Abstract: A hydrostatic holding device has a first actuator constructed to increase the pressure of a hydraulic fluid within a pressure chamber to urge a metal sleeve into firm engagement with a workpiece received in a hydrostatic sleeve and a second actuator constructed to relieve the high pressure within the system to permit the workpiece to be removed from the sleeve when desired. Preferably, the first and second actuators are separate cylinders each having pistons displaceable by separate actuating rods to conveniently achieve the increased pressure needed to firmly hold the workpiece and the bleeding or relieving of the pressure so that the workpiece can be removed from a holder. A check valve downstream of the first actuator prevents reverse flow of the hydraulic fluid from downstream of the check valve back into the first actuator and thereby permits the increased pressure to be maintained independently of the first actuator.

Abstract: A pressure applicator device for applying pressure to a repair patch of a variable contoured aircraft surface, the pressure applicator device is provided with an inflatable pressure bladder. The bladder is configured for applying pressure to the repair patch and is formed of a generally fluid tight elastic material. The pressure applicator device is further provided with at least one variable direction adjustable arm. The arm is disposed in mechanical communication with the bladder for facilitating the application of pressure by the bladder to the repair patch upon inflation of the bladder. The bladder is further provided with at least one suction device for providing suction attachment to the aircraft surface. The bladder is attachable to a respective one of the at least one variable direction adjustable arm. The arm facilitates selective attachment of the respective suction device to the variable contoured aircraft surface while maintaining the position of the bladder with respect to the repair patch.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic work support (10) having a plunger (18) that is shifted between retracted and extended positions by hydraulic fluid is disclosed. The work support includes a base (12); a tubular housing (14) partially received in the base and having a central bore (40); a tubular sleeve (16) received within the central bore; a general cylindrical plunger (18) positioned at least partially within the sleeve, the plunger being movable within the bore along the longitudinal axis; and a piston cylinder assembly (20) positioned within the central bore for selectively shifting the plunger along the longitudinal axis of the bore between a lowered, retracted position and a raised, extended position under the influence of hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A fixture tooling for supporting a back side of a printed circuit board during component placement on a top side of the board includes an inflatable air bladder that is sized substantially coextensive with the circuit board. The bladder is positioned below the circuit board within a containment unit adapted for use with conventional railed assembly equipment. The bladder is selectively inflated for supporting the complete back side of the printed circuit board during assembly operations. The bladder provides evenly distributed support across, substantially, the entire circuit board without damaging any components on the back side by pliably conforming to component irregularities on the back side.

Abstract: A universal test stand kit for supporting an internal combustion engine during tests includes a pair of side frame members having upper and lower pieces joined together by end pieces and laterally extending tubular stubs. The side frame members are joined together by tubular crosspieces telescopically received in the tubular stubs. A forward engine support assembly is slideably mounted on each side frame member so that the assemblies can be moved longitudinally to accommodate different sizes of engine. Each forward support assembly includes an elongated track which is laterally moveable and provided with apertures for receiving bolts which may be threaded into tapped bores in the engine block from which oil pan bolts have been removed. A rearward engine support assembly is mounted on the side frame members so that the assembly can be aligned with the rear end of the engine to be tested.

Abstract: A fixture tooling for supporting a back side of a printed circuit board during component placement on a top side of the board includes an inflatable air bladder that is sized substantially coextensive with the circuit board. The bladder is positioned below the circuit board within a containment unit adapted for use with conventional railed assembly equipment. The bladder is selectively inflated for supporting the complete back side of the printed circuit board during assembly operations. The bladder provides evenly distributed support across, substantially, the entire circuit board without damaging any components on the back side by pliably conforming to component irregularities on the back side.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method of holding and transporting a hollow flexible belt throughout a coating process. The method includes placing an expandable insert into the hollow portion of a seamless flexible belt, and expanding the insert until it forms a chucking device with a protrusion on at least one end. A mechanical handling device is then attached to the protrusion, and will be used to move the chuck and the belt through the dipping process, as materials needed to produce a photosensitive device are deposited onto the surface of the belt, allowing it to be transformed into an organic photoreceptor. The chucking device and flexible belt are then removed from the mechanical handling device, the belt is cut to the desired width, and the chuck is removed from the inside of the photoreceptor.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying non-gravitational pressure to a surface includes a frame structure having a longitudinal axis, a pair of connecting members coupled to the frame structure along parallel axes normal to the longitudinal axis of the frame structure, vacuum fasteners coupled to the connecting members to secure the frame structure on an underlying surface, a vacuum pump mounted on the frame structure for activating the vacuum fasteners and a positive pressure pump mounted on the frame structure for inflating a collapsible diaphragm to apply pressure to the underlying surface. The apparatus is useful for applying doublers to aircraft repair localized damage.

