Abstract: A cylinder vice includes a vice jaw, a chain retainer, and a hydraulic assembly. The vice jaw is positioned between side braces and include outer and inner plates. The outer plates include a top edge having a V-shape geometry. The outer plates include a female slide configured to interface with a male slide of the side braces. The inner plates include a top edge having another V-shape geometry. The inner plates include a bottom edge that is configured to interface with a piston. The chain retainer configured to retain a chain end positioned in a slot configuration of the chain retainer and fastened via retainer handles. The chain retainer includes a handle on each side of the slot configuration such that each handle is positioned in the notches of the side braces. The hydraulic assembly is configured to actuate the piston against the bottom edge of the inner plates.

Abstract: The device comprises a log advancing path and a set of jaws in the form of double four-bar linkage, with an adjusting mechanism to adjust the position of the jaws according to the diameter of the logs to be cut.

Abstract: An alignment tool that is used to hold a pipe fitting stationary in the welding process includes a pipe guide, a guide shaft, and an adapter. The adapter can vary according to the fitting that is to be welded. As an example, the adapter can be a flange adapter, a 90-degree adapter or a 45-degree adapter. The guide shaft is slidably engaged to a connecting arm which is perpendicularly and terminally fixed to the pipe guide. Therefore, the distance between the guide shaft and the pipe guide can be varied as preferred. A base section of the adapter is slidably engaged along the guide shaft. Therefore, the position of the fitting which is mounted on the adapter can also be repositioned as preferred. In order to hold the pipe against the pipe guide, a chain is being used.

Abstract: A pipe alignment tool for aligning abutted ends of first and second pipe sections to be joined includes a clamp member adapted to be clamped circumferentially about the first pipe section and one or more pipe engaging members mounted on the clamp member adapted to extend across a seam between the abutted ends of the first and second pipe sections to overlap the second pipe section. A bearing member is rotatably supported on each pipe engaging member for rolling contact with the second pipe section to assist in positioning the second pipe section relative to the first pipe section. The clamp member may be formed of modular sections connected circumferentially in series in which each modular section defines a mounting location upon which a pipe engaging member can be removably attached.

Abstract: A clamp system having a clamp adapted to be removably fastened to a wide variety of stationary support forming a base on which additional clamps or rods may be mounted for the purpose of holding a workpiece, the clamp including a tensioning device allowing a piece of cord to be looped over a part of the workpiece and pulled taut to bind the workpiece to the clamp. The cord is quickly and easily attachable to the clamp, fixed in place under tension, and quickly and easily released. The clamp comprises: a frame, clamping screw subassembly, at least one jamming cleat formed as part of the frame, and adjustable connector feature formed as part of the frame for connecting two or more frames together. A length of cord may be tensioned and secured within the jamming cleat of the frame and means is provided for anchoring the cord within the clamping plate.

Abstract: A reconfigurable clamping system is disclosed. An example clamping system for securing a workpiece comprises a retention assembly and an inflatable bladder. The retention assembly comprises a plurality of links, each pair of adjacent links having a pivotal connection to enable the retention assembly to be configured to the general shape of a workpiece, and each pair of adjacent links having a locking mechanism to selectively lock an angular relationship between the pair. The inflatable bladder is coupled between the retention assembly and the workpiece and is to apply a clamping force to the workpiece.

Abstract: A pipe vise stand having increased utility and greater useable work space, particularly during use of vise provisions associated with the stand, is described. The stand features a base plate having a unique configuration in which one or more pipe benders are located within a workpiece support region defined along an upwardly directed face of the plate between vise provisions and corresponding support provisions.

Abstract: A pipe vise stand and system for increasing the size capacity of the pipe vise stand are described. Upon incorporation of the system in a pipe vise stand, the stand can accommodate pipes of significantly larger diameter. The system includes a pipe support member which is configured to be positioned on a vise base of the stand. The system also includes a jackscrew extender that provides or relocates a jackscrew associated with the stand to a lateral position alongside the stand. Related provisions and methods are also described.

