Abstract: An adjustable roll and support mechanism for elongate objects having a round cross-sectional configuration has a support base having a pair of parallel upright tubular members having rigid or collapsible support legs. Elevation posts are positioned in movable telescoping relation within respective tubular members and support a roll positioning head having an internal roll positioning mechanism. A pair of roll assemblies are movably supported on the roll positioning head and have driven relation by the roll positioning mechanism and are moved toward one another or away from one another for selective positioning of the roll assemblies for rotatable support of round objects of differing dimension. The roll assemblies are connected to the roll positioning mechanism by quick disconnect mechanisms to permit the roll assemblies to be changed out to accommodate rotatable support of different types of objects.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of thin-walled workpieces is held for machining in a machine in a respective rigid holder. Ends of unmachined workpieces are each first imbedded in a molten body of a metal alloy having a melting point between 45.degree. C. and 140.degree. C. contained in a respective one of the rigid holders in a cooling station and having a negative expansion coefficient. The holder and the alloy body are cooled in the cooling station to solidify the body around the imbedded end of the unmachined workpiece and the cooled holder is displaced with the unmachined workpiece from the cooling station into the machine. After machining of the workpiece in the holder, the holder is displaced from the machine into a heating station where it is heated to melt the alloy body. Then the machined workpiece is lifted out of the molten body in the heating station and the holder with the molten alloy body is recirculated from the heating station to the cooling station.

Abstract: A semiconductor processing system, such as a system for scrubbing both sides of a wafer at the same time, that includes a brush box containment apparatus for use with highly-acidic or other volatile chemical solutions, a roller positioning apparatus and a (brush) placement device.

Abstract: A table for forming trusses comprises a support frame and first and second substantially horizontally-disposed elongate panels wherein each of the panels has an upper surface, a lower surface, and opposing lateral edge portions with a gap being formed between the panels. A first channel is also included and has a generally horizontal floor and opposed side walls extending upwardly therefrom. One of the side walls supports the lower surface of the first panel, and the other of the side walls supports the second panel. The floor is supported by the frame and is positioned beneath the gap. The table also includes magnetic positioning indicia mechanism located within the channel and magnetically attached to the first channel floor.

Abstract: A workpiece support apparatus, which may be adjustable, for mounting on a base to facilitate the handling of long or unwiedly stock or other workpieces advancing from a processing station. The support apparatus includes a workpiece engaging member having an upper planar surface which extends generally laterally with respect to a travel path of a free end of a workpiece advancing from a processing station. The engaging member is pivotally supported in the travel path with the planar surface inclined toward the processing station. The planar surface is yieldingly biased into the inclined position, whereby the free end of a workpiece engages the inclined surface to overcome the bias and pivot the engaging member to a substantially horizontal position. When the workpiece is removed, the engaging member is biased back into the inclined position.

Abstract: A transportable welding station has a first tower supporting at least one pair of power-driven rollers and a second tower supporting a pair of rollers aligned with those of the first tower. A piece of pipe may be cut or welded as it is supported and rotated by the two sets of rollers, thereby permitting a smooth continuous cut or weld around the entire circumference of pipe. To accommodate different lengths of pipe, a welder can change the distance between the two towers. A version with two pairs of power-driven rollers supported by the first tower allows short lengths of pipe to be welded. Even shorter or irregularly shaped pieces may be welded as they are held by a chuck that is turned by the rollers supported by the first tower. A work table is also provided to allow those whose job is to tack, or tentatively join, pipe sections so that those people may work with a small ancillary welding machine. A fold-up jib crane allows heavy pipe workpieces to be loaded onto the welding station.

Abstract: According to this invention, there is provided a notch position aligning mechanism and a process for using the mechanism including a base which can be vertically movably inserted into a cassette through a lower opening of the cassette for storing a plurality of targets to be aligned having notches formed in edge portions of the targets wherein can be fitted, a rotating/supporting mechanism, including a first rotary member which is arranged on the base, and has a plurality of fitting grooves in which the notches of the targets can be fitted, a second rotary member which can be rotated and is arranged on the base, and a drive unit for rotating at least one of the first and second rotary members, the rotating/supporting mechanism supporting and rotating the targets using the first and second rotary members while the targets are spaced apart from the cassette, and a support member, arranged on the base, for supporting the targets having the notches fitted in the fitting grooves of the first rotary member to stop

