Abstract: A rotary vise structure comprises a worktable journally mounted for rotation in a base member which includes a releasable latching rod adapted to engage selected openings in the worktable to hold the worktable in selected angular positions. The latching rod may be released to allow the worktable to be indexed to alternative angular positions, and the latching rod may also be held by a retainer in the released position to allow free rotation of the worktable. The worktable includes adjustable jaws for clamping articles thereon, the jaws being received in slideways of inverted-T profile. The worktable is made up of a plurality of plates secured face to face, the plates being appropriately slotted to define the inverted-T shaped slideways.

Abstract: A combination woodworking bench and press for gluing veneered panels or assembling and gluing case good carcasses. A bench top of torsion box construction is supported by a trestle-type stand having rods or tubes for supporting movable pressing cauls and movable battens. Lower battens are supported on such rods during positioning in the press configuration, and work pieces are pressed between the bench top and movable cauls, which are also of torsion box structure. Pressure is applied by clamping the ends of pairs of battens positioned above and below the cauls and bench top.

Abstract: A multipurpose workpiece holding apparatus comprises a pair of plates which can be connected together to form an angle block suitable for squaring workpieces. Alternative workpiece hold-down devices may be attached to the respective plates, and one of the plates may be bored to receive and hold different diameter workpieces for sharpening and like purposes. The various components of the apparatus may be combined in different ways to provide different forms of holder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for handling any desired length of flexible material such as tubing in any desired mass production operation or in any simple operation where various lengths of flexible material such as flexible tubing must be handled and/or cut to any desired length. The present invention also relates to a method and apparatus for mounting attachments onto a length of flexible material such as tubing wherein any desired number of attachments can be quickly and efficiently mounted onto the tubing at any desired location or multiplicity of locations along the length of the flexible material including but not limited to at or adjacent the material ends.

Abstract: A chuck is shown for holding a stylus during manufacturing of the stylus. The invention includes a method of aligning the chuck and apparatus therefor. The chuck comprises a body and a stylus holder both of which are held separately in mutual alignment in the alignment apparatus. Epoxy is injected into a cavity of the body and the stylus holder inserted into the cavity while maintaining this mutual alignment. The epoxy, being somewhat displaced by the stylus holder, flows about the outer surface of the stylus holder completely filling the space between the two parts. When the epoxy cures, the finished chuck is removed from the alignment apparatus.

Abstract: Device for supporting and rotating a part (1) of large dimensions about its horizontal axis, comprising a frame (5) carrying a plurality of pairs of rollers (6 and 7) including at least one pair (6) of driving rollers, a cylindrical support (4) receiving the part (1) in its interior and adapted to be positioned on the rollers (6 and 7) in such a manner as to be driven in a rotational movement about its horizontal axis when the driving rollers (6) are themselves given a rotational movement. Stop elements (13 and 13') prevent rotational movement of the driving rollers (6) in the event of incorrect positioning of the cylindrical support (4) on the frame (5). The device has particular application in the manufacture of boilermaking equipment.

Abstract: A method for mounting one or a plurality of multilead components (25-28) on a circuit board (20) is herein disclosed. The method comprises the steps of loading a releasable template (32) with the component/components to be mounted, positioning the releasable template proximate to the board, releasing the component/components from the template onto the board such that each lead of each component is proximate to a corresponding aperture in the board, and imparting a vibratory motion (via 29 and 23) to the board thereby inserting the component/components into the board. Also disclosed are various embodiments of an apparatus for achieving this mounting method using a programmable robotic arm (FIG. 2).

Abstract: Miniature electronic component parts such as capacitors or resistors are end conductively coated by use of a part handling plate having a multiplicity of passageways therethrough with walls coated by resilient material to grip the parts. A bank of pins in a press (a) are used to move the parts in the passageways, (b) are used to load the parts into the passageways through the use of a loading plate housing part receiving openings filled with parts by the use of vibration equipment, and (c) are used to discharge the parts from the passageways into the recesses of an unloading plate. The parts are moved in the passageways first to expose one end to be coated and then second to expose the other end of the parts to be coated.

