Abstract: A joint for an articulated mechanism includes a housing and a rotatable member within the housing. There is a friction member mounted on the housing between the housing and the rotatable member. There is a spring normally biasing the friction member against the rotatable member to inhibit the rotation of the rotatable member. There is an actuator within the housing operatively coupled to the housing. The actuator member moves the friction member away from the rotatable member when actuated to facilitate rotation of the rotatable member. A plurality of joints are used to connect together a series of shafts, some of which may be equipped with clamps or other tools for securing workpieces.

Abstract: A vacuum holding apparatus with at least one base and a suction unit supported by the base, on which the workpiece to be held can be placed and is vacuum-held by the suction unit, wherein the suction unit has a first gripping surface on the side facing the workpiece, and a second gripping surface on the side facing the base wherein the suction unit is provided with at least one mechanical holding mechanism for attachment to the base.

Abstract: A joint for an articulated mechanism includes a housing and a rotatable member within the housing. There is a friction member mounted on the housing between the housing and the rotatable member. There is a spring normally biasing the friction member against the rotatable member to inhibit the rotation of the rotatable member. There is an actuator within the housing operatively coupled to the housing. The actuator member moves the friction member away from the rotatable member when actuated to facilitate rotation of the rotatable member. A plurality of joints are used to connect together a series of shafts, some of which may be equipped with clamps or other tools for securing workpieces.

Abstract: A clamping device (1) is disclosed for one or several workpieces (2), especially bodywork parts. The clamping device (1) includes one or several clamps (4) which can be positioned on a clamping table. Several parts can be displaced along at least one axis. The clamps (4) comprise a positioning device (13) and a fixing device (10). The positioning device (13) has a height adjustment system (21) and/or angle adjustment system (22) and/or lateral adjustment system (4b). To allow for stepless adjustment over a wide range the positioning device (13) has a coarse adjustment system (43) and a fine adjustment system (44). The fixing device (10) can be configured as a clamping device (35) and simultaneously include the lateral adjustment system (4b).

Abstract: A welding fixture (30) can hold a part (12) that is to be welded by a weld head (22) that has a flat head surface (32) that must press against a flat part surface (56), where the fixture automatically tilts to assure that the surfaces lie coplanar so the fixture can be fixed in that position. The fixture has upper and lower assemblies (60, 62) that respectively include upper and lower washers (84, 92) with mating spherical surfaces (96, 98) that allow the upper assembly to pivot about horizontal axes with respect to the lower assembly. The washers have central holes (102, 104), and a bolt (112) extending through the central holes can be tightened to clamp the upper and lower assemblies together after the upper assembly has been tilted to the desired orientation. The spherical surfaces are preferably centered on a sphere center (100) that lies above the fixture, with the spherical surfaces subtending an angle (C) of no more than about 60.degree. with respect to the sphere center.

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 having clamped and unclamped states for coupling with the support structure. The first clamp 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 is coupled to the first clamp, the shaft portion having a longitudinal bore therethrough arranged to be axially in registration with the through-hole of the first clamp. Additionally, a second clamp couples with the work article and has clamped and unclamped states. A tube portion is coupled to the second clamp for accommodating telescopically therewithin the first shaft portion. An expansion portion is arranged coaxially with the shaft portion within the tube portion, and is provided with a threaded section.

Abstract: An alignment device for establishing alignment between the surfaces of abutting components. A rotary table supports a base plate for rotation in a plane. An air bearing connected to the base plate in turn supports a support plate. The air bearing includes an upper spherical protrusion supported in a spherical cavity coupled to an air passageway in the base plate. Compressed air enters the air passageway and establishes an air interface between the upper and lower bearing components. The support plate is stabilized with respect to the base plate by a series of spring adjustments. The component support of the base plate is free to change planarity in response to an abutting surface of another component.

