Abstract: A mounting element which allows for safe mounting of a module on a main body, the contact pressure acting on the module or on the main body not exceeding a maximum pressure, includes a control unit, a resilient clamping element and an actuation element. The control unit includes a pressure element and a counterpressure element, and the resilient clamping element is connected to the pressure element and to the counterpressure element. The actuation element includes a tool holder having a mounting recess and increases or reduces a contact pressure of the resilient clamping element between the pressure element and the counterpressure element when actuated in a tightening direction and a release direction, respectively. The mounting element further includes a displacement element that is connected to the clamping element and fills the mounting recess of the tool holder as soon as the contact pressure exceeds a maximum pressure.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus is disclosed, including a rigid housing having a slot with an engagement axis, and a shaft extending parallel to the engagement axis. The apparatus further includes a tab member on a distal end of the shaft and a rotational actuator on a proximal end of the shaft. The rotational actuator is configured to rotate the shaft, causing the tab member to move between a hooked position and an unhooked position.

Abstract: A solid surface clamp that has a top jaw and a bottom jaw, along with alignment structures, is disclosed. The clamp includes a top jaw, a bottom jaw, a bolt attached to the bottom jaw and slideably received through the top jaw, and a nut. The bolt has an alignment cutout, a threaded portion extending from the top jaw and defines a bolt longitudinal axis. The nut is threaded onto the threaded portion of the bolt and transitions the clamp from an open position to a clamping position. The top jaw further includes an alignment hole that contacts the alignment cutout and maintains the top jaw and the bottom jaw substantially fixed relative to each other about the bolt longitudinal axis. The alignment cutout moves relative to the alignment shaft in the direction of the bolt longitudinal axis when the clamp transitions from an open position to a clamping position.

Abstract: A clamp includes a fixed jaw assembly which has a fixed jaw and a movable jaw assembly which has a movable jaw. The movable jaw assembly is movable with respect to said fixed jaw assembly so that the movable jaw moves with respect to the fixed jaw. A handle is rotatably connected to the fixed jaw assembly, the handle includes a cam which moves the movable jaw assembly. When the handle is placed in a first rotational position the jaws are open and the movable jaw is disposed a first distance from the fixed jaw. When the handle is placed in a second rotational position the jaws are closed and the movable jaw is disposed a second distance from the fixed jaw, the second distance being less than the first distance. An adjustment is provided for changing both the first and second distances.

Abstract: A positioning device includes a fixing mechanism, a first positioning assembly, a second positioning assembly. The fixing mechanism includes a base, a first moving member movably passing through the base, and a second moving member movably passing through the base. The first positioning assembly includes a bottom board and two first guide portions protruding from the bottom board. Each first guide portion forms one first incline surface. The second positioning assembly includes a base body and two second guide portions. The base body is positioned between the two first guide portions respectively positioned on opposite side surfaces of the base body. Each second guide portion forms a guiding surface. The first moving member is fixed with the bottom board at one end away from the base. The second moving member is fixed with the base body at one end away from the base.

Abstract: A payload launch lock mechanism includes a base, a preload clamp, a fastener, and a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator. The preload clamp is configured to releasibly restrain a payload. The fastener extends, along an axis, through the preload clamp and into the base, and supplies a force to the preload clamp sufficient to restrain the payload. The SMA actuator is disposed between the base and the clamp. The SMA actuator is adapted to receive electrical current and is configured, upon receipt of the electrical current, to supply a force that causes the fastener to elongate without fracturing. The preload clamp, in response to the fastener elongation, either rotates or pivots to thereby release the payload.

Abstract: A carrier for use during sputtering includes a main body and support members. The main body defines a receiving space and includes a lateral surface defining at least one groove extending along a longitudinal direction. The receiving space and the at least one groove communicate with each other. The at least one groove is defined by a first surface and a second surface. The first surface defines recessed portions along the longitudinal direction and communicates with the receiving space. The support members are used for hanging workpieces. Each of the support members includes at least one support arm protruding from the lateral surface and is selectively and movably retained by one of the recessed portions.

Abstract: A method for preparing a bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell stack is provided. The method first includes the steps of providing a first unipolar plate having a first active area with a plurality of channels formed on a first inner surface thereof, and a second unipolar plate having a second active area with a plurality of lands formed on a second inner surface thereof. The first unipolar plate and the second unipolar plate are aligned to dispose the first active area adjacent the second active area. A first pressure is then applied to the first and second active areas to pre-nest the first active area and the second active area. The perimeters of the first and second unipolar plates are then joined. A clamping fixture and associated method for assembling the bipolar plate assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A device to protect apparatus has a movable section moved alternately by drive means housed in a fixed casing of said apparatus, this alternating motion relative to the fixed casing creating an opening that expands and contracts in a lengthwise direction. The protection device comprises: a plurality of protection elements each having at least one covering portion designed to transversally close said opening and extending lengthwise; means for fixing one end of the protection device to the apparatus; and means for fixing the opposite end of the protection device to the movable part of the apparatus, retaining means also being envisaged for connecting adjacent protection elements to one another and designed to allow the plurality of protection elements to telescopically extend and retract so as to close off said opening lengthwise as the opening expands and contracts.

Abstract: To avoid damage to carrier substrates in a device for mechanically aligning carrier substrates for electronic circuits, the carrier substrates having two main surfaces and a peripheral surface and being supplied to a horizontal fixture of the device, centering elements being forced to engage on the peripheral surface of the carrier substrates to align the carrier substrates in the horizontal fixture, it is proposed that at least two centering elements be mounted rotationally and displaceably in the axial direction on at least two first shafts that are oriented in parallel with one another and in parallel with the horizontal fixture. The centering elements engage on sections of the peripheral surface of the carrier substrate disposed opposite one another in a first direction, and at least two further centering elements engage with stop faces at sections of the peripheral surface of the carrier substrate disposed opposite one another in a second direction running perpendicularly to the first direction.

