Abstract: A clamping mechanism embodying the invention may be disposed between a swivel ball and a housing overlying the ball for selectively locking or unlocking the swivel ball relative to the housing. The clamping mechanism includes first and second gears mounted on a compression screw with rotational forces being selectively applied to the first and second gears via respective first and second gear-pawl assemblies. The rotational forces cause vertical (up/down) motion along the screw which increases or decreases the pressure exerted between the housing and the swivel ball which effectively may be used to lock (clamp) or unlock (unclamp) the swivel ball relative to the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle leveling device with an upper arcuate support presenting a substantially planar surface and a lower support with an arcuate groove configured for rotational receipt of the upper arcuate support opposite the substantially planar surface, a rotational axis aligned with the arcuate groove and extending between a front and a rear associated with the upper arcuate support and parallel to the substantially planar surface; the upper arcuate support configured for rotation about the rotational axis.

Abstract: A magnetic clamping device is provided that includes a housing in which a number of magnets are disposed. A magnetizable core extends through the housing between the magnets and is movable with respect to the housing and the magnets. The core can be moved using a suitable mechanism disposed on the housing between an extended position where the core is positioned in contact with the support surface and a retracted position where the core is spaced from the support surface. The position of the core relative to the housing and the support surface adjusts the magnetic holding force transmitted from the magnets through the core to attract and hold the core on the support surface.

Abstract: A vise for securing a work piece is disclosed which includes a base. A first jaw piece and a second jaw piece can be disposed on the base, at least one of the first and second jaw pieces movable on the base such that the first and second jaw pieces are moveable toward and away from one another. A magnetic assembly can be positioned on the base and configured to produce a magnetic field that extends beyond the base to secure the vise to a magnetically permeable or ferromagnetic work surface. The magnetic assembly can be operable to alternate between an active mode and an inactive mode. The magnetic assembly can produce a magnetic field when the magnetic assembly is in the active mode to secure the vise to a magnetically permeable or ferromagnetic work surface.

Abstract: A magnetic vise base apparatus for quickly installing a vise on any ferrous surface includes a base having a top platform and a pair of side walls perpendicularly coupled to the top platform. The top platform is configured to receive a vise. A magnet housing is coupled to the base between the pair of side walls. A magnet is coupled to the magnet housing and comprises a pair of ferrous blocks, a non-ferrous median, and a magnetic core. The magnet has a core aperture extending from a front side to a rear side of the magnet housing, fully through the non-ferrous median and partially into each of the pair of ferrous blocks to receive the magnetic core. The magnetic core is rotatable to magnetize and demagnetize the pair of ferrous blocks. A handle is coupled to a magnet rod coupled to rotate the magnetic core.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a rotatable life size cut out of a lacrosse goalie target made of plastic, foam rubber, or other material, and preferably a foam rubber, adapted to absorb the shock of repeated impacts of lacrosse balls, holding a lacrosse stick. The target is placed in front of (and optionally attached to by a coupler) a goal net to assist lacrosse players in their practice sessions. The practice goalie can be disposed in a first orientation holding a lacrosse stick such that the net of the lacrosse stick is to the right of the practice goalie's head or in a second orientation wherein the lacrosse stick is to the left of the practice goalies head, and can preferably be rotated to any angle therebetween the first and second configurations. Players can use either positioned practice goalie to practice their shooting using both of their hands.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism includes a first adjustment assembly and a second adjustment assembly. The first adjustment assembly includes a first regulating member and a second regulating member. The first regulating member includes a bearing plate and a first supporting portion protruding from the bearing plate. The first supporting portion includes an arcuate first supporting surface. The second regulating member includes a base body and a second supporting portion protruding from the base body away from the first supporting portion. The second supporting portion includes an arcuate second supporting surface. The second adjustment assembly includes a mounting member latched with the base body. First supporting surface resists the base body, to enable the bearing plate to rock along a curvature relative to the base body. Second supporting surface resists the mounting member, to enable the bearing plate and the base body to rock relative to the mounting member.

Abstract: A prosthetic device which couples to the remaining portion of a limb of an amputee which provides a ball handling structure including a ball handling surface which defines an opening through which a ball passes into and out of a ball receiving cavity allowing the ball to be handled by the amputee.

