Abstract: A radiator lifting and holding apparatus includes an upright support stand, a radiator clamping mechanism, a stop mechanism, and a radiator winch-type lifting mechanism. The clamping mechanism includes a pair of clamping members coupled to respective upright post members of an upright structure of the support stand for adjustable movement toward and away from one another for clamping a radiator therebetween at a desired elevation above the ground while at the same time allowing rotation of the radiator to a desired angular position. The stop mechanism is mounted on one upright post member of the support stand and is cooperable with one of the clamping members to lock the radiator against further rotation and thus maintain it stationary at the desired angular position.

Abstract: A system and method for use in quickly and easily removing bearings or collars from shafts, without damaging the shafts, is disclosed. The system comprises a frame to which are attached a slider and breaking point members, which slider and breaking point members can be adjusted to accept bearings or collars of varying sizes, and contain them in a stable manner so that a force can be imparted to the breaking point members, thereby causing the bearing or collar to break and be removed from the shaft to which it was mounted. The system is constructed to allow replacement of the slider, breaking point members and other elements, for instance when they become worn through use.

Abstract: A C-clamp is provided having L-shaped stationary members capable of being adjusted to a plurality of rigidly retained selectable orientations with respect to one another and capable of being rigidly secured to a shaft which supports a threaded movable member. A polygonal element on the shaft engages complementary polygonal holes in the L-shaped members to rigidly retain the selected orientation of the L-shaped members with respect to one another and the shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for gripping and removing integrated circuits, including four heatable jaws movable into gripping relation with soldered integrated circuit leads. The heatable jaws are mounted to respective leveler plates, each of which is suspended from a base member by a pivotable gripper arm and three flexure arms. Individual air cylinders are selectively actuable to pivot the gripper arms and thereby achieve inward motion and gripping action of the jaws. A second embodiment employs a cam follower mechanism rather than air cylinders to actuate similarly-mounted jaw elements.

Abstract: A portable gun cas holder comprised of a pair of gun supports mounted within a carrying case wherein one of the gun supports is equipped with a clamping assembly which holds the gun in place wherein the clamping assembly may be adjusted to accommodate the individual characteristics of a particular gun and furthermore where the gun supports may be adjusted in height and further may be folded within the carrying case to allow for easy transportation of the invention.

Abstract: This is an apparatus to facilitate securing radiator tanks onto header plates of automotive radiators and the like of a type made either from brass or of plastic having a gasket trough and integral header tabs. It includes opposed rails suspended from an overhead support, preferably circular to afford 360.degree. rotation, and arranged for individual movement towards and away from each other in substantially parallel relationship to support the header on different thicknesses of radiators for mounting the tank thereon. In one position, opposed edges of the rails are notched to hold radiators of varying sizes and types with easy access to header tabs on plastic radiators and in an inverted position, the rails are provided with a flange to support the underside of the gasket trough on plastic tanks with good access to the tabs.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for repair of automotive radiators is disclosed, usable for recoring of either brass or plastic tank radiators, including clamping gates providing parallel rails adjustably spaced to receive the radiator header with an air cylinder exerting clamping pressure on the tank top. The radiator sits atop the rails of a first set of clamping gates when resoldering conventional tanks and is recessed between the rails of a second set of clamping gates which are alternatively installed for decrimping and crimping of the header tabs of plastic tank radiators. Decrimping and crimping hand tools of special configuration are also disclosed, cooperating with the rails during use.

Abstract: When forcing together the mating end faces of a pair of rails into contact and pressure welding the rails, the clamping operation of each rails end is effected by dividing it into a vertical positioning clamping and a lateral positioning clamping performed independently of the former. With the contacting end faces being interposed, each of the two rail ends is first forced upward at the chins of each rail below the head thereof to press the upper surface of each rail against the lower surface of a leveler which establishes a preliminarily adjusted reference level. Then, each of the rail ends is clamped by a pair of clamping means which are pressed against the sides of the web of the rail from both sides.

