Abstract: A housing (3) has an upper end wall (3a) which supports an upper slide portion (11) of a clamp rod (5) vertically movably. The housing (3) has a lower end wall (3b), a support cylinder (13) of which supports a lower slide portion (12) of the rod (5) vertically movably. The rod (5) is provided with an input portion (14) between the upper slide portion (11) and the lower slide portion (12). A clamp spring (20) connected to the input portion (14) drives the rod (5) downwards for clamping. The lower slide portion (12) has an outer periphery provided with a helical rotary groove (27) and a straight groove (28) which is in upward continuity with the rotary groove (27). A ball (29) engages with the rotary groove (27) and the straight groove (28). The ball (29) is supported by an inner wall (13a) of the support cylinder (13).

Abstract: A clamp rod (5) is inserted into a housing (3) rotatably around an axis and movably downwards for clamping. The clamp rod (5) has an outer peripheral portion formed with three guide grooves (26) which are arranged peripherally at substantially the same spacing. An engaging ball (29) which is fitted into every guide groove (26) is supported by a lower end wall (3b) of the housing (3). Each of the guide grooves (26) comprises a rotary groove (27) and a straight groove (28) which is in upward continuity with the rotary groove (27). The rotary grooves (27) as well as the straight grooves (28) are arranged in parallel with one another. A partition wall between the adjacent guide grooves (26), (26) has a minimum thickness (T) set to a value smaller than a diameter (D) of the engaging ball (29).

Abstract: A fluid operated clamping mechanism comprising, a clamp body having end closure members thereon, a chamber formed within the clamp body, a piston mounted within said chamber for back and forth movement therein, said piston including a magnet associated therewith, a piston rod connected to said piston at one end and a second end of said piston rod extending through the top of the clamp body, a clamp arm being connected to said second end of the piston rod, a first fluid port near said bottom closure member, a second fluid port near said top closure member, said first and second ports being adapted for introduction of a pressure fluid on a first and second side of said piston to thereby cause back and forth movement of the piston rod and which thereby moves the clamp arm between its clamped and un-clamped position, said clamp body containing at least two external surfaces thereon which run lengthwise in the same direction as the piston rod, each of said surfaces containing a different specially grooved slot gen

Abstract: A fluid operated clamping mechanism comprising, a clamp body having end closure members thereon, a chamber formed within the clamp body, a piston mounted within said chamber for back and forth movement therein, said piston including a magnet associated therewith, a piston rod connected to said piston at one end and a second end of said piston rod extending through the top of the clamp body, a clamp arm being connected to said second end of the piston rod, a first fluid port near said bottom closure member, a second fluid port near said top closure member, said first and second ports being adapted for introduction of a pressure fluid on a first and second side of said piston to thereby cause back and forth movement of the piston rod and which thereby moves the clamp arm between its clamped and unclamped position, said clamp body containing at least two external surfaces thereon which run lengthwise in the same direction as the piston rod, each of said surfaces containing a different specially grooved slot gene

Abstract: A clamping cylinder actuator has a front end cover (7). A back surface (9) of the front end cover (7) has a joining surface (102) joined to a fixed member (100). A thin, flat gasket (30) formed from elastic rubber materials and such is interposed between the front end cover (7) and a front end surface of a cylinder (1) facing the front end cover (7). The gasket (30) is fitted on a boss (10) formed on the front end cover (7) and extends over the entire back surface of the front end cover (7) having a sealing surface (11) surrounded by the joining surface (12). When the front end cover (7) is fastened to the fixed member (100) with bolts (101), the gasket 30 is held between the front end cover (7) and the fixed member (100). The gasket (30) prevents the loosening of the bolts (101).

Abstract: A hydraulically driven extending clamp is disclosed having a pivoting main body which includes an extendable clamping rod disposed therein. The clamping rod extends above the pivot and is extended by air pressure and retracted by a spring internal to the clamping rod. A retaining member extends through a slot in the clamping rod and forms a travel limit stop as well as a retraction spring contact point. A hydraulic cylinder pivots the main body in seesaw-like fashion to apply clamping forces.

