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 system for controlling the jaws of a self-centering pallet which can be moved between pallet supports at the loading and unloading station and the working station of a machine tool includes an external hydraulic control circuit with a pair of ducts each of which communicates, through a respective connector device, with a pair of supply and discharge ducts of a double-acting cylinder incorporated in the pallet to control the jaws. Each connecting device includes interengageable connectors projecting from the mutually-facing surfaces of the pallet and the pallet support, a non-return valve located upstream of the connector on the pallet, and a rod passing through the connector on the pallet support and able to advance and open the non-return valve under the action of a piston subject to a pilot pressure.

Abstract: A workpiece supporting table for panel saws which ensures that during the splitting-up and formatting of workpieces, chip-type sawing residues penetrating between the table and a workpiece placed on it cannot scratch a sensitive workpiece surface resting on the table when the workpiece is moved into a new cutting position, is described. To this end, the workpiece supporting table is in the form of a grooved table whose ridge-type elevations each comprise at least one air outlet channel which exits at their upper horizontal surface and is connected to a compressed air source. Chips penetrating between the workpiece and the ridge-type elevations during the sawing are carried along and pulled down from their upper surface by the air flow issuing from the elevations, once the workpiece is released for adjustment into a new cutting position on the workpiece supporting table.

Abstract: An automatic set-up system is provided for setting up on a pallet work to be machined by a flexible manufacturing system automatic machine tool. The pallet has a support plate and a jig plate which overlies the support plate on which the work is placed. The support plate, the jig plate and the work are sequentially conveyed by a convey unit on a setting table. The relative positions of the support plate and the jig plate, and of the jig plate and the work are usually held constant by the engagement of positioning recesses and positioning pins. Even if the position of the jig plate or the work conveyed by the convey unit deviates from a predetermined position, a float base and a support plate (the float base, the support plate, and the jig plate) are floated by means of air bearing pads. The horizontal movement of these components can be readily controlled, so that positioning pins can be easily fitted in the positioning recesses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a workpiece-holding device provided with fastening means for fastening, by tightening, clamping or the like, the workpiece through the medium of compressed-fluid power-cylinders incorporated in the device, fed from the fluid pressure generator actuated by a source of power comprising said pressure generator incorporated in the device, the source of power being also advantageously incorporated in the device which is thereby self-contained and of reduced overall dimensions. Moreover, at least one valve assembly for the delivery of compressed fluid from the pressure generator at a predetermined pressure may be associated individually with one of the power-cylinders so that each power-cylinder operates either at a pressure independent of the operating pressure of the other power-cylinders or at different times. The invention is useful particularly for machines.

Abstract: An automatic set-up system is provided for setting up on a pallet work to be machined by a flexible manufacturing system automatic machine tool. The pallet has a support plate and a jig plate which overlies the support plate on which the work is placed. The support plate, the jig plate and the work are sequentially conveyed by a convey unit on a setting table. The relative positions of the support plate and the jig plate, and of the jig plate and the work are usually held constant by the engagement of positioning recesses and positioning pins. Even if the position of the jig plate or the work conveyed by the convey unit deviates from a predetermined position, a float base and a support plate (the float base, the support plate, and the jig plate) are floated by means of air bearing pads. The horizontal movement of these components can be readily controlled, so that positioning pins can be easily fitted in the positioning recesses.

Abstract: An automatic set-up system is provided for setting up on a pallet work to be machined by a flexible manufacturing system automatic machine tool. The pallet has a support plate and a jig plate which overlies the support plate on which the work is placed. The support plate, the jig plate and the work are sequentially conveyed by a convey unit on a setting table. The relative positions of the support plate and the jig plate, and of the jig plate and the work are usually held constant by the engagement of positioning recesses and positioning pins. Even if the position of the jig plate or the work conveyed by the convey unit deviates from a predetermined position, a float base and a support plate (the float base, the support plate, and the jig plate) are floated by means of air bearing pads. The horizontal movement of these components can be readily controlled, so that positioning pins can be easily fitted in the positioning recesses.

Abstract: An automatic set-up system is provided for setting up on a pallet work to be machined by a flexible manufacturing system automatic machine tool. The pallet has a support plate and a jig plate which overlies the support plate on which the work is placed. The support plate, the jig plate and the work are sequentially conveyed by a convey unit on a setting table. The relative positions of the support plate and the jig plate, and of the jig plate and the work are usually held constant by the engagement of positioning recesses and positioning pins. Even if the position of the jig plate or the work conveyed by the convey unit deviates from a predetermined position, a float base and a support plate (the float base, the support plate, and the jig plate) are floated by means of air bearing pads. The horizontal movement of these components can be readily controlled, so that positioning pins can be easily fitted in the positioning recesses.

