Abstract: An improved chucking system for workpieces in machine tools has a series of vacuum pods selectively activated for supporting the workpiece in an elevated position relative to the machine tool work table to assure a safe degree of clearance for a cutting tool projecting through the workpiece. The support pods form a grid-like array about the work table in a flush-fit relation to the surface of the work table. Pods have pressure-regulated (air and vacuum) configuration that allows selected pods may be raised above the table surface to support the workpiece and retains the latter in position by applying vacuum to its undersurface. A selected subset of pods to be active and raised while the machining of a particular workpiece is being carried out, without offering any interference to the operation of the cutting tool.

Abstract: Top jaw assemblies combined with a chuck. Each of these top jaw assemblies comprises a body having a base projecting radially inwardly when mounted to the chuck, a cylindrical wall in the body which with the base provides a cutout portion and in which a workable rotatable workpiece gripping member or "slug" is mounted and secured to the base. The slug's periphery or annular wall conforms to and engages the cylindrical wall and includes an opening having a counterbored hole in which a screw mounts and extends below the slug to thread to a threaded aperture in the base. The slugs are machinable to provide different gripping surfaces contoured to the configuration of different workpieces, and are rotatable to provide the necessary reset position for such gripping surfaces in relation to the different sized workpieces. The base can be slightly inclined so as to force the slug's diameter against the matching radius of the cylindrical wall when the slug is torqued to the base.

Abstract: For holding a plurality of different, in shape, workpieces, a holding unit comprises a laminated body with a number of thin identical shaped elongate plates which have one ends forming a workpiece supporting surface, a vibrator unit for moving the elongate plates so as to vary the shape of the workpiece supporting surface to create a new one, and a bias mechanism for clamping the laminated body, so the newly created shape of the workpiece supporting surface is maintained.

Abstract: A programmably controllable vise has mechanisms for automatic adjustment of orkpiece position relative to three orthogonal axes. The positions of the vise jaws (during clamping) establish workpiece position along a first axis, and stop members (e.g., piston actuated stops) selectively extendable from the jaws establish workpiece position along a second axis. Two levelling bars supported adjacent the jaws by respective servo-actuators (e.g., double-acting piston type actuators) which adjust the bars along the jaws establish workpiece position along the third axis, as well as workpiece tilt about the first and second axes. Because the adjustments may be made automatically, the vise may operate unattended, with workpieces being loaded and unloaded by a robot. The vise jaws preferably incorporate replaceable jaw elements which are constructed for attachment and removal by a robot and which may be machined to accommodate non-prismatic workpieces.

Abstract: A universal holding fixture for holding a workpiece having a contoured holding surface. The fixture includes a plurality of workpiece engaging rods which are individually adjustable in height to thereby reproduce the contour of the contoured holding surface. A holding force is generated through the rods to hold the workpiece to the fixture.

Abstract: An angle clamping tool is provided having a handle including a lockable clamping mechanism operably connected to two jaw arms. Each jaw arm includes an end portion and a medial portion. Secured to the end portion of each jaw arm is a clamping jaw comprising a pair of two elongate clamp members. The clamp members are adjustable to form a selected angular relationship with respect to each other, depending on the types of materials being secured together and the uses for such materials. Once a selected angle is obtained, means are provided for locking the clamp members in such angle during use. The jaw arms in the invention are designed so that, when the handle portion is gripped, the clamping jaws move inwardly toward each other so as to meet and engage work pieces therebetween. The jaw arms are further designed so that when the clamping jaws meet, the medial portions of the jaw arms are sufficiently spaced from each other to permit passage of the clamped work pieces therebetween.

Abstract: An intermediate storage in a press in which intermediate storages are to be provided within the area of idling stages thereof. The intermediate storages include storage templates matched to the shape of the bottom side of the workpieces which are adapted to be liftable in the vertical direction by way of lifting means. The lifting means may thereby act on the storage templates in the sense of a lifting movement, for example, by way of intermediate members displaceable by a motor-driven spindle, which act on the storage templates in the sense of a lifting movement by way of counter-abutment surfaces disposed at the ends of the storage templates.

