Abstract: A system for supporting workpieces during machining. The system comprises one or more adjustable workpiece support assemblies and a robotic unit. Each workpiece support assembly comprises a pedestal and a rotatable fixture element. The robotic assembly comprises means of mobilizing and immobilizing each support assembly, so that the fixture element may be secured in a particular orientation. The robotic unit moves along a frame, and manipulates and fixes the position of the fixture elements to match the contour of a workpiece. Vacuum forces may be applied through the workpiece support assemblies to secure the workpiece against the fixture elements.

Abstract: A clamping system includes a housing, a clamping lever pivotally coupled relative to the housing, a clamping arm pivotally coupled relative to the housing and the clamping lever, and an expandable link coupled to the clamping arm. The clamping lever and the clamping arm are rotatable from an open position to a closed (clamped) position. A method of mounting a device on a substrate using the clamping system is also provided.

Abstract: A clamp device comprises a base on which is pivoted a handle which is rotatable about a pivot pin for opening and/or closing the clamp device, a closing device adapted to engage with a clamp element to close the clamp device in a closed configuration, and a locking device for locking the clamp device in the closed configuration hinged by a hinge pin to the handle so that it can be moved between a locking position, in which, in the closed configuration, a catch element of the locking device interacts with the base to attach the clamp device to the base, and a release position in which the handle is free to rotate relative to the base, the locking device comprises a stroke limiting device to limit the rotation of the locking device from the locking position.

Abstract: A plunger clamp has a body defining a bore with a plunger slidably held in the body bore. A lever is pivotally connected with the body. A link arm pivotally connects between the plunger and lever. A catch mechanism is coupled with the body. A latch mechanism is coupled with the lever. The catch mechanism and latch mechanism couple with one another to lock the plunger in a first clamped position and in a second released position.

Abstract: A clamp of a bicycle workstand includes a base, an elastic unit, an operating arm, a link unit, and a clamping unit. The base has an accommodating trough. The elastic unit has a shaft sleeved with a spring and a slide and disposed in the accommodating trough. The clamping unit has a fixed clamp body disposed on the base, and a movable clamp body pivotably connected with the base and the operating arm. The link unit has a first link and a second link pivotably connected with each other and pivotably connected with the operating arm and the slide respectively. The second link has a cam. Pulling the operating arm can drive the first and second links to swing. The cam is abutted on the shaft and presses it by rolling. The fixed clamp body and the movable clamp body can be coupled for stable clamping.

Abstract: A clamping assembly sized to clamp adjacent body panels of a vehicle together for an assembly operation includes a handle assembly including a handle that rotates in a first plane about a pivot location. A jaw assembly includes a first jaw structure that moves relative to a second jaw structure in a second plane parallel to the first plane. A linkage assembly operably connects the handle assembly and the jaw assembly using an actuation pin such that rotating the handle assembly in the first plane moves first jaw structure toward and away from the second jaw structure in the second plane between open and closed configurations by extending and retracting the actuation pin relative to the second jaw structure.

Abstract: What is disclosed is an object holder for securely retaining an object while it is being printed in a direct-to-object print system and a direct-to-object print system configured to use various embodiments of the object holder of the present invention. In one embodiment, the object holder comprises a metallic shuttle mount configured to slideably traverse a support member positioned parallel to a plane formed by at least one printhead configured to eject marking material on to a surface of an object. A plurality of magnetic retainers are each shaped to physically secure the object to the metallic shuttle mount while the object is being moved.

Abstract: A clamp adapter for use with a lever operated quick connect clamp having spaced apart clamping arms. The clamp adapter includes a one piece body having an upper section which is slidably positioned between the clamping arms and a base which abuts against the bottom the clamping arms. Threaded fasteners secure the body to the clamping arms. An elongated rod is slidably positioned in a through bore in the body and locked in place by a bolt.

Abstract: A fixture device for holding a first structural article in mutual position relative to a second structural article. A fixing arrangement includes a first end and a second end. Each of the first end and the second end are configured to be operatively connected to the first structural article and the second structural article. A coupling arrangement is configured to be releasably coupled to the first structural article and the second structural article and to the fixing arrangement. Also, a method for manufacturing a structure, a production line for manufacturing a structure and a data medium storing program.

