Abstract: A blade holder device for supporting and immobilizing blades when replacing or assembling a pair of blades on a lawnmower. The blade holder device includes an X-shaped frame having a first elongated support pivotally secured to a second elongated support. The elongated supports have an aperture disposed in the center thereof in order to receive a fastener therethrough. Each elongated support further includes a first and second pair of segments permanently attached to the ends thereof. The pair of segments include a recessed area therebetween in order to receive a portion of a blade therein. The device is removably attached directly to the underside of the deck of a riding lawnmower. The device can be placed over a pair of blades to prevent injury of an individual removing or assembling the blades and to prevent damage to the blades themselves.

Abstract: A jaws apparatus and method for using the jaws apparatus within a vise is described herein. A jaws apparatus may include a fixed jaw secured to the vise through an adapter. The adapter may have an adapter contact face and the fixed jaw may have a jaw contact face in slidable engagement with the adapter contact face. The adapter contact face may be comprised of a first physical material and the jaw contact face comprised of a second physical material. The first physical material and the second physical material may have substantially similar mechanical properties. The jaws apparatus may further include a movable jaw secured to a movable portion of the vise.

Abstract: An interface component is provided for use in combination with a clamp or compressive tool imparting a compressive force against respective planar contact surfaces of two components being joined at a miter joint. The interface features an elongated member having a projection projecting away from a top surface in a substantially circular path. The curved surface provides a means to redirect the compressive force communicated against said curved surface to the miter joint at a substantially normal angle.

Abstract: A vise jaw plate includes a plurality of equally sized holes arranged in a pattern and extending through a front side of the vise jaw plate which cooperate with dowel pins and work holders to position and support a work piece. Horizontally spaced mounting bores are arranged for cooperative alignment with vise jaw mounting holes to permit the attachment of the vise jaw plate to the vise jaw. The mounting bores include a first frustoconical portion, a second frustoconical portion and a straight bore portion joining the confronting narrow ends of the first and second frustoconcial portions. The mounting bores and the vise jaw mounting holes have offset center-lines that become coaxially aligned during attachment of the vise jaw plate to the vise jaw causing the vise jaw plate to become fully seated against a deck surface of the vise.

Abstract: A clamping device has several clamping element receptacles each with a clamping element held by the clamping element receptacle. The clamping element receptacles have an inclination running obliquely to a clamping direction of the clamping device and by means of which the clamping element is guided. The clamping element has a clamping jaw support and the clamping jaw is connectable to the clamping jaw support. The clamping jaw engages in an undercut provided on the clamping jaw support and is additionally fixed by means of a positive fixing means to the clamping jaw support when it is connected to the clamping jaw support.

Abstract: An interface component is provided for use in combination with a clamp or compressive tool imparting a compressive force against respective planar contact surfaces of two components being joined at a miter joint. The interface features an elongated member having a projection projecting away from a top surface in a substantially circular path. The curved surface provides a means to redirect the compressive force communicated against said curved surface to the miter joint at a substantially normal angle.

Abstract: A multi-station machine vise that is disclosed herein that utilizes soft jaws, which are symmetrical and machineable on all four sides. The jaws being identical in size and configuration makes them interchangeable/usable on any vise station, which results in reduced operating costs. The movable jaws are precisely located and fastened to the vise utilizing a jaw carrier, which incorporates a pull-down action to eliminate jaw lift. The jaw carrier includes a downwardly positioned wedge design that engages a corresponding wedge on a slide that moves the jaw carrier and the jaw. Incorporating the pull-down mechanism into the jaw carrier disposed between and slide and the jaw allows for simplifying the design and manufacture of the jaws.

Abstract: A multi-station machine vise that is disclosed herein that utilizes soft jaws, which are symmetrical and machineable on all four sides. The jaws being identical in size and configuration makes them interchangeable/usable on any vise station, which results in reduced operating costs. The movable jaws are precisely located and fastened to the vise utilizing a jaw carrier, which incorporates a pull-down action to eliminate jaw lift. The jaw carrier includes a downwardly positioned wedge design that engages a corresponding wedge on a slide that moves the jaw carrier and the jaw. Incorporating the pull-down mechanism into the jaw carrier disposed between and slide and the jaw allows for simplifying the design and manufacture of the jaws.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping device which contains a structure (1), two carriers (2, 3) which are disposed in the structure (1) and have at least one clamping jaw (5, 6) each, and an adjusting spindle (4) for adjusting at least one carrier (2). In order to make possible a compact, relatively inexpensive construction which is protected against contamination, the carriers (2, 3) are constructed as half shells surrounding the adjusting spindle (4).

