spring clip is installed in the slot, and is formed of two arms continuously biased into a spreaded, opened condition in the slot. A screw carried by the main body, when rotated in a first direction, can force the spring clip into a closed condition, in which it can hold an article to be electroplated between its two arms, and in which one of the spring clip arms is forced against the bridge member. Thus, electrical current can pass through the rack flight bar and conducting core, then through the bridge member, the spring clip and finally into the article to be electroplated.

Abstract: An information encoding method encodes information on a recording medium in accordance with for a new standard. When decoded by a reproducing device adapted for coping with the encoding method for a old standard, the user is appraised of the fact that part of the recorded signals cannot be reproduced by a reproducing device adapted for coping only with the encoding method for the old standard. For encoding the information in accordance with the encoding method for the new standard, the user message information is encoded simultaneously. The user message information has been encoded in accordance with the encoding method for the old standard, which can be reproduced by the reproducing device adapted for coping with the encoding method for the old standard.

Abstract: A holding fixture for a wheel and tire assembly enabling a single person to perform an operation on the tire such as grooving or the like. The fixture comprises a first U-shaped bracket having a base for mounting on a wall or other vertical surface and legs extending perpendicularly from the vertical surface. A second similar U-shaped bracket has a vertical base and horizontal legs adjustably bolted to the legs of the first bracket. The vertical base of the second bracket supports a horizontally extending support tube. A rotatable tube segment has a wheel mounting plate for a wheel and tire assembly affixed to one of its ends and a slotted positioning ring affixed to its other end. The tube segment and its slotted ring and mounting plate are captively and rotatively mounted on the support tube so that a tire and wheel assembly affixed to the mounting plate is rotatable about the support tube. A lock assembly is affixed to the support tube and the base of the second bracket.

Abstract: A runout compensator is provided that angulates a face surface by adjusting two members whose mating surfaces have been machined to slant relative to the central axis of each member. A first member has a shaft over which slides the second member so that the mating surfaces of each member come into and are maintained in contact. Rotating the second member about the shaft of the first member varies the angulation of a face surface. Correctly adjusting the runout compensator, which is attached to a lathe, and a load plate assembly providing biasing to hold the workpiece between itself and the runout compensator, allows the workpiece to be firmly held in the angled position needed to compensate for the runout in the workpiece as the workpiece is turned upon a lathe.

Abstract: A method for detecting and processing synchronization marks extracted from a prerecorded wobbled groove formed in a compact disk in order to produce pseudo-sync signals using a high frequency phase locked loop servoing to the disk speed to generate the signals.

Abstract: A stage device usable, e.g., in an X-ray exposure apparatus, for moving a semiconductor wafer placed in a vacuum ambience and held by a wafer chuck, is disclosed. In the stage device, the wafer chuck holds the wafer so that the surface of the wafer onto which a circuit pattern is to be transferred is placed in a vertical plane, and the wafer chuck is moved vertically and horizontally for step-and-repeat exposure of the wafer. The device includes a guide mechanism, locking mechanism and a constant-tension spring mechanism, to thereby ensure high-accuracy movement of the wafer chuck in the vertical direction as well as high-precision positioning of the wafer. Further, in the stage device, a drive source producing a drive to move the wafer chuck is disposed in a vacuum ambience while, on the other hand, the supply of operating fluids to air bearing assemblies, for guiding the movement of the wafer chuck, is achieved by use of metal pipes coupled by rotary joints.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing boat hulls comprising a rack mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis. A beam is cantilevered outwardly from the rack, and a hoist mechanism is mounted for travel on the beam. A boat resting on a trailer is moved partially within the rack and the hoist mechanism located on the cantilevered end of the beam elevates the boat from the trailer. The hoist mechanism is then moved along the beam to position the boat within the rack. A series of hull clamping braces that are connected to the rack are positioned in engagement with the hull and complement the shape of the hull. The boat is lowered onto the hull braces, and a series of upper clamping braces that are connected to the rack are brought into engagement with the upper surface of the hull to clamp the boat to the rack. In some cases, side clamping assemblies can also be used to clamp the sides of the hull to the rack. By rotating the rack, the hull can be inverted so repairs or modifications can be readily made on the hull.

Abstract: The parts of each element are fixed in a predetermined configuration to a fixing frame, which together with said parts fixed thereto is pushed into a nailing machine, which is then operated to fix nail plates across joints between adjacent parts of the element. The fixing frame comprises frame members in a configuration which corresponds approximately to the configuration of the element to be manufactured. Said frame members include side members, at least one of which is a longest side member and at least one of which is an opposite side member which is opposite to a longest side member. The fixing frame also comprises fixing means for fixing said parts of said element of construction in said predetermined configuration to said frame. Said fixing means comprise stationary stops provided on said at least one longest side member and quick-clamping devices provided on said at least one opposite side member and including final tightening means.