Abstract: A shield for use in connection with a workholding apparatus that has a base and at least two jaw members operably supported on the base for selectively clamping a workpiece therebetween. The shield comprises a plate member adapted to be removably received on the base and configured to permit at least one jaw member to move relative thereto. The plate member may be sized to provide the workholding apparatus with a worksurface that is wider than the base.

Abstract: A clamp pin handle cover for covering a pin handle of a mechanical clamp. The clamp pin handle cover includes an elongate cover body defining a slot which is adapted to receive the clamp pin handle therein. In one embodiment the clamp pin handle cover is adapted for use with a clamp having a fixed pin handle. In a second embodiment the clamp pin handle cover is adapted for use with a clamp having a translating pin handle with the translating pin handle disposed at its mid position or a translated position.

Abstract: A bumper holder for securely supporting an automobile bumper includes a movable carriage and an adjustable cradle that has indexable arms with slidable brackets attached thereto. The adjustable cradle is configurable into a collapsed storage position and an expanded holding position adaptable to receive various sizes and configurations of automobile bumpers. The movable carriage includes a handle and a tubular support column which slidably receives a telescopic shaft on which the indexable arms and slidable brackets are supported. The indexable arms and slidable brackets are movable into any desired position to securely hold a bumper during a repair and finishing process. The indexable arms also have a bracket aperture for receiving a slidable cross bracket that is substantially perpendicular to the slidable brackets.

Abstract: A shield for use in connection with a workholding apparatus that has a base having a longitudinal slot and at least two jaw members operably supported on the base for selectively clamping a workpiece therebetween. The shield comprises a plate member adapted to be removably received on the base and configured to permit at least one jaw member to move relative thereto. The plate member may be sized to provide the workholding apparatus with a worksurface that is wider than the base, the plate member having an opening to permit movement of the jaw members such that it is completely covered by the cooperation of the jaw members and the plate to prevent debris from entering the longitudinal slot of the base. Alternately, the opening is provided with grooves for slidably guiding a telescoping cover plate which is attached to movable support members and is cooperated with the cover plate to completely cover the longitudinal slot during the clamping operation.

Abstract: A clamp having internal snap-fit attachments has a first member, a second member and an actuating mechanism. At least one of the preceding members has a pair of sections thereof which are attached together by a plurality of snap-fit attachments.

Abstract: A plate member adapted to be received on the base of a machine vise having a longitudinal slot or cavity therein is provided to prevent the entry of foreign material into the slot or cavity. The plate member may also be provided with slots therein to limit the longitudinal travel of the vise's clamping members.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for forming a stationary vise jaw on a vise having improved deflection characteristics when loaded from a movable vise jaw. The apparatus comprises a block having a width defined by a vise jaw end surface facing the movable jaw and an end surface opposite the vise jaw end surface, and a height defined by an upper surface and a lower surface engaging a support surface of the vise. A channel is formed generally perpendicular to the width and within the block to open to the lower surface. The channel receives a member protruding from the support surface when the block is secured to the vise. A fastener such as a bolt secures the block to the support surface wherein the fastener is located between the channel and the vise jaw end surface at a distance along the width wherein a ratio between the distance from the vise jaw end surface to a reference axis of the fastener and the distance from the opposite end surface to the reference axis is greater than 0.

Abstract: A clamp having slip plane positioning enables a clamp nose and an attached pressure foot which are initially non-permanently attached to the clamp arm to be brought into a final predetermined coordinate position before the clamp nose is fixedly attached to the clamp arm. The clamp nose has the pressure foot mounted at one end. An open-ended slot is formed at the other end of the clamp nose and slidingly engages opposed side walls of one end of the clamp arm. In one embodiment, a fastener threadingly extends through a portion of the clamp nose surrounding the slot into engagement with the clamp arm to non-permanently attach the clamp nose to the clamp arm. In another embodiment, aligned bores and slots are formed in adjoining surfaces of the clamp nose and the clamp arm and receive fasteners therethrough to non-permanently mount the clamp nose on the clamp arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a car door by a single mechanic is provided. The apparatus supports a car door to be mounted on a vehicle on a base. Arms connected to the base support the door upon the base. The apparatus is mounted upon a floor jack or an equivalent elevating device to effect chances in vertical orientation of the apparatus. The elements used to mount the apparatus on the elevating device also allow pivoting of the apparatus.