Abstract: system of helically coiled air hoses (18) supports a printed circuit board (14) in an assembly station, and allows the conveyor rails (15, 16) to adjust in and out, accommodating various widths of printed circuit boards (PCB). One of the conveyor rails is fixed and the other is movable. Air hoses are each formed in a helix and placed below the PCB and above the upper work surface of the assembly station, and arranged so that when the air hoses are pressurized the helix expands in diameter to become wedged between the work surface and the PCB to support it from below. One end of each of the air hoses is connected to the fixed rail and the other end is connected to the movable rail. The hoses are sufficiently flexible so as to be free to move about in a lateral direction, but they are diametrically rigid to prevent the diameter of each hose from changing substantially when the hoses are pressurized.

Abstract: A tool for the precision processing of the optical surfaces of lenses has an elastic membrane (10), connected to a rigid holder (20), which incorporates a processing segment (11) and a bellows-type segment (12). Together, the membrane (10) and the holder (20) delimit a cavity (15), which is filled with a material (16) that becomes ductile under specific conditions, and which can be induced, at will, to form a flexible or rigid supporting layer for the membrane (10). When the material (16) is in its ductile state and the processing segment (11) contacts the optical surface, the bellows-type segment (12) exerts forces on the ductile material (16) which cause it to press the processing segment (11) against the optical surface, so that the tool retains its shape after the ductile material (16) has become rigid. As this tool can be used to shape any type of optical surface, it is particularly well-suited for the processing of prescription lens eyewear.

Abstract: A clamp secures a workpiece relative to a work piece support. A clamp arm is connected to an external end of the clamp for movement between workpiece clamping and release positions. An inflatable bladder disposed within a bladder support is releasably attached to the clamp arm between the workpiece and the clamp arm. A proportional regulator controls the inflation of the bladder, so that when the bladder is inflated, the bladder provides uniform distribution of the pressure to be exerted along a greater portion of the workpiece to protect the workpiece surface from undesirable indentations or defects.

Abstract: Apparatus for locking a workpiece, such as a compact disc, in a vacuum chamber includes a locking mechanism, movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a sealed bellows assembly that is coupled to the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is automatically actuated by the bellows assembly between the locked and unlocked positions when the pressure in the chamber is changed by a predetermined amount. The locking apparatus is preferably used for locking the compact disc to a disc holder during processing and/or handling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulically actuated bar-like clamping tool with an elongated base body (1), a reciprocating elongated clamping body (2) and a tubular inflatable body (18) arranged between both said bodies for moving the clamping body. The inflatable body is secured in a fluid-tight manner at one end and is connected to a fluid connection at its other end. The base body (1) and the clamping body (2) consist each of a U-shaped section with meshing legs (9;10). A reciprocating, elongated thrust piece (15) supported on the ends of the legs of the clamping body (2) and a fixed, elongated abutment (13) are arranged between the legs (9) of the base body (1). The tubular inflatable body (18) extends on the one hand between the base body (1) and the pressure member (15) and after it is deflected it extends on the other hand between the abutment (13) and the clamping body (2). The U-shaped base body (1) has a close-off arrangement (3) at least at its end provided with the fluid connection (3a).