Abstract: A clamping device has several clamping element receptacles each with a clamping element held by the clamping element receptacle. The clamping element receptacles have an inclination running obliquely to a clamping direction of the clamping device and by means of which the clamping element is guided. The clamping element has a clamping jaw support and the clamping jaw is connectable to the clamping jaw support. The clamping jaw engages in an undercut provided on the clamping jaw support and is additionally fixed by means of a positive fixing means to the clamping jaw support when it is connected to the clamping jaw support.

Abstract: An improved, removable clamping member for use with clamping devices, said clamping members configured in unlimited variations of shape, texture, and hardness and optionally being moveable relative to the jaws of the clamping devices. The improvements allow increased flexibility of use of the clamping devices over traditionally configured clamping devices with regard to difficult work pieces and environments. The interchangeable clamping members allow a single clamping device to be used for multiple applications, thereby making the invention a low cost and convenient alternative to multiple special purpose tools, as well as permitting quick and inexpensive replacement of wear elements.

Abstract: A jaw plate for a vise including a selectively extendable pin for locating a workpiece. An exemplary jaw plate may be installed in a workholding device, such as a vise, which may be used to hold a workpiece proximate a machine tool. An exemplary jaw plate includes a plurality of pins at predetermined locations along the jaw plate's front face. The pins may be individually selectively extended or retracted by an operator. In their extended positions, the pins may assist the operator in locating the workpiece relative to the machine tool in a correct and repeatable position.

Abstract: A holder is provided for holding an article in a machine for decorating articles, the holder including a base member, a format plate arranged releasably above the base member with an opening in the format plate for receiving the article, and an intermediate plate between the base member and the format plate. On its side facing the format plate the intermediate plate has a layer of soft material, such as a plastic film, to support the article. The intermediate plate and the format plate are easily releasably mounted on the base member. To replace the film, the intermediate plate with film can be removed from the holder and replaced by another intermediate plate carrying a fresh film.

Abstract: A removable quick change jaw plate for a vise has a T-slot that receives a pull rod that extends into a bore formed in the vise. The pull rod is actuated to pull the jaw toward the vise. A wedge clamp, actuated by a threaded element provides a clamping motion to hold the jaw plate on the vise.

Abstract: A process for preparing a photopolymerizable printing element includes feeding a layer of a photopolymerizable composition, calendering the layer to form a web, applying tension to the web, and cooling the web wherein during cooling, a gripping force is applied at side edges of the web. The application of the gripping force to the web substantially reduces non-uniformities in the thickness of the photopolymerizable layer.

Abstract: An adjustable investment mold positioner includes a resilient band bent into a partial cylinder. Opposite ends of the band bound an opening at the side of the cylinder. A mold receiving member made of bent metal has side walls with bent connectors that are attached to the opposite ends of the band. A recess is formed between the side walls for receiving an oval investment mold. The outer cylindrical configuration of the positioner is readily engageable within the cradle of a conventional casting machine which is designed for normally receiving cylindrical investment molds. In this way, oval investment molds can be received in a secure manner within the conventional casting machines.

Abstract: A gripping assembly is provided that includes a pair of gripping members that are attached to, or formed unitary with, the opposed faces of the jaws of a gripping tool or vise, and a set of adapters that are releasably attached to the front faces of the gripping members. The gripping members are provided with a variety of different surface configurations for engaging and securely holding a large number of different shaped objects. The adapter members are also provided with a variety of different shaped surface configurations that, when attached to the front surfaces of the gripping members, adapt the gripping members of the assembly to engage and securely hold a large number of different shaped objects. The gripping members of the assembly are also provided with a flexible overlay that is attached over the front surface configurations of the gripping members to enable them to securely hold objects therebetween without scratching or marring the objects.