Abstract: A ball and socket workpiece holder is provided that may be locked to hold a workpiece in a predetermined position on a workholder arm. The workholder may be unlocked to permit the workholder arm and workpiece to rotate through a limited predetermined angle.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for a workpiece holder which includes a pair of plates which can be coupled together so as to define two openings at their coupled surfaces. The plates are coupled together by threaded members which are located on either side of each of the two openings. One of the openings is cylindrical and designed to receive a workpiece holder. The other opening has a partial spherical bore and is provided with a spherical collar that can receive a support structure. The threaded members can be selectively loosened to allow either or both of the openings to expand.

Abstract: A device for attaching an experiment carrier to a space station handrail is provided. The device has two major components, a clamping mechanism for attachment to a space station handrail, and a pointing carrier on which an experiment package can be mounted and oriented. The handrail clamp uses an overcenter mechanism and the carrier mechanism uses an adjustable preload ball and socket for carrier positioning. The handrail clamp uses a stack of disk springs to provide a spring loaded button. This configuration provides consistent clamping force over a range of possible handrail thicknesses. Three load points are incorporated in the clamping mechanism thereby spreading the clamping load onto three separate points on the handrail. A four bar linkage is used to provide for a single actuation lever for all three load points. For additional safety, a secondary lock consisting of a capture plate and push lock keeps the clamp attached to the handrail in the event of main clamp failure.

Abstract: A mechanical vise for holding fish hooks of various sizes while tying various imitation insect patterns thereon for use in the sport of fly fishing wherein the fish hooks are held in the teeth of the chuck which in turn can be removed or spun on a shaft connected to the base of the vise by a ball joint whereby a multiplicity of positions is achievable to allow complete access to the fly being provided and wherein material is held by a spring to allow the user complete freedom in applying said material to the hook and wherein additional hooks are stored on a magnetic pad mounted to the base.

Abstract: Tying vise for an artificial fly. The tying vise has a clamp for attachment to a support and, connected to the clamp, a gripping jaw unit for gripping a fishhook, wherein the gripping jaw unit is connected to the clamp across an articulated arm equipped with joints on both ends, and wherein the joints are placed, respectively, on a leg of the clamp and on the gripping jaw unit in such a way that the clamp, articulated arm, and gripping jaw unit can be collapsed into a compact transport position.

Abstract: A workpiece support is provided that is locked in its normal state. A balanced system of spring force is provided to lock the positioner in a chosen position. It will remain in the selected position until fluid pressure is provided to release it. The unit is designed to provide a large surface area for the fluid pressure.

Abstract: A workpiece holder, particularly adapted for holding eyeglasses lenses (L), comprises a support (12) on which there are arranged two clamps (14, 17, 117) for clamping each a portion of a lense. Each clamp defines an axis (A) which is substantially perpendicular to the portion of lense clamped thereby. Each clamp is positionable and lockable with said axis (A) oriented in any direction at the interior of an ideal cone (A1 - A2) having a vertex through which the said axis (A) is passing. Positioning means (3, 4, 40) are provided for displacing the said support (12) along a horizontal plane with respect to a fixed tool (28).

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

Abstract: A universal system for supporting and holding a workpiece having a contoured work holding surface is provided with a spaced array of work holding fixtures mounted on a base. Each fixture includes a work engaging head having a vacuum cup and three work engaging projections spaced outwardly from the vacuum cup and disposed in a work contact plane. The work engaging head is supported by a ball joint on a rod mounted for axial movement relative to a base and the ball joint supports the work engaging head for tilting movement about axes orthogonal to each other and to the axis of the rod. The ball joint includes a ball and casing and a ball clamp in the casing with ball clamp operating means for selectively moving the ball clamp means into a ball clamped condition to a ball released condition. A rod clamp means is provided for selectively locking the rod in a rod clamp adjusted position.

Abstract: Work holder comprising a first adjustable jaw having spaced holding surfaces thereon and a second jaw comprising a pair of arms pivoted in the housing and having holding surfaces on their distal ends, the arms adapted to be drawn together by a threaded adjustment rod having right-hand and left-hand portions. The housing is swivelly positioned on a suitable weighted base.