Abstract: A rigging table and system for assembling trusses using a rigging table. An embodiment of a rigging table includes a base having a generally longitudinal axis and a generally lateral extent, and at least two bunk assemblies moveable along the base in at least the generally longitudinal axis such that each bunk assembly is capable of being positioned on the base relative to another bunk assembly. Each bunk assembly may include a frame extending along the lateral extent of the base, a pair of guides slidably positioned on the frame to move generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the base toward and away from each other and able to be fastened in position on the frame, and a pair of automated clamp members each positioned relative to and moveable with one of the guides on the frame, to accommodate assembly of different sized trusses.

Abstract: Disclosed is a handheld canvas stretching tool used to stretch canvas across a stretcher frame. The tool can include upper and lower jaw plates with slip resistant surfaces configured to firmly grasp a portion of the canvas to be stretched. The tool includes wide “locking pliers” technology, and a second class lever action. These features give the user the mechanical advantage needed to apply a taut stretch to the canvas, while permitting one hand, and sometimes both hands, of the user to be free to apply staples that secure the canvas to the stretcher frame.

Abstract: An electronic start system for an agricultural machine is configured to enable the machine to stop the engine while continuing to power onboard electronics and start the engine so long as one or more sensed conditions are met. The system can include a key lock operated by a physical key held by an operator and a button which can be pressed by the operator. The system can also include one or more sensors disposed on the machine for detecting various conditions. When the key is turned on, power can be provided to the onboard electronics, regardless of the state of the engine. Thereafter, when the button is pressed, the engine can be turned on if the one or more sensed conditions are satisfied, such as detecting a closed door, an operator in a seat, an activated brake, and so forth.

Abstract: What is disclosed is an object holder for securely retaining an object while it is being printed in a direct-to-object print system and a direct-to-object print system configured to use various embodiments of the object holder of the present invention. In one embodiment, the object holder comprises a shuttle mount configured to slideably traverse a support member positioned parallel to a plane formed by at least one printhead configured to eject in onto a surface of an object. The mount has a plurality of receptacles, each has a shape for receiving a retainer in one of a plurality of orientations. A head of each retainer is shaped to retain an edge of the object on the mount. A base of each retainer is shaped such that, when the base is pressed into a receptacle, the head assumes a desired orientation. The removable retainers retain the object on the shuttle mount.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping cylinder (100) comprising a body (110) and a movable assembly (102) contained in a receiving chamber (112) of the body, rotatable and translatable relative to the body along a predetermined movement axis (V), the cylinder comprising guide means (142; 150) in order to guide the movable assembly between a clamping position and a free position.

Abstract: A gripping mechanism extends from a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism includes a fixed handle, a pivotally connected movable handle, a releasable locking mechanism, and the upper section of two opposing L-shaped arms. The lower section of each arm extends from the clamping mechanism to connect to a pair of lugs to form the gripping mechanism. Each lug includes an elongated member and a gripping surface for gripping a valve box cover. The gripping mechanism is manipulated to pivot the arms and move the gripping surfaces into position to grip the valve box cover. Once the gripping surfaces grip the cover, the arms are locked in a fixed position relative to one another to facilitate the separation of the cover, the lifting of the cover, and the transportation of the cover from the valve box.

Abstract: A clamp and method of use may be configured to detect whether a clamp is properly secured to an object, and whether that proper securement is maintained. One embodiment of a clamp may include a first portion and a second portion. The relative positions of the first and second portions may be selectively adjusted using a positioner. A sensor assembly may be secured between said first and second portions to determine if the first portion engages the work piece with the proper force. Multiple clamps may be used on a single work piece, and those clamps may be in communication with a common controller to alert the user when any clamp experiences a force other than the force the user desires.