Abstract: An exhaust system includes an exhaust fan having a frame within which fan blades and a motor are secured. The frame includes an upper sidewall, a bottom sidewall, a first lateral sidewall and a second lateral sidewall, defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening on opposite sides of the frame. A flexible exhaust boot is secured to the frame of the exhaust fan adjacent the outlet opening. The exhaust boot is a flexible piece of material having a substantially tubular configuration with a first end having an opening and a second end having an opening. A support assembly secures the exhaust fan and exhaust boot in position adjacent an opening. The support assembly includes a vertical bracket having a first end and a second end, and an outwardly extending support block is mounted at the first end of the vertical bracket. The support assembly also includes a horizontal bracket extending substantially perpendicular to the vertical bracket.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing objects has an outer housing, a stand positioned within the outer housing, a jaw affixed to an upper end of the stand and having a surface on a top thereof suitable for receiving the object thereon, a latching member coupled to the outer housing, and a mechanism for selectively moving the jaw in relative to the latching member. The latching member is extendable over the top of the jaw. The latching member is suitable for securely retaining the object against the top of the jaw. Either the jaw can be moved upwardly or the latching member can be moved downwardly so as to fix the object therebetween.

Abstract: A clamping system can be reconfigured to clamp any of multiple workpieces having differing shapes. The system includes a retention assembly for retaining an inflatable bladder that applies a clamping force to the workpiece. The retention assembly includes a flexible chain of pivotally connected links that can be locked in place to form a rigid assembly that conforms to the shape of the workpiece. The links can be unlocked to allow reconfiguration of the retention assembly into shapes matching other workpieces.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly that is a movable mount for a work holding device for holding an item, such as a rifle or pistol, where the ball joint assembly is for seating on, or mounting onto, a table top, bench, or like surface. The ball joint assembly includes a cylindrical housing slotted on opposite sides thereof from a center opening in the housing top and contains a ball that rests on a plunger top end of a jacking screw that is turned in a round nut by a lever arm, and the ball joint assembly is fitted into the housing. Turning of the lever arm that is fitted through a housing lateral slot extends the plunger top into the ball, lifting the ball to lock it against a housing top concave surface, and which ball includes a stem extending through the housing top to tilt between the slots and pivot when the ball in unlocked, and the ball stem end includes a tool mounting for connection to the work holding devices.

Abstract: The present invention can be used to hold one's screw driving bits directly on the tool so a specific bit can easily be found and employed as needed. Each holder may be produced from a heavy duty plastic or rubber. There may be approximately 8-10 openings for assorted bits, which allow 16-20 different bits to be inserted. The bits may stick out the top and bottom of the holder so a user may see exactly what type each is.

Abstract: An exemplary positioning device used for moving a workpiece to a targeted position, the positioning device includes: a pulling member, a platform, a guiding member, two opposite positioning members, and a cable. The guiding member is located on the platform. The positioning members are located on the guiding member. The cable connects the pulling member with the two guiding members. The pulling member is capable of pulling the two positioning members to move along the guiding member via the cable.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a work table mainly for supporting a cutting tool or a workpiece. The work table includes a support leg arrangement formed from a plurality of telescoping legs. A tool or workpiece bearing portion is mounted on the support leg arrangement. The bearing portion including a first bearing member and a second bearing member. At least one guide bar extends between the first and second bearing members. To permit movement, the first bearing member is movably arranged on the guide bar. The second bearing member is fixed relative to first bearing member by the support leg arrangement. The work table also includes a locking mechanism for securing the first bearing member relative to the second bearing member to define a use position. The locking mechanism, including a sleeve, a locking member, and a fixing member, is affixed to the guide bar between the first and second bearing members.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for a motorcycle and a fastener. The lifting apparatus comprises a lifter and a fastener arranged in the lifter. The fastener comprises two supports located at a distance from each other whose upper end is provided with fastening elements for seizing footpegs/footboard of the motorcycle. The lifting apparatus further comprises at least one stabilizing member for preventing the motorcycle from tilting in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A framing clamp for the assembly and construction of multiple sided and multiple-cornered structures employing a ratchet assembly with a multitude of clamp braces to provide constant tension on a object and to also provide a easy mode of adjusting the clamp with a ratchet assembly.

