Abstract: A rotary indexing table assembly includes an axis of rotation, a rotation element and a receiving assembly. The rotation element is rotatable about the axis of rotation and has a centering opening coaxial with the axis of rotation. The receiving assembly has a spring system and a pin assembly. The pin assembly has a pin body, movable along the axis of rotation by the spring system and settable in a set-up state or a blocking state. In the set-up state, the rotation element is releasably connected to the receiving assembly, and in the blocking state, the rotation element is fixedly connected to the receiving assembly.

Abstract: A build plate-clamping assembly may include a work station having a build plate-receiving surface and a lock-pin extending from the build plate-receiving surface of the work station. The lock-pin may include a hollow pin body, a piston disposed within the hollow pin body, with the piston axially movable from a retracted position to an actuated position, and a plurality of detents, with the plurality of detents radially extensible through respective ones of a plurality of detent-apertures in the hollow pin body responsive to the piston having been axially moved to the actuated position. A methods of working on workpieces may include lockingly engaging a build plate at a first work station, performing a first work-step, releasing the build plate from the first work station, lockingly engaging the build plate at a second work station, and performing a second work-step.

Abstract: A dual function tooling tray for a stencil printer includes a perimeter frame, a first frame member spaced from a first side of the perimeter frame, a second frame member spaced from a second side of the perimeter frame, and a third frame member extending between and secured to the first frame member and the second frame member. The third frame member is configured to support at least one squeegee blade assembly. The tooling tray further includes a first support secured to the first frame member and a second support secured to the second frame member. The first support and the second support are configured to support a tooling plate. The tooling tray further includes a third support secured to the first frame member and a fourth support secured to the second frame member. The third support and the fourth support are configured to support a tooling plate.

Abstract: A table saw including a table having a top surface, an opening in the table through which a saw blade extends, and a throat plate receivable within the opening. The throat plate includes a front end that sits flush with the top surface of the table, a back end that sits flush with the top surface of the table, a top surface that is co-planar with the top surface of the table, and a wear plate pocket that is recessed from the top surface of the throat plate. The wear plate pocket defines a bottom surface that is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the top surface of the throat plate and slopes downward in a direction from the back end toward the front end. The wear plate positioned within the wear plate pocket. The wear plate sitting parallel to the bottom surface of the wear plate pocket.

Abstract: The device (1) for restraining/locking mechanical parts on machines tools comprises: a hydraulic cylinder (2); a first piston (9) comprising a head (10) which projects from the hydraulic cylinder (2), the first piston (9) being slidable along a main line (B1); at least two self-centring locking elements (19) joined to the head (10) in such a way that they are movable along lines of sliding (B2) which are substantially transversal to the main line (B1); and movement means (21, 22) for moving the self-centring locking elements (19) between a retracted position and an extracted position, wherein the movement means (21, 22) comprise: a hydraulic chamber (21) made in the first piston (9); a second piston (22) which is slidable along the main line (B1) between a starting position and an arrival position and which comprises an operating portion (23) joined to the self-centring locking elements (19).

Abstract: A position adjustment device for adjusting the height of an object to be supported includes: a fixed portion; a movable portion provided to be movable in the height direction relative to the fixed portion and supporting the object to be supported; an expanding and contracting portion coupled to the fixed portion and the movable portion and configured to expand and contract in the height direction; an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the position of the movable portion in the height direction relative to the fixed portion; and a metal member fixed to the fixed portion and the movable portion.

Abstract: A laboratory lift mechanism includes a platen rotatably engaged with a base in a laboratory cabinet. The platen can support a heavy piece of laboratory equipment. Lift bags are engaged with the base and can be inflated to raise the base with the laboratory equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping device and is designed for releasably clamping a supporting body on which a workpiece can be arranged. The clamping device has a main body with receiving bores each for receiving a clamping bolt of the supporting body. Each clamping body can be moved linearly along the longitudinal axis thereof between a clamping position and a release position. The movement from the release position into the clamping position and/or conversely from the clamping position into the release position can be effected by means of an actuation device. Each clamping body has a clamping end which protrudes into an associated receiving bore in the clamping position. The longitudinal axes of the clamping bodies form a plurality of intersection points in a common projection plane parallel to which the longitudinal axes extend. In a preferred embodiment, at least three or four intersection points are formed.

