With Yieldable Means In Actuation Train Patents (Class 269/224)
  • Patent number: 11667014
    Abstract: A jig for a cover window may include a lower jig and an upper jig on the lower jig. The lower jig may include a mounting portion, on which a cover window is configured to be disposed, and an exhausting portion adjacent to the mounting portion. The upper jig may include a cover unit, in which an opening exposing the mounting portion is defined, and a sidewall portion, coupled to the cover unit and enclosing the lower jig. The cover unit may be spaced apart from and overlapped with the exhausting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yusik Jeon, Beomgyu Choi, Jinnyoung Heo, Gyuin Shim, Dongwoon Lee
  • Patent number: 11052469
    Abstract: A self-adjusting pocket hole jig includes a base having a clamp end and a toggle end, a guide carried by the base and reciprocally movable between a raised position and a lowered position. A clamp assembly is carried by the base and reciprocally movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. An adjustment mechanism is coupled between the guide and the clamp assembly. The adjustment mechanism is arranged to move the clamp assembly in a forward direction to the engaged position and correspondingly move the guide in a downward direction to the lowered position, and arranged to move the clamp assembly in a rearward direction to the disengaged position and correspondingly move the guide in an upward direction to the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Inventors: Robert N. Poole, Daniel L. Poole, Michael G. Asimakis
  • Patent number: 10926380
    Abstract: A clamping device includes a first holder and a second holder. The first holder includes a first abutting member and a driving member. The driving member is coupled to the first abutting member. The second holder includes a second abutting member. The first abutting member and the second abutting member are oppositely disposed and spaced apart from each other to receive a workpiece. The driving member is coupled to the first abutting member to drive the first abutting member to move in a direction toward the second abutting member to clamp the workpiece between the first abutting member and the second abutting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Chung-Yu Tai, Qi-Zheng Yang, Ke-Hen Chen, Ta-Jen Peng
  • Patent number: 10457419
    Abstract: A pin array release and capture chamber system includes a chamber assembly having two parallel plates of pin arrays from which a plurality of pins extends and retract vertically opposite each other so as to release and capture a space vehicle. The pin arrays are separated from each other by a space having two vertical and two horizontal sides, and the space is sized so as to receive the space vehicle. Each pin arrays may be housed in a pin array chamber enclosure. The chamber assembly may be attached to a moving object, such as a host space vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Jeffrey Alan McChesney
  • Patent number: 10455720
    Abstract: A fixing apparatus for holding a circuit board in place includes a cover plate, a base for supporting the circuit board thereon, a connecting assembly for hinge-coupling a first end of the cover plate to the base, and a latching assembly for latching a second end of the cover plate to the base. The circuit board is held in place between the base and the cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Li-Chin Lu, Jian-Hua Xiang, Jia-Yu Lv, Zhan-Wang Xu
  • Patent number: 10376967
    Abstract: A self-adjusting pocket hole jig includes a base having a clamp end and a toggle end, a guide carried by the base and reciprocally movable between a raised position and a lowered position. A clamp assembly is carried by the base and reciprocally movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. An adjustment mechanism is coupled between the guide and the clamp assembly. The adjustment mechanism is arranged to move the clamp assembly in a forward direction to the engaged position and correspondingly move the guide in a downward direction to the lowered position, and arranged to move the clamp assembly in a rearward direction to the disengaged position and correspondingly move the guide in an upward direction to the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventors: Robert N. Poole, Daniel L. Poole, Michael G. Asimakis
  • Patent number: 10096502
    Abstract: An example clamping assembly tray for packaging a semiconductor device includes a frame having a bottom surface and side walls extending from the bottom surface that define a cavity; and a compressible member disposed on the bottom surface of the frame within the cavity, where a top portion of the compressible member provides a support surface for supporting the semiconductor device, the support surface being between the bottom surface and a top edge of the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: XILINX, INC.