Abstract: A rotary cylinder actuator has a piston rod placed in a cylinder, provided in its surface with a guide groove and capable of being moved axially between a position corresponding to a clamping angular position and a position corresponding to an unclamping angular position. A guide member is attached to the cylinder to engage in the guide groove. The piston rod turns from a first angular end position toward a second angular end position for normal turning and turns from the second angular end position toward the first angular end position for reverse turning. The opposite guide surfaces of the guide groove serve as a first guide surface for normal turning and a second guide surface for reverse turning, respectively, so that the guide member moves relative to the piston along different paths in the guide groove while the piston rod turns for normal turning and reverse turning, respectively.

Abstract: A clamping tool holds a workpiece in place on a surface, for example in a machine tool, by a clamping bolt (2) which is moved into a workpiece contacting position by a locking piston (6). The bolt (2) and the piston (6) are slidable in respective bores (3, 4) in a housing (1) in which the clamping bolt (2) is locked in a workpiece supporting position by the locking piston (5, 6). For this purpose the locking piston (6) has a piston rod (5) with a wedging incline (8) cooperating with a respective wedging incline (2′) at an inner end of the clamping bolt (2). A tongue and groove combination is provided between the piston rod (5) and the inner end of the clamping bolt to facilitate the cooperation and force transmission between the piston rod (5) and the clamping bolt (2). A self-locking effect holds the locking piston in a working position until the self-locking effect is released.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system for transporting pressurized fluid. The system includes a plate having a first face and a slot extending along the face between opposite first and second ends of the slot. In addition, the system includes a body having a surface sealingly engaging the first face of the plate and overlying the slot so that a portion of the surface and the slot at least partially define a passage for transporting pressurized fluid between the first and second ends of the slot. A method of making the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A power clamp includes a body member (2), an arm member (14) connected to the body member by means of a pivot joint (16) to allow pivoting movement of the arm member between an open position and a closed position, an actuator (10), a first drive mechanism (42) connecting the actuator (10) to the arm member (14) to control movement thereof, and a second drive mechanism (20,28) connecting the actuator (10) to the arm member (14) to apply a clamping force to the arm member when the arm member is in a closed position.

Abstract: A hold-down clamp has a post extending along an axis and having a lower end adapted to be secured to a work surface and an upper end and a clamping body axially displaceable along the post and formed offset from the axis with at least one seat. A locator ring engaged around the post can be fixed to the post adjacent the body in any of a multiplicity of angularly and axially offset positions. A locator element fixed on the ring is engaged in the seat. The seat is a radially outwardly open notch and the locator element is a small-diameter pin extending parallel to the axis from the locator ring.

Abstract: An annular piston (4) is inserted into a housing (1) axially movably but unrotatably. A clamp rod (9) is hermetically inserted into a through-hole (4a) of the piston (4). When the piston (4) is lowered by a clamping spring (20), a back pressure is produced in pressurized oil within a second chamber (12) formed below the piston (4). The back pressure pushes an input portion (9a) for clamping provided at a lower end of the clamp rod (9) to a stopper (23) through a bearing (24) and a transmission plate (25). The piston (4) is lowered relatively to the clamp rod (9) at a raised position, whereby the clamp rod (9) is rotated by a converting mechanism (21).

Abstract: A low profile fixture clamp which provides a clamping force in two perpendicular directions through the motion of a pneumatic cylinder in a single plane. The principle component of the clamping force is a horizontal force in-line with the force generated by the pneumatic air cylinder. An additionally vertical downward clamping force is also generated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combined centering and clamping device that is actuatable by a pressure medium, and is especially useful in auto body building industry. Through this invention, large-area clamping of the work product around the circumference of the centering part is possible. This large area clamping produces not only favorable force distribution but also large-area, reliable centering around the centering part, which allows the work product to be locked together with high precision. This invention is especially advantageous in building auto bodies in the automotive industry.

