Abstract: A clamping apparatus includes a receiving frame, a guide plate, two drive assemblies, and two clamping assemblies. The receiving frame includes two parallel securing arms and a connection arm. The securing arms and the connection arm define a first receiving space. Each of the securing arms defines a slot. The guide plate is configured for mounting of a workpiece thereon. The drive assemblies are configured for cooperatively moving the guide plate between a first position and a second position. When the guide plate is located at the first position, the workpiece is loaded on the guide plate and distant from the connection arm. When the guide plate is located at the second position, the workpiece is adjacent to the connection arm and entirely received in the first receiving space and the slots. The clamping assemblies are configured for cooperatively clamping the workpiece.

Abstract: In a work pallet positioning and fixing device that positions a work pallet over a base member in the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction and fixes it thereto by pressing forces of clamp bolts, the base member is provided with first and second reference members for positioning, and a reference seating surface and, by making bolt head accommodation holes of bolt holes for four fitting bolts fitting flange portions of the reference members partially overlap with protruding engagement portions as seen in plan view, a plurality of tapered engagement surfaces on the external peripheries of the protruding engagement portions being segmented into four sections.

Abstract: An attaching apparatus for attaching a load port apparatus to an attaching face of a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus includes a bogie truck body to be attached to a lower end portion of the load port apparatus. A pair of downwardly projecting positioning protrusions having a circular transverse sectional shape are also attached to the lower end portion of the load port apparatus. A support plate is secured to a lower end portion of the attaching face in such a manner as to project toward the load port apparatus. A pair of positioning recesses are formed on an upper face of the support plate and each has a circular hollow shape, in a plan view, such that said plurality of positioning protrusions may be individually fitted therein.

Abstract: Examples of novel semiconductor processing pedestals, and apparatuses including such pedestals, are described. These pedestals are specifically configured to provide uniform heat transfer to semiconductor substrates and to reduce maintenance complexity and/or frequency. Specifically, a pedestal may include a removable cover positioned over a metal platen of the pedestal. The removable cover is configured to maintain a consistent and uniform temperature profile of its substrate-facing surface even though the platen's upper-surface, which supports the cover and is in thermal communication with the cover, may have a much less uniform temperature profile. The cover may be made from certain ceramic materials and shaped as a thin plate. These materials are resistant to the processing environments and maintain their thermal characteristics over many processing cycles. The cover can be easily removed from the platen and replaced with a new one without a need for major disassembly of the entire apparatus.

Abstract: The clamping fixture comprises a chuck (1) and fixedly securable thereto releasably a clamping pallet (6). The chuck (1) is provided with four centering pins (3) arranged at the chuck (1) cooperating with centering openings (9) arranged at the clamping pallet (6) such that the clamping pallet (6) when chucked in the chuck (1) is oriented in the X and Y direction. Each centering pin (3) features two conically tapered side faces (3a, 3b) whilst each centering opening (9) is defined by two side walls (9a, 9b) oriented parallel to each other. When chucking the clamping pallet (6) at the chuck (1) the conically tapered side faces (3a, 3b) of each centering pin (3) come into line contact with the sidewalls of the centering opening (9).

Abstract: There is disclosed an elevator for holding a workpiece, the elevator comprising a turntable and adapted to slide along a support chain to thereby vertically displace the elevator. There is further disclosed a method of assembling a workpiece, the method comprising the steps of stacking first and second workpiece sections on a turntable elevator; and sliding the elevator along a support chain to thereby vertically position the workpiece.

Abstract: The workbench includes one or more trestle units (102) having pairs of legs (104) joined to each end of a cross-piece (106) by a hinge unit (108) which allows the legs to fold flat against each other and against the cross-piece of the trestle for storage. The hinge has a stop which allows the legs to be positioned away from each other and away from the crosspiece of the trestle to form a stable trestle unit. The workbench further includes a plurality of beams (500), wherein said beams are adapted to be connected to at least one trestle so as to form a supporting framework for a work piece. A folding brace (110) between pairs of legs further stabilises the trestle. The beams and trestles have holes (126) in their ends, and the beams and the trestles have regularly spaced holes (128) in them. Pegs can be inserted into and through the holes, and they have locking parts on them, allowing them to lock onto the trestle or beam. Pegs can have two latches for attachment to different beams or trestles.

Abstract: A positioning fixture for positioning a workpiece includes a base, a support mounted on the base and for receiving the workpiece, two toggle clamps mounted on two opposite sides of the base and the support and an upper cover placed on the support. The upper cover cooperates with the two toggle clamps to position the workpiece on the support.

