Abstract: A flexible manufacturing line and manufacturing process employs an overhead gantry system to transfer fixtured workpieces between machining stations served by the gantry system. The manufacturing system includes a fixturing system including a transfer unit specially configured for quick connection and quick disconnection from a machining table. An accurate placement of the transfer unit is achieved using a combination of locating features.

Abstract: Two positioning devices (4, 5) are horizontally spaced apart from two clamping devices (6, 6) at a predetermined interval. Each of the positioning devices (4, 5) includes a positioning hole (23) provided by opening a work pallet (2), a plug portion (27) projecting from a clamp pallet (1), and an intermediate member (30) vertically movably supported by the plug portion (27). The intermediate member (30) is urged upwards by a coned disk spring (31) and has a tapered surface (33) which makes a tapering engagement with the positioning hole (23). The clamping device (6) fixes the work pallet (2) to the clamp pallet (1).

Abstract: In a clamping apparatus for fixing a work piece carrier with a clamping pin in a clamping chuck, the clamping chuck is provided with a central opening for receiving the clamping pin and with a clamping mechanism firmly keeping the clamping pin in the central opening. The central opening has a conical inserting portion, and the clamping pin comprises a rear section with exposed aligning surfaces, engaging the conical inserting portion, to align the clamping pin with regard to the clamping chuck in X- and/or Y-directions. Circular seat portions on top of the clamping chuck constitute the Z-stop for the work piece carrier. For pneumatically cleaning the exposed aligning surfaces, the conical inserting portion is provided with gas outlet openings, located corresponding to the arrangement of the exposed aligning surfaces. The surface areas of the work piece carrier that will rest on the seat portions are pneumatically cleaned by gas outlet openings located in the center of the seat portions.

Abstract: A workpiece carrier for automatic production lines, or pallet (1), having at least a couple of support elements (15, 16) for workpieces (20), held by two reference bars (3), fixed to the pallet (1), and by two fastening bridges (4) of orthogonal to the bars (3). The bridges (4) have a central portion, on which the support elements are connected (15, 16), and two ends (4′), suitable for a positive engagement (3′, 6) with the bars (3). The distance between the support elements (15, 16) is adjustable raising one of the bridges (4), moving it to another position and lowering it again for completing the positive engagement (3′, 6) with the bars (3) in the new position.

Abstract: A housing (4) has a cylinder bore (10) into which an annular hydraulic piston (11) is inserted vertically movably. The piston (11) has a tubular bore (11a) into which a driven rod (6) is inserted. The driven rod (6) is provided with an input portion (6a), around which a plurality of transmission members (15) are arranged peripherally side by side. The transmission members (15) swing to a disengaging position (Y) through a push member (30) by a lowering spring (31). When clamping, the piston (11) is driven upwards. Then, first, a slant cam (27) swings the transmission members (15) to an engageable position (X), thereby enabling engaging portions (17) to face the input portion (6a). Next, the piston (11) upwardly drives the input portion (6a) through the engaging portions (17).

Abstract: A workpiece holder comprises a stationary workpiece holding fixture and a workpiece rest which is releasably attachable thereon and on which can be mounted a workpiece. In all the three coordinate directions, the workpiece rest bears by counterpart surfaces on bearing surfaces formed on the workpiece holding fixture and is aligned and fixed by an oblique chucking appliance in two coordinate directions and by at least one holding-down appliance in the third coordinate direction.

Abstract: A clamping device for combined floors includes a base member having a snapper, a first rib and a second rib extending upwardly form the base member and adapted to be received in the combined floors for connecting the combined floors. The base member has a &pgr;-shaped bracket extending from a first end of the base member and a T-shaped space defined in a second end of the base member. The &pgr;-shaped bracket is reciprocally and movably received in the T-shaped space of an adjacent base member so that the clamping device is connected to one another.

Abstract: In a clamping apparatus for fixing a work piece carrier with a clamping pin in a clamping chuck, the clamping chuck is provided with a central opening for receiving the clamping pin and with a clamping mechanism firmly keeping the clamping pin in the central opening. The central opening has a conical inserting portion, and the clamping pin comprises a rear section with exposed aligning surfaces, engaging the conical inserting portion, to align the clamping pin with regard to the clamping chuck in X- and/or Y-directions. Circular seat portions on top of the clamping chuck constitute the Z-stop for the work piece carrier. For pneumatically cleaning the exposed aligning surfaces, the conical inserting portion is provided with gas outlet openings, located corresponding to the arrangement of the exposed aligning surfaces. The surface areas of the work piece carrier that will rest on the seat portions are pneumatically cleaned by gas outlet openings located in the center of the seat portions.