Abstract: A semiconductor crystal ingot (14) is supportively engaged by an ingot handling apparatus (22) which contacts a base (38) of the ingot (14) with a base support (36) and opposite sides of a lateral surface of the ingot (14) with at least one pair of jaws (37). The jaws (37) are retained adjacent to but out of firm contact with the lateral surface of the ingot until after the support (36) firmly supports the weight of the ingot. The support and the at least one pair of jaws are retracted from a furnace (10) simultaneously in a lateral direction with no relative movement to withdraw the ingot from the furnace.

Abstract: A lightguide preform chuck (15) comprises a collet (32) having a slotted conical end (36) and collet restraining means (40/42/45) in engagement with the collet ends but spaced from a collet mid-portion. The restraining means has a coefficient of thermal expansion less than that of the collet whereby under elevated temperature conditions the collet arches into gripping engagement with a lightguide preform held therein.

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 support and lift assembly for welded tank courses is provided outboard of a three ring cage used to internally circumferentially weld adjacent tank courses. The support and lift assembly is used to move the welded tank courses into position for another course to be welded on. A tank course conveyor extends longitudinally outboard of the cage. The conveyor is discontinuous at one or more positions and a scissors support and lift assembly is located at such discontinuous positions. A piston is pivotably connected to one of the arms which extends generally horizontally into a cylinder pivotably connected to the other arm. A roller course support is rotatably mounted at the end of each arm to support welded tank courses. A second piston extends vertically between the base and one of the arms and extends into a second cylinder extending vertically and connected to the other of the base and the arm. A first vertical height limit switch is located on the upper surface of a jack in the center ring.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a workpiece is provided which will allow rotation of the workpiece within the apparatus. A generally stationary base (78) supports a rotatable assembly which includes a pair of outer rings (62,62'), at least one inner hoop (64,64') positioned within each ring, and means (42,112) for securing the workpiece substantially within the assembly are included in the apparatus. Bearing mechanisms (94,94') on the base (78) engage portions of a respective outer ring to allow rotative movement of the assembly about an axis (52). Preferably the base is provided with means (84) for adjusting the distance between the outer rings (62,62') along the axis (52). Means (101) for preventing the rotation of the assembly and workpiece may also be provided.

Abstract: A support is provided for rotatable mounting on a circular brake backing plate mounting flange of an axle end spaced inward of the terminal end thereof to be cut from the axle end and replaced by an axle stub end. The support includes structure for mounting a cutting torch tip therefrom in position to cut the terminal end of the axle end therefrom along a circumferential zone spaced slightly outward of the backing plate. A cylindrical jig is also provided including structure on one end for mounting to the backing plate in concentric relation therewith and the jig includes internal structure supporting and journaling an axle stub therefrom in axial alignment with the jig and with the axle stub being adjustably positionable along its longitudinal center axis to a position with its inner end abutted against the cut end of the axle end.

Abstract: An optical disc assembly includes a flexible disc-shaped support. An annular retaining ring engages the support around its periphery. The support carries a record layer with an information storage region of the record layer located between the retaining ring and a central hub. In use on cooperating optical disc write/read apparatus having disc assembly receiving structure, the central hub positions an annular area of the support, which area is radially inward of the storage region, against a locating surface of the receiving structure with a predetermined abutting force, whereby firm contact is assured between the support and the location surface radially inwardly of the storage region of the record layer. The disc assembly includes a flexible, transparent cover sheet which is coextensive with the support.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a heat sink used to protect integrated circuits from the heat resulting from soldering them to circuit boards. A tubular housing contains a slidable member which engages somewhat inwardly extending connecting rods, each of which is rotatably attached at one end to the bottom of the housing. The other end of each rod is fastened to an expandable coil spring loop. As the member is pushed downward in the housing, its bottom edge engages and forces outward the connecting rods, thereby expanding the spring so that it will fit over an integrated circuit. After the device is in place, the member is slid upward and the spring contracts about the leads of the integrated circuit. Soldering is now conducted and the spring absorbs excess heat therefrom to protect the integrated circuit. The placement steps are repeated in reverse order to remove the heat sink for use again.

