Abstract: A compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: A machine tool apparatus having a bifurcated column structure comprising spaced apart columns which enclose and slidably secure the mounting end of an arm, the opposite end of which receives a rotating spindle adapted to engage and rotate a variety of machining tools. The bifurcated column structure has three primary ways having their guiding surfaces arranged generally in one plane, and the third having its guiding surface in a plane orthogonally related to the plane of the first ways. The column structure also includes three secondary ways positioned in opposed relation to the respective primary ways. Antifriction bearings are connected to the mounting end of the arm in opposed relation to the three primary and three secondary ways and serve to guide the arm for vertical movement within the column structure.

Abstract: A power translation and rotation apparatus for an air float fixture support system of the type including a table having an upwardly facing upper surface adapted for supporting a workpiece fixture thereon, and a pressurized fluid system for supplying a cushion of pressurized air or other fluid between the surface of the table and the workpiece fixture so as to floatingly support the fixture thereon for virtually friction-free movement. The power translation and rotation apparatus generally comprises a single pin translatably and rotatably mounted within the table and having a portion thereof extending upwardly from the table surface, and motor-gear or hydraulic direct drive arrangements within the table for translating and rotating the pin about respective axes normal to the upper surface of the table. The pin is suitably shaped so that it is keyed to an opening in the lower surface of the fixture thereby causing the fluid supported fixture to be translated and rotated in unison with the pin.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement for a wide variety of apparatus, such as machine tool tables, tool slides and carriages, wherein the bearing on one side of a movable element is preloaded by means of a hydraulic device forming a part of or connected to the opposing bearing on the other side of the movable element. A movable element, such as a machine tool table, is received in a support base having a lower guide surface and an upper guide surface. A roller-type bearing is secured to the table and bears against the guide surface which faces it, and, in this case, the last-mentioned guide surface is machined extremely flat and true relative to the tool. A second roller-type bearing is secured to the opposite side of the table and is urged against a guide surface by a hydraulic piston and cylinder. The hydraulic pressure which is developed presses the first roller bearing tightly against the respective guide surface and preloads the bearing so that the table will move with extreme accuracy relative to that surface.

Abstract: A method for transferring a workpiece fixture from one supporting table to another in an air float system. The workpiece is mounted to a workpiece fixture, which in turn is supported on the upwardly facing surface of either a stationary air float table or a movable air float plate. The movable air float plate, which may be mounted on a vehicle, such as a forklift, or itself supported on a cushion of pressurized air, is moved into abutment with the stationary table. The air float system is then activated so as to establish a cushion of pressurized air between the fixture and its supporting surface, and the fixture is slid from one surface to the other on the cushion of air in a substantially friction-free manner. The movable plate or table is then retracted away from the stationary table and the workpiece may be positioned thereon for machining or any other operation which is desired.

Abstract: A power translation apparatus for an air-float fixture support system of the type including a table having an upwardly facing upper surface adapted for supporting a workpiece fixture thereon, and a pneumatic system for supplying a cushion of pressurized air between the surface of the table and the workpiece fixture so as to floatingly support the fixture thereon for virtually friction-free movement. The power translation apparatus comprises an elongated slot in the table surface, a carriage mounted in the table below the surface for reciprocal movement parallel to the table surface along the slot, a retractable pin carried by the carriage and protruding through the slot above the surface of the table so as to mechanically engage a slot or opening in the lower surface of the fixture, and a drive mechanism for translating the carriage and pin member carried thereby along the slot so as to cause the fixture to be pushed or pulled to the desired location.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a workpiece fixture from one supporting table to another in an air float system. The workpiece is mounted to a workpiece fixture, which in turn is supported on the upwardly facing surface of either a stationary air float table or a movable air float plate. The movable air float plate, which may be mounted on a vehicle, such as a forklift, or itself supported on a cushion of pressurized air, is moved into abutment with the stationary table. The air float system is then activated so as to establish a cushion of pressurized air between the fixture and its supporting surface, and the fixture is slid from one surface to the other on the cushion of air in a substantially friction-free manner. The movable plate or table is then retracted away from the stationary table and the workpiece may be positioned thereon for machining or any other operation which is desired.