Abstract: A device for tensioning and aligning a fabric includes a support member to which a plurality of tensioning segments are connected such that each of the segments in automatically lifted when a longitudinal hem of the fabric passes thereunder. The support member is provided with a guide plate at each vertical end which guide plates face each other and project into associated slots provided at the vertical ends of the segments with a play so as to allow a limited vertical movement as well as a limited horizontal movement of the segments along the guide plates. Each of the segments has a main body which is provided with a finger-like step-shaped extension so as to define a projection facing the fabric and a space which embraces the respective edge of a nap zone with a certain clearance.

Abstract: An adjustable jig with curved surfaces comprising a plurality of rails arranged parallel to constitute a curved surface. The surface plate comprises a pedestal on which each of the rails rests. The height of the pedestal can be varied so as to modify a curvature of the curved surface. For this purpose, the jig comprises a device for lifting the rails and a device for shifting the pedestal.

Abstract: A versatile robotic gripper is easily and quickly adjusted to grip objects of different geometrical shapes without changing parts and under complete machine control. Opposing jaws have a matrix of axially movable pins each of which is mechanically locked in any axial position. Actuation of an operating mechanism to move the jaws together to grasp an object depresses the pins and they collectively conform to the shape of the object; the jaws retain this shape upon release of the object. A plate is raised to unlock the pins which are returned by springs to a fixed coplanar position.

Abstract: A universal apparatus for holding contoured work-pieces in a selected pre-determined contour during the performance of various manufacturing operations is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a spring metal frame supported by a base, which through the activation of computer programmable linear actuator members can be deformed to a desired pre-determined contour to form a contoured support plane for a work-piece. The spring metal frame portion of the apparatus further comprises a device for indexing the contoured work-piece in the contoured support plane formed by the deformed spring metal frame. The spring metal frame is also provided with a constraining device which comprises a plurality of spaced vacuum cups which are selectively activated to secure the work-piece to the metal frame.

Abstract: A tool for applying banding clamps is provided with means for applying a substantially even amount of force across the transverse direction of a strap to hold the strap in a desired position wherein the force applying means comprises a plurality of superposed levers having means for holding the superposed levers in assembled relationship but permitting relative movement between the levers.

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 vise has an adjustable feature including a pair of adjustable members extending from a movable jaw toward another jaw. The adjustable members are movable independently of each other and independently of the movable jaw and permit clamping of uneven pieces or clamping of a piece off center between the jaws. Another adjustable feature permits the movable jaw to be held down during clamping operations.

Abstract: A trailer bed or chassis including side rail extensions and center rail support posts serves to mount a wooden truss fabricating jig including laterally adjustable center rail sections and associated transverse arms for the support of truss lumber. An arrangement of permanent stops and swivel stops on the jig together with a truss peak locator and splice locator enable the setting up on the job site of a calibrated jig prior to placing the truss lumber thereon, resulting in a great savings of time in truss fabrication. Trusses are produced with precision and uniformity having improved quality and a wider range of truss sizes can be accommodated with the apparatus because of its versatility.

Abstract: A clamp for use in holding a wing panel stringer to a header on a wing panel jig includes a clamp base affixed to the header. A stringer locator, which has a pair of clamp-engaging surfaces, is mounted for rotational movement on the clamp base. The first clamp-engaging surface is oriented generally parallel to the rotational axis of the locator while the second surface is a locus of lines that are preferably generally perpendicular to the first surface and form a convexly arcuate second surface. A J-shaped clamping member is slidably and rotationally mounted in the clamp base. The terminus of the curved portion of the clamping member engages the exposed surface of a stringer to hold it tightly against the first and second clamp surfaces.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is a novel arrangement for applying forces to urns of a vertically extending helical coil which is wound about a support. The apparatus includes a first rigid member extending towards the turns. A second rigid member extends transversely from the end of the first and has a vertically extending face provided with a generally straight groove extending transversely of the turns. A longitudinal passage in the first member connects to the groove to form therewith a continuous guideway for rollable articles. A rigid lug longitudinally movable in the groove is provided with a projection which extends out of the groove and beneath the bottom of a selected turn of the coil. A train of rigid, rollable articles is disposed in the guideway inwardly of the lug. Means are provided for applying force to that end of the train which is relatively remote from the lug, to urge the latter against the bottom face of the selected turn.