Abstract: Inserts for use in table saws are disclosed. One embodiment may include a mechanism to lock mechanically and affirmatively the insert in a blade opening in a table saw. The mechanism is designed so that a user can install and remove the insert without tools. The mechanism also can be designed so that the front of the insert pops up above the table when released from its locked position. The mechanism can be further designed so that the insert can be unlocked or released by a user pressing a button or tab.

Abstract: A mounting system having a dual plunger arrangement wherein the side of each plunger has a pull down cam to provide a desired pull down action in relation to at least two studs, the cams moving relative to one another and axially aligning relative to one another relative to the two axially spaced pull down studs to allow the plungers to provide a maximum hold down force for the two pull down studs, balance the hold down forces thereby maximizing performance and reducing unlocking forces.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a pneumatic fixture clamp includes a housing having a rotational axis and a housing exterior surface. The housing exterior surface includes a workpiece engagement surface intersected by the rotational axis and configured for engaging a workpiece assembly, and a turntable engagement surface disposed on a side of the housing opposite the workpiece engagement surface, intersected by the rotational axis, and configured for engaging a turntable of a machine center. A chamber is defined in the housing between the workpiece engagement surface and the turntable engagement surface along the rotational axis. A piston slidably disposed in the chamber and configured for being driven between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the chamber. A fluid passage is defined in the housing, connected to the chamber, and configured for providing fluid from a fluid line to the chamber.

Abstract: A table saw including a table, an opening in the table through which a saw blade extends, and a throat plate receivable within the opening. The throat plate includes a top surface that is co-planar with a top surface of the table. The table saw further includes an anti-kickback pawl disposed above the throat plate and a wear plate coupled to the throat plate in facing relationship with the anti-kickback pawl, where at least a portion of the wear plate is sub-flush with the top surface of the throat plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detachably securing modules (1), such as tool holders, to a third component (3), such as a rotatable tool disk for a machine tool, including a controllable securing device (51, 53), by which the respective module (1) can be re-secured in a detachable manner in a locked position on the third component (3) by individual securing parts (15). A release device (76, 77) at least partially helps to release the securing device (51, 53) in a release position, such that the release device (76, 77) at least at the beginning of releasing, exerts pressure on the securing device (51, 53) for releasing the individual securing parts (15).

Abstract: The support device comprises: a pivoting arm arranged to be rotatably supported at a first end thereof by a base of the machine for rotation about a first axis of rotation oriented transversely to a longitudinal axis of the tube; a cylindrical roller mounted at a second end of the pivoting arm opposite to the first end with its axis oriented parallel to the first axis of rotation; a variable-profile support member rotatably mounted at the second end of the pivoting arm for rotation about a second axis of rotation parallel to the first axis of rotation; a first driving system arranged to control the angular position of the pivoting arm about the first axis of rotation; and a second driving system arranged to control the angular position of the support member about the second axis of rotation.

Abstract: The adaption device is fastened to a workstation, and fixtures may be conveniently and reliably joined or detached from the adaption device. The adaption device mainly includes a main member having a number of sockets on a front side for mounting a fixture. Inside the main member, there are specifically-shaped blocks in an indentation of the main member, a shaft with dual sets of threads of opposite directions driving the blocks to move away from or towards each other, and rods in radially directional ducts driven by the blocks to move along the ducts into the sockets to lock the fixture 30 and automatically restored by elastic elements. A fixture as such may be conveniently, reliably, and precisely installed on a workstation through the adaption device, and the adaption device allows the manufacturing of products of large varieties to be conducted economically and efficiently.

Abstract: A clamping device includes a clamping chuck and a clamping element, which can be clamped thereto. The clamping chuck has a receiving opening for the clamping element and clamping members for clamping the clamping element in the receiving opening. The clamping element is elongated, while the clamping chuck is provided with an elongated receiving opening for the clamping element. A resiliently flexible centering element, which aligns the clamping element in response to the insertion into the receiving opening at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the receiving opening, is arranged on the clamping chuck in the insertion area of the receiving opening. Such a clamping device is suitable in clamping systems by means of which large to very large workpiece carriers can be clamped in the work area of a machine tool in a repeatably accurate manner.

Abstract: A pneumatic-fixation connecting having a body, a movable part, a plurality of spheres, a plurality of elastic units, and a plurality of stop units is disclosed, wherein each of the elastic units is disposed between the body and the movable part via each of the stop units, respectively. When an external force is applied on the movable part, the distance between the movable part and the body is reduced and the sphere does not block the connecting pin in the extension tube inside the body. When the external force disappears, the distance between the movable part and the body increases such that the sphere affixes the connecting pin and the body. The stop unit can be used, not only to adjust the length and elastic force of the elastic unit so as to extend the life cycle of the elastic unit, but also to help in changing the elastic unit which in turn enhances the efficiency of the replacement work.

