Aperture In Support Patents (Class 269/100)
  • Patent number: 11806851
    Abstract: A multiconfigurational support tool is described. Embodiments of the multiconfigurational support tool can include, but are not limited to, a main member, a first support member, and a second support member. The first support member and the second support member can each be removably coupled to the main member such that the support members can be rotated and moved along a length of the main member as determined by a user. The first support member can be implemented to interface with a first object and the second support member can be implemented to interface with a second object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Inventor: Thomas Strazza
  • Patent number: 11103978
    Abstract: A jig for assembling a cabinet is disclosed. The jig includes a clamp assembly pivotally attached to a base. The clamp assembly includes a first jaw and a second jaw configured to apply a clamping force therebetween. The clamp assembly can pivot between a first position and a first inclined position. In the first position, a front support plate of the clamp assembly is oriented vertically, and in the first inclined position, a first angle less than 90 degrees is formed between the front support plate and a support surface on which the base rests. The clamp assembly may also pivot to a second inclined position at which a second angle less than the first angle is formed between the front support plate and the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: RSI HOME PRODUCTS MANAGEMENT, INC.
    Inventors: John Schiveley, Robert C. Myer, Jr., Simon Barrios, Eric Ramirez
  • Patent number: 10682813
    Abstract: A three-dimensional formation platform includes: a base (100), formed with a pair of guide slots (110); a carrier (200), stacked on the base (100) and clamped between the pair of guide slots (110); an elastic stopping unit (300) and an elastic pushing unit (400), disposed at two ends of the pair of guide slots (110) and abutted against the carrier (200). The elastic stopping unit (300) can be compressed for releasing the carrier (200), the elastic pushing unit (400) can provide an elastic force towards the elastic stopping unit (300), so that the carrier (200) can be displaced in a direction opposite to an installing direction (IN) for being released from the guide slot (110), a flange (210) corresponding to the guide slot (110) is extended from a portion defined at a lateral edge (203/204) of the carrier (200), and the flange (210) is received in the guide slot (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignees: XYZPRINTING, INC., KINPO ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Chi-Chieh Wu
  • Patent number: 10500738
    Abstract: A multiple suction cup apparatus for lifting an object includes the capability of exchanging a large and small suction cup. At least one interlock enables the large or small suction cup to be deployed. The interlocks include passive interlocks, such as ball detents and conventional magnets, and active interlocks, such as a twist lock and electronic actuated magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael James O'Connor, Ennio Claretti, Ryan Frederick Anderson
  • Patent number: 10172282
    Abstract: A plate spring may be adapted to hold a tool to a tool holder, where the tool and the tool holder are adapted to be arranged in a robotic work tool. The plate spring includes a first part which is adapted to fixate the plate spring to the tool holder, and a second part which is adapted to hold the tool to the tool holder. A middle part connects the first part of the plate spring to the second part. The plate spring enables convenient, quick-shifting of tools on robotic work tools, such as quick-shifting of knife blades on a robotic lawn mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: HUSQVARNA AB
    Inventors: Mats Svensson, Magnus Öhrlund
  • Patent number: 10118354
    Abstract: Cutting method for cutting a semi-finished molding element to yield segments of a mold for molding and vulcanizing tires is disclosed herein. The said molding element includes a plurality of segments originating from one and the same molding operation, the said molding element also includes at least one pair of male securing members on each side of a molding face to form the tread patterns in the tread of the tire that is to be molded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche Et Technique, S.A.
