Abstract: An assembly having two safety attachments for attaching to stiles of a ladder that will improve grip of the ladder against a surface it is in contact with during use. Each safety attachment incorporates a gliding channel section and a non-gliding channel section, each formed to accept a range of ladder stile sizes therebetween. The gliding channel section sliding along a screw threaded rod. The screw threaded rod including a rotational thumb nut for positioning the gliding channel section so that the gliding and non-gliding channel sections are in contact with the respective ladder stile. Each safety attachment incorporates a rocking section with a contact face that contacts the surface against which the ladder is placed during use and enables full face contact of the safety attachment over a range of angles between the ladder and the surface against which it rests during use.

Abstract: A spinner assembly including a jaw assembly having a first portion and a second portion, and a linkage assembly coupled to the first and second portions of the jaw assembly. The linkage assembly comprises a first bar coupled to a pivot point, a second bar coupled to the first bar by a first pin, a third bar coupled to the second bar by a second pin, and a pair of links coupled to the pivot point and the third bar. The linkage assembly is configured to move the first and second portions along a substantially linear plane.

Abstract: An interface module designed for installing a pneumatically actuated gripping device on a robot arm includes a first fastening interface for installation on the robot arm and a second fastening interface for installation of the gripping device. First pneumatic connections serve for the connection to a pressure source and a pressure sink, while second pneumatic connections serve for the fluidic connection to the gripping device. The interface module contains a control valve device, by way of which the gripping device is pneumatically actuatable and which is, in turn, controllable by means of valve control signals, which are provided by an internal electronic control unit, which communicates with an external electronic control device. A robot equipped with such an interface module is further proposed.

Abstract: Hammering device for hammering elongated objects into the ground. The hammering device comprises a body (1) attachable to a power tool, a vibrator device (6) attached to the body (1) with damping cushions (9), and movable gripping jaws (10) for gripping the object to be hammered, the movable gripping jaws (10) comprising gripping elements (23). The movable gripping jaws (10) are attached to the vibrator device (6) with detachable pins (20, 21) that form pivots (8) and the gripping jaws (10) are located on top of and underneath the vibrator device (6).

Abstract: A clamping device for attaching to an external fixation element of an external fixation system includes a first jaw having an inner surface and an outer surface and includes a second jaw having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the inner surface of the first jaw and the inner surface of the second jaw together forming a passage configured to receive the external fixation element of the external fixation system. A locking system is engageable with the first and the second jaws. A portion of the locking system is moveable relative to the first and the second jaws between a first position where the locking arrangement is configured to prevent release of the external fixation element having a first size from between the first jaw and the second jaw and a second position where the locking arrangement is configured to prevent release of the external fixation element having a second size from between the first jaw and the second jaw.

Abstract: A vise including a body, a threaded shaft extending through or positioned adjacent to the body, and a block coupled to the body and spaced away from an axial end of the shaft. The vise further includes a pair of carriages carried on the shaft and configured such that rotation of the shaft about a central axis thereof causes each carriage to move axially along the shaft. The vise also includes a pair of clamps releasably coupled to the shaft and positioned adjacent to the block on opposite sides thereof. Each clamp is adjustable axially along the shaft to enable adjustment of an axial position of the shaft relative to the block.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a clamping apparatus that includes an upper jaw structure having a hinge end and a clamp end, a lower jaw structure having a hinge end and a clamp end, and a hinge located at the hinge ends of the upper and lower jaw structures, the hinge providing for rotation of upper jaw structure with respect to the lower jaw structure. The clamping apparatus includes an elongated element threadably attached to the first and second upper jaw structures between the hinge end and the clamp end of each of the first and second upper jaw structures, wherein rotation of the elongated element in a first direction causes the clamp end of the upper jaw structure to move closer to the clamp end of the lower jaw structure. The elongated element includes an end configured to receive a tool configured to facilitate the rotation of the elongated element.