Abstract: A sample holder (100) of a microtome is described, including a basic body (110) and an alignment component (120). A first actuatable retainer (140) can be configured to permit a relative motion between the alignment component (120) and the basic body (110) in an actuated state, and configured to inhibit the relative motion between the alignment component (120) and the basic body (110) in a deactuated state. A clamping subassembly (130) can be arranged on the alignment component (120), and comprise two clamping components (131, 132). A second actuatable retainer (180) can be configured to open the clamping subassembly (130) in an actuated state, and configured to close the clamping subassembly (130) in a deactuated state. An actuation mechanism can be configured to respectively actuate and deactuate the first actuatable retainer (140) and the second actuatable retainer (180).

Abstract: A positioning apparatus includes a base plate and a deflection mechanism mounted upon the base plate. The deflection mechanism includes a stationary platform, a rocker assembly and a deflection platform. The stationary platform is mounted over the base plate for placing and positioning a workpiece. The deflection platform is tiltably mounted over the stationary platform via the rocker assembly and the height of the stationary platform itself is adjustable. The rocker assembly comprises a first rocker and a second rocker of different lengths.

Abstract: An archery bow holding device that is preferably mounted to a ball joint assembly for attachment to a table top, bench or like surface, and provides a movable mount for the archery bow holding device that holds an archery bow for performing work thereon. The preferred ball joint assembly includes a cylindrical housing that is slotted on opposite sides thereof from a center opening in the housing top and contains a ball that mounts a stem that the archery bow holding device is secured to, with the stem fitted through a slot through the housing top, to tilt between the slots and pivot when the ball in unlocked and, with the ball locked, provides a rigid mount to the archery bow holding device that includes a main beam that is bent to provide a rest for an archery bow limb positioned and clamped there against for an operator to work on.

Abstract: A substrate transfer processing apparatus capable of processing a substrate at high speed is provided. A mounting table on which a substrate is mounted includes a plate-shaped main body and a recessed part formed in a rear surface of the plate-shaped main body. Since the mounting table is lightweight as compared to the mounting table before the recessed part is formed therein, the load on a motor is small and the running cost is low even when the mounting table is moved at high speed. Because the plate-shaped main body is made of granite, the mounting surface can be made flat and smooth by polishing. Since the mounting surface is flat and smooth, the accuracy in positioning the substrate is high.

Abstract: A sample holder (100) of a microtome is described, including a basic body (110) and an alignment component (120). A first actuatable retaining means (140) can be configured to permit a relative motion between the alignment component (120) and the basic body (110) in an actuated state, and configured to inhibit the relative motion between the alignment component (120) and the basic body (110) in a deactuated state. A clamping subassembly (130) can be arranged on the alignment component (120), and comprise two clamping components (131, 132). A second actuatable retaining means (180) can be configured to open the clamping subassembly (130) in an actuated state, and configured to close the clamping subassembly (130) in a deactuated state. An actuation mechanism can be configured to respectively actuate and deactuate the first actuatable retaining means (140) and the second actuatable retaining means (180).

Abstract: A log rolling, support and clamp assembly includes a longitudinal frame having a plurality of rollers coupled to and positioned along the length of the frame from a first end to a second end and permitting rolling of a log on the assembly. A log rest and an opposing log dog are coupled to the frame, the log dog being slideably moveable towards the log rest. The assembly is attachable to a portable sawmill and assists in handling the logs after being loaded on the bed of the sawmill. Also disclosed is a sawmill and a kit having such an assembly.

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: An archery bow holding device that is preferably mounted to a ball joint assembly for attachment to a table top, bench or like surface, and provides a movable mount for the archery bow holding device that holds an archery bow for performing work thereon. The preferred ball joint assembly includes a cylindrical housing that is slotted on opposite sides thereof from a center opening in the housing top and contains a ball that mounts a stem that the archery bow holding device is secured to, with the stem fitted through a slot through the housing top, to tilt between the slots and pivot when the ball in unlocked and, with the ball locked, provides a rigid mount to the archery bow holding device that includes a main beam that is bent to provide a rest for an archery bow limb positioned and clamped there against for an operator to work on.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a movable pole extension (4) for a magnetic clamping apparatus (1) for holding a ferromagnetic workpiece (P), comprising a fixed pole member (5) extending in a predetermined longitudinal direction (X-X) and at least two pole members (6, 7) attached to said fixed pole member (5), said at least two pole members (6, 7) being movable relative to said fixed pole member (5). The movable pole extension is characterized in that it has holder means (8) operably coupled to said fixed pole member (5), wherein said holder means (8) are movable in said predetermined longitudinal direction (X-X) between a first operating position (P1) and a second operating position (P2) and operate on said at least two movable pole members (6, 7) to hold them in coupled contact with said fixed pole member (5).