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 holding a workpiece to a known position without regard to the angularity of the surface of the workpiece at the point of contact with the apparatus includes a disk shaped, substantially flat contact pad for engaging the workpiece. The surface of the contact pad opposite the workpiece is substantially spherical and fits in a conical seat so that the center point of the upper surface of the contact pad is always at an known position when the contact pad is seated, without regard to the angularity of the contact pad. A proximity detector determines when the contact pad is seated providing an indication to an operator that the workpiece is properly engaged by the apparatus. The contact pad is contained within the interior of a suction cup that engages the workpiece whereupon externally supplied vacuum pulls the suction cup and the workpiece together.

Abstract: An adjustable optical element mount having a pair of ball elements, respectively attached to a base and optical element, within a pair of sockets positioned at opposite ends of a spindle which supports a screw actuated cam element positioned within the spindle and between a pair of plungers which simultaneously engage and clamp the both ball elements against the sockets in response to rotation of the screw to hold the ball elements in a desired position.

Abstract: A large surface area work piece, such as a piece of sheet metal to be three-dimensionally deformed is held by a suction cup member which in turn is pivotally supported by a bearing disk and by a support that holds the bearing disk as a pivot socket. Two cooperating slide bearing surfaces are formed between the support and the bearing disk and two further cooperating slide bearing surfaces are formed between the bearing disk and the suction cup member. As a result, the angular adjustment movement of the suction cup member is substantially increased with the aid of the bearing disk. In operation, the applied suction or reduced pressure holds the components and the work piece in place. Venting or a slight excess pressure is applied to release the work piece. A flexible loop holds the three components together when suction is not applied.

Abstract: A method of holding utilizing a fixture with five discrete vacuum elements provides support at four peripheral points on a substrate and at the substrate center. Two peripheral vacuum elements are fixed in position on a rigid frame. The remaining peripheral elements and the center element are fixed to a gimbal disc. This gimbal disc is mounted on the frame in such a way that it has three degrees of rotational movement relative to the frame. Downward pressure of a substrate resting on the two fixed elements, brings all three gimbal disc mounted supports into contact with the substrate, without allowing or causing deflection of the substrate. The mounting is locked, and vacuum is applied to all the elements to secure the substrate in place for the planarizing operation.

Abstract: A ball and socket type universal workpiece support is provided that is locked in its normal state. A balanced system of spring force is provided to lock the positioner in any position chosen by the operation. It will remain in the selected position until fluid pressure is provided to release it for movement to another position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a workpiece retention assembly including a plurality of measuring fixtures for supporting and positioning a workpiece. The measuring fixtures are aligned along a platform for positioning the measuring fixtures. The measuring fixtures include a selectively adjustable stanchion and a selectively rotatable clamping member for retaining the workpiece. Workpieces of widely varying types, shapes and sizes can thus be positioned using the measuring fixtures according to the teachings of the present invention.

Abstract: A positioning fixture assembly including tubular sections joined end to end by articulated joints but having one end articulated to a mounting assembly attached to a work surface, and a second end articulated to a tool holder, via articulated joints. The mounting assembly is attached to a work surface. The toolholder is attached to a vise grip pliers or similar tool for holding a small part to be welded to a larger part positioned on the table. The joints are locked by spring force, and are unlocked by applying pneumatic pressure via a foot pedal.

Abstract: A holding fixture with five discrete vacuum elements provides support at four peripheral points on a substrate and at the substrate center. Two peripheral vacuum elements are fixed in position on a rigid frame. The remaining peripheral elements and the center element are fixed to a gimbal disc. This gimbal disc is mounted on the frame in such a way that it has three degrees of rotational movement relative to the frame. Downward pressure of a substrate resting on the two fixed elements, brings all three gimbal disc mounted supports into contact with the substrate, without allowing or causing deflection of the substrate. The mounting is locked, and vacuum is applied to all the elements to secure the substrate in place for the planarizing operation.

