Abstract: A workpiece support element has a support bolt (2) slideable in a housing bore. A biasing spring (26) moves the bolt into a work piece contacting position. A locking piston (4) is provided with a recess (22) which separates two segments (28) having concavely beveled edges or piston pressure webs or members (17, 18) for locking the support bolt (2) in the housing. The housing bore is provided with a recess (21) to form concavely beveled edges or housing pressure webs or members (19, 20) for contacting the cylindrical surface of the support bolt (2). In the working position the support bolt (2) is locked between the pressure webs (17, 18, 19 and 20) which increase the locking pressure since these surfaces are smaller than the surface area of the piston (4) exposed to the locking pressure. The piston (4) is provided with an elastically deformable bottom so that the piston segments (28) can move slightly outwardly against the wall of the cylinder wall in which the locking piston (4) is held in place.

Abstract: A suction pad (A) is adapted to be placed on a suction table (2) a plurality of openings (2a) connected to a negative pressure generating source (3) in order to fix a work piece (W) by suction on a top surface (5d) of the suction pad (A). The suction pad (A) includes a communicating passage (5a, 5b, 5c and 6a) for communicating the top surface (5d) with a bottom surface (6b) of the suction pad (A) and for communicating negative pressure from the openings (2a) of the suction table (2) to the top surface (5d) of the suction pad (A) when the suction pad (A) is placed on any one of the openings (2a) of the suction table (2). A magnet (10) is provided for attracting a plug (4) for normally closing each of the openings (2a) of the suction table (2) so as to communicate the negative pressure generating source (3) with the communicating passage (5a, 5b, 5c and 6a).

Abstract: Described is a coupling, provided at the spindle head of a machine tool, for clamping an especially plate-shaped work-holding fixture, for example a pallet, in a specified, repeatable and precise position relative to a spatial reference system, wherein the spindle head exhibits a collet, which can be moved axially and radially with respect to its face. To increase the accuracy when machining a workpiece, there is a plate, which is to be connected to the face and is provided with spatial references on the front side, and which has a central passage opening to receive a tension rod, connected to the backside of the work-holding fixture, and a bolt, whose front end can be coupled with the tension rod and whose rear end can be connected to the collet.

Abstract: A universal metal working kit is described. The kit has a plurality of interchangeable elements that combine with a master bushing to perform different workpiece locating and holding functions and objectives.

Abstract: A workpiece support device comprises an array of rods in columns and rows with free ends of the rods forming, a support surface, in which support surface recesses can be created by selectively retracting individual ones of the rods. Each rod is coupled to a respective piston within a respective cylinder and each cylinder has an upper connection for medium pressure, a lower connection for high pressure and a middle connection for low pressure. A trigger piston is provided in a cylinder below the piston. The rod can be caused to extend from the cylinder by applying low pressure to the connection to press the trigger piston downwardly to close the high pressure connection. Such low pressure passes around the lip of a lip seal on the trigger piston and through a connection pressurises the underside of the piston to raise the piston and release it from pressing the trigger piston downwardly. Subsequently pressurising the connections and causes the differential pressure to force the piston upwardly.

Abstract: An engraving system for positioning a workpiece to be engraved. The workpiece is held in a workpiece carrier having a positioning structure that engages a complementary positioning structure on an engraving table. The workpiece is centered in the workpiece carrier so that when the workpiece carrier is in position on the engraving table, the center of the workpiece is known to the engraving system. This engraving system allows for an unskilled operator to engrave workpieces of different configurations in a reliable manner.

Abstract: The invention concerns a clamping device for securing a draw-in nipple (12) to a clamping plate, having a receptacle (11) into which the draw-in nipple (12) is insertable, and having a clamping mechanism in order to immobilize the draw-in nipple (12) in the receptacle (11), and is characterized in that at least one air delivery conduit (23), connectable to a compressed air source, opens into the receptacle (11).

Abstract: A unit for releasably attaching parts of a palletizing system comprises two coupling elements to be fastened together between which a connection arrangement is provided for clamping the coupling elements in the direction of a clamping axis as well as an elastic radial orienting arrangement. The elastic radial orienting arrangement includes a springy device allowing relative displacement between the coupling elements transversely to the clamping axis, but provides centering forces in radial direction with respect to the clamping axis which act upon the coupling elements when they are clamped together.

