Abstract: A machine tool including a spindle oriented along a first direction with an adjustable chuck to receive a piece to be worked on. The machine tool further includes a transport device positioned essentially perpendicular to the first direction with deposit areas for the deposit of a number of the pieces to be worked on. The transport device is positioned such that each of the deposit areas may be moved into a transfer position in order to receive a piece to be worked on from the pertinent deposit area by the adjustable chuck or to release it from the adjustable chuck and to deposit it in the pertinent deposit area. An orientation device is provided that is configured to orient the piece to be worked on in a deposit area such that it may be received by the adjustable chuck in the transfer position.

Abstract: A positioning machine includes a base, a support portion mounted on the base for supporting a workpiece and a first positioning mechanism received in the recessed portion. The base defines a recessed portion. Two sidewalls of the recessed portion respectively define a pair of first tracks. The first positioning mechanism includes a first motor, a first coupler, a first positioning block, a first screw rod, and a first nut movably mounted over the first screw rod and fixed to a low surface of the support portion. The first coupler is forced by the first motor to drive the first screw rod to rotate to drive the first nut to move along the first screw rod, causing the support portion to be moved along the first tracks, and the workpiece to be moved in a predetermined position relative to the base.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fixture and method for mounting a head window to a frame for use in a submarine periscope system. The fixture supports the head window during the potting of the head window to the frame. A spring-loaded clamping plate is mountable to a baseplate for relative movement therebetween. The clamping assembly has an oval recessed portion. A plurality of spaced apart feet are formed within the oval. The feet support and are bonded to the head window. Shim stock are placed between the feet to define a critical gap.

Abstract: A construction kit for a manipulating system, includes at least one first and one second element that are located parallel or at an angle to one another and are connectable to one another, at least one centering element that is located between the first and second elements, and at least one securing element for connecting the first element to the second element. The construction kit has a centering element, which has an outer circumferential surface that is provided with at least one form-locking means.

Abstract: A positioning device for positioning an object includes a base with a platform and a first positioning unit slidably mounted to the platform. The first positioning unit includes a sliding piece slidable along a direction perpendicular to the platform. The sliding piece defines a substantially V-shaped hole along a direction parallel with the platform for the object extending through the hole. The opening of the “V” of the V-shaped hole faces to a direction perpendicular to the platform.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for both rotating a cylinder about its center axis and translating the cylinder linearly along the same axis. The invention is suitable for X-raying rockets and other cylindrical objects. Multi-axis movement is accomplished by two sets of rollers: rotational and translational. The translational roller set is held in a retracted and unengaged position while the cylinder rests on the rotational roller set. Movement about the axis of the rotational roller set is allowed. When the translational roller set is engaged with the cylinder, the cylinder is disengaged from the rotational roller set, and movement about the axis is not allowed, but linear movement is allowed. The action may be reversed and repeated. The rollers or the cylinder may be powered by motor or manual device.

Abstract: A unique X, Y, ? (Rotary) positioning system is disclosed that may include a machine base assembly with a substrate slide moving on the machine base with either a recirculating or air bearing in Y direction and two integrated cross stages attached to the slide which can kinetically provide large movements of the slide relative to the base in the X direction as well as generating large motion of the slide in the rotary ? direction about a virtual center of rotation. The positioning system allows a user to position large format glass substrates and the like with precision control. Specifically, depending on the mounting configuration of the present invention, a user may correct for straightness in X, X? and Y directions, yaw in the A rotation direction and position in the X, X? and Y direction.

Abstract: A mechanical arrangement is provided for processing plate-like workpieces, especially metal sheets. The mechanical arrangement includes a processing device and a handling apparatus. A support structure of the handling apparatus has a base support structure and a secondary support structure which is supported on the base support structure so as to be movable relative thereto and which is provided with a holding device for processed products.

Abstract: An adjustable clamping device to secure a tube to a track system.

Abstract: An adjustable stand for receiving an object, e.g., an automobile panel.

Abstract: The present invention reduces the footprint of a stage apparatus to achieve a more compact apparatus. Using a Y-axis shaft having a magnet on the inside and a Y-axis mover constituted by a coil that surrounds the Y-axis shaft as a Y-axis drive part for moving a Y-axis movable body makes the drive part smaller than a linear motor. Consequently, a lateral part that faces a side gliding surface is arranged downwardly of the one Y-axis mover, to thereby eliminate the footprint occupied by the lateral part when lined up side-by-side with the Y-axis drive part.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a specimen stage which is simple in structure, and which suppresses a positional shift due to a friction heat caused by a brake or the like. One aspect to achieve the object provides a specimen stage including: a thrust portion thrust by a thrusting member; and a slide surface thrust by the thrust portion. When the specimen stage stops, the specimen stage performs a control in a way that a part of the slide surface in contact with the thrust portion, and/or a portion adjacent to the part or the thrust portion is heated. By heating the part of the slide surface or the like in this manner, a temperature gradient can be suppressed as described above (see FIG. 3).