Abstract: A liquid coating method for coating a liquid onto inner cells of a honeycomb structure includes the steps of supplying a liquid to the inside of a honeycomb structure vertically arranged from its lower part to cause the liquid to adhere to the inner cells therein, and supplying pressurized air to an upper part of the honeycomb structure to discharge the liquid within the inner cells. A holding apparatus for holding an article includes an outer cylinder in a form of a pipe having an inner wall with an inner diameter which allows an article to be held to pass therethough easily and which has a sufficient strength, a resilient tube having an inner diameter which prevents the article to be held from passing therethough under no tension and having ends each sealingly connected to the outer cylinder, thus defining together with the inner wall of the outer cylinder a sealed space therebetween, means for discharging a fluid from the sealed space; and means for supplying the fluid to the sealed space.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for bonding wafer pairs. The apparatus includes a heated platen surrounded by a pressurization vessel. The heated platen includes channels connected to a hole which runs through the heated platen. Wafer pairs are placed on the top surface of the platen, a rubber mat is placed over the top of the wafer pairs, and a vacuum is drawn through the hole and the channels. The rubber mat compresses the wafer pairs. The platen is heated for the bonding process. The pressurization chamber is pressurized supplying additional bonding pressure to the wafer pair. Once sufficiently heated, the heated platen is liquid cooled completing the bonding process.

Abstract: A positioning fixture which allows two or more parts to be positioned in proper spatial relationship to one another and then allows the parts which are clamped together to be repositioned while maintaining the spatial relationship between the parts. The positioning fixture has a flat working surface which is compatible with a variety of standard and custom clamping mechanisms for holding and positioning the parts to be welded. The working surface with the parts clamped to it is tiltable to a wide range of working positions. The tilting feature is provided by mounting the working surface on a locking ball joint which is operated by a foot pedal through a mechanical or pneumatic mechanism. The locking ball joint also provides electrical isolation between the work surface and the base of the positioning fixture which is important when using electrical welding methods.

Abstract: A method and device for deboning leg pieces of slaughtered animals such as turkeys, cattle, sheep, pigs other poultry and livestock, said method comprising the following steps:fixedly holding the leg piece at a bone end thereof,spatially orienting the holder and the leg piece fixedly held therein to obtain a suitable position for,exerting a force on the meat piece or portion thereof for removing the meat or meat portion in lengthwise direction of the leg piece, whereas said device for fixedly holding a meat piece comprises a carrier, which carrier carries a sleeve part enclosing the end portion of the leg piece, and wherein pressure means are arranged in the sleeve part for clamping the end portion of the meat piece, in order to position the leg piece in any desired position during processing steps of said method.

Abstract: This seamer (10) with back-up assembly (50) includes a first table (30) supporting one of the workpieces W1, a second table (32) supporting the other of the workpieces W2, fingers (40, 42) clamping the workpieces to the table, and an improved back-up assembly (50) disposed between the first and second table (30, 32). The back-up assembly (50) includes an elongate back-up bar (52), a holder (54) carrying the back-up bar (52), a support (70) disposed in spaced relation from the holder (54), inflatable hoses (80, 82) operatively disposed between the holder (54) and the support (70), and a control system (88) inflating the hoses to adjust the elevation of the back-up bar (52) relative to the workpieces W1 and W2. The assembly (50) is slidingly removable as a unit to facilitate removal of the back-up bar (52).