Abstract: A coupling for use in supplying air pressure to an air driven pump on a pallet is disclosed. The male half of the coupling is affixed to a pallet changing station and the female half is suspended from a pallet. Suspension of the female half from the pallet enables the male and the female half to couple despite misalignment. The male half includes two pistons and the female half includes a power port, a vent port and a central port. The power port is connected to an air driven hydraulic pump and the control port is connected to a pilot on a four-way valve. The hydraulic pump operates vides contained on the pallets. The number of vices operable is only limited by the capacity of the hydraulic reservoir located in the pallet.

Abstract: Quick clamping cylinder for retracting and centering a draw-in nipple, in which the quick clamping cylinder contains a displaceable piston which is subjected to spring forces when retracting and to pressure fluid when releasing, the supply with pressure fluid being effected through the attaching means of the quick clamping cylinder.

Abstract: Arrangement for clamping and positioning palettes in the correct position, wherein for the clamping of the palettes a draw-in nipple cooperates with a rapid-clamping cylinder. Addtionally, a rotation safeguard is present between the palette and the associated rapid clamping cylinder. This safeguard against rotation is implemented in the form of localizing pins which have a corresponding mechanical strength to prevent movement when clamping force is exerted.

Abstract: The workpiece or pack of printed circuit boards is fitted to a clamping fixture carried by the table and is machined by a machining head; the head and the table being movable with respect to each other along two coordinate X, Y axes. The aligning method includes the steps of providing the pack with two locating holes; fitting the pack to the fixture; determining the distances between the real positions of the holes and two reference positions; and moving the pack on the fixture to eliminate the distances. The aligning device has an optoelectronic sensor carried by the head to determine the real position of each hole; and a number of motors controlled on the basis of the real position of each hole to move a locating member for locating a first pin on the pack, and to move one bar of a pair of bars for clamping the other pin on the pack.

Abstract: A housing (11) has a piston (17) inserted thereinto. A pull rod (12) is connected to the piston (17). An annular collet (13) is externally fitted onto the pull rod (12). When clamping, an engaging member (14) provided on a peripheral wall of the collet (13) is inserted into an engaging hole (2) of a workpiece (1) and the piston (17) is lowered. Then a tapered outer peripheral surface (12a) of the pull rod (12) diametrically expands the engaging member (14) to engage it with the engaging hole (2) and the collet (13) slightly descends against a push spring (27). Thus a downward driving force acting on the pull rod (12) is transmitted to the workpiece (1) via the engaging member (14) and the workpiece (1) is pulled and fixed to a support surface (S) of the housing (11).

Abstract: A device for clamping a work piece or a tool in a well defined position comprises a first coupling element assigned to the work piece or tool to be clamped and a second, stationary coupling element. The first coupling element is provided with grooves that cooperate with aligning members provided on the second coupling element to effect a precise positioning of the first coupling element with respect to the second coupling element in X- and Y-directions. A clamping pin member required for locking the two coupling elements to each other is located on the second coupling element. To protect the parts and element essential for the fine positioning, the first coupling element is provided with a supporting member towering above the aforementioned parts and elements.

Abstract: An arrangement for releasable attachment of workpieces to be machined on a processing machine with a pallet, on which the workpieces are releasably attached and can be releasably linked via this pallet with the processing machine, whereby the lock between the pallet and the processing machine is accomplished with at least one insertion pin attached to the pallet, which pin engages respectively in a seat of a quick-action clamping cylinder, whereby the seating opening (11) for the insertion pin (5) provided on the quick-action clamping cylinder (1) is provided with an outlet (28).

Abstract: A machine for carving workpieces having substantially similar configurations generally including a base member, means disposed on the base member for retaining at least one workpiece thereon, means for rotationally indexing the workpiece disposed on the retaining means, about an axis, a working tool operatively engageable with a workpiece disposed between the retaining means, supported on the base member and displaceable along x, y and z axes pursuant to a programmed sequence of motions coordinated with the workpiece indexing means for shaping the workpiece in a selected configuration, and at least one means for successively positioning a plurality of similarly configured workpieces in a selected orientation including a support member, a jointed linkage supported on the base member, supporting the support member and manipulatable to position the support member into a support relationship with an initial one of the workpieces disposed in the selected orientation and held by the retaining means, means for fixin

Abstract: A tilt mechanism for periodically tilting a cassette configured to hold a plurality of wafers or workpieces such that the wafers or workpieces become gravity-loaded against a rear portion of the cassette. The tilt mechanism is mounted entirely above a worktable of a CMP or other processing machine and comprises a housing which houses a circular cam having a spiral groove formed therein. A tilt arm is pivotally mounted to the housing and extends vertically between a lower end which is adjacent the cam and an upper end which is fixed to a platform supporting a cassette holding a plurality of workpieces. A cam follower is attached to the lower end of the arm and projects into the groove. Rotary motion of the cam effects pivotal movement of the tilt arm which, in turn, effects tilting of the support platform and the cassette.