Abstract: A vise jaw system for a vise having a horizontal datum surface at least one removable jaw for selective attachment to the vise, the removable jaw having a bottom surface held in fixed relation to the horizontal datum surface and a front surface perpendicular to the horizontal datum surface. The removable jaw also includes a recess formed in at least the bottom surface of the removable jaw. At least one positioning plate is selectively attached to the removable jaw, the positioning plate having a bottom face contacting the horizontal datum surface and a rear face perpendicular to the horizontal datum surface. The positioning plate further includes a cleat fixed to the positioning plate adjacent to the bottom face of the positioning plate, the cleat having a shape sized for reception in the recess. Pressure devices are located in one of the removable jaw and the cleat for engaging the cleat when received in the recess to urge the bottom face of the positioning plate against the horizontal datum surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting casings together for axially aligning the casings with respect to each other and then forcing the ends of the casings together. The apparatus can be used in places that are hard to get at. The apparatus is simple and effective and the various parts of the apparatus cannot become separated and lost.

Abstract: A quick-change vise including a T-shaped clamp extending from within a jaw member which engages a T-shaped channel in a jaw blank to releasably secure the jaw blank to the jaw member. The jaw blank may be provided with a parallel bar or angle parallel to provided horizontal or angled supporting surfaces to a workpiece held in the vise. The jaw blank may be positioned in reversible positions on the clamp. Additionally, the jaw blank may be made of an extrudable metal such as aluminum.

Abstract: A vise jaw system for a vise having a keyway that defines a horizontal datum surface and a vertical datum surface includes at least one removable jaw for selective attachment to the vise, the removable jaw having a bottom surface held in fixed relation to the horizontal datum surface and a front surface perpendicular to the horizontal datum surface. The removable jaw also includes a recess formed in at least the bottom surface of the removable jaw. At least one positioning plate is selectively attached to the removable jaw, the positioning plate having a bottom face contacting the horizontal datum surface and a rear face perpendicular to the horizontal datum surface. The positioning plate further includes a cleat fixed to the positioning plate adjacent to the bottom face of the positioning plate, the cleat having a shape sized for reception in the recess.

Abstract: A power clamp is provided that clamps the workpiece when the piston rod is retracted into the cylinder housing thereby preventing damage to the rod and clamp components that could occur from weld flash and other debris created while operations are performed on the workpiece. Other features are disclosed which increase reliability and enable a variety of different arms to be used with the basic clamp construction.

Abstract: A holding device or lock in a machining vise for positioning plates including parallels and angles wherein the positioning plate is provided with a cleat extending from the rear surface along the bottom edge thereof. The plates are held in place by spring loaded engaging members. A recess in the machining vise, complementary in shape to the cleat, may be provided.

Abstract: A holding device or lock in a machining vise for positioning plates including parallels and angles wherein the positioning plate is provided with a cleat extending from the rear surface along the bottom edge thereof. The plates are held in place by spring loaded engaging members. A recess in the machining vise, complementary in shape to the cleat, may be provided.

Abstract: A quick-change vise including a T-shaped clamp extending from within a jaw member which engages a T-shaped channel in a jaw blank to releasably secure the jaw blank to the jaw member. The jaw blank may be provided with a parallel bar or angle parallel to provide horizontal or angled supporting surfaces to a workpiece held in the vise. The jaw blank may be positioned in reversible positions on the clamp. Additionally, the jaw blank may be made of an extrudable metal such as aluminum.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for incorporation in a programmable machine comprises a gripper having a peripheral portion defining a plurality of different shaped object-receiving recesses therein, a member for supporting the gripper, an arrangement for securing the gripper to the supporting member for rotation relative thereto, and apparatus responsive to an electrical signal for rotating the gripper relative to the supporting member. A programmable machine incorporating two such gripper assemblies is also disclosed.

Abstract: Objects of different sizes and shapes are gripped in a monostable manner by an apparatus which has a single pneumatic power source and has interchangeable jaw assemblies attached to an operating mechanism that provides a linear motion to engage the object. The gripping jaws are selected from a set of three basic types of generic jaws, i.e., nose-shaped jaws and vee-shaped jaws for curved surfaces, and rest button jaws for flat surfaces. Various turbine blades, for instance, are grasped by the airfoil and root using different combinations of these jaw types and have a predictable location relative to the gripping device.