Abstract: An apparatus for acquiring, holding, and releasing a wafer includes a soft resilient membrane that covers a horizontal backing plate. The lower face of the backing plate includes a number of recessed areas to which a vacuum can selectively be applied. To acquire a wafer, the wafer is elevated carefully until the upper side of the wafer contacts the lower side of the membrane. Next, a vacuum is applied to the recessed areas which sucks the resilient membrane into the recessed areas so that each recessed area becomes a suction cup that draws the wafer against the membrane. When the vacuum is replaced by ambient pressure, the resiliency of the membrane restores it to its original taut condition thereby releasing the wafer. The same apparatus can be used for uniformly polishing the lower face of the wafer by applying a pressurized fluid to the recessed areas during polishing, which causes the membrane to exert a uniform downward pressure on the wafer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for manufacturing products such as laminates or thermal moldings. The apparatus includes a first member, a flexible sheet, and a cord and channel arrangement to mount the flexible sheet to the first member to form an enclosed chamber. Valve structure is provided in airflow communication with the enclosed chamber. The apparatus may be used as a vacuum frame apparatus wherein the enclosed chamber receives product for exposure to a vacuum environment. Heat may be applied to facilitate manufacturing. External force may be provided to the product through external mechanical structure or an external pressure greater than atmospheric pressure external of the enclosed chamber. In another embodiment, the apparatus may be used as a membrane press wherein the product is outside the enclosed chamber and the enclosed chamber is pressurized to a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure such that the flexible sheet, sometimes heated, is pressed against the product.

Abstract: Structure for and method of die transfer. The structure comprises low friction bearing structures set into elongated T-slot bars secured in parallel, transverse spaced apart relation on a bolster plate and a die transfer truck table top actuable in response to the table top being raised to the level of the top of the T-slot bars with the table adjacent the bolster plate to raise a die positional on either the truck or bolster plate and facilitate universal movement of the die in a plane parallel to the top of the bolster plate. V-block and pin structure for centering the die on the bolster plate and die clamping structure including a washer having one straight edge and which moves axially of a bolt with a nut are also part of the die transfer structure.

Abstract: A heated wood sample (46) having a water content exceeding 20 percent is compressed axially in the direction of the grain or fibres of the sample in a compression mould (10). Oppositely directed compressive forces are applied not only to the end surfaces of the sample, for example by means of a hydraulic cylinder (18), but also to side surface parts of the sample as frictional forces. The sample may be arranged within a compression chamber which is at least partly defined by longitudinally overlapping side wall parts (30, 37, 47, 48), which are mutually displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the chamber, and these side wall parts may be pressed into frictional engagement with the sample (46) for example by means of an inflatable bag or an inflatable hose section (32, 34), and means may be provided for mutually displacing the side wall parts so as to apply frictional compressive forces to the wood sample.

Abstract: The tool and the process for forming structural shapes from multiple elements of either a monolithic or metal matrix composition by either diffusion bonding or brazing the metal or metal composites under temperature and pressure. The pressure is applied by expanding superplastic metal bladders, the specimen is contained in a superplastic metal vacuum bag, and all are contained in a steel die cavity.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention may be utilized to support a selected mounting point on a circuit board during the mounting an electronic component. An integrated circuit device is selected and positioned adjacent a first side of a circuit board at a desired mounting point utilizing a robotic manipulator and a placement head. A support fixture is then urged into temporary contact with a second side of the circuit board utilizing a flexible mounting system such that minor variations or misalignments between the plane of the support fixture, the circuit board and the placement head are eliminated. In one embodiment of the present invention a flexible fluid filled bag is utilized in conjunction with the support fixture so that the presence of components on the second side of the circuit board may be accommodated while supporting the circuit board during component mounting.

Abstract: A catching apparatus has a body to which an open ended inflatable cylindrical tube is affixed, for sealingly catching a fluid filled object. The fluid filled object is caught by the surface of the tube when air is supplied to the space between the tube and the body. An inflation limiting member is provided in a part of an area in which the tube inflates, in order to limit the inflation of the tube to a desired region.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping tubular members about their outer diameter without causing surface damage or structural deformation to the tubular members, so that they may be axially rotated or secured against axial rotation. A generally cylindrical internal sleeve is contained within a molded flexible liner. One side of the internal sleeve is releasably attached to the flexible liner, forming an annular bladder-like structure within the flexible liner. Introduction of pressure into the bladder-like structure causes the flexible liner to inflate radially inward and thereby grip tubular workpieces within the friction grip. Axial splines on the releasable side of internal sleeve interfit mate with corresponding splines of the molded flexible liner, thereby evenly distribute torque forces throughout the flexible liner rather than such torque forces being concentrated at only the edges of the flexible liner.