    Inventors: Gamal Refai-Ahmed, Suresh Ramalingam, Mohsen H. Mardi, Tien-Yu Lee, Ivor G. Barber, Cheang-Whang Chang, Jaspreet Singh Gandhi
  • Patent number: 10077095
    Abstract: An unmanned maritime vehicle (UMV) pin array release and capture chamber system includes a chamber assembly having two parallel plates of pin arrays from which a plurality of pins extends and retract vertically opposite each other so as to release and capture a UMV. The pin arrays are separated from each other by a space having two vertical and two horizontal sides, and the space is sized so as to receive the UMV. Each pin arrays may be housed in a pin array chamber enclosure. The chamber assembly may be attached to a moving object, such as a naval vessel, above or below the surface of water, or may be stationary with respect to the water movement, or may be stationary with respect to the ground such as a pier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffrey Alan McChesney
  • Patent number: 9757877
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a force to an assembly comprising a layup mandrel and a composite part. The apparatus comprises a first gripper and a second gripper. The second gripper is spaced apart from the first gripper so as to define a space between the first and second grippers, the space configured to receive the assembly. An actuation system is positioned between the first and second grippers adjacent the space, the actuation system configured to separate the layup mandrel from the composite part by applying force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hayden Olberg, Mike Moodi
  • Patent number: 9650156
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) pin array release and capture chamber system includes a chamber assembly having two parallel plates of pin arrays from which a plurality of pins extend and retract vertically opposite each other so as to release and capture a UAV. The pin arrays are separated from each other by a space having two vertical and two horizontal sides, and the space is sized so as to receive the UAV. Each pin arrays may be housed in a pin array chamber enclosure. The chamber assembly may be attached to a moving object, such as an aircraft, or may be stationary with respect to a ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Inventor: Jeffrey Alan McChesney
  • Patent number: 9586309
    Abstract: A device for holding a door in a stable position while the hinges which affix the door to the door frame are either replaced or initially installed. The basic features of the device consist of a base to which two side panels are affixed opposite each other. One of the sides is equipped with one or more clamping mechanism with the other side equipped with cushioning pads aligned opposite of the clamping mechanism. Stabilizing rotatable outriggers are attached to each side panel to assist in the restriction of movement of the device relative to the floor. The device may be used in either a vertical or horizontal position depending upon the clearance between the door and the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventors: Peter Poulos, Lynne Poulos, Bereket Kiflu, Saba Kiflu
  • Patent number: 9440371
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Sjoerd Anne van Valkenburg
  • Patent number: 9126340
    Abstract: A system for handling a bead apex comprises a first jaw having open and closed states, which is configured to engage a first surface of a bead apex in the closed state. The system further comprises a second jaw having open and closed states, and a plurality of grippers coupled to the second jaw. Selected ones of the plurality of grippers are configured to engage a second surface of the bead apex in the closed state of the second jaw. Further, at least one of the plurality of grippers comprises a tapered end surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Bartell Machinery Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Paul D Gatley, Kevin R Razy, John R Russo, II
  • Patent number: 9079312
    Abstract: A part transfer system includes a robotic arm, and an end effector attached to the robotic arm. The end effector includes a locating pin that is operable to engage an existing part feature of a part. The presence of the existing part feature is required for the intended use of the part, and therefore serves a function of the part other than a transfer function. The existing part feature defines a circular aperture disposed on a feature plane. The locating pin includes an engagement portion that extends along a longitudinal axis of the at least one locating pin. The engagement portion includes a diameter that is tapered along the longitudinal axis such that the engagement portion of the locating pin engages a radial inner edge of the circular aperture on the feature plane along an approximately annular contact ring disposed about a circumference of the tapered portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christopher B. Preston, Christine A. Blake, Sunil Nandwani, John S. Agapiou
  • Patent number: 7641425
    Abstract: Adjustable holding systems may include a fixed or portable base with a base opening and clamp assembly. The base opening is defined by a back surface, two side surfaces, and a partial front surface. A guide assembly may be movable within the base opening when the clamp assembly is in a clamped position. The guide assembly is interlocked with the base and is securable within the base opening such that the guide assembly has infinite adjustability within the base opening. The clamp assembly may include a spring operatively coupled to the clamp follower to accommodate variations in workpiece thickness when the clamp follower is in a clamped position. Both the base and guide assembly may have an exit hole adapted to allow waste material generated during drilling to exit a drilling area. The exit hole in the base also may be adapted to serve as a chip breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Allen IP, Incorporated
    Inventors: Craig A. Sommerfeld, Scott L. Clark
  • Patent number: 7182327
    Abstract: An elongate vise jaw plate assembly for mounting on a movable member of a vise is constructed to clamp many individual work pieces for machining. It enables clamping many pieces together in the vise even if their dimensions are not precise. It includes a base portion that is secured to a movable member of the vise. A work piece engaging portion is connected to the base portion by an elastic connector portion. The elastic connector and work piece engaging portions are slit into multiple segments, one for each work piece. Another work piece engaging portion is attached to a stationary member of the vise. Both work piece engaging members are machined to cooperate with work pieces. The work pieces are clamped between the two work piece engaging portions. Differences in the dimensions of the individual pieces are compensated for by the flexing of the connecting portions so that all the pieces are clamped securely for machining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Vise Jaws Inc.