Abstract: An automatic set-up system is provided for setting up on a pallet work to be machined by a flexible manufacturing system automatic machine tool. The pallet has a support plate and a jig plate which overlies the support plate on which the work is placed. The support plate, the jig plate and the work are sequentially conveyed by a convey unit on a setting table. The relative positions of the support plate and the jig plate, and of the jig plate and the work are usually held constant by the engagement of positioning recesses and positioning pins. Even if the position of the jig plate or the work conveyed by the convey unit deviates from a predetermined position, a float base and a support plate (the float base, the support plate, and the jig plate) are floated by means of air bearing pads. The horizontal movement of these components can be readily controlled, so that positioning pins can be easily fitted in the positioning recesses.

Abstract: An automatic set-up system is provided for setting up on a pallet work to be machined by a flexible manufacturing system automatic machine tool. The pallet has a support plate and a jig plate which overlies the support plate on which the work is placed. The support plate, the jig plate and the work are sequentially conveyed by a convey unit on a setting table. The relative positions of the support plate and the jig plate, and of the jig plate and the work are usually held constant by the engagement of positioning recesses and positioning pins. Even if the position of the jig plate or the work conveyed by the convey unit deviates from a predetermined position, a float base and a support plate (the float base, the support plate, and the jig plate) are floated by means of air bearing pads. The horizontal movement of these components can be readily controlled, so that positioning pins can be easily fitted in the positioning recesses.

Abstract: A tool holder has on its lower end an inverted, frusto-conically shaped bearing surface which is releasably seated coaxially in a correspondingly shaped opening which is formed in the upper surface of a stationary support. Intermediate its ends the bore wall which defines the frusto-conically shaped opening in the support has therein a shallow, circumferential recess, which is connected through a port in the support with a supply of fluid under pressure. In use the lower end of the tool holder is held in the opening in the support solely by gravity; and a tool, which is mounted in the upper end of the holder, is positioned adjacent a conventional gauging device which can measure tooth height and tool runout. Fluid under pressure is supplied to the recess in an amount sufficient to cause the tool holder to be elevated slightly without breaking the seal between the recess and the frusto-conically shaped bearing surface on the tool holder, whereby the tool holder can then be readily rotated manually.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting relatively small and deformable elongated rails on a relatively large, generally horizontal, and nondeformable elongated rail beam has a stiff but limitedly elastically deformable elongated jig. A plurality of clamps spaced longitudinally along the jig are engageable with the rail for locking onto the rail at respective longitudinally spaced locations. Respective vertical and horizontal jacks transversely engage between the clamps and the jig for elastically deforming the jig into a desired shape relative to the rail beam. Holders and the like are provided on the jig for securing the deformable rails to the rail beam in predetermined positions relative to the deformed jig. If the rail section is to be curved in any direction the jig is appropriately deformed relative to the rail beam so its various holders and mounting fixtures lie on the appropriate curve. Such elastic deformation of the jig therefore perfectly positions these rail holders.

Abstract: A work-clamping unit includes a base plate in which hydraulic cylinders are totally embedded, each cylinder including a piston vertically movable beneath the top surface of the base plate, the piston being adapted to carry a clamping member detachably connected thereto so as to transmit a clamping force from the piston to the clamping member, the base plate additionally including an oil path for feeding hydraulic pressure to each of the cylinders.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for supporting crystalline wafers utilizing the sion effect of flowing gas on the crystalline wafers. An almost point-like support of the crystalline wafer is achieved. Furthermore, the invention relates to a holding tool for carrying out the process, which tool has at the center of the holding face, a point-like projection.

Abstract: A power translation and rotation apparatus for an air float fixture support system of the type including a table having an upwardly facing upper surface adapted for supporting a workpiece fixture thereon, and a pressurized fluid system for supplying a cushion of pressurized air or other fluid between the surface of the table and the workpiece fixture so as to floatingly support the fixture thereon for virtually friction-free movement. The power translation and rotation apparatus generally comprises a single pin translatably and rotatably mounted within the table and having a portion thereof extending upwardly from the table surface, and motor-gear or hydraulic direct drive arrangements within the table for translating and rotating the pin about respective axes normal to the upper surface of the table. The pin is suitably shaped so that it is keyed to an opening in the lower surface of the fixture thereby causing the fluid supported fixture to be translated and rotated in unison with the pin.