Abstract: A positioning system having a base, a manually movable end effector and a first joint interposed between the base and the end effector is disclosed. The first joint may comprise a proximal portion and a distal portion coupled together by magnetic attraction and configured to be intermittently separated by a pressurized gas cushion. The first joint may be configured to be changeable between a movable state and a fixed state. In the movable state, the proximal and distal portions are separated by the pressurized gas cushion and are movable relative to each other. In the fixed state, the proximal and distal portions contact each other and relative movement is thereby impeded. Methods of precisely positioning an end effector may include providing a device having a base, a first joint located distally from the base, and an end effector located distally from the first joint.

Abstract: A work inspector and carrier includes a carrier unit (40, 50, 60) for carrying a workpiece from a carry-in area to a carry-out area, and an inspection unit (70) for performing a predetermined inspection on the workpiece. The carrier unit is formed so as to move the inspection unit (70) together with the workpiece in order to carry the workpiece from the carry-in area to the carry-out area while performing the inspection by the inspection unit. When carrying the workpiece from the carry-in area to the carry-out area, the inspection unit performs the predetermined inspection on the workpiece while being moved together with the workpiece. Thus, the overall time required for inspection and transportation can be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a workpiece holding device (101, 201) comprising a substantially spherical ball (107, 207) with means for releasably retaining a workpiece (901), a socket (102, 202) with a first ball-receiving surface (105, 205) and means for mounting said socket (102, 202) on a worktable (905), and means for releasably clamping said ball (107, 207) against said first ball-receiving surface (105, 205). The first ball-receiving surface (105, 205) is shaped on a ball-receiving element (104, 204) mounted moveable, within said socket (102, 202), along at least one axis in a plane substantially perpendicular to its clamping force. The invention also relates to a workpiece holding system comprising three workpiece holding devices (101, 201, 301), as well as to a method for using this workpiece holding system.

Abstract: A rotary table device includes a cooling structure and a rotary bearing provided with a cooling structure. A rotary table device provided with a cooling structure includes a hollow motor as a drive source, a table rotated by the hollow motor, and a rotary bearing supporting rotational motion of the table, in which the rotary bearing includes an outer ring having an inner peripheral surface to which a rolling surface is formed, an inner ring having an outer peripheral surface to which a rolling surface facing the rolling surface of the outer ring is formed, and a number of rolling members in a rolling passage formed by the rolling surface of the outer ring and the rolling surface of the inner ring, and a heat sink is formed to either one of the inner and outer rings.

Abstract: A pivoting ball mount provides four essentially equal and (generally) evenly spaced constraints on the ball, creating a ball and socket joint in which the “socket” is composed of four small constraining pads of equal size and equally spaced around the surface of the ball or sphere. If a sphere is constrained by four equidistant points, each point will exert the same amount of force on the sphere. If additional pressure is applied to one point, the pressure exerted by the other points will rise to match this increased pressure. The effect of constraining a smooth ball by four equidistant points is to create the equivalent of a ball and socket joint in which the force required to rotate the ball at a particular rate is about the same in any direction. The ball is constrained by four equidistant points such that the relative movement between the ball and housing is smooth and predictable in any direction.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly that is a movable mount for a work holding device for holding an item, such as a rifle or pistol, where the ball joint assembly is for seating on, or mounting onto, a table top, bench, or like surface. The ball joint assembly includes a cylindrical housing slotted on opposite sides thereof from a center opening in the housing top and contains a ball that rests on a plunger top end of a jacking screw that is turned in a round nut by a lever arm, and the ball joint assembly is fitted into the housing. Turning of the lever arm that is fitted through a housing lateral slot extends the plunger top into the ball, lifting the ball to lock it against a housing top concave surface, and which ball includes a stem extending through the housing top to tilt between the slots and pivot when the ball in unlocked, and the ball stem end includes a tool mounting for connection to the work holding devices.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated area vacuum gripper for gripping and, if necessary, separating workpieces is provided by the present disclosure. In particular, the vacuum gripper is used with thin, flexible workpieces, and has a suction chamber, which has a suction wall with perforations, to be placed on the workpiece. An ejector nozzle has a connection and an outlet, the ejection nozzle being connected to the suction chamber via its connection, and the outlet of the ejector nozzle opening to the outside or into an exhaust air duct, and the suction inlet of the ejector nozzle empties into the suction chamber, whereby the direction of the air stream in the connection coming from the suction chamber corresponds to the direction of the main air conveyance in the ejector nozzle.