Abstract: A vacuum chuck comprises a main body including a support projection and a vacuum groove arranged in a lattice form on the top surface thereof, an installation space, a vacuum space, a filter space. The main body further includes an inlet that communicates with the installation space and an outlet that communicates with the vacuum space. An air saving valve B, a vacuum sensor S, a vacuum generator V and a filter F are installed in the installation space, vacuum space and filter space of the main body. A pressure gauge and a vacuum gauge that are mounted on the front side and communicate with the inlet and the vacuum space respectively. A main body cover that is air-tightly coupled to the lower part of the main body, and a filter cover that is air-tightly coupled to the lower part of the filter space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing a spray gun (1) in a washing space (2) in a spray gun washing device (3), said spray gun comprising a paint passage (7) with a paint inlet (8). The washing space (2) comprises at least one cleaning nozzle (4) and an attachment surface (10). The cleaning nozzle (4) communicates with a cleaning medium system (5). The attachment surface (10) in the washing space (2) is configured to receive a spray gun (1) with a spray gun holder (9) since the position of the spray gun in the washing space is variable depending on the position of a paint inlet (8) of the spray gun relative to the position of the cleaning nozzle (4) in the washing space. The invention also relates to a spray gun washing device (3) comprising said characterizing features for cleaning the spray gun (1) which during cleaning is provided in said spray gun holder (9).

Abstract: A stage heater and a method of manufacturing a shaft capable of suppressing heat transfer from a heating substrate toward the shaft. The stage heater includes: a heating substrate made of aluminum or an alloy containing aluminum; and a shaft that is bonded to one surface of the heating substrate and supports the heating substrate. The shaft includes: a pipe made of a metal having a lower heat conductivity than a material of the heating substrate; and a bonding layer formed on a side of the pipe to be bonded to the heating substrate by accelerating a powder material of aluminum or a powder material of an alloy containing aluminum together with a gas and blowing the powder material while being maintained in a solid phase to the pipe so as to deposit thereon.

Abstract: An object positioning/fixing device is capable of generating a clamping force by clamp bolts capable of being fastened manually and realizes high operability of the clamp bolts. A simple clamp mechanism comprises the clamp bolts as major components. The object positioning/fixing device has a cooperative assembly of the positioning mechanism and the clamp bolts.

Abstract: The clamping fixture (1) consists of a workpiece pallet (2) and an actuator (27). The workpiece pallet (2) comprises at least two clamping jaws (4,5) for clamping in place a workpiece, while the actuator (27) is provided for opening and closing the clamping jaws (4,5). By means of the actuator (27) the clamping jaws (4,5) are material-elastically excursionable to the extent that a workpiece, after release of the actuator (27), can be locked in place by the material-elastic restoring force of the clamping jaws (4,5). Preferably the workpiece pallet (2) comprises a main body (3) provided with a slot (6) defined on both sides by the clamping jaws (4,5). The clamping jaws (4,5) are material-elastic excursionable by means of the actuator (27) transversely to the slot (6). The clamping jaws (4,5) are provided with fitted jaws (13, 14) which in relation to each clamping jaw (4,5) can be shifted transversely to the slot (6).

Abstract: A suction apparatus 1 holds a wafer W by performing vacuum-suctioning on the wafer W. The suction apparatus 1 comprises a suction substrate 2. The suction substrate 2, which is rigid, comprises a plurality of pin-like protrusions 2a formed so that the tip-end faces (upper surfaces) thereof are the same height. An elastic coating layer is coated by way of an undercoat layer 4 on the tip-end faces of the protrusions 2a. When the wafer W is suctioned, even if a foreign matter is interposed between the wafer W and the suction surface, because the foreign matter embeds itself into the coating layer 3, the planarization of the wafer W is improved. In addition, because the coating layer 3 can be made comparatively thinner, undulations in the wafer W can be reduced and, to that end, the planarization of the wafer W in the suctioned state can be improved.

Abstract: Examples of novel semiconductor processing pedestals, and apparatuses including such pedestals, are described. These pedestals are specifically configured to provide uniform heat transfer to semiconductor substrates and to reduce maintenance complexity and/or frequency. Specifically, a pedestal may include a removable cover positioned over a metal platen of the pedestal. The removable cover is configured to maintain a consistent and uniform temperature profile of its substrate-facing surface even though the platen's upper-surface, which supports the cover and is in thermal communication with the cover, may have a much less uniform temperature profile. The cover may be made from certain ceramic materials and shaped as a thin plate. These materials are resistant to the processing environments and maintain their thermal characteristics over many processing cycles. The cover can be easily removed from the platen and replaced with a new one without a need for major disassembly of the entire apparatus.