Abstract: A pushing structure of a clamping mechanism is disclosed which comprises a working platform and a chuck. The working platform has a clamping shaft inserted in the chuck, and the chuck has a piston seat and a movable seat at a center of the piston seat for an insertion of the clamping shaft. The chuck further comprises a base at a bottom of the piston seat corresponding to the movable seat and a projection at a bottom of the base. The projection provides an upward push force to the working platform when the piston seat is lifted to release the clamping shaft of the working platform.

Abstract: A tooling base that is an improvement over current designs in the form of simplified number of parts, easier manufacturing of parts and that can be actuated for clamping and releasing a tooling fixture by pneumatic, other computer controlled means as well as manually is described. The tooling base uses clamping fixtures that are spring loaded to press cleats into recesses on alignment studs that locate and hold any variety of tooling fixtures to the base.

Abstract: Power saws and features for power saws are disclosed. Various features are particularly relevant to jobsite or benchtop table saws, such as a trunnion formed from a shaped tube, an elevation carriage, and an arbor block retention mechanism. Other features are particularly relevant to table saws, hand-held circular saws, track saws, miter saws, and band saws with active injury mitigation technology, such as an electrically isolating gear and an overmolded arbor/gear element.

Abstract: A modular clamping device for a tool or a workpiece includes: a pallet having a plurality of x-y references and a plurality of z references for alignment with a chuck and a clamping unit, which is arranged in a clamped state concentrically at an outside of the chuck. In the clamped state, a tubular part is arranged concentrically between the pallet and the clamping unit, the tubular part being connected to the pallet by a first connecting mechanism and connected to the clamping unit by a second connecting mechanism.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for securing laminates to mandrels. One embodiment is a method for facilitating layup of preforms, the method including selecting a mandrel that includes at least one receptacle, disposing a first vacuum bag atop the mandrel that covers the receptacle, selecting a Ply Location Template (PLT) that includes a securement element, aligning a portion of the securement element with the receptacle, pressing the portion of the securement element downward into the first vacuum bag and driving the portion of the securement element into the receptacle, and abutting a preform against the PLT.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for securing laminates to mandrels. One embodiment is a method for facilitating layup of preforms, the method including selecting a mandrel that includes at least one receptacle, disposing a first vacuum bag atop the mandrel that covers the receptacle, selecting a Ply Location Template (PLT) that includes a securement element, aligning a portion of the securement element with the receptacle, pressing the portion of the securement element downward into the first vacuum bag and driving the portion of the securement element into the receptacle, and abutting a preform against the PLT.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a clip mounted to a base that pivots about a first pivot axis between a first position and a second position. An abutment surface of the clip is spaced from a path of a carrier structure when the clip is in the first position. The abutment surface engages the carrier structure to secure the carrier structure and a device to the apparatus when the clip is in the second clip position. A cam includes a first surface that pivots the clip to the first clip position when the cam is in the first cam position. The cam includes a second surface that extends into an opening of the base when the cam is in a first position to allow a stop plate pin to engage the cam to rotate the cam from the first position to a second position when a stop plate is installed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laser welding process and a holding fixture for holding a first and a second body during a laser welding process. A first body and a second body for welding together along at least one weld line to form a joined component are immobilised in the holding fixture by a back clamp and a front clamp of the fixture. A shielding gas is supplied, from respective plenums formed in the back and front clamps, to back and front sides of the component along the weld line. Laser welding the first and second bodies together along the weld line, the laser weld thus-formed penetrating from the front side to the back side of the component.

Abstract: A dust collection system designed for a table saw is disclosed. The dust collection system includes a dust shroud and dust shield to channel dust generated by a blade as it cuts wood or other material. The dust shroud includes fins and walls to “peel” dust and air off a spinning blade and direct the dust and air downward. The dust shroud encloses the lower front portion of a blade. An insert with a channel into which a dust shield can extend is disclosed.

Abstract: The system includes a fence inside which machines are arranged that are potentially dangerous for the operators, forming part of a processing plant for processing web material and producing rolls. A passage counting the number of operators entering the fence and exiting therefrom is so controlled as to be accessible only when the machines are not working and to allow a partial operation of the machines inside the fence under particular safety conditions.