Abstract: A double vise using a single actuating screw with a self-setting preload arrangement includes a vise base, a center fixed jaw and a pair of movable jaws which are movable toward and away from the center fixed jaw. The movable jaws being actuated with the vise screw. The loads on the vise screw from the jaws being reacted initially by springs that apply a resilient preload against a workpiece in either one of the movable jaws. One jaw is driven with a sleeve rotatably mounted on a cylindrical section of the vise screw and driven through a load release clutch. The springs are mounted on a vise screw support housing that is slidably mounted on the vise base and which provides automatic adjustment of the vise jaws to clamp different size workpieces in the jaws. The sleeve has a threaded section for operating one of the jaws.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for holding down a drum (16) includes a base plate (42), a pair of mounting plates (60) fixedly secured to the base plate (42) located on opposite sides of the base plate (42), and a pair of hold-down plates (52,54). Each of the hold-down plates (52,54) are movably mounted upon one of the mounting plates (60). Each of the hold-down plates (52,54) is engageable with a peripheral surface (90) of the drum (16) resting on the base plate (42) to center the drum (16) relative to the apparatus (10). Each of the hold-down plates (52,54) also has a tapered leading edge (74) engageable with the drum (16) as the drum is inserted between the mounting plates (60). The apparatus (10) also includes a pair of cantilever extensions (100,102) fixedly attached to each of the mounting plates (60) that extend inwardly toward the drum (16).

Abstract: A fluid-actuated workholding apparatus that includes a base member that has a longitudinally extending slot and a fixed jaw attached thereto. The apparatus further includes first and second movable jaw members that are operably supported on the base member for movement towards and away from the fixed jaw member along the longitudinally extending slot. A clamping assembly is operably supported within the longitudinally extending slot and serves to define a fluid receiving cavity for receiving a pressurized fluid therein. The clamping assembly communicates with the first and second movable jaw members such that when a predetermined amount of pressurized fluid is admitted to the receiving cavity, the first and second movable jaw members are caused to move away from the fixed jaw member.

Abstract: A blade sharpener (10) comprising a frame (12) with a clamp (76) and a guide means (48) moveably attached to it to allow rotation of the clamp (76) about an axis (102), and raising and lowering of the guide means (48), both with respect to the frame (12), the clamp (76) having a first jaw (78) constructed to have various cutting instruments clamped to various surfaces of it to allow sharpening by a sharpening tool (156) carried by a sharpening member (158), a rod of the sharpening tool (158) being guided by guide means (48).

Abstract: A vice has a base fixed to the worktable of a machine, a slider slidable on the base and a fixing-releasing mechanism for selectively fixing the slider to the base and releasing the slider from the base. The fixing-releasing mechanism is provided with an actuator extending through a large hole formed in the base and engageable with the base and the slider. When not applied by pressurized fluid, the actuator fixes the slider to the base, and when applied by the fluid, it releases the slider from the base for the positional adjustment of the slider. The vice also has a piston-cylinder assembly composed of a cylinder tube and a piston assembly slidable in the cylinder tube and surrounding a lead screw in a telescopic manner. When applied by pressurized fluid, the piston assembly as well as the lead screw advances to move a movable clamp element on the slider towards a stationary clamp element fixed on the slider, for clamping a work between both the clamp elements.

Abstract: A needlecraft stand for supporting a needlecraft frame in convenient position for use by someone sitting in a chair or other seat and which may be easily adjusted by the user. The stand has a flat base, a pivotable post extending upwardly from the base and a clamp for holding a needlecraft frame pivotably attached to the top of the post. A hinge is provided between the clamp and the top pivot connection to permit tipping the needlecraft work upwardly to provide convenient access to the underside of the work.

Abstract: The work release stop of the present invention is adapted for use with conventional types of vises for engaging and limiting the rearward movement of the adjustable jaw of the vise when releasing a workpiece clamped between the fixed jaw and the adjustable jaw to facilitate the repetitive clamping and unclamping of workpieces positioned in the vise. The work release stop acts as an adjustable stop for the adjustable jaw and includes a stop plate extending transversely of the adjustable jaw and divided into first and second parts. Gripping jaw portions extend downwardly into the guideway slot of the vise and are engageable with opposite sides to thereby maintain the stop plate in longitudinally adjusted position in the guideway. A compression spring urges the adjustable jaw in a rearward position to reduce any "play" between the adjustable jaw and the operating screw shaft.

Abstract: For fitting a strip-like flexible metal doctor blade (4) into the usual clamp means (1, 2) of a rotary printing machine there is used a guide (5) having first and second stop surfaces (5a, 5b) which are linear and parallel, and are spaced by the extent by which it is desired that the blade (4) shall eventually protrude from the clamp means (1, 2). The blade (4) is abutted against one stop surface (5a), and is then secured in the guide (5). The guide (5), with the blade (4) in it, is then moved to cause the second stop surface (5b) to abut against the clamp means (1), with the protruding portion of the blade (4) inserted into the clamp means (1, 2). The clamp means (1, 2) are tightened onto the blade (4), and the guide (5) is removed. For a blade (4) consisting of two strip-like parts placed face to face, the guide ( 5) is provided with a step. One blade part is abutted against the stop surface, and the other blade part is abutted against the step.

Abstract: A device for the practice of the martial art of karate, simulating a board to be broken and comprising a pair of clamp members adapted to simulate the shape of the board to be broken; the clamps are adapted to hold pieces of material of varying strength to approximate the varying sizes of board to be broken and a padded striking area may be provided if desired.