Abstract: A power rotation apparatus for an air float fixture support system of the type including a table having an upwardly facing upper surface adapted for supporting a workpiece fixture thereon, and a pressurized fluid system for supplying a cushion of pressurized air or other fluid between the surface of the table and the workpiece fixture so as to floatingly support the fixture thereon for virtually friction-free movement. The power rotation apparatus comprises one or more pins rotatably mounted within the table and having a portion thereof extending upwardly from the table surface, and a motor-gear or hydraulic direct drive arrangement within the table for rotating the pin or pins about respective axes normal to the upper surface of the table. The pin is suitably shaped so that it is keyed to an opening, such as a slot, in the lower surface of the fixture thereby causing the fluid support fixture to be rotated in unison with the pin.

Abstract: A clamping system for use in air float tables in machine tool and other environments wherein the workpiece supporting fixture is supported on a cushion of pressurized air established between it and the surface of the table. The clamping system comprises one or more T-clamps mounted within the table for vertical rectilinear movement under the action of a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, and a T-slot in the lower surface of the fixture which is capable of receiving the T-clamps, preferably through enlarged entry openings at various places along the slot. With the T-clamps received in the T-slots in unclamped condition, the fixture is guided by the T-clamps as it is moved about on the table. When the fixture has been located in the desired position, pneumatic or hydraulic pressure is applied to the cylinder thereby drawing the T-clamps downwardly so that they clamp the fixture to the table.

Abstract: Apparatus for locating a work member supporting fixture on a table and for clamping the fixture in located position on the table, especially to locate and clamp the work member during machining; in which the table is fixedly mounted in place, for example, in a machine tool with an upwardly facing horizontal surface exposed. The work member fixture has a downwardly facing surface receivable on the upper surface of the table and is adapted for fixedly supporting a work member therein. The table has passages therein under fluid pressure and a plurality of outlets lead from the passages through the upper surface of the table and are preferably provided with normally closed valves adapted to be actuated into open position by movement of a fixture thereover.

Abstract: Apparatus for clamping a workpiece or workpiece fixture in a machine tool comprising pin-type clamping elements which are insertable into the work table and engage with locking elements mounted therein. More specifically, the table has a surface adapted to support a workpiece or fixture which includes a plurality of openings and removable covers thereon to prevent chips and other debris from collecting in the openings and to prevent the loss of pneumatic pressure in machine tables of the air float type. The clamping apparatus comprises a hydraulically actuated piston mounted within the table having a central bore with means for releasably retaining one end of a locking pin. The locking pin is adapted to be inserted into the bore and in one embodiment is provided with high pitch threads which are engageable with mating threads in the piston bore.

Abstract: A centering pin for use in a machine tool work table of the type in which a workpiece fixture is supported on a film of pressurized air thereby enabling substantially friction free movement of the fixture on the table surface. The centering pin comprises an outer pin mounted within the table and projecting above the table upper surface, an inner pin received within the outer pin for reciprocal movement along a direction generally normal to the table surface, a hydraulic actuator for causing the inner pin to project above the outer pin at a first vertical position, and a spring for causing the inner pin to retract to a second vertical position below the first vertical position when the fluid actuator is deactivated. The fixture has one or more slots which ride over the outer pin and a plurality of holes within the slots which are adapted to be engaged by the inner pin when it is extended to its upper vertical position, thereby enabling controlled translation and rotation of the fixture on the table.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating a work member supporting fixture on a table and for clamping the fixture in located position on the table, especially to locate and clamp the work member during machining; in which the table is fixedly mounted in place, for example, in a machine tool with an upwardly facing horizontal surface exposed. The work member fixture has a downwardly facing surface receivable on the upper surface of the table and is adapted for fixedly supporting a work member therein. The table has passages therein under fluid pressure and a plurality of outlets lead from the passages through the upper surface of the table and are preferably provided with normally closed valves adapted to be actuated into open position by movement of a fixture thereover.