Abstract: The invention relates to clamping apparatus for a workpiece. The apparatus includes first and second jaws, one of which is movable by operator operation of a lever assembly and locking means are provided to selectively lock the movable jaw in position. The locking means can be actuated by the operator's foot thereby leaving the operator's hands free to perform work on the workpiece. An engagement system is also provided in order to allow additional accessory components to be selectively fitted to the apparatus for use in particular work operations.

Abstract: A belt splicer for butt-welding conveyor belts and methods for its operation. The belt splicer has clamp jaws that close to contact the butt edges of two belt sections against opposite ends of a heating wand and to hold the two melted butt edges together as they weld to each other. A toggle linkage assembly locks the clamped jaws closed and stores energy in a spring mechanism. The toggle linkage assembly allows the rapid release of the spring energy to accelerate the clamp jaws open to pull the melted butt ends rapidly away from the sides of the wand to avoid sticking. In another version, an air cylinder is used instead of the toggle linkage assembly and spring mechanism to close and rapidly open the splicer.

Abstract: Device for cutting sheets of material, with a counter (12) for the material to rest on, a blade to cut the material, and a holdfast (11) that can be lowered onto the material by a mechanism (10) and raised off it by a spring (6). When the spring in such a device breaks, the holdfast can drop and injure the operator. The object is to prevent such injuries. An interceptor (7, 8, & 9) accordingly brakes the holdfast when the spring that raises it is broken.

Abstract: A clamping device comprising a support structure (1) carrying a first jaw (3) which is fixed relative to the support structure and a movable jaw (6) capable of moving towards the fixed jaw to effect clamping. The movable jaw is operated by a lever (10) which engages an advancing means wherein said lever incorporates a locking means to secure the movable jaw at any given position and applied force.

Abstract: A convertible siding cutter (10) for cutting vinyl or metal siding, comprises an upper knife assembly (26) pivoted to the front one of a plurality of lower knife assemblies (36, 46) mounted on a base (20). The blade (28) in the upper knife assembly (26) can be interchanged with other blades, and an auxiliary lower knife assembly (58) can be used for conversion to accommodate different sizes and types of siding. A safety clamp assembly (64) is also provided to help keep the user's hands away from the blades when using the cutter (10).

Abstract: A rack, in particular for making up faggots, cutting logs, etc.

Abstract: A slider rest is formed on the top of a hollow, generally upright support structure or frame for holding a slider thereon in upside-down disposition with its pull tab telescopically received in a slit extending downwardly from the slider rest. Accommodated within the support structure is a pivotable locking lever having an offset detent at its top end which is movable into and out of engagement with an aperture in the slider pull tab received in the slit. Normally, the locking lever is held in its inoperative position by a retractable stop extending across the slit. Upon insertion of the slider pull tab into the slit, the retractable stop is thereby pivoted downwardly to permit the locking lever to be spring-actuated to its operative position where the detent engages the pull tab aperture and thus locks the slider on the slider rest.