Abstract: A device for holding a workpiece, the device comprising, in one form, a base and a jaw member, wherein the jaw member includes a detachable jaw plate. The jaw member can further include a lock assembly which can attach or affix the jaw plate to the jaw member. In at least one embodiment, the lock assembly can include a cam, or lock, configured to pull the jaw plate toward the jaw member and/or secure the jaw plate against the jaw member. In certain embodiments, the lock assembly can include a slide which can be moved by an actuator such that the slide can engage the jaw plate and move the jaw plate into position. In at least one such embodiment, the slide can pull the jaw plate against the jaw member and, in addition, pull the jaw plate downwardly against a workpiece support surface.

Abstract: A modular workpiece holding apparatus comprising a first portion including a first base and a first jaw member supported by the first base and, additionally, a second portion including a second base positionable relative to the first base at a selected distance relative to the first base, wherein the selected distance is selected by the operator of the modular apparatus. The modular apparatus can further include a movable second jaw member and a drive member extending between the first base and the second base, wherein the second jaw member comprises a connector movable between an engaged position in which the second jaw member is operably engaged with the drive member and a disengaged position in which the second jaw member is operably disengaged from the drive member. The drive member extends between the first and second portions when the portions are positioned on a foundation plate at the selected distance.

Abstract: A device for holding a workpiece, the device comprising a base, a first jaw member, a movable jaw member, and features which allow the movable jaw member to be moved in large increments relative to the first jaw member in addition to features which allow the movable jaw member to be moved in smaller increments. The device can include a drive member operably engaged with the base and the movable jaw member such that the operation of the drive member can move the movable jaw member in small increments. The movable jaw member can include a connection member, or claw, which can operatively engage the movable jaw member with the drive member. The connection member can be moved between first and second positions to disengage the movable jaw member from the drive member such that the movable jaw member can be slid relative to the first jaw member in large increments.

Abstract: A device for holding a workpiece, the device comprising, in one form, a base and a jaw member, wherein the jaw member includes a detachable jaw plate. The jaw member can further include a lock assembly which can attach or affix the jaw plate to the jaw member. In at least one embodiment, the lock assembly can include a cam, or lock, configured to pull the jaw plate toward the jaw member and/or secure the jaw plate against the jaw member. In certain embodiments, the lock assembly can include a slide which can be moved by an actuator such that the slide can engage the jaw plate and move the jaw plate into position. In at least one such embodiment, the slide can pull the jaw plate against the jaw member and, in addition, pull the jaw plate downwardly against a workpiece support surface.

Abstract: A device for holding a workpiece, the device comprising a base, a first jaw member, a movable jaw member, and features which allow the movable jaw member to be moved in large increments relative to the first jaw member in addition to features which allow the movable jaw member to be moved in smaller increments. The device can include a drive member operably engaged with the base and the movable jaw member such that the operation of the drive member can move the movable jaw member in small increments. The movable jaw member can include a connection member which can operatively engage the movable jaw member with the drive member. The connection member can be moved between first and second positions to disengage the movable jaw member from the drive member such that the movable jaw member can be slid relative to the first jaw member in large increments.

Abstract: A device for holding a workpiece, the device comprising a base, a first jaw member, a movable jaw member, and features which allow the movable jaw member to be moved in large increments relative to the first jaw member in addition to features which allow the movable jaw member to be moved in smaller increments. The device can include a drive member operably engaged with the base and the movable jaw member such that the operation of the drive member can move the movable jaw member in small increments. The movable jaw member can include a connection member, or claw, which can operatively engage the movable jaw member with the drive member. The connection member can be moved between first and second positions to disengage the movable jaw member from the drive member such that the movable jaw member can be slid relative to the first jaw member in large increments.

Abstract: A device for holding a workpiece, the device comprising, in one form, a base and a jaw member, wherein the jaw member includes a detachable jaw plate. The jaw member can further include a lock assembly which can attach or affix the jaw plate to the jaw member. In at least one embodiment, the lock assembly can include a cam, or lock, configured to pull the jaw plate toward the jaw member and/or secure the jaw plate against the jaw member. In certain embodiments, the lock assembly can include a slide which can be moved by an actuator such that the slide can engage the jaw plate and move the jaw plate into position. In at least one such embodiment, the slide can pull the jaw plate against the jaw member and, in addition, pull the jaw plate downwardly against a workpiece support surface.

Abstract: A device for holding a workpiece, the device comprising a base, a first jaw member, a movable jaw member, and features which allow the movable jaw member to be moved in large increments relative to the first jaw member in addition to features which allow the movable jaw member to be moved in smaller increments. The device can include a drive member operably engaged with the base and the movable jaw member such that the operation of the drive member can move the movable jaw member in small increments. The movable jaw member can include a connection member, or claw, which can operatively engage the movable jaw member with the drive member. The connection member can be moved between first and second positions to disengage the movable jaw member from the drive member such that the movable jaw member can be slid relative to the first jaw member in large increments.

Abstract: An indexing apparatus for selectively indexing a payload about an axis. The apparatus includes a housing that supports an indexable support table. A second retainer is provided on the indexable support table that is adapted to selectively axially engage a first retainer on the housing to lock the indexable support table in any one of a plurality of selected rotational positions about the axis. The apparatus also includes an axial displacement member that is movably supported within the housing to selectively engage the indexable support table while the indexable support table is locked in any one of the preselected rotational positions. Thereafter, the axial displacement member biases the indexable support table in a first axial direction out of the locked position and applies a rotational force to the indexable support table to rotate it a desired amount about the axis.

Abstract: A method for attaching a jaw to a vise-like workholding apparatus. The method includes placing the jaw member onto a support member of the workholding apparatus in a first direction that is perpendicular to a worksurface of the workholding apparatus. The jaw member is placed such that at least a portion of the support member is received within a cavity in the jaw member in a first released position. The method also includes applying a first axial force in a first axial direction to the jaw member to cause the jaw member to move axially in the first axial direction to a second position wherein it is retained on the support member.

Abstract: A removable jaw assembly for a workholding apparatus having a base that defines a worksurface and a first longitudinal axis. The assembly includes an tower portion provided on the workholding apparatus that protrudes above the worksurface and defines a second longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The assembly also includes a removable jaw member that has a cavity that is sized to receive the tower portion therein such that the jaw member may be selectively longitudinally moved on the tower portion between a released position and an attached position. The tower portion includes at least one spring-biased latch member adapted to engage an engagement area formed in a wall of the cavity at right angles to the second longitudinal axis to selectively retain the removable jaw on the tower portion.