Abstract: A housing (11) includes an annular driving member (16), into which a cylindrical pull rod (12) is inserted. An actuation member (26) is inserted into the pull rod (12). At the time of clamping, the pull rod (12) has an upper end portion fitted into a stepped hole (2) of a workpiece (1) and the driving member (16) is lowered. Then, first the pull rod (12) descends relatively to the actuation member (26) to project a plurality of engaging balls (13) outwards and subsequently these balls (13) are brought into butting contact with a lower step portion (8) of the stepped hole (2). Thus the driving member (16) pulls the workpiece (1) downward through the pull rod (12) and the balls (13).

Abstract: A method for automatically coupling and uncoupling pallet clamping device and a pallet couple and decouple clamping device comprising air pressure supply means, vice means, pressure amplification means, a two position 4-way pilot valve, means for applying and removing air pressure to the pilot valve for controlling the amplification means which, in turn, locks and unlocks the vice means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clamping cylinder for pulling-in and clamping a pull-in nipple as well as to the nipple itself and to a clamping system comprising a clamping cylinder and a pull-in nipple. The nipple may repeatedly be pulled in the clamping cylinder in an exactly reproduceable position. The clamping cylinder is provided with a central bore extending through the clamping cylinder and adapted to receive the nipple, pull it in and lock it. The cylinder is provided with cleansing means to dispense a cleaning fluid, while the nipple is provided with at least one cutting member.

Abstract: A work holder for internal combustion engine heads in which an upper platen is adapted to be fixedly retained vis-a-vis an underlying platen so that an operator can contact the head operatively coupled to the upper platen for work thereon for crack repair.

Abstract: A product slicer guide suitable for use with a food item, or the like, is disclosed. The slicer guide includes a base and a cutting board adapted to fit within the base in the plurality of selectable positions. The base includes a generally upstanding guidewall having a cutting guide surface at one end. The plurality of shim sets each having a unique height, wherein each shim set includes a plurality of shims having generally equal height, are positioned proximate the guidewall on the base. The cutting board includes a cutting surface and an underside surface generally opposite the cutting surface. The underside surface includes a plurality of primary pads having a generally equal height. For each of the selectable positions, at least some of the primary pads mate with one of the shim sets to provide a selected spacing between the guide surface and the cutting surface.

Abstract: Device for detachable fastening of workpieces to be machined on a processing machine having a pallet on which the workpieces are detachably fastened, and which can be connected detachably via this pallet to the processing machine, wherein the locking between the pallet and one or more quick-clamp cylinders is effected through at least one pull-in bolt which are fastened on the pallet and which engage in clamping manner in corresponding receptacles on the quick-clamp cylinder, and wherein the clamping connection is maintained through tension springs, and for unlocking a hydraulic piston can be actuated which overcomes the clamping force of the tension springs, wherein in the quick-clamp cylinder the space between the central pull-in bolt and the tension springs arranged to the side of the latter is sealed.

Abstract: A support element for supporting or holding a work piece on a mounting surface, for example in a machine tool, has a support or pin movably mounted in a housing. The pin is moved into contact with a work piece by an airstream, held in work piece contact by a hydraulic piston, and reset into a starting position by at least one spring, whereby the work piece is contacted gently under a manual throttle control of the airstream, but firmly held in place by hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: A movable workbench 6 has a work board 7, second casters 8 attached on one side of the back of the work board, and first casters 9 attached on the other side thereof. The first casters 9 can rotate freely around an axis of rotation 91 perpendicular to the back of the work board 71, and have rollers 92 and 93 which can rotate freely around axes of rotation 92a and 93a respectively which are inclined symmetrically with respect to the axis 91. The rollers 92 and 93 also have plates to prevent running off 94 and 95 respectively. Because the pair of rollers 92 and 93 are put on a cylindrical rail 35 and roll along the rail, the movable workbench 6 can be moved along the rail by manpower. Since each of the casters can rotate freely, the casters can be moved along an arc-like line. In addition, the plates 94 and 95 prevent the workbench 6 from running off the rail even if the workbench is inclined.