Abstract: Method of manufacture of sound box stringed instruments, particularly violins, wherein a state of stress is produced in the arc-shaped sound box by providing a curvature opposite to that produced by the stretched strings, the side rim is elastically bent, suitable battens are cemented on to preliminarily bent sides, the side rim is bent to the final shape and cemented to the arc-shaped top plate with the arc-shaped bass beam cemented into it in a traditional way and the said sound box is closed by an arc-shaped bottom plate.The device for shaping the side rim consists of an oval ring (1) with at least four holes (2) situated in the axis of the said ring (1). The device is preferably provided with at least four threaded sleeves (3) to receive set screws (4), (5) and adjusting screws (6) at the point of the holes (2).

Abstract: An industrial robot for gripping workpieces of diverse shape comprises at least one finger preferably two arranged for pivotal movement on respective sides of the workpiece. Each finger has at least one workpiece engagement member or joint which is movable thereon. Fluid pressure operated means are connected to the workpiece engagement member or joint so that it is moved outwardly from the associated finger to engage the workpiece and to be locked in the engaged position so that it will reengage in the same position after the finger is shifted relative to the workpiece to reengage it.

Abstract: A device for clamping or forceful engagement. Top and bottom casing members are maintained in restricted movable engagement with each other. Received within the casing members are a plurality of balls, arranged in layers. Certain of the balls are spring-biased to urge the top and bottom casing members away from each other. In one embodiment of the invention, certain of the balls protrude through the top casing member and adapt to clamp objects of varying geometrical configurations. As forceful engagement is attained, the balls of the device compress and interlock with each other. In another embodiment of the invention, the top casing is without holes and the apparatus may then be used to achieve forceful engagement with an angled surface such as in a clutch mechanism.

Abstract: A manipulator gripper includes a plurality of serially pivoted cylindrical finger members 3, each having an axially parallel but eccentrically disposed bore hole 14 slidably accommodating a piston 5. Upon the application of fluid pressure each piston acts upon the rear surface 15 of a finger member immediately in front to pivot the latter about a bearing bolt 11. A frictional coating 13 may be provided on the working surfaces of the finger members to implement firm workpiece gripping, and a pneumatic sensor line 12 may be disposed below such coating to detect workpiece engagement. Springs 8 provide a restoring force after fluid pressure is relieved.

Abstract: A clamping retention structure for rough stones to enable mechanical operations to be performed which includes spaced support bars on a common threaded shaft and a link chain anchored at each end on one bar and looped around the other bar. Stone engaging teeth in spaced relation on the chain are stabilized by cross slides so that turning the threaded shaft in one direction forces the bars apart and tightens the chain to force the teeth into tight engagement with the stone.

Abstract: A workbench of a collapsible nature includes a top structure comprising a pair of vice members. These can either be spaced from a supporting surface in a first work-mode at saw-horse height or, by lowering of legs, in a second work-mode at full height.Each vise member is provided with two rows of cylindrical bores in which the shank portions of abutment members are axially and slidably received with a snug fit and are thereafter rotatable about a vertical axis to enable the gripping faces of the abutment members to self-align with a workpiece clamped between the abutment members.

Abstract: A variable contour vice jaw. A vice (10) having variable contour vice jaws (12, 14) is disclosed for clamping of irregularly shaped objects. Housing (26, 126) receives piston (50, 150) which is truncated (58, 158) and has a jaw contact member (64, 163) removably affixed thereto. Plate (44, 144) is affixed to housing (26, 126) and prevents piston (50) from being removed from housing. Bore (28, 128) is filled with an incompressible fluid with pistons (50, 150) half extended. Jaw contact member (64, 163) move in and out to conform to the shape of an irregularly shaped member held within vice jaws (12, 14).

