Abstract: An apparatus for absorbing the mounting and clamping forces of a linkage assembly of a power clamp. An enclosed bilateral housing of a power clamp is provided, wherein a linear actuator is connected to the housing and provides a piston rod extending into the housing. A linkage assembly is connected to the piston rod and disposed within the housing for converting the linear motion of the piston rod into rotary motion of a clamp arm. A high strength plate and beam structure is disposed within the housing and connected to the linkage assembly for absorbing the mounting and clamping forces generated by the linkage assembly. By absorbing the mounting and clamping forces of the linkage assembly, the high strength plate and beam structure allows the housing to be fabricated from a lightweight, inexpensive material.

Abstract: A linear actuator having an adjustable piston rod for transmitting linear motion to a rotary clamp wherein the adjustable length of the piston rod corresponds to predetermined rotational angles of a clamp arm. The adjustable piston rod provides a first portion connectable to said power clamp, and a second portion connectable to a piston of the linear actuator. The first portion is fabricated from a substantially cylindrical rod having a plurality of substantially cylindrical recesses formed thereon. The second portion provides a block connected to a tubular shaft for telescopically receiving the cylindrical rod. A cam is pivotally connected to the block and provides an aperture formed therein for receiving the cylindrical rod. A torsional spring biases the cam against the cylindrical rod within the cylindrical recesses formed in the rod to prohibit the rod from telescopically moving relative to the tubular shaft.

Abstract: A rotary clamp having a telescopic piston rod with predetermined adjustable lengths corresponding to predetermined rotational angles of a clamp arm. The rotary clamp utilizes a linear actuator for transmitting linear motion to the piston rods and a linkage assembly is connected to the piston rod to convert the linear motion of the piston rod into rotary motion of the clamp arm. The telescopic piston rod provides an outer shaft and an inner shaft wherein the outer shaft is connected to a piston in the linear actuator. The outer shaft also provides a bore extending from the free end of the outer shaft for receiving an inner shaft of the piston rod. The inner shaft of the piston rod has a plurality of apertures extending transverse to and spaced along the longitudinal axis of the inner shaft. The apertures of the inner shaft may correspondingly align with an aperture provided in the outer shaft.

Abstract: A vacuum cup apparatus having a flexible member with a front side engagable with a workpiece and a back side connectable to a manipulator and communicable with a vacuum source. A passageway is provided between the front side and the back side of the flexible member and is communicable with the vacuum source to provide vacuum to the front side of the flexible member. A recessed pocket formed in the front side of the flexible member provides a lip which defines an opening into the recessed pocket. The lip is engagable with the workpiece for maintaining atmospheric pressure within the recessed pocket when the vacuum cup apparatus is engaged with the workpiece. The establishment of atmospheric pressure within the recessed pocket reduces vacuum provided in the center portion of the front side of the flexible member to reduce or eliminate any tin cupping of the workpiece.

Abstract: A vacuum control apparatus is positioned remote from the vacuum operated work holding devices themselves, thereby allowing for a remote control system over a plurality of vacuum operated work holding devices. The apparatus also provides the ability to increase the vacuum flow rate available to the vacuum operated work holding devices within the system by increasing the number of vacuum generating venturis engaged in the system. The apparatus includes a venturi manifold and a plurality of venturi nozzles in fluid communication with the manifold. A venturi control valve controls the flow of pressurized air into the manifold and venturi nozzles. The system is fluidly connected to vacuum operated work holding devices by various passages and ports in the manifold. The manifold, venturi valve and venturi nozzles are stackable in two different ways.