Abstract: A flexible hydraulic vise that is actuated hydraulically along the entire length of the jaw travel. The vise includes master jaws disposed in a complementary shaped tracks, connected to pistons by pins. Top jaws with spring loaded ball detents are secured to the master jaws by a dove-tail notch connection. Internal passageways allow pressure to be delivered to either side of pairs of the pistons disposed in the bores, allowing the clamping force to be exerted inwardly or outwardly.

Abstract: A hydraulic-operated vise device for holding and clamping objects for working on the objects. The hydraulic-operated vise device includes a base assembly including a housing sleeve and also including a first jaw member being attached to the housing sleeve; and includes an elongate housing member being movably disposed through the housing sleeve; and also includes a second jaw member being attached to the elongate housing member and being movable away from and toward the first jaw member for clamping objects between the first and second jaw members; and further includes an actuator assembly for moving the elongate housing member through the housing sleeve and for moving the second jaw member away from and toward the first jaw member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fastener and method for temporarily fastening a plurality of workpieces. The fastener uses pressurized fluid to facilitate the actuating clamping motion of a temporary fastener as opposed to conventional mechanically actuation devices. The fastener of the present invention generally comprises a housing, a spreader member connected to the housing, a piston located within said housing and capable of movement therein in response to the introduction of pressurized fluid within the housing, and a pair of expandable flexible fingers connected at one end to the piston and extending outside the housing where fluid-actuated movement of the piston causes the fingers to partially retract within the housing and wedge within the aligned apertures of the workpieces to temporarily clamp the workpieces together. A check valve within the piston assembly prevents the escape of pressurized fluid from within the fluid pressure chamber when the source of pressurized fluid is removed.

Abstract: A novel two-stage clamp used in testing a device-under-test (DUT) is herein presented. The two-stage clamp provides two sequential actuations via one linear force, and includes clamps moving in multiple different directions. The two-stage clamp uniquely uses the DUT being clamped to provide the linkage and timing for the two-stage actuation of clamps moving in three different directions.

Abstract: A reconfigurable fixture for workpieces is disclosed. It utilizes a flat surface magnetic chuck with modular workpiece supporting, locating and clamping elements that are carefully located on it and held by magnetic attraction to it. These elements are precisely located to hold the workpiece in spaced relation to the chuck surface. Some locating elements are mechanically fixed to the chuck for securing the workpiece from transverse movement on the chuck surface. Preferably, each of the supporting, locating and clamping members are fixed to separate steel bases for magnetic attraction to the chuck. Each base may also carry its own hydraulic actuator for height adjustment of a support element or for height adjustment and closure of a clamping element. These modular elements have locating slots or grooves or the like so that they can be selected from a storage magazine and located on a chuck by numerically controlled mechanisms.

Abstract: A pallet pressure monitor (10) broadly comprises a pressure detector (14) to sense hydraulic pressure within a hydraulic system (16) of a pallet (22), a pallet transmitter (18) to monitor the detector (14), and a receiver unit (20) to receive a status signal from the pallet transmitter (18) indicative of the detector's status. The detector (14) preferably comprises an adjustable pressure switch. The pallet transmitter (18) preferably receives power through a wireless connection to the receiver unit (20). The receiver unit (20) preferably receives the status signal from the pallet transmitter (18) over the wireless connection and actuates a relay output (30) according to the status signal. The relay output (30) is preferably electrically connected to a warning unit (32), or other signaling device, that warns an operator when the pressure in the hydraulic system (16) is below a set-point.

Abstract: A clamping element for clamping workpieces in a flexible position. Two slides (2 and 3) guided in parallel slide in cutouts (4 and 5), which are provided in a housing (1). The force for moving the slides is introduced via plunger pistons (9 and 10) by these pistons acting on the front sides (17 and 18) of the slides, whereby a short lever arm is formed between the introduction of the force and the action of the force. A piston (22), which is provided at its head with a wedge (23), is introduced into the housing (1) at right angles to the plane of movement of the slides. This wedge is guided in recesses (6), which are associated with the slides. Due to the piston (22) being pulled down, its wedge is jammed in the recesses (6) of the slides (2 and 3) and the wedge pushes the slides into the cutouts (4 and 5) and fixes same in a self-locking manner.

