Abstract: Load ring assemblies are disclosed which can be releasably connected to a load and provide a load ring mounted for pivotal movement so that the load ring can align itself with a connecting force applied thereto. The assembly includes a mounting member formed with a central flange intermediate its ends and cylindrical extensions extending in both directions therefrom. A pivot collar or ring is journaled on one extension for pivotal movement about the longitudinal axis of the mounting member. A U-bar or load ring is pivoted on the collar for pivotal movement about a second axis perpendicularly intersecting the first axis. Therefore, the load ring is free to pivot relative to the mounting member into alignment with a force applied thereto. The other extension is provided with a locking system having a plurality of peripherally located locking elements which are radially movable between an extended locking position and a retracted release position.

Abstract: A self-locking, fluid-operated, tool clamping device is disclosed. The device provides a double-acting piston formed with a camming surface intermediate its ends. The camming surface is formed with a locking angle with respect to the axis of the piston. A cylindrical clamping pin is guided within the device for movement in a direction perpendicular to the camming surface and is provided with an end surface perpendicular to such direction of movement which engages the camming surface. An output lever pivotably mounted on the device engages the clamping pin at one end and is operable to engage tooling at its other end to clamp the tooling in position. The clamping pin is cylindrical and is free to rotate about its axis so as to reduce localized wear when the device is repeatedly cycled. A spring operably positioned between the lever and the body of the device resiliently biases the lever and the clamping pin toward the release position.

Abstract: A self-locking hydraulic clamping device includes a hydraulic piston which is notched on one side to form a compound camming surface which drivingly engages a spring-loaded clamping pin moving in a bore normal to the bore in which the hydraulic piston moves, the latter bore preferably extending parallel to the side of the workpiece being clamped.

Abstract: The toe member of a low-profile toe clamp is advanced down an incline at the working end of the clamp by a pair of horizontal hydraulic pistons, one on each side of the hold-down slot of the clamp. The toe member is provided with transverse pins which are overridenly engaged by inclined faces on the pistons, so that the horizontal movement of the pistons is translated to the inclined movement of the toe member and so that a stopping action is provided by eventual engagement of the pistons with the toe member.

Abstract: A self-locking hydraulic clamping device includes a hydraulic piston which is notched on one side to form a compound camming surface which drivingly engages a spring-loaded clamping pin moving in a bore normal to the bore in which the hydraulic piston moves, the latter bore preferably extending parallel to the side of the workpiece being clamped.