Abstract: A printed substrate holding device includes: a base member including a recess portion including: a bottom portion; and a side wall portion provided in the bottom portion; and a printed substrate held in the recess portion and having a rigidity, wherein the side wall portion includes a holding portion holding a first surface of the printed substrate, the bottom portion includes a supporting portion supporting a second surface of the printed substrate, the printed substrate slides on the bottom portion and is inserted between the supporting portion and the holding portion, and is held in the recess portion, and the printed substrate is held in the recess portion while being bent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cassette holder assembly for holding a cassette for storing at least one semiconductor material substrate in an interior space accessible from a front end of the cassette. The cassette holder assembly may have a base plate for receiving the cassette. Two holding members supported by the base plate may be positioning the cassette on the plate in the assembly. The holding members may be substantially identical to each other.

Abstract: A pair of locking members (22) (22) protruding upward relative to a housing (1) and configured to be inserted into a hole of a workpiece are arranged to be capable of being respectively pressed onto right end left portions of an inner peripheral surface of the hole. Wedge surfaces (33) (33) of a clamp rod (32) are respectively engaged with the locking members (22) (22) from above. The clamp rod (32) is driven by a driving means (D) downward for clamping and upward for unclamping. The clamp rod (32) includes recesses (50) (50) formed, in an outer peripheral surface of the clamp rod (32), at a portion of the clamp rod (32) which is located below the wedge surfaces (33) (33). The recesses (50) (50) accommodate the locking members (22) (22) so that inner lower portions of the locking members (22) (22) in an unclamping position contact each other.

Abstract: A zero-point fixture is a means for securing a component in place during machining. The fixture features a base plate that is placed onto a machining surface and a mounting plate to which the component may be attached. The mounting plate and the component are secured to the base plate by operatively engaging a plurality of retention knobs on the mounting plate into a plurality of pressurized clamps on the base plate. A plurality of mounting holes and a plurality of mounting channels allow the component to be mounted in a number of positions and orientations that may be reproduced for subsequent components to be machined. A plurality of risers serves to offset the component from the mounting plate while a plurality of elongated fasteners is inserted into the component to prevent movement of the component during machining.

Abstract: Throat plates for table saws and table saws are disclosed. In some embodiments, the throat plates and/or saws have at least one securement mechanism to secure and prevent inadvertent removal of the throat plate from the throat of the saw. In some embodiments, at least one of the securement mechanisms also provides a height adjustment mechanism and/or prevents vertical removal of the throat plate. In some embodiments, the throat plate has an accessory mounting port that provides a portal for accessories, including safety accessories, to extend through the plate from beneath the table of the saw. In some embodiments, the port extends from the plate's outer perimeter to divide the plate's rear end portion into a pair of spaced-apart members. In some embodiments, these members are independently secured to the table saw and retained apart from each other by one or more of the securement mechanisms.

Abstract: A strut (6) of a circular plug projects upward from a main body (4) of a housing (3) and inserts into circular hole (9) of work (8). An opening (20) is formed laterally in a left portion of peripheral wall (18) of strut (6), a cam portion (28) projects leftward from a right portion of the peripheral wall (18). A positioning rod (22) inserts into insertion hole (14) in upper portion of housing (3) which is movable vertically and radially. A cam surface (32) is provided vertically on upper right portion of positioning rod (22), and pushing portion (33) is provided on upper left portion thereof. When a driving arrangement (D) drives positioning rod (22) downward for locking, cam portion (28) pushes the cam surface (32) leftward, and pushing portion (33) passes through opening (20) to press inner periphery of the circular hole (9) of work (8).

Abstract: A multi-axis carrying device includes a base, first and second main moving units mounted to the base, a first platform connected to the first and second main moving units, and first and second driving units. The first driving unit has a first output structure coupled to the first main moving unit. The second driving unit has a second output structure coupled to the second main moving unit. When the first and second output structures move in a moving direction, the first and second main moving units are driven to move two opposite sides of the first platform in another direction perpendicular to the moving direction.

Abstract: In an object positioning/fixing device that positions and fixes a target object on a base member in the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction, a structure is provided in which, in a state in which the target object is pressed against the base member and fixed thereon by a fixation mechanism: first and second tapered engagement surfaces of first and second reference members are closely contacted against the inner circumferential surfaces of first and second annular engagement members via elastic deformation of the first and second annular engagement members; also first and second base end contact surfaces of the first and second reference members are contacted against the base member; and a pair of regulated surfaces of the second annular engagement member are closely contacted against a pair of regulating surfaces of a second installation hole via elastic deformation of the second annular engagement member.