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 plug portion (27) is projected from a first block (1) so as to be inserted into a insertion hole (5) opened in a second block (2). A support surface (9a) is formed on the first block (1) so as to be brought into contact with a supported surface (2a) formed on the second block (2). In the support surface (9a) is opened a fluid flow hole (59). A gap supporting member (K) acting force upon the second block (2) in such a direction as to separate the second block (2) from the first block (1) so as to form a gap (G1) between the supported surface (2a) and the support surface (9a) is provided on the first block (1). A pull member (21) eliminates the gap (G1) by making the second block (2) approach the first block (1) against the force of the gap supporting member (K) in such a condition that an outer peripheral surface of the plug portion (27) is in close contact with an inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole (5) to bring the supported surface (2a) into contact with the support surface (9a).

Abstract: The present invention relates to equipment used to manufacture PV cells or modules. In some embodiments, a support structure is provided that provides support for substrates used in the manufacture of PV cells or modules. The support structure provides support for the substrate at the edge, allows access to the rear of the substrate and is composed of materials that do not contaminate the substrate during processing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fixture and method for mounting a head window to a frame for use in a submarine periscope system. The fixture supports the head window during the potting of the head window to the frame. A spring-loaded clamping plate is mountable to a baseplate for relative movement therebetween. The clamping assembly has an oval recessed portion. A plurality of spaced apart feet are formed within the oval. The feet support and are bonded to the head window. Shim stock are placed between the feet to define a critical gap.

Abstract: In the substrate holder, while holding a periphery portion of a semiconductor wafer, some of protruding portions having a grass shape on a pad main body hide beneath the semiconductor wafer, and the others of the protruding portions are exposed outside the semiconductor wafer. Also, the protruding portions hiding beneath the semiconductor wafer contact a rear surface of the semiconductor wafer, and sink the semiconductor wafer to a suitable depth via gravity, thereby holding the semiconductor wafer mainly in a length direction. In addition, some of protruding portions exposed near the periphery portion of the semiconductor wafer contact a side surface of the semiconductor wafer, thereby holding the semiconductor wafer mainly in a width direction.

Abstract: A work surface device for a domestic household appliance and a household appliance having a work surface. The work surface device includes a housing having a cavity accessible by an opening formed in a sidewall of the housing, and a pivotally-deployable work surface supported by the housing at a pivot point, wherein the pivotally-deployable work surface is movable about the pivot point from a stored position within the cavity to a deployed position outside of the housing, and wherein the pivotally-deployable work surface has a planar upper support surface.

Abstract: A machine tool and pallet standby station using a crane for changing a pallet between a table or pallet mounting table (27) of the machine tool and the pallet standby station are provided. The table (27) includes a plurality of guide pins (31) having tapered front ends, a plurality of elevatable lift pins (35) having spherical front ends, and a plurality of taper cones (37) having tapered outer peripheral surfaces. On the other hand, the pallet (P) includes at least two brackets (39) attached so as to project in the side directions from the two side surfaces of the pallet, and each bracket is formed with a guide hole (41) into which a guide pin (31) is inserted for rough positioning of the pallet.

Abstract: A culinary cutting board is disclosed. The cutting board improves sanitation and reduces physical space needed in food preparation. The non-porous cutting board includes a top piece and two identical and interchangeable leg pieces, which when attached to the top piece, elevate and tilt the cutting board. The tilt is such that grooves in the top piece facilitate the easy removal of juices into a collection device that fits under the elevated top piece and between the leg pieces, thereby saving physical space. The leg pieces can be disengaged from the top piece and all of the pieces can be cleaned in a high temperature washing system. The combination of elevation, tilt, and disengageable leg pieces makes for a cutting board with improved sanitation.

Abstract: A work piece carrier is provided with two reference systems for accurately positioning it with regard to a chuck member. The work piece carrier comprises a central aperture with the two opposite ends of the aperture surrounded by one of the reference systems. The two reference systems are independent from each other and allow the work piece carrier to be attached to the chuck member in two different positions. Assigned to each reference system is a protrusion surrounding the central aperture and extending substantially in the direction of the central longitudinal axis of the work piece carrier. The particular protrusion is provided with a shoulder serving as a clamping surface, adapted to be engaged by clamping elements provided in the chuck member. Preferably, also the centering elements for defining the position of the work piece carrier with regard to the chuck member are located on the particular protrusion.