Abstract: A machining assembly which allows for precise and repeatable machining operations—primarily tube notching—to be carried out by an operator in various situations, and is specifically designed for hollow-form parting without use of a mandrel in prototyping and small-scale production. This system allows operators to cut copes in both typical and atypical materials, and offers the ability to produce double end-coped workpieces quickly. Additionally, the preferred embodiment can be equipped for use as a light-duty milling machine which incorporates portability with the benefits of traditional milling centers.

Abstract: A clamping unit (1) for clamping a workpiece, with an electric drive, and a gearbox unit having an arrangement of rolling elements (9). The gearbox unit is used to convert a rotary motion of an actuating element into a translational motion. By means of translational motions of the actuating element, clamping elements (5) can be moved into a clamping position in which a workpiece is clamped with clamping elements (5), and into a release position in which clamping elements (5) release the workpiece.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for positioning workpieces for processing. In one aspect, a clamping device includes two clamping elements and a servo drive provided for the clamping elements. The servo drive is operable to first move at least one of the clamping elements toward the other of the clamping elements such that the clamping elements are transferred into a clamping start position in which the clamping elements are positioned on opposite sides of a workpiece arranged therebetween and in which the clamping elements do not apply a force to the workpiece or apply a force to the workpiece that is smaller than a clamping force, and subsequently urge the clamping elements toward one another from the clamping start position to an operational state, in which the clamping elements apply the clamping force to the workpiece.

Abstract: A gripping device, which is provided, in particular, as an effector for an industrial robot comprises first and second clamping jaws, which are arranged so as to be moveable relative towards each other in order to grasp a workpiece. The first clamping jaw is provided with a tongue projection and the second clamping jaw with a corresponding groove, which at least partially accommodates the tongue projection in the state in which the clamping jaws are moved towards each other in order to prevent objects or body parts from being inadvertently inserted into the space between the clamping jaws.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism for a circular saw machine contains a base; a support holder including two parallel sliding rails; an inner clamp device including a fixing mount, a first horizontal clamping module, and a first upper clamping module; an upper clamping module including a first positioning seat, a first affixing protrusion, and an auxiliary pressing projection; an outer clamp device including a moving pedestal, a second horizontal clamping module, and a second upper clamping module, the moving pedestal having an external clamp arm and a second clamp block, the second upper clamping module having a second movable fixing block; the second upper clamping module including a second positioning seat and a second affixing protrusion; a driving device including a servo motor and a drive column. The fixing mount has an internal clamp arm and a first clamp block, the first horizontal clamping module has a first movable fixing block.

Abstract: A clamping device for attaching to an external fixation element of an external fixation system includes a first jaw having an inner surface and an outer surface and includes a second jaw having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the inner surface of the first jaw and the inner surface of the second jaw together forming a passage configured to receive the external fixation element of the external fixation system. A locking system is engageable with the first and the second jaws and is moveable relative to the first and the second jaws between at least a first position.

Abstract: Hammering device meant for hammering poles, steel profiles and other elongated objects into the ground which hammering device comprises a body (1) which can be attached to a power tool, a vibrator device (6) which is attached to the body (1) with the help of damping cushions (9) and movable gripping jaws (10) which are adjusted to the mentioned vibrator device (6) in order to grip the object to be hammered at least with a side grip wherein the gripping elements (23) of the gripping jaws (10) can be brought closer and farther away with the help of a regulating unit, such as a hydraulic cylinder (16).

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a workpiece includes a master template, a locking assembly and a plurality of substantially planar gauge slice templates. The master template includes a plurality of positioning features. The locking assembly is connected to the master template and is movable with respect to the master template between a locked position and an unlocked position. The gauge slice templates are each associated with a workpiece engaging structure that is engageable with the workpiece for supporting the workpiece. Each gauge slice template releasably engages at least one positioning feature of the master template. Each gauge slice template engages the locking assembly, wherein the gauge slice templates are not moveable with respect to the master template when the locking assembly is in the locked position, and the gauge slice templates are moveable with respect to the master template when the locking assembly is in the unlocked position.