Abstract: There is disclosed a work clamp and tool guide assembly which comprises a base plate, a crossbar secured to, and extending transversely across, the undersurface of the base plate, first and second upright posts, one each at opposite ends of the crossbar, a guide rail with distal apertures received over the first and second upright posts and locks to fixedly secure the guide rail at preselected heights. The workpiece is clamped between the guide rail and the base plate and can be oriented for right angle cuts by a fence which extends along at least one side of the base plate. A work tool such as a router, saw and the like can be guided across the surface of the workpiece with its edge against the guide rail.

Abstract: An optical disc assembly includes a flexible disc-shaped support. An annular retaining ring engages the support around its periphery. The support carries a record layer with an information storage region of the record layer located between the retaining ring and a central hub. In use on cooperating optical disc write/read apparatus having disc assembly receiving structure, the cental hub positions an annular area of the support, which area is radially inward of the storage region, against a locating surface of the receiving structure with a predetermined abutting force, whereby firm contact is assured between the support and the location surface radially inwardly of the storage region of the record layer. The disc assembly includes a flexible, transparent cover sheet which is coextensive with the support.

Abstract: A retainer for the parts of the interior assembly of sliding automotive universal joints, for example, of the tripod type constituted, of a splined hub with trunnions which support rollers with interposed bearing means, such as needle bearings. The retainer (1) is a flat slitted ring (2) made of a slightly elastically deformable material and has regularly spaced open seats (L) for receiving rollers (12), and holder (6,7) to retain the rollers (12) and needle bearings (13) in position on the trunnions (11) of the interior assembly of the universal joint.

Abstract: An extracting tool (14 ) for extracting a keying block (12) having keying pins (13) extending outwardly therefrom from the terminal pins (11) of a backplane (10) of an interconnection system. A keying pin seizing mechanism is retained on a mounting card (27) dimensioned to fit between the rails 17 and 18 of a guide frame normally holding a circuit board. The seizing mechanism comprises a pair of adjacent vise blocks (15, 16) having aligned holes (19) to correspond to the locations of the keying pins (13). When the card (27) is fully inserted in the guide frame, the keying pins (13) of the keying block (12) pass through the aligned holes (19) of both vise blocks (15, 16). The latter blocks have opposing parallel faces (20, 21) lying at an angle to the axes of the keying pins (13).

Abstract: A panel clamp for preventing warping of a panel formed from edge-glued boards during gluing of said boards, including two-ended opposing jaw members for maintaining the boards in lateral registration, adjustment means at the end of each jaw member for adjusting the separation of the jaws and release means for quickly releasing and assembling the clamp.

Abstract: An adjustable holding and alignment device is provided for a workpiece having alignment pins. The device has a plurality of bars separated by spacers which define an alignment hole and an alignment slot through which the workpiece alignment pins may be inserted. The spacers can be removed and different sized spacers can be substituted to accommodate other alignment pin sizes.

Abstract: A device for the establishment of the proper location for the footings of a structure and a device for the proper placement of mounting bolts within a footing. The device is adjustable and can be set to varying heights to insure that all footings for the structure are of equal height, thereby providing a level foundation for the structure.