    Inventor: William Ferrara
  • Patent number: 7144005
    Abstract: A clamping device in which there is no need to carry out troublesome setting operation of a clamping position according to a size of a workpiece and wear of respective components and an operation efficiency can be further improved. A worm which is engaged with a worm wheel provided to a periphery of a rotating shaft of a clamping arm and which is connected to an electric motor can reciprocate in an axial direction. On the axis, a clamping force applying mechanism to be actuated in response to contact of the rotated clamping arm with the workpiece to apply an axial force in a direction of the axis to the worm is provided. The clamping arm is rotated by driving the worm for rotation by the electric motor and the clamping force applying mechanism applies a clamping force to the clamping arm which has come in contact with the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Toshio Sato, Akira Tadano
  • Patent number: 7048267
    Abstract: An adhesively mounted angled clamp-like device for producing a compressive force or tensile force includes a frame, at least two plungers arranged at an angle movably connected with the frame, and double-sided stretch releasing adhesive attached to at least one of the frame and the plungers. The frame and/or plungers can be firmly adhesively bonded to a surface or object and later cleanly removed from the frame, plungers, and/or surface without damaging the surface and without leaving adhesive residue by stretching the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: James L. Bries
  • Patent number: 6969056
    Abstract: A first clamping arm mounted to an arm rotary shaft is rotated by a driving mechanism formed of a worm wheel mounted to the arm rotary shaft, a worm supported on a junction frame, and a first driving source to clamp a workpiece between a second clamping arm and the first clamping arm. A rotating force in a direction opposite to a reaction force in clamping is applied by a clamping force applying mechanism to the junction frame which has been displaced through a certain angle by the reaction force to thereby generate a rotating force in a clamping direction in the arm rotary shaft through the worm and the worm wheel to thereby apply a clamping force to the first clamping arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Toshio Sato, Akira Tadano
  • Patent number: 6905116
    Abstract: A toggle clamp comprises a compression spindle assembly with a plunger and a spindle. The plunger has a chamber dimensioned to slidingly receive the spindle in a telescoping arrangement, and a resilient member disposed in the plunger chamber to urge the spindle away from the plunger chamber. A screw extends through a bore of the spindle and the plunger chamber and is threaded into the plunger to bias the resilient member and maintain the spindle in sliding contact with the plunger chamber. The screw has a head abutting a shoulder monolithically formed in the spindle bore. The screw is rotatable to adjust a level of compression of the resilient member. The compression spindle assembly reliably applies a gradual rate of pressure as the compression spindle assembly is compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Carr Lane Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Rich Cummines, William Casseau
  • Patent number: 6844515
    Abstract: An apparatus for machining a turbine blade assembly includes at least one locator for positioning the blade assembly with respect to the apparatus. The apparatus also includes at least one biasing mechanism for maintaining a relative position of the blade assembly with respect to said apparatus and at least one clamping device that includes a predetermined locking position. The clamping device retains the blade assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventors: Brett Wayne Byrnes, James Henry Madge, Betsy Weddendorf
  • Patent number: 6830240
    Abstract: A method for securing a component for manufacture. The method includes fixedly coupling a first clamping member and a biasing mechanism to a tool that includes a fixture. The fixture includes a first clamping member, a second clamping member, and a biasing mechanism. The method further includes coupling the second clamping member to the fixture, using the biasing mechanism to align the component within the tool between the first and second clamping members such that the component is maintained in position relative to the fixture, securing the component between the first and second clamping members such that the first clamping member, the second clamping member, and the component are fixedly secured in position with respect to the fixture, and retaining the component in position with respect to the fixture using the first and second clamping members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel Edward Jones, Jacques Juneau
  • Patent number: 6702271