Abstract: In copying machines, cameras etc. the blanks (6, 7) are placed between a glass plate and a support consisting of a rubber cloth (1), which is supplied with a circumferential bead (2). By exhaustion of the field of activity (5) of the rubber cloth (1) the blanks (6, 7) are pressed firmly against the glass plate, and in order to obtain an even exhaustion of the whole field (5) the rubber cloth (1) is supplied with a strip (3) of rubber or plastics along the bead (2) with transversing ducts (4), which are in connection with exhaustion openings (9).

Abstract: An element, such as an electrode, to be clamped by a clamping device passes slidingly through the interior of a rigid tube, a portion of which is disposed in a fluid chamber defined within a body of the clamping device. A flexible tube, for example made of nitrile rubber, surrounds said portion of the rigid tube and the latter has a part thereof cut away to expose the electrode to the flexible tube. Fluid in the chamber can be pressurized to a relatively high level in order to press the flexible tube against the electrode and thereby clamp the latter firmly, or to a relatively low level in order to retain the electrode frictionally while allowing it to move through the rigid tube.

Abstract: A rotary indexing table for use with a milling machine which has a reduced height and includes a base plate, a top plate, bearing means for mounting the top plate for rotation, means for clamping the top plate to prevent its rotation, a rotary union for transmitting hydraulic pressure to the top of the top plate to accommodate fixtures mounted on the top plate, an air chamber under the top plate so that the top plate rotates freely when air pressure is held in the chamber and indexing means to locate preselected positions of the top plate.

Abstract: A power translation apparatus for an air-float fixture support system of the type including a table having an upwardly facing upper surface adapted for supporting a workpiece fixture thereon, and a pneumatic system for supplying a cushion of pressurized air between the surface of the table and the workpiece fixture so as to floatingly support the fixture thereon for virtually friction-free movement. The power translation apparatus comprises an elongated slot in the table surface, a carriage mounted in the table below the surface for reciprocal movement parallel to the table surface along the slot, a retractable pin carried by the carriage and protruding through the slot above the surface of the table so as to mechanically engage a slot or opening in the lower surface of the fixture, and a drive mechanism for translating the carriage and pin member carried thereby along the slot so as to cause the fixture to be pushed or pulled to the desired location.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a workpiece fixture from one supporting table to another in an air float system. The workpiece is mounted to a workpiece fixture, which in turn is supported on the upwardly facing surface of either a stationary air float table or a movable air float plate. The movable air float plate, which may be mounted on a vehicle, such as a forklift, or itself supported on a cushion of pressurized air, is moved into abutment with the stationary table. The air float system is then activated so as to establish a cushion of pressurized air between the fixture and its supporting surface, and the fixture is slid from one surface to the other on the cushion of air in a substantially friction-free manner. The movable plate or table is then retracted away from the stationary table and the workpiece may be positioned thereon for machining or any other operation which is desired.

Abstract: A power rotation apparatus for an air float fixture support system of the type including a table having an upwardly facing upper surface adapted for supporting a workpiece fixture thereon, and a pressurized fluid system for supplying a cushion of pressurized air or other fluid between the surface of the table and the workpiece fixture so as to floatingly support the fixture thereon for virtually friction-free movement. The power rotation apparatus comprises one or more pins rotatably mounted within the table and having a portion thereof extending upwardly from the table surface, and a motor-gear or hydraulic direct drive arrangement within the table for rotating the pin or pins about respective axes normal to the upper surface of the table. The pin is suitably shaped so that it is keyed to an opening, such as a slot, in the lower surface of the fixture thereby causing the fluid support fixture to be rotated in unison with the pin.

Abstract: An air cushion table for transporting layers of laminar material of loose consistency, e.g. layers of fabric, with compressed air lines disposed in the table plate and connectible to a compressed air source, the compressed air lines discharging with upwardly directed exit openings from the surface of the table plate. The compressed air line in the area of the exit opening is in each case provided with an insert made of porous material which occupies the cross-section of the compressed air line.