    Inventors: Jerome Lepretre, Patrick Andanson, Enrique Segoviano
  • Patent number: 9799548
    Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a substrate are provided herein. In some embodiments, a substrate support includes a susceptor plate having a top surface; a recess formed within the top surface, wherein the recess is defined by an edge; and a plurality of angled support elements disposed within the recess and along the edge of the recess, wherein each angled support element comprises a first surface downwardly sloped toward a center of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Gangadhar Sheelavant, Mahadev Joshi, Yuji Aoki
  • Patent number: 9480622
    Abstract: The present invention provides a medical safety device for holding a container. The medical safety device is used to hold the container while extracting liquid by a syringe from the container. The medical safety device includes a main body having an opening for an interior. The interior has a retention space configured for retaining a container. In addition, the main body includes a plunger having a retention surface configured for contacting and retaining a container in the retention space. The plunger slides up and down within the retention space. Two handles are affixed to opposing sides of the main body. The plunger and retention surface applies force to the container positioned within the retention space sufficient to hold the container in place within the retention space. The plunger may be biased down into the retention space by a spring attached to the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Terry Beal
  • Patent number: 9296092
    Abstract: The present invention provides testing fixture which comprises a main fixing device for securely holding a liquid crystal display module to be tested; an auxiliary fixing device attached to sides of the main fixing device; and an adjusting knob installed on the sides of the main fixing device and supported by the auxiliary fixing device, wherein when the auxiliary fixing device is disengaged from the main fixing device, the main fixing device can rotate centered on the knob. By the provision of the present invention of the testing fixture, when the testing direction of the liquid crystal display module needs to be changed, the changing of the direction can be readily facilitated by the testing fixture as the main fixing device can safely supported by the auxiliary fixing device. Accordingly, a single technician can safely perform the adjustment, and therefore effectively reduce the labor cost associated therewith, while the testing performance is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Hao Jin, Guochuan Huang
  • Publication number: 20140346725
    Abstract: A work holding device, such as a vice, includes first and second jaws and a spindle connected between them to change the distance between the jaws for holding a work piece. An elongated connection member extends from the first jaw and is shaped to fit into a receiver member of a receiver hitch on a vehicle. Adjustable projections are provided on the elongated connection member for reducing movement of the vice in the hitch. The adjustable projections may be set screws. An end cap is provided on the end of the elongated connection member. The work holding device may be mounted in a receiver member or bracket on a workbench or other work area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: JPW INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventors: Barry M. Schwaiger, Charles Weber, Timothy Scott Onello
  • Patent number: 8814153
    Abstract: An automatic clamping device for clamping a slab (90) of rigid material onto the worktable (18) of an operating machine comprises a central body (42) terminating at both ends in a bottom cavity (72) and a top cavity (77) each having a suction cup function and being intended to engage, respectively, with the table (18) and the slab (90). The bottom cavity (72) is designed to engage with a through-hole. (30) formed in the thickness of said table (18) and communicating with an air suction duct (26, 28) in turn connected to an air suction source, so as to form a single air suction circuit, the through-hole (30) being associated with shut off valve (32) and closing member 36 for interrupting communication between the cavity (72) and the suction source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Luca Toncelli
  • Publication number: 20130256965
    Abstract: A clamping module for a clamping device with a housing which accommodates a drive device which transfers at least one clamping jaw from a starting position to a clamping position, wherein at least one solid body joint is provided between the drive device and the at least one clamping jaw, the solid body joint being elastically resilient in the direction of a clamping movement of the clamping jaw. A clamping device comprises at least one clamping module and/or a positioning module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Trumpf Laser-und Systemtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Valentin Haag, Maximilian Merk
  • Patent number: 8308151
    Abstract: An elevator assembly includes a carrier, a first arm, and a second arm. Each arm has a primary portion pivotally connected to the carrier and a secondary portion pivotally connected to the primary portion. A first gear system interconnects the first arm and the second arm for synchronous rotation with respect to the carrier in opposite directions. A pair of second gear systems establish a geared relationship between the secondary portions of the arms and the carrier. A support member is connected to the secondary portions of the arms, wherein rotation of the primary portions of the arms with respect to the carrier drives the support member between a neutral position and at least a first extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Comau Inc.