Abstract: Apparatus for releasably clamping a plurality of elements, such as electrodes associated with an electrical machine, are provided wherein a housing generally defines a cavity with at least one of the elements protruding into the cavity. A fluid medium adapted for hydrostatic pressurization is disposed within the cavity and means are provided which are also disposed within the cavity and responsive to hydrostatic pressurization of the medium for generating a force for clamping the element.

Abstract: This is an invention concerning an improvement of the clamp equipped in the cutting machine (guillotine) for cutting a pile of paper or similar materials.This invention consists in construction of the clamp in which the presser foot having clamping surfaces to press the cutting material and gauge surfaces facing the knife is composed of an alignment of many partial presser feet, each of which can individually be displaced according to the reaction force generated in pressing the cutting material. Even in case there is uneven thickness of cutting material or partial variation in compressibility, uniform clamping is obtained and brings about the good effect that the guillotine cutting is smoothly and exactly achieved.

Abstract: A universal jack and work positioning mechanism comprises a support structure having a base with a jack shaft being vertically movable relative to the support structure for vertical positioning of the work piece to be supported by the mechanism. An upwardly diverging cradle is connected to the shaft and is positioned to receive and provide primary support for a conduit work piece. A plurality of leveling arms extend from the lower portion of the cradle and orient various bottom and side positioning leveling screws in such manner that the tubular work piece is engaged at its bottom and side portions and is accurately positionable through manipulation of the leveling adjustment elements. A pivotal orienting element is supported by one of the leveling arms and is so manipulatable as to position a universal orientable adjustment element to various selective positions thus allowing adaptability of the mechanism for support and adjustment of different kinds of tubular work pieces such as pipes, tee fittings, 45.

Abstract: A work holder for locating a workpiece of arbitrary or irregular shape during treatment comprises a flat horizontal table in which is mounted a two-dimensional array of vertically disposed spaced-apart rods which protrude upwards through the surface and can be moved upwards individually, either manually or by springs or by fluidpressure means such as rams, then clamped in position so that their tips form a cradle conforming to the shape of the workpiece, in which the workpiece rests.

Abstract: Apparatus for cropping the connecting leads of electrical components assembled on a circuit board having locating holes therein through which the leads have been inserted, which apparatus comprises a plate provided with holes at spacings corresponding to the holes in the circuit board against which the circuit board is placed, the leads of the electrical components extending through the aligned holes in the circuit board and plate; a first structure adapted to support the plate and having a cutter means movable to crop the portions of the leads of the components extending through the holes in the plate; and a second structure carrying a multiplicity of substantially parallel individually axially displaceable rods which are movable into engagement with components on a circuit board placed on said plate to hold the components in position on the circuit board, said first and second structures being movable relative to one another whereby movement of one of the structures towards or away from the other is effecti

Abstract: A workbench of a collapsible nature includes a top structure comprising a pair of vice members. These can either be spaced from a supporting surface in a first work-mode at saw-horse height or, by lowering of legs, in a second work-mode at full height. Each vice member is provided with two rows of cylindrical bores in which the shank portions of abutment members are axially, slidably received with a snug fit and are thereafter rotatable about a vertical axis to enable the gripping faces of the abutment members to self-align with a workpiece clamped between the abutment members.

Abstract: A clamping device for holding a regularly or irregularly-shaped part on a work table for machining and work operations. The clamping device has a substantially solid housing with an interior cavity filled with an essentially non-compressible elastomeric material. A disk-like pressure plate abuts a surface of the elastomeric material, and a plurality of sleeves are formed in the housing which extend radially outwardly of the interior cavity of the housing. A plurality of equally sized plungers are slidable in the sleeves that are formed as part of the housing. Pressure and movement exerted by the pressure plate against the elastomeric material is transmitted into radially outward extension of the plungers relative to the housing. Flexible extender tubes are mounted onto the clamp plungers, and they are substantially filled with elastomeric material and have part-engaging plungers at one end.

Abstract: A vise for making field repairs on chain saws and chain saw parts is disclosed. The vise has two fixed jaws. Between them is a movable jaw. Additional clamping members in the form of wing bolts are threaded through one of the jaws. The vise also has an anvil upon which various repairs or operations such as hammering may be carried out. Protruding from the bottom side of the anvil is a mounting spike. The vise may be mounted horizontally on a stump or vertically on a tree trunk merely by driving the spike in with hammer blows on the anvil. Thus mounted the vise can be pivoted 360.degree. to facilitate positioning of the workpiece.