Abstract: A vertical vise adaptable for floor mounting and having two spaced posts. One post carries a stationary work piece engaging jaw on its upper end and beneath the jaw, a vertically adjustable work piece support cradle assembly. The second post is hollow and shorter than the first post. A clamping head positioning arm is pivotally secured in the cavity of the second post so that its upper end is swingable toward and away from the first post. The second post carries a screw which projects thereinto for forcing the positioning arm toward the first post. The positioning arm projects above the second post and carries a clamping head assembly which includes a movable work piece engaging jaw mounted on a lever which is cam actuated. In use, a work piece is inserted between the posts with its bottom edge resting on the support cradle and its upper edge projecting above the clamping jaws.

Abstract: A butterfly-valve disc (10) is reconstituted by applying welding metal about its edge, rotating the disc with a lathe, and working the disc edge with a lathe tool. A spinner apparatus adapts the butterfly valve disc to be turned on the lathe. The spinner apparatus comprises two spinner mechanisms (A and B) for respectively attaching to opposite sides of the disc. Each of the spinner mechanisms includes a block (38), an elongated centering shaft (42) slidably mounted on the block, a spinner bar (48) fastened to the block for extending into a boss hole (22 or 24) on a side of the valve disc on which the spinner mechanism is to be mounted, and aligning bars (70 and 72) attached to the block for making contact with the side of the valve disc on which the spinner mechanism is to be mounted for holding a valve-disc axis (88) aligned with an axis (43) of the centering shaft.

Abstract: A programmably controllable vise has mechanisms for automatic adjustment of orkpiece position relative to three orthogonal axes. The positions of the vise jaws (during clamping) establish workpiece position along a first axis, and stop members (e.g., piston actuated stops) selectively extendable from the jaws establish workpiece position along a second axis. Two levelling bars supported adjacent the jaws by respective servo-actuators (e.g., double-acting piston type actuators) which adjust the bars along the jaws establish workpiece position along the third axis, as well as workpiece tilt about the first and second axes. Because the adjustments may be made automatically, the vise may operate unattended, with workpieces being loaded and unloaded by a robot. The vise jaws preferably incorporate replaceable jaw elements which are constructed for attachment and removal by a robot and which may be machined to accommodate non-prismatic workpieces.

Abstract: A unitary supporting member (integrally molded of urethane) is carried by a vise bar and is lodged between the vise bar and a wooden workpiece, thereby protecting the workpiece from being marred or scratched. The member is substantially homogeneous, is substantially devoid of internal reinforcements, and has a central recess having a plan outline corresponding substantially to a cross-section of the vise bar.

Abstract: A three-jaw chuck of a lathe is adapted to rectangular or square-shaped work pieces by a U-shaped adaptor placed on one of the jaws. The adaptor may be adjustable as to the distance between the jaw tip and the support surface for the workpiece. Alternatively, a set of adaptors of differing thickness can be provided for purpose of selection on a case-by-case basis.

Abstract: An end plating machine comprising a frame having an in-feed portion at one side thereof and an out-feed portion at the other side thereof. A stationary platen is provided at opposite ends of the frame below the in-feed and out-feed portions adapted to support the ends of a cross-tie delivered thereto. A conveyor delivers the cross-ties to the in-feed portion whereupon a tie transporter assembly moves the tie from the in-feed portion and delivers the tie to a tie elevator assembly which lowers the tie onto the stationary platens. A robotic claw assembly is provided above the stationary platen for squeezing the ends of the tie to close cracks therein. Each of the robotic claws are operated by a single hydraulic cylinder. When the ends of the tie are squeezed together by the robotic claws, a hydraulic ram at opposite ends of the tie drives nail plates into the ends of the tie.

Abstract: A holder for stringing a racket includes a base, an intermediate fitted in the base, two holding arms having their one ends respectively pivotally mounted on the two sides of the intermediate, a screw threadedly engaging with the base and the intermediate for forcing the holding arms in inward or outward movement to hold or release the frame portion of a racket, and a clamping piece which together with holding arms clamps the frame portion therebetween.

Abstract: An insulator holder is provided herein which allows a lineman to service or repair porcelain insulators without being subjected to the hazzards of broken or cracked insulators. The insulator holder provides a plurality of jaws which converge toward a base whereby the insulator can be firmly held in place during maintenance. One embodiment of the device includes adjustable jaws which can be positioned according to the size of the insulator being repaired.