Abstract: A tool to reduce the rotational force on a pipe to be held in a chain vise includes a curvilinear or inverted V-shaped base which saddles the pipe to be held. A U-shaped frame is mounted to the base such that one or more roller bearings may be mounted between the opposing sides of the U-shaped frame. The roller bearings provide a bearing surface for the chain of the chain vise, allowing the chain to be tensioned without applying torque to the pipe to be held. A pair of the tools may be spaced apart upon the periphery of a large pipe with the chain passing over the roller bearings of each tool.

Abstract: First and second handles of a tool are spring biased to pivot into a closed position in which mounting end portions of the handles abut each other. A band has a first end attached to the mounting end portion of the first handle and extends therefrom to form a loop. The opposite end of the band is slidably received through passages through the mounting end portions of the handles. A series of openings through the band correspond to various predetermined use diameters. A pin extending into the passage in the second handle engages one of the openings corresponding to a selected use diameter. The gripping end portions of the handles opposite the mounting end portions are squeezed together to increase the effective diameter of the band loop and allow the loop to be placed around parts to be aligned.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and accessory for splitting wood. The logs are loaded into a ring (2) to essentially fill it and, if desired, are compressed into a tightly packed bundle, splitting taking place using an impact-bar type device.

Abstract: A portable work platform is provided for attachment to a stationary object such as a ladder. The platform includes a frame, a clamp to retain the frame to a stationary object, a vise for retaining a work piece and a guide for retaining the free end of an elongate work piece.

Abstract: To improve a strap clamping device comprising a clamping strap forming an outer loop to wrap around one or several workpieces, and a tightening device for tightening the outer loop to clamp the workpiece or workpieces, such that it is operable in as convenient a way as possible, it is proposed that the tightening device comprise a base element supported on the loop with a guide opening through which the loop is guided, that the tightening device include a pull element, that the pull element and the base element be moveable relative to each other by means of an adjusting device, and that the loop run between the base element and the pull element and engage the pull element such that upon relative movement of the base element and the pull element, the outer loop is tightenable under the effect of a double pulley.

Abstract: A jar clamp for stabilizing a jar so as to prevent slipping and twisting of the jar during opening of the jar, for freeing both hands so that they may be free to work at opening the jar lid, and for accommodating a wide array of jar diameters. The jar clamp incorporates a second elongate arm that is hingedly attached to a first elongate arm. A seat having a central strut as well as upper and lower cross bars is affixed to the first arm. The seat further incorporates rubberized padding and angled end portions on the upper and lower cross bars. A rubber or elastic rubberized strap is provided that is affixed to the second arm and releasably secured to the first arm.

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.

Abstract: An adjustable support for holding models in a working position for a hobbyist includes a quadrilateral frame having opposed side walls and opposing end walls which are each adjustable. The end walls and the side walls have overlapping portions having aligned longitudinal slots which can receive a securing pin so that the length, as well as the pitch of the walls, can be adjusted.

Abstract: A combination chain wrench and vise for holding a workpiece, such as a pipe and like object, in place and for engagement around a circumference of the workpiece and performing work thereon. A first chain wrench is disposed at a right angle to the length of the workpiece and includes a chain wrench body with the front of wrench body having a plurality of teeth for releasably engaging and gripping of the workpiece. A first end of a chain is adapted for tightening on the chain wrench body. A second end of the chain is releasably mounted on the chain wrench body so that a length of the chain can be adjusted when received around different sizes of the workpiece. The wrench body further includes a first attachment block extending outwardly from the top of the wrench body. The first attachment block is adapted for receipt inside a first end of a vise attachment tube. The vise attachment tube is mounted to the top of a vise base.

Abstract: A free clamp for holding the sides of a closed frame, box, chair legs, etc. during gluing or the like wherein the workpiece is engaged by clamp corner elements biased inwardly by an elastic tension cord. All of the corner elements, except one, include anti-friction rollers engaging the rubber tension member cord, and the ends of the cord are connected to an anchor corner element including a lock for receiving the elastic tension member and maintaining the tension therein. The tension member cord is mounted upon the corner elements in an asymmetrical relationship to permit the tension forces imposed upon the corner elements to be most advantageously applied to the frame sides during clamping.