Abstract: The gripper assembly includes a base, a guide situated on the base, and first and second jaws members. First and second ball bearing slides are associated with the jaw members for mounting the jaw members for movement along a guide track between proximate and remote positions. First and second low friction pneumatic actuators are provided. A mechanical linkage connects the actuators to at least one of the jaw members. A pulley and wire rope assembly connects the first and second jaw members for simultaneous movement in opposite directions. Valves are provided for actuating one actuator at a time. Actuation of the first actuator causes simultaneous movement of the jaw members in one direction. Actuation of the second actuator causes simultaneous movement of the jaw members in opposite directions.

Abstract: A modularly-structured gripping mechanism for robots, machines, and handling devices comprises at least one movable gripping finger that sits directly or indirectly on a finger module and works counter to a stationary or movable finger. The finger module consists of a slide unit that comprises a housing and a slide made from an aluminum section which is hollow all the way through and has multiple bore holes. The housing consists of a frame and multiple rods which extend parallel to one another, between the end faces, and prestress all parts of the housing. The rods simultaneously function as guide rods for the slides. A very stable gripping mechanism for heavy loads is produced by form-fittingly mounting any number of finger modules on a flange case. The finger modules can have their own drive or can share one drive.

Abstract: A lifting tool 100 form part of a lifting apparatus associated with an aircraft handler 10 for applying a lifting load to an undercarriage of an aircraft. The lifting apparatus comprise a pair of opposed lifting tools 100 which engage end portions of an undercarriage wheel axle 300 for lifting. Each lifting tool 100 has a body 101 with a cavity 103 therein filled with a plurality of axially displaceable closely packed pins 105 which permit insertion of a portion of the axle or adaptor means into the cavity, and other pins, in use, surrounding said portion provide support and transfer the lift load to the surrounding body 101.

Abstract: A clamp mechanism for a power distribution line sensor including a drive rod having a first rod portion with a spiral thread formed in a first-handed thread direction, a second rod portion with a spiral thread formed in an opposite-handed thread direction, and a coupling end portion. The mechanism also includes a first clamp portion having a first drive block engaged with the first rod portion and a first clamp arm having a pin-in-slot connection to that drive block, as well as a second clamp portion having a second drive block engaged with the second rod portion and a second clamp arm having a pin-in-slot connection to that drive block. The first clamp arm and the second clamp arm are secured to each other, yet rotatable with respect to each other, at a proximal end of each respective clamp arm. A clamp block may function as part of the securement.

Abstract: A clamp apparatus includes a pair of first and second clamp arms. A driving force transmission mechanism transmits a driving force of a drive unit, whereby the first clamp arm is operated to rotate via a link arm, while simultaneously, the second clamp arm is rotated, and after being rotated through a predetermined angle, under moving action of a roller, which is inserted into a cam groove of a link plate, rotation of the second clamp arm is stopped and maintained in advance with respect to the first clamp arm. Consequently, after positioning of a workpiece has been carried out by the second clamp arm, rotation of which is stopped, the first clamp arm continues to be rotated, whereby the workpiece is clamped.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism includes a first adjustment assembly and a second adjustment assembly. The first adjustment assembly includes a first regulating member and a second regulating member. The first regulating member includes a bearing plate and a first supporting portion protruding from the bearing plate. The first supporting portion includes an arcuate first supporting surface. The second regulating member includes a base body and a second supporting portion protruding from the base body away from the first supporting portion. The second supporting portion includes an arcuate second supporting surface. The second adjustment assembly includes a mounting member latched with the base body. First supporting surface resists the base body, to enable the bearing plate to rock along a curvature relative to the base body. Second supporting surface resists the mounting member, to enable the bearing plate and the base body to rock relative to the mounting member.