Abstract: For producing the seat or valve member of a labyrinth valve a number of rings of different diameter are placed one inside the other as a workpiece with their blade-like edges turned in the same direction. The group of rings is then slipped over the middle guide or stem of a jig so that the downwardly turned blade-like edges on the rings come to rest against upwardly directed ring-like blades on the jig. These blades are designed with a form answering to the form of the other valve part with which the workpiece is to be used. The rings in the workpiece are pressed down against the blades for leveling them and are then welded together, for example by electron beam welding.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing polycrystalline diamond stud assemblies for a drill bit. The stud assembly is cylindrical in form and has a truncation at one marginal end thereof. The truncated end includes a shelf which forms a land positioned perpendicular to a back to provide a seat for the polycrystalline diamond cutter element. The land and back lie in perpendicular planes which intersect the longitudinal axial centerline of the stud. The cutter element is semicircular in form and represents a cylinder or wafer which has been bisected by cutting so that the diameter of the cylinder is received against the land while the rear face of the cutter element is received against the back. The cutter element is fabricated in a fixture having a cavity therein which receives the stud and element therewithin, and spaced abutment means so that one abutment means can be moved towards the other to place the elements of the stud assembly in compression.

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: A first set of selectively movable platens are disposed at a fixed station to receive a container therein to provide shoring of the external surfaces of the container. A second set of selectively movable platens to provide shoring of the internal surfaces of the container are attached to a movable assembly which is normally disposed on a support platform at a second station. The assembly is selectively moved off and on the support platform in and out of the container to bring the second set of platens into alignment with the interior surfaces of the container.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a housing for releasably locking to a base for enclosing a replaceable filter element. The base includes a support over which the housing is positioned. The support includes a plurality of radially extending guide pins. A plurality of radially movable jaws are mounted on the guide pins to releasably lock the housing to the base. A rotatable cam ring is coaxially mounted on the support and includes cam slots for receiving corresponding axially extending cam engaging portions of the jaws. The jaws move radially inwardly and outwardly to lock and unlock the housing from the base in response to rotation of the cam ring.

Abstract: A device for securing logs or flat work while said logs or flat work are being cut out of doors in situ. The device consists of a stand and a bow section mounted on a base which secures the log on flat work by means of judicious use of their center of gravity. The device may be adaptable to a wide variety of sizes of logs or flat work and is portable. In one embodiment, the device is constructed of metal pieces having hollow circular cross-sectional areas allowing the base and the stand sections to telescope by means of concentric sections, thus fullfilling the requirement of adaptability described herein.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of handling grown crystal ingots from a crystal-growing furnace, which apparatus and method include: lifting and moving an upper crystal chamber with the crystal supported therein to one side of the furnace; and gently lowering the crystal into a lower crystal chamber positioned beneath the upper crystal chamber and on a wheeled vehicle, which permits ease in removal and transport of hot heavy crystals with minimum damage or fracture.

Abstract: A basket apparatus for clamping a plurality of plate stacks sufficient to form one multi-celled, lead acid storage battery during the casting of the lug commoning straps in each stack is provided. As configured it comprises a frame defining a plurality of internal cavities each configured to hold one of said stacks and a set of individually biased movable clamping plates, one in each of said cavities, each adapted to hold the stack firmly in position during the casting operation. The individual biasing permits firm gripping regardless of any variability in plate or stack thickness.

Abstract: A generally rectangular frame is provided for disposition on a horizontal surface and first and second adjacent sides of the frame define convergent gripping jaws and a horizontally opening crotch at the convergent ends of the jaws for frictionally gripping adjacent peripherally spaced surfaces of a log section. An elongated third jaw is provided and pivot structure releasably pivotally attaches one end of the third jaw to selected points spaced along the first jaw for swinging of the other end of the third jaw toward and away from the end portion of the second jaw remote from the first jaw. Biasing structure is operatively connected between the third jaw and the frame and yieldably biases the third jaw to swing in a direction toward the second jaw.

