Abstract: A material resting surface for a workpiece support, for use with non-mechanical cutting tools of the type which pass a cutting jet, or the like, through the workpiece and into the support. The workpiece support is coated with a kneadable composition, i.e. a substance or mixture of substances of a highly viscous or pasty consistency, and after each cutting process, a reproducible defect-free surface is restored by kneading the composition.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming, shaping and otherwise milling workpieces, especially compound curved laminated wood workpieces for use as handrails, stringers, furniture and the like.

Abstract: A knock-down type workbench including a three piece support structure assembly which may be assembled in rigid form entirely without the use of nails, screws or other fastening means. The knock-down workbench includes a plurality of table tops which have different functions and are interchangeable. The panels of the workbench are interlockingly stressed to create a structurally tight workbench held together by forces created by the interlocking parts. Thus, the workbench may be lifted or severely jolted without fear of it collapsing.

Abstract: A household board such that the cutting surface of the board is slightly sloped starting from the edge bordering the juice channel to the juice channel disposed on the opposite edge of the board, and that the side of the board opposite the cutting surface is divided by means of projecting ribs into chambers forming working trays.

Abstract: A workplace for the treatment or finishing of, in particular, dental workpieces; for instance, impressions, dentures, plastic teeth, or respectively artificial teeth, and the like. Furthermore, the workpiece can also serve for the finishing of jewelry workpieces or the like by goldsmiths. An artificial background is used for the workplace in which there is clarified the coloration or, in essence, the color distinctions of the workpieces which are to be treated, through the avoidance of disturbing optical influences.

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: The present invention is an improvement in a machine tool having a pedestal, a vertical column fixedly mounted on the pedestal, a workhead mounted on the column, an elevating mechanism for elevating the workhead along the column, and a worktable provided the pedestal. The workhead carries a spindle, a motor for driving the spindle, a reduction gear and a longitudinal feed gear. According to the present invention, another worktable is provided at a different height from the first worktable and at a position displaced by at least 90 degrees from the first worktable with respect to the column. This considerably reduces the restrictions on the size of a workpiece which can be worked by the machine tool.

Abstract: A support member for supporting circuit boards for the insertion of pins into and through the board has a support surface of upstanding closely packed filaments. In a particular arrangement, a plurality of elongate strips of filament material are mounted in a tray shaped carrier. Locating means, such as retractable pins, can be provided for locating a board relative to the support member.

Abstract: A disposable carrier is disclosed for supporting and positioning auto light covers during spray coating and heat curing of the coating, the carrier being reusable for extended periods by having a renewable upper surface to allow ready removal of accumulations of coating material overspray. The renewable upper surface comprises a plurality of stacked layers of absorbent paper each having aligned openings together defining a light cover receiving recess, each layer of which may be stripped away periodically, to expose a fresh absorbent surface. The absorbent paper layers are mounted on a support board, which also has mounted thereto center pieces fixed in the recesses to locate each light cover laterally.

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: An apparatus is disclosed which facilitates rapid insertion, removal and exchange of a fixture in situations where it must be securely attached to a support surface before or after removal from such surface. The fixture has a plurality of studs extending outwardly therefrom which guide the fixture tool through channels in a support surface and into placement in respective slots of T-slot clamps which are moved by fluid pressure to the open position, the fixture transferred, and the fluid pressure released to effect clamping. The present invention can be used in a high production manufacturing system such as a press or molding operation and is particularly useful in thermoforming operations.

Abstract: A cutting board made of wood, plastic, or the like which can be stably suspended over a sink which comprises four substantially rigid legs attached to a planar surface. The design of the cutting board allow for simultaneous use of the cutting surface, sink basin and water faucet.

Abstract: A workholder (6) has a contoured bonding surface (7), which essentially matches a contoured surface (4) of an airfoil (1). A plurality of studs (8) are disposed within a plurality of tapped holes (9) located about the workholder bonding surface. In operation, the studs are extended outwardly from the surface, and both the studs and bonding surface are contacted with a release agent (10). A curable resinous material (11) is applied to the bonding surface and studs, and an airfoil positioned next to the bonding surface, sandwiching the resinous material therebetween. After curing, a plurality of tapped holes (13) are formed in resin layer (11), with the extended studs fixably positioning the airfoil relative to the workholder. Removing the studs provides heatless release of the airfoil from the workholder.