Abstract: A clamping device with a linking member, the linking member is pivotally connected with a first and a second slide member, the slide members can be extended outwards and contracted inwards; wherein when deviation angles of two guide slits of the linking member are sharp angles, the first and the second slide members are at their initiate positions, and when deviation angles of two guide slits are obtuse angles, the first and the second slide members are at their extending positions.

Abstract: A receiving jig device and a working machine using the device. The receiving jig device includes a base table, a bearing member, a rotating axis supported by the bearing member, a rotating device for rotating the rotating axis, a first receiving jig having a supporting arm fixed to the rotating axis, a second receiving jig having a supporting arm connected rotatably to the rotating axis, and an engaging device for causing the supporting arm of the first receiving jig and the supporting arm of the second receiving jig to be brought into a connected or a disconnected state.

Abstract: A holding unit for a panel transmitting device provided with a robot of an articulated joint type to hold a panel of various types and transmit between processes includes a supporting means and a plurality of moving means. An end of the supporting means is movably supported and fixed to the robot and the other end of which extends along a width direction of the panel. Each of the moving means is provided with a moving bar an end of which is provided at a side of the supporting means and is able to rotate and slide in a thickness direction and a width direction of the panel so that the other end thereof may hold the panel. With the unit, precise position adjustment can be achieved in a cost-effective manner.

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: In a control method for a power assist apparatus, a pressing force acting on a workpiece held by a workpiece holding apparatus is detected, a determination is made as to whether or not the detected pressing force exceeds a preset threshold, a determination is made as to whether or not a dead man switch provided on the workpiece holding apparatus is ON, and a determination as to whether or not to release a rotation restriction applied to a joint portion for connecting the workpiece holding apparatus rotatably to an arm is made in accordance with a result of the determination as to whether or not the detected pressing force exceeds the preset threshold and a result of the determination as to whether or not the dead mean switch is ON.

Abstract: An exemplary device (27) for adjusting angle of a base plate (2710) includes: two side walls (21) being parallel to and spaced apart from each other, each of the side walls including a pivot hole (217); a base plate disposed between the two side walls and pivotally attached to the side walls via the pivot axles; and a plurality of magnetism members (211, 212 and 2715) disposed on the base plate (2710) and the side wall. The magnetism members configures for holding the base plate stably in a starting position and further configures to allow the base plate to be displaced from the starting position by manual pressure applied to the base plate, such that a tilt angle of the base plate relative to the two side walls is adjustable up or down as desired. An exemplary apparatus (2) for testing display modules using the angle adjusting device is also provided.

Abstract: Workpieces of large dimensions, typically body pressings or fuselage panels, are supported and secured for machining by a device capable of movement in a vertical direction and adaptable thus to the particular geometry of the workpiece. The vertical movement is produced by a rod of which the top end carries a head incorporating a pivotable fixture mechanism, equipped with a suction cup connected to a source of negative pressure by way of a suction duct and activated to clamp the work once the head is in position.

Abstract: A device for positioning a workpiece includes a socket body rotatably held on a metallic ball by an array of permanent magnets arranged into a partial socket. An air delivery system controls a flow of air passing between the magnets and the ball to alter the friction between the socket body and the ball. A positive flow of air into the socket reduces the friction, allowing the workpiece to be more easily rotated during repositioning, whereas drawing air away from the socket produces a partial vacuum which increases the friction, causing the socket body to be locked in a single position on the ball.