Abstract: An annular piston (20) is inserted into a lower portion of a guide bore (17) of a housing (11), and a transmission sleeve (24) is inserted into the cylindrical bore (20a) of the piston (20) with a first annular gap (21) defined therebetween. A ring-shaped operation member (36) is inserted into an upper portion of the guide bore (17) with a second annular gap (22) defined therebetween. At the time of clamping, first a pull bolt (3) is inserted into the sleeve (24) and then the sleeve (24) is driven downward by the piston (20). Thereupon, balls (37) are changed over to an engagement position (X) by the operation member (36), so that a driving force of the piston (20) can be transmitted to a workpiece (1) through the sleeve (24), the balls (37) and the pull bolt (3).

Abstract: A method or automatically coupling and uncoupling a pallet clamping device and a pallet couple and decouple clamping device comprising air pressure supply means, vice means, pressure amplification means, a two position 4-way pilot valve, means for applying and removing air pressure to the pilot valve for controlling the amplification means which, in turn, locks and unlocks the vice means.

Abstract: A machining device has a base and a fixture. The base is fixedly attached to a pallet or a machining table. The fixture is mounted on the base, contacting the base only at projecting contact surfaces which project above the mounting surface of the base. Cleaning of the base before a fixture is attached is done efficiently because only the minimized projecting contact surfaces area between the base and the fixture needs to be cleaned to permit stable contact between the base and fixture. The base and fixture also include projections and holes for precisely aligning the base and fixture with respect to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally to a wafer cassette holding mechanism for use in processing wafers. The cassette holding mechanism has adjustable alignment posts to facilitate the cassette placement, and an adjustment guide for guiding the placement of the cassette on the holding mechanism so that the holding mechanism may be configured to receive and securely hold a variety of different sizes and brands of wafer cassettes. In addition, the cassette holding mechanism further includes a plurality of adjustment screws for fine tuning the level position of the support platform.

Abstract: A fixture (90) is disclosed for repositioning at least one mispositioned component (28, 78) mounted via at least one deformable connector (74,76) on and extended outward from a circuit board (20). The fixture includes a base (92); means (94-116, 126-134) supported by the base for simulating a mounting geometry for the circuit board in an apparatus (10) into which the circuit board is to be installed; and camming means (118-124) supported by the base for engaging the component to deform the connector and thereby reposition the component to a desired position for installation in the apparatus. When the circuit board is placed on the means for simulating, the component engages the camming means to deform the connector and reposition the component to the desired position. A corresponding method is disclosed.

Abstract: A leveling device with which to orient a workpiece--or tool--affixing upper part relative to a lower part connected to it, the device having at least one adjusting screw of which the shank rotatably passes through the upper part and engages a thread in the lower part. To permit economical manufacture of the device without degradation in accuracy, the invention anchors the upper part in the lower part at a specified spring loading and at a spaced apart distance from the adjusting screw.

Abstract: A quick fixture changing apparatus for the fourth axis turn table of a machine tool. A pneumatic servomechanism exerts force on a drawbar, which is releasably attached to the fixture plate. The drawbar passes through the central opening of the turn table, so that the servomechanism, drawbar, and fixture are all axially aligned. An intermediate fixture plate is permanently mounted to the turn table, and has dowels for aligning the work holding fixture plate. When pneumatic pressure is relaxed, the fixture plate is manually lifted from the fourth axis. Tedious threading of fixture plates is eliminated. A new fixture plate, which has been prepared during the prior machining operation, can then be mounted on the dowels. Air pressure is restored, and the new fixture is securely locked in place. With 80 psi (5.5 kPa) operating pressure, a servomechanism of 6 inch (15 cm) diameter can develop a clamping force of 1800 lb (800 N).

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: Support device having a support shaft and a housing formed with guide surface sections form-lockingly surrounding the support shaft, the support shaft being guidable rectilinearly in a longitudinal direction thereof along the guide surface sections, includes a chucking device supported by the housing, the chucking device serving for converting a therewith engageable adjusting force into a pressing force between at least one part of the guide surface sections and the support shaft, the chucking device being formed as a force-transmitting device which increases the effect of the adjusting force.