Abstract: The mounting of the flat flexible printing screen is such that printing stencils can be applied in a correct position and practically without distortion on the printing screens. The screens are then mounted in the correct position in a stretching of printing frame or on a rotatable printing cylinder. The printing screen is secured at opposite ends to stiffening profiles which can be clamped in clamping devices on the printing frame or printing cylinder and can be stretched by moving one of the clamping devices. The printing screen may also be similarly mounted on a copying frame and a transfer frame.

Abstract: A chuck for holding an easily distortable hollow workpiece has a rigid body with axially extending co-extensive, circumferentially spaced, flexible chuck fingers carried on a mounting surface. Each of the fingers has one end axially fixed to the mounting surface and an opposite free end which is swingable radially to grip a radially adjacent workpiece. An inflatable ring, mounted on the chuck body radially adjacent the fingers is in engagement with the fingers and, when the ring is inflated, moves the free ends of the fingers radially to grip the workpiece.

Abstract: A hydraulic work support apparatus includes a plunger that is axially movable between a loaded position and an unloaded position and that is adapted to support a compressive load at one axial end thereof. The apparatus also is provided with structure for retaining the plunger in the loaded position, the plunger retaining structure including a tubular sleeve provided with a plunger-engaging segment having a first end adjacent the one axial end of the plunger and a second end remote from the first end. The plunger-engaging segment may be forced radially inward into pressing contact with the plunger to exert a friction force on the plunger which prevents the plunger from moving while in the loaded position. The friction force experienced by the sleeve when pressing contact exists between the sleeve and the plunger has a minimum magnitude at the first end of the plunger-engaging segment and a progressively larger magnitude toward the second end of the segment.

Abstract: The cylindrical side wall of the mold cavity (8) has an inside diameter (D) which is greater than the largest existing ophthalmic lens diameter, and a generally cylindrical membrane (25) of elastomer material is disposed concentrically inside the mold cavity so that in conjunction with the cylindrical side wall of the cavity it defines a variable volume annular chamber (31), the membrane being expansible and retractable radially under the action of a fluid which is alternatively removed from and admitted to the annular chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus to be used when welding pipes together. The apparatus comprises a bellows structure (4, 5) for shielding the weld joint area by internal contact with the pipe ends on both sides of the weld joint (3). When the apparatus is inserted and, especially, pulled out after welding, the bellows tend to be damaged by the hot weld joint. It is the object of the invention to solve this problem. The object is achieved by providing both bellows (4, 5) with radial side supports (14, 15) dragging against the inner surface of the pipes and by arranging the bellows to contract within the radial side supports in the absence of an inner overpressure. Between the bellows (4, 5), centering discs (9, 10) are arranged on hoses (6, 7, 8) for leading a protective gas and compressed air. The hoses (6, 7, 8) are connected with the holders of the bellows by means of a through cotter pin provided with a spring (17) for keeping the pin stationary.

Abstract: A clamp device for retaining a side marginal edge of a work piece during a cutting operation, which includes an elongated frame standing along substantially the entire side marginal edge of the work piece, for receiving it during the cutting operation. The clamp device also includes an adjustable upper gripping element which is retained releasably within the frame, and which extends along substantially the entire length thereof, for engaging frictionally the back side of the side marginal edge of the work piece. A lower gripping element is disposed inside the frame, and extends along substantially the entire length thereof, for engaging frictionally the underside of the marginal edge of the work piece. The upper gripping element includes an inflatable bladder for engaging the frame, and an elongated rail, which depends integrally from the bladder, for engaging frictionally the side marginal edge of the work piece, and for pressing it downwardly against the lower gripping element.

Abstract: Hydraulically actuated arbor for finish machining thin walled cylinder such as internal combustion cylinder liner without deflecting from initial free state out-of-round condition including flexible Teflon displacement shell and accurately adjustable means for displacement.