Abstract: A fast acting and adjustable vise is disclosed herein having an elongated base movably supporting a pair of jaws adjustable between opposing holding surfaces for releasably supporting small parts or workpieces. Manually rotatable wheels are operably coupled to each jaw for independent and separate movement along a linear path and a universal mounting device adjustably supports the vise on a supporting surface. In one form, one jaw of the pair includes a finger-operated resilient clamp for selectively and rapidly positioning the clamp to a desired location on the base.

Abstract: A workpiece holding device is used to retain a workpiece that is to be provided on a rotatable workbench of a machining equipment and includes a clamping assembly that is formed as a hollow sphere having six inner sides which confine a cubic receiving space. The hollow sphere is divided into a plurality of curved pieces by cutting the hollow sphere along six cutting planes which are coplanar with the six inner sides. Each of the six inner sides is provided with a plurality of clamping pins which are biased so as to extend into the cubic receiving space and contact the workpiece. A clamping seat assembly is to be provided on top of the rotatable workbench and confines an accessible spherical receiving space. The clamping assembly is rotatably provided in the spherical receiving space. The curved pieces are selectively assembled and disassembled so as to expose the side of the workpiece that is to be machined.

Abstract: A multiple (infinite positions) position swivel ball mount with the swivel ball position clamp locked between two clampable base members that may be clamped toward each other between the jaws of a vise tightly on the swivel ball. Recesses are provided in each of the two clampable base members so that clamping force is exerted by the base members in opposite annular bands displaced from the opposite side center points of the swivel ball for enhanced positive clamping thereof when the clampable base members are tightened into position clamped engagement with the swivel ball. A projection from the swivel ball has an article mounting and holding fixture outer end and the two clampable base members together have an open channel permitting a greatly extended range of angled positions the swivel ball can be clamped in providing a greatly varied range of article mountings.

Abstract: Two partial cylindrical, externally pressurized static air bearings are used to provide a self aligning air bearing platform. The self aligning air bearing platform is useful in a tape automated bonding system to bond a semiconductor device having a high pin count. A bottom bearing block has a top surface in the shape of an arc and at least one air outlet. A middle bearing block has a bottom surface configured to mate with the top surface of the bottom bearing block. The middle bearing block also has a top surface in a shape of an arc which is rotated 90.degree. with respect to the arc shaped top surface of the bottom bearing block and at least one air outlet. A top bearing block mates with the middle bearing block and provides the platform for holding the semiconductor device. Air bearings between the moving bearing blocks provide a low friction bearing for the aligning platform.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cutting a cylindrical material formed of silicone or the like which is an original material to produce semiconductor devices, using a rotary blade. In the cutting method, the base end side of the cylindrical material is fixed and at the same time, before the cutting of the cylindrical material is started, the cutting side of the cylindrical material is also fixed according to the shape thereof. The cutting is performed while maintaining such fixed conditions until the cutting is completed.

Abstract: A stabilized platform having five degrees of freedom utilizes a platform supported on a base by a spherical bearing which permits movement about roll, pitch and yaw axes. A triaxis torquer has a non-magnetic stator depending from the platform, permanent magnet rotors disposed on the base which produce a magnetic field through the stator, and a set of electrical windings attached to the stator. Energizing the windings selectively produces torque in roll, pitch and yaw. A mirror gimbal and drive system on the platform provides movement in elevation of a mirror. A motor is provided for rotating the base in azimuth relative to its mounting in a vehicle or the like. A set of rate gyroscopes mounted on the platform and a set of resolvers provide rate of movement of the platform and gimbal, and position information to a servo system which controls the torquers and drive systems to stabilize the platform in roll, pitch and yaw, and to position the mirror in elevation and azimuth.

Abstract: A swivel vise which is used primarily for finishing gun stocks and is characterized by a conventional vise assembly mounted on one end of a ball mount shaft for engaging a gun stock and a ball joint assembly also engaging the ball mount shaft intermediate the ends thereof and spaced from the vise assembly, to facilitate manipulation of the ball mount shaft and the vise assembly into a selected position. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, positioning of the vise assembly in a selected attitude is facilitated by operation of a ring tensioning device which receives the ball joint assembly and is mounted on a mount block that can be attached to a work bench. The ball joint assembly includes a split ball carried by a split ring, the ends of which split ring are attached to fixed and movable elements, respectively, of the ring tensioning device, in order to manipulate the vise assembly into the selected position with respect to the mount block for finishing the gun stock.