Abstract: A reconfigurable interface assembly includes, but is not limited to, a first sub-assembly that is adapted for attachment to a work-piece supporter. The first sub-assembly includes a first brake. The reconfigurable interface assembly further includes a second sub-assembly attached to the first sub-assembly. The second sub-assembly is adapted for attachment to a work-piece manipulator. The second sub-assembly includes a second brake. The first sub-assembly is configured to move the second sub-assembly in a first direction with respect to the first sub-assembly and the first brake is configured to inhibit movement of the second sub-assembly in the first direction with respect to the first sub-assembly. The second sub-assembly is configured to move the first sub-assembly in a second direction with respect to the second sub-assembly and the second brake is configured to inhibit movement of the first sub-assembly in the second direction with respect to the first sub-assembly.

Abstract: A machining device is provided with a machine tool, a pallet to which a workpiece is secured, a pallet changer configured to move and change the pallet, and a workpiece attaching unit configured to attach and detach the workpiece to and from the pallet. Further, the machining device is provided with a visual sensor configured to capture an image of the pallet, and contaminants that may possibly cause jamming as the workpiece is supplied to the pallet are detected from the image captured by the visual sensor. A workpiece supply operation for the pallet is suspended if the contaminants are detected.

Abstract: An interface structure that is constituted by a first, U-shaped toothed pivot, which can be associated in an upper region, by way of a jaw connection, with a fixing element with the interposition of a first bush for centering. The first toothed pivot is rendered axially integral in a lower region with a fastening element that can be associated with an underlying device for compensating the misalignment in automatic locking systems for the mounting of blanks.

Abstract: A test adapter for an electronic product to be tested includes a support structure and a product stand supported on the support structure for the product. The product stand is supported to the support structure by a guide structure that controls the vertical movement of the product stand. The product stand is arranged with a direct or indirect pressing movement from above to be movable from a top position to its low position supported by the guide structure. The test adapter includes a retaining structure for retaining the product stand in the low position and for retaining a latch structure of the adapter in its locking position. The latch structure is arranged to lock the product to the product stand.

Abstract: A positioning device includes a main body, a drive member, and a pin assembly. The main body defines a receiving portion which extends through two opposite ends of the main body. The drive member is partially or completely received in the receiving portion. The pin assembly includes a pin bushing and a pin. The pin bushing is securely coupled to the main body and defines an expansion slot on the sidewalls. The expansion slot extends along a central axis of the pin bushing. The pin is coupled to the drive member and extends through the pin bushing. The drive member is configured to drive the pin to move in the pin bushing, pressing the inner sidewalls of the pin bushing to enlarge a diameter.

Abstract: A self-actuating tooling die located beneath an industrial press impact zone clamps a the tongue of an end ring side-to-side to hold it dimensionally stable during a pressing operation that clinches a nut to a hole in the tongue. The tooling die comprises a cone-shaped split collet fitted into a corresponding cone-shaped receptacle in the die housing. As the installation force of the press forces the collet into the receptacle, jaws of the collet grip the tongue a corresponding amount. At a pre-determined point of advancement, the collet bottoms out against a stop in the socket to hold the tongue in its pre-installation relaxed shape and size. A spring-loaded stepped pin, which reciprocates within an axial bore of the die, centers the nut and hole in the tongue during installation and later ejects the completed assembly.

Abstract: An output rod (27) is inserted in a housing (4) so as to be movable vertically. A first piston (41) inserted in a lower part of the housing (4) is fixed to the output rod (27). A second piston (42) inserted on an upper side of the first piston (41) is fitted on the output rod (27) so as to be movable vertically. A lock chamber (44) is provided between the first piston (41) and the second piston (42). A first release chamber (51) is provided below the first piston (41). A second release chamber (52) is provided above the second piston (42). During force multiplication driving of the output rod (27), a pressurized fluid in the lock chamber (44) carries out the force multiplication driving with respect to the output rod (27) downward via the second piston (42) and engaging balls (69). A retaining spring (60) which biases the second piston (42) upward is provided in the lock chamber (44) between the first piston (41) and the second piston (42).