Abstract: An X-Y table includes a platform and a frame which has an X and Y-truck trough. An X-drive motor interfaced to an X-drive gear. A Y-drive motor interfaced to a Y-drive gear. Both motors are affixed to the platform. An X-drive linear gear slideably held within an X-direction slot communicates with the X-drive gear whereas rotation of the X-drive gear results in linear movement of the X-drive linear gear. A Y-drive linear gear, slideably held within a Y-direction slot communicates with the Y-drive gear. An X-plane truck attached to the X-drive linear gear is slideably held in the X-truck trough. A Y-plane truck attached to the Y-drive linear gear is slideably held in the Y-truck trough. The frame moves in an X-direction responsive to rotation of the X-drive motor and in a Y-direction responsive to rotation of the Y-drive motor.

Abstract: A positioning device for positioning an object includes a base with a platform and a first positioning unit slidably mounted to the platform. The first positioning unit includes a sliding piece slidable along a direction perpendicular to the platform. The sliding piece defines a substantially V-shaped hole along a direction parallel with the platform for the object extending through the hole. The opening of the “V” of the V-shaped hole faces to a direction perpendicular to the platform.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fixture and method for mounting a head window to a frame for use in a submarine periscope system. The fixture supports the head window during the potting of the head window to the frame. A spring-loaded clamping plate is mountable to a baseplate for relative movement therebetween. The clamping assembly has an oval recessed portion. A plurality of spaced apart feet are formed within the oval. The feet support and are bonded to the head window. Shim stock are placed between the feet to define a critical gap.

Abstract: A tilt table for use with a milling machine. The tilt table includes at least one pivot support attachable to the milling machine. The tilt table includes a table top pivotally attached to the at least one pivot support. The table top has two ends. The tilt table includes at least one movement assembly attached to at least one end of the table top to move the table top about the at least one pivot support.

Abstract: The present invention is a T-Slot block assembly that provides a plurality of attachment points for attachment to a milling machine worktable and to other T-Slot blocks for accommodating a variety of differing clamping or work piece holding jobs. Furthermore said invention can utilize common available clamps, fasteners, step blocks, T-nuts and various common but numerous work holding tooling. No additional mounting plates, or any type of preparatory hardware is required to directly mount the T-Slot Block onto the milling table or other work table where a T-slot is provided.

Abstract: A tool is used to elevate and hold a garbage disposer against a sink fixture during removal and/or installation of a garbage disposer. The tool includes a flat base including a notch opening through a corner of a rectilinear base to allow an electric cord to pass around the tool. A flat load supporting platform includes a similar notch. A screw jack force applying mechanism allows the platform to be raised relative to the base. The tool works equally well with the base down or with the platform down so the user doesn't have to turn the tool over for it to work.

Abstract: An adjustable clamping device to secure a tube to a track system.

Abstract: A bow vise for clamping an archery bow at three spaced contact points between first and second relatively pivotable bow clamping assemblies movable about a common pivot axis includes a bracket on each assembly spaced from the pivot axis and a pin rotatable in each bracket. One pin has a smooth bore aperture and the other a threaded aperture. A coiled spring biases the assemblies away from each other. A threaded rod passes through both apertures, threads into the threaded aperture and includes a knob at one end for rotatably moving the rod clockwise and counterclockwise. As the rod threads through the threaded aperture, the knob applies a force to one of the brackets to pivot the assemblies toward each other. The bow is configured for rotating the bow about three mutually perpendicular axes and for microadjusting the position of the bow about two such axes.

Abstract: A multi-axis chuck that rotates about at least two axes. Preferably, the axes are perpendicular. The multi-axis chuck includes a first portion, second portion, and third portion. Rear sides of the first portion and the second portion have a first mating portion that mates with a second mating portion provided on the second portion and the third portion, respectively. The mating portions enable the first portion and the second portion to be rotated about the axes. Preferably, the first portion rotates about a first axis independently of the second and third portions. Rotation of the second portion about a second axis preferably also rotates the first portion about the second axis. The multi-chuck is operatively connected to a motor, controller, and sensors. A user inputs a desired position into the controller that controls the motor. The motor rotates the multi-axis chuck to the desired position. The sensors are used to determine a position of the multi-axis chuck.