Abstract: A retracting power clamp includes a body having a generally cylindrical external surface. A clamping arm is movable from a retracted position to a clamping position with the arm being linearly extendable and pivotable relative to the body when moved between the retracted and clamping positions. Another aspect of the present invention utilizes a spring biased plunger for selectively engaging a detent in the sleeve to encourage the sleeve and arm to remain in a fully retracted position if fluid pressure is lost. A further aspect of the present invention provides various mount configurations.

Abstract: A retract clamp (20) utilizes three clamp arm retraction enhancement mechanisms (26, 28, 63) to increase clamp arm (24) retraction consistency. The first retraction enhancement mechanism (26) is a bifurcated piston having a first piston member (68) and a second piston member (70). If the first piston member (68) becomes tilted and caught, the second piston member (70) continues to move allowing the first piston member (68) to right itself. The second retraction enhancement mechanism (28) comprises a clamp arm guide mechanism having a base (82), a pusher (84), and a plurality of resilient members (110-124) interposed between the base (82) and the pusher (84) to bias the pusher (84) against the clamp arm (24) and align the clamp arm (24) with a clamp arm receiving area (40) defined in a clamp arm holder (22). The third clamp arm retraction enhancement mechanism comprises a lift surface (63) on the clamp arm (24).

Abstract: A fluid-actuated workholding apparatus that includes a base member that has a longitudinally extending slot and a fixed jaw attached thereto. The apparatus further includes first and second movable jaw members that are operably supported on the base member for movement towards and away from the fixed jaw member along the longitudinally extending slot. A clamping assembly is operably supported within the longitudinally extending slot and serves to define a fluid receiving cavity for receiving a pressurized fluid therein. The clamping assembly communicates with the first and second movable jaw members such that when a predetermined amount of pressurized fluid is admitted to the receiving cavity, the first and second movable jaw members are caused to move away from the fixed jaw member.

Abstract: An upper end wall (3a) and a lower end wall (3b) of a housing (3) are adapted to support an upper sliding portion (11) and a lower sliding portion (12) of a clamp rod (5), respectively. A rotary portion (26) is provided on the clamp rod (5) below a piston (15) fixed to the clamp rod (5). A rotation actuating sleeve (27) is externally fitted onto the rotary portion (26) axially movably but unrotatably. The sleeve (27) is urged upward by a pushing spring (31) and prevented from moving farther than a predetermined distance by a stopper (32). An axial movement of the clamp rod (5) is converted to a rotary movement by a converting mechanism (34).

Abstract: A clamp rod has an outer peripheral surface provided with a first concaved passage communicated in entirety of the outer peripheral surface and in the shape of sawtooth. The first concaved passage comprises first spiral grooves in the shape of a multi-start thread and communication grooves. A sleeve externally fitted onto the clamp rod has an inner peripheral surface provided with a second concaved passage corresponding to the first concaved passage. A number of rolling balls are charged between the first concaved passage and the second concaved passage. The clamp rod and the sleeve are moved in a direction of an axis relatively to each other, thereby rotating the clamp rod around the axis.

Abstract: A powered clamp and gauging apparatus performs as a clamp with moveable members which generate a toggle action, or performs as a gauging device having a pair of moveable members which mechanically abuts against each other to maintain, at least temporarily, a locking position of an arm even when actuating fluid pressures have been decreased or lost. In another aspect of the present invention, a lost linear motion device is provided in order to maximize arm unlocking forces. A uniquely configured slide, crank and hub are provided in a further aspect of the present invention. Methods of operating and assembling the present invention apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A spring chamber (17) is formed above a piston (11) inserted into a housing (7), and the spring chamber (17) is communicated with an outside of the housing (7) through a breathing passage (41). A pressurized fluid is supplied to and discharged from an actuation chamber (18) formed below the piston (11). A clamping member (4) connected to the piston (11) is urged to a clamping position (X) by a clamping spring (21) within the spring chamber (17). A check valve seat (45) and a check valve chamber (46) are arranged orderly in the breathing passage (41). A checking member (47) within the check valve chamber (46) is pushed to the check valve seat (45) by a checking spring (48) for valve closing.