Abstract: A clamping system for use in air float tables in machine tool and other environments wherein the workpiece supporting fixture is supported on a cushion of pressurized air established between it and the surface of the table. The clamping system comprises one or more T-clamps mounted within the table for vertical rectilinear movement under the action of a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, and a T-slot in the lower surface of the fixture which is capable of receiving the T-clamps, preferably through enlarged entry openings at various places along the slot. With the T-clamps received in the T-slots in unclamped condition, the fixture is guided by the T-clamps as it is moved about on the table. When the fixture has been located in the desired position, pneumatic or hydraulic pressure is applied to the cylinder thereby drawing the T-clamps downwardly so that they clamp the fixture to the table.

Abstract: A rotary mounting for supporting a workpiece for rotation has a number of support members which are small in relation to the workpiece and each of which forms an aerostatic bearing with a flat surface of a table. The support members are connected by respective links to a radial bearing connected to the table and supporting the mounting for rotation.

Abstract: The jack of the present invention is novel in having a stem extending from a body which is spring pressed from a base to engage an element which thereafter is locked in position to prevent the element from deflecting under load. A pair of studs and nuts are provided within the body between the base and stem which when actuated locks the stem in extending position and prevents the deflection of the element. The application of fluid to a piston within the body releases the stem so that the jack can be removed at the end of the operation on the element. The jack prevents a portion of the element which is not rigidly supported to be retained in fixed position against deflection when being operated on.

Abstract: There is described a unique apparatus which is especially useful with very thin masks used in X-ray lithography, transmission electron lithography or electron projection lithography. The apparatus includes temperature stabilization means for counteracting the deleterious effects in the mask caused by absorption of energy from the energy source as well as positioning means for precisely spacing thin masks for proximity lithography techniques. The thermal effects are counteracted by providing a chuck which supports the substrate to be acted upon. A thermally conductive layer, for example a fluid or other conformable medium, can be provided between the substrate and the chuck. The mask is similarly spaced from the substrate by a thin layer of thermally conductive material, for example, a low pressure gas which is capable of passing the energy in question. The precise spacing of the mask is controlled by the use of a source which establishes an electrostatic charge between the substrate and the mask.

Abstract: Apparatus for locating a work member supporting fixture on a table and for clamping the fixture in located position on the table, especially to locate and clamp the work member during machining; in which the table is fixedly mounted in place, for example, in a machine tool with an upwardly facing horizontal surface exposed. The work member fixture has a downwardly facing surface receivable on the upper surface of the table and is adapted for fixedly supporting a work member therein. The table has passages therein under fluid pressure and a plurality of outlets lead from the passages through the upper surface of the table and are preferably provided with normally closed valves adapted to be actuated into open position by movement of a fixture thereover.

Abstract: Apparatus for clamping a workpiece or workpiece fixture in a machine tool comprising pin-type clamping elements which are insertable into the work table and engage with locking elements mounted therein. More specifically, the table has a surface adapted to support a workpiece or fixture which includes a plurality of openings and removable covers thereon to prevent chips and other debris from collecting in the openings and to prevent the loss of pneumatic pressure in machine tables of the air float type. The clamping apparatus comprises a hydraulically actuated piston mounted within the table having a central bore with means for releasably retaining one end of a locking pin. The locking pin is adapted to be inserted into the bore and in one embodiment is provided with high pitch threads which are engageable with mating threads in the piston bore.

Abstract: A centering pin for use in a machine tool work table of the type in which a workpiece fixture is supported on a film of pressurized air thereby enabling substantially friction free movement of the fixture on the table surface. The centering pin comprises an outer pin mounted within the table and projecting above the table upper surface, an inner pin received within the outer pin for reciprocal movement along a direction generally normal to the table surface, a hydraulic actuator for causing the inner pin to project above the outer pin at a first vertical position, and a spring for causing the inner pin to retract to a second vertical position below the first vertical position when the fluid actuator is deactivated. The fixture has one or more slots which ride over the outer pin and a plurality of holes within the slots which are adapted to be engaged by the inner pin when it is extended to its upper vertical position, thereby enabling controlled translation and rotation of the fixture on the table.

Abstract: A surge tank for a plurality of pneumatically operated motors which impart motion to a machine. The tank comprises at least one portion of a support table for the machine.