Abstract: A sheet-feed tractor includes clamp means made of two members through which a passage is provided defined partly by both members. One member is pivotably mounted on the other in such a manner that the size of the passage is reduced by pivoting of the pivotable member. Reduction of the size of the passage can clamp a support shaft received in the passage, and the clamping force tends to enhance the static friction between the members so as to keep the clamping means in clamping position.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for protectively supporting semiconductor wafers individually within a support while permitting processing of both faces of the wafer, as well as facilitating rapid insertion and removal of wafers into the support, and movement of wafers between processing stations. The assembly includes a plate-like support through which is defined an aperture of diameter larger than the wafer, and a plurality of clips mounted within the periphery of the aperture and the plane thereof and resiliently gripping edgewise a wafer inserted into the aperture and supporting same within the plane of the aperture. Each clip extends centrally inwardly of the aperture and terminates in an arcuate portion within which the edge of the wafer is retained, and defines a flat portion generally parallel to the aperture plane.

Abstract: A fixture base converter adapted to convert a fixture base used for filling a multi-compartment medicinal dispensing device having a predetermined number of openings corresponding in number to the number of units in the device into a fixture base for filling a medicinal dispensing device having a greater number of units or for filling an assembled dispensing device and extender therefore. The converter includes a planar support having an array of six rows and five columns of openings, and which is adapted for disposition on the fixture base.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container, package, or case and at the same time an article of surgical equipment for the storage, transportation, asepsis and surgical preparation of a medical device. The container is especially adapted for small, delicate, otic prostheses, the type used as a middle ear implant, such as a total or partial ossicular replacement prosthesis. The container comprises a base that constitutes a work area and has a first recessed area formed therein conforming to the shape and size of the prosthesis which it will carry. The end of this first recessed area opens laterally into a contiguous, coplanar second recessed area adapted in cooperation with the said work area to use in preparation of the prosthesis. Disposed on the base opposite the second recessed area and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first recessed area are measuring apparatus having a scale set perpendicular to the said longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A hydraulic stump cutting and earth digging apparatus including a balanced main supporting frame of a vehicle member and an adjustable telescopic channel frame cutter boom, the boom comprising a forward centrally disposed rotatable cutting wheel having a plurality of radially extending cutting teeth circumferentially mounted thereon. The channel frame cutter boom further includes a hydraulic motor contiguously mounted with the cutting wheel and having a common axis for rotation. A double pump and motor for circulation of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic components of the apparatus is mounted on the main supporting frame thereby providing a telescopic cutter boom which is lighter in weight and more accessible to tighter places than conventional hydraulic stump cutters.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a workpiece to be coated in a cathode sputtering device is disclosed. Various construction details enable effective masking or shielding of a portion of the workpiece from coating deposition. In detailed form a box-like member circumscribes the platform of a blade or vane to be coated and encases the attachment section of the blade or vane.

Abstract: A high-throughput apparatus for sputter etching or reactive sputter etching of wafers comprises a large-area electrode centrally disposed within a relatively small-area cylindrical electrode. Wafers to be etched are mounted on the inside surface of the cylindrical electrode. A source of a-c power is capacitively coupled to the cylindrical electrode and the center electrode is grounded. By establishing a suitable plasma within the apparatus, simultaneous anisotropic etching of multiple wafers can be achieved.

Abstract: This is a universal, re-usable system to accurately locate and temporarily hold an element to-be-embedded in concrete in a form. The system includes at least two rails and at least one element locating plate. The plate is capable of being attached in combination with and supported by the rails at any point along their length, while the rails supporting the plate are capable of being located at any position on a concrete form, so that an element locating plate and the related work element are capable of being accurately positioned at any location within the form. In preferred embodiments the to-be-located element is an anchor bolt and the plate defines at least one opening of a size which allows the bolt to be inserted through the plate.

Abstract: A wood buck fabricated of tubular steel components which can be easily assembled and disassembled comprises a base pedestal and a log holder removably and adjustably mounted thereon whereby a log to be cut is held in cantilever relationship within an opening defined by an upper log holder member and an axially offset lower log support member, with the base pedestal serving as a counterbalance to prevent tipping.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in the vacuum-forming of sheet material in a mould comprises a clamping ring formed by a plurality of rollers mounted close to each other on an annular support which will hold the sheet material on the rim of a mould yet permit some movement of the sheet material to reduce stretching as the material is drawn down into the mould. Support members attached to the annular support are clamped to the table on which the mould is mounted.