Abstract: A vice is comprising a movable clamp member that can be positioned and fixed in a prescribed position corresponding to the size of a workpiece, before fixing the workpiece, wherein the mechanism for achieving this positioning and fixing operation can be simplified, and the stroke of a fluid pressure cylinder can be shortened.

Abstract: A power-operated hand tool has a handle portion or frame that is gripped by the operator using two hands. A clamping portion comprising a pair of opposed jaws extends outwardly from the handle portion and utilizes an air cylinder to move an upper clamping jaw toward and away from the lower fixed jaw. Both jaws have free outermost ends that cooperatively define an entry mouth into a clamping zone between the jaws. In use, a group of individual boards are laid side-by-side in edge-to-edge relationship slightly above a work surface so as to permit the lower jaw of the tool to be slipped beneath the boards while the upper jaw becomes placed above the boards, both of which extend transversely across the boards. Upon actuation of the air cylinder, the upper jaw comes down into flattening engagement with the boards, causing them to be clamped down into generally flat alignment with one another in a common plane so as to present a substantially smooth top surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fastener and method for temporarily fastening a plurality of workpieces. The fastener uses pressurized fluid to facilitate the actuating clamping motion of a temporary fastener as opposed to conventional mechanically actuation devices. The fastener of the present invention generally comprises a housing, a spreader member connected to the housing, a piston located within said housing and capable of movement therein in response to the introduction of pressurized fluid within the housing, and a pair of expandable flexible fingers connected at one end to the piston and extending outside the housing where fluid-actuated movement of the piston causes the fingers to partially retract within the housing and wedge within the aligned apertures of the workpieces to temporarily clamp the workpieces together. A check valve within the piston assembly prevents the escape of pressurized fluid from within the fluid pressure chamber when the source of pressurized fluid is removed.

Abstract: A swing-arm clamp may is provided. The swing-arm clamp has a locating member that is movable in concert with a rod which is disposed in the clamp. The locating member engages a guide when the arm is located in a first position and separates from the guide when in a second position.

Abstract: A cutting board has a cutting surface with a cut away section at one edge and support members which elevate the cutting surface from a working surface. The cutting surface is elevated so that an open space exists under the cut away section which is large enough to place a plate, container or a cooking device. The open space also allows a person to easily place a hand under the cutting surface to lift the cutting board and transfer food items to a container or cooking device. The cut away section has a curvature which is similar to the outer diameter of the plate, container or cooking device. Food items are cut on the cutting board and pushed over the curved edge onto the plate, container or cooking device.

Abstract: A cylindrical body has a first part-spherical socket portion in the top, fittingly receiving a ball. A ball retainer has a second part-spherical socket portion facing the first part-spherical socket portion and receiving the ball therein. A post has a proximal end fixed to the ball and extends radially outward from the ball and away from the body to a distal end, and has screw threads at the distal end to receive a fastener thereon for attachment of an object to the distal end of the post. The ball-in-socket mounting of the post enables freely swiveling the ball and thereby the swiveling the distal end of the post to an infinite number of loci in a spherical envelope centered at the center of the ball, as well as enabling the post, and any object mounted to the post, to be rotated on a radial line from the center of the ball to the location of mounting of the object to the post. The body has a hydraulic cylinder in the bottom receiving a piston.

Abstract: There is a workpiece clamp device 10 for horizontally holding a thin section long workpiece 1 having a constant section shape or having the same section shape in spaced positions in a longitudinal direction in two positions of the same section shape. The workpiece clamp device 10 is constituted of a driving clamp device 10A and a driven clamp device 10B comprising the same holding device 12. The driving clamp device 10A rotates the workpiece 1 centering on a horizontal axis O extending in a longitudinal direction of the workpiece, and the driven clamp device 10B follows movement of the workpiece and idles centering on the horizontal axis. An arbitrary portion to be machined of the workpiece can be directed in a direction in which the portion is easily machined by the rotation (e.g., upward direction).