Abstract: The present invention includes a fixture for securing a work piece to a support surface at a machining workstation comprising a base attachable to the support surface and having at least one undercut edge, and, a work piece holder engaging the at least one undercut edge of the base, spaced apart from the support surface, and having moveable work piece attaching jaws.

Abstract: A device for signaling the position of an orientable sample holder for a microtome is described. The drive system (2) for moving the sample holder is arranged in a housing. At least one rotatably mounted spindle (4), and a nut (5) running on the spindle (4), are provided for moving the sample holder in one spatial direction. The nut (5) comprises a position element (6) identifying the zero position, and an indicating element (11) is associated with the position element (6).

Abstract: The present invention is a T-Slot block assembly that provides a plurality of attachment points for attachment to a milling machine worktable and to other T-Slot blocks for accommodating a variety of differing clamping or work piece holding jobs. Furthermore said invention can utilize common available clamps, fasteners, step blocks, T-nuts and various common but numerous work holding tooling. No additional mounting plates, or any type of preparatory hardware is required to directly mount the T-Slot Block onto the milling table or other work table where a T-slot is provided.

Abstract: A stand for movably supporting a workpiece is disclosed. The stand includes a base, a support and a plurality of roller assemblies. The support is releasably connected to the base for permitting the height of the stand to be altered. The roller assemblies are mounted on diverging surfaces which are in turn mounted at oblique angles relative to the support for permitting non-interfering movement of the workpiece relative thereto. Each roller assembly includes a sphere captured within a collar mounted on a selected one of the diverging surfaces for permitting free-rolling movement of the sphere relative to the collar and the workpiece.

Abstract: An inclining and rotating table apparatus comprises a rotating table device having a rotating table, and a support base for rotatably supporting the rotating table having a shaft body provided perpendicular to a rotation axis of the rotating table, and a base for rotatably supporting the rotating table device using the shaft body. A table surface of the rotating table is inclined by making the rotating table device rotate. A first V-shaped groove is directly formed in the shaft body along its rotating direction. The base has a second V-shaped groove opposing the first V-shaped groove. A cross roller bearing is structured by providing rolling bodies, which are placed in contact with the first and second V-shaped grooves and are capable of rolling therebetween, between the shaft body and the base, and arranging a rolling axis of a rolling body perpendicular to that of an adjacent rolling body.

Abstract: A workpiece assembly jig is provided with a plurality of first brackets provided around the perimeter of an aluminum jig main body for mounting thereon and assembling a long aluminum workpiece. A plurality of second brackets are provided around the perimeter of a steel jig base and are connected together via connecting members having first and second male threaded portions extending in opposite directions from a middle flange. The first male threaded portion of the connecting member is screwed into a female threaded portion formed in the second bracket, and the second male threaded portion runs through a long hole formed longitudinally (perpendicular to the plane of the paper) in the first bracket which is secured between the flange and a nut.

Abstract: A polishing apparatus is used for polishing a workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer to a flat mirror finish. The polishing apparatus comprises a turntable having a polishing surface, a top ring for holding a workpiece and pressing the workpiece against the polishing surface to polish the workpiece, at least three cleaning apparatuses for cleaning polished workpieces, and a transfer structure for transferring the polished workpieces between at least three cleaning apparatuses. The polishing apparatus further includes a rotary transporter disposed in a position which can be accessed by said top rings and having a plurality of portions positioned on a predetermined circumference from a center of rotation of the rotary transporter for holding the workpieces.

Abstract: A method of holding a part (5, 16) in position in an assembly station (1), in which the part (5) is put into a determined position in the frame of reference of the assembly station (1) by way of a handling robot (7), at least one clamp (2, 3, 4) is closed onto a portion (5a, 5b) secured to the part, the clamp being mounted to slide freely in a guide (12) of the assembly station (1) extending parallel to its own clamping direction, and the clamp is blocked against sliding when it is clamped onto the part.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for ultra-precision positioning. A slide base provides a foundational support. A slide plate moves with respect to the slide base along a first geometric axis. Either a ball-screw or a piezoelectric actuator working separate or in conjunction displaces the slide plate with respect to the slide base along the first geometric axis. A linking device directs a primary force vector into a center-line of the ball-screw. The linking device consists of a first link which directs a first portion of the primary force vector to an apex point, located along the center-line of the ball-screw, and a second link for directing a second portion of the primary force vector to the apex point. A set of rails, oriented substantially parallel to the center-line of the ball-screw, direct movement of the slide plate with respect to the slide base along the first geometric axis and are positioned such that the apex point falls within a geometric plane formed by the rails.