Abstract: A work pallet (3) is opened to provide a circular positioning hole (5). A plug member (12) is inserted into the positioning hole (5) and projects from a base plate (2). The plug member (12) is provided with a slant outer surface (13) which narrows upwards. An intermediate member (15) in the shape of a thin-walled cylinder is arranged outside the plug member (12). The intermediate member (15) is provided with a straight outer surface (16) which is fitted into the positioning hole (5) and with a slant inner surface (17) which opposes to the slant outer surface (13) of the plug member (12). A coned disk spring (34) moves down the intermediate member (15) for locking through a pull member (21).

Abstract: Disclosed is a coupling device having two coupling parts and clamping means for releasably axially clamping both coupling parts. A plurality of circumferentially spaced non parallel grooves are cut into the surface of one of both coupling parts for having a reference in a plane perpendicular to the clamping direction. Pins project from the surface of the other coupling part each pin having two opposing parallel lateral surfaces for obtaining alignment of the grooves with the pins upon clamping. At least one of the lateral surfaces of each pin forms an angle with the associated flank of each groove upon axial alignment of the coupling parts. For improving the repeated precision of the positioning of one of the coupling parts relative to the other coupling part even upon high stress on one of the coupling parts in circumferential direction a clamping plate is provided between the lateral surface and the associated flank which is axially elastic and is mounted to one of the coupling parts.

Abstract: A work pallet (3) has an under surface opened to provide a positioning hole (12). The positioning hole (12) has an upper wall which supports a pull rod (13) diametrically movably. A clamp pallet (2) projects an annular plug portion (21), onto which a shuttle member (23) is externally fitted. The shuttle member (23) makes a tapering engagement with the positioning hole (12). The plug portion (21) has a cylindrical hole (21a), into which a transmission sleeve (31) is inserted. The transmission sleeve (31) supports an engaging ball (34), which engages with an engaged portion (13b) of the pull rod (13). Defined between the cylindrical hole (21a) and an outer peripheral surface (31b) of the transmission sleeve (31) is a flow passage (43) through which cleaning compressed air passes.

Abstract: A hydraulic intensifier generates a hydraulic pressure which is higher than the input hydraulic pressure generated in the discharge port and the outer periphery hydraulic pressure chamber. The hydraulic intensifier, provided inside a case member, has a discharge part connected with an outer periphery hydraulic pressure chamber. An input port supplies input hydraulic pressure from the exterior to an input oil chamber of hydraulic intensifier. Oil is filled in a sealed manner in outer periphery hydraulic pressure chamber.and discharge part. The hydraulic intensifier is driven by the input hydraulic pressure. The rod is locked by the elastic deformation of a thinned tube part of a sleeve body. A relatively small hydraulic locking device having a relatively high power is achieved. Furthermore, a relatively small hydraulic pressure source having reduced pressure is realized.

Abstract: A registration mechanism has a datum unit and a bolster movable toward and away from the datum unit. First, second, and third pins are mounted to the bolster. At least one spring resiliently biases the pins outward from the bolster. A pallet is supported by the pins between the bolster and datum unit. The pallet has first, second, and third sockets aligned with respective pins. The pallet has a registering face-facing the datum unit. The registering face is disposed opposite the sockets. The pallet is movable by the bolster toward the datum unit from a lowered position. In the lowered position, the registering face is spaced from the datum unit and respective pins and sockets are spaced apart. In a first intermediate position, the registering face is spaced from the datum unit, and the sockets rest freely on respective pins. In a second intermediate position, respective sockets and pins are pressed together in partial counteraction of the resilient biasing.

Abstract: The clamping apparatus comprises a clamping chuck and a work piece carrier releasably connected thereto. The clamping chuck is provided with a central opening for receiving a clamping pin attached to the work piece carrier. The central opening of the clamping chuck has a conical inserting portion, and the clamping pin has at least one surface portion corresponding in shape to the conical inserting portion, or several surface portions for aligning the clamping pin in X- and/or Y-direction. The clamping chuck comprises a clamping mechanism for clamping the clamping pin. The top of the clamping chuck is provided with at least one surface portion serving as a Z-stop member. The clamping pin is dimensioned such that, prior to activating the clamping mechanism, a gap exists between the flat bottom surface of the work piece carrier and the surface portion of the clamping chuck serving as a Z-direction stop member.