Abstract: Across the surface and around two opposite sides of a table top are looped two elastic hold down straps. A third elastic hold down strap is looped around these two straps and the other two sides of the table top. Lips grip an edge of the table top. The table top is slidably mounted on rails held parallel by two parallel supports each pivotally connected to ends of arms. The arms are pivotally connected at their other ends to a shaft. Upper ends of table legs are pivotally connected to the shaft. Interspaced between arms and legs on the shaft are spacers and a tube through which the shaft passes. When a cap nut is secured on one end of the shaft and a knob is screwed onto threads at the other end of the shaft, arms and legs are pressed together preventing them from pivoting around the shaft and locking the table top in a chosen position of height and inclination. Springs connecting arms and legs bias arms to rise to a vertical position when the knob is loosened.

Abstract: A bed for supporting sheet material to be cut or otherwise worked on is made of a densely packed array of relatively short, stiff bristles with pointed upper ends which penetrate the sheet material to inhibit it from moving laterally relative to the bed. Vacuum may be used in the space containing the bristles to aid in holding the sheet material to the bed and to normalize the holding effect of the bristles with respect to different sheet materials. Pressurized air may also be used in the bristle space to aid in removing cut sheet material from the bed and the bristles are shaped to facilitate such removal. Various different cutters are useable with the bed to provide a complete sheet material cutting machine.

Abstract: A workholder (6) has a contoured bonding surface (7), which essentially matches a contoured surface (4) of an airfoil (1). A plurality of studs (8) are disposed within a plurality of tapped holes (9) located about the workholder bonding surface. In operation, the studs are extended outwardly from the surface, and both the studs and bonding surface are contacted with a release agent (10). A curable resinous material (11) is applied to the bonding surface and studs, and an airfoil positioned next to the bonding surface, sandwiching the resinous material therebetween. After curing, a plurality of tapped holes (13) are formed in resin layer (11), with the extended studs fixedly positioning the airfoil relative to the workholder. Removing the studs provides heatless release of the airfoil from the workholder.

Abstract: A device for the trimming, cutting and cleanup of foodstuffs uses a flat surfaced cutting board with at least one aperture therethrough for removing food scraps to a first storage area beneath the cutting board and for removing useable food portions separately to a second storage area beneath the cutting board. One of the storage areas is a catch basin while the other storage area is alternately a partitioned area of the same catch basin, a second catch basin or a receptacle bag or dish.

Abstract: A mounting frame assembly (10) supports a semiconductor wafer (22) on an adhesively coated surface (18) of a polymer film (12). An inner mounting ring (16) and an outer mounting ring (17) feature complementary steps (47) and (52), respectively, which positively lock the outer ring (17) from moving with respect to the inner ring (16) during a wafer sawing operation in a direction of the plane wherein the wafer (22) is supported by the film (12).

Abstract: A work set up method and apparatus is disclosed for use with tape controlled machine tools including quick connect ball locks which accurately lock one or more fixtures and workpieces to a work table. The tape is indexed with one ball lock and controls the machining of the workpiece. The fixture and workpiece may be locked to the table of other tape controlled machines for performing other machining functions on the workpiece. A second embodiment includes a work set up apparatus in combination with a drill holding mechanism and at least one multiple spindle drilling head secured to the vertically movable head of a multiple drilling head machine. Depending upon the complexity and size of the workpiece and the number of drills in the second embodiments, set up time is reduced from a prior art time of between about 4-16 hours to between about 5-20 minutes in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A jig for automatically welding pipe frames used to form vehicle seats is disclosed. In this jig, there is provided on a frame carrying plate a guide element having the reference plane of one of two side portions of a frame, so that the one side portion of the frame can be welded while it is in abutment with the guide element. To weld the other side portion of the frame, the frame carrying plate is moved and two adjusters provided in a bed plate are used for the reference. With such structure, while a welding machine remains fixed, by changing the references according to the portions to be welded in the width direction of the pipe frame, it is possible to weld the two side portions of the frame accurately.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for closing up the grooves in the tops of the front and rear tables of a machine for sawing materials in sheets, these grooves being perpendicular to the sawing-line. This closing device is characterized by the fact that it comprises, for each groove (9), an obturator (13) activated by means of propulsion (20, 21, 34) and subjected to a vertical course to fit into the groove (9) of the table (5, 6).

Abstract: A plurality of annular plates are machined to have substantially identical outer diameters equal to the inner diameter of the head to be made. A first annular plate is arranged as an annular base plate. The other annular plates are cut into four congruent arc portions of less than 90.degree. and braces are attached to each congruent arc portion. A plurality of the arc portions are mounted by a first end to the upper surface of the annular base plate in a substantially equally, circumferentially spaced arrangement. The second end of each arc portion is fastened to the outer surface of a central collar to form the hemispherical frame.