Abstract: A compact tube clamping device for inspecting an electric resistance welded tube quality. A lifting/lowering base including a tube support body is provided onto a fixed base. Clamp claws sandwich the tube support body. A claw drive body lifting/lowering independently of the lifting/lowering base is provided in the lifting/lowering base. Opposite side portions of the claw drive body are connected to opposite clamp claws by links to turn the opposite clamp claws in closing directions by lowering with respect to the lifting/lowering base. A first drive mechanism for the lifting/lowering base and a second drive body for lifting/lowering the claw drive body are provided to the fixed base. A lowering stroke of the claw drive body necessary for closing operations of the clamp claws is partially born by lifting of the lifting/lowering base in transferring the tube, thereby suppressing the lowering stroke of the claw drive body.

Abstract: A centric clamping vice for centric clamping of workpieces is provided that includes a base support having a longitudinal axis, on which a first jaw mount, guided by a first carriage, and a second jaw mount, guided by a second carriage, are adjustably supported along an adjustment path oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis with the aid of a spindle drive. A pair of first slides is assigned to the first carriage, and a pair of second slides is assigned to the second carriage, and the difference between the track width of the first slides and the track width of second slides is greater than the width of second slides.

Abstract: A substrate holding apparatus capable of reducing an amount of deflection of a substrate, such as a wafer, is disclosed. The substrate holding apparatus includes: a plurality of chucks configured to hold a peripheral edge of a substrate; at least one support member disposed below the substrate; and an actuating device configured to bring the chucks into contact with the peripheral edge of the substrate while elevating the support member to bring the support member into contact with a lower surface of the substrate, and configured to move the chucks in a direction away from the peripheral edge of the substrate while lowering the support member to separate the support member away from the lower surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A clamping device includes a base part, a clamping element arranged such that it can be displaced relative to the base part in order to transmit a clamping force onto a part to be clamped, and a drive unit that displaceably impinges upon the clamping element. The drive unit has a threaded spindle or a threaded sleeve that can be driven rotationally by a motor to directly or indirectly cooperate with a corresponding part of the clamping element in such a manner that rotationally driving the threaded spindle or threaded sleeve effects a displacement of the clamping element and/or a generation of a clamping force.

Abstract: A clamping device is configured to ensure that a workpiece fixed between the jaws of the clamp is self centered by coupling the jaws to a pair of linkages that rotate through the same angle as the application of a first causes the jaws to translate in linear fashion across the surface of the device. In particular, the clamping device utilizes coupled linkage (e.g., a 180° bell crank), in combination with slots for retaining opposing jaws and maintaining only linear movement of the jaws, thus providing a fast and accurate self-centering arrangement. The clamping device may also be located within a hollow workpiece and controlled to move the jaws outward and engage the inner surface of the hollow workpiece in a self-aligned configuration.

Abstract: An auxiliary clamping tool for welding operation includes a pair of pliers, and a resilient clamp set in between two jaws of the pliers for enabling hooks of the jaws to hook in respective hook holes of flat clamping arms of the inserted resilient clamp such that if the handle levers of the pliers are not squeezed, the jaws are closed and the retaining tips at the free ends of the flat clamping arms of the resilient clamp touch each other; if the handle levers of the pliers are squeezed, the jaws are opened and the retaining tips at the free ends of the flat clamping arms of the resilient clamp are kept apart from each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compact tube clamping device 50 with a simple structure and used suitably for a hydraulic pressure tester for inspecting quality of an electric resistance welded tube. To achieve this object, a lifting/lowering base 52 including a tube support body 55 on itself is provided onto a fixed base 51 to be able to lift and lower. Clamp claws 56 are mounted in positions, between which the tube support body 55 of the lifting/lowering base 52 is sandwiched, to be able to turn. A claw drive body 58 for lifting and lowering independently of the lifting/lowering base 52 is provided in the lifting/lowering base 52. Opposite side portions of the claw drive body 58 are connected to the opposite clamp claws 56 by links 59 so as to turn the opposite clamp claws 56 in closing directions by lowering with respect to the lifting/lowering base 52.