Abstract: A clamp having slip plane positioning enables a clamp nose and an attached pressure foot which are initially non-permanently attached to the clamp arm to be brought into a final predetermined coordinate position before the clamp nose is fixedly attached to the clamp arm. The clamp nose has the pressure foot mounted at one end. An open-ended slot is formed at the other end of the clamp nose and slidingly engages opposed side walls of one end of the clamp arm. A fastener threadingly extends through a portion of the clamp nose bounding the slot into engagement with the clamp arm to non-permanently attach the clamp nose to the clamp arm. The clamp nose and the pressure foot are positionally adjusted with respect to the clamp arm at final assembly to bring the pressure foot into a predetermined coordinate position before the clamp nose is fixedly secured to the clamp arm.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the fixturing and positioning of objects such as workpieces or lenses in a repeatably presettable position relative to, for example, a cutting tool or other optical components includes a fixed base (40), a carriage (20) and a lead screw (30) rotatable with respect to the fixed base. The carriage (20) translates relative to the base and moves objects attached to it. The exact position of the carriage is indexed by first pressing a button (80A) to release an inside threaded concave cylindrical clamping piece (64) between the carriage and the lead screw and manually moving the carriage (20) to a desired location dictated by a scale (42A, 42B) on the fixed base (40) to relocate to a course number of thread pitch spacings.

Abstract: The invention concerns a clamping tool for non-positive and high-precision clamping of workpieces by means of an expansion element, which is held inside the clamping tool and, in the unclamped state, is matched to the workpiece with little play but movably, and to which force may be applied radially over a large area. When force is applied, the expansion element expands reversibly, and bears non-positively against the workpiece, and holds it in place with high rotational accuracy and high clamping force. In order to be able to permit a high expansion rate of the expansion element in conjunction with a closed configuration of the latter, the invention proposes for the expansion element a so-called shape memory alloy, which is operated in the austenitic state with reversible stress-inducible possibility of change of the microstructure into the martensitic state.

Abstract: A window polishing stand for securely receiving and holding selected ones of a class of aircraft window panels during a polishing operation. The stand consists of a planar panel member having a generally oval hole cut centrally therein and having at least three short legs supporting about the periphery to allow clearance beneath the panel member. A quadrature array of felt pads are then included around the edge of the oval hole for padding purposes and clamping assemblies are provided on opposite sides in line with the minor axis of the oval hole thereby to provide secure positioning of the aircraft window with either the concave or convex side directed downward.

Abstract: A high-accuracy traveling table apparatus comprises a workpiece fixing device and a laser mirror for position measurement provided on a table capable of traveling at least in the direction of one axis. The table comprises a mount to which the workpiece fixing device and the laser mirror are fixed and at least one partially coupling member for partially coupling the mount to the table so as to prevent transmission of a distortion of the table to the mount.

Abstract: A high-accuracy traveling table apparatus comprises a workpiece fixing device and a laser mirror for position measurement provided on a table capable of travelling at least in the direction of one axis. The table comprises a mount to which the workpiece fixing device and the laser mirror are fixed and at least one partially coupling member for partially coupling the mount to the table so as to prevent transmission of a distortion of the table to the mount.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a pair of molds each having a peripheral flange provided with a mating surface. The molds are clamped by a suitable number of clamp assemblies for clamping the flanges of the molds so that the molds are secured together with the mating surfaces in contact with each other. The clamp assembly includes a pair of clamp members for engagement with the flanges of the molds, a shaft passing through the clamp members, a first stop member provided on the shaft for engagement with one of the clamp members, a spacer provided on the shaft for axial slidable movement and adapted for engagement with the other of the clamp members, a second stop member provided on the shaft for engagement with the spacer at an end opposite to the other of the clamp members.

Abstract: A high-accuracy traveling table apparatus comprises a workpiece fixing device and a laser mirror for position measurement provided on a table capable of traveling at least in the direction of one axis. The table comprises a mount to which the workpiece fixing device and the laser mirror are fixed and at least one partially coupling member for partially coupling the mount to the table so as to prevent transmission of a distortion of the table to the mount.

Abstract: Two partial cylindrical, externally pressurized static air bearings are used to provide a self aligning air bearing platform. The self aligning air bearing platform is useful in a tape automated bonding system to bond a semiconductor device having a high pin count. A bottom bearing block has a top surface in the shape of an arc and at least one air outlet. A middle bearing block has a bottom surface configured to mate with the top surface of the bottom bearing block. The middle bearing block also has a top surface in a shape of an arc which is rotated 90.degree. with respect to the arc shaped top surface of the bottom bearing block and at least one air outlet. A top bearing block mates with the middle bearing block and provides the platform for holding the semiconductor device. Air bearings between the moving bearing blocks provide a low friction bearing for the aligning platform.