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: A fixture (60) for holding a pin-supporting shuttle (54) during assembly therein of terminal pins (20) for later insertion into a rigid board is formed with a sloping work surface (66) including a plurality of locating pins (68 and 70) for holding the shuttle (54) in two dimensions and a plurality of hold-down clips (74) for engagement with a groove (76) in the shuttle. A locking bar (72) positioned above the shuttle (54) is movable toward and away from the shuttle and carries a guide (136) for the location of assemblies (44 or 52) of terminal pins (20) in the shuttle. When the shuttle (54) has been fully loaded, the locking bar (72) is moved toward the shuttle to operate a securing mechanism (116) of the shuttle to secure the terminal pins (20) into the shuttle. A break-off groove (84) is located above a scrap chute (86) and is used for breaking pin-carrier strips (40 and 42) from the shuttle-mounted pin (20) after assembly.

Abstract: A device for the manufacture of natural looking model railway tracks consisting of a number of retainer members (13) with means (15) for retaining two track rails in mutually spaced apart positions, and at least one flexible, elongated interconnecting member (12) adapted to interconnect said retainer members, said interconnecting member/s (12) thereby being designed with mainly the same flexural resistance in all directions, and adapted to be bendable to optional angular positions relative to the retainer members in order to allow bending of the interconnecting member, and thereby also the rails in more than one plane, and said interconnecting member/s furthermore being adapted to maintain or being able to be brought to maintain its curvature after the flexing force being relieved.

Abstract: What are disclosed are method and apparatus improvements in a heliostat for reflecting solar energy onto a collector, the heliostat having a main support structure with pivoting and tilting motors and controls and mirror modules for reflecting the solar energy. The improvement is characterized by one of a combination, or curved, or lightweight mirror module in which the curved mirror focuses the energy more precisely, attenuates differential expansion due to temperature change, yet is simple and economical to build and is light enough in weight to enable building larger modules for the heliostats, as well as building larger heliostats. The specific improvement is characterized by a curved mirror formed over a plurality of templates with longitudinal support beams holding it into the predetermined curvature with transversely extending structural beams and attachment bolt for attaching it to the heliostat. Also disclosed are specific preferred methods steps and structural components.

Abstract: What are disclosed are method and apparatus improvements in a heliostat for reflecting solar energy onto a collector, the heliostat having a main support structure with pivoting and tilting motors and controls and mirror modules for reflecting the solar energy. The improvement is characterized by one of a combination, or curved, or lightweight mirror module in which the curved mirror focuses the energy more precisely, attenuates differential expansion due to temperature change, yet is simple and economical to build and is light enough in weight to enable building larger modules for the heliostats, as well as building larger heliostats. The specific improvement is characterized by a curved mirror formed over a plurality of templates with longitudinal support beams holding it into the predetermined curvature with transversely extending structural beams and attachment bolt for attaching it to the heliostat. Also disclosed are specific preferred methods steps and structural components.

Abstract: A chopping-cutting board wherein an improvement in configuration allows chopped foods to be contained during and after processing by means of two lateral side barriers, one of which incorporates a cutaway opening on the rear, to provide a passage for long food objects to be delivered for cutting while providing a full length opposite vertical side barrier, for more fully containing foods being processed on the cutting surface. These tapering side barriers also provide, on the front tips, a wedging action for opening and holding in place plastic freeze bags to facilitate dispensing board contents therein.The general triangular shape of the board relates to the arc described by a french chopping knife. As the tip of a knife is held as a pivot, the handle end of the board describes this arc as it follows the movement described by the knife creating the shape relating to the board.

Abstract: The cutting board (10) has an upper surface (16) for cutting and has an opposite lower surface (18) on which the board is adapted to be supported during cutting. A handle (40) is operative to lift the board cutting portion (12). There are one (196) or more elongated rod members (52, 54) adapted to fit within recesses (198) (32, 34), extending longitudinally in board portion (12) to pivot recess (202) (36), transverse with respect to the rods (52, 54). Recesses (32, 34) (202) have varying depths, with the greatest depth at the inner end of the board portion (12). The recesses are lessened in depth toward the pivot recess (202) (36). Extending transversely from the rods (196) (52, 54) are pivots (204) (56, 58), adapted to rotate in the recess (202) (36). The pivots are retained in the recess (36) by means of keepers (64).

Abstract: A swivelling device for supporting a large-size part in the form of a spherical dome, including a supporting structure (1) in the form of a truncated pyramid contriving at least five bearing surfaces one of which corresponds with the small base of the truncated pyramid and the others with its side faces. A crown (12) for support and attachment of the spherical dome (18) is connected to the supporting structure (1) by way of a connecting structure (10-11). The axis of the truncated pyramid coincides with the axis of the crown (12) and the spherical dome (18) is placed on the crown (12) with its axis along this common direction. Different orientations of the dome (18) may be obtained by resting the device upon the different bearing surfaces of the structure (1). The device is useful in particular for the support of domed ends of pressurized-water nuclear reactor vessels upon which work of welding or building up is being carried out.