Abstract: An apparatus for chucking a workpiece to a worktable includes a plurality of magnetically activated vacuum flow check valves, which uses a magnet within its body, to block a port through which atmosphere can flow to a vacuum source. The magnet blocking the flow can be drawn off the port seat by positioning a second (activator) magnet in a cavity of the valve body proximal the first magnet. The resulting effect is the communication of a vacuum suction force from the vacuum source to the workpiece. The second (activator) magnet is preferably affixed to a bottom surface of a puck which, when received within a complementary structure on the valve assembly, serves as a chucking mechanism for securely holding a workpiece above the surface of the machining table during the machining operating.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder (4) moves a rod (3) in the direction of the axial center. The interior of a casing member (2) has an annular pressure booster (7) for pressurizing the oil in an external hydraulic chamber (6). The casing member (2) has a pressurized oil feed port (27) for feeding pressurized oil to the rod-moving hydraulic cylinder (4) and the input oil chamber (16) of the pressure booster (7). A throttle valve (8) is interposed in an oil supply channel extending from the pressurized oil feed port (27) to the input oil chamber (16). An oil discharge channel, extending from the input oil chamber (16) to the pressurized oil feed port (27), is provided with a nonreturn valve capable of discharging pressurized oil from the input oil chamber (16). The nonreturn valve (9) is opened when the pressurized oil is discharged through the pressurized oil feed port (27).

Abstract: Two positioning devices (4, 5) are horizontally spaced apart from two clamping devices (6, 6) at a predetermined interval. Each of the positioning devices (4, 5) includes a positioning hole (23) provided by opening a work pallet (2), a plug portion (27) projecting from a clamp pallet (1), and an intermediate member (30) vertically movably supported by the plug portion (27). The intermediate member (30) is urged upwards by a coned disk spring (31) and has a tapered surface (33) which makes a tapering engagement with the positioning hole (23). The clamping device (6) fixes the work pallet (2) to the clamp pallet (1).

Abstract: A method and device for accommodating, by self adjustment, for part interface variations. A self adjusting fixture for accommodating for part interface variation includes a part support member having a first self adjusting member engagement element. The self adjusting fixture also includes a pedestal having a second self adjusting member engagement element engaged with the first self adjusting member engagement element to permit axial deflection of the part support member relative to the pedestal.

Abstract: The invention depicts and describes a clamping device for securing a draw-in bolt (12) on a machine table, a baseplate, or the like, having a piston (6) that is arranged movably in a cylinder bore (4) to form a pressure chamber (5), a cover (9) that closes off the cylinder bore (4) on the side opposite the pressure chamber (5), a receptacle (11) which is configured in the piston (6) and/or the cover (9) and into which a draw-in bolt (12) can be inserted, and a clamping mechanism in order to secure a draw-in bolt (12) in the receptacle (11), the clamping mechanism being actuable by displacement of the piston (6) between a clamped position into which it is pushed by spring elements (10) that are arranged in a spring chamber (2) provided between the piston (6) and cover (9), and a released position into which it can be brought by impingement of a hydraulic medium on the pressure chamber (5), which is characterized in that the spring chamber (2) is connected to the receptacle (11) by at least one runoff duct (19)

Abstract: A clamping device for securing a draw-in bolt on a machine table or a base plate. The clamping device has a piston axially displaceable in a recess of the machine table and is hydraulically actuable. The clamping device has a cover, which is secured to the machine table in order to close off the recess in the machine table. The piston and the cover form a receptacle into which a draw-in bolt can be inserted through the cover, and in which it can be secured by way of a clamping mechanism actuable by displacement of the piston. The clamping device is characterized in that there is inserted into the machine table recess an integrally configured bushing, in which the piston is held displaceably forming a pressure chamber. The cover is attached to the machine table. The attachment to the machine table is accomplished by way of multiple bolts passing axially through the bushing into the machine table. The bushing and the cover have centering surfaces for positioning on the machine table or base plate.