Abstract: The pressure-retaining device or clamp acts on the roll or log adjacently to the cutting plane and may be adapted to various diameters of the material being processed; for each path of advance of the rolls or logs (B) and on each side of the cutting plane, it comprises: a pair of symmetrically curved flexible strips (12, 14) projecting from enclosing supports (9A, 10; 7A, 10) and having end portions able to move according to the variation in the diameter of the roll, and a strap (22) fixed to elastic return holders (24A) and adjusting holders, said strap surrounding the pair of strips (12, 14) so as to vary their geometry in relation to the variation in the diameter of the material being processed.

Abstract: An assembly arranged for mounting to a pipe to be welded is provided, wherein the assembly includes a support pipe having a counterweight slidably mounted therealong. The support pipe includes a V-shaped lock receiving the pipe to be welded, with a clamp chain arranged for securing the pipe to be welded relative to the V-shaped lock, whereupon sliding of the counterweight relative to the support pipe provides for counter-balancing of the pipe to be welded in an adjustable manner.

Abstract: A buffing fixture and structure for supporting large and thin metal skins during a finishing operation. The structure includes a plurality of individual form fixtures, at least one trunnion table mounted for rotation along a horizontally disposed axis, and a motor for causing the rotation of the trunnion table. Each of the form fixtures is comprised of a frame having at least one brace which extends outwardly from the frame, a form shell mounted to the frame such that the interior surface is in contact with a longitudinal edge of the brace, and a layer of foam disposed substantially along the entire interior surface of the form shell in order to support the surface area of the form shell. The form shell has a three dimensional shape which follows the three dimensional shape of the metal skin to be finished.

Abstract: An improved chain-type pipe vise system. The vise includes a base member, at least two V-shaped vise members, and a chain having one end attached to the base member. The other end is designed to wrap around a pipe, and extends downwardly beneath the base member to an attachment assembly. To engage the unattached end of the chain within the attachment assembly, a chain guide unit is mounted to the vise beneath the base member. The unit includes a tubular member having a rod slidably mounted therein. The rod includes an outwardly-extending section which is movable along a slot through the tubular member, and biasing means for pulling the section inwardly. In operation, the outwardly-extending section is drawn back and released. This enables the section to move inwardly, engaging the unattached end of the chain and urging it into the attachment assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for holding a generally cylindrical workpiece for honing or otherwise machining an internal bore. The workpiece is held by a gripping surface over most of the innermost turn of a spirally wound torsion band coil. The workpiece is grasped circumferentially over its outer surface without excess contact pressure at any particular point. A tendency of the machining operation to rotate the workpiece serves to secure the workpiece more tightly in position by tightening the outer turns of the tension band coil. A rotatable tensioning member acts under the influence of a biasing spring to decrease the diameter of the innermost turn of the tension band coil to bring the gripping surface into contact with the workpiece. The outer diameter of the tension band coil is variable under the influence of a plurality of segmented support members which are adjustable radially inward and outward to extend the range of utility of the tension band coil.

Abstract: The device for fixing a donor's eyeball comprises a body and retainers for holding the donor's eyeball to a support. The body is built up of an inner and an outer portions coaxially fitted one in the other with a possibility of rotating with respect to each other and of being held in a preset position. The retainers are made as a number of arcuate elements secured symmetrically with their one end on the inner body portion, and with the other end, on the outer body portion so as to interact with the donor's eyeball in a preset mutual arrangement of said body portions.

Abstract: An apparatus for plumbing a series of posts includes a generally vertical frame supported on three operable jacks mounted to form a three-point support for the frame. Each jack is operable to raise or lower that support and thereby align and plumb the frame. The frame includes upper, intermediate and lower horizontal members, vertically spaced-apart and parallel. The horizontal members are comprised of a pair of telescoping halves, so as to be selectively and adjustably extensible. A winch and strap is affixed proximal to each end of each horizontal member, which is operable to hang a post against each end of the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for holding a generally cylindrical workpiece for honing or otherwise machining an internal bore. The workpiece is held by a gripping surface over most of the innermost turn of a spirally wound spring and coil. The workpiece is grasped circumferentially over its outer surface without excess contact pressure at any particular point. A tendency of the machining operation to rotate the workpiece serves to secure the workpiece more tightly in position by tightening the outer turns of the spring band coil. A rotatable tensioning member acts under the influence of a biasing spring to decrease the diameter of the innermost turn of the spring band coil to bring the gripping surface into contact with the workpiece. A method for adapting the work-holding apparatus to smaller or irregularly shaped workpieces consists of molding an annular piece around the workpiece.