Abstract: A method for lubricating a material-working tool comprises depositing a material film by high energy level vacuum plating onto the tool for providing a thin mechanically insulating film having a low shear stress value. The material film has a hardness which is less than the hardness of the tool which it overlies.

Abstract: A guiding device comprising a carriage portion (13), which is aerostatically journalled on a base portion (11) and is guided in a rectilinear movement by means of five pre-stressed air bearings (21) in two guide planes of the base portion (11) enclosing an angle with each other. The air bearings (21) are pre-stressed by means of a magnet system comprising a permanent magnetic part and a ferromagnetic part, which are provided on the base portion and the carriage portion. Due to the fact that the magnetic system is arranged at an angle so that the plane of symmetry through the centre line of the magnet system encloses an acute angle with the two guide planes, all air bearings are pre-stressed solely by the magnet system. With the use of a linear electric motor (29) with permanent magnets for the drive of the carriage portion (13), the armature (41) and the stator (31) of the electric motor act at the same time as magnet system for pre-stressing the pre-tension air bearings.

Abstract: A device for emptying flexible or rigid containers having flexible discharge stubs for in bulk goods where the discharge stubs are sealable by being tied shut and always issue into the emptying device from where the in bulk goods are conveyed out by partial vacuum or free fall. The emptying device (6) consists of an upright cylindrical housing (7) having an outside diameter less than the inside diameter of the discharge stub (4). This housing, when connected, is spanned by the discharge stub (4). At least two jaws (10) which when closed are spaced away from the housing wall are provided to which are mounted at least one elastic belt, a cord (11) or the like which in the closed state of the jaws (10) rests while prestressed over the entire periphery of the housing (7) against the discharge stub (4) spanning the housing (7).

Abstract: In a clamping apparatus, a pressing member is moved on a base in a vertical and horizontal directions by rotation of a bolt. The bolt is provided with a longitudinal hole open end of which is covered by a window. A rod is placed in the hole so as to fix the inner end thereof to the inner end of the hole. A transparent holding member holding a colored fluid is sandwiched by the open side end of the rod and the window. When a tension stress is developed in the bolt, the open side end is far away from the holding member so that fluid covers the open side end.

Abstract: A wrapping machine wherein article units are wrapped by a shrinkable web to form a package. The machine includes a conveyor which includes an upper article supporting run. The conveyor has regularly spaced openings and associated with the rear of each opening is a web pulling bar. Article units are fed to the conveyor run in timed relation to conveyor movement and a series of retarder bars, moving at a slower rate, pull the web in front of each article unit to be wrapped with the article unit then bearing against the retarder bar and being slowed to the speed of the retarder bar with the conveyor moving therebeneath. A clamp bar moves down behind each article unit, draws the web down behind the article unit and then clamps the web to the article unit. In advance of this, and before the clamp bar engages the article unit, web drawing means engages the web between two adjacent article units and draws the same down into the associated conveyor opening and engages the web with the article pulling means.

Abstract: A machine vice comprises an elasticity-adjustment rod secured to and penetrating one of two vertical portions of a subtantially U-shaped stress-transmission frame such that the one end of the frame is in contact with a vice head having a stationary jaw and a guide rail, whereby the flexing and strain of the stationary jaw resulting when a work is clamped between the stationary and movable jaws is compensated for, thus ensuring the perpendicularity of the stationary jaw with respect to the guide rail top surface and parallelness of the two jaws.

Abstract: A guide device for guiding a movable part of an apparatus relative to a fixed part of the apparatus, includes a first guide rail adapted to be provided on the movable part and a second guide rail adapted to be provided on the fixed part. Bearing means comprising a plurality of roller elements disposed in a roller support is disposed in a longitudinal groove between the first and second guides and movable relative thereto. Biasing means is provided which biases the bearing means toward a predetermined position.

Abstract: At a base of a vise a U-shaped tie element is floatingly mounted in such way that a front leg portion thereof abuts aginst the rear inner face of a stationary clamping jaw. The area of contact between the front leg portion and the clamping jaw comprises the combination of a convex nose at the one part and a planar face at the other part. The tie element is supported by resilient means which are separated from the contact area. Thereby the tie element is self-adjusting and a uniform contact is gained along the whole width of the tie element. During clamping the front leg portion is pivoted with respect to the base section of the tie element, however, thanks to a rolling line contact at the stationary clamping jaw no forces are transmitted which would angularly displace the stationary clamping jaw.