Abstract: A clamp pallet (2) is fixed to a table (1) of a machining center. A work pallet (3) has a positioning hole (12) and an engaging hole (13) formed in order from a lower side. A plug portion (21) projects upwards from the clamp pallet (2). A shuttle member (23) is vertically movably fitted onto the plug portion (21). A coned disc spring (24) urges the shuttle member (23) upwards. The shuttle member (23) has a tapered surface (28) with which the positioning hole (12) makes a tapering engagement. A pull rod (31) is inserted into the plug portion (21). The pull rod (31) pushes engaging balls (34) to the engaging hole (13), thereby driving the work pallet (3) downwards.

Abstract: A device particularly adapted to engage an irregular bottom surface of an object and then carry that object includes a support block. In the support block is a set of longitudinally spaced apart upright bores. On each side of the bores in a top wall of the block is a guide channel for a slide bar. Ends of these bars operatively connect with a reciprocating mechanism attached to one end of the block. In each bore is a sleeve having an inner opening formed with an upper section for a spring. An upper and lower end coil of a coil portion of each spring connects with an arm that projects outwardly. The upper arms fit respectively in upward facing slots in one slide bar while the lower arms fit respectively in downward facing slots in the other slide bar. In the sleeve inner openings and extending respectively through the coil portion of each springs is a support pin. Top ends of these pins fit in openings in a top cover plate fastened to the support block top wall.

Abstract: In the method and apparatus for assembling a magnetic tape cartridge, a plurality of assembling stations, each of which includes an assembling robot 130 for assembling the respective parts of a magnetic tape cartridge 1, respectively comprise pallet delivery mechanism 135 capable of delivering sequentially a pallet 200 on which an upper cases 2a can be placed.

Abstract: A vacuum holding fixture for a thermoformed part carries a base attachment plate which is releasably coupled to the top wall of a vacuum support box having a vacuum passage sealed to a vacuum passage within the attachment plate and a vacuum chamber within the holding fixture. The attachment plate is precisely positioned and releasably locked to the vacuum box by a plurality of couplers each including a stud projecting downwardly from the attachment plate and received within a corresponding cylinder recessed within the vacuum box. Each cylinder has locking balls which releasably grip the corresponding stud in response to axial movement of a fluid actuated spring biased piston surrounding the cylinder.

Abstract: A work pallet (3) has an under surface opened to provide a positioning hole (12). The positioning hole (12) has an upper wall which supports a pull rod (13) diametrically movably. A clamp pallet (2) projects an annular plug portion (21), onto which a shuttle member (23) is externally fitted. The shuttle member (23) makes a tapering engagement with the positioning hole (12). The plug portion (21) has a cylindrical hole (21a), into which a transmission sleeve (31) is inserted. The transmission sleeve (31) supports an engaging ball (34), which engages with an engaged portion (13b) of the pull rod (13). Defined between the cylindrical hole (21a) and an outer peripheral surface (31b) of the transmission sleeve (31) is a flow passage (43) through which cleaning compressed air passes.

Abstract: A coupling device with two coupling members, which are to be connected coaxially together, and a tension rod, which penetrates the first coupling member and is to be coupled with the second coupling member. To minimize the effect of the cross forces on the positioning of the second coupling member, it is provided that the end, facing the head of the tension rod, penetrates into a passage borehole of the second coupling member with a radial clearance; and a connector, resting against a shoulder of the second coupling member, can be attached to the end, thus resulting in radial clearance between connector and second coupling member. Furthermore, a connector is described whose periphery has a contour, which prevents a turning action inside the coupling member, whereby the connector can also be moved in the coupling member and exhibits an axial contact surface, which is adequately small to enable a swivelling motion without generating a counteracting moment of flexion.

Abstract: A system and method for inscribing an item is provided. The system includes a housing having a door, an inscriber, and a support. The inscriber is disposed in the housing and is operable to inscribe the surface of an item secured in an item carrier. The support has a positioning structure that is configured to engage the item carrier and establish a reference point so that the location of the surface of the item with respect to the support is determinable. The support moves between a loading position and an inscribing position to position the item for inscribing. There is also provided a controller that governs the movements of the inscriber and includes an input device. The input device is moveable between a first position to receive characteristics about the item to be inscribed and a second position to receive a message to be inscribed on the surface of the item.