Abstract: A utility pole repairing apparatus having a first and second rigid elongated member with an adjusting mechanism attached therebetween for selectively adjusting the distance between the first and second rigid elongated members. A holding structure is operatively attached to the first and second members for selectively holding the first and second members up against a utility pole in such a way that it can be so positioned by one person. Third and fourth rigid, elongated members also are provided and have a second adjusting mechanism attached therebetween for selectively adjusting the distance between the third and fourth rigid, elongated members.

Abstract: An apparatus for seating and tightening clamps around joints between tubular sections comprises an elongate flexible member such as a chain for extending around a clamp positioned over a joint, the member having rollers spaced along its length, and a tightening device for applying tension to the member to tighten it around the clamp so that the rollers roll around the surface of the clamp and apply a radial force to the clamp.

Abstract: A tube cutting apparatus of the type in which jaws carried by relatively reciprocal slides move into and out of clamping engagement with tubing to facilitate severing of lengths of tubing as the tubing is moving rapidly along its lengthwise axis. Each of the jaws is releasably secured to the respective slide by a cam pin which coacts with a cam surface on the jaw to bring an eccentric portion of the cam pin into wedging coaction with the cam surface on the jaw in response to rotation of the pin and firmly and wedgingly secure the jaw to the slide. The jaw may be removed from the slide by simply rotating the cam pin a fraction of a revolution, axially withdrawing the cam pin, and then lifting the jaw out of the slide. Replacement is accomplished by reversing this procedure.

Abstract: A work-holding implement for use in honing or otherwise machining the inner surface of a bore in a workpiece comprises a torsion-carrying spring band coil mounted at one end of a handle. Most of the inwardly exposed surface of the innermost turn of the coil is a gripping surface, while the remaining turns in the coil have smooth bearing surfaces. A workpiece is gripped by the innermost turn, and as an interior bore in the workpiece is being honed or otherwise machined, rotational torques exerted on the workpiece by the machine tool cause the coil to become more tightly wound around the workpiece. As the workpiece is being worked on, the tightened coil bears against a planar segment of the spring band forming part of the implement and deforms it into a curved surface conforming to the workpiece surface over which contact is made.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for holding a generally cylindrical workpiece for honing or otherwise machining an internal bore. The workpiece is held by a gripping surface over most of the innermost turn of a spirally wound spring and coil. The workpiece is grasped circumferentially over its outer surface without excess contact pressure at any particular point. A tendency of the machining operation to rotate the workpiece serves to secure the workpiece more tightly in position by tightening the outer turns of the spring band coil. A rotatable tensioning member acts under the influence of a biasing spring to decrease the diameter of the innermost turn of the spring band coil to bring the gripping surface into contact with the workpiece. A method for adapting the work-holding apparatus to smaller or inrregularly shaped workpieces consists of molding an annular piece around the workpiece.

Abstract: A clamping device with a support having a seat for receiving an object to be clamped and at least one clamping chain for abutment with the object to hold the object on the support. The chain is received in a pocket on the support and releasably secured therein by a clamp. A tensioner draws the chain into firm engagement with the object to secure it to the support.

Abstract: A plurality of limbs or the like are secured together, to form a limb bundle (B). The limbs are positioned in a space defined laterally between a pair of posts (34, 38 or 80, 82) on one side (14) of a frame (12, 78) and a second pair of posts (36, 40 or 36', 40' or 86, 88) on the opposite side (16) of the frame (12, 78). A windlass (50, 52) is supported at the upper ends (46, 48) of the posts (34, 38 or 80, 82). A cable (60, 64) extends from the windlass (50) either downwardly and around the girth of the limb bundle (B), and then hooks on itself (62), to form a noose around the limb bundle (B), or it extends from the windlass (50) down to and around a pulley (68) then upwardly and over a mid portion of the limb bundle (B'), and then down to a dead end connection (66) at a lower portion of the frame (12). In either case, tightening of the cable (60, 64) imposes a squeezing force on the limb bundle (B, B').