    Abstract: A profile frame (1) for holding plane elements (3) in an essentially U-shaped accommodating profile (2), the one leg of the U of which is constructed as a stopping leg (4) for the plane element (3) and the other leg of the U of which is constructed essentially parallel to the stopping leg (4) as a compressing leg (5) for clamping the plane element (3) between the two legs (4, 5), is distinguished owing to the fact that the compressing leg (5) has a clamping region (5) and a nominal deformation region (7), by the deformation of which the clamping region (6) can be pressed against the plane element (3). Preferably, a clamping element (10) can be connected with the accommodating profile (2), act on the clamping region (6) of the compressing leg (5) and presses the latter against the plane element (3). The clamping element (10) can be constructed to accommodate at least one fitting (16) or can be connected with a fitting (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Solarlux Aluminium Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Bjoern Nussbaum
  • Publication number: 20030201592
    Abstract: A compression spindle for use in a clamp for holding a work piece has a plunger with a bore that defines a seat for a spring. A spindle is inserted into the bore against the spring. A retainer screw holds the spindle in restrained, sliding engagement with the plunger, and allows the spring compression to be adjusted. The spring is completely encapsulated within the compression spindle assembly. When installed in a clamp or press, the compression spindle mediates application of holding pressure on a work piece, and reliably holds work pieces of varying dimensions without adjustment of the clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Rich Cummines, William Casseau
  • Patent number: 6568694
    Abstract: A combination of two or more jaw assemblies for mounting onto a self-centering power chuck to move an irregular workpiece to the axial centerline of the power chuck after it has been clamped. Each jaw assembly has a independent hydraulic system which, when activated, reduces the length of the jaw assembly, thereby moving the workpiece clamped in the power chuck. The imperfect pipe's average centerline can be moved to any location within the combined adjustable range of all the jaw assemblies. Each jaw assembly consists of a base jaw that is affixed to the power chuck, a connecting block that moves when the hydraulic system is actuated, a piston, a cylinder, and an interchangeable swivel insert with a serrated gripping surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Phillip A. White
  • Patent number: 6506143
    Abstract: In a finishing apparatus, a plurality of works are retained at distances from each other in a direction of an X-axis. A single spindle is disposed on a table movable in the direction of the X-axis, the spindle has an axis parallel to an axis of each of bores to be finished, and is capable of being advanced and retracted axially. A measuring device is provided that measures an inside diameter of each finished bore and which is advanced and retracted independently from the spindle in a direction along the axis of each finished bore. A combination tool is mounted at a tip end of the spindle and finishes an inner surface of any of the bores to be finished, even if the position of insertion of the combination tool into each of the bores is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kaname Goto, Yuzo Abe, Koichi Arai, Tsugio Ueno, Yasuo Kondo
  • Patent number: 6427313
    Abstract: When a movable member (14) is moved from a gripping position in which a circuit board (2) was gripped by the movable member (14) and a stationary member (13), a separation mechanism (7, 12) forcibly separates the circuit board from the stationary member (13), to thereby prevent the occurrence of a state in which the circuit board (2) is stuck to the stationary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Ishitani, Makito Seno
  • Patent number: 6409163
    Abstract: A fixturing device for holding a workpiece for processing by an induction hardening machine includes a first subassembly constructed and arranged to be attached to an induction coil subassembly which is movable into and out of position around the workpiece. A second subassembly, virtually identical in construction to the first subassembly, is attached to the induction coil assembly and the two subassemblies are spaced apart so as to face one another and so as to define therebetween a workpiece-receiving region. Each subassembly includes an L-shaped bracket with one leg configured for attachment to the induction coil assembly and the other leg configured with connecting rods for attachment to a holding block. There are three connecting rods, two in the form of cylindrical pins, and one, the center connecting rod, being externally threaded for connecting a holding block to the L-shaped bracket. The two cylindrical pins receive coil springs so as to spring bias the holding block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Contour Hardening, Inc.