Abstract: Air bearing pads for supporting a one-axis table in a granite bridge positioning apparatus on a thin film of air include machine-thinned sections for providing resilience to the pads in order to permit flexing sufficient to accommodate surface irregularities on the supporting surface. A single air pressure regulator provides a source of pressurized air to flow-control devices of a plurality of air bearing pads supporting a one-axis table. The individual flow-control devices adjust the flow of air to their respective air bearing pads to individually adjust the lift of the pads.

Abstract: A clamp incorporating two opposed jaws having resilient pads affixed in way of their gripping surfaces. A first jaw is fixed on a pair of spaced slide rods. The slide rods are held by their being fixed in a clamp arm in a parallel relationship. A second clamp arm is received for slideable movement on the slide rods. A force applied between the slide rods, will cause the clamp arms to move together until they engage an object to be clamped. Further pressure will allow the desired clamping pressure to be achieved. When the pressure is released, the clamping pressure will be maintained by the frictional engagement between the bearing surfaces in the sliding clamp arm and the metal slide rods. Release is achieved by force on the sliding clamp arm in the direction opposite to that used to achieve clamping.

Abstract: A hand operable tool (10) used in installing pistons and piston rod assemblies (PR) into an engine block (EB) includes magnets (170, 172,232) for securing the device to the engine block and engine dowel pin receiving holes (190,226) for receiving cylinder head dowel pins (200) to accurately and precisely orient and position the tool with respect to an engine block cylinder bore. A method of installing pistons and piston rod assemblies into an engine block utilizing the hand operable tool is also disclosed.

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 rotary table for holding a workpiece for machining. The rotary table comprises a base, a rotary member supported by the base, a transversely movable member carried by the rotary member, a laterally movable member carried by the transversely movable member, a lead screw device for displacing the laterally movable and transversely movable members, and a worm and worm gear for selectively rotating the rotary member relative to the base. The rotary table includes a thrust bearing for supporting the rotary member against the base, and a biasing means abutting the thrust bearing at one end and abutting the rotary member at another end to allow a slight contact between the rotary member and the base to exclude dirt and allow rotation of the rotary member relative to the base with a minimum amount of friction.

Abstract: A quick-set hydraulic work holding clamping table assembly including an elongated stationary rigid base member having a front control portion, a pair of stationary transversely spaced flat lateral platen sections flanking an elongated dovetail slide channel, an elongated slide plate member shaped to slidably interfit in the slide channel having its top surface lying in the same common plane as the top surface of the lateral platen sections and forming a movable center platen section. The slide plate member is moved forwardly and rearwardly by a manually operable drive screw coupled to the slide plate member and hydraulic power means are connected to the drive screw for rapidly moving the slide plate member relative to the lateral platen sections to move workpiece engaging jaw pieces to the gripping position responsive to application of fluid pressure to the power means.

Abstract: A workpiece holding vise (10) uses a pair of jaw assemblies (12, 14) simultaneously driven in opposed reciprocation by a single shaft (26) having oppositely threaded sections to automatically center a workpiece (60) beneath a tool. Both jaw assemblies (12, 14) are suspended above the vise bed (20) by a pair of parallel guide shafts (56, 58) attached to the vise bed. Linear rolling bearings (54) fitted around the guide shafts and firmly held by opposite ends of the jaw assemblies (12, 14) provide rolling friction between the guide shafts (56, 58) and the jaw assemblies (12, 14). A bellville washer (46) at one end of the drive shaft (26) and thrust bearings at both drive shaft ends hold the shaft in compression between the vise bed (20), thereby preventing wobble of the jaw assemblies due to wear between the shaft and vise bed.

Abstract: Air bearing pads for supporting a one-axis table in a granite bridge positioning apparatus on a thin film of air include machine-thinned sections for providing resilience to the pads in order to permit flexing sufficient to accommodate surface irregularities on the supporting surface. A single air pressure regulator provides a source of pressurized air to flow-control devices of a plurality of air bearing pads supporting a one-axis table. The individual flow-control devices adjust the flow of air to their respective air bearing pads to individually adjust the lift of the pads.