Abstract: A work holding device for holding a work fixture [11] so that it can be removably attached to a workbench [12] including a base member [30] attached to the work bench, a pivotable ball [48] fixed to the work fixture, a second member for receiving the base member and pivotable ball, and a clamp [40] for holding the base member and pivotable ball rigidly together.

Abstract: The present invention in its preferred embodiment comprises a camera repair and support device having a conventional clamp which is adaptable to be secured to any appropriate surface, such as a work table or any suitable horizontal or vertical surface. Integrally formed with the clamp is a first member that is usually tubular in design and extends out from the surface of one end of the clamp and even further by its telescoping feature. Fixed to one end of the first member is a second columnar shaped member that is rotatably connected to the first member and adapted to swivel 360.degree. relative to the first member about the horizontal axis that lays between the two members. A third member is connected to the second member by a ball and socket joint which allows the third member to rotate 360.degree. relative to the second member about the horizontal axis that lays between the two. A locking bolt is inserted into the side wall of the second member.

Abstract: Devices for elevationally moving a platform are complex in construction, bulky, tend to wear prematurely, are unable to maintain the platform at a preselected attitude, and tend to move jerky. A lifting mechanism having an elevationally movable shaft driven by a motor is provided for elevationally moving a platform. A bearing member supports the platform for universal pivotal movement on the shaft, and first and second guide assemblies maintain the platform at a preselected attitude relative to the vehicle frame, guide the platform for substantially straight elevational movement, and prevent undesirable forces from being applied to the shaft. Thus, the problems related to premature wear and failure, jerky operation, platform attitude maintenance, size and complexity are reduced. The elevating device is particularly suited for use on an automatic guided vehicle.

Abstract: A holding device for holding a workpiece in an adjustable position while one or more operations are carried out thereon comprises a base having an annular flange which is received in arcuate recesses provided for such purpose in a pair of mutually spaced and mutually opposed support arms. At their opposite ends, such support arms are provided with opposed concave recesses receiving a generally spherical member carrying a workpiece attachment plate on which a workpiece can be supported. A shaft extends through the support arms intermediate their ends and spring means associated with that shaft bias the support arms toward each other to retain the annular flange within the arcuate recesses and the generally spherical member within the concave recesses.

Abstract: A universal joint which permits global positioning of an object and a locking mechanism for securely and positively locking the universal joint in any position to which it can moved. The universal joint of the present invention may be used in series or singly to provide a mechanism for positioning and locking an object such as, for example, a headrest or a lamp, in any position within a spherical range.

Abstract: An XYZ vise comprises a spherical body having a permanent magnet accommodated therein, a reference plate mounted on the body to be rotatable about the x- and y-axes, and a vise unit mounted on the reference plate to be rotatable about the z-axis. The spherical body comprises a pair of hemispherical members which can be selectively magnetized or demagnetized by rotating the permanent magnet. When the hemispherical members are demagnetized a workpiece clamped by the vise unit can be angularly positioned with respect to all of the x-, y- and z-axes and when they are magnetized the workpiece can be securely held in the set position.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a patient's hand for surgery, the apparatus including a base plate for placement on an operating table, and an upper plate above the base plate and pivotally coupled thereto by an adjustable ball and socket assembly. The upper plate can be pivoted into any one of a number of operative positions, and the ball and socket assembly can be adjusted to releasably hold the upper plate in a fixed position. A pair of surface defining devices are located near one end edge of the upper plate, one of the devices having a flat upper surface coextensive with the upper surface of the plate, the other device being hingedly mounted to the first device to provide a flat surface coextensive with the upper surface of the plate when the second device is in an outwardly extending position with respect to the first device.