Abstract: A device for releasably fastening a wire foil to a supporting strip in an installation for producing paper. The installation has a wire and wire foils that extend transversely with respect to the movement direction of the wire. The foils are situated at a spacing from one another in the movement direction of the wire and come into contact with the wire. Supporting strips for the wire foils are assigned to the wire foils and likewise extend transversely with respect to the movement direction of the wire. The wire foils or the supporting strips which are assigned to them are configured in their longitudinal direction with an undercut groove, and the supporting strips or the wire foils are configured with a spring which corresponds to the cross section of the undercut groove.

Abstract: A clay model support device includes a base, a support frame connected with the base, and a panel connected with the support frame. The base includes a lower surface configured to engage an associated horizontal floor surface. The support frame is pivotable with respect to the base about a generally horizontal axis. The panel is configured to support an associated clay model.

Abstract: A chuck with triaxial construction comprises a receiving surface for a test substrate and arranged below the receiving surface: an electrically conductive first surface element, an electrically conductive second surface element electrically insulated therefrom, and an electrically conductive third surface element electrically insulated therefrom, and, between the first and the second surface element, a first insulation element and, between the second and the third surface element, a second insulation element.

Abstract: A clamp device includes a grip member, a clamp rod, and a hydraulic cylinder, and, by the grip member being inserted into an hole in a workpiece, it can grip the inner circumferential surface of the hole. The clamp device is provided with: a main body member; seating surfaces formed upon the main body member, upon which the workpiece is seated; a seating sensor that includes a pressurized air ejection hole opening to the seating surfaces; and a workpiece mounting surface that can receive and stop a workpiece at a position that is more advanced than the seating surfaces when the grip member is at an advanced position (its unclamped state), and that shifts together with the grip member during clamp operation when the grip member and the clamp rod shift towards retraction.

Abstract: An automated lidder and/or delidder apparatus to engage and disengage a lid from a microplate is disclosed. The microplate includes a sample area with a plurality of individual wells and a hollow outer frame formed around the sample area, the frame being shaped to include a plurality of openings in its top surface. The lid includes a plate and a plurality of latches formed on the underside of the plate. In the lidding process, the apparatus presses down on the lid to insert each latch through a corresponding opening in the microplate until the latch snaps into engagement with the frame. In the delidding process, the apparatus inserts delidding posts into the openings to disengage the latches from the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for catching a plurality of slices to be detached from a holding element, having a frame, a holder, attached to the frame, for accommodating the holding element holding the slices, at least two guiding elements on the sides and at least one bottom catching element, the guiding elements on the sides each being arranged on the frame in pairs on the right and the left.

Abstract: A micro-adjustable parallel bench vise includes a slide holder having a top dovetail rail, a vise body having a bottom dovetail groove coupled to the dovetail rail of the slide holder and holding a fixed jaw member, a screw holder slidably mounted in the top side of the vise body, a screw rod threaded into the screw holder and rotatable to move the screw holder relative to the vise body. When multiple vise bodies are mounted on the slide holder in parallel, they are micro-adjustable to hold a workpiece or multiple workpieces precisely in position.

Abstract: A method for positioning a work, which is adapted for a knock hole of a small diameter and which can absorb a pitch error between a main positioning hole and an auxiliary positioning hole of the work is disclosed. An insert shaft of a main positioning device is inserted into the main positioning hole. An auxiliary positioning device includes a base lower block having a parallel slide holding surface, a sliding flange having a sliding surface, and an insert shaft disposed above the sliding flange. The sliding flange of the auxiliary positioning device is guided and moved by the slide holding surface, and is inserted, while absorbing the pitch error, into the auxiliary positioning hole, thereby to position the work.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for spirally slicing meat are disclosed. In one embodiment, a meat stabilizer apparatus includes a paddle; an arm attached to and extending from the paddle; and a coupling assembly that couples the arm to a meat cutting assembly. In another embodiment, a spiral slicing apparatus includes a cutting assembly having a knife blade coupled with a knife carriage; a meat support apparatus having a rotatable turntable coupled with a drive assembly; and a meat stabilizer apparatus having a paddle and an arm attached to and extending from the paddle. In another embodiment, a method for spirally slicing meat includes (1) rotating a meat product about a first axis on a turntable; (2) stabilizing the rotating meat product along its exterior surface with a meat stabilizer apparatus comprising a paddle coupled with and extending from an arm; and (3) spirally slicing the meat product in a direction generally transverse to the first axis.