Abstract: A method for coining a precision corner break on an oil metering flat for a rotor of a power steering rotary valve is provided. The method comprises the first step of placing a workpiece to be coined in a first floating position set by a clamping and orientating device where the workpiece is generally aligned but adjustable for further coining orientation if necessary. The next step comprises engaging the workpiece with a plurality of circumferentially spaced coining dies. The workpiece floats from the first floating position to a second coining position upon engagement by the dies. The last step comprises coining the workpiece to a precision depth selectively adjustable by adjustment of a motion conversion means. The press assembly includes fixed and movable platens, the movable platen being powered by a power cylinder assembly to direct the movable platen in a longitudinal direction in the press.

Abstract: A vise structure has a control handle cooperating with a two-part guide rod means, including respective inner and outer rods mounted telescopically relative to each other. The handle is rotatably supported on the frame and has a limited longitudinal movement thereon. In one longitudinal position, the handle is coupled only to the inner rod for rotation in unison; and the inner rod is linked to a pair of pivotably-mounted vise jaws arranged to move towards and away from each other transversely of the vise structure. In a second position of the handle, both the inner and outer rods are rotated for movement of the pivotably-mounted vise jaws and, respectively, for longitudinal movement of a transversely-arranged elongated vise jaw from one end of the structure to its other end. In a third position of the handle, only the outer end is rotated for movement of only the elongated vise jaw. The vise structure is adapted for a work bench and is arranged to clamp various irregularly-shaped work pieces therein.

Abstract: A gripper head for attachment to the Z axis shaft of a robot or a pick and place machine to pick up objects and position them on a workpiece, comprises a body from which projects a pair of gripping jaws which are slidable horizontally relative to the body by first and second pneumatic piston and cylinder units, respectively. A hold down and tamper member is vertically movable between the jaws by a third piston and cylinder unit so as to hold down an object to be picked up while the jaws are being closed about it and to tamp the object down against the workpiece. A brake is provided for stopping the piston of one of the first and second piston and cylinder units in a desired position. The hold down and tamper member may be arranged also to act as a vacuum pick up device.

Abstract: A system for transfering discs, such as integrated circuit wafers during manufacture, from a location at atmospheric pressure into a vacuum chamber of an electron microscope or the like with a minimum of vacuum loss to the chamber. A wafer is placed on a moveable holder in a small sealable chamber having a sealable top door and which is mounted to the outer surface of the vacuum chamber at the position of a small gate through the chamber wall. The wafer holder carries a magnet that is magnetically coupled to a second magnet outside of the sealable chamber and which is motor driven to transfer the wafer through the gate and into the vacuum chamber and upon a stage that has a three-point grasping mechanism operated by the leading end of the moving wafer holder. The wafer holder includes a solenoid operated clip that engages the leading edge of a wafer during pick-up of the wafer for its removal from the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A plurality of clamping elements are centrally joined to provide an optimal and multiple workholding usage. The overall shape and particular angles utilized provide a workholder beneficial for craftsmen and hobbyists. Also disclosed are pipe holding attachments designed to be used with the system.

Abstract: A portable gun case holder comprised of a pair of gun supports mounted within a carrying case wherein one of the gun supports is equipped with a clamping assembly which holds the gun in place wherein the clamping assembly may be adjusted to accommodate the individual characteristics of a particular gun and furthermore where the gun supports may be folded within the carrying case to allow for easy transportation of the invention.

Abstract: A log holder for holding a log in a position to facilitate splitting of the log, the log holder having a plurality of diverging wall members joined to each other at the rear edges. The log holder is provided with means for supporting the wall members at an angle such that the junction of the rear edges slopes rearwardly from bottom to top. The log is placed between the diverging wall members and is held by gravity in a position inclined with respect to the vertical. Arms are provided to prevent the split pieces of the log from flying sideways. The restrained pieces are held in position for further splitting, or for pick-up with less stooping. Provision is also made for supporting a tool or tools on the log holder in a position for quick access where they do not interfere wtih the chopping action. The sheet metal members are secured to an angle iron which may be driven into the ground or in a modified form, secured to a supporting framework resting on the ground.