Abstract: A ball transfer assembly includes a steel ball that rotates within a housing having a collar for centering the ball within the housing and a removable plug that forms a seat for the ball and retains the ball and collar within the housing. The plug has a snap lock arrangement with the housing that permits it to be removable allowing the assembly to be taken apart and cleaned. A gasket also aids in preventing the accumulation of dust and wood fibers within the housing. A series of ball transfer assemblies may be aligned in an extruded metal rail to form a long beam with equally spaced in-line ball supports each capable of 360.degree. movement. This ball rail can be set adjacent a table saw, moulder, shaper, or band saw to provide control over the movement of sheet material being cut or moved.

Abstract: A multiple purpose lathe which can include a special valve polishing device, a camshaft lap device and other mechanisms. The valve polishing device includes a pair of generally axially parallel, rotatable rollers positioned to bear against and support a valve stem held therein while being polished by a movable belt. The camshaft lap device includes, optionally, a movable wheel bearing against the polishing belt which, in turn, bears against the camshaft being polished.

Abstract: An adjustable rolling saw stand comprising of a stand having a planar upper surface constituting a base for the removable receipt of a saw to be used for cutting material, the upper surface being formed in a rectangular configuration, a plurality of legs secured at their upper ends to the base, and lower ends positionable on the ground. A support assembly located on opposite sides of the base, each support assembly having a pair of pivot arms pivotally secured at their inboard ends to an adjacent pair of legs at an intermediate extent thereof for movement between an elevated operative position and a lower depending position.

Abstract: A roller support attachment is mounted on the cross piece of a conventional sawhorse through the use of a pair of bolts. Each of the bolts extends through slots in the side plates of the attachment and through holes in the cross piece of the sawhorse. In an alternate embodiment one bolt extends through an elongated slot in the side plates of the attachment and through a hole in the cross piece of the sawhorse while the second bolt extends through the side plates and rests on top of the cross piece of the sawhorse. The elongated slots may be straight or arcuate. An inverted channel shaped member may be positioned on a plurality of spaced apart rollers and move with the work piece as it moves through the saw.

Abstract: A dual purpose roll work stand, adapted to support elongated material and permit the user to easily move the material across the stand surface, includes a base member mounted to a vertical support which can be adjusted to raise or lower the height thereof, a row of discrete ball bearing units mounted to the upper surface of the base member to permit the material rested thereon to be move in any direction and a roller disposed between two brackets that are rotatably secured to the ends of the base by two knurled knobs. The roller may be positioned directly above the upper surface of the base to support the material thereon and moved unidirectionally perpendicular to the axis of the roller. The brackets may be rotated from the upright position along side the base to allow the material to be supported on the ball bearing units and moved omnidirectionally.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for stabilizing a work piece of ring configuration on a base. The apparatus has a first ring fixed to the base and frictionally positioned within the work piece. A second ring has a portion within the other end of the work piece and a portion covering the other end of the work piece. A plurality of hold downs are connected to a base via hydraulic cylinders and are positioned about the work piece and have arms with rollers attached thereto. In response to actuation of the cylinders, the rollers are automatically swung into position over the second ring and the rollers forcibly urge the second ring and work piece in a direction toward the base.

Abstract: A roller type material rack comprises a base frame, two receiving mounts, and two rollers. The rollers are pivoted respectively to the receiving mounts for holding the material. The receiving mounts are pivoted symmetrically to the base frame such that the receiving mounts can be located at a predetermined position. The receiving mounts can be therefore adjusted to hold the materials having various shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A jaw horse apparatus and method for using the same to support materials. The apparatus includes an adjustable bi-leg assembly which has a set of jaws which engage with a main elongated portion of a uni-leg assembly to form a three leg support. The main portion has an aperture which receives a rod holding an elongated head piece that has an adjustable hinge. An extension arm attaches to the leg of either the uni-leg or bi-leg assembly. The head piece and extension arm may be combined with head pieces on other jaw horse apparatuses or may be used separately to support various materials. The head piece may be a roller type, ball head type or a flat drilled head type, depending on the use of the apparatus. The apparatus when not in use may be folded up into a flat package.