Abstract: A pivot joint has a first structure comprising a ball mounted in a receptacle, wherein the location of the ball is held with respect to the receptacle, and a second structure mounted on and movable with respect to the ball, wherein the second structure has at least one bearing surface which defines its position with respect to the ball. The ball may be held in location by contact with the receptacle at least two positions. At least one of the positions of contact may be adjustable.

Abstract: A bench-top workpiece holder comprising: a bench clamp for attaching the workpiece holder to a bench top; and an articulated arm assembly supported on a post extending vertically upwardly from the clamp, the arm assembly mounting a workpiece clamp assembly for selectively pivotable movement about three substantially parallel vertical axes and for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis.

Abstract: A device for positioning a workpiece includes a socket body rotatably held on a metallic ball by an array of permanent magnets arranged into a partial socket. An air delivery system controls a flow of air passing between the magnets and the ball to alter the friction between the socket body and the ball. A positive flow of air into the socket reduces the friction, allowing the workpiece to be more easily rotated during repositioning, whereas drawing air away from the socket produces a partial vacuum which increases the friction, causing the socket body to be locked in a single position on the ball.

Abstract: A rotating positioning vise for use in hand working operations. The positioning mechanism utilizes a permanent magnet that is lifted off the surface of a turntable by the means of a lever. The user pushes on the lever, moves the vise in the position desired and then releases of the lever. Releasing the lever allows the magnet to be pulled back down against the turntable's surface and locks the vise in position.

Abstract: A locking positioning mechanism utilizing cam locks. The invention provides lever operated cam locking mechanisms for locking a rotating, tilting and positioning vise.

Abstract: A pivot joint has a first structure comprising a ball mounted in a receptacle, wherein the location of the ball is held with respect to the receptacle, and a second structure mounted on and movable with respect to the ball, wherein the second structure has at least one bearing surface which defines its position with respect to the ball. The ball may be held in location by contact with the receptacle at at least two positions. At least one of the positions of contact may be adjustable.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding and positioning a work piece in a desired position includes a hand-operated clamp for securing the apparatus to a fixed support, such as a table or workbench, a flexible, multi-segmented arm having one end secured to the hand-operated clamp and the opposite end pivotally secured to a vise. The vise includes a pair of jaws, a pair of essentially parallel tracks, and a screw mounted substantially parallel to said tracks. A small platform having resilient flanges snaps over and secures itself to the tracks. A number of configurations of the platform are possible depending upon the support structure of the electrical connectors or other assemblies which are being soldered or assembled. Work pieces of various shapes and sizes may be secured either to the platform or by the jaws of the vise.

Abstract: The present invention is a workpiece positioner comprising a spherical ball having an aperture, a upper spherical dome housing having a groove through the housing beginning at the apex of the dome and extending down the side of the housing to approximately 90 degrees from the apex. The ball is positioned within the housing. A spherical seat is positioned against the ball. At least one tension disc spring is positioned against the seat. A radial braking means is positioned against the spring. A flange ring is affixed to the base of the housing securing the ball, seat, at least one spring and braking means in place within the housing. A base is secured to the braking means. An actuator lever is connected to the seat through the base. A cam and handle assembly is connected to the lever and a rod is affixed within the aperture of the ball.

Abstract: A clamp for gripping a part or workpiece is provided in which the arms of the clamp securely engage the part before being locked in place relative to the body of the clamp. The clamp includes a body and first and second arms extending from the body. The clamp further includes a nut disposed in one of the two arms and a fastener extending through portions of both arms. Rotation of the fastener causes movement of the nut along a first axis which causes a corresponding movement in a pushrod disposed in the same arm as the nut along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The pushrod engages a plate disposed within the body of the clamp to lock the arms of the clamp relative to the clamp body.

Abstract: A multi-position swivel vise includes a base structure and a generally spherical vise ball which is movably and rotatably supported on the base structure. A crown is mounted on the base structure above the vise ball, and a jack device such as an hydraulic jack is mounted on the base structure below the vise ball, the jack device operative to elevate the vise ball into a contact position in contact with the crown such that the vise ball is releasably immobilized via frictional contact with the crown.

Abstract: A workpiece coordinate positioning system and method for use with a workpiece holding apparatus comprising a workpiece tracking system and a workpiece positioning system between which a workpiece is secured. Movement of the workpiece during clamping or machining operations is observed through the workpiece tracking system. The workpiece positioning system is configured with a drive mechanism utilized to compensate for the observed movements, maintaining the workpiece in a predetermined positions and orientation.