Abstract: A tooling fixture for aligning and supporting multiple substrates removed from a carrier for further processing, comprising a plurality of vacuum towers attached to a base for supporting said substrates, and a plurality of tapered pins attached to a secondary base for initially aligning said substrates, lifting them from said carrier, and supporting them until said substrates are supported by said vacuum columns.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for securely gripping and holding a microplate or other containers during robotic de-lidding operations. A microplate placed on the apparatus is held by a vacuum drawn through the base thereof, allowing the lid of the microplate to be removed without movement of the plate. Afterwards, the vacuum can be discontinued and the plate removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: A pallet for clamping a workpiece to be processed, in particular by machining operations, wherein the pallet is connected to a holding fixture which accommodates a quick-acting connection which is provided with conduits for the feed of a hydraulic fluid to a piston/cylinder unit and with a quick-acting connection in combination with conduits for the return of the hydraulic fluid, in which case these first connections can be connected to second quick-acting connections which are connected to a conduit for the feed of the hydraulic fluid and to a conduit for the return of the hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic supply unit, and the second quick-acting connections are arranged in a holding body which has an actuating lever for a connecting device, and the actuating lever has an eccentric slot, which can be connected to a guide pin which is fastened to the holding body for the first quick-acting connections.

Abstract: Workpiece transfer support apparatus has a housing having a chamber therein for the removable accommodation of a support body which may be equipped with a workpiece engaging and supporting member. That portion of the support body which is accommodated in the chamber is engaged by and urged into a seating position with seating surfaces within the chamber. A locking bolt is movable into and out of engagement with the support member when the latter is within the chamber and acts on such support member to maintain it in snug engagement with the seating surfaces. A safety latch is provided to avoid inadvertent removal of the support body from the chamber of the housing.

Abstract: A registration mechanism has a datum unit and a bolster movable toward and away from the datum unit. First, second, and third pins are mounted to the bolster. At least one spring resiliently biases the pins outward from the bolster. A pallet is supported by the pins between the bolster and datum unit. The pallet has first, second, and third sockets aligned with respective pins. The pallet has a registering face facing the datum unit. The registering face is disposed opposite the sockets. The pallet is movable by the bolster toward the datum unit from a lowered position. In the lowered position, the registering face is spaced from the datum unit and respective pins and sockets are spaced apart. In a first intermediate position, the registering face is spaced from the datum unit, and the sockets rest freely on respective pins. In a second intermediate position, respective sockets and pins are pressed together in partial counteraction of the resilient biasing.

Abstract: A holder for holding a semiconductor wafer for treatment in wafer treating apparatus including a plurality of supports for generally point support of the wafer at a plurality of points on the wafer. Each support bears a fraction of weight of the wafer and is movable up and down and subject to force biasing it to move upward. The total of the forces exerted on the supports biasing them upward is adapted to counterbalance the weight of the wafer.

Abstract: A device for lifting a tongue blade (2) of points made of stock rail profiles, with a rolling device (5) includes a plurality of rollers (44, 45, 46, 47), sliding knobs, balls or the like which are orientated essentially parallel to a running rail (1), which transport said tongue blade (2) in a direction transversely to the running rail (1), and a base plate (3) which serves as rail support for said running rail (1) and which is mountable on a concrete or lumber tie, wherein said rolling device (5) can be arranged beside a longitudinal side wall of said lumber or concrete tie and is displaced downwardly such that the base of said running rail (1) and the base of said tongue blade (2) lie essentially at the same horizontal level.

Abstract: When clamping, compressed air within a second chamber (22) of a pneumatic cylinder (12) is discharged and fresh compressed air is supplied to a first chamber (21). Then a pressure of the compressed air within the first chamber (21) and an urging force of a compression spring (25) move a piston (20) leftwards. The piston (20) moves an output rod (26) rightwards strongly through a plurality of engaging balls (34) and a first pressure receiving member (31). When unclamping, the compressed air within the first chamber (21) is discharged and fresh compressed air is supplied to the second chamber (22). Then a pressure of the compressed air within the second chamber (22) moves the piston (20) rightwards and at the same time the output rod (26) leftwards.