    Inventor: Max E. Stewart
  • Patent number: 6382610
    Abstract: A tool to reduce the rotational force on a pipe to be held in a chain vise includes a curvilinear or inverted V-shaped base which saddles the pipe to be held. A U-shaped frame is mounted to the base such that one or more roller bearings may be mounted between the opposing sides of the U-shaped frame. The roller bearings provide a bearing surface for the chain of the chain vise, allowing the chain to be tensioned without applying torque to the pipe to be held. A pair of the tools may be spaced apart upon the periphery of a large pipe with the chain passing over the roller bearings of each tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Ronnie L. Corbin
  • Patent number: 6350078
    Abstract: A shaft depressor is used for seating a shaft against a closed, usually curved, portion between first and second sides of a U-shaped socket in a slap yoke of a steering shaft assembly. It is used together with a clamp bolt which extends through a hole in the first side of the socket and fastens to threads at a second parallel side thereof. The shaft depressor consists of a cylindrical body having an inside diameter sized to fit over the clamp bolt, an outside diameter sized to pass through the hole in the first side of the U-shaped socket, and projecting members for pressing the shaft into the closed portion of the socket. The shaft depressor has a tapered lead at one end for easy insertion through the hole in the first parallel side and a plurality of fins projecting radially outwardly from the surface of the cylindrical bushing. The radially projecting fins may be axially extending ridges, circumferential ridges, cones, or a single helical ridge on the surface of the cylindrical body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: The Torrington Company
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Butkievich, Walter Crudele, Julio Costa
  • Patent number: 6349929
    Abstract: The present invention describes a workholding apparatus for holding workpieces that are to undergo various machining processes. The workholder apparatus is particularly suitable for numerically controlled machining applications. The workholder consists of a main body having a generally flat work surface and two or more clamping assemblies slidably located beneath the work surface. The invention includes a means for accurately and repeatably clamping a workpiece to the work surface, so that a part may be removed at an intermediate stage for examination or other processing, and returned to the workholder in the same location. A major advantage of the present invention is the clamping is accomplished without producing undesirable stresses in the workpiece, and all sides of the workpiece can be exposed for machining without changing the attachment of the workpiece in the workholder. A modular and extensible embodiment of the invention is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventors: Ray R. S. Speltz, Terry E. Hagel
  • Patent number: 6345815
    Abstract: A spring or springs are provided between driving-side members that operate together with an output shaft of a stepping motor, and driven-side members that operate together with a jaw member. Thereby, when the jaw members performs opening motion, the driving-side members and the driven-side member directly engage with each other, thereby allowing a driving force to be transmitted directly from the output shaft to the jaw members. When the jaw members performs workpiece-holding operation, the driving-side members and the driven-side member engage each other via the spring or springs, thereby allowing the driving force to be elastically transmitted from the output shaft to the jaw members via the spring or the springs. In this configuration, when the workpiece-holding operation is performed by the jaw members, the stepping motor is controlled so as to over-rotate in a buffered manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Takanashi, Hiroshi Miyachi, Koichiro Kanda
  • Patent number: 6336628
    Abstract: A portable disk stack holder has a support with a base on the support and with a disk mounting pin slidable through aligned holes in the base and support with one end of the pin within the support and the other end of the pin above the base. The one end of the pin is connected to a lever mechanism for pulling the pin downwardly. A presser plate is detachably connected to the other end of the pin. Operating the lever mechanism will pull the pin down pulling the presser plate toward the base to tightly clamp a stack of disks mounted on the pin between the plate and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: Marc Briau
  • Patent number: 6325366
    Abstract: A tube clamping assembly comprising a first portion having a base and a clamping device carried on the base, and a second portion having a base and a clamping device carried on the base. The first and second portions are coupled to each other such that the portions may be adjusted relative each other. In another embodiment, the invention is a tube clamping assembly comprising a base, and a first movable clamp arm and a first stationary clamp arm coupled to the base for gripping a cylindrical workpiece therebetween. The tube clamping assembly further comprises a second movable clamp arm and a second stationary clamp arm coupled to the base for gripping a cylindrical workpiece therebetween, wherein at least one of the stationary clamp arms is removably coupled to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: James M. Kane, Ronald K. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6249955
    Abstract: A coating fixture adapted to extricate a jammed connector web is described. The coating fixture includes a pair of vertical supports. Each support has a first portion spaced apart from a second portion. Springs are placed between the first and second portions to allow movement of the first portions relative to the second portions. The second portions may be anchored to prevent their movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Agere Systems Optoelectronics Guardian Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph Michael Freund, George John Przybylek, Dennis Mark Romero
