Abstract: A positioning fixture which allows two or more parts to be positioned in proper spatial relationship to one another and then allows the parts which are clamped together to be repositioned while maintaining the spatial relationship between the parts. The positioning fixture has a flat working surface which is compatible with a variety of standard and custom clamping mechanisms for holding and positioning the parts to be welded. The working surface with the parts clamped to it is tiltable to a wide range of working positions. The tilting feature is provided by mounting the working surface on a locking ball joint which is operated by a foot pedal through a mechanical or pneumatic mechanism. The locking ball joint also provides electrical isolation between the work surface and the base of the positioning fixture which is important when using electrical welding methods.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping tire tubes for repair thereof. The apparatus includes a base with a frame extending upwardly therefrom. A mandrel is attached to the upper end of the frame. A vertically movable actuating rod is positioned adjacent the frame and biased downwardly by a spring, the force of which may be adjusted. The lower end of the actuating rod is connected to a foot pedal for overcoming the force of the spring and raising the rod. The upper end of the rod has a yoke assembly connected thereto. The yoke assembly has a substantially U-shaped yoke forming a pair of upwardly extending arms, each arm having a substantially horizontal clamping bar connected thereto. The yoke is preferably at least partially flexible so that the arms will deflect outwardly as a result of the downward force exerted by the spring when the clamping bars engage a tire tube positioned on the mandrel.

Abstract: A tool device in which a torsion tool such as a drill bit is provided with oppositely disposed flanges of such size and shape that the jaws of the chuck press against the sides of the flanges while all three jaws tend to engage and clamp the shank of the tool, so that the chuck may be manually tightened and loosened. Where the jaws of the chuck are not cut away but form a solid cylinder when engaged with each other, the flanges can be of such size and shape to be engaged by two of the jaws while allowing all three jaws to engage the shank of the tool without substantial flexing of the flanges. Where the jaws are cut away so that their clamping portions do not meet when the jaws are brought together, the flanges may be more flexible to ensure that all three jaws engage the shank of the tool.