Abstract: A hydraulic work support assembly includes a externally threaded housing and a sleeve pressed into the bore of the housing which in turn receives a cylindrical plunger. The plunger may be extended to any one of a number of positions and thereafter locked in place upon application of hydraulic pressure to an annular chamber between the sleeve and the housing which causes the sleeve to contract and grip the complimental plunger. The end of the sleeve and the end of the housing lie in a common plane transverse to the central axis of the housing, and seals are carried by the housing and the sleeve adjacent the ends thereof in contact with opposite sides of an annular chamber formed in the bottom of a recess of base structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically mounting ready-made headliners into automotive bodies, comprising a jig selectively connectible to an assembly line conveyor to move synchronously therewith while performing the headliner mounting operation by moving a platform with a preferably adhesive coated headliner placed thereon through a window cut-out of a body, elevating the headliner into contact with the ceiling of the body while simultaneously moving a counter-pressure fixture against the roof of the body, and thereafter disconnecting from the conveyor to move in a direction opposite the movement of the conveyor, into a position for loading another headliner and reconnecting to the conveyor for another mounting cycle.

Abstract: The invention is a mold adapted for forming a member from a thermoset or thermoplastic resin about a substrate at a distance from the end of the substrate without leaking of the thermoplastic or thermoset material onto the portion of the substrate between the end and the starting point of the member being formed about the substrate, wherein the mold comprises(A) a mold casing adapted for forming a member from a thermoset or thermoplastic material about a substrate at a distance from the end of the substrate,(B) an inflatable seal adapted for forming a seal about the substrate when inflated at a distance from the end of the substrate such that the thermoset or thermoplastic material is contained to the area of the substrate about which the member is to be formed,(C) a means for inflating the seal such that the seal can form a seal about the substrate at a distance from the end of the substrate.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced resin deposits or other materials are consolidated in a noncontact-frictionless manner through the use of a pressurized plenum chamber (20) of a fluid bearing (10). The fluid bearing (10) is flexible and floats relative to the material (16) to be consolidated so that ply drop-offs and other variations in the thickness or surface contour of the material are easily accommodated. While within the plenum chamber, the material is locally heated by radiant energy from a source (30) positioned within the chamber. This localized heating enables the material to solidify in cooler zones of the plenum chamber under a uniform pressure.

Abstract: A gripper assembly whose gripping member is a thin (0.050" to 0.060") pliable elastometer, typically of a Pelethane compound having high coefficient of friction with respect to the surface to be gripped. The assembly includes a hollow retainer formed of abutting retainer sections. Internally the sections form a circularly cylindrical surface. The gripping member is circularly cylindrical and is mounted on the retainer so that it extends over the internal cylindrical surface. The ends of the gripping member have rings which are sealed pressure-tight in slots in the end surfaces of the retainer. Within the gripping member there is a cage formed of rods joined by rings for centering an object to be gripped by windows and defined between the rods and rings of the cage. The retainer has a port through which a fluid (air) under pressure is injected.

Abstract: A short-stroke clamping element for exerting a clamping or holding force on a workpiece has a bar-like form with its length direction normal to the direction of the clamping force to be produced. There is an internal pressure space that is put under pressure for operation of the device. The pressure space is sealed off peripherally and extends essentially along the full length of the clamping element. At least one of the sides of the element forms a claiming face constituted by a wall that is able to be moved outwards by admitting compressed air to the pressure space.

Abstract: A chuck assembly is adapted to be mounted on the positioning assembly of a microscopic test device for effecting precise repeatable vertical movement of the object under test with negligible incidental movement of any other type. A triangular member fixed with respect to the positioning assembly is received in a circular recess in the upper surface of a housing. An annular projection on the bottom of the triangular member is disposed in an annular cavity in the housing, with a sealing gasket therebetween. The bottom of the cavity is coupled to an associated source of compressed air. A thin flat flexible metal disc overlies the triangular member and is fixed thereto centrally thereof, the periphery of the disc being fixedly clamped between the housing and a retaining ring. A top plate is secured to the housing.

