Abstract: Support engagement arrangements (100, 200, 1100, 1200, 2100, 3100, 3200) for utilisation in vices and presentation of components is a necessity, it is known to provide arrangements in which an array of engagement elements (2, 54, 64, 82, 92, 112, 902, 1401, 2003) are presented such that the elements can be displaced in order that ends define a reciprocal profile to a component (7, 57, 67, 87, 97, 117, 407, 1424, 2000). Retention of that reciprocal profile with prior arrangements is difficult. By providing the engagement elements supported upon a volume of particles (6, 56, 65, 86, 96, 116, 406, 806, 1402, 2006) which can act as a fluid medium relative displacement between the engaged elements can be achieved. Once displacement into a reciprocal profile is achieved the volume of particles is locked by actuator (4, 84, 94, 114, 404, 804, 904, 2007) pressure and therefore in support of a component resistance to vibration and other factors is significantly enhanced.

Abstract: A clamping system for clamping aerofoils. The clamping system has pivotally mounted engagement members that engage the aerofoil mounted on a pivotally mounted arm either side of the pivotal mounting. The arm can pivot as required relative to the item, to accommodate differences in shape in the item, while providing a substantially equal clamping force by both engagement members.

Abstract: Retention of position and clamping of components is ideally performed with an engagement arrangement which is reconfigurable. Magnetorheological (MR) fluids have been utilised for reconfigurable engagement arrangements but typically require powerful electromagnets to activate the MR fluid. By providing enclosed chambers with a constriction in the form of a passage between a reservoir portion of the chamber and an engagement portion of the chamber it is possible to utilise smaller permanent magnets acting upon a smaller volume of MR fluid in the passage. In such circumstances initial positioning of engagement elements is provided through forced displacement in the form of a plunger or pin and then retention of the engagement element position achieved through positioning a magnetic field across and about a passage to create an effective block retaining MR fluid volume and therefore presentation of the engagement element.

Abstract: A clamping system for clamping aerofoils. The clamping system has pivotally mounted engagement members that engage the aerofoil mounted on a pivotally mounted arm either side of the pivotal mounting. The arm can pivot as required relative to the item, to accommodate differences in shape in the item, whilst providing a substantially equal clamping force by both engagement members.

Abstract: It is necessary to support components while machining is performed. In such circumstances work supports are now provided, whilst previously there was a dedicated arrangement for each component to be supported. By achieving a modularity in terms of adjustment through creating mountings comprising rings, arcs or bars secured upon posts a rigidity of presentation of support ends is achieved. By providing spacers for location about the posts on the mountings variability with regard to the positioning of the support ends is achieved such that similar geometry but different sized components and articles can be supported by the support arrangements. Furthermore, the spacers may be readily removed if C shaped, and the rings, arcs or bars can be shifted.

Abstract: Work support arrangements 1 are provided in order to support work pieces 20 when it is necessary to machine those work pieces 20. The work pieces 20 may simply passively rest upon contact ends 6, 16 or be in compressive engagement to retain position but in either event it is advantageous to determine contact force. By providing a contact pad element 15 which directly provides contact force at an interface between contact end 6, 16 and the work piece 20 without taking any load force itself robust determination of contact force is achieved. Generally, the contact pad element 15 is suspended upon a guide 13 extending from a mounting such as an actuator seat 11.

Abstract: It is necessary to support components while machining is performed. In such circumstances work supports are now provided, whilst previously there was a dedicated arrangement for each component to be supported. By achieving a modularity in terms of adjustment through creating mountings comprising rings, arcs or bars secured upon posts a rigidity of presentation of support ends is achieved. By providing spacers for location about the posts on the mountings variability with regard to the positioning of the support ends is achieved such that similar geometry but different sized components and articles can be supported by the support arrangements. Furthermore, the spacers may be readily removed if C shaped, and the rings, arcs or bars can be shifted.

Abstract: A work piece holding arrangement (10) includes an array of engagement elements (12) for engaging a work piece. The arrangement (10) also includes an actuator (34) for moving a plurality of the engagement elements (12) into engagement with the work piece, and a deformable clamping member (26) to clamp the engagement elements (12). The clamping member (26) is deformable between a clamping condition in which at least some of the engagement elements (12) are engaged by the clamping member (26) and clamped in respective positions, and a non-clamping condition in which the engagement elements (12) can move.

Abstract: A work piece holding arrangement (10) includes an array of engagement elements (12) for engaging a work piece. The arrangement (10) also includes an actuator (34) for moving a plurality of the engagement elements (12) into engagement with the work piece, and a deformable clamping member (26) to clamp the engagement elements (12). The clamping member (26) is deformable between a clamping condition in which at least some of the engagement elements (12) are engaged by the clamping member (26) and clamped in respective positions, and a non-clamping condition in which the engagement elements (12) can move.