Abstract: A holder for use in holding two pipes or pipe joints to be welded where one of the pipes or pipe joints is held by three pipe abutting members mounted in angularly spaced relation on a common holder with the position of the pipe abutting members being adjustable by a screw bar. The other pipe or pipe joint is held by means of three supporting screw bars adjustably mounted in the pipe abutting members. With this holder the facing end portions of the pipes or pipe joints maintain the groove abutting condition and the centering condition. The holder is easily positioned on the pipes or pipe joints for performing the welding operation.

Abstract: A secure safety anchor that is easy to utilize is provided for attachment to structural angle irons in marine installations and the like. The anchor includes a vise grips with movable and stationary jaws, and a head welded to the stationary jaw. A flange surface portion of the head extends substantially perpendicular to an imaginary line between the vise grips jaws when in the clamping position, and a number of force concentrating set screws pass through the flange surface at an angle of about 15 degrees with respect to the imaginary line. A through-extending opening in the head provides for attachment of a safety belt clasp.

Abstract: A machine for fabricating driveshafts includes a frame including a support bed. A tailstock with centering spindle is mounted on said support bed. A headstock with driving spindle coincident with said centering spindle's axis is also mounted on said support bed. A rotatably lockable phasing plate is receivable in said driving spindle for mounting a rotary workpiece coincident with said axis. A phasing plate lockable in a positional relationship to said driving spindle phasing plate is receivable in said centering spindle for mounting a rotary workpiece coincident with said axis.

Abstract: Fixturing for repair of automobile radiators is disclosed, usable for recoring of either brass or plastic tank radiators, including clamping gates providing parallel rails adjustably spaced to receive the radiator header with an air cylinder exerting clamping pressure on the tank top. The radiator sits atop the rails of a first set of clamping gates when resoldering conventional tanks and is recessed between the rails of a second set of clamping gates which are alternatively installed for decrimping and crimping of the header tabs of plastic tank radiators. Decrimping and crimping hand tools of special configuration are also disclosed, cooperating with the rails during use.

Abstract: A light to moderate duty work-holding clamp which also can be used as a gear or wheel puller. The body of the clamp is formed of two C-shaped plates, aligned and spaced apart by 2 blocks, one attached to each end of the C-shape. A large clamping screw is threaded through each block. The blocks are mounted to the plates in a pivotable manner, so that the two clamping screws can be pivoted through 360 degrees freely. One end of each of these two clamping screws has a bearing face for bearing the pressure to be applied by the screws. These bearing faces can be snapped on and off the ends of the screws. The other end of each of these two screws terminates in a hook-shaped portion, which can provide the gear pulling function if used in combination with a third clamping screw. This third clamping screw is threaded through a third block which is attached slidably between the C-shaped plates. This block can slide to any point along the C-shape between the first two blocks, turning as it moves along.

Abstract: Clamps are provided for clamping a length of pipe to the trough of a pipe handling apparatus. The clamps comprise two arms pivotally coupled to the trough on opposite sides thereof. The arms are movable to open and closed positions by two piston rods pivotally coupled to the arms and which are actuated by two cylinders pivotally coupled to the trough on opposite sides.

Abstract: A clamp for use in holding a wing panel stringer to a header on a wing panel jig includes a clamp base affixed to the header. A stringer locator, which has a pair of clamp-engaging surfaces, is mounted for rotational movement on the clamp base. The first clamp-engaging surface is oriented generally parallel to the rotational axis of the locator while the second surface is a locus of lines that are preferably generally perpendicular to the first surface and form a convexly arcuate second surface. A J-shaped clamping member is slidably and rotationally mounted in the clamp base. The terminus of the curved portion of the clamping member engages the exposed surface of a stringer to hold it tightly against the first and second clamp surfaces.

Abstract: A device for clamping and aligning a pair of plates in selected angular relationship, so that the plates may be joined by welding or the like, clamps the same in the selected angular relationship with adjacent edges thereof in close proximity. The device holds the plates for being joined at one or more spaced points along their adjacent edges, whereafter the device is removable to permit the plates to be joined along the entirety of the length of their edges.