Abstract: A clamping system has a clamping device inserted in an installing hole formed in a fixture base, a cylinder unit for operating a clamp and a detection unit for detecting operation positions of the clamp, both of which are formed in the clamping device. In the fixture base, there are formed clamping fluid supplying passages for supplying clamping fluid and detection fluid supplying passages for supplying detection fluid, in which pressure switches are provided. And also, in the clamping device, there are formed detection fluid supply passages and clamping fluid supply passages. When the clamping device is inserted into an installing hole formed in the fixture base, the clamping fluid supplying passages are communicated with clamping fluid supply passages, and also the detection fluid supplying passages is communicated with the detection fluid supply passages through nozzles formed in the cylinder unit.

Abstract: A toggle lever clamp for use in devices and welding machines in the motor vehicle industry, has a clamping head consists of two shell-shaped parts that combine to form a housing. This arrangement reduces the number of individual parts to a considerable degree and protects sensitive parts on all sides against dust, dirt, and water spray, as well as welding spatter, while permitting ease of movement of the clamps.

Abstract: A hydraulically-operated swing clamp (10) for holding and clamping a workpiece (14) to a fixture (12) is disclosed. The swing clamp (10) includes an improved cam assembly (24) that swings its clamping head (22) away from the workpiece (14) when the piston (22) of the clamp (10) is shifted to its extended, unclamped position. The cam assembly (24) includes at least one cam track or groove (38,40,42) and a corresponding cam follower ball (44) received within the groove (38,40,42). The cam track (38,40,42) includes a central arcuate region (48) and a pair of substantially planar side faces (50,52) extending tangentially from the central arcuate region (48). The central arcuate region (48) has a radius of curvature substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the cam follower ball (44). The planar side faces (50,52) extend tangentially away from the central arcuate region (48) and the cam follower ball (44).

Abstract: An elongated cam (A) fixed centrally at one end longitudinally within a cylinder is inserted within a cavity in an end of a piston rod (C) which has a cam follower (D) positioned therein and fixed against longitudinal movement so as to reduce the length of the stroke necessary to turn a member adjacent the other end of the piston rod through a given angle.

Abstract: A retract clamp apparatus is provided for supporting a work piece on a fixture. The apparatus includes a body that is secured to the support surface of the fixture, and an arm received in the bore and presenting an outer end adapted to engage the work piece. A piston within the body shifts the arm between a retracted position and an extended position, and the arm is supported for longitudinal movement with the piston and for pivotal movement about a pivot axis that is transverse to the central axis defined by the bore. The body includes structure for preventing the arm from pivoting relative to the body in the retracted position and for permitting limited pivoting of the arm about the pivot axis when the arm is shifted longitudinally a predetermined distance toward the extended position.

Abstract: A hydraulically-operated swing clamp (16) shiftable between a retracted, clamping position and an extended, releasing position is disclosed. The swing clamp (16) includes a speed control mechanism (26,52,54), which is formed directly on the clamp (16), for selectively and individually varying the speed at which the clamp (16) is shifted between its extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for positioning a wing panel or other member for riveting or conducting other operations thereon. The member is loaded at floor level on a plurality of hydraulic cylinders spaced over the length thereof and raised to a position for conducting the operations thereon. The hydraulic fluid flow to and from the hydraulic cylinders is controlled to synchronize the movements of the cylinder piston rods so that each of the piston rods bears its share of the load throughout raising and lowering of the member. The cylinders are also individually operated to accommodate passage of riveting machine heads or other tooling relative to the member.

Abstract: The apparatus includes two stations in the processing of an animal head in a meat processing line. The first station is for templing where the station has a cup for receiving the jaw and a spindle to engage the skull. Both the spindle and cup are rotatable and are moved toward each other to engage an animal head on the work surface. The spindle and cup rise to raise the head above the work surface for templing both sides of the head without manually lifting the head. The next station holds the head in a jawbone up position. The head is retained by a cup holding the nose and a pin engaging the skull and pushing the nose into the cup. At this station, a power assisted chisel is provided to chisel the meat away from the skull. In addition, a bar engages the lower jaw and, when chiseling is complete, the bar is raised to separate the jaw. The jaw and remaining skull move further along the processing line for separation of the meat and further processing.