    Inventor: John Graham
  • Patent number: 7957830
    Abstract: A customer transmits their 3D CAD file for a part to be total profile machined. Computer analysis of the transmitted CAD file produces CNC machining instructions, which are transmitted back to an address defined by the customer. The customer can then use the transmitted CNC machining instructions to total profile machine their own part using their own CNC mill at the location where the part is likely needed. The transmitted instructions include not only the tool paths for CNC machining of the total profile of the part, but also for additional features formed into the encircling portion of a material block from which the part is to be total profile machined. For instance, the CNC machining instructions transmitted back to the customer can define a registration recess and/or channels or undercuts for fluid support material on an A-side of a material block. After the A-side of the block is machined, the customer adds and solidifies fluid support material into the machined recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Proto Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Lukis, Yuri A. Dreizin, Gregory M. Bloom
  • Publication number: 20110089621
    Abstract: The present invention relates to bar clamp assemblies and workpiece support members configured for use with bar clamp assemblies. In one aspect, the present invention provides a workpiece support member for a bar clamp assembly. The workpiece support member include a base including an engagement feature configured for engagement with a guide rail of the bar clamp assembly. The workpiece support member also includes a first finger extending from the base and a second finger extending from the base. The first and second fingers are disposed apart with respect to one another to form a slot having a substantially continuous width. The first, second or both fingers form an abutment surface and a support surface, the abutment surface and the support surface are generally perpendicular with respect to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Charles Seidel
  • Publication number: 20110031671
    Abstract: An automatic clamping device for clamping a slab (90) of rigid material onto the worktable (18) of an operating machine comprises a central body (42) terminating at both ends in a bottom cavity (72) and a top cavity (77) each having a suction cup function and being intended to engage, respectively, with the table (18) and the slab (90). The bottom cavity (72) is designed to engage with a through-hole (30) formed in the thickness of said table (18) and communicating with an air suction duct (26, 28) in turn connected to an air suction source, so as to form a single air suction circuit, the through-hole (30) being associated with means (32, 36) for interrupting communication between the cavity (72) and the suction source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Luca Toncelli
  • Patent number: 7753350
    Abstract: The present invention is a T-Slot block assembly that provides a plurality of attachment points for attachment to a milling machine worktable and to other T-Slot blocks for accommodating a variety of differing clamping or work piece holding jobs. Furthermore said invention can utilize common available clamps, fasteners, step blocks, T-nuts and various common but numerous work holding tooling. No additional mounting plates, or any type of preparatory hardware is required to directly mount the T-Slot Block onto the milling table or other work table where a T-slot is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Samuel W. Barziza
  • Patent number: 7722019
    Abstract: A portable vise, particularly for use in supporting elongated member, provides a convenient design for safely cutting, drilling, welding, and painting. An elongated member is inserted through an aperture of a vise body. The vise rests upon the ground or other work surface such that one end of the elongated member is supported over the work surface while the other end of the elongated member rests upon the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Tri-Vise, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond H. Losi, Jr., David W. McManama
  • Publication number: 20080084017
    Abstract: The present invention is a T-Slot block assembly that provides a plurality of attachment points for attachment to a milling machine worktable and to other T-Slot blocks for accommodating a variety of differing clamping or work piece holding jobs. Furthermore said invention can utilize common available clamps, fasteners, step blocks, T-nuts and various common but numerous work holding tooling. No additional mounting plates, or any type of preparatory hardware is required to directly mount the T-Slot Block onto the milling table or other work table where a T-slot is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Samuel W. Barziza
  • Publication number: 20040195749
    Abstract: A vessel incorporating an improved article support surface for supporting an article, such as a food product, during processing (e.g., baking, thawing or freezing), has a surface for supporting a food product or another article and a pattern is formed or otherwise incorporated in the article supporting surface. The pattern incorporated into the support surface is comprised of a raised portion and a low portion or valley and combine to define or create a pocket underneath the supported article or food product in which air circulates or flows during processing. In a preferred embodiment various shapes of baking sheets incorporating a “pebble-grain pattern” is embossed on a metal sheet and the embossed metal sheet is then formed into the desired shape. The sheets are constructed of various aluminum alloys used in the food equipment industry including, but not limited to, 3003, 3004 or 5052 aluminum alloys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Willie Bryant, Bette A. LaPlante