Abstract: Gripping device (1), primarily intended for handling objects of circular cross-section such as shafts, round metal plates or rings with the aid of industrial robots. It comprises three parallel shafts (10a, b, c) with gripping arms with gripping members (11a, b, c). The shafts (10a, b, c) are rotatably journalled in a plane supporting member (2, 3). A drive motor (16) drives one shaft (10a). The other shafts (10b, 10c) are connected together with the driven shaft (10a) by means of gear wheels (14a, b, c), one on the driven shaft (10a) and one on either of the other two shafts (10b, 10c), and two racks (20a, 20b) in mesh with the gear wheel (14a) on the driven shaft (10a) and one of the gear wheels (14b, 14c) on the other shafts (10b, 10c).

Abstract: A vee block clamp is provided intended chiefly to hold items having a curved outer surface. The clamp comprises a plurality of clamping blocks with oppositely facing inclined edges cooperating to define a vee shaped support surface. The dimensions of the support surface are adjusted according to the size of the item to be supported by longitudinally sliding the clamping blocks toward and away from each other. The clamping blocks are constrained for horizontal sliding motion only so that the blocks are prevented from rotating relative to each other.

Abstract: A generally rectangular frame is provided for disposition on a horizontal surface and first and second adjacent sides of the frame define convergent gripping jaws and a horizontally opening crotch at the convergent ends of the jaws for frictionally gripping adjacent peripherally spaced surfaces of a log section. An elongated third jaw is provided and pivot structure releasably pivotally attaches one end of the third jaw to selected points spaced along the first jaw for swinging of the other end of the third jaw toward and away from the end portion of the second jaw remote from the first jaw. Biasing structure is operatively connected between the third jaw and the frame and yieldably biases the third jaw to swing in a direction toward the second jaw.

Abstract: An improved vise for gripping elongated objects such as pipe is provided. The vise utilizes the rotational forces acting upon the object to be gripped to tighten the vise's grip on the object. The vise is constructed so that any force tending to rotate the object is transmitted to the vise and is translated into a gripping force to be utilized by the vise jaws of the vise. The vise is bi-directional and automatic in its operation.

Abstract: A holder for supporting a log in a vertical position to be split. The holder is formed of three interconnected horizontally extending support members and an adjustable retainer having a curved collar thereon is slidably mounted on each support member to hold the log in position. A screw or wedge locking means is used to hold the adjustable retainers in the desired position on the support members.

Abstract: A quick release clamp which comprises a U-shaped frame formed by two stampings spaced apart and held together in a unitary structure by means of spacers and rivets. In one arm of the frame, a screw block is anchored in which an elongated screw member is threaded and has on its inner end a clamping face. In the opposite arm a similar elongated threaded member is threaded through a block and has on its end a clamping face which is apposed to the first clamping face. In this latter case the block into which the elongated screw member is threaded is pivoted in the frame so that the clamping face can be swung away from alignment with the other clamping face.

Abstract: The centering and holding device of the invention is a relatively simple but practical piece of equipment for attachment to a potter's wheelhead for centering and holding the pot such as a vase, bowl, plate or the like on the said wheelhead. The top plate of the device is provided with sliding arms for engaging and holding the pot and the body portion of each arm extends through the top plate to project below for co-action with spiral grooves formed in the surface of the bottom plate. When the plates are rotated relatively to each other the arms move radially and to a like extent.

Abstract: An adjustable clamp for a V-block comprises an integral piece forming two legs, joined together at an acute angle and each having a free end. A first threaded hole is formed through said means on an axis at least approximately bisecting the acute angle. A first externally threaded elongated member extends through the first hole and has its threads engaged by the threads of the first hole. A respective slot is formed in each of the two legs. A respective block is slidably received in each of the slots. Respective second and third threaded holes are formed through the blocks each on an axis at least approximately intersecting the axis of the first hole at points within the acute angle and within an imaginary line extending between the tips of the legs regardless of the position of the blocks in the slots. Respective second and third externally threaded elongated members extend through the second and third holes and have their threads engaged by the threads of the second and third holes.

Abstract: A mechanical system is disclosed to capture and/or deploy a device or vehicle having relative motion with respect to another vehicle. The mechanism includes an on-board controlled collapsible iris assembly located at the end of a controlled manipulator system carried by one moving vehicle. The iris assembly by means of the manipulator system encircles a probe located on the other moving vehicle whereupon the iris assembly is activated and one or more iris elements close around the probe, thus capturing and axially aligning the other vehicle with the iris assembly. Additionally, a rotator assembly is included for spinning the iris assembly in a manner adapted to engage the probe of a spinning vehicle. Deployment of the other vehicle is accomplished by reversing the capture procedure.