Abstract: An offset electrode dresser includes a cylindrical collar having an aperture offset from its axis for retaining an electrode to expose only that area of an electrode tip which is to be dressed. A dressing tool is contained within a chuck which is positioned over the cylindrical collar to align the electrode tip with the dressing tool engaging the electrode in a position offset from the axis of the electrode. The chuck can be rotated by a pneumatic tool at a rate of speed for dressing the offset electrode tip.

Abstract: A work stand for rotably mounting an engine thereon during the initial construction of the engine, or for repair of the engine, includes two concentric rings which are disposed in upstanding relationship and are mounted on a base. The inner ring is rotably mounted within the outer ring and includes a plurality of axially extending arms which engage the engine. The latter is mounted in a generally horizontal disposition and is rotable with the inner ring whereby access to the engine is unobstructed from either the top or bottom of the engine, as well as along the entire length of the engine. A locking mechanism is provided between the inner and outer rings of the work stand for maintaining the engine at the desired angular attitude, and the engine is mounted such that its center of gravity is disposed adjacent the upstanding planes of the concentric rings.

Abstract: A support assembly for two rows of U-shaped tubes comprises a U-bend rack which aligns and holds the U-bend portions of the tubes in a plurality of leg racks which align and hold the straight leg portions of two rows of tubes, the support assembly is utilized in inspecting shipping and simultaneously installing two rows of tubes in a vertically oriented heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method of holding two separate metal pieces together for welding including the steps of overlapping a portion of one of the metal pieces on a portion of the other metal piece; encasing the overlapping metal piece in a compressible device; drawing the compressible device into an enclosure; and compressing a portion of the compressible device around the overlapping portions of the metal pieces for holding the metal pieces under constant and equal pressure during welding thereof. The preferred apparatus for performing the method utilizes a support mechanism to support the two separate metal pieces in an overlapping configuration; a compressible device surrounding the support mechanism and at least one of the metal pieces; and a compressing device surrounding the compressible device for compressing the compressible device around the overlapping portions of the metal pieces, thus providing constant and equal pressure at all points on the overlapping portions of the metal pieces.

Abstract: A boiler tube clamp for axially aligning adjacent tube sections during welding comprising a U-shaped bracket including spaced free end portions and a curved intermediate portion for nestingly receiving a tube end portion. An elongated pin is removably connected to the free end portions for caging the pipe end portion therebetween. An elongated element is attached to the intermediate portion and includes angularly disposed contact surfaces for engaging spaced peripheral portions of the tube end portion. A brace member is integral with the bracket and includes an elongated portion offset from and extending generally opposite and parallel in the elongated element. An adjustable, threaded positioning member is carried by the offset portion for forcibly moving the adjacent tube section into alignment with the tubesection caged in the U-shaped bracket.

Abstract: A planar retaining member supports baby bottle nipples and nipple attaching collars during washing of the nipples and collars in an automatic dishwasher. The member includes apertures for penetrable retention of the nipples and flexible arms for extending through and loosely releasably engaging the collars.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for strapping ingot moulds by forcing roughly pre-formed strap sections into pressure contact around the mark of the mould which is to be strapped, and welding the joints between the sections to form a complete strap. The apparatus includes the frame, with two generally C-shaped portions hinged together to form a bar which can be closed around a mould, the frame carrying hydraulic rams at spaced intervals for pressing the strap sections against the mould.

Abstract: An adaptor device for use with a fixture for holding a tool piece in position, the adaptor comprising first and second portions, the first portion being locked in the fixture and the second portion, which extends out from the first portion, serving to hold a tool piece upon which one or more machining operations are to be performed.