Abstract: A clamp rod (5) is vertically movably inserted into a housing (3). The housing (3) has a lower end wall (3b) formed with a detecting hole (58) substantially concentrically with an axis of the clamp rod (5). The detecting hole (58) has a peripheral surface opened to provide at least one inlet hole (71, 72) for supplying compressed air. A detecting member (62) is vertically movably fitted into the detecting hole (58). The detecting member (62) has an outer peripheral surface provided with a closing surface (68) which closes an opening portion (71a, 72a) of the inlet hole (71, 72) and with a recess (69) which communicates the opening portion (71a, 72a) with the outside air. The clamp rod (5) has a downwardly oriented projection (5a). The projection (5a) is connected to the detecting member (62) so that it can make a relative movement radially.

Abstract: A hold down apparatus for a commercial molder is provided. The hold down apparatus generally includes a number of hold down plates adapted to hold down a work piece as it is conveyed through the commercial molder. A method of holding down a work piece in a commercial molder is also provided.

Abstract: A workpiece is held between a movable clamping element (56) and a stationary clamping element (52). During setup, a hex drive (58) is rotated to move a traveler (100) which is connected to the movable clamping element along a threaded shaft (80). The threaded shaft is supported at one end through a spring retainer nut (88), a spring (86), and a bearing (82). After the movable clamping element engages the workpiece, the spring is compressed, limiting the amount of clamping force applied to the workpiece. The retainer nut (88) is selectively moved through the use of the tool to a selectable position along the threaded shaft (80) to adjust the spring compression, hence the clamping force. After initial setup, an electrochemical actuator (110) is actuated to melt a polymer, forcing a piston assembly (118, 120) and a bearing (84) to shift the threaded shaft (80) longitudinally against the spring, moving the clamping elements apart a short distance to release or receive a workpiece.

Abstract: A fixture for holding workpieces on a machine tool table includes: a base plate for placement upon table rails and slidable along such rails; a locking plate under the base plate for rotation between a locking position to secure the base plate to the table rails, and an unlocked position clear of the table rails; an upright center block on the base plate; left and right slide blocks on opposite sides of the center block, releasably clamped so as to be slidable along the base plate toward and away from the center block, each slide block including a fluid driven piston movable toward and away from the center block to releasably clamp a workpiece against it.

Abstract: This invention refers to a woodworking machine equipped with fastening devices capable of allowing the processing of items of complex shape and variable size, characterized in that it provides a multiple number of devices which are mobile and capable of being positioned on a working plane independently from each other, where each of said devices simultaneously constitutes both a striking element for positioning the item and a blocking element for the same.

Abstract: A work fixing jig for machine tools is attached to a table of the machine tool utilizing a mount bore formed in a work fixing surface of the table for use in fixing work to the table by work fixing means. The jig comprises a jig main body, a generally cylindrical engaging member attached to the jig main body and insertable into the mount bore of the table, a rod movable upward or downward relative to the jig main body and extending through the engaging member, a spring for biasing the rod upward relative to the jig main body, and a cylinder for moving the rod downward against the biasing force of the spring. An elastic ring is fitted around the engaging member for diametrically contracting the lower end portion thereof. The rod has a large-diameter portion for diametrically expanding the lower end portion to bring engaging lugs into engagement with a portion of the table when positioned inside the engaging member.

Abstract: When a movable member (14) is moved from a gripping position in which a circuit board (2) was gripped by the movable member (14) and a stationary member (13), a separation mechanism (7, 12) forcibly separates the circuit board from the stationary member (13), to thereby prevent the occurrence of a state in which the circuit board (2) is stuck to the stationary member.