  • Patent number: 6659440
    Abstract: A workpiece support assembly includes an elongated workpiece support structure and a pair of support members pivotally connected to one another towards upper ends thereof. The support members are pivotally movable between an open position and a folded position. The workpiece support structure has a workpiece support surface constructed and arranged to support a portion of a workpiece. The workpiece support assembly further includes a tabletop assembly. The tabletop assembly is movable into a deployed position in which the tabletop is disposed substantially horizontally in overlying relation to the workpiece support structure, with the pair of support members in their open operative position. The deployed tabletop presents an upper tabletop surface to support a workpiece. The tabletop assembly is movable, with the pair of support members in their open operative position, into a storage position which exposes the elongated workpiece support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Zag Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronny Levy
  • Patent number: 6609706
    Abstract: A work fixing jig for machine tools is attached to a table of the machine tool utilizing a mount bore formed in a work fixing surface of the table for use in fixing work to the table by work fixing means. The jig comprises a jig main body, a generally cylindrical engaging member attached to the jig main body and insertable into the mount bore of the table, a rod movable upward or downward relative to the jig main body and extending through the engaging member, a spring for biasing the rod upward relative to the jig main body, and a cylinder for moving the rod downward against the biasing force of the spring. An elastic ring is fitted around the engaging member for diametrically contracting the lower end portion thereof. The rod has a large-diameter portion for diametrically expanding the lower end portion to bring engaging lugs into engagement with a portion of the table when positioned inside the engaging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Okuma Corporation
    Inventor: Hidetaka Shibata
  • Patent number: 6553870
    Abstract: This container holder is a vertical structure with its lower extremity fixedly attachable to a sink drain opening, and its upper extremity capable of receiving and clamping the container whose lid is to be manipulated. At the holder bottom, parallel connected fixed and pivoting partial cylindrical sections are placed in the sink drain opening. The user rotates a cam lever to swing out the pivoting section until the holder is firmly fixed in the sink drain. The top of the holder has a platform on which the container is placed. A screw mechanism actuated by a crank handle converges two clamping jaws around the container to fix it in place. Advantages include use of minimum force for both sink attachment and container clamping, and normal sink function with the holder in place. The holder can be made of lightweight materials, is easily cleaned and rapidly deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventors: Lawrence G. Kendall, Mark A. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6286823
    Abstract: A workpiece indexing and clamping system for machining the workpiece. Spherical or narrow cylindrical heads of index pins extend from holes in a base plate into workpiece holes to align and index the workpiece. The pin portions in the base plate holes can be expanded to lock them to the base plate. Each pin has relief flats parallel to the pin axis. Clamps engage workpiece edges with thread-like angled grooves on a cam surface to force workpiece edges against the base plate during machining of the workpiece. A central clamp has a pin extending from the base plate into a workpiece hole. Angled grooves in a cam surface are brought into contact with the hole sides to force the workpiece toward the base plate and hold the central area in place during machining. In another version, a combined index and clamp pin has a head that fits within a workpiece hole and an extension that fits within a base plate hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Manfred A. Morghen
  • Patent number: 6231038
    Abstract: A clamp ring assembly for securing a generally circular workpiece to a supporting surface comprises an annular base ring having a radial inner surface of a predetermined diameter and at least one locking member. The base ring further includes at least one opening extending axially therethrough for securing the base ring to the supporting surface. An annular securing ring having a radial outer surface and a radial inner surface is provided. The diameter of the outer surface of the securing ring is the same as or slightly smaller than the diameter of the inner surface of the base ring and the securing ring includes at least one locking member for engaging the locking member of the base ring when the securing ring is assembled with the base ring. The securing ring also includes at least one workpiece engaging member for engaging and holding the workpiece against the supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Greene Tweed of Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: William Keyser, Kenneth Murphy, Timothy Edwards
  • Patent number: 6131896
    Abstract: An optical assembly workstation includes a principal work surface and a movable work surface arranged above the principal work surface, with the elevated work surface being movable back and forth in at least one axial direction relative to the principal work surface. A frame assembly provides both support and a mechanism for moving the elevated work surface relative to the principal work surface. The movable work surface is either configured to receive an optical work piece, or is itself the optical work piece. The arrangement of a movable work surface over the principal work surface provides flexibility in optical test and optical assembly equipment placement, frees the principal work surface area of clutter, and reduces the probability of inadvertent damage to the optical fibers and optical assemblies being manufactured or tested at the optical assembly workstation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: CIENA Corporation