Abstract: A clamping fixture comprises a chuck (1) and a workpiece pallet (22) releasably located thereon. The chuck (1) is provided with a clamping mechanism for locating the workpiece pallet (22). The clamping mechanism comprises a plurality of clamping members configured as plungers (10). The workpiece pallet (22) comprises a clamping surface (28a) running essentially along its shell surface (26) for surface contacting the plungers (10) by its front part (12) provided with a compression surface (13) during clamping.

Abstract: The Tail Rail is a Universal Tool and Material Mounting System that utilizes the Tail Gate of any Pick-up Truck as a Portable Work Bench. The Tail Rail features T-slotted bars that are affixed to the inside of the tail gate (using existing fasteners on the tail gate) and enables the mounting of several components such as vises, clamps, saws or any other device that may be used to hold any material or item. The invention features retractable outriggers that enable the device to support materials up to twelve feet in length. When the outriggers are retracted, the tailgate can be closed with the device remaining attached to the tailgate.

Abstract: An o-ring free cooling pallet for holding a carrier is disclosed. The pallet comprises a first clamp fixed to a planar surface of the pallet for coupling with a first edge of the carrier. The pallet also comprises a second clamp removably coupled to the planar surface of the pallet for coupling with a second edge of the carrier, wherein the second clamp comprises a spring mechanism for applying a force to the second edge of the carrier that is substantially parallel to the planar surface, the force for coupling the carrier to the pallet.

Abstract: A worktable includes a protective member designed therefor. The worktable includes a platform, and at least one extended platform connected thereto. The protective member includes a frame and a base connected on a bottom edge of the frame. The base including a first base section on which the platform is supported and at least one second base section on which the at least one extended platform is supported. The frame includes a periphery enclosing the platform and the at least one extended platform so as to prevent them from being damaged.

Abstract: A coupling device having a first coupling part 3 provided with at least one projecting region, the regions of the first coupling part which project in the z direction being arranged eccentrically or centrally, and the projecting regions having conical outer surfaces formed with at least one angle relative to the z direction, the elastic regions 4 pointing in the direction of the center being formed in a radially parallel manner within the second coupling part 3. The the projecting regions of the first coupling part engage in the elastic regions 4 of the second coupling part 3 for the x-y orientation in the z direction. The second coupling part 3 is of one-piece design and can be produced in one operation.

Abstract: A table which supports work pieces includes a base with a first part and a second part hinged together so that the second part may be swung up and away from the standing surface for storage and be swung down to engage the standing surface. A support column is secured to the base and coupled to a brace member which is foldable between a first state when the second part is in contact with the standing surface and a second state when the second part is not in contact with the standing surface. The table includes a work platform that is coupled to the central support column and rotatable between a horizontal orientation parallel to the standing surface and a non-horizontal orientation. The work platform is configured to have work stations which receive and mount work pieces so that the work pieces are secured to the work platform in both the horizontal and non-horizontal orientations.

Abstract: Provided is a positioning apparatus including: a reference member that is serving as a reference for positioning; a support part that supports the reference member; and a first fixing member provided on the support part that fixes the reference member and the support part or releases the fixing. The reference member is connected to the support part in a movable state and fixed to the support part by the first fixing member after a position is determined. The reference member of the positioning apparatus is precisely installed to a reference position.

Abstract: A positioning fixture includes a base and a holder. The base defines an arcuate notch and plurality of slots therein. At least one projection protrudes from the holder. The at least one projection is selectively received in one of the slots to allow the holder to hold a workpiece at a predetermined angle relative to the base.

Abstract: A cutting board, including retaining holes in a side surface thereof, each retaining hole including a screw hole at an end side of the retaining hole and a first fitting portion at an opening side of the retaining hole; projecting rods inserted into the retaining holes each include a cylindrical second fitting portion and a threaded portion to be screwed onto the screw hole with ends of the second fitting portion projecting from the side surface of the cutting board; a remaining portion of each first fitting portion is fit into the fitting portion of each retaining hole; each projecting rod is pivoted in a forward and reverse direction to allow the threaded portion thereof to move in a left and right direction within the screw hole; the length of each of the projecting portions projecting from the side surface of the cutting board is adjusted to fasten each projecting rod.