Abstract: A jig assembly for use in installing drawer slides at specified locations of first and second sides of a cabinet, the cabinet also including at least a bottom extending in interconnecting fashion with the first and second sides. The jig assembly includes first and second substantially elongated supports, each exhibiting at least one lengthwise extending slot and a substantially flattened end surface. The first and second supports also include secondary slide support surfaces defined at each of opposite extending edges thereof. A scissor mechanism includes first and second pairs of elongated and pivotally interconnecting members. Associated ends of the elongated members interconnect within slots extending within the first and second supports in vertically displaceable and adjustable fashion and so that the end support surfaces are arrayed in oppositely facing and extensible fashion.

Abstract: A goniometer comprising a rotor and a support base having therebetween three or four balls or rollers constrained to follow arcuate paths to provide rotation of the rotor, relative to the support base, about an axis of rotation external to the rotor, the balls being constrained to be spaced apart in at least two dimensions to ensure a three point spaced contact with the rotor and the support base.

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: An apparatus is provided for cleaning parts in a production line. The part is placed on the apparatus at an ergonomically comfortable height and angle with respect to the worker, thus avoiding fatigue, while at the same time providing a faster turn-around time in the production line. The apparatus is especially suited for a semiconductor manufacturing line.

Abstract: A table positioning device has a moving table and three table moving mechanisms for moving the moving table, and three position sensors for detecting positions in different directions of the moving table. Based on the detected date of the position sensors, the table moving mechanisms are controlled to move the moving table to a desired position. The table moving mechanisms have eccentric cams 601-603, and three pairs of parallel plates. The cams are sandwiched between the respective pairs of the parallel plates, respectively. Since the eccentric cam type table moving mechanisms are utilized and the amounts of movement of the table caused by the table moving mechanism are fed back, a small and inexpensive table positioning device can be realized. It is not required to provide a pre-loading mechanism for maintaining the moving table and the cams in a contacted state, whereby simplifying the device structure and reducing the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A workpiece micro-positioning apparatus for correcting small pitch and yaw location errors in a workpiece supported on a fixture for a manufacturing operation such as precision machining or assembly comprises a biaxial micro-positioner that includes pitch and yaw motion mechanisms that support a workpiece for rotation about respective pitch and yaw axes. The yaw motion mechanism supports the pitch motion mechanism for rotation about a yaw axis generally normal to the pitch axis. A base supports the yaw motion mechanism. A fixture fixed to the micro-positioner releasably holds a workpiece. The micro-positioner allows the fixture to rotate about the pitch and yaw axes to correct any pitch and yaw deviations from a desired workpiece attitude relative to the base and to releasably lock the pitch and yaw motion mechanisms following such correction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle component support carriage for maneuvering heavy engines, transmissions, or vehicle rear end differentials while those components are being serviced. The apparatus includes a wheeled carriage that supports an enclosed drive apparatus used to incrementally rotate the heavy component for servicing, replacing parts or cleaning the component. The apparatus support apparatus is arranged so that a removable portion of it is aligned and secured to the first engagement member before the heavy component is assembled to the wheeled carriage on a journaled shaft that is operatively connected to the drive apparatus. The removable portion of the support apparatus is pre-disposed with a pattern of mounted apertures or hardware that will present a balanced assembly when loaded on the carriage support apparatus. A second variation enables servicing of two engines at once, both engines being balanced and supported similarly.

Abstract: A method of holding a part (5, 16) in position in an assembly station (1), in which the part (5) is put into a determined position in the frame of reference of the assembly station (1) by means of a handling robot (7), at least one clamp (2, 3, 4) is closed onto a portion (5a, 5b) secured to the part, the clamp being mounted to slide freely in a guide (12) of the assembly station (1) extending parallel to its own clamping direction, and the clamp is blocked against sliding when it is clamped onto the part.

Abstract: An automatic riveting apparatus includes a base (10), a feeding device (30), and a riveting device (50). The base has a U-shaped support frame (12). Two photoelectric relays (18) extend upwardly from the base. The feeding device includes two parallel sliding rails (32), a lower die plate (36) for supporting a workpiece (80), and a feed cylinder (34) driving the lower die plate to slide along the rails. The riveting device has an upper cylinder (52) and a riveting head (58). In operation, the feed cylinder is started up to drive the lower die plate together with the workpiece to a riveting position. The lower die plate touches a photoelectric point (48) to actuate the upper cylinder. A piston rod (60) of the upper cylinder drives the riveting head downwardly to rivet the workpiece. The piston rod moves back up, and the lower die plate returns to its original position.

