Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method for centering and gripping a work piece (WP) having an internal cavity (60) is disclosed. The apparatus includes a generally longitudinal post shaft (11) in an internal chamber (21) that has a head portion (42) for supporting the cavity end wall (62) and a plurality of pivot bars (22) and clamp bars (31) for engaging the cavity side wall (61) and cavity throat (63). An air driven slidable push rod (41) disposed within the shaft (11) in an internal chamber (21) causes the bars (22,31) to move from a retracted position to an expanded position. The apparatus can be inserted into the work piece (WP) while the bars (22,31) are in the retracted position and then gripped and centered by activating the push rod (41) and expanding both sets of bars (22,31).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method for centering and gripping a work piece (WP) having an internal cavity (60) is disclosed. The apparatus includes a generally longitudinal post shaft (11) in an internal chamber (21) that has a head portion (42) for supporting the cavity end wall (62) and a plurality of pivot bars (22) and clamp bars (31) for engaging the cavity side wall (61) and cavity throat (63). An air driven slidable push rod (41) disposed within the shaft (11) in an internal chamber (21) causes the bars (22,31) to move from a retracted position to an expanded position. The apparatus can be inserted into the work piece (WP) while the bars (22,31) are in the retracted position and then gripped and centered by activating the push rod (41) and expanding both sets of bars (22,31).