Abstract: A member is disposed against a motor vehicle wheel at a position near the center of a bore for receiving the wheel axle. The member may be a collet expansible radially against the annular wall defining the central bore. Alternatively, a ring may be moved into concentric relationship with the central bore and then disposed against the back side of the wheel. Clamping members are then moved, preferably axially and rotationally, against the wheel front side at a position near the wheel periphery. A snubber ring is thereafter moved against the wheel back side, preferably at a position corresponding radially to the positions of the clamping members against the wheel. Each member at the wheel periphery may be moved by introducing hydraulic fluid into an individual one of a plurality of cylinders to move a piston coupled to such member.

Abstract: A cam clamp includes a swing clamp arm and multiple options for driving the clamp. The movement of a locking cam within a clamp header influences a central shaft having a clamp member attached thereto to rotate from a first rest position to a second clamping position, then causes the central shaft (with the clamp member mounted thereon) to move axially downwards to exert a clamping force. In a second embodiment, the rotational movement of a locking ring causes a central shaft, having a clamp member attached thereto, to rotate with it from a first rest position to a second clamping position. At the second position, the shaft is restrained from further rotation, but the locking ring continues as before. An appropriately inclined upper surface of the locking ring comes into sliding contact beneath the clamp member, causing the clamp member to pivot downwards with steadily increasing clamping force.

Abstract: An elongated cam (A) fixed centrally at one end longitudinally within a cylinder is inserted within a cavity in an end of a piston rod (C) which has a cam follower (D) positioned therein and fixed against longitudinal movement so as to reduce the length of the stroke necessary to turn a member adjacent the other end of the piston rod through a given angle.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for stabilizing a work piece of ring configuration on a base. The apparatus has a first ring fixed to the base and frictionally positioned within the work piece. A second ring has a portion within the other end of the work piece and a portion covering the other end of the work piece. A plurality of hold downs are connected to a base via hydraulic cylinders and are positioned about the work piece and have arms with rollers attached thereto. In response to actuation of the cylinders, the rollers are automatically swung into position over the second ring and the rollers forcibly urge the second ring and work piece in a direction toward the base.

Abstract: A unit is provided for grasping and clamping generally circular shaped parts such as lenses, comprising a central body on which three grasping and clamping elements are mounted adapted to bear tangentially on said part at three points or regions of tangential contact forming, pairwise, angles greater than 90.degree., one of the grasping and clamping elements being arranged to lie on the axis of said central body at one end of a movable central push rod, the other two said elements being arranged symmetrically with respect to said axis at the distal end of two levers, the push rod being urged by at least one clamping spring in the axial clamping direction, and the other two elements being urged to rotate in the direction of clamping by at least one lever-action producing spring, release of clamping being obtained by application of fluid pressure to a piston adapted to operate in opposition to said clamping spring.

Abstract: A test device and method of testing includes a BOP skid mounted to center an upright housing and piston beneath the BOP. A flange on the BOP mates with a flange on the housing to enable the BOP to be clamped by a ring. The ring is divided into two halves having upper and lower encircling lips. In the housing, the piston seats a seal ring to isolate fluid in a chamber for pressure testing of the seal ring with the flange and other components of the BOP. In addition, the test device and method can be applied to industry standard flanges on valves and the like.

Abstract: A swing clamp apparatus adapted to be mounted adjacent a work surface includes a housing provided with a bore defining a longitudinal axis, and a piston received within the bore and being movable in the direction of the longitudinal axis. A clamping arm is supported on the piston for movement therewith between a clamping position and a releasing position. A first passageway is provided for delivering hydraulic fluid from a source of pressurized fluid to the first bore section of the housing to move the piston in a first direction and additional structure shifts the piston in a second direction opposite the first direction. The passageway includes a plurality of external ports formed in the housing and a manifold with which the plurality of ports communicate to permit fluid to be delivered to the first passageway, and a number of plugs are used for plugging any of the plurality of ports not used during delivery of fluid to the passageway in order to prevent leakage of fluid from the manifold.