Abstract: A method for automatically coupling and uncoupling a pallet clamping device and a pallet couple and decouple clamping device comprising air pressure supply means, vice means, pressure amplification means, a two position 4-way pilot valve, means for applying and removing air pressure to the pilot valve for controlling the amplification means which, in turn, locks and unlocks the vice means.

Abstract: A stator support assembly for use during the manufacture of electric motor stator assemblies includes a pallet, a rotatable stator support nest mounted on the pallet, and a lock arrangement that resists rotation of the nest from plural, locked, rotary orientations. The nest has generally horizontal, upwardly-facing, stator core supporting surfaces and generally vertical stator core confining wall portions. Accordingly, a stator assembly being manufactured is supported in a substantially fixed position or orientation as required when a stator assembly is being transferred from one workstation to the next but can be manually rotated from one locked position to the next for the convenience of a human operator when manual operations on the stator assembly are performed. Lock arrangements that may be used comprise recesses and one or more cooperating spring-biased detents or, alternatively, holes and a spring-biased shot pin.

Abstract: An x-y-z motion jack unit is mounted on a base frame supported by precision made floor inserts at an assembly site. The inserts are precision positioned in the floor and each insert presents a horizontal support surface for the base frame and a vertical threaded bore receiving an anchoring pin provided by an anchoring unit mounted on the base frame. Multiple of the jack units can be integrated into a computerized adjustment system for positioning aircraft structural components during assembly.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for clamping first and second objects together includes a sleeve adapted to fit within a first bore in the first object, the sleeve having a first end, a second end, and a slit extending from the first end to the second end. Bolt-driven sleeve-expansion components operate to radially expand the sleeve within the first bore of the first object while applying force to the sleeve axially toward the second object. One embodiment includes a cylindrically shaped, longitudinally split sleeve of resiliently deformable composition. A conically shaped member and a bolt having a conically shaped head and a shank adapted to screw into the second bore cooperate as sleeve expansion components. The tapered head of the bolt faces a first tapered inner surface of the sleeve, and a tapered exterior surface on the conically shaped member faces a second tapered inner surface of the sleeve. The shank of the bolt extends axially through the sleeve and the conically shaped member.

Abstract: A mounting assembly that secures a tooling plate to a base plate. The base plate has a mounting aperture which receives a pin that extends from the tooling plate. The pin has a locking aperture located essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pin. Located within the mounting aperture is an armature which has a lip that extends into the locking aperture when the tooling plate is placed onto the base plate and the pin is inserted into the mounting aperture. The interlocking armature and pin secure the tooling plate to the base plate. The pin and armature lip have cooperating chamfered cam surfaces that move the lip into the locking aperture when the pin is inserted into the mounting aperture. The assembly includes a spring biased button that can be depressed to move the armature out of the pin so that the tooling plate can be released from the base plate.

Abstract: A universal system for supporting and holding a workpiece having a contoured work holding surface is provided with a spaced array of work holding fixtures mounted on a base. Each fixture includes a work engaging head having a vacuum cup and three work engaging projections spaced outwardly from the vacuum cup and disposed in a work contact plane. The work engaging head is supported by a ball joint on a rod mounted for axial movement relative to a base and the ball joint supports the work engaging head for tilting movement about axes orthogonal to each other and to the axis of the rod. The ball joint includes a ball and casing and a ball clamp in the casing with ball clamp operating means for selectively moving the ball clamp means into a ball clamped condition to a ball released condition. A rod clamp means is provided for selectively locking the rod in a rod clamp adjusted position.

Abstract: The part holder for workstations with a revolving table has a first prism-shaped supporting element and at least one second supporting element which is adapted to support parts to be machined. The holder comprises locator pins for positioning the second supporting element on a lateral face of the first supporting element and protrusions for removably locking the second supporting element on the face.

Abstract: For machining a part or a series of parts on a machine tool, it is proposed that said part be successively fixed in at least two different gripping modules (12a to 12e) mounted on a central unit (10) placed on the machining plate of the machine. The rapid assembly and disassembly of the modules with respect to the central unit is ensured by flanging jacks (42a,42c) actuated by a hydraulic control system (14) carried on the central unit. This system (14) also actuates control and locking jacks (34,40,64) ensuring the gripping of the parts on the modules (12a to 12e).