Abstract: A fastening unit for fastening the items to be processed on the working plane of a tooling machine having a mobile support movable along a guide equipped with devices for fastening the items. The fastening unit has at least one device for fastening an item to be processed. The device for fastening includes a pressing element which is mobile between a raised position allowing the introduction of the item and a lowered position in which it fastens the item against a support.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus and method for facilitating, locating and securement of supports or cushioning blocks on a container panel includes a table for receiving the container panel and a bi-directionally, vertically movable frame which receives a template. The frame is raised and lowered by one or more linear actuators which may be double acting, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, ball screw operators or similar devices. The template includes a specific pattern of openings which correspond to the desired locations of supports or cushioning blocks. A container panel is placed on the table, the template is disposed in the frame and the frame is lowered onto the panel. An adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive is distributed on the panel through the openings and the supports or cushioning blocks are positioned according to the template on the panel. The frame and template are then lifted off the pad and the completed panel is removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: A clamp squeeze apparatus and method for squeezing a pair of handles of a hand clamp to open a jaw of the hand clamp, is provided. The clamp squeeze apparatus includes a body, a handle, a pair of squeeze jaws and a fluid pressure device. The handle is connected to the body. The pair of squeeze jaws are slidably mounted on the body and slidable in a closing direction and an opening direction. The closing direction advances the jaws together and the opening direction retracts the jaws apart. The fluid pressure device is connected to a fluid pressure supply and is operable to slide the pair of squeeze jaws in the closing direction so as to squeeze a pair of handles of the hand clamp and open the jaws of the hand clamp. The clamp squeeze apparatus and method eliminates the risk of hand and wrist injuries by automating clamping processes.

Abstract: A gripper includes a body, at least two jaws (11, 11′), which can move linearly on the body in opposite directions and at least one fluid-type piston (12, 12′) that is arranged in the body and is intended to control the movements of the jaws. The jaws are supported and guided on said body with the interposition of at least one cylindrical bolt (26, 26′) arranged in facing semicylindrical slots (27, 27′) provided on one side of the jaws and in an adjacent part of the body.

Abstract: When a movable member (14) is moved from a gripping position in which a circuit board (2) was gripped by the movable member (14) and a stationary member (13), a separation mechanism (7, 12) forcibly separates the circuit board from the stationary member (13), to thereby prevent the occurrence of a state in which the circuit board (2) is stuck to the stationary member.

Abstract: A workpiece support device comprises an array of rods in columns and rows with free ends of the rods forming, a support surface, in which support surface recesses can be created by selectively retracting individual ones of the rods. Each rod is coupled to a respective piston within a respective cylinder and each cylinder has an upper connection for medium pressure, a lower connection for high pressure and a middle connection for low pressure. A trigger piston is provided in a cylinder below the piston. The rod can be caused to extend from the cylinder by applying low pressure to the connection to press the trigger piston downwardly to close the high pressure connection. Such low pressure passes around the lip of a lip seal on the trigger piston and through a connection pressurises the underside of the piston to raise the piston and release it from pressing the trigger piston downwardly. Subsequently pressurising the connections and causes the differential pressure to force the piston upwardly.

Abstract: A workpiece clamp for holding a workpiece securely to a fixture block or work table during operations, such as machining and woodworking. The clamp includes a body and an insert, the insert having a contact face for applying force to the workpiece. The body preferably held in a cavity in the fixture block surface and the insert received in an inclined or angled recess in the body. The insert preferably includes a bore therethrough, such that a tension bolt can be inserted through the insert and into the body. Threads in the tension bolt can be engaged with threads in the body, drawing the insert along the inclined recess in the body, thereby applying tension to the tension bolt and applying downward and forward forces to the workpiece at the contact face. In one clamp, the body top is flush with or below the surface of the fixture block. In a preferred clamp, when the insert is fully inserted into the body, a small portion of the insert, including the contact face, extends above the fixture block surface.

Abstract: A coupling for use in supplying air pressure to an air driven pump on a pallet is disclosed. The male half of the coupling is affixed to a pallet changing station and the female half is suspended from a pallet. Suspension of the female half from the pallet enables the male and the female half to couple despite misalignment. The male half includes two pistons and the female half includes a power port, a vent port and a central port. The power port is connected to an air driven hydraulic pump and the control port is connected to a pilot on a four-way valve. The hydraulic pump operates vides contained on the pallets. The number of vices operable is only limited by the capacity of the hydraulic reservoir located in the pallet.