Abstract: A variable contour securing system has a retaining structure for a member whose surface contains a variable contour. The retaining mechanism includes a spaced array of adjustable spindles mounted on a housing. Each spindle has a base member support cup at one end thereof. A vacuum source is applied to the cups for seating the member adjacent to the cups. A locking mechanism sets the spindles in a predetermined position once the member has been secured to the spindle support cups.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for supporting or clamping bodies of irregular shape, (particularly large workpieces) comprising a clamping jaw, in the form of a box with axially moveable plungers extending from its work face, said plungers being supported in different axial positions, determined by contact with the surface of the workpiece, by a solid medium within the box. Known apparatus do not have positive means for locking the plungers in their positions. The invention provides a simple and effective locking arrangement in which the solid medium is a multiplicity of hard balls, each plunger is formed with ball-receiving cavities, and application of a pressure to the balls is transmitted via the ball-receiving cavities to lock said plungers.

Abstract: For holding while machining the end enlargement or enlargements of an elongated otherwise thin deformable workpiece, such as a jet engine blade, the lower block of a two-part hinged fixture has mechanically-adjustable stops which predetermine the location of the front edge and front end of the thin portion of the workpiece and has three upwardly-inclined support pins upon which the lower surface of the thin portion rests. An upper block hinged to the lower block contains three downwardly-inclined correspondingly located clamping pins which bear upon the upper surface of the thin portion immediately above the lower support pins. Each block contains horizontally-movable forward and rearward hold-fast pins for the workpiece end enlargements.

Abstract: A welding jig comprising a multiplicity of members which are right cylinders each stepped intermediately so as to have a major diameter at one end and a minor diameter at the other end, the members being freestanding on their ends of major diameter and so confined in a regular hexagonal array on a base plate that the major diameters determine the triangular pitch of the members.

Abstract: In a machine tool, particularly a milling machine, the workpiece vice is made up from a vice jaw member having a longitudinal track, and a plurality of insert members having profiled portions complementary to the track, so that a desired workpiece engaging profile may be built up from a plurality of insert members which are engaged with the track and fixed in position by locking means.

Abstract: Three locator assemblies and an article support are attached to a C-shaped frame. Each locator assembly comprises at least two pivoted and one fixed finger-shaped locators for engaging locating surfaces on the article to be positioned, e.g., a funnel portion of a television picture tube. Different size articles can be positioned, with the fixed locators engaing locating surfaces on the largest article and corresponding sets of pivoted locators engaging locating surfaces on smaller size articles. Insertion of the largest article causes all pivoted locators to pivot from an engaging position to a non-interfering standby position. Insertion of the next largest article causes some pivoted locators to pivot while the others engage the locating surfaces. Insertion of the smallest article causes no pivoting of the locators. The article support positions the different size inserted articles such that each locating surface is substantially opposite a corresponding locator.

Abstract: An article and a method for manufacturing the same, for use as a jaw face of a vise and which applies pressure evenly along any approximately flat surface clamped therein. The face comprises a plurality of cantilevered beams integral with the body of the jaw. The beams are spaced apart from each other and in the preferred embodiment have along a corresponding exterior surface of each, a pair of projections the tips of which are tangent to a geometrically flat plane. When the jaw is used, the projections bear against a flat surface of the workpiece to be clamped and the individual beams deflect slightly to correct for deviations from flatness in the flat surface, thereby assuring that the clamping force is distributed relatively evenly along the surface.

Abstract: A pallet for providing total and positive support for an object which is being subjected to a force capable of distorting or destroying it if unsupported, the support pallet automatically conforming to the contour of the object. The pallet comprises a plurality of elongate pistons; means for supporting the pistons in parallel, spaced-apart relationship for independent axial movement relative to the support means; and means for applying an equal force to each piston to urge all of the pistons in the same direction, into contact with the object.