Abstract: A measurement structure is adapted for a curtain cutting machine, and the curtain cutting machine contains: a track, a slidable seat, a scale set, a cutting device, and a covering cover. The track includes a front segment and a rear segment, and the slidable seat is disposed on and slides along the track and includes a clamping apparatus. The scale set is secured on the track to indicate a position of the slidable seat, the cutting device is located adjacent to the front segment of the track and includes an opening, and the covering door is mounted between the cutting device and the track and moves between a first position and a second position. When the covering door slides to the first position, it stops the opening of the cutting device, and when the covering door slides to the second position, it opens the opening of the cutting device.

Abstract: In one implementation, a stair installation bracket for installing staircases in stairwells is provided. The bracket includes a bracket assembly configured to anchor to a wall of a stairwell, a hanger tool removably connected to the bracket assembly, and a positioning bolt for positioning a staircase relative to the wall. A method of installing a staircase using the bracket assembly includes positioning the staircase on tabs of one or more bracket assemblies, rotating the positioning bolt to vertically positioning the staircase relative to pilot holes of the bracket assembly, anchoring the staircase to the bracket assembly, and removing the hanger tool from the bracket assembly.

Abstract: A pneumatically operable work tool for use in body construction in the motor vehicle industry includes a cylinder which has a cylinder housing, a piston moveable therein and a piston rod, which is connected to said piston, moveable linearly and guided out of the cylinder housing, and with a head housing connected to the cylinder housing, wherein a region of the piston rod protruding into the head housing cooperates with at least one toggle lever to pivot an arm assigned to the toggle lever, in particular a gripper arm or clamping arm, wherein this arm is mounted in the head housing and is pivotable between a closed position and an opened position.

Abstract: A pen vice includes a base, an operating device mounted onto the base and multiple studs vertically secured on the base, wherein the studs correspond to two opposite sides of the base. Two parallel link mechanisms respectively mounted onto the studs that correspond to the two opposite sides of the base. A first sliding jaw and a second sliding jaw is disposed between the two parallel link mechanisms. The two parallel link mechanisms drive the first sliding jaw and the second sliding jaw to clamp or release a pen shank.

Abstract: A clamp apparatus includes a support body that projects in a sideways direction of a body, together with a clamp arm, which is disposed rotatably in facing relation to the support body. On the support body, a support member, which extends in a horizontal direction, is disposed detachably with respect to a coupling hole of the body, whereas a connecting body, which interconnects a pair of arm members, is disposed detachably on an end of the clamp arm. A clamp release mechanism, which releases a clamped state when the clamp arm is locked, is disposed in the body, and is configured to press a joint of a driving force transmission mechanism that is accommodated in the body toward the side of a drive unit.

Abstract: In a clamping device, a detection mechanism detects a state of clamping/unclamping and includes: a detected body that moves together with a piston and a piston rod; a circuit board disposed to face the detected body and capable of detecting the position of the detected body; and an indicator lamp that is connected to the circuit board and is lit/extinguished depending on the state of clamping/unclamping. By pressing a setting button provided on the detection mechanism when the rotation angle of the arm is changed, the second detection position of the circuit board for detecting the unclamped state is changed, making it possible to detect the detected body at a newly set detection position.

Abstract: A vise includes a groove-shaped vise body; an internally threaded first sliding member in the vise body; an internally threaded second sliding member in the vise body; a fixed jaw secured to the vise body; a first movable jaw on the first sliding member, a second movable jaw on the second sliding member, a rotatable shaft at an end of the vise body, an actuation assembly in the vise body and including a hollow first threaded shaft passing through and secured to the first sliding member, and secured to the fastening device, a hollow second threaded shaft passing through the second sliding member and secured to the second sliding member, a first movable rod in the first threaded shaft and secured to the rotatable shaft, a second movable rod in the second threaded shaft, and a pushing rod engaging the first movable rod, and a force transmitting assembly.

Abstract: A clamping device has a clamping arm mounted pivotable in a housing of the clamping device, a first locking means pivotable corresponding to the pivoting movement of the clamping arm, and a second locking means arranged in the pivot path of the first locking means and mounted in the housing, wherein the two locking means interact in an end position of the clamping arm.