Abstract: The invention relates to a noiseless combustion and plasma cutting arrangnt with a cutter and an associated gridiron- or honeycomb-type bench that is divided into individual cells that are higher than they are wide to reduce the noise that occurs during cutting.

Abstract: A compact base unit for use in conjunction with a microwave oven or the like includes a lower surface for resting upon a counter top, an upper surface for supporting the oven, and a storage area disposed between the upper and lower surfaces. A work surface is slidingly secured to the base unit by a roller track assembly for allowing the work surface to be either retracted within the storage area of the base unit or slidingly extended in front of the base unit. The base unit includes a camming member connected to a push rod for partially advancing the work surface from the storage area when the push rod is actuated. The work surface includes a cookware support molded of silicone rubber to form a series of concentric, stepped depressions for securely supporting various sized cookware utilized in conjunction with the oven.

Abstract: A plurality of annular plates are machined to have substantially identical outer diameters equal to the inner diameter of the head to be made. A first annular plate is arranged as an annular base plate. The other annular plates are cut into four congruent arc portions of less than 90.degree. and braces are attached to each congruent arc portion. A plurality of the arc portions are mounted by a first end to the upper surface of the annular base plate in a substantially equally, circumferentially spaced arrangement. The second end of each arc portion is fastened to the outer surface of a central collar to form the hemispherical frame.

Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for marking tags for use on jewelry to indicate the characteristics of the jewelry and prices and the like wherein the possibility of alteration is minimized by the use of tags having a coating which is penetrated by a stylus or the like, and wherein such tags are held in place within a specially designed holding templet for ease of holding. The principal characteristics of the invention involve the method of holding the tags (which themselves are known) while being marked with a stylus and the apparatus itself which holds the tags comprising an appropriate material with templates fitting the tags.

Abstract: An apparatus for working on limp sheet material has a support surface with a high coefficient of static friction relative to the limp sheet material. A sheet of low friction material is attached at one end to a carriage supported to move longitudinally of the support surface and is spread on the support surface by advancing the carriage. The limp sheet material is spread on the support material and shifted relative to the support material to align the sheet material in predetermined position relative to the apparatus. The carriage is retracted and the support material simultaneously withdrawn from between the limp sheet material and the support surface by winding the support material onto a pay-off/take-up roll. A brush and a roller carried by the carriage smooth wrinkles from the limp sheet material and press the material into engagement with the support surface as the carriage retracts.

Abstract: A frusto-conical shaped wire basket is formed of a plurality of upright wire loops welded in substantially perpendicular relationship to a plurality of wire rings. The baskets are formed by first welding wire connecting members to a plurality of arcuately shaped lengths of wire. Each of the arcuate lengths is of a different length and radius, and they are arranged concentrically in order of decreasing radius. The relative lengths of the arcuate segments are determined by the desired size of the finished basket. When the wire connecting members are welded to the arcuate segments in the first stage of basket production, there is formed a basket flat. The flat is then subjected to a conventional pinch roller mechanism which bends the flat into a conical shape. At that point the ends of each arcuate length are in face-to-face relationship and form a circle. The ends are then butt welded to close each circular ring to complete the wire basket.

Abstract: A mounting frame (10) for supporting an outboard motor (12) within a circular, open-topped receptacle (14), such as a garbage can, includes a pair of elongate, spaced-apart leg members (18) spanning across a portion of and resting upon the receptacle upper rim (16). Corner notches (22) are formed in one end portion of leg members (18) to cooperate with attached hooks (26) to thereby securely lock leg members (18) with rim (16). The opposite end of leg members (18) are transversely interconnected by a cross member (20) which is formed with spaced-apart, downwardly open notches (38) that slidably and closely engage within corresponding notches (40) formed in leg members (18). Cross member (22) serves as a mounting bar for motor (12).

Abstract: An adjustable quadrangular base, such as for a framework assembling machine, including a group of four elongated rigid elements each having a rigid boxlike member fixed to one end thereof. The boxlike members all have a substantially planar upper surface thereon, which surfaces are all coplanar. An opening extends through each boxlike member parallel to the respective upper surface and perpendicular to the respective elongated element. Each elongated element slidably extends through the opening formed in the boxlike member fixed to one of the remaining elements, whereby two of the elongated elements define a parallel pair which extends in perpendicular relationship to a parallel pair defined by the remaining two elements. The elements can be relatively slidably displaced with respect to the other elements due to the slidable engagement between each element and one of the boxlike members, whereby the size of the square defined by the upper surfaces of the four boxlike members can be enlarged or contracted.