Abstract: An exemplary clamping mechanism includes a mounting base, a clamping assembly and a driving assembly. The clamping assembly includes a rotating member rotatably assembled to the mounting base, drive pins, a guiding member, sliding members, and clamping members. The guiding member is mounted on the mounting base and defines guide slots. The sliding members are slidably engaged into the guide slots of the guiding member, and connected to the rotating member via the drive pins. The clamping members are assembled to distal ends of the sliding members, respectively. The driving assembly is mounted on the mounting base and connected to the rotating member thereby driving the rotating member to reciprocate to clamp or release a workpiece.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism includes a mounting plate, a driving assembly, and a clamping assembly. The mounting plate defines four through grooves. The driving assembly includes a driver mounted on the mounting plate, and a connecting member connected to the driver. The clamping assembly includes a reversing member mounted on the mounting plate, four clamping members, four transferring members, and four elastic members. The clamping members are movably mounted in the through grooves. The transferring members are wound on the reversing member. An end of each transferring member is connected to the connecting member, an opposite end of each transferring member is connected to the corresponding clamping member. The elastic members are sleeved on the transferring members, and resisting against the clamping members. The clamping members move toward the reversing member driven by the driver, for clamping a workpiece.

Abstract: A for assembling a spoked wheel having a rim, a hub and spokes attaching the rim to the hub includes a base supporting at least three upwardly extending arms terminating is a rim support jaw. The arms pass through eccentric slots in an adjustment plate which is rotationally secured to the base. By rotating the plate relative to the base, the arms are moved radially inward and outward from the rim for both centering it and supporting it so that the spokes and hub are properly positioned and the spokes can be properly tensioned.

Abstract: A tubular gripping apparatus has a jaw assembly that has a tubular-contacting surface at an end thereof, a drive yoke that has a tubular-contacting surface at an end thereof, an actuator connected to the drive yoke, and a locking mechanism interconnected to the drive yoke. The drive yoke is connected to the jaw assembly. The actuator moves the jaw assembly and the drive yoke such that the tubular-contacting surfaces thereof move radially inwardly for a substantially identical distance. The locking mechanism directs a load away from the actuator while the jaw assembly and the drive yoke grip the tubular. The locking mechanism has a cylinder yoke positioned around the piston-and-cylinder assembly, and a wedge assembly positioned adjacent the bearing bar and the cylinder yoke. The wedge assembly is suitable for contacting the cylinder yoke so as to prevent a movement of the cylinder yoke.

Abstract: A pipe gripping apparatus has a first jaw with a pipe-contacting surface at one end thereof, a second jaw having a pipe-contacting surface at one end thereof, a tongue having a pipe-contacting surface at one end thereof, and an actuator connected to the first and second jaws and to the tongue. The actuator serves to move the first and second jaws and the tongue such that the pipe-contacting surfaces thereof move radially inwardly simultaneously for a substantially identical distance. A first link pivotally connects the tongue with the first jaw. A second link pivotally connects the tongue with the second jaw. The first and second links extend angularly outwardly from the tongue. The first and second pivot points of each jaw have a distance unequal to a distance between the first pivot point and pipe-contacting surface of each jaw. The pipe-contacting surfaces can be elastomeric pads, toothed dies, or rollers.

Abstract: A pencil sharpener that has a strong clamping force, does not leave marks on the surface of the pencil due to clamping, and is easy to manufacture. The pencil sharpener includes a housing having a pencil insertion hole and a plurality of pivot parts arranged in a concentric circle around the pencil insertion hole, a frame body having a plurality of arc-shaped grooves, and a plurality of cam-shaped members that are pivotably attached to the pivot parts. When the frame body pivots, the cam-shaped members relatively move while being guided by the grooves, and their distal ends swing in a direction in which they move closer to or away from an insertion hole, and thereby a pencil that has been inserted is fixed or released.