Abstract: A welding fixture apparatus has a base and an adjustable head configured for adjustable engagement with one or more workpieces and methods of use.

Abstract: A clamp apparatus is equipped with a body, and a drive unit having a piston displaced under the supply of a pressure fluid. A clamp arm is disposed rotatably on the body. In addition, a piston rod of the drive unit is connected detachably with respect to a displaceable body of a driving force transmission mechanism which is disposed in the interior of the body. Upon detachment of a connector of the piston rod from a connecting recess of the displaceable body, the state of connection between the drive unit and the driving force transmission mechanism is released.

Abstract: A self-adjusting bar clamp includes a body defining an elongated channel and an actuating lever pivotally coupled to the body and movable between an open position and a closed position. An elongated bar is carried by the body for reciprocal sliding movement therethrough. A self-adjusting toggle mechanism carried by the body includes a locking element carried by the bar and an element pivotally coupled to the actuating lever. A cam element is pivotally coupled between the element and the locking element. The cam element is movable between a first condition permitting movement and a second condition. A biasing member biases the locking element in a first direction.

Abstract: A rotating cylinder includes and a main body, a piston head, a piston rod and a guide assembly. The piston head slidably is received within the main body. The piston rod partially received within the main body, the piston head is fixed to the piston head, the piston rod defines one or more guiding groove adjacent to the piston head, the guiding groove includes a straight portion, a first helix portion and a second helix portion, the straight portion extends axially toward the piston head, the first helix portion curvedly extends away from the straight portion toward the piston head, the second helix portion curvedly extends from an end of the first helix portion toward a direction away from the piston head and the straight portion. The guide assembly is mounted on the main body and includes one or more guiding member slidably engaged with the guiding groove.

Abstract: A clamp is described and which includes a base portion, a handle which is affixed to the base portion, a moveable clamp portion which is individually pivotally attached to the base portion; a pair of force transmitting couplings pivotally attached to the handle, and the movable clamp portion; and an elongated resilient biasing member with a distal end, and which is mounted on the movable clamp portion, and which is further operable to engage an adjacent object of interest and hold it in a given orientation relative to a vibratory conveyor.

Abstract: A centering and clamping device has a housing (1) with a drive mechanism (2) situated in its interior for actuating a clamping hook (5). The clamping hook (5) is active outside the housing (1). The clamping hook (5) engages a seal element (3) that is positioned in an opening (4) on the housing (1). The seal element (3) has a passage opening (6) for receiving the clamping hook (5). The passage opening (6) fits exactly with the clamping hook (5) in every position. The seal element (3) is mounted so that it is rotatable in the opening (4) of the housing (1). A portion of the sealing element projects, at all times, outside of the housing (1) so that the opening (4) of the housing (1) is completely closed in every rotation position of the seal element (3).

Abstract: A beveling apparatus, for manufacturing screws and the like, includes a fixed support structure, which includes a first motor unit and a second motor unit which actuate a pliers unit adapted to lock an item to be machined and associated with a movable supporting structure. The first motor unit is constituted by a pair of linear motors having rotors associated with a carriage which actuates the pliers unit. The second motor unit has a pair of linear motors having rotors associated with the movable supporting structure so as to actuate the axial movement of the movable supporting structure with respect to the fixed supporting structure in order to define at least two operating positions of the pliers unit; a position for picking up and unloading the item to machined, in which the pliers unit is at a certain distance from a machining head of a machine tool, and a position for machining the item, in which the pliers unit is located at the machining head of a machine tool.

Abstract: An electric clamp apparatus includes a body, a rotary drive unit which is driven rotatably by an electric signal, a drive force transmission mechanism for transmitting a rotary drive force of the rotary drive unit to a toggle link mechanism, and a clamp arm disposed rotatably with respect to the body. By driving the rotary drive unit, a drive force is transmitted to the clamp arm through the drive force transmission mechanism, whereby the clamp arm is rotated through a predetermined angle with respect to the body, and a workpiece is clamped between the clamp arm and a support member of the body. At this time, an adjustment mechanism disposed on the clamp arm includes a rod, which advances and retracts so as to stably clamp workpieces of different plate thicknesses.