Abstract: There has been provided a drop-in cutting board assembly for an apertured countertop, wherein a vitreous cutting surface is located over a backing or strengthening member. A T-band holds the cutting surface and backing member together by means of a pair of opposed flanges joined together by an annular band located about the periphery thereof. An outwardly facing proportion of one of the flanges engages a peripheral margin of the countertop aperture to support the assembly in place and a channel formed integrally of the annular band extends below the countertop. A latch engages the channel and has free ends for engaging both the rearward portion of the backing member and the countertop for securing the assembly firmly within the aperture countertop.

Abstract: A food preparation appliance is provided which comprises a tray attachable by, for example, a magnetic link to a chopping board. The combination thus allows food particles to be chopped, collected and dispensed.

Abstract: A cutting board for use in chopping or cutting food articles is adapted to fit over a sink and particularly fit between the bowls of a double sink with supporting means that is adjustable to fit different sizes of sinks. The board includes a grating device on one side of the board with a tray adapted to receive cuttings from the grating device. The board is adapted to be reversible and to rest on mounting supports on a flat surface.

Abstract: A sawbuck has a base in support of a log holder having transverse, horizontal receivers of different sizes which establish a size range such that the end of a log or split section thereof within a substantial range of cross sectional dimensions may be entered in and held by the appropriate one of the receivers as a cantilever and then cut into wanted lengths.

Abstract: A vacuum table has a base and a bristle bed which includes a bristle mat formed from a plurality of molded bristle blocks mounted in closely spaced relation within the table base. Each bristle block has a base portion and a multiplicity of straight or tapered bristles which project upwardly therefrom and cooperate to define a penetrable support surface. Apertures in the bases of the blocks and/or spaces between marginal edges of adjacent blocks define airflow passageways through the mat which communicate with a vacuum source for inducing airflow in downward directions generally parallel to the bristles. The bristle blocks may be supported on a grid or may be self supported.

Abstract: A cutter mat for use as a cushion or support to be laid under a sheet of paper or synthetic resin when the sheet is cut or cut off by a cutter. The mat comprises a base plate of hard synthetic resin, an intermediate layer of semihard synthetic resin and a surface layer of soft synthetic resin which are laminated to each side of the base plate. The surface layer is formed on its surface with projections or indentations to prevent slippage.

Abstract: Retractable clamping means for clamping sheet laminates and other forms of work upon the work supporting surface of a table, said clamping means being retractable to inoperative storing position below said work supporting surface, and being movable to operative clamping position above the work supporting surface. In the preferred form of the invention, the clamping means operates upon two adjacent sides of rectangular workpieces in each clamping operation, and the workpieces are rotated 180 degrees on the work supporting surface to enable the clamping means to operate upon the remaining two sides of the workpieces. To facilitate handling of the workpieces, the table used in conjunction with the clamping means embodies air or other fluid float means.

Abstract: A support for holding Syrian bread while being filled with food. The support receives the edges of the Syrian bread while allowing the mid portion thereof to bulge outwardly and be supported as being filled with food for the provision of a Syrian bread sandwich.

Abstract: A knock-down, collapsible, umbrella-type standard is used in spray painting doors, panels, boards or similar workpieces, and features a sectional post arranged for mounting between the floor and ceiling of a room to provide a prop against which the workpiece may be leaned and supported during spray painting thereof, and an outwardly radiating, skeletal frame detachably carried at the upper end of the post for clamping a relatively large area, protective sheet of paper or the like against the ceiling of the room to protect it against overspray arising during spray painting operations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing an inside diagonal corner insert to a laminated plastic countertop surface. The diagonal corner insert transects the inside corner of the countertop and permits the countertop to accommodate a rotatable shelf apparatus thereunder. Dimensionally corresponding female and male templates are provided so that a cutting tool guided by the templates will produce a corresponding male insert for the void created in the countertop with the female template. The countertop and template are advantageously secured in an easily accessible position by a jig apparatus which utilizes pneumatic pistons for securing both the workpiece and the templates.

Abstract: A guide apparatus for a portable tool, such as is used for carving or sculpturing wood. A maulstick is adapted to pivotally support the tool. It has a handle at one side, and is loosely guided by a post at its opposite side. The center portion of the maulstick includes an offset yoke that movably supports the portable tool. A support table has a turntable for holding a workpiece engaged by peripheral clamps.