Abstract: A plurality of telescoping tube members, each arranged for inter-locking relative to one another, are provided to include a threaded support rod threadedly directed within an uppermost of the tubes to position a pipe during a welding procedure. A modification of the invention includes support head structure arranged for mounting to the tube to accommodate various configurations of pipes.

Abstract: An adjustable workpiece support attachment is disclosed for mounting to a base to facilitate the handling of long or unwieldy stock in stationary power tools and the like, the workpiece support attachment including a generally laterally extending workpiece engaging member having two adjacent sides in the form of a wing movable between a platform-like position and a ramp-like position to compensate for the natural downturn of material coming off of the work surface. The workpiece support attachment further includes generally vertically disposed extension members pivotably mounted to the workpiece engaging member for attachment to the base, and a means for releasably securing the extension member to facilitate height adjustment of the workpiece support attachment on the base.

Abstract: Structure for and method of die transfer. The structure comprises low friction bearing structures set into elongated T-slot bars secured in parallel, transverse spaced apart relation on a bolster plate and a die transfer truck table top actuable in response to the table top being raised to the level of the top of the T-slot bars with the table adjacent the bolster plate to raise a die positional on either the truck or bolster plate and facilitate universal movement of the die in a plane parallel to the top of the bolster plate. V-block and pin structure for centering the die on the bolster plate and die clamping structure including a washer having one straight edge and which moves axially of a bolt with a nut are also part of the die transfer structure.

Abstract: The wafer alignment fixture is provided with a cassette support which can be slid between two positions on a base plate. In one position, the cassette support is aligned with a roller in order to align notched wafers with each other. In the second position, the cassette support is aligned with a second roller so as to effect alignment of wafers having flats.

Abstract: A roll-over device includes a roll-over frame which pivots about a horizontal axis and includes a counterweight mounted at the end of a counterweight beam, a support plate and a plurality of roller sections, each with a plurality of standard conveyer rollers. Each roller sections is spring-mounted on the support plate. A pair of part clamping mechanisms are mounted on the support plate. Each part clamping mechanism includes a pair of pneumatic cylinders which are bolted to the support plate. The cylinder rods are attached to opposite ends of a clamp bar. Upon actuation of the clamping mechanism the part to be clamped moves the roller sections towards the support plate until the part engages an abutment member which projects from the support plate so that most of the clamping force is absorbed by the abutment member.

Abstract: A universal transmission work station (10) designed for use by a single person to mount and service any model or type of automatic transmission (50). Thus, the invention solves the problem of needing more than one work station to service the various models/types of transmissions used today. The work station (10) requires a minimum work space, is easily stowed when not in use and is easily dismantled for storage or shipment. The work station consists of eight common assemblies and a ninth assembly especially designed to service frontwheel drive transmissions. The design basically consists of a base assembly (12) to which is attached a lower and upper pivoting assembly (14) (16). After the transmission (50) is mounted to the work station, by means of a tail housing support assembly (18) and a bell-housing mounting plate assembly (20), the pivoting assemblies (14) (16) can be tilted to allow the transmission (50) to be serviced in a horizontal position.

Abstract: An extension table is for use with a table saw which includes a table with discharge end and power saw. The extension table includes a base, a cylinder and a support assembly which supports the base. The base is a rectangular member which has a bottom surface with a rectangular slot on the bottom surface thereof and two arms. The cylinder is rotatingly coupled to the two arms by two screws. The support assembly has a support beam, a slidable support and an adjustable coupler. The support beam has a first elongated slot. The slidable support is an inverted Y-shaped member having a leg which is insertedly coupled into the rectangular slot of the base and two arms which are slidably coupled to the support beam. The adjustable coupler includes a coupling beam which has a second elongated slot, two chains and a board. The coupling beam is mechanically coupled to the table at its discharge end adjacent to the bottom thereof.

Abstract: A positioning table includes a pair of parallel rails defining an axis of motion. A movable assembly including a first linear motor assembly disposed for motion along one of the rails. An outboard linear motor assembly on the other rail is rigidly bridged to the first linear motor assembly for concerted motion therewith. The first linear motor assembly includes a plurality of permanent magnets defining a plane at a predetermined angle to the horizontal and an armature defining a plane at the same angle closely spaced from the permanent magnets. The permanent magnets may be disposed on the movable element of the linear motor assembly or on the first rail. The armature is disposed on the other of the movable element and the first rail. First and second bearings on the movable element of the linear motor assembly, which may be air bearings support loads in the vertical and horizontal directions.