Abstract: An actuating device has a linearly-movable fluidly operated piston drive (1). A pivot shaft (3) is movably, rotatably mounted in a housing (2). A lever arm (4) is connected with the pivot shaft (3) in a torsionally rigid manner. An adjustment mechanism (5) connects the piston drive (1) with the pivot shaft (3). A damping device (6) dampens movement of the lever arm (4). The damping device (6) is associated with the housing (2) and with the pivot shaft (3).

Abstract: A lever-operated clamp having a base, a clamp arm pivotally mounted to the base, and a lever which, upon pivoting, moves the clamp arm in a clamping direction of movement. An internally threaded bolt retainer is mounted to the clamp arm and threadably receives a bolt so that the rotational position of the bolt relative to the bolt retainer varies the position of the bolt relative to the clamp arm. A jam nut or internally threaded knob locks the bolt at its adjusted position.

Abstract: A clamp assembly having a base and an elongated clamp arm having one end pivotally mounted to the base. An elongated lever is pivotally secured to both the base and the clamp arm and movable between a first and second position which simultaneously pivots the clamp arm along a direction of movement between a hold position and a release position. A bolt retainer is attached to the free end of the clamp arm. The bolt retainer includes an internally threaded bore having an axis which extends substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the clamp arm. A bolt includes a portion threadably engaged in the threaded bore so that the effective length of the bolt is adjustable by rotation of the bolt in the bolt retainer bore.

Abstract: A hanger apparatus for a vehicle and a changer comprising the same are provided herein, which are configured to correspond to a multitude of vehicle components (e.g., bodies or panels) of different shapes and sizes according to vehicle type and are commonly applicable to various types of vehicles by utilizing variable locating units capable of varying locating positions according to vehicle type and automatically varying the variable locating units.

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 device has a toggle lever mechanism (2) with a linearly movable actuator (1) and a pivot shaft (23) with a tensioning arm (21). A mechanism to unlock an over-center position is coupled with the toggle lever mechanism. The mechanism includes a control element (3) that is arranged on the actuator (1) and a rocker (4). The rocker (4) can be brought into adjusting contact with the control element (3). The control element (3) is in the form of a control extension in a direction facing away from the pivot shaft. The actuator (1) is arranged between the pivot shaft (23) and the rocker (4).

Abstract: A clamp has a housing with a piston assembly positioned in the housing. A detent mechanism is coupled with the piston rod and is positioned in the housing. A clamping arm is coupled with the piston rod. The clamping arm is moved by a biasing mechanism from a position parallel to the piston rod, when in a retracted position, to a position substantially perpendicular to the piston rod, when in a clamping position.

Abstract: Clamp devices configured such that dust does not enter insides of casings. The clamp devices each include the casing, and a clamp-side end section of a clamp arm is exposed from an opening of the casing. The clamp arm includes: a first circular arc section which is exposed from the casing when a workpiece is clamped by the clamp arm and is contained within the casing when the workpiece is not clamped by the clamp arm; and a second circular arc section which is exposed from the casing when the workpiece is not clamped by the clamp arm and is contained within the casing when the workpiece is clamped by the clamp arm. A first scraper and a second scraper are in sliding contact with the first circular arc section and the second circular arc section, respectively. The clamp device can also include a side surface cleaning scraper for making sliding contact with a side surface of the first circular section.

Abstract: A clamping device has a removable handle to move a clamp between an opened and clamped position. A receiving member is on the clamp to receive the handle. The handle has a latching member to couple with the receiving member. An actuating member is coupled with the handle to move the clamp from an opened to clamped position. A release mechanism is coupled with the clamp or handle to move the clamp from a clamped to an opened position.

Abstract: A clamp fixture includes a base, a bridging component, an actuating component, a contacting component and a pushing component. The base is disposed on a foundation. A first end of the bridging component pivots to a first side of the base. A first end of the actuating component pivots to a second side of the base. The contacting component is disposed on a second end of the actuating component. The pushing component includes a body, two pivot structures and a handle. The pivot structures are disposed on an end of the body for respectively pivoting to the bridging component and the actuating component. The handle is disposed on the other end of the body. The handle moves at a first direction, the bridging component and the actuating component can move at a second direction, so as to move the contacting component close to or away from a work piece.