    Inventors: Andrei Csipkes, William Keith Chandler, Michael E. Schollian
  • Patent number: 6105949
    Abstract: A workpiece indexing and clamping system for machining the workpiece. Spherical or narrow cylindrical heads of index pins extend from holes in a base plate into workpiece holes to align and index the workpiece. The pin portions in the base plate holes can be expanded to lock them to the base plate. Each pin has relief flats parallel to the pin axis. Clamps engage workpiece edges with thread-like angled grooves on a cam surface to force workpiece edges against the base plate during machining of the workpiece. A central clamp has a pin extending from the base plate into a workpiece hole. Angled grooves in a cam surface are brought into contact with the hole sides to force the workpiece toward the base plate and hold the central area in place during machining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Manfred A. Morghen
  • Patent number: 6105951
    Abstract: A work positioning jig for machine tools is attached to a table with use of a T-slot formed in a work holding surface of the table to position work in place. The jig comprises a jig body having a positioning portion to be brought into contact with the work, and a wedgelike pressing portion formed integrally with and projecting downward from the lower end of the positioning portion centrally thereof. A vertical pin extends through the positioning portion and the pressing portion of the jig body centrally thereof and is movable upward and downward. The pin has attached to its lower end a U-shaped brace member fitted over the pressing portion from below and to be fitted into the T-slot of the table. The pin is biased upward by the force of coned disk springs, with the brace member inserted in the T-slot, thereby causing the pressing portion to expand upright walls of the brace member into pressing contact with side faces of the table defining the T-slot. The jig can be attached to the table easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Okuma Corporation
    Inventor: Hidetaka Shibata
  • Patent number: 6039312
    Abstract: A workpiece indexing and clamping system for machining the workpiece. Spherical or narrow cylindrical heads of index pins extend from holes in a base plate into workpiece holes to align and index the workpiece. The pin portions in the base plate holes can be expanded to lock them to the base plate. Each pin has relief flats parallel to the pin axis. Clamps engage workpiece edges with thread-like angled grooves on a cam surface to force workpiece edges against the base plate during machining of the workpiece. A central clamp has a pin extending from the base plate into a workpiece hole. Angled grooves in a cam surface are brought into contact with the hole sides to force the workpiece toward the base plate and hold the central area in place during machining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Manfred A. Morghen
  • Patent number: 6012210
    Abstract: An LED jig for securing a plurality of individual light emitting diodes to a circuit board module. The LED jig comprises a disk shaped structure having a plurality of openings in which the light emitting diodes are positioned. Flanges on each end of the openings serve to secure the light emitting diodes therein. The LED jig also comprises structures which protect the light emitting diodes from possible damage, structures which serve to secure the LED jig to the circuit board module, structures which serve as guides for properly mounting the LED jig to the circuit board, and structures which serve to offset the LED jig from the circuit board module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Skyline
    Inventors: Robert Charles Stadjuhar, Jr., Allan Clarkson Greist
  • Patent number: 6010121
    Abstract: A work piece clamping device is composed of a clamping block, a locking cover, a plate button, a support rod, a press rod, a tightening nut engaged with the press rod, and a fastening member. The clamping block is provided with a vertical wall for locating a work piece in place on a workbench top. The clamping block can be moved up and down along the support rod by the fastening member which is located under the workbench top and is movably fitted over the support rod. The clamping block is exerted on by the pressure of the plate button so as to hold securely the work piece on the workbench top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Chi Ping Lee
  • Patent number: 5984291
    Abstract: A mounting support device allows workpieces to be attached at points intermediate between discrete positions of fixture bases of machine tools. The mounting support device has three support members. A lower support member is slidably attached to an intermediate member allowing the intermediate member to move along an x-axis. An upper support member is slidably attached to the intermediate member allowing the upper member to move along a z-axis. A jig for holding a workpiece is connected to the upper member. The lower support member is attached to the fixture base in a discrete location in the usual way. Thus, the jig holding the workpiece can be positioned intermediately between discrete mounting positions of the fixture base. The sliding attachments maintain precise alignment between the support members and can be secured after adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Imao Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhide Iwata, Toshiya Sato
  • Patent number: 5961107