Abstract: A tilt-top table is described having features that facilitate tilting a top frame between an upright storage and transport condition and a horizontal operative condition. The top frame is connected to a primary support platform and a secondary support brace by a linkage arrangement that facilitates independent pivotal motion of the secondary support brace and the tilt-top frame between upright storage and transport conditions and substantially horizontal, operative conditions. The secondary support brace will pivot from a location above and within the width dimension of the primary support platform to an outboard position, upright to receive and partially support the tilt-top frame when pivoted to the horizontal orientation.

Abstract: The sawhorse roller attachment of the present invention includes an elongated roller and a pair of brackets adapted for securement to the top cross bar of a sawhorse for supporting the roller at a position wherein the top of the roller is disposed adjacent the plane of the top edge of the top cross bar. Each bracket has alternate first and second roller supports to accommodate attachment of the bracket to either an upright face of the top cross bar or to the underside of a generally horizontal top cross bar.

Abstract: A ceramic substrate is held in position, while being processed, by vacuum. The substrate is positioned on an intermediate plate and held down by a vacuum. The intermediate plate is supported on an air bearing while being moved into correct location on a support member, after which the intermediate plate is held in position by a vacuum. The locating of the intermediate plate can be caused to move into position during movement of the support member to a processing position. Typical processing is the screen printing of circuits and other features.

Abstract: A repair terminal is disclosed for reworking defective components on printed circuit boards. The terminal has a heater arm which lowers itself over the component, and directs hot gas thereon. A vacuum shroud surrounds the heat zone around the component and removes excess heat so as to minimize damage to surrounding components. The heater arm has inner and outer tubes, the inner tube delivering hot gas the outer tube removing it. Thus the outer tube prevents an operator from being burned by the dangerously hot temperature of the inner tube. A workholder is also disclosed for holding and aligning the circuit board with the heater arm. The workholder is capable of adjustment along the X- and Y-axes as well as in the theta orientation.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for automatically clamping a die tool to a press bed or press ram. The automatic die clamp is self-locking and self-compensating to provide a failsafe operation in the clamped position and thus the mechanism retains the clamp in the clamped position. A ramp is provided to guide the movement of a wedge which wedge movement controls the movement of a clamping member. A spring bias may be provided as an optional feature to assist in the self-locking. Release of the clamp requires the application of an external force to overcome the locking of the teeth.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved roller table arrangement for the transportation, in a horizontal plane, of typically plate-shaped workpieces. The present invention provides a roller table of the form of rollers located on carrier rails, in which rolling transport may be accomplished either parallel to, or transversely to, the carrier rails, the aforesaid transportation being achieved through the use of interchangeable roller receiving means. The invention further provides a means by which uniform elevation of the rollers with respect to the carrier rails is accomplished in spite of the presence of swarf or other material debris upon the carrier rails. The present invention further provides for the selective conversion from roller table to workpiece support table through the use of support strips which may be placed upon the carrier rails in lieu of the roller receiving means.

Abstract: A support structure for a signature loader or other such loading machine used in conveying of signatures for book binding comprises a fixed base having a rectangular plan form and carrying a movable support frame which is slidable along guides extending transversely of the length of the fixed base and the support frame whereby the support frame may be displaced transversely of its length so as to laterally adjust the delivery position of signatures loaded thereby. Clamping means carried by the movable support frame allow this latter to be fixed in any laterally adjusted position with respect to the fixed base once appropriate adjustments have been made to adapt the signature loader to the dimensions of signatures to be loaded at any one time.

Abstract: A method for coining a precision corner break on an oil metering flat for a rotor of a power steering rotary valve is provided. The method comprises the first step of placing a workpiece to be coined in a first floating position set by a clamping and orientating device where the workpiece is generally aligned but adjustable for further coining orientation if necessary. The next step comprises engaging the workpiece with a plurality of circumferentially spaced coining dies. The workpiece floats from the first floating position to a second coining position upon engagement by the dies. The last step comprises coining the workpiece to a precision depth selectively adjustable by adjustment of a motion conversion means. The press assembly includes fixed and movable platens, the movable platen being powered by a power cylinder assembly to direct the movable platen in a longitudinal direction in the press.