Abstract: A surgical leg clamp assembly for securing the thigh of a patient to an operating table for arthroscopy of the knee and arthroscopic and/or knee surgery. The surgical leg clamp consists of an elongate main frame which is universally adjustably secured to the side of an operating table and which is provided with an easily adjustable thigh-encircling snap-belt clamp assembly which is adapted to incrementally apply selective continuous clamping pressure to the thigh without resultant discomfort or damage thereto. The surgical leg clamp assembly is also adapted for selected snap-release and reapplication of the selected retentive pressure without the need for further readjustment of the surgical leg clamp assembly to reachieve the original clamping pressure.

Abstract: A work piece holder for aligning two work pieces. The holder comprises a framework to which are mounted in opposed relationship two stanchions. Mounted on each stanchion is an arm having means for holding a work piece. The arms are mounted in a manner which allows calibrated movement along three axes, the first being generally horizontal, the second being transverse to the first, and the third being transverse to the second, resulting in the ability to precisely align the two work pieces.

Abstract: For use in a milling or like machine, a fixture is provided to hold a part to be machined, the fixture including portions to clamp the part against relative shifting motion. A mount for the fixture includes components movable in tilting and vertical senses whereby a previously machined surface on a held part may be brought into mating contact with a reference surface in the machine thereby locating the part for a succeeding machine operation. A single means is operable to lock the components in a set position of adjustment. The part is firmly held in an unstressed condition for precise performance of the succeeding machine operation thereon.

Abstract: Large, spherically preshaped, thin workpieces are held and clamped in discrete, well-defined points under utilization of holding and clamping elements in which a portion of a head is universally pivotable about a point being the center of a sealing rim for a plenum chamber adjacent the engaging workpiece in which plenum chamber high pressure is established so that the workpiece can slide above the rim on an air cushion while it is being held through application of below-atmospheric suction pressure in the plenum.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a surface angularly adjustable with respect to a reference surface includes a substantially spherical ferromagnetic mount having a flattened surface thereon, an annular-shaped magnet disposed between the mount and the reference surface for magnetically holding the mount in a desired position with respect to the reference surface, and a series of openings formed in the spherical ferromagnetic mount into which rods may be inserted and the outwardly extending end thereof adjusted to thereby adjust the angular orientation of the surface on the sphere with respect to the reference surface.

Abstract: A support structure utilized for checking and repairing rotatable objects of various kinds, such as a turbine for power generator or a blower fan, includes a roll support base which rotatably supports one end of the rotatable object thereon by means of a pair of rolls which are supported on an adjustable surface plate of a base frame by means of a spherical support mechanism. Due to the spherical support mechanism, the rolls on the support bases can uniformly support both ends of the rotatable object without imparting any thrust to the rolls even when horizontal levelling is not achieved.

Abstract: An improved vise for supporting a workpiece during moderate to light working operations comprises first and second jaw members and a support means formed of a polymer plastic. The support means comprises a support body for the jaw members and a base body. The support body includes a bowl shaped member which is received in a cavity of the base body. A restraining means enables repositioning of the support body at a plurality of different orientations and for restraining the body at a selected orientation.

Abstract: An improved workpiece support arrangement is described having a vise including first and second jaw members, demountable first auxiliary support bodies rotatably supported on said jaws and demountable second auxiliary workpiece gripping bodies demountably supported on said first auxiliary bodies.

Abstract: A support member or bridge member used for holding a repair material injector in proper position relative to a piece of glass that is to be repaired, such as a windshield, and which holds the injector under a predetermined spring load even when there is a rounded or curved surface to be repaired. The support is self orienting relative to the windshield so that the injector used for injecting repair materials is held normal to the tangent plane at the opening of a break that is to be repaired in the windshield.

Abstract: A vise having jaw gripping members supported by a body having a bowl shaped body member is described. The body member is positioned in a cavity of a base member and a means is provided including a lock body positioned within the bowl member for selectively restraining the support body at a plurality of different orientations.