    Abstract: A workpiece indexing and clamping system for machining the workpiece. Spherical or narrow cylindrical heads of index pins extend from holes in a base plate into workpiece holes to align and index the workpiece. The pin portions in the base plate holes can be expanded to lock them to the base plate. Each pin has relief flats parallel to the pin axis. Clamps engage workpiece edges with thread-like angled grooves on a cam surface to force workpiece edges against the base plate during machining of the workpiece. A central clamp has a pin extending from the base plate into a workpiece hole. Angled grooves in a cam surface are brought into contact with the hole sides to force the workpiece toward the base plate and hold the central area in place during machining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Manfred A. Morghen
  • Patent number: 5765822
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a method and clamping apparatus for securely holding objects is disclosed. The clamping apparatus works in conjunction with hand tools used for holding objects such as a pair of locking pliers, micrometers, tweezers, tongs, etc. and can be attached to a workbench, table, or other stable surface. A preferred embodiment of the clamping apparatus has two main components: a base module which can be readily attached to a workbench, table, or similar stable surface; and a clamping module which is used to securely hold the hand tool. The two modules fit together by inserting several dowel pieces located on one module into corresponding holes located in the other module. The two separate modules are held together by frictional contact between the dowel pieces and the holes that occurs due to bending moments created when the base module is attached to a stable surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Elwin F. Mead
  • Patent number: 5732937
    Abstract: A workpiece indexing and clamping system for machining the workpiece. Spherical or narrow cylindrical heads of index pins extend from holes in a base plate into workpiece holes to align and index the workpiece. The pin portions in the base plate holes can be expanded to lock them to the base plate. Each pin has relief flats parallel to the pin axis. Clamps engage workpiece edges with thread-like angled grooves on a cam surface to force workpiece edges against the base plate during machining of the workpiece. A central clamp has a pin extending from the base plate into a workpiece hole. Angled grooves in a cam surface are brought into contact with the hole sides to force the workpiece toward the base plate and hold the central area in place during machining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Manfred A. Morghen
  • Patent number: 5716043
    Abstract: A mounting support device allows workpieces to be attached at points intermediate between discrete positions of fixture bases of machine tools. The mounting support device has three support members. A lower support member is slidably attached to an intermediate member allowing the intermediate member to move along an x-axis. An upper support member is slidably attached to the intermediate member allowing the upper member to move along a z-axis. A jig for holding a workpiece is connected to the upper member. The lower support member is attached to the fixture base in a discrete location in the usual way. Thus, the jig holding the workpiece can be positioned intermediately between discrete mounting positions of the fixture base. The sliding attachments maintain precise alignment between the support members and can be secured after adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Imao Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhide Iwata, Toshiya Sato
  • Patent number: 5605321
    Abstract: The invention relates to a support apparatus for holding an object such as a ski, snowboard, bicycle surfboard or the like. A support base is attached to a work surface. The support base supports the object. In one embodiment, a base supports a ski or snowboard such that the user has access to the bottom and the side surface of the ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Inventor: Paul Jarvis
  • Patent number: 5584254
    Abstract: A collapsible work bench apparatus (10) for use with clamps and conventional power tools and, including two pairs of support legs (20)(21)(22)(23) pivotally connected to two pairs of strut arms (30)(31)(32)(33); wherein each pair of strut arms is provided with mirror image table top portions (40)(41), including an apertured support surface (42) provided with inboard (45) and outboard (44) (44') channels that may be joined together to other work bench apparatus (10) in both end-to-end and side-to-side fashion by a locking clip (60) and a locking bar (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Willis R. Williams
  • Patent number: 5553838
    Abstract: A clamping bench dog that provides a simple, economical clamp that may typically be used with conventional round dogs but is also usable with square or rectangular dogs, other clamping dogs and the hold-down described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,391. A section of round metal rod provides a clamp body or post that fits into a bench dog hole. A second, threaded rod passes through a threaded hole near the upper end of the post at an angle of approximately eighty-seven degrees (87.degree.) to the axis of the post. A rotatable foot is attached to one end of the threaded rod and can tilt up to about three degrees (3.degree.). A handle, knob or tangent on the other end of the threaded rod is utilized to rotate it, and a wire spring journaled in a longitudinal groove on the post assures that the post will remain fixed in bench top dog holes by pressing against the wall of the hole to increase the friction between the post and wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Lee Valley Tools Ltd.