Abstract: A hand-held, chuck-type part holder provides holding means for a machine part. The hand-held part holder may be secondary holding means for a part which itself is then inserted into a primary machine clamp. The chuck uses standard replaceable collets which may be easily interchanged for different size parts. The collet is actuated by a rod which is moved in turn by an air cylinder which is supported by a handle. The part-gripping collet may be actuated by a tilt switch which provides the automatic clamping action of the collet as the operator turns the holder to the vertical position before inserting or removing a part from the end of the collet. Additionally, a fixture mounted to the bed of the processing machine may be used which guides the part holder into alignment with the primary clamp as it is inserted. The fixture includes pivot and slide means which both support and direct the movement of the part holder.

Abstract: The devices and systems of the present invention encompasses both an apparatus and method enabling quick repositioning of positional devices, and quick positioning of supports, particularly useful in edging and milling applications. The positional device uses a set of nested pistons which are mounted in an offset fashion onto a circular vacuum platform. The platform has a push tubing connection which is amenable to manual evacuation onto the working table, and a manual pressure release to facilitate spot movement of individual positional devices. An auxiliary vacuum system enables the positional devices in each work area to be individually controlled.The quick positioning of supports is accomplished through the use of a "spider" shaped hub which is connected to the supports using a set of approximately equal lengths of pressure tubing.

Abstract: A workholding system comprising dissimilar support members, each adapted to interchangeably operably support at least one vise-like clamping assembly in a plurality of workholding orientations relative to a support member. One support member arrangement can non-movably support a plurality of vise-like clamping assemblies relative to the support member. Another support member can indexably support a plurality of vise-like clamping assemblies such that they can be selectively indexed about a common axis.

Abstract: A working table includes a lateral beam having one end for securing to a drilling machine and having a longitudinal channel for slidably engaging with a bolt which is extended downward from a block. A nut is threadedly engaged with the bolt so as to secure the block to the lateral beam. A table is rotatably secured to the block by a screw. The table and the block are movable along the channel and are rotatable relative to the lateral beam when the nut is unthreaded relative to the bolt. The table may be rotated relative to the block when the screw is unthreaded relative to the block.

Abstract: An adaptor member for mounting a column that operably supports at least two vise-like clamping assemblies in a predetermined orientation on a support surface of a milling table. The vise-like clamping assemblies include movable support members that protrude from a corresponding surface of the column and have removable jaw members attached thereto. The adaptor member is equipped with cavities adapted to receive therein the movable support members of a clamping assembly to enable the column to be supported on the adaptor member. Locating members are provided to locate a surface of the column member relative to the adaptor member in a predetermined confronting orientation. The column member is removably attached to the adaptor member using pins that are also used to removably attach the jaw members to their corresponding movable support members.

Abstract: A quick-change method for holding a workpiece on a worktable includes the step of providing at least one tombstone module (a workpiece support structure) for holding the workpiece, and a receiver assembly for removably holding the tombstone module on the worktable. The method proceeds by mounting the receiver assembly on the worktable, mounting the workpiece on the tombstone module, and removably mounting the tombstone module on the receiver assembly. In line with the above, an apparatus for holding a workpiece on a worktable (a modular tombstone assembly) includes at least one tombstone module for holding the workpiece, and a receiver assembly for removably holding the tombstone module on the worktable.

Abstract: A chopping board is supported on a pad formed from a plastic material which prevents the chopping board from slipping or vibrating when used for chopping different food products. The pad includes a peripheral wall, abutments spaced from and extending circumferentially around an inner surface of the wall, and a corner through hole. The upper surface of the pad is provided with a plurality of spaced convex areas, with each area having an upwardly extending projection. The lower surface of the pad is provided with a plurality of corresponding spaced concave areas, with a plurality of downwardly extending projections disposed between the concave areas. The chopping board may be provided with a corner hole corresponding to the hole of the pad to permit the board and pad to be hung together on a hanger for storage.

Abstract: The clamping apparatus comprises a base member adapted to be fixed in the working area of the machining apparatus and a work piece carrier member adapted to be put onto the base member and to be clampingly fixed to the base member, the work piece carrier member being adapted to receive a work piece to be machined. Aligning elements fixed to the work piece carrier member and to the base member and cooperating in pairs define the position of the work piece carrier member in X-, Y- and Z-direction as well as with regard to its angular orientation. For the definition of the X-Y-position, three aligning element pairs are provided. Two of them are located opposite to each other at the two lateral end regions of the clamping apparatus and define the position along the Y-axis which runs perpendicular to a connection line between the two aligning element pairs. The third aligning element pair is located in the center between the two other ones and defines the position in the X-axis.