Abstract: A feed lever and a lateral stop with individual guide members spaced apart and arranged in slot-shaped grooves of the metal feed table supported so that they can be raised and lowered on a support. The guide members are each equipped with a guide body possessing a lateral stop in the form of a roller. These rollers come up against the edge to be guided of the sheet metal plate. A guide and clamping device is located alongside of each roller. The apparatus allows sheet metal plates to be accommodated, spaced apart from one another in several stacks, these sheet metal plates being cut at different locations on the cutting knife.

Abstract: Precise and fastenerless connection of a fixture to rotatable headstock and tailstock positioners is provided by a slidably engageable ball and socket arrangement located on the headstock positioner and on one end of the fixture, and by a tapered roller located at the opposite end of the fixture which is cradled between two grooved rollers located on the tailstock positioner. The ball and socket centers the headstock end of the fixture on the rotational axis of the headstock positioner while the tapered roller and grooved rollers locate the fixture linearly as well as centrally. The overall fixture support arrangement permits misalignment of the headstock and tailstock positioners without binding of the fixture. A second slidably engageable connecting device at the headstock end assures precise rotaton of the fixture in unison with the headstock positioner.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved stand for a table saw which has an upper work supporting surface. The stand comprises a generally rectangular frame having a top, bottom, two spaced sides and two spaced ends. The table saw is secured to the top of the frame while a pair of elongated supports are secured to one end of the frame so that the supports are spaced apart and parallel to each other. A platform containing a plurality of rollers is pivotally mounted to the supports and is pivotal between an upper and a lower position. In its upper position, an upper surface of each roller on the platform is coplanar with the table saw work supporting surface so that work can be slid from the platform and to the table saw or vice versa. Conversely, in its lower position, the platform is flush against the end of the frame for compact storage. A locking lever retains a platform in its upper position when desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a structure of rolling stock or other vehicles. The method includes: supporting the structure with a long box through fastening devices to a framework on the side of the structure, rotating the structure around an axis passing closely through the center of gravity of the structure and the long box, and bringing the structure to a halt in an arbitrary position to perform various assembly operations. The apparatus includes: a structure retaining system having a long box which supports the structure lengthwise; cylindrical shafts attached at both ends of the long box and passing through the center of gravity of the structure and the long box; rotational drive devices each having a drive mechanism for driving cylindrical rollers which support the cylindrical shafts on the retaining system; and a pedestal supporting the entire system.

Abstract: The plasma cutting system of the invention includes a constant height plasma arc cutter, a rolling table and a plasma cutter carrying gantry driven from opposite sides. The rolling table is rolled from a loading position where metal sheets are positioned thereon to a cutting position beneath the plasma arc cutter. The plasma arc cutter is held at a constant height above the rolling table. Each metal sheet loaded onto the rolling table is supported on adjustable pins. The entire cutting area is enclosed and vented. The plasma cutter and the rolling table are supported by the cutting system support. A cutter housing supports a transparent curtain, and the transparent curtain encloses the plasma arc cutter. A gantry is supported by the cutter housing, and the gantry supports the plasma cutter. The rolling table includes a table frame, adjustable pins and table wheels. The adjustable pins and the table wheels are connected to the table frame.

Abstract: A fixture apparatus for forming a board on board fence or similar article comprises two angle frame sections which are pivotally secured to a base section. Each frame section can accommodate boards which are arranged in the vertical plane and also include means for accommodating stringers which are arranged horizontally and overlie the vertical boards. The frames can be moved in a first closed position where the stringers are emplaced between the boards and, in this position, are nailed to the boards. In a second open position the frames are moved in a V-shaped configuration. The nailed board and stringer assembly is held in the vertical position by means of a holding bar attached to a vertical beam emanating from the base. The fixture also includes an exit bar associated with a series of rollers to allow the completed assembly to be rolled from the fixture.

Abstract: A support device for checking and repairing a heavy rotatable object such as a large turbine rotor comprises a pair of self-aligning support structures for rotatably supporting both ends of the shaft of the heavy rotatable object. In each self-aligning support structure, a roller support base rotatably supporting the corresponding end of the shaft of the object with a pair of support rollers is mounted on a base frame by means of a hemispherical support mechanism, and moreover a jig for adjusting the horizontal rotating position of the roller support base around the vertical axis of the hemispherical support mechanism is disposed in the periphery of the base frame, so that the occurrence of the thrust force on the heavy rotatable object as well as the support rollers is completely eliminated.