Abstract: A housing (4) has a cylinder bore (10) into which an annular hydraulic piston (11) is inserted vertically movably. The piston (11) has a tubular bore (11a) into which a driven rod (6) is inserted. The driven rod (6) is provided with an input portion (6a), around which a plurality of transmission members (15) are arranged peripherally side by side. The transmission members (15) swing to a disengaging position (Y) through a push member (30) by a lowering spring (31). When clamping, the piston (11) is driven upwards. Then, first, a slant cam (27) swings the transmission members (15) to an engageable position (X), thereby enabling engaging portions (17) to face the input portion (6a). Next, the piston (11) upwardly drives the input portion (6a) through the engaging portions (17).

Abstract: A fixture supports and secures a printed circuit board (“PCB”) during processing thereof. The fixture includes a frame for supporting the PCB and an attachable and entirely detachable bar or plate for securing the PCB in the fixture. A first opening is defined by the frame and is of sufficient dimensions to expose a first surface of the PCB. The plate defines a second opening, the second opening being of sufficient dimensions to expose a second surface of the PCB for processing. Spring-loaded latch assemblies connect the bar or plate to the frame at its ends or corners, respectively. The latch assemblies are simultaneously actuated by application of a slight pressure on the plate or bar. Simultaneous actuation of the latch assemblies ensures uniform application of pressure on the PCB, to avoid creation of a moment in the board. The latch assemblies do not require an operator's individual, repeated manipulation, but are actuated with a single application of slight pressure to the plate or bar.

Abstract: A workpiece holder features a grip post having an interior wall structure and an exterior wall structure defining a plurality of expandable sections adapted to engage the wall of a bore formed on a workpiece. The grip post houses a cam arrangement abutting the interior wall structure. A pin arrangement is movably mounted in the grip post and has a tapered head engageable with the cam arrangement. A fluid system is provided for instantaneously imparting longitudinal movement to the pin arrangement whereby the exterior wall structure of the grip post is expanded into gripping relationship with the workpiece bore by the progressive engagement of the tapered head with the cam arrangement.

Abstract: A wafer loading system positioning method and device, comprising a loading system, having a base and a rear plate for docking on a positioning frame of a production equipment. The main characteristic thereof is that the loading system in an upper part of the rear plate has a holding seat and the positioning frame in an upper part of a front side has an upward extending positioning element. Two eccentric cams on the holding seat and the positioning element allow to adjust a relative position of the holding seat with respect to the positioning element. A lifting mechanism enables raising of the loading system for lifting said holding seat above said positioning element, so as to enable said holding seat to engage with said positioning element.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer transfer machine for transferring first wafers having a first diameter from a first transferor carrier to a first receiver carrier and second wafers having a second diameter different from the first diameter from a second transferor carrier to a second receiver carrier. The wafer transfer machine includes a base plate with a longitudinal axis for placement on the base plate of the transferor carriers and the receiver carriers and a mechanism for transferring wafers contained in the first and second transferor carriers to the first and second receiver carriers, respectively.

Abstract: A cutting board combination for use with a double basin sink having a sink divider separating the two basins. The cutting board combination includes a first cutting board that has a flat upper cutting surface and a pair of spaced apart legs fixed to the bottom surface. The legs are spaced apart to straddle the sink divider with the cutting board base supported on it with lateral edges overlapping the sink basins on either side. The cutting board combination includes a second cutting board that can be connected at an inner lateral edge to a lateral edge of the first cutting board. The second cutting board is connected to the first in such a fashion that the work surfaces of the two are coplanar. The inner lateral edge of the second cutting board is supported by the first cutting board. The second cutting board has a length sufficient so that it spans the sink basin with the outer lateral edge supported on the sink rim.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holder (10) for a cassette (1) for substrates (2), comprising a base plate (3) on which a guide member (4) provided with at least two guides (5) is secured. The cassette (1) is to be positioned between the guides (5), which enable the cassette (1) to be aligned with respect to the base plate (3), and the side (6) of which facing the base plate (3) tapers inwards and downwards. The application of such a holder (10) in an apparatus for manufacturing semiconductor devices is still hampered as a result of incorrectly positioning the holder (10) in said apparatus, leading to damage to the substrates (2) and a lower yield of the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A positioning and clamping system, in particular for positioning and clamping a workpiece-bearing pallet 1 on a pallet receiving table 2, consists of at least two conical supports 4 arranged spaced from each other on the pallet receiving table 2 and at least two tapered sleeves 3 adapted to cooperate with the conical supports, the tapered sleeves being connected to the pallet 1 on the side which is to be located on the table. The at least one cone angle &agr;1, &agr;2 of one of the conical supports 4 and the tapered sleeve 3 adapted to cooperate therewith has an angle size which is suitable for the introduction of a self-locking connection between the support and the tapered sleeve upon cooperation thereof.

