Work-stop Abutment Patents (Class 269/315)
  • Patent number: 7146705
    Abstract: A manufacturing cell having a plurality of work stations, where at least one of the work station comprises a metalworking machine, and where at least one metalworking machine is provided with a modular tooling apparatus. The modular tooling apparatus consists of a base having one or more attachment surfaces, and one or more inserts that can be inserted semi-permanently to the attachment surfaces. The attachment surface is typically a pocket in the surface of the base. The insert has a workpiece support feature that can support and/or secure the workpiece into the proper position and orientation for machining. The base, pockets and inserts are configured to provide a characteristic location and orientation for the workpiece relative to the base, and to the metalworking machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Allan Ahti, Christian Dupuis, Larisa Alexandra Elman
  • Patent number: 7015066
    Abstract: A method of making a microelectronic assembly buying restraining a substrate in a fixture at room temperature, placing a flip chip on the substrate so that conductive bumps on the flip chip are aligned with contact pads on the substrate, heating the flip chip, the substrate and the fixture to reflow the conductive bumps on the flip chip, cooling the flip chip, substrate and fixture to solidify the conductive bumps and to mount the flip chip to the substrate, depositing an underfill between the flip chip and the substrate, curing the underfill by heating the flip chip, substrate, underfill and fixture to an elevated temperature, and removing the flip chip mounted substrate from the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pei-Haw Tsao, Chender Huang, Jones Wang, Ken Chen
  • Publication number: 20040239025
    Abstract: A rotatably adjustable apparatus for locating geometric references on a workpiece. The present invention provides a housing having a linear actuator for actuating a locating member between an extended position, wherein the locating member engages the workpiece, and a retracted position, wherein the locating member disengages the workpiece. A substantially cylindrical locking member is connected to the locating member and is disposed within the housing. A releasable striker connected to and accessible from outside the housing matingly engages the locking member in a predetermined angular position to provide angular adjustment to the locating member. A sensing device is connected to the housing and senses the position of the locating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Douglas A. Mulder
  • Patent number: 6715748
    Abstract: A modular cutting board having especial utility in non kitchen environments in which at least two plates are hingeably connected, and being relatively movable between a working position in which the cutting board presents a broad coplaner working surface and a transport and storage position in which the working surfaces of the plates are in face to face relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: The Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventors: Ted Thompson, Mike Neshat
  • Patent number: 6656278
    Abstract: A door positioning article positions a door of a motor vehicle in an ajar position with respect to the motor vehicle during coating steps of manufacture. The door positioning article includes a base. An extension is secured to the base for fastening the door positioning article to the motor vehicle. A retainer extends out from the base and holds the door in the ajar position with respect to the motor vehicle and the door positioning article. A spring extends between the base and the retainer for allowing the door to pass over the retainer and for forcing the retainer through an orifice in the door providing the defined ajar position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Howard Baisch
  • Patent number: 6641125
    Abstract: A vise stop for positioning a workpiece in a vise includes a crossbar having a first end, a second end and a mounting surface. The crossbar is attachable to the vise and a first stop arm is pivotally connected to the crossbar first end for positioning a workpiece along an X axis. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a second stop arm is pivotally connected to the crossbar second end. A friction disc is compressively disposed between an inner face of both the first and second stop arms and the first and second ends of the crossbar. The friction disc allows the stop arm to be frictionally positionable and rotatable about its point of attachment to the crossbar end. The friction disc may be configured as a fiber washer, a spring washer or a compressible o-ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Donald R. Bentley
  • Patent number: 6641339
    Abstract: An improved clamp for key duplicating machines, comprising a pair of jaws able to approach each other and define at least one seat for clamping a key, and a gauge associable with said seat to define a correct position of said key, wherein with said gauge there is slidingly associated a counteracting element which interferes with said seat when said gauge is in its operating condition and forms a support for a tip of said key housed in said seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Silca S.p.A.