Abstract: A vertical lathe fixture is provided. The vertical lathe fixture includes a main body and a sub-plate. The sub-plate includes a top surface and a bottom surface defining a thickness of the sub-plate therebetween. The top surface of the sub-plate is configured to be coupled to the main body and the bottom surface is configured to be coupled to a chuck of a vertical lathe machine. The sub-plate also includes a center pad provided at a center of the top surface. The center pad is configured to centrally align the sub-plate with respect to the main body. The sub-plate further includes a plurality of receiving pads provided in a radial pattern on the top surface and in relation to the center pad. The receiving pads are configured to hold the main body in a stationary position with respect to the sub-plate during rotation of the vertical lathe fixture.

Abstract: A grip member is inserted into an insertion hole of a cylindrical clamp body and is capable of extending outwards to grip the inner circumferential surface of an aperture of an article. A clamp rod is engaged with the grip member; a driving mechanism capable of driving the clamp rod forwards and backwards; a seating surface formed at the top end of the cylindrical clamp body; a case member supporting the cylindrical clamp body movably forwards and backwards; a driving mechanism capable of raising an lowering the cylindrical clamp body; and a lock mechanism having a cylindrical member into which the cylindrical clamp body is inserted so as to slide freely and capable of locking the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical clamp body by elastically deforming the cylindrical member so as to reduce its diameter.

Abstract: A pin locking apparatus 100 includes a base unit 101 having a plurality of vertical channels 120 formed therethrough. A first pin 122 is slidingly disposed in a first of the plurality of vertical channels 120 and a second pin 122 is slidingly disposed in a second of the plurality of vertical channels 120. A wedge 140 is slidingly disposed in a third of the plurality of vertical channels 142. The third vertical channel 142 is located between the first and second vertical channels 120. A first magnet 132 is slidingly disposed in a horizontal channel 130 between the first pin 122 and the wedge 140. A second magnet 132 is slidingly disposed in the horizontal channel 130 between the second pin 122 in the wedge 140. The magnetic pole of the second magnet 132 proximate to the wedge 140 is opposite the magnetic pole of the first magnet 132 proximate to the wedge 140.

Abstract: A clamp device has a gripping member which is expandable and contractible and is inserted into an aperture in a workpiece and grips the aperture, a clamp rod including a tapered shaft portion that fits into the gripping member, and a drive means for driving the clamp rod forwards and backwards. Provided is a support mechanism that supports the gripping member by fluid pressure when the gripping member is radially expanded, and a fluid pressure release means that releases the fluid pressure of the support mechanism after radial expansion of the gripping member when the clamp rod is driven by the drive means to perform clamping. The support mechanism has an annular pressure reception member that supports the gripping member, and a supporting fluid chamber that causes fluid pressure in the direction opposite to the clamping direction to be received on the annular pressure reception member.

Abstract: A manufacturing device having a clamp unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a workpiece disposed on a frame, a clamp unit configured to fix the workpiece on the frame, and a spindle configured to a torque transferred from a motor to cut the workpiece or operates the clamp unit to make the clamp unit fix the workpiece on the frame.

Abstract: A clamp device includes a clamp main body, an engagement assembly, a clamp rod, a drive mechanism, and a support mechanism. The engagement assembly can be changed over between a diameter-expanded state in which it engages with an inner circumferential surface of an aperture in a workpiece, and a diameter-reduced state in which it does not so engage. The clamp rod is engaged with an interior of the engagement assembly. The drive mechanism drives the clamp rod to and from the clamp main body. The support mechanism supports the engagement assembly with a pneumatic force of pressurized air. At least a part of the pneumatic force is released after the engagement assembly has been expanded in diameter.

Abstract: A support disk fixing apparatus which includes an upper surface to which a wafer is bonded, a lower surface, a cylindrical side surface between the upper surface and the lower surface, and a chamfered portion between the upper surface and the side surface, includes a base upon which the support disk is placed; and a fixture that is provided on the base, and that has a first surface that abuts against the side surface of the support disk and covers the side surface of the support disk, and a second surface that abuts against the chamfered portion of the support disk and covers the chamfered portion of the support disk.

Abstract: A disclosed fixture for assembling a stator vane assembly for a gas turbine engine includes an outer locating ring including a plurality of outer locating pins defining a position for each of a plurality of vanes relative to an outer fairing and an inner locating ring including a plurality of inner locating rings defining a position of each of the plurality of vanes relative to an inner fairing. A clamp section includes a clamp portion and a clamp pin that define an angular orientation of each of the plurality of vanes relative to each of the inner and outer fairings, and an inner locating section supporting a plurality of radial locating pins defining a radial position of each of the plurality of vanes relative to the inner and outer fairings.