Abstract: A levelling apparatus which comprises a lower part and an upper part which is mounted to the lower part and which may be adjusted with respect to the lower part. The lower part is provided with reference elements for its definite positioning, and the upper part is provided with mechanisms for mounting a workpieceholder for a workpiece which is to be worked on by a machine tool especially a wire erosion machine. For ensuring an improved positioning of the workpiece relative to the erosion wire at elevated pressures of the rinsing fluid, the lower side of the upper part has a first beam structure and the upper side of the lower part has a second beam structure which is complementary to the first beam structure such that the beams of the first beam structure extend between the beams of the second beam structure.

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: An apparatus and method is disclosed for ultra-precision positioning. A slide base provides a foundational support. A slide plate moves with respect to the slide base along a first geometric axis. Either a ball-screw or a piezoelectric actuator working separate or in conjunction displaces the slide plate with respect to the slide base along the first geometric axis. A linking device directs a primary force vector into a center-line of the ball-screw. The linking device consists of a first link which directs a first portion of the primary force vector to an apex point, located along the center-line of the ball-screw, and a second link for directing a second portion of the primary force vector to the apex point. A set of rails, oriented substantially parallel to the center-line of the ball-screw, direct movement of the slide plate with respect to the slide base along the first geometric axis and are positioned such that the apex point falls within a geometric plane formed by the rails.

Abstract: A workpiece support apparatus includes an elongate primary body having several height adjustable primary support columns which extend vertically from the primary body. One or more arms extend radially from and are pivotally secured to the primary body. The arms pivot about a substantially vertical axis for angular adjustment on a substantially horizontal plane. At least two height adjustable secondary support columns extend vertically from each arm. The workpiece support apparatus is particular adapted for use by welders when welding pipe to form complex branch structures.

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: Stackable dual adjustable vises allow more precise movement of a work piece with the vise in a stationary position. The vises comprise a base vise that is capable of mounting to a work station and has one or more separately adjustable jaws, and a work holding vise that has one or more separately adjustable jaws and is capable of being mounted to the base vise.

Abstract: Disclosed is a levelling apparatus which comprises a lower part and an upper part which is mounted to the lower part and which may be adjusted with respect to the lower part. The lower part is provided with reference elements for its definite positioning, and the upper part is provided with means for mounting a workpieceholder for a workpiece which is to be worked on by a machine tool especially a wire erosion machine. For ensuring an improved positioning of the workpiece relative to the erosion wire at elevated pressures of the rinsing fluid, the lower side of the upper part has a first beam structure and the upper side of the lower part has a second beam structure which is complementary to the first beam structure such that the beams of the first beam structure extend between the beams of the second beam structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a table feed mechanism of the machine tool. The table feed mechanism of this invention includes a bed; a table slidably mounted on the bed for mounting a work thereon and for defining a plurality of screw holes therein; a plurality of feed screw shafts engageable with the screw holes respectively; and a drive mechanism for simultaneously driving the feed screw shafts to move the table.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing and removing sink mounted garbage disposers in a manner which safeguards against injury of the installer. The apparatus of the invention is compact, lightweight and easy to position within the confines of a kitchen cabinet at a location directly beneath the sink mounting assembly to which the garbage disposer is interconnected. The apparatus has both fine and course elevation adjustment capabilities thereby making it easy to use in both the installation and removal of sink mounted garbage disposers of wide variety of sizes and shapes.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and lifting a workpiece includes a base, an upwardly extending column fixed to the base, a screw rotatably mounted on the base parallel to the column, a motor operatively coupled to the screw for rotating the screw, and a carriage threadedly engaging the screw and slidably engaging the column. A variety of chucks or support mechanism for engaging various types of workpieces may be removably coupled to the carriage. The apparatus advantageously allows supporting and lifting at least a portion of a marine outboard motor.

Abstract: A device for holding, positioning or clamping, particularly for the holding, positioning or clamping of pieces of auto body work, comprises a housing 1 containing a movable device 3 displaceable in translation under the action of an actuator 5, and an arm 4 for gripping or holding. The movable device 3 and the rod 8 of the actuator 5 are connected by an adjustable length device. A connection member 12 is screw threaded at one end, to coact with a tapping 9 of the rod 8 of the actuator.