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for forming an air gap pipe are provided. Inner and outer pipes are bent or deformed into comparable configurations such that the inner pipe can be mounted within the outer pipe. The outer pipe then is split longitudinally by a preprogrammed cutting apparatus. The cutting of the outer pipe terminates just short of the complete longitudinal length of the pipe to facilitate rematching later in the process. The cutter includes a follower to trace the actual configuration of the pipe and thereby to offset differences from one pipe to the next. An array of clamps are provided to align the outer pipe halves relative to one another and to facilitate the reattachment.

Abstract: A machine is disclosed for depositing powder in a selected configuration, fusing the configured powder into a laminate and adhering the fused laminate to a shoe substrate. The machine includes a mounting plate on which the shoe substrate is to be releasably clamped which is elevated from a lower release position to an upper clamping position. A pair of lever arms are mounted on either side of the mounting plate for displacement from a release position to a clamping position. Each lever arm includes a support arm which is configured so that a support portion will be parallel to and lower than the mounting plate when the mounting plate is in the clamping position.

Abstract: A plurality of limbs or the like are secured together, to form a limb bundle (B). The limbs are positioned in a space defined laterally between a pair of posts (20, 24) on one side of a frame (12) and a second pair of posts (22, 26) on the opposite side of the frame (12). A windless (44) is supported at the upper ends of the posts (20, 24). A cable (54) extends from the windless (44) either downwardly and around the girth of the limb bundle (B), and then hooks on itself, to form a noose around the limb bundle (B), or it extends from the windless (44) down to and around a pulley (76), then upwardly and over a mid portion of the limb bundle (B'), and then down to a dead end connection (70) at a lower portion of the frame (12). In either case, tightening of the cable (54, 54') imposes a squeezing force on the limb bundle (B).

Abstract: A portable clamping device is provided which is quickly and easily attachable to the axle of a vehicle. The clamping devices provides a base upon which a lifting device can be positioned for lifting a wheel to be installed or removed from a vehicle relative to the vehicle axle. The device comprises a longitudinally extending base that can be installed on an axle through the central hole in a wheel to be affixed to the axle. The base includes several sets of guides for guiding a cable slidably attached to the base during the clamping operation. One set of guides extends transversely from the base while a second set of guides defines a longitudinal path along the base. The cable is positioned by the guides such that an arcuate segment of the cable in contact with the first set of guides extends in a plane transverse to the base. A linear segment of the cable in contact with the second set of guides extends along a longitudinal path on the base.

Abstract: The elements of the frame, such as A, B, C, and D are held in place by the four angles (1) disposed at the corners of the frame and by the cramps (5, 6, 7, 8) mounted on each angle. On the other hand, each angle comprises a semi-circular flat sheave (1e) surrounding its right-angle apex. The edge of this sheave is provided with a groove (4) in which the cable (3) passes. The tightener (2) comprises a clamp (13) tightened by a screw (16) permitting the two strands of the cable (3) to be clamped between its body and its gripping part. The nut (23) bearing against the end side of the frame (10) acts upon the threaded rod (22) and exerts a pull on the clamp (13) through which the cable is tightened and the elements of the frame are squeezed tight against one another.

Abstract: A universal automotive battery holddown system employing a chain or a cable stretched over a bracket placed on one edge of the battery. The bracket carries a bolt with a nut over which the chain or cable is placed. When the ends of the chain or cable are attached to the chassis or body of the vehicle and the platform on which the battery is located, the nut on the bolt is rotated until the chain or cable is taut, thereby securing the battery. The system can be used for any size or shape battery.

Abstract: A wood splitter's aid tool comprising an elongated, elastically stretchable, flexible member comprising a length of metal chain in series with a length of elastic cord, with the cord and a portion of the length of chain protectively surrounded by a preferably precurved length of synthetic hose and having, at one end of the member, a hook adapted to engage a selected link of the chain in order to encircle a block of wood to be split with the member under tension. The encircling band allows the block of wood to be split by an axe and holds it in assembled condition against pieces flying off and against the necessity of a person risking one hand to hold a small remaining piece in place as the other hand wields an axe.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus includes jaws carried by a frame and movable toward each other to center and engage a workpiece by a lever and linkage arrangement which operates quickly. The workpiece is then firmly clamped by a rope which extends from the frame around the workpiece at least 360.degree. and through a gripping device. The gripping device is urged toward the gripping position by a spring.