Abstract: A basket assembly for holding a vehicle wheel rim. The basket assembly includes a basket adapted to hold the wheel rim, and a pair of pads connected to the basket. At least one of the pads is adjustable between a first position, in which the pads do not capture the wheel rim within the basket, and a second position, in which the pads are effective to capture the wheel rim within the basket. The basket assembly is useful in an apparatus for transferring wheel rims between metal forming stations during manufacture of the wheel rims.

Abstract: A mechanism for gripping an object employing a set of jaws which are adjusted to fit the size of the object by means of a limit or sizing stop device. The object is gripped by the jaws secured to the end of a stationary lower member while a movable upper member grips the opposite side of the object. A post operably supports a piston which is pivotally connected to the end of the upper member so that the piston, when moved up and down under pneumatic control, causes the jaws to move together or spread apart.

Abstract: A method for automatically coupling and uncoupling pallet clamping device and a pallet couple and decouple clamping device comprising air pressure supply means, vice means, pressure amplification means, a two position 4-way pilot valve, means for applying and removing air pressure to the pilot valve for controlling the amplification means which, in turn, locks and unlocks the vice means.

Abstract: A linear actuator is used to push a spring-loaded ram The loading force of the spring against a stationary workpiece is calibrated with the displacement of the ram once the load exceeds the spring preset value. At a preset loading position, an electrical contact opens, indicating that the spring load has reached or exceeded the preset value. A mechanical stop, acting in conjunction with the stall characteristics of the linear actuator, prevents the operating range from being exceeded. This device has applications where precise standoff from a surface, the application of a precise force to that surface, and a controlled rate of the application of the force is needed.

Abstract: A device for clamping parts, in particular metal sheets, in a motor vehicle mounting line, has a console, a support for the parts that may be secured on a top stop of the console, and a pneumatic clamping device that actuates a pressure piece that can be clamped against the parts mounted on the support. In order to obtain a console made of a few components with various spatial positions of the clamping point between the support and the pressure piece, at its base the console has a clamping block and a centering piece for a stay that can be secured thereon, and the top stop acts with its bottom side as a centering element for the stay that can be secured thereon.

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 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 semiconductor wafer anchoring device, which includes a platen having a flat upper surface adapted for mounting a semiconductor wafer thereon, an elastic O-ring located between the platen and the semiconductor wafer, and a clamp disposed to face with the O-ring, which is adapted for pressing upon the upper surface of the semiconductor wafer and for anchoring same. The clamp is a ring-type plate having an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the semiconductor wafer, and having a plurality of protrusions projecting from each quadrant of an inner circumferential surface of the ring-type plate toward the center thereof, an end of each protrusion being adapted to be positioned between a chip pattern and the edge of the semiconductor wafer.

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 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: A pneumatically actuated clamp and gripper including a fluid actuated piston and cylinder assembly and a clamp arm supported for pivotal movement and having a moving end for clampingly engaging a workpiece. The clamp includes a link having one end pivotally connected to the clamp arm for causing movement of the clamp arm and the other end of the link being connected to the piston. The clamp also includes a frame assembly for supporting the clamp arm for pivotal movement, the frame assembly including a pair of frame halves clamped together in face-to-face relation and housing the projecting end of the piston and clamp arm therebetween. The frame assembly includes a pair of pivot pin bores for selectively and alternatively supporting the clamping arm for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis. The clamp also includes a roller assembly for supporting the drive member connected to the link for reciprocating movement and for preventing wear of the drive member and the frame components.

Abstract: A linear actuator is used to push a spring-loaded ram. The loading force of the spring against a stationary workpiece is calibrated with the displacement of the ram once the load exceeds the spring preset value. At a preset loading position, an electrical contact opens, indicating that the spring load has reached or exceeded the preset value. A mechanical stop, acting in conjunction with the stall characteristics of the linear actuator, prevents the operating range from being exceeded. This device has applications where precise standoff from a surface, the application of a precise force to that surface, and a controlled rate of the application of the force is needed.

