Abstract: A hydraulic press with one or more slidable platens; each of which can be used as the working surface. Each slidable platen is horizontally positioned and vertically arranged relative to the other platens. Slidable platens reduce the time and effort for changing a working surface or desired tooling.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for lifting a retractable lower safety-guard on a circular saw. In one representative implementation, an actuator is attached to the circular saw and an elongated arm is coupled to the actuator such that operating the actuator causes the elongated arm to lift. In addition, an engagement element is attached to the retractable lower safety-guard of the circular saw. When lifted, the elongated arm engages the engagement element, thereby retracting the retractable lower safety-guard of the circular saw. Preferably, the actuator is configured, and is located sufficiently close to a power switch for the circular saw, so that the actuator can be operated simultaneously with the power switch using a single hand. Also provided are retrofitting techniques for attaching such a device to an existing circular saw.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for lifting a retractable lower safety-guard on a circular saw. In one representative implementation, an actuator is attached to the circular saw and an elongated arm is coupled to the actuator such that operating the actuator causes the elongated arm to lift. In addition, an engagement element is attached to the retractable lower safety-guard of the circular saw. When lifted, the elongated arm engages the engagement element, thereby retracting the retractable lower safety-guard of the circular saw. Preferably, the actuator is configured, and is located sufficiently close to a power switch for the circular saw, so that the actuator can be operated simultaneously with the power switch using a single hand. Also provided are retrofitting techniques for attaching such a device to an existing circular saw.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for lifting a retractable lower safety-guard on a circular saw. In one representative implementation, an actuator is attached to the circular saw and an elongated arm is coupled to the actuator such that operating the actuator causes the elongated arm to lift. In addition, an engagement element is attached to the retractable lower safety-guard of the circular saw. When lifted, the elongated arm engages the engagement element, thereby retracting the retractable lower safety-guard of the circular saw. Preferably, the actuator is configured, and is located sufficiently close to a power switch for the circular saw, so that the actuator can be operated simultaneously with the power switch using a single hand. Also provided are retrofitting techniques for attaching such a device to an existing circular saw.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for lifting a retractable lower safety-guard on a circular saw. In one representative implementation, an actuator is attached to the circular saw and an elongated arm is coupled to the actuator such that operating the actuator causes the elongated arm to lift. In addition, an engagement element is attached to the retractable lower safety-guard of the circular saw. When lifted, the elongated arm engages the engagement element, thereby retracting the retractable lower safety-guard of the circular saw. Preferably, the actuator is configured, and is located sufficiently close to a power switch for the circular saw, so that the actuator can be operated simultaneously with the power switch using a single hand. Also provided are retrofitting techniques for attaching such a device to an existing circular saw.

Abstract: An improved bending die and ram assembly is provided for use in a tube bending machine used for bending metal tubing of the type used, for example, in vehicle exhaust systems and the like. The machine features a bending die having a convexly curved die face for bending engagement with a metal tube supported by a pair of backshoe dies mounted on an outwardly pivoting pair of back gates. The bending die is advanced by the ram assembly along a line extending between the back gates to engage and bend the metal tube, with the back gates swinging outwardly in opposite directions as the tube is bent. The ram assembly utilizes retractor hooks which cooperate with lugs projecting from the underside of the bending die to permit the die to be attached and detached from the ram assembly in a drop-in, lift-out manner that does not require tools. Following a bending operation, the retractor hooks engage the lugs to pull the bending die away from bent tube during retraction of the ram assembly.

Abstract: An improved consolidated backshoe die is provided for use in a tube bender machine used for bending metal tubing of the type used, for example, in vehicle exhaust systems and the like. The machine includes a bending die having a convexly curved die face for bending engagement with a metal tube supported by a pair of the consolidated backshoe dies mounted on an outwardly pivoting pair of back gates. The bending die is advanced along a line extending between the back gates to engage and bend the metal tube, with the back gates swinging outwardly in opposite directions as the tube is bent. The consolidated backshoe dies are each constructed from a plurality of interlocking backshoe members adapted for partial or complete assembly on the associated back gate, thereby providing a backshoe die of variable length to permit formation of tube bends at closely spaced positions along the metal tube.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve normally mounted at a convenient level for manual operation on a machine can be operated by a person's foot as opposed to his hand. Towards this end, there are provided mounting means for mounting the valve in an upside down position at the same level together with an elongated tube extending from the normally existing manually operable portion of the valve vertically downwardly terminating short of the floor. A transverse foot pedal is pivoted to the machine frame at the level of the lower end of the tube, this lower end in turn being pivoted to the same foot pedal at a point spaced from the first pivoting point. The arrangement is such that rocking movement of the foot pedal will actuate the valve in the same manner as manual actuation when the valve was upright.

Abstract: Lower and upper split collars are positioned in engagement with the lower and upper cylindrical surfaces of a pipe and these collars in turn held in lower and upper clamp members. The exterior surfaces of the split collars in engagement with the interior surfaces of the clamp members have decreasing diameters from intermediate points towards opposite ends to define oppositely directed slopes. The interior engaging walls of the clamp members with the split collars are similarly tapered. When a pulling or pushing force is exerted on the pipe between the split collars, a camming action against the exterior walls of the collars is effected by the clamps urging the collars radially inwardly to more tightly grip the pipe so that the pipe is held from axial movement in either direction.

Abstract: The back shoe is made up of half block sections hinged together so that when in axial alignment, they function as a conventional back shoe on a tube bender. By hinging the two block halves, one half may be swung upwardly and over the other so that only one half the normal axial length of the cylindrical cavity engaging a side of a pipe results. As a consequence, it is possible to make a second bend in a tube close to a first bend without interference with the back shoe as would be the case were a back shoe of conventional length used. Essentially, the invention provides a single back shoe which serves a dual function so that labor time is saved in tube bending operations.

Abstract: A collapsible framework or chassis equipped on top with a trackway is mounted on a trailer which may be transported from place to place to assist in servicing vehicles. The framework may be alternately collapsed and maintained in a low profile during travel conditions and expanded to full height while supporting the vehicle on its trackway so that the underside of the vehicle can be serviced, e.g., muffler repair or installation. A control means first raises the front portion of the collapsible framework after the vehicle drives from a ramp onto the trackway and thereafter raises the rearward portion of the collapsible framework to thereby position the vehicle for servicing.