Abstract: An apparatus for temporarily supporting a gutter during the installation thereof is described comprising a vertically disposed inner frame member adapted to be movably secured to the fascia board positioned adjacent the edge of the roof. A horizontally extending bottom frame member extends outwardly from the lower end of the inner frame member. An outer frame member extends upwardly and outwardly from the outer end of the bottom frame member. A horizontally disposed support extends between the inner and outer frame members above the bottom frame member adapted to support the bottom of the gutter. A plurality of the apparatuses are mounted on the fascia board in a spaced-apart relationship. The gutter is then positioned on the apparatuses and then nailed to the fascia board in conventional fashion. After the gutter has been nailed to the fascia board, the apparatuses are removed.

Abstract: An optical fiber chuck for use in an optical fiber splicer may be both accurate and inexpensive because the fiber moves through a stationary chuck rather than a moving chuck carrying the fiber. The fiber slides between precision V-grooves, and is advanced and retracted by frictional engagement with a drive wheel.

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 support structure utilized for checking and repairing rotatable objects of various kinds, such as a turbine for power generator or a blower fan, includes a roll support base which rotatably supports one end of the rotatable object thereon by means of a pair of rolls which are supported on an adjustable surface plate of a base frame by means of a spherical support mechanism. Due to the spherical support mechanism, the rolls on the support bases can uniformly support both ends of the rotatable object without imparting any thrust to the rolls even when horizontal levelling is not achieved.

Abstract: A high-precision positioning table employs magnetic attraction to guide a table along at least one axis. Precision roller bearings between flat guide ways provide the support. A linear DC motor provides force for positioning along an axis without backlash. The linear motor also contributes attractive force aiding in the guidance or retention of the table. A vacuum lock secures the table in a selected position.

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: A method and an apparatus for forming arcuate radially-extending locking projections on the ends of pipes is disclosed, in which the pipe end is marked about its external circumference into spaced forming zones, and the projections are then formed employing one of the zone markings as an index of the location of a second zone marking spaced therefrom, the apparatus including an elevatable pipe support and a forming head provided with a male punch assembly and a female die member, the male punch assembly being operable by a power source and being located within the bore of the pipe.

Abstract: A support structure utilized for checking and repairing rotatable objects of various kinds, such as a turbine for power generator or a blower fan, includes a roll support base which rotatably supports one end of the rotatable object thereon by means of a pair of rolls which are supported on an adjustable surface plate of a base frame by means of a spherical support mechanism. Due to the spherical support mechanism, the rolls on the support bases can uniformly support both ends of the rotatable object without imparting any thrust to the rolls even when horizontal levelling is not achieved.

Abstract: A heavy and elongate recumbent load, such as a missile, is floatingly supported by two pairs of hydraulic pistons engaging it forwardly and rearwardly of its center of gravity, the pistons of each pair being oppositely inclined at 45.degree. to the horizontal. Each piston is part of a single-acting jack whose cylinder has its bottom end connected via a pair of antiparallel check valves to a source of hydraulic fluid, such as a pump in parallel with an accumulator, whose pressure substantially balances the component of the load bearing upon the respective piston. Each check valve has a bising spring so adjusted that it allows the valve to open in response to a manual force applied to the load near the point of attack of the associated piston whereby the load can be reoriented by hand, e.g. for alignment with a launching tube into which a missile is to be inserted with the aid of a carriage equipped with the four hydraulic jacks.

Abstract: A plurality of gimbal mounted wheels are located to protrude slightly above an alignment table to support a work piece. A pair of electro-optical scanners are located above the table to locate a marked bend line on the work piece with respect to a die in an adjacent press brake. The scanner signals for wheel alignment and to drive units located in each half of the alignment table to selectively drive the wheels and move the work piece bend line into position in the press brake. An alternate drive actuates the wheels when the wheels are aligned for maximum rotation.

Abstract: A printed circuit board assembly fixture capable of securing the circuit board in a fixed relation to the inserting element of an electrical component inserting machine relies on the staking anvil of the assembly to precisely locate the circuit board and electromagnets to lock the circuit board in position for insertion of electrical components.

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.