Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: A pressure applying system using a modular vise having a fixed base and an adjustable pusher assembly. The modular vise utilizes a bi-directional worm screw to apply a linear force from the pusher assembly to the working member relative to the fixed base. The fixed base is secured and located from below a bottom surface of the fixed base.

Abstract: A workholding system includes an adjustable vise, a fixed vise, and a fixture plate. The adjustable vise and the fixed vise are secured to the fixture plate using a T-slot and a fastener. The system includes multiple precision locating surfaces, including interchangeable precision locating surfaces, to secure a working part. In one embodiment, a T-slot fastener facilitates the creation of an entire workholding system that facilitates the rapid installation of studs into receiving members. The fastener includes a quarter turn fastener used in workholding applications to quickly hold and release components of the system, such as tooling, parts, and plates. The compact design of the system makes possible the ability to insert the quarter turn fastener into a device that can fit into a T-slot and still have considerable holding power. The system is lower in cost than other solutions.

Abstract: A precision locating fastening device for securing a part. The device includes a drive screw, a base member, and a stop member. The drive screw has a gripping surface. The base member houses the drive screw and has a precision locating surface. The part is retained and located adjacent the precision locating surface relative to a fixture plate. The drive screw has one or more keyed ends. The stop member is replaceable to maintain precision and accuracy while locating and retaining the part. The device is incorporated in a system where a first keyed end of a first fastening device, a second key of the first fastening device, or the keyed end of a drive screw of a second fastening device is adjusted from either the first side of the fixture plate, the second side of fixture plate, or both to retain and locate the part on the fixture plate.

Abstract: A precision threaded locator fastener bushing includes a driver portion, an exterior precision locating surface, an interior precision locating surface, and an exterior threaded portion. The precision threaded locator fastener bushing allows various fastening and precision locating devices to be precisely located relative to a fixture plate. The driver portion includes a ten-point driver configuration.

Abstract: A workholding system includes a quarter turn fastener used in workholding applications to quickly hold and release objects, such as tooling, parts, and plates. In one embodiment, a T-slot fastener facilitates the creation of an entire workholding system that facilitates the rapid installation of studs into receiving members. The compact design also makes possible the ability to insert the quarter turn fastener into a device that can fit into a T-slot and still have considerable holding power. The system is lower in cost than other solutions.

Abstract: A pressure applying system using a fixed vise and an adjustable vise. The fixed base utilizes strain gages to measure an amplitude of forces applied to the fixed base through a working member from the adjustable base. The adjustable base utilizes a bi directional worm screw to apply a linear force to the working member relative to the fixed base.

Abstract: A precision threaded locator fastener bushing includes a driver portion, an exterior precision locating surface, an interior precision locating surface, and an exterior threaded portion. The precision threaded locator fastener bushing allows various fastening and precision locating devices to be precisely located relative to a fixture plate. The driver portion includes a ten-point driver configuration.

Abstract: A precision-locating dowel pin includes a threaded portion configured for adjustable attachment to a fixed object, a head integrally formed at the top of the threaded portion, and a top surface at the top of the head. The head is selectively machined and treated to provide a radially exterior precision-locating surface.

Abstract: A locator bushing is used in combination with a receiving member, such as a fixture plate. The locator bushing is a single integral item having a driver portion and a threaded portion to locate and position devices in relation to the receiving member. The driver portion includes a first locating surface and a drive element. The first locating surface locates the locator bushing in the receiving member. The drive element is configured to receive a rotational force to rotate the driver portion. The threaded portion releasably engages the receiving member and is used to position the locator assembly within the receiving member. The driver portion includes a second locating surface to selectively locate and position an insert device relative to both the locator assembly and the receiving member.

Abstract: A modular vise system for holding working objects having a bottom surface, the modular vise system includes a fixture plate and an adjustable vise member configured to secure the working object to the fixture plate. The adjustable vise member includes an elongated body forming a cavity; a flange extending from a side of the elongated body, the flange having an elongated hole extending through a thickness of the flange; a fastener configured to engage with and extend through the elongated hole, the fastener and elongated hole allowing the body to selectively translate relative to the fixture plate; a moveable assembly housed at least partially disposed within the cavity of the body and configured to selectively translate relative to the body; and a gripper coupled to the moveable assembly and configured to secure to the working object.

Abstract: A modular vise system for holding working objects. The system includes a fixture plate and an adjustable vise member for coupling the working object to the fixture plate. The adjustable vise member is configured to locate and secure the working object in relation to the fixture plate. The adjustable vise member includes a body, a moveable assembly, and a gripper. The body has a fastener configured to allow the body to selectively translate relative to the fixture plate. The body has a cavity formed within it. The moveable assembly is housed at least partially within the cavity of the body and configured to selectively translate relative to the body, thereby allowing further precision locating of the working object. The gripper is configured to secure the working object. The gripper is coupled to the moveable assembly.

Abstract: A locator assembly and associated fastening assembly are described herein. The locator assembly may include a post locator and a receiver locator that combine to provide precision locating and attachment functions.

Abstract: A locator bushing is used in combination with a receiving member, such as a fixture plate. The locator bushing is a single integral item having a driver portion and a threaded portion to locate and position devices in relation to the receiving member. The driver portion includes a first locating surface and a drive element. The first locating surface locates the locator bushing in the receiving member. The drive element is configured to receive a rotational force to rotate the driver portion. The threaded portion releasably engages the receiving member and is used to position the locator assembly within the receiving member. The driver portion includes a second locating surface to selectively locate and position an insert device relative to both the locator assembly and the receiving member.