Abstract: A positioning and clamping device or tools and/or workpieces, comprising a base body, a piston arranged such as to be displaceable in the base body, a pin which may be connected to the piston and at least one locking mechanism, for locking the positioning and clamping device relative to a tool or workpiece holder which has a complementary form to the base body. The base body has a cylinder housing for housing the piston with a clamping cone between the piston and the pin with control surfaces formed on the clamping cone and the piston, with further control surfaces on the locking mechanism, cooperating with the control surfaces of the clamping cone and the piston and the locking mechanism is arranged to be radially displaceable in the base body.

Abstract: The coupling apparatus for bringing a pallet 3 (a movable article) near to a base side support 2 from above, positioning it in the horizontal X, Y directions and in the vertical Z direction, and clamping it in a releasable manner comprises a pair of first engaging protrusions 12 and a pair of second engaging protrusions 13 formed on the top surface of the support 2 for positing in the X direction and in the Y direction, respectively; a pair of first movable article side engaging protrusions 32 each abutting the pair of first engaging protrusions 12 on one side and a pair of second movable article side engaging protrusions 33 each abutting the pair of second engaging protrusions 12 on one side; a Z direction positioning mechanism 8 for positioning the pallet 3 relative to the support 2 in the Z direction; and a clamping mechanism 7 for clamping the pallet 3 on the support 2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (2), in a plant for coating pistons, for holding a piston (1) of an internal combustion engine, comprising an aligning piece (7), which is arranged on a surface (3) of the device (2) in the direction of the axis (17) of the piston (1) in an elastically flexible manner and which comprises two opposing surfaces resting on the inner surface of the gudgeon pin boss (18) of the piston (1) conically tapering in the direction of the piston crown. A simple construction of the piston holder which permits a fault-free and even coating of the piston which can be rapidly and simply fixed to the piston is achieved.

Abstract: A pallet changer and a system and a method for using the same attach, secure and/or connect a part and/or pallet assembly to a receiver assembly for machining the part. A groove and/or a pull post of the pallet assembly is insertable between a first wedge arm and a second wedge arm in an interior of the receiver assembly. Springs within the interior of the receiver assembly exert forces against the first wedge arm and the second wedge arm to maintain the first wedge arm and/or the second wedge arm in a first position within the interior of the receiver assembly. A key and/or a cam moves and/or rotates to move the first wedge arm and/or the second wedge arm from the first position to a second position. A first tapering on the pallet assembly engages and/or corresponds to a second tapering on the first wedge arm and/or the second wedge arm to secure and/or to attach the pallet assembly to the receiver assembly in the second position.

Abstract: A reconfigurable fixture device system, including: a base member; a reconfigurable pad disposed on the base member, wherein the reconfigurable pad comprises a shape memory material configured to selectively conform to a surface contour of a workpiece; an activation device in operative communication with the shape memory material; a controller in operable communication with at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the activation device, and the base member; a plurality of sensors for sensing a parameter associated with at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the base member, the fixture device, and the workpiece, wherein the plurality of sensors is in operable communication with the controller; and an actuator in operable communication with the controller and the at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the base member, the fixture device, and the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bar clamp assemblies and workpiece support members configured for use with bar clamp assemblies. In one aspect, the present invention provides a workpiece support member for a bar clamp assembly. The workpiece support member include a base including an engagement feature configured for engagement with a guide rail of the bar clamp assembly. The workpiece support member also includes a first finger extending from the base and a second finger extending from the base. The first and second fingers are disposed apart with respect to one another to form a slot having a substantially continuous width. The first, second or both fingers form an abutment surface and a support surface, the abutment surface and the support surface are generally perpendicular with respect to one another.

Abstract: Provided is a substrate stage which can transfer a substrate at a high speed. In the substrate stage of the present invention, auxiliary mounting tables are attached to a main mounting table, and lower rails are arranged over on the main mounting table and above the auxiliary mounting tables. When both ends of the lower rails are bent upwardly by a vertically adjusting unit in order to prevent the both ends of the lower rails to be bent downwardly, the lower rails are made straight. Since the lower rail is not divided, the linearity is ensured and the moving plate does not stutter so that transfer of the substrate at high speed can be performed.

Abstract: A system and method for supporting a workpiece includes a plurality of support assemblies with movable heads. Positional errors are ascertained for the heads based on different positions thereof and used to properly position the heads to support the workpiece. Other inventive aspects are directed to features of the support assemblies and heads thereof.