Abstract: A clamping first piston (11) is inserted into a locking second piston (17) inserted into a cylinder bore (9) of a housing (4). A clamping member (7) is fixedly secured to the left portion of the first piston (11). A clamping first actuation chamber (21) is formed on the right side of both those pistons (11)(17), and an enclamping second actuation chamber (25) is formed on the left siede of the second piston (17). A wedgy space (30) is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the first piston (11) and the cylinder bore (9). A locking wedge (31) is inserted into the wedgy space (30) from right side and an unlocking engaging portion (34) is opposed to an unlocking engaged portion (33) of the first piston (11) from left side, so that these wedge (31) and the engaging portion (34) are fixedly secured to the second piston (17).

Abstract: A first piston (11) is inserted into a second piston (12) within a housing (4). An acting point portion (A), a fulcrum portion (C) and a wedge type pressure receiving surface (B) are provided in the first piston (11) in order from front side. A first swing gap (37) and a second swing gap (38) are provided in a space below the front portion of the first piston (11) and in a space above the rear portion thereof respectively. The second piston (12) is provided with a pushing surface (F) facing the pressure receiving surface (B) from below. At the time of clamping, by a fluid pressure within a first actuation chamber (21) both the pistons (11) (12) are advanced and after that the second piston (12) is advanced relative to the first piston (11). Thereupon, the acting point portion (A) is swung downwardly about the fulcrum portion (C).

Abstract: A set of anchoring elements including a first and a second anchoring element of modular type, usable either as an alternative to or in combination with one another in relation to the requirements of height adjustment of a clamping fixture's components. Each of the anchoring elements includes a hollow external casing provided with a hollow threaded screw for its fastening to an underlying anchoring element or to a supporting pallet for a piece which is to be machined, and a hollow threaded bush for the fastening of a clamping fixture's anchoring element or active component located immediately above. The first and the second anchoring element are provided with structure suitable for preventing their rotation with respect to the underlying anchoring element, or supporting pallet.

Abstract: A core collecting tray for a core blowing machine is provided which forms part of a slide which can reciprocally move longitudinally on tracks through sheaves, be lifted by a hydraulic cylinder that acts on a deck and with the assistance of vertical guides. The tray is adapted to cross travel by a further hydraulic cylinder and is fitted with a clipping template which can in turn travel upwards on additional guides and with the assistance of a third hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: The invention relates to pipe clamps and is particularly concerned with equipment that combines ease of handling and transportation and which can ensure correct alignment of curved, polyethylene pipe ends and their presentation to an appropriate coupling means. This objective is met by a construction comprising first and second clamp means, said first clamp means being pivotally secured at or towards one end of an inflexible, extendible means, and said second clamp means being pivotally secured at or towards the opposite end of said extendible means, the free ends of the clamp means being detachably and pivotally secured to each other.

Abstract: In a hydraulic clamp with a direct operated rotary clamping-member, a clamping-member (6) is fixedly secured to the lower portion of a clamp rod (22) adapted to be actuated by a hydraulic cylinder (12). When the hydraulic cylinder (12) is actuated for clamping, the clamping-member (6) is upward straightly actuated and changed over to a clamping condition (C) after being rotated to a clamping preparation condition (B) from an unclamping condition (A), through a rotary actuation device (13) and the clamp rod (22). The clamp rod (22) is interlockingly connected to a rotary member (27) of the rotary actuation device (13) in the rotatably actuated and slidably lowered state with respect to the rotary member (27).

Abstract: A swing clamp for clamping work pieces to a fixture is mechanically actuated. The clamp has a body with a base. The base has a threaded hole in it. A mandrel is carried by the body. A clamp member is mounted to one end of the mandrel. A shaft extends through the mandrel and engages a threaded hole in the base. A translational device changes rotational movement of the shaft to linear movement of the mandrel. A guide causes the mandrel to swing about 90 degrees during this linear movement. This releases and actuates the clamp member.