Abstract: A high throughput drilling system for printed circuit board hole formation. Two spindles are disposed at each spindle station, doubling the number of holes produced in a given time period. Each spindle in connected to an overhead linear drive by a mini slide. A first set of the spindles, one for each spindle station, is driven by a first X axis linear drive. A second set is driven by a second X axis linear drive. The work piece table is elongated to support work pieces for all stations, and is supported by a set of bearing guides, with outrigger bearings coupled to the table by flexure mounts that relieve stress due to differential temperature expansion rates between the work piece table and the base table. High speed spindles are employed to obtain higher productivity, with larger holes routed by router tools, eliminating the need for stocking large drill sizes on the system tool changer.

Abstract: A mounting fixture for a reconfigurable assembly machine having a plurality of modules with slots formed in their upper surfaces includes a square or rectangular solid block having a plurality of threaded openings. The openings receive fasteners adapted to secure various and diverse assembly machine components and devices to the mounting fixture. One surface of the block includes a channel or keyway having a width equal to the width of the throat of the slots formed in the upper surface of the assembly machine module. A locating key is received in the keyway in the block and the throat of the T-slot. The locating key includes through openings which receive threaded fasteners having heads held captive and the T-slot which, with suitable nuts, secure the block to the upper surface of the module.

Abstract: A device particularly adapted to engage an irregular bottom surface of an object and then carry that object includes a support block. In the support block is a set of longitudinally spaced apart upright bores. On each side of the bores in a top wall of the block is a guide channel for a slide bar. Ends of these bars operatively connect with a reciprocating mechanism attached to one end of the block. In each bore is a sleeve having an inner opening formed with an upper section for a spring. An upper and lower end coil of a coil portion of each spring connects with an arm that projects outwardly. The upper arms fit respectively in upward facing slots in one slide bar while the lower arms fit respectively in downward facing slots in the other slide bar. In the sleeve inner openings and extending respectively through the coil portion of each springs is a support pin. Top ends of these pins fit in openings in a top cover plate fastened to the support block top wall.

Abstract: A clamping device for securing a draw-in bolt on a machine table, a base plate, or the like has a piston that is arranged axially displaceably in a recess of the machine table and is hydraulically actuable. There is a cover secured to the machine table in order to close off the recess. The piston and/or the cover form a receptacle into which the draw-in bolt can be inserted through the cover by a clamping mechanism, actuable by displacement of the piston. Inserted into the recess is an integrally configured bushing in which the piston is held displaceably for forming a pressure chamber. The cover is attached on one hand to the bushing and on the other hand to the machine table. The attachment to the machine table is accomplished by way of multiple bolts passing axially through the bushing. The bushing and/or the cover have sintering services for positioning on the machine table.

Abstract: The invention is a clamping device for fastening a draw-in bolt to a machine table or a baseplate. The clamping device has a piston axially displaceable in a recess of the machine table and which is also hydraulically actuateable. The clamping device also has a cover, a clamping mechanism, and an integral bushing positioned in the machine table recess. At least one of the piston and the cover form a receptacle into which the draw-in bolt can be inserted through the cover and fastened to the clamping device by the clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism is actuateable by displacement of the piston. The piston is also displaceable in the bushing with the bushing and the piston cooperating to form a pressure space. The cover is fastened to and centered upon the bushing and is fastenable to the machine table in order to close off the recess.

Abstract: A modular fixturing apparatus platform includes a plate, which has a center and a plurality of axes extending radially outward from the center. The plate includes a plurality of mounting openings configured to receive fasteners. The mounting openings are arranged in a rectangular array and aligned along one of the radiating axes of the plate. The rectangular array includes at least two rows of the mounting openings. In one form, the mounting openings are arranged in a repeating square pattern within the rectangular array. Preferably, the plate comprises a sub-plate, and the platform further includes at least one base plate, which is mounted on the sub-plate. The base plate includes the rectangular array of mounting openings and is aligned along one of the radiating axes of the sub-plate.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for manufacture and assembly as well as a capless quick-grip cylinder manufactured by this method with a feed nipple for clamping a carrier plate, also called a pallet, which on a machine tool serves to fix work pieces.