Abstract: According to one aspect, a pneumatic fixture clamp includes a housing having a rotational axis and a housing exterior surface. The housing exterior surface includes a workpiece engagement surface intersected by the rotational axis and configured for engaging a workpiece assembly, and a turntable engagement surface disposed on a side of the housing opposite the workpiece engagement surface, intersected by the rotational axis, and configured for engaging a turntable of a machine center. A chamber is defined in the housing between the workpiece engagement surface and the turntable engagement surface along the rotational axis. A piston slidably disposed in the chamber and configured for being driven between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the chamber. A fluid passage is defined in the housing, connected to the chamber, and configured for providing fluid from a fluid line to the chamber.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a pneumatic fixture clamp includes a housing having a rotational axis and a housing exterior surface. The housing exterior surface includes a workpiece engagement surface intersected by the rotational axis and configured for engaging a workpiece assembly, and a turntable engagement surface disposed on a side of the housing opposite the workpiece engagement surface, intersected by the rotational axis, and configured for engaging a turntable of a machine center. A chamber is defined in the housing between the workpiece engagement surface and the turntable engagement surface along the rotational axis. A piston slidably disposed in the chamber and configured for being driven between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the chamber. A fluid passage is defined in the housing, connected to the chamber, and configured for providing fluid from a fluid line to the chamber.

Abstract: This specification discloses a holder device for retaining a pair of parallels against a pair of vise jaws, a method of using said holder device, and a holder device kit. The holder device comprises a compressible member and an incompressible member. The compressible member has a compressible member first end, a compressible member second end, and a compressible member length dimension. The incompressible member has an incompressible member first end, an incompressible member second end, and an incompressible member length dimension. The compressible member second end and the incompressible member first end are connected to form the holder device.

Abstract: This specification discloses a holder device for retaining a pair of parallels against a pair of vise jaws, a method of using said holder device, and a holder device kit. The holder device comprises a compressible member and an incompressible member. The compressible member has a compressible member first end, a compressible member second end, and a compressible member length dimension. The incompressible member has an incompressible member first end, an incompressible member second end, and an incompressible member length dimension. The compressible member second end and the incompressible member first end are connected to form the holder device.

Abstract: A quick fixture changing apparatus for the fourth axis turn table of a machine tool. A pneumatic servomechanism exerts force on a drawbar, which is releasably attached to the fixture plate. The drawbar passes through the central opening of the turn table, so that the servomechanism, drawbar, and fixture are all axially aligned. An intermediate fixture plate is permanently mounted to the turn table, and has dowels for aligning the work holding fixture plate. When pneumatic pressure is relaxed, the fixture plate is manually lifted from the fourth axis. Tedious threading of fixture plates is eliminated. A new fixture plate, which has been prepared during the prior machining operation, can then be mounted on the dowels. Air pressure is restored, and the new fixture is securely locked in place. With 80 psi (5.5 kPa) operating pressure, a servomechanism of 6 inch (15 cm) diameter can develop a clamping force of 1800 lb (800 N).