    Inventor: Leonard G. Lee
  • Patent number: 5505438
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for locating a work piece on a burn table. The apparatus has a locator which is moveable between a first position at which the locator is engageable with the work piece and a second position at which the locator assembly is spaced from the work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Baldwin, Dave R. Draper, Ronald R. Schultz
  • Patent number: 5417409
    Abstract: A vise including a body 30 comprising a way 31 integrally formed to a rear column of support 35, a housing 46 attached below way 31, a front column of support 32, and a front jaw 34 attached to the upper portion of column 32. Front jaw 34 having a pad 82 with a clamping surface 83 facing the rear. A hydraulic jack 150 resting within housing 46 while having a ram 138 to project through an opening 33 in front column 32. Ram 138 to push a pad 64 having side arms 63 extending rearward while being tracked along the sides of housing 46. Side arms 63 being attached by hinge to side arms 76 which are joined to a drawbar 75. A carriage 52 being capable of sliding and reversing on way 31. Carriage 52 having a back jaw 54 which has two jaw pads 86 and 90 with opposing clamping surfaces 87 and 91. Carriage 52 also having gripping formations 57GF for adjustable placement of drawbar 75. Rear column 35 is attached by hinge to the rear portion of a platform 94.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Glen R. Reddell
  • Patent number: 5397114
    Abstract: A clamping device for fixing a die on the setting surface of a lateral injection molding machine comprises a clamp main body, plural clamping hydraulic cylinders installed in the output portion at the front end portion of the clamp main body, and a guide mechanism for guiding the clamp main body movably only in the longitudinal direction without separate from the setting surface, in which the clamp main body can be freely changed over in position with respect to the setting surface in the released state, so that it may not be dislocated from the setting surface. The lower base portion of the clamp main body can be divided as a base member to be fixed on the setting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Aioi Seiki, Inc.