Abstract: A cylindrical body has a first part-spherical socket portion in the top, fittingly receiving a ball. A ball retainer has a second part-spherical socket portion facing the first part-spherical socket portion and receiving the ball therein. A post has a proximal end fixed to the ball and extends radially outward from the ball and away from the body to a distal end, and has screw threads at the distal end to receive a fastener thereon for attachment of an object to the distal end of the post. The ball-in-socket mounting of the post enables freely swiveling the ball and thereby the swiveling the distal end of the post to an infinite number of loci in a spherical envelope centered at the center of the ball, as well as enabling the post, and any object mounted to the post, to be rotated on a radial line from the center of the ball to the location of mounting of the object to the post. The body has a hydraulic cylinder in the bottom receiving a piston.

Abstract: A multi-position swivel vise includes a base structure and a generally spherical vise ball which is movably and rotatably supported on the base structure. A crown is mounted on the base structure above the vise ball, and a jack device such as an hydraulic jack is mounted on the base structure below the vise ball, the jack device operative to elevate the vise ball into a contact position in contact with the crown such that the vise ball is releasably immobilized via frictional contact with the crown.

Abstract: A gripper or workpiece holder mounting bracket includes a center element and a pair of opposite end elements which are connectable to the center element via one or more fasteners. The mounting bracket defines a generally circular opening between the center element and one of the end elements and defines a second opening between the center element and other end element which has an arcuate or curved cross section, whereby a truncated spherical swivel member is pivotably secured therein when the bracket elements are secured together. The gripper or workpiece holder is pivotally secured within the generally circular opening, while the swivel member receives a generally cylindrical support structure therethrough. Adjustment of a clamping force at either or both of the openings of the mounting bracket may be accomplished via loosening of a single fastener.

Abstract: A swivel-base work platform is disclosed that comprises a hemisphere unit rotatably disposed within a base unit, wherein a work piece is secured to a work surface of the hemisphere unit and is manipulated to a variety of positions. The swivel-base work platform further comprises a hard-stop disk disposed at a lower end of the hemisphere unit, which engages the base unit in order to limit rotation of the hemisphere unit and the work piece. Further, the size of the hard-stop disk may be varied to adjust the range of motion of the hemisphere unit. Preferably, the work piece is secured to the work surface of the hemisphere unit using a vacuum source.

Abstract: A swivel-base work platform is disclosed that comprises a hemisphere unit rotatably disposed within a base unit, wherein a work piece is secured to a work surface of the hemisphere unit and is manipulated to a variety of positions. The swivel-base work platform further comprises a hard-stop disk disposed at a lower end of the hemisphere unit, which engages the base unit in order to limit rotation of the hemisphere unit and the work piece. Further, the size of the hard-stop disk may be varied to adjust the range of motion of the hemisphere unit. Preferably, the work piece is secured to the work surface of the hemisphere unit using a vacuum source.

Abstract: A work holder support arm for supporting a work article at a desired orientation with respect to a support structure is provided with a first clamp (12) having clamped and unclamped states for coupling with the support structure. The first clamp (12) has an opening therethrough for accommodating the support structure, and there may be provided a through-hole arranged transverse to the opening. A shaft portion (27) is coupled to the first clamp (12), the shaft portion (27) having a longitudinal bore therethrough arranged to be axial in registration with the through-hole of the first clamp. Additionally, a second clamp (11) couples with the work article and has clamped and unclamped states. A tube portion (14) is coupled to the second clamp (11) for accommodating telescopically therewithin the first shaft portion (27). An expansion portion (30) is arranged coaxially with the shaft portion (27) within the tube portion (14) and is provided with a threaded section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding a part on a fixture in a precisely known predetermined position includes pressing a surface of the part against a vacuum head and sealing an annular elastomeric sealing ring against the part surface. A valve button of a valve is engaged by the part surface to open the valve and establish communication between a vacuum source. The part is pulled by the vacuum against a hard stop in the vacuum head having a fixed precisely known relationship to said vacuum head reference surface. The hard-stop can be mounted in the base of the vacuum head for pivoting about at least one axis to self-align the hard-stop face with the part face.