Abstract: A device for gripping, pressing and depositing a tire core upon a raw tire blank, has a supporting cylinder which is shiftable axially and which consists of two rings located side by side and having parallel annular troughs upon their inner side. The annular troughs are airtightly covered by separate rings consisting of polyesterurethane or similar tough elastic plastic material with a high E-modulus. These rings have crack zones located mirror-like symmetrically in several radial planes; they are rigid against change in shape and cross-sectionally they are adjustable as toggle joints relatively to each other. The ring zones located closest to the ring center are swingable inwardly tongs-like in radial planes by increased air pressure.

Abstract: A method for controlling proper clamping of a workpiece in a clamping device, the clamping jaws of which are moved to a clamping position by movement of a piston of hydraulically operated cylinder-and-piston means in a clamping direction, in which a control signal is produced indicating proper clamping of the workpiece when sensing means cooperating with the piston indicate that the latter, during its movement in clamping direction, has reached at least a first position but not reached a second position spaced in clamping direction from the first position, while at the same time a predetermined pressure acting in clamping direction on the piston is indicated.

Abstract: Apparatus for aiding eye corneal tissue transplant including a "Teflon" base with a flat platform and a central semispherical post to which a ring or rings are spring-loaded to secure the donated corneal tissue from storage. The post has a fitting for receiving a liquid injector such as a hypodermic syringe and the fitting connects to a vertical conduit in the post that discharges at the top of the post beneath the position of the donor tissue on the post. Before the tissue is secured to the post a biologically harmless liquid is introduced into the conduit from the syringe to part the tissue from the post and protect the delicate underside or endothelium layer of the corneal tissue during the trephining of the transplant "button" from the secured donor tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating a work member supporting fixture on a table and for clamping the fixture in located position on the table, especially to locate and clamp the work member during machining; in which the table is fixedly mounted in place, for example, in a machine tool with an upwardly facing horizontal surface exposed. The work member fixture has a downwardly facing surface receivable on the upper surface of the table and is adapted for fixedly supporting a work member therein. The table has passages therein under fluid pressure and a plurality of outlets lead from the passages through the upper surface of the table and are preferably provided with normally closed valves adapted to be actuated into open position by movement of a fixture thereover.

Abstract: A vertical multiple-spindle machine relating to metal cutting machines. This machine comprises a stationary column on which is installed a rotary worktable mounting hydraulic clamping devices and provided with fluid inlet ducts. The stationary column is provided with passages for feeding fluid medium to he hydraulic clamping devices through said ducts, with the worktable in a fixed position. The column is also provided with a circular groove which is arranged to communicate with the fluid source and is formed so that it has portions curved about the outlets from the passages whereby said groove connects the worktable fluid ducts with the fluid source during the rotation of the worktable. This constructional arrangement makes it possible to materially reduce fluid leakage, thereby providing stability of the required fluid pressure in the clamping devices, improving the accuracy of the machine and decreasing waste of power.

Abstract: A pair of opposed plungers slideably arranged in a bore on a work-holding fixture have their confronting end faces inclined to the axis thereof in spaced apart relation. A key is disposed between the confronting ends of the plungers. The fixture is designed so that when a workpiece is placed thereon it depresses one of the plungers. Thereafter the other plunger is moved toward the key to shift the key laterally into engagement with the inclined end face of the depressed plunger. The end face of the latter is inclined at a wedge locking angle. Additional means having a wedge locking angle are provided to prevent movement of the second plunger in a direction away from the key.

Abstract: A band saw is provided with rotary guides for changing the angle of the saw. While the part is rotated and linearly translated toward and away from the saw by the contouring apparatus, the saw cuts a peripheral shape on the part with the blade, changing its angular attitude where necessary. An air cushion support holds the edge of the part at the saw blade.

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: This clamping device provides opposed banks of clamping units attached to an associated reaction beam above a work table, for clamping workpiece plates to the table during seam welding. Each clamping unit includes an upright clamping member, having an inclined finger engageable with a workpiece plate, and each member is connected to its reaction beam by a pair of transverse link members: the clamping member, link members and the reaction beam cooperate to provide a four-bar linkage. Downward pressure is applied to the clamping members by an inflatable flexible hose positioned between the lower link member of each unit and an associated reaction beam and the clamping members are upwardly biased by individual return springs extending between the upper link member and the reaction beam.

Abstract: An adjustable work support having a work supporting plunger adjustable to a position for support of a workpiece and having two sets of locking pins with one set being movable with respect to the other along with the work supporting plunger and selectively operable means for exerting a horizontal force against the sides of the two series of pins to provide frictional engaging forces between locking pins to resist the vertical force of the load of the workpiece against the adjustable work support.