    Inventors: Ezio Chies, Eros Foscan
  • Patent number: 6622997
    Abstract: A straight edge clamping device for clamping workpieces is provided. The device comprises a straight edge having a flat lower surface for contacting workpieces, an upper wall, and two sidewalls, a first stop fixed at one end of the edge, a second stop movably provided along the edge, and a clamp for holding the workpieces together. The walls of the edge define an open channel. The second stop has a body movably received in the channel of the edge and having a shape reverse to the shape of the channel of the base so that the body and the channel interlock. The upper wall of the base has one or more recesses, and the body of the second stop has mating projections so that the recesses and the projections interlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Eugene E. Emerson
  • Patent number: 6557601
    Abstract: An expandable mechanical stop is provided for positioning a workpiece during woodworking or other operations. The mechanical stop includes a positioning body which is adjustably attached to a track, the track having a vertical face that abuts an edge of the workpiece during operation. A stop arm is connected to the positioning body and includes a rear face that is substantially adjacent to the vertical face of the track. Anti-biasing means are provided to prevent the workpiece from dislodging the stop arm by sliding between the stop arm and the track. In one configuration, tabs are provided on the rear face and are received by grooves on the vertical face to serve as the anti-biasing means. In another configuration, grooves are provided on the rear face and receive tabs disposed on the vertical face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Taylor Design Group
    Inventor: Christopher L. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6481477
    Abstract: A fence assembly for use with a router table, with the fence assembly including a first lower rail, a second lower rail and an upper rail. The first lower rail is configured and arranged to be positioned above the router table, where the first lower rail defines a lower longitudinal axis along the length thereof. The second lower rail is configured and arranged to be positioned above the router table along the lower longitudinal axis. The upper rail is configured and arranged to be attached to the router table above both the first lower rail and the second lower rail, whereby the upper rail defines an upper longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the lower longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Credo Tool Company
    Inventors: Donald M. Szymanski, Leroy R. Leet, Gregory A. Phillips, W. Miles Hale
  • Patent number: 6286823
    Abstract: A workpiece indexing and clamping system for machining the workpiece. Spherical or narrow cylindrical heads of index pins extend from holes in a base plate into workpiece holes to align and index the workpiece. The pin portions in the base plate holes can be expanded to lock them to the base plate. Each pin has relief flats parallel to the pin axis. Clamps engage workpiece edges with thread-like angled grooves on a cam surface to force workpiece edges against the base plate during machining of the workpiece. A central clamp has a pin extending from the base plate into a workpiece hole. Angled grooves in a cam surface are brought into contact with the hole sides to force the workpiece toward the base plate and hold the central area in place during machining. In another version, a combined index and clamp pin has a head that fits within a workpiece hole and an extension that fits within a base plate hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Manfred A. Morghen
  • Patent number: 6217014
    Abstract: A work stop for use on a machine vise is received in a jaw plate for such vise and is securely locked in position. The work stop is fixed in a groove that is machined into a top edge of the jaw plate or jaw, with a member extending over the edge of the jaw plate and adjacent the face of the jaw plate that is used for clamping, a workpiece. This permits the workpiece to be slid against the stop before being clamped. The jaw plate is removably mounted onto a fixed jaw, and is located precisely relative to the fixed jaw so that the jaw plate with the work stop attached can be removed, and then replaced when the same part is to be machined again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Kurt Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Ingo E. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 6206060
    Abstract: The present invention is a jig system for precisely positioning the placement of multiple cuts such as in the placement of dovetail or box joints cut in a wood panel. A row of multi-use adjustable spacers controls the indexing of a workpiece and can be used with a stationary and/or a portable cutting tool. The movability of the spacers permits a workpiece to be cut on both sides of a guide bar fence thereby assuring that the first cut will always be made on the same side of a drawer and will be esthetically pleasing regardless of the width of the workpiece. Additionally, the adjustability of the spacers accommodates any desired cutting tool height, angle and/or size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: F. Richard Blake
  • Patent number: 6105951
    Abstract: A work positioning jig for machine tools is attached to a table with use of a T-slot formed in a work holding surface of the table to position work in place. The jig comprises a jig body having a positioning portion to be brought into contact with the work, and a wedgelike pressing portion formed integrally with and projecting downward from the lower end of the positioning portion centrally thereof. A vertical pin extends through the positioning portion and the pressing portion of the jig body centrally thereof and is movable upward and downward. The pin has attached to its lower end a U-shaped brace member fitted over the pressing portion from below and to be fitted into the T-slot of the table. The pin is biased upward by the force of coned disk springs, with the brace member inserted in the T-slot, thereby causing the pressing portion to expand upright walls of the brace member into pressing contact with side faces of the table defining the T-slot. The jig can be attached to the table easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Okuma Corporation
    Inventor: Hidetaka Shibata
  • Patent number: 6105949
    Abstract: A workpiece indexing and clamping system for machining the workpiece. Spherical or narrow cylindrical heads of index pins extend from holes in a base plate into workpiece holes to align and index the workpiece. The pin portions in the base plate holes can be expanded to lock them to the base plate. Each pin has relief flats parallel to the pin axis. Clamps engage workpiece edges with thread-like angled grooves on a cam surface to force workpiece edges against the base plate during machining of the workpiece. A central clamp has a pin extending from the base plate into a workpiece hole. Angled grooves in a cam surface are brought into contact with the hole sides to force the workpiece toward the base plate and hold the central area in place during machining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Manfred A. Morghen
  • Patent number: 6065604
    Abstract: An article holding tray adapted to retain and stabilize a wide variety of articles during their use such as dishware, drinking glasses, eating utensils, video game joy sticks and other articles which are typically usable on a tray or lap tray. The device includes a generally flat tray or board which includes one or more connected elongated slots formed orthogonally through the tray and sized in width for slidable translation of an elongated threaded fastener therealong. Each threaded fastener releasably retains an elongated movable retaining block in a selected position against an upper support surface defined by the tray. Each movable retaining block has at least one side surface, and preferably all of the side surfaces, which is sloped at an angle substantially greater than 90 degrees, and preferably about 105 degrees, with respect to the lower flat surface of the retaining block and the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: Lawrence O. Storck
  • Patent number: 6042096
    Abstract: There is provided a new and useful workpiece locating device for use on a machine table comprising at least two spaced elongated support members arranged in parallel so as to create at least one elongated slot, in a top surface of said table, between adjacent support members in which the locating device comprises a first member for insertion into the slot, which first member comprises a base having a width less the width of the slot and at least one locking means to releasably secure the base within the slot and a second member fastened to the first member in which the second member is upstanding relative to the top surface of the table when the device is positioned in the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Pacific Automation Ltd.