  • Patent number: 6206352
    Abstract: When a movable member (14) is moved from a gripping position in which a circuit board (2) was gripped by the movable member (14) and a stationary member (13), a separation mechanism (7, 12) forcibly separates the circuit board from the stationary member (13), to thereby prevent the occurrence of a state in which the circuit board (2) is stuck to the stationary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Ishitani, Makito Seno
  • Patent number: 6113089
    Abstract: A screw clamp (1) having a fixed bracket (3) with a clamping surface (4), and having a sliding bracket (5) which can be displaced and secured on a slide rail (2, 2'), the rail being connected to the fixed bracket (3), and the sliding bracket being a carrier for a threaded spindle (7) with a rotatably mounted clamping plate (11) at its end. The clamping plate (11) is mounted such that it can yield resiliently with respect to the sliding bracket (5) in the direction in which the spindle extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Kleinbongartz & Kaiser
    Inventor: Wolfgang Kleinbongartz
  • Patent number: 6026557
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for retaining a laser bar during a facet coating operation and releasing the laser bar subsequent to the operation. The apparatus includes a pair of opposing spacers that hold the laser bar when compressed, each spacer including a compliant spring on an inner portion thereof. A compression device applies a force to the spacers sufficient to compress the springs against opposite sides of the laser bar to thereby retain the laser bar during the facet coating operation. Subsequent to the facet coating operation, the compressive force is released to decompress the springs and thereby release the laser bar. Due to the spring action, the laser bar is released without substantially adhering to either one of the spacers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Michael Freund, George John Przybylek, Dennis Mark Romero
  • Patent number: 5975605
    Abstract: A toggle clamp includes a movable first pin having an axis and a stationary second pin. An arm is carried by the first pin for rotation in a first direction applying pressure to a load and a second direction releasing the pressure. An exterior spring element is coupled between the first and second pins. The spring element exerts a spring force that biases the first pin toward the second pin. The spring element is releasable for exchange with another spring element to change the spring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Norbert J Kot
  • Patent number: 5971378
    Abstract: A clamp is provided that has a pair of clamp bodies which each have an inner surface. The inner surfaces of each clamp body are oriented to face one another in a spaced parallel relationship. A pair of parallel scissors linkages are coupled to the device that operate to move the clamp bodies in parallel relation relative to one another. Each scissors linkage extends from one side surface of one clamp body to a corresponding side surface of the other clamp body. A threaded rod is coupled to the pair of scissors linkages between the clamp bodies and is oriented with its axis of rotation parallel to the inner surfaces of the clamp bodies. The threaded rod is operable to move the clamp bodies either towards one another or away from one another in spaced parallel relation by rotation of the rod. By operation of the rod, the device may be used as either a clamping device or an expansion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Ventek, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 5941149
    Abstract: A holddown bar assembly for a textile-centering and cutting machine through which a web is advanced in a direction has a lower bar underneath the goods and extending transversely of the direction a full width of the web and an upper support bar above the goods, extending the full width of the web, and provided with a vertical guide. A row extending the full width of the web of finger plates are vertically displaceable relative to each other on the guide directly above the lower bar so that the web can be pinched between the row of finger plates and the lower bar. A biasing unit is engaged between the upper support bar and the finger plates for urging the finger plates downward against the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Schmale-Holding GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Peter Rohe
  • Patent number: 5931452
    Abstract: A wire clamper for a bonding apparatus includes a pair of clamper arms having tip portions, respectively. The tip portions clamp or release a wire therebetween when at least one of the clamper arms is operated. The wire clamper further includes a giant-magnetostrictive actuator having a giant-magnetostrictive alloy and a coil wound around the giant-magnetostrictive alloy for generating a magnetic field. The giant-magnetostrictive alloy is displaced according to the magnetic field generated by the coil so as to operate at least one of the clamper arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignees: Tosok Corporation, Moritex Corporation, Etrema Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Nakatomi, Yasuhiro Matsui
  • Patent number: 5746422
    Abstract: A clamping device used in, for instance, a bonding machine, using a piezo-electric element for opening and closing a pair of clamping claws for holding, for instance, bonding wires in between. The clamping device includes a pressure adjustment screw which applies a preparatory pressure to the piezo-electric element via a contact plate, and the contact plate is connected, via flexible sections which are capable of expansion and contraction, to a screw attachment with which the pressure adjustment screw is screw-engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Shinkawa