Abstract: A vise which is constructed of three jaws which are movable to be clamped upon an exterior object, two of the jaws moving in synchronism in respect to another jaw located in a specific position. The movable jaw assemblies are located in an overlapping crossed arrangement. The configuration of the jaws can be altered to grasp not only objects of regular shape, but also objects of irregular shape.

Abstract: A chuck assembly for gripping and holding objects including a base, a face plate rotatably mounted on the base, and a plurality of arms pivotally connected to and extending outwardly from the face plate for swinging toward and away from each other. A threaded tube is secured to the face plate and a nut on the tube is operable to urge the face plate into frictional engagement with the base to secure it in a selected position. A threaded rod extends through the tube and has a semi-spherical washer pivotally mounted thereon. Connecting members extending inwardly from the arms engage portions of the washer. A nut on the threaded rod is operable to draw the washer toward the face plate to swing the arms toward each other. During swinging of the arms toward each other the washer may pivot on the rod to permit the arms to swing toward each other at different rates to grip and hold an asymmetrical object therebetween.

Abstract: A positioning and retaining plate assembly for the controlled location of a spectacle frame comprises three superposed plates slidably mounted in relation to each other. The upper plate, or tray, includes fastening means for a spectacle frame, and is slidable in one direction over the middle plate, or bed plate. The bed plate is slidable in a direction at right angles to the first direction over the lower plate, or base. Locking means are provided for locking the plates in position. The assembly may be mounted on a pedestal provided with a reflective upper surface on which reference axes are marked which can be viewed through apertures provided in the plates.

Abstract: A pair of portable supports that are adapted to removably engage longitudinally spaced sections of a ski to support the latter in an elevated substantially horizontal position above a floor surface to permit the ski to be tuned or maintenance work performed thereon. The pair of ski supports are of such structure that they are adapted to removably engage the edges of a longitudinal section of the ski irrespective of the configuration of the edges.

Abstract: Apparatus for making propellers having a base plate with an upstanding central shaft for receiving a blank propeller hub. A plurality of blocks are radially arranged on the plate about the central shaft, and each block has an upwardly projecting pin near one end thereof. The blocks each have vertical set screws therethrough opposite their pins to allow swingable movement to adjust the pin radial distances from the central shaft. The heads of said set screws are positioned on the top of said blocks, and provide positioning means for locating a cylindrical collar on said blocks. The collar has a plurality of radially arranged and adjustable arms, one for each block, extending inwardly therefrom, with each of said arms having a collet thereon with an inwardly presented slotted face.A propeller is made by positioning a plurality of propeller blade blanks each with its root in contact with the blank hub and its tip resting upon one of said blocks in contact with the pin thereon.

Abstract: The upper and lower parts of a split mould are merely superposed together, and an inclined peripheral surface of said upper mould is brought into engagement with claws of a chuck attached to a rotary shaft of forming or moulding machine.

Abstract: A flat rectangular workpiece, such as a photographic plate in a photo-repeating apparatus designed to produce integrated-circuit masks, laterally overhangs a platform of a carriage which is slidable on a mobile supporting table. The platform has two end stops and a side stop defining the relative position of the workpiece thereon, the overhanging edges of the workpiece entering between upper and lower jaws of three grippers -- one on one side and two on the other -- when the carriage is slid into a working position. The lower gripper jaws, constituted by spring-loaded plungers normally held down by suction, are then released to lift the workpiece off the platform while clamping it against the overlying upper jaws.

Abstract: An adjustable shaft rest assembly is disclosed for securely clamping a workpiece to a fixture table. A clamp including a clamp head which is selectively displaceable from a first position to a second position is mounted on a base and a pair of bores are defined in the base with the axes thereof intersecting the axis of a clamped workpiece for receiving a pair of shaft rests which can be selectively axially displaced from first positions to second positions. Each of the first and second shaft rests includes a threaded central bore which is threadedly received by first and second threaded studs which are fixedly secured within the base bores.