Abstract: A vise has a stationary jaw, a movable jaw, an outer hollow high-speed spindle threaded in the fixed jaw and formed with a radially open entrainment recess, and an inner low-speed spindle threaded in the outer spindle. A hand crank is rotationally fixed on an inner spindle and an entrainment pin is displaceable transversely in the inner spindle between an entrainment position engaged in the recess and rotationally coupling the inner spindle to an outer spindle and a freeing position clear of the recess and permitting relative rotation of the spindles. A switching piece on the inner spindle can operate a bolt to press the operating bolt into the camming surface in a low-speed position of the switching piece and thereby pull the entrainment pin out of the recess to decouple the spindles and in a high-speed position frees the operating bolt from the camming surface and couples the spindles to each other.

Abstract: A vise has a stationary jaw, a movable jaw displaceable longitudinally toward and away from the stationary jaw, an outer hollow high-speed spindle threaded in a nut on the fixed jaw and formed with a radially open entrainment recess, and an inner low-speed spindle threaded in the outer spindle. A piston-and-cylinder unit on the movable jaw has primary and secondary pistons respectively engaged by the outer and inner spindles. A hand crank is rotationally fixed on the inner spindle and an entrainment pin is displaceable transversely in the inner spindle between an entrainment position engaged in the recess and rotationally coupling the inner and outer spindles to each other and a freeing position clear of the recess and permitting relative rotation of the inner and outer spindles. This entrainment pin is formed with a longitudinally directed camming surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for engaging the stem of a valve member and for rotating the valve member about an axis, the apparatus comprising a sleeve member supported for rotation about an axis, the sleeve member having therein a cylindrical bore centered on the axis and machined by rotating the sleeve member about the axis, a spindle slideably housed within the bore for movement relative to the sleeve member along the axis, the spindle including an inner surface defining a frustoconical bore centered on the axis, the inner surface being machined by rotating the spindle in the sleeve and about the axis, a collar mounted on the sleeve member and including a second inner surface defining a second frustoconical bore centered on the axis, the second inner surface being machined by rotating the sleeve member and the collar about the axis, a first set of balls located within the bore and supported for radial movement relative to the sleeve member and for engagement with the spindle inner surface, a second set of balls located wi

Abstract: The drive means (3) is arranged directly on the tool (2) and can be moved together therewith about a plurality of axes (A, B, C and D). The drive means is provided with a tool holding means for automatically delivering or receiving tools in a tool magazine (5) which is arranged above the region of operation of the tool (2). In that way a plurality of tools can be operated with a single drive means, wherein the tool guidance, workpiece forward feed and interchange of tools can be fully automated and programmed.

Abstract: A clamp is provided for securely aligning opposed longitudinal halves of a pipe. The clamp comprises a support having a recess therein for receiving a portion of the pipe. First and second levers are pivotably mounted to the supports on generally opposite sides of the recess therein Each lever includes opposed gripping and actuating ends. A piston and cylinder assembly extends between and is pivotally connected to the actuating ends of the first and second levers. As a result, the movement of the piston relative to the cylinder causes the sequential rotation of the first and second levers about their respective pivotable mountings to the support, to securely urge the gripping ends thereof into contact with the pipe mounted in the recess of the support.

Abstract: A powered work clamping device including a housing with an upper and lower chamber and an intermediate chamber communicating with the upper and lower chambers, an upper and lower piston respectively residing in the upper and lower chambers, and wherein the lower piston has a section with reduced diameter slidably and rotatably operating in the intermediate chamber, an index rod projects from the lower piston into an index bore in the upper piston and a piston rod connected thereto. The piston rod projects from the housing and is secured to a work-engaging head. The head is rotatable and independently extendable depending upon operation of the upper and lower pistons and means for rotating the lower piston and actuated upon operation of a check valve served by one of two independently actuated two-stage directional control valves.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for forming an air gap pipe are provided. Inner and outer pipes are bent or deformed into comparable configurations such that the inner pipe can be mounted within the outer pipe. The outer pipe then is split longitudinally by a preprogrammed cutting apparatus. The cutting of the outer pipe terminates just short of the complete longitudinal length of the pipe to facilitate rematching later in the process. The cutter includes a follower to trace the actual configuration of the pipe and thereby to offset differences from one pipe to the next. An array of clamps are provided to align the outer pipe halves relative to one another and to facilitate the reattachment.