Abstract: This clamping device comprises a fixed jaw and a movable jaw sliding on the body of the fixed jaw; it comprises furthermore a structure for receiving the reactions of the stresses exerted on the fixed and movable jaws, this structure having for this purpose a front part against which the fixed jaw bears and a rear part having therethrough a tapped orifice in which the threaded portion of the clamping screw of the movable jaw is meshingly engaged; the front part and the rear part of this structure are each formed by a flange, and these two flanges are connected to one another, in the central part thereof, by means of at least one stay-rod, parallel to the clamping screw, and in the lower part thereof opposite that where the clamping screw is located by at least one compression bar.

Abstract: The present mechanical chucking device especially for a testing apparatus, has a friction reducing layer interposed between the clamping members and a base plate and another friction reducing layer interposed between the base plate and securing elements for the clamping members, whereby said clamping members may slide within a given range along the base plate without having to release the securing elements holding said clamping members to the base plate. The clamping members are driven by a spindle movably held in a guide block on the base plate which allows an exact concentric clamping of the sample.

Abstract: A chela-form clamp in which clamping action is effected by the thrust of an elongate member on a thrust block journaled in one leg of the clamp characterized by conical surfaces between the thrust block and the thrust end of the elongate member and a steel ball between them having circle contact with the conical surfaces.

Abstract: A repair fixture for the lower unit of an outboard motor or outdrive which has a U-form body with a bight portion and side arms. One of the arms carries a tubular supporting projection which is telescopically mounted in a fixed sleeve on a work surface. The bight portion is notched centrally to engage the leading edge of a lower unit housing, and the side arms have clamps to releasably engage one of the horizontal cavitation fins of said unit.

Abstract: A longitudinally extending support is secured to the table of a table saw to which a guide rail is secured. A saw fence, having a shoe secured thereto, includes a clamping arm extending therefrom. The shoe slidably engages the guide rail and may be clamped together with the fence to the guide rail. A scale is formed on the guide rail and an index is attached to the shoe and positioned to register with the scale.

Abstract: An improved kerf clamp for maintaining two sheet members in pre-disposed relation on either side of a kerf. The clamp is fabricated from sheet metal stock in such a way as to maximize strength and minimize material and production costs. The clamp includes a generally planar sheet metal base which is ribbed for added rigidity and includes an integral kerf blade which extends perpendicularly therefrom and has a stud screw extending axially from the distal end thereof. In use, the base is positioned underneath the sheet material to be clamped with the blade extending upwardly through a kerf cut therein. The clamp also includes a pressure part formed from sheet metal which is bent and shaped into a hollow tubular structure having a narrow upper gripping portion. A pair of sheet metal bulkhead-like inserts are mounted within the pressure part to impart rigidity and strength in compression.

Abstract: A portable ski holding jig including a vise unit and a pair of movable supporting units which are disposed on opposite sides of the vise unit to support the ends of a ski on either its edge or on either side.

Abstract: A spring box assembly for use in clamping mechanisms of the over-center type comprises two nested metal housings, at least one spring located between such housings, and means for resiliently holding said housings together with a predetermined initial tension applied to the spring. In a preferred embodiment, at least one metal pin is secured at one end to the bottom of the inside housing and slip fitted in holes in the outside housing at its other end, a helical spring is located around such pin and means are mounted on the other end of such pin for holding the two nested housings together with a predetermined initial tension applied to such spring.

Abstract: A jaw adapter for use with exceptionally thick stock is provided for a clamp in which two jaws are moved along rails relative to each other to clamp boards between them. Such jaw adapter includes a pair of parallel plates with face plate supporting arms to abut and extend above a jaw of the clamp, and includes rollers rotatably mounted in the plates to extend transversely of the rails and support the jaw adapter thereon.

Abstract: A soldering jig made of plastic.

Abstract: Method for constructing a bore lining comprising pre-assembling in the factory voussoirs into a panel in a jig having the required outside dimensions for the panel by means of a connecting material which fills the gaps between the voussoirs. Each panel has at least two voussoirs which are juxtaposed in at least one of circumferential and axial directions of the panel. The pre-assembled panels are then transferred to the construction site and laid directly in the bore so as to form the lining.A voussoir for the panel and a jig for assembling the voussoirs into a panel are described.

Abstract: A clamping assembly is disclosed to hold walls and the like in position during construction of housing. The assembly is located and supported by a base which is held in place by nails driven into the floor. An upright beam held by the base is keyed at a location above the walls being held together to a rod connected to a vise unit. The vise is manually closed around one of the walls being joined. Movable jaws spaced along the upright beam are manually moved into contact with the other wall. The assembly is economic, effecient, and adapted for reuse.