    Inventor: Ichiro Kitaura
  • Patent number: 5259601
    Abstract: A worktable and particularly a worktable and viceclamp of general utility for accomplishing a variety of tasks such as repair and service of equipment and tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventor: Roger G. Vass
  • Patent number: 5113920
    Abstract: A hinge connects two sections of a workbench top so that they may be either aligned into a single plane or folded in proximity to each other. Each section of the top hingedly carries a support leg for movement between a collapsed condition in proximity to an underside of the top section and an erected condition extending at right angles therefrom. Side braces hold the legs in their respective erected condition. The legs include a plurality of openings extending therethrough from front to back and at different but aligned levels and each sized to receive a work edge support to support work such as a door or the like in an on-edge disposition and in proximity along either one side or the other side of the workbench. An end support plate is secured to a top section proximate an end and includes a slot to facilitate positioning of the work on end. A tray is hingedly connected along an edge of the top and a work support bar is connectable selectively either along an edge or a side of the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Inventor: Svein Sedeniussen
  • Patent number: 4989654
    Abstract: The present invention provides a woodworking worktable assembly which may be used in combination with a multi-purpose woodworking tool. The worktable assembly includes a worktable having a work supporting surface and an elongated slot formed therein. A guide insert is positioned within the slot and includes a horizontal base portion and opposing side arms for guiding a guide bar portion of a miter guide. Lip portions extend inwardly toward the center of the insert from the upper ends of the arm portions and serve to prevent the miter guide from being lifted vertically away from the slot. In addition, the base of the insert is spaced from the lower portion of the slot by foot portions extending along the length of either side of the base amd fasteners are provided at the center of the insert for drawing the base toward the lower slot surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Shopsmith, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Berkeley
  • Patent number: 4828240
    Abstract: A workpiece is clamped to the table of a machine tool by a toggle clamp or edge clamp supported for rotation by the head portion of a stud threaded into a hole within a member secured to the table. The member may comprise a column or a column extender each having a frame with precisionly attached plates having X-Y grid patterns of alternating threaded holes and precision bores. A grid or base plate with an X-Y pattern of holes and bores may also receive an angle plate which also has an X-Y grid pattern of threaded holes and precision bores in addition to counterbores and precision angle positioning bores which receive pins for precisely locating the angle plate at a selected predetermined angle relative to the grid or base plate. The workpiece may also be secured to T-slot plates which are retained in precision locations on a base plate to define precision T-slots for receiving T-nuts. An adjustable radius locator system provides for precisely locating on the base plate a workpiece having two precision holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: TE-CO.
    Inventors: Francis S. Longenecker, Kevin J. Moeder, Jeffrey L. Wolff
  • Patent number: 4819922
    Abstract: A clamping system is disclosed for use with an assembly jig. It features a clamp having one jaw consisting of a pin and the other jaw including a pad which when closed will be spaced from but parallel to the pin. The pin is to be inserted into a circular locating device which is joined to the frame of the assembly jig. Due to the circular nature of the locator and use of the pin, the workpiece can be grasped in an over-center locking position in almost any orientation. The clamping device together with the assembly jig provides standardized pieces that can be used for limited production items that need to be held upon a jig relationship when locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Inventor: Charles R. Boike
  • Patent number: 4711437
    Abstract: A workpiece is clamped to the table of a machine tool by a toggle clamp or edge clamp supported for rotation by the head portion of a stud threaded into a hole within a member secured to the table. The member may comprise a column or a column extender each having a frame with precisionly attached plates having X-Y grid patterns of alternating threaded holes and precision bores. A grid or base plate with an X-Y pattern of holes and bores may also receive an angle plate which also has an X-Y grid pattern of threaded holes and precision bores in addition to counterbores and precision angle positioning bores which receive pins for precisely locating the angle plate at a selected predetermined angle relative to the grid or base plate. The workpiece may also be secured to T-slot plates which are retained in precision locations on a base plate to define precision T-slots for receiving T-nuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1987
    Assignee: TE-Co.
    Inventors: Francis S. Longenecker, Kevin J. Moeder, Jeffrey L. Wolff
  • Patent number: 4697801
    Abstract: A forwardly opening parallel vice has a housing (1) which can be fixed to a workbench (3) and which carries the stationary clamping jaw (2) and which is provided with a quadrangular guide structure. Displaceable in the guide structure is a hollow slider which is supported with a plurality of guide surfaces (13) on the guide tracks (11) of the guide structure and which carries the movable clamping jaw (14). Of a screw spindle-nut assembly (15-17) which is provided in the slider (12), one part (15, 16) is mounted rotatably and axially immovably in the slider (12) while the other part (17) is fixed to the housing (1). The slider (12) is of square cross-section and the axis (A) of the screw spindle is arranged precisely at the center of the square cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Gressel AG
    Inventor: Adolf Wuerthele
  • Patent number: 4647027
    Abstract: A rectilinear array of rods define a grid-like support such that work clamps may be selectively positioned about the top surface of the support and may be releasably anchored thereto by adjustable hooks extending through aperatures of the grid and grasping the undersides of the rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Inventor: Keith Shafto