Abstract: A fixture is provided for locating a workpiece in space including a blade having a longitudinal axis, a bottom edge, a top edge, and a plurality of through-bores. At least two of the through-bores are positioned on the blade to define a predetermined location relative to the top and bottom edges, and together with a riser, allow for the precise positioning of a locating pin, or other datum point locator, that may be attached to the blade. The blade also includes a mounting arm that is eccentrically located on a top edge. The mounting arm has a plurality of through-bores, where at least two of the through-bores define a predetermined location relative to the top edge. A locating pin, or other datum point locator is attached to the mounting arm.

Abstract: The a modular system for locating and clamping a workpiece in space is provided that includes positioning blade including a riser mount having a plurality of first mounting-bores and a plurality of first positioning-bores. A clamp mount is provided on the blade that includes a plurality of second mounting-bores and a plurality of second positioning-bores. The first positioning-bores have a predetermined positional relationship to the second positioning-bores. A locator arm is also provided on the blade, and has a plurality of third positioning-bores where the third positioning-bores comprise a predetermined position relative to the first positioning-bores and the second positioning-bores. A system for positioning and clamping a workpiece is also provided that includes in combination the foregoing positioning blade mounted on structure for elevating the workpiece, e.g., a riser, and structure for clamping the workpiece.

Abstract: The a modular system for locating and clamping a workpiece in space is provided that includes positioning blade including a riser mount having a plurality of first mounting-bores and a plurality of first positioning-bores. A clamp mount is provided on the blade that includes a plurality of second mounting-bores and a plurality of second positioning-bores. The first positioning-bores have a predetermined positional relationship to the second positioning-bores. A locator arm is also provided on the blade, and has a plurality of third positioning-bores where the third positioning-bores comprise a predetermined position relative to the first positioning-bores and the second positioning-bores. A system for positioning and clamping a workpiece is also provided that includes in combination the foregoing positioning blade mounted on structure for elevating the workpiece, e.g., a riser, and structure for clamping the workpiece.

Abstract: A clamp having slip plane positioning enables a clamp nose and an attached pressure foot which are initially non-permanently attached to the clamp arm to be brought into a final predetermined coordinate position before the clamp nose is fixedly attached to the clamp arm. The clamp nose has the pressure foot mounted at one end. An open-ended slot is formed at the other end of the clamp nose and slidingly engages opposed side walls of one end of the clamp arm. In one embodiment, a fastener threadingly extends through a portion of the clamp nose surrounding the slot into engagement with the clamp arm to non-permanently attach the clamp nose to the clamp arm. In another embodiment, aligned bores and slots are formed in adjoining surfaces of the clamp nose and the clamp arm and receive fasteners therethrough to non-permanently mount the clamp nose on the clamp arm.

Abstract: A clamp having slip plane positioning enables a clamp nose and an attached pressure foot which are initially non-permanently attached to the clamp arm to be brought into a final predetermined coordinate position before the clamp nose is fixedly attached to the clamp arm. The clamp nose has the pressure foot mounted at one end. An open-ended slot is formed at the other end of the clamp nose and slidingly engages opposed side walls of one end of the clamp arm. A fastener threadingly extends through a portion of the clamp nose bounding the slot into engagement with the clamp arm to non-permanently attach the clamp nose to the clamp arm. The clamp nose and the pressure foot are positionally adjusted with respect to the clamp arm at final assembly to bring the pressure foot into a predetermined coordinate position before the clamp nose is fixedly secured to the clamp arm.

Abstract: A clamp for laser welding operations includes a solid member having at least one aperture extending completely therethrough. A portion of the solid member surrounds the entire periphery of the aperture. A connector is attached to the solid member for connecting the solid member to a moving device which moves the solid member between unclamping and clamping positions. The solid member, when in the clamping position, engages a stack of metal sheets under pressure and urges the metal sheets together against an underlying backup into continuous contact along the length of a weld site defined by the peripheral extent of the aperture in the solid member.