Abstract: A system for repairing a pipe including a tool, a programmable logic controller and a patch. The tool includes a clamp base having an opening, a first jaw coupled to the clamp base with a first linkage, a second jaw coupled to the clamp base with a second linkage, an operating mechanism carried by the clamp base and operably coupled to the first and second jaws via one or more adjusting links and a junction box carried by the clamp base and operably connected to the controller, wherein the one or more adjusting links are coupled at a first end to either or both of the first and second jaws and at a second end to the operating mechanism, and wherein the first and second jaws are adapted to move, under force of the adjusting links. Methods of repairing pipes are disclosed.

Abstract: A self adjusting toggle clamp includes a mounting body, mounting apparatus carried by the mounting body and a clamping link movably attached to the mounting body. An actuating lever having a link element is pivotally coupled to the clamping link and movably coupled to the mounting body by a self adjusting toggle mechanism. The self adjusting toggle mechanism includes a guide carried by the mounting body, a locking element carried by the guide for reciprocal and canting movement, an element pivotally coupled to the link element, and a cam element pivotally coupled to the element and pivotally coupled to the locking element. The cam element is movable between a first condition permitting the locking element to reciprocate along the guide and a second condition bearing against the guide and canting the locking element into frictional engagement with the guide.

Abstract: A device for holding a workpiece, the device comprising a base, a first jaw member, a movable jaw member, and features which allow the movable jaw member to be moved in large increments relative to the first jaw member in addition to features which allow the movable jaw member to be moved in smaller increments. The device can include a drive member operably engaged with the base and the movable jaw member such that the operation of the drive member can move the movable jaw member in small increments. The movable jaw member can include a connection member which can operatively engage the movable jaw member with the drive member. The connection member can be moved between first and second positions to disengage the movable jaw member from the drive member such that the movable jaw member can be slid relative to the first jaw member in large increments.

Abstract: A clamp for clamping a work piece to a fixture includes a base for mounting to the fixture and a handle having a body portion and an arm portion. The handle includes a pivotal connection to the base. The clamp further includes a holding member and a latch. The holding member has a holding position for clamping the work piece to the fixture and a pivotal connection to the handle. The latch includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is engaged with the base for locking the holding member in the holding position and becomes disengaged from the base by moving the second end portion in a direction generally away from the arm portion of the handle. The latch has a pivotal connection to the handle.

Abstract: An adjustable clamp for maintaining two butting panels in an adjoining relationship. A clamping base is composed of a pair of base plates connected at each end with a scissor hinge allowing the plates to be secured at angles of from 0° to greater than 90° to one another. Clamp members are provided on each of the base plates for clamping panels in the desired butting relationship for gluing or otherwise joining the butting panels along their butting edges.

Abstract: An automated clamping system for securing a work piece to the table of a machine tool. The clamping system automatically retracts away from the work piece as the material manipulating device moves into the area of each clamp. This allows manipulation of the work piece without stopping to move the clamp to a new location so that the clamp does not interfere with the metal manipulating device. A typical embodiment is the use of the system on a milling machine. The clamping system could be used with milling machines (both manual and computer controlled), routers, water jet cutters, laser cutters, flame cutters, and many other types of cutting machines.

Abstract: A toggle type with one axial positioning machine can increase positioning precision and decrease the impact from external impact by using the three-links design.

Abstract: A clamp device includes a support mechanism that supports a grip member when expanding the diameter thereof, a clamping hydraulic cylinder that can drive the grip member and a clamp rod axially forwards and backwards (up and down), and a main body member to which the grip member, the clamp rod, the support mechanism, and the clamping hydraulic cylinder are mounted, with the grip member, the clamp rod, and the support mechanism being positioned at one end portion of the body member, and with the common axis of the grip member and the clamp rod being offset from the axis of the clamping hydraulic cylinder in a direction orthogonal to the clamp rod.