Abstract: An exemplary clamping mechanism includes a mounting base, a clamping assembly and a driving assembly. The clamping assembly includes a rotating member rotatably assembled to the mounting base, drive pins, a guiding member, sliding members, and clamping members. The guiding member is mounted on the mounting base and defines guide slots. The sliding members are slidably engaged into the guide slots of the guiding member, and connected to the rotating member via the drive pins. The clamping members are assembled to distal ends of the sliding members, respectively. The driving assembly is mounted on the mounting base and connected to the rotating member thereby driving the rotating member to reciprocate to clamp or release a workpiece.

Abstract: A blade holding jig arrangement for either grinding or honing a blade including a mounting bracket assembly with an elongate guide bar and a device for rigidly supporting the guide bar. A support arm can be pivotally mounted on the guide bar by means of a tubular support mounted on one end of the arm and extending perpendicular thereto. The guide bar extends through a passageway in the tubular support. The support arm can be moved along the guide bar for grinding. A clamp unit for clamping a blade includes a U-bracket with two legs and two clamping jaws adjustably mounted on the U-bracket between the legs. The clamp unit is attached to an end section of the arm remote from the one end of the arm. The clamping jaws can be moved towards one another in order to clamp the blade.

Abstract: A holding device and method for engaging a work piece to route an end thereof. The device includes parallel first and second side plates and first and second clamping plates; where the clamping plates are positioned between the side plates. A connector member connects all the plates together. An activator assembly is engaged with the plates and, in a first instance, moves the clamping plates laterally toward each other and in a second instance moves them laterally away from each other. When moved toward each other, each clamping plate contacts one of the elongated sides of the work piece and the work piece is thereby clamped between the clamping plates. A clamping element extends downwardly from the connector member to contact the work piece. The holding device is usable in two different orientations to enable routing of the end face or second face of the work piece.

Abstract: A clamping device and associated method for clamping a foam carving block for use by a carving system to produce a positive mold during the manufacturing of orthotic and prosthetic devices. The clamping device includes first and second elongated clamping jaws that are selectively movable between an opened position and a closed position, wherein the clamping jaws clamp the foam carving block therebetween when in the closed position. The clamping device is further operative to automatically center the foam carving block when the foam carving block is clamped. The clamping device also includes a mechanism for automatically generating indexing holes in the foam carving block for use in subsequent manufacturing processes for the orthotic or prosthetic devices.

Abstract: A clamp includes a first jaw, a second jaw, a first connection, a second connection, and an actuator. The first jaw and the second jaw include a first clamp surface and a second clamp surface, respectively. The first connection operatively connects the first jaw to the second jaw in a manner that permits relative movement between the first jaw and the second jaw. The second connection is operatively connected between the first jaw and the second jaw. The actuator is configured to shorten a length of the second connection to thereby reduce a relative distance between the first clamp surface and the second clamp surface.

Abstract: The clamp comprises two substantially L-shaped members, arranged opposite each other, articulated on an intermediate support on which rest the lateral profile sections of the frames of the panels to be clamped, one of the arms of each of the L-shaped members having an end profile adapted for its coupling to the profile sections to be clamped, while the other arm of each of said L-shaped members receives a displacement action in order to effect its rotation from a mechanism incorporated in the intermediate support, intended to effect the opening and closing of the L-shaped members of the clamp.

Abstract: A rotating saw clamp for clamping a product roll to be sawn. The rotating log saw clamp includes a first portion disposed for rotation about an axis and a second portion disposed for rotation with the first portion and movable relative to the first portion between an open position and a clamping position. The second portion is rotatable from the clamping position to the open position in rotation of the first and second rotating portions in a common direction.

Abstract: A rotating log saw clamp for clamping a product roll to be sawn. The rotating log saw clamp includes a first portion disposed for rotation about an axis and a second portion disposed for rotation with the first portion and movable relative to the first portion between an open position and a clamping position. The second portion is rotatable from the clamping position to the open position by relative rotation of the first and second rotating portions in a common direction.