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: A method or automatically coupling and uncoupling a pallet clamping device and a pallet couple and decouple clamping device comprising air pressure supply means, vice means, pressure amplification means, a two position 4-way pilot valve, means for applying and removing air pressure to the pilot valve for controlling the amplification means which, in turn, locks and unlocks the vice means.

Abstract: A power operated clamp assembly 10 includes a clamp body 12, a reciprocatable member 20 extending into the clamp body 12, and a clamp arm 22 pivotally mounted to the clamp body 12 by a first pivot element 36. The clamp arm 22 is pivotable about a pivot axis 38 of the first pivot element 36 between first and second positions of movement termination C and D, respectively. A linkage assembly 46 has a drive end 48 adjustably secured to an end 56 of the reciprocatable member 20, and a clamp end 50 operatively secured to the clamp arm 22 so as to pivot the clamp arm 22 as the member 20 reciprocates. The linkage assembly 46 includes a connection pivotable about the pivot axis of a second pivot element 80. The drive end 48 is adjustable with respect to the end 56 of the reciprocatable member 20 so as to allow adjustment of the first and second positions C and D, respectively. One pivot element of the first and second pivot elements 66 and 80, respectively, includes an eccentric shaft having a central axis 124.

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: A pneumatically actuated clamp and gripper including a fluid actuated piston and cylinder assembly and a clamp arm supported for pivotal movement and having a moving end for clampingly engaging a workpiece. The clamp includes a link having one end pivotally connected to the clamp arm for causing movement of the clamp arm and the other end of the link being connected to the piston. The clamp also includes a frame assembly for supporting the clamp arm for pivotal movement, the frame assembly including a pair of frame halves clamped together in face-to-face relation and housing the projecting end of the piston and clamp arm therebetween. The frame assembly includes a pair of pivot pin bores for selectively and alternatively supporting the clamping arm for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis. The clamp also includes a roller assembly for supporting the drive member connected to the link for reciprocating movement and for preventing wear of the drive member and the frame components.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated clamp and gripped including a clamp arm supported for movement about a pivot, the clamp arm including a workpiece engaging portion spaced from the pivot and a driving member that is reciprocally moveable between a retracted position and a clamping position. The clamp further includes a link connected to the driving member and connected to the clamp arm in spaced relation from the pivot so that movement of the driving member from the retracted position toward the clamping position causes movement of the workpiece engaging portion of the clamp arm toward the workpiece, the link including a spring portion, the spring portion limiting the clamp force applied by the clamp arm to the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for automatically coupling and uncoupling a pallet clamping device and a pallet couple and decouple clamping device comprising air pressure supply means, vice means, pressure amplification means, a two position 4-way pilot valve, means for applying and removing air pressure to the pilot valve for controlling the amplification means which, in turn, locks and unlocks the vice means.

Abstract: For machining a part or a series of parts on a machine tool, it is proposed that said part be successively fixed in at least two different gripping modules (12a to 12e) mounted on a central unit (10) placed on the machining plate of the machine. The rapid assembly and disassembly of the modules with respect to the central unit is ensured by flanging jacks (42a,42c) actuated by a hydraulic control system (14) carried on the central unit. This system (14) also actuates control and locking jacks (34,40,64) ensuring the gripping of the parts on the modules (12a to 12e).

Abstract: A vise including a body 30 comprising a way 31 integrally formed to a rear column of support 35, a housing 46 attached below way 31, a front column of support 32, and a front jaw 34 attached to the upper portion of column 32. Front jaw 34 having a pad 82 with a clamping surface 83 facing the rear. A hydraulic jack 150 resting within housing 46 while having a ram 138 to project through an opening 33 in front column 32. Ram 138 to push a pad 64 having side arms 63 extending rearward while being tracked along the sides of housing 46. Side arms 63 being attached by hinge to side arms 76 which are joined to a drawbar 75. A carriage 52 being capable of sliding and reversing on way 31. Carriage 52 having a back jaw 54 which has two jaw pads 86 and 90 with opposing clamping surfaces 87 and 91. Carriage 52 also having gripping formations 57GF for adjustable placement of drawbar 75. Rear column 35 is attached by hinge to the rear portion of a platform 94.