Abstract: A device for holding delicate workpieces, particularly optical lenses, includes a membrane having a clamping surface. To receive a workpiece, the membrane is pressurized and bulges in such a manner that the clamping surface is enlarged and becomes funnel-shaped. In order to clamp the workpiece, the pressure in the membrane is decreased so that the membrane assumes a shape in which the clamping surface is constricted and holds the workpiece with a force which is evenly distributed over its entire periphery, through which deformation and destruction of workpieces is safely avoided.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus is disclosed for use in clamping wooden chord and web members together in manufacturing wooden trusses. The clamping apparatus uses an inflatable conduit (50) to force an elongated clamp to a closed position. In a second embodiment, two inflatable conduits (150 and 152) move a tubular member (136) in opposite directions for urging a truss (120) against a stationary brace (32). Tubes (150 and 152) are selectively inflated and deflated through a valve (170).

Abstract: A short-stroke clamping element for exerting a holding force on a workpiece has the form of a bar with an internal pressure chamber, and is adapted to produce the clamping force in a direction normal to its length. The pressure chamber, which is adapted to have fluid under pressure supplied to it, is confined by peripheral and terminal walls. The chamber runs from one end of the bar to the other, one of such peripheral walls forming a clamping jaw constituted by an outwardly moving wall of said chamber and able to bulge outwards under the action of such pressure fluid.

Abstract: A device for attraction holding a measurement object in an interferometer comprises a holding surface having holes and an air chamber communicating with the holes through suction passages formed between the holding surface and air chamber so as to attract and hold an object on the holding surface by exhausting the air from the air chamber. The air chamber is sealed by at least one flexible member which is deformed when an excessive negative pressure is established in the air chamber, so as to prevent distort or deformation of the holding surface, and hence the object held thereon.

Abstract: A clamping means is disclosed for use in clamping wooden chord and web members together in manufacturing wooden trusses. The clamping means uses an inflatable conduit to force an elongated clamp to a closed position.

Abstract: Pneumatically operated clamping apparatus provides free floating mounting of a disc upon a shaft during grinding and polishing of the disc.

Abstract: A pressure clamping structure for irregular workpieces includes initial locator points for positioning a part, multiple, opposed and spaced pressure discs operated by fluid pressure to engage the part and secure it in the located position, and spring backed support jacks engaging the part which are pressure locked in position to insure a rigid locking of the part for purposes of metal removal by machining or grinding. In addition, flexible pressure walls extending over areas of the workpiece are pressurized to further stabilize the workpiece and prevent vibration during the work operation.

Abstract: A wafer transforming device defines an airtight space by means of a base, a hollow case, and a diaphragm type chuck which is fixed to the upper end of the case by suction. In this space, a large number of vertically moving elements are arranged at predetermined intervals. In the state in which a wafer is held by suction by means of the chuck and in which the chuck is held in contact with the upper ends of the vertically moving elements by supplying a vacuum pressure into the space, the vertically moving elements located within a required range are selectively actuated. Thus, the chuck is pushed up, and the wafer held on the chuck by the suction is transformed into a desired state.

Abstract: A clamping element comprises a single-acting cylinder and a piston with strong spring return which can be cancelled out by introduction of a pressure medium into the pressure chamber of the cylinder. The spring return is brought about, at least mainly, by means of a sleeve (6a, 6b) of rubber or rubber-like material which occupies a gap (5, 5b) between the piston (3, 3a, 3b) and the cylinder wall (7, 7a, 7b) or a lining (40) arranged in the cylinder. The rubber sleeve is firmly vulcanized, firmly glued or surface-fixed in some other manner against the cylindrical exterior of the piston and against the wall of the cylinder or the said lining along an axial length which considerably exceeds the thickness of the gap.

Abstract: The holding device comprises a suction cup membrane of an elastically deformable material which can be contact engaged with a glass, marble or the like plate member to define, in cooperation with the plate, a chamber sealed against leakage from the outside, a piston assembly being provided for increasing the volume of the chamber in such a way as to increase the vacuum therein and the adhesion between the plate and the suction cup membrane.