Abstract: A pipe gripping apparatus has a first jaw with a pipe-contacting surface at one end thereof, a second jaw having a pipe-contacting surface at one end thereof, a tongue having a pipe-contacting surface at one end thereof, and an actuator connected to the first and second jaws and to the tongue. The actuator serves to move the first and second jaws and the tongue such that the pipe-contacting surfaces thereof move radially inwardly simultaneously for a substantially identical distance. A first link pivotally connects the tongue with the first jaw. A second link pivotally connects the tongue with the second jaw. The first and second links extend angularly outwardly from the tongue. The first and second pivot points of each jaw have a distance unequal to a distance between the first pivot point and pipe-contacting surface of each jaw. The pipe-contacting surfaces can be elastomeric pads, toothed dies, or rollers.

Abstract: A clamp including two mutually opposed substantially L-shaped members pivotably connected to an intermediate holder supporting the side profile sections of the panel frames to be secured, wherein the two L-shaped members are pivotably interconnected via a central shaft extending through the intermediate holder and said L-shaped members are further pivotably connected to said intermediate holder via two further transverse shafts extending through respective mounting apertures in the intermediate holder.

Abstract: A vice (11) has two clamping jaws (15) for clamping workpieces. Between the clamping jaws (15), there is a tensioning device (18) for multi-part chuck heads that operates in a downward direction. Both the clamping jaws (15) and the tensioning device (18) are simultaneously activated by means of a single activation device (21, 30, 31, 37), wherein the activation device has two levers (21). On the one hand, these levers are pressed apart at one end, while on the other hand, they have a projection (24) that engages with a coupling pipe (25) for synchronized movement. The coupling pipe (25) is used to activate the tensioning device (18).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a handling device for an anode connector provided with at least two side trunnions and a tightening screw. The connector is generally capable of cooperating with attachment hooks of an aluminum production cell used in fused bath electrolysis production operations so as to enable connection of anodes onto the cell. The handling device has a tightening device capable of tightening the connector screw and affecting the tightness of the connector. The present invention also has a locking system that can lock the connector in a desired position in the handling device, by loosening the connector using the tightening device. The handling device also has at least one mobile member which typically has a support to support the connector in a closed position. The support can also displace the mobile member from its closed position to an open position, and vice versa.

Abstract: A pivotable clamp is provided. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a clamp that includes a first member that is pivotably coupled to a second member. A third member is pivotally coupled to the second member. The first member is sized to slidably engage a rail that is part of a retractable cover system. An alternative embodiment of the present invention comprises a pivot block that includes a pivot slot. A rail engaging member is slidably coupled to the pivot block, and a pivot arm is pivotably mounted in the pivot slot. This embodiment may include a second pivot slot sized to pivotably receive the pivot arm.

Abstract: A clamp for quickly, effectively and safely removing a cathode collar from an HDP deposition chamber for routine maintenance, cleaning or replacement of the collar. The clamp includes a pair of clamp plates which are capable of pivoting movement on respective ends of a connecting rod. A clamp shoe for gripping a corresponding edge of the annular collar is provided on the bottom end of each clamp plate, and a turnbuckle is fitted with a pair of threaded shafts which engage the upper end portions of the respective clamp plates. By rotating the turnbuckle, the threaded shafts are advanced away from each other against the clamp plates, which pivot on the connecting rod and cause the clamp shoes to tightly engage respective edges of the collar. The clamp is grasped to lift the collar from the chamber and replace the collar in the chamber after cleaning or maintenance.

Abstract: A device in the form of a self-centering steady rest for clamping or holding workpieces on a machine tool is provided. Three holding members are supported in a separate, intermediate member that is disposed in a housing and is displaceable therein, toward and away from a workpiece, by means of a piston. Formed in the walls of the housing are control cams by means of which the outer holding members are pivotably guided via adjustment movements of the intermediate member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for centering a film spool or similar object. A quill or object support means arranged on either inboard and outboard ends a frame are used to engage end portions or flanges of the film spool. A pivot member provides translational simultaneous movement of both quills toward and away from the spool. The quills move equidistant relative to the centerline of the spool so that the centerline of an incoming web to be wound thereon will always align with the centerline of the spool.