    Inventors: Koichi Harada, Minoru Torihata, Takayuki Iiyama
  • Patent number: 5718420
    Abstract: A wedge workholding clamp has a clamp body that is adapted for mounting onto a table and is used for holding various objects, and specifically for holding piece parts in machining. The clamp body slidably mounts a movable jaw that is actuated with a wedge using a clamping screw. When a single jaw is actuated, the clamp body has one reaction surface that is square with the direction of clamping and parallel to the axis of the screw. The wedge has an end surface that engages and moves along the reaction surface of the clamp body as the wedge is tightened so there are no bending loads on the screw. The wedge also has a wedge surface that engages a surface of the movable jaw and which acts to move the movable jaw from a released position to a position clamping a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Kurt Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Leon M. Bernstein
  • Patent number: 5692734
    Abstract: A clamp structure that has a jaw mounted on a shaft with the clamping face of the jaw facing along the direction of the shaft and offset from it applies clamping force to a work piece when a cam that is part of the clamp structure is moved by an actuator from a free position to a clamping position. The cam is connected to the shaft and has a cam surface that applies force to a follower in opposition to a biasing spring when the actuator is so moved, and a mounting device holds the shaft between the follower and the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: American Tool Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Aldredge, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5688014
    Abstract: A clamp has a clamping arm pivotally mounted to a base frame for swinging between clamping and unclamping positions. An actuator, such as a pneumatic cylinder, provides bidirectional forces for swinging the arm. The arm is driven by the actuator by way of an articulated linkage system including at least one spring link and one rigid link. The spring link preferably has a C-shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Norbert J. Kot
  • Patent number: 5514216
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding and subsequently releasing a solid compact medicament, such as a caplet. The apparatus has a first and a second member each having an upper and a lower surface. The first and second members each have at least one notch opposed to each other and correspondingly aligned and extending beyond the respective upper and lower surfaces of each member. The first and second members have chambers adjacent to each of the notches, and each of the notches is moveable in the respective chamber of the opposing member so that the opposing notches form a gripping jaw that can move between a first and a second position. When the gripping jaw is in an open first position, it can receive a solid compact medicament, and in a closed second position, the gripping jaw can grip the medicament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Bayer Corporation (formerly Miles, Inc.)
    Inventors: Peter A. Pastecki, Thomas C. Reiter, Charles W. Pierson
  • Patent number: 5494269
    Abstract: A workpiece is clamped to a machine table while being machined, but a cantilevered portion of the workpiece is subject to vibrations. The cap of a vibration damping unit is supported on the machine base and spring-loaded upwardly against the workpiece. A support spring acting on a seat forces a damping element against the cap which, in turn, is impressed against the cantilevered workpiece. Vibrations are suppressed by horizontal shearing motion of the ring damping element. The entire damping assembly comprising the cap, ring damping element, seat and spring are retracted from the workpiece by means of a central rod connected to a manually actuated toggle clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventor: Paul E. McCalmont
  • Patent number: 5314175
    Abstract: A wire clamping device which is used to clamp bonding wire in the wire bonding of electronic components comprising: a fixed arm; a movable arm that is positioned so that the end of the fixed arm faces the and of the movable arm with a suitable gap, the movable arm being capable of bending so that the end of the movable arm approaches the end of the fixed arm; and a piezoelectric element that is attached to the movable arm which bends the movable arm by mechanical deformation of the piezoelectric device in order to clamp wire between the end of the movable arm and the end of the fixed arm. A wire clamping method for clamping bonding wire comprising bending a movable arm toward a fixed arm during wire bonding of electronic components by means of mechanical deformation of a piezoelectric element, the deformation being generated by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Izumi, Nobuya Matsumura, Akihiro Yamamoto, Yutaka Makino
  • Patent number: 5274212
    Abstract: A door seal apparatus for a laser operating station, comprises a fixed wall with an opening, a turn table device with a turn table wall positioned within the opening, the turn table device having at least two positions in which the turn table wall is substantially parallel and coplanar with the fixed wall, with a gap existing between the fixed wall and turn table wall, cylinders for driving a first plate in a first direction over a first portion of the gap, and a cam plate for operationally engaging the first plate to a second plate and for driving the second plate in a second direction over a second portion of the gap as the first plate is driven in a first direction, wherein the first and second plates prevent direct light leaks from the first and second portions of the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Campbell, John J. Sniezek