    Inventor: John MacLean
  • Patent number: 6039312
    Abstract: A workpiece indexing and clamping system for machining the workpiece. Spherical or narrow cylindrical heads of index pins extend from holes in a base plate into workpiece holes to align and index the workpiece. The pin portions in the base plate holes can be expanded to lock them to the base plate. Each pin has relief flats parallel to the pin axis. Clamps engage workpiece edges with thread-like angled grooves on a cam surface to force workpiece edges against the base plate during machining of the workpiece. A central clamp has a pin extending from the base plate into a workpiece hole. Angled grooves in a cam surface are brought into contact with the hole sides to force the workpiece toward the base plate and hold the central area in place during machining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Manfred A. Morghen
  • Patent number: 6029967
    Abstract: A work stop for use on a machine vise is received in a jaw plate for such vise and is securely locked in position. The work stop is fixed in a groove that is machined into a top edge of the jaw plate or jaw, with a member extending over the edge of the jaw plate and adjacent the face of the jaw plate that is used for clamping, a workpiece. This permits the workpiece to be slid against the stop before being clamped. The jaw plate is removably mounted onto a fixed jaw, and is located precisely relative to the fixed jaw so that the jaw plate with the work stop attached can be removed, and then replaced when the same part is to be machined again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Kurt Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Ingo E. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 5996986
    Abstract: A vise stop that enables an operator to precisely position like parts in a vise for the purpose of successively applying the same machining operation on each of a number of such like parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Harold E. Ewing
  • Patent number: 5961107
    Abstract: A workpiece indexing and clamping system for machining the workpiece. Spherical or narrow cylindrical heads of index pins extend from holes in a base plate into workpiece holes to align and index the workpiece. The pin portions in the base plate holes can be expanded to lock them to the base plate. Each pin has relief flats parallel to the pin axis. Clamps engage workpiece edges with thread-like angled grooves on a cam surface to force workpiece edges against the base plate during machining of the workpiece. A central clamp has a pin extending from the base plate into a workpiece hole. Angled grooves in a cam surface are brought into contact with the hole sides to force the workpiece toward the base plate and hold the central area in place during machining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Manfred A. Morghen
  • Patent number: 5937993
    Abstract: The present invention involves both an apparatus and a method for handling and holding panels and other substrates for photolithographic exposures. In one of its aspects, the present invention comprises bi-modal vacuum cup-bellows devices which automatically retract behind (below) the surface of a chuck, and to remain so retracted at all times except when it is desired to draw a panel toward the chuck. The retraction eliminates interference with movements of the panel during snubbing. In another of its aspects, the present invention comprises registration (locator) pin mechanisms that incorporate bearings. The bearings both turn and move axially, and operate to prevent the panel edges from hanging thereon. In another of its aspects, the present invention comprises a hand-off vacuum cup-bellows device that clamps onto each panel as it comes from a robotic loader. Such device incorporates a lubricious cover that prevents rolling of the cup edges and that facilitates sliding of each panel during snubbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Tamarac Scientific Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Sheets, Robert Glenn Heitel
  • Patent number: 5933941
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved system for holding a metallic on non-metallic sheet work piece in place on the X- and Y- axes for use in connection with a semi-automatic fastener insertion machine. The system utilizes cantilevered support arms to hold the work piece in place between the upper and lower tooling of the insertion press allowing easy removal and repositioning of the work piece. The arms of the system may be retracted away from the tooling of the press making the tooling open and available for other uses. This flexibility allows the present system to be used to insert fasteners into one surface of an multi-surface sheet which may then be easily removed and repositioned to allow insertions into the remaining surface(s). In addition, instead of rigid clamps, the positioning system also uses a set of adjustable alignment pins (or an adjustable tray) which provide a variable amount of "float" in the location of the work piece relative to the tooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Haeger, Inc.
    Inventor: Rory T Kelly
  • Patent number: 5895184
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a positioning apparatus which is used to position work pieces in a work piece securing mechanism during a computer controlled machining operation. The apparatus includes an arm which is slidably mounted on a graduated shaft so that the position of the arm from a zero reference point can be determined. The apparatus may also include a second graduated shaft slidably mounted in the arm so that the position of a work piece inside a work piece securing mechanism can be determined in relation to a zero reference point. The apparatus of this invention can repeatedly position work pieces within about 0.0005 inch (0.0013 cm) of a desired position, or better.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Multifold International Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome L. Walters, John O. Greene
  • Patent number: 5890524
    Abstract: A router table sled for use with a router table and a router table fence includes an arm assembly that rides along the fence and a strut assembly that supports the workpiece. The arm assembly includes a slider that slides along an upper edge of the fence and an arm attached to an upper edge of the slide. The arm is usually in a position perpendicular to the slide. The arm is also coupled to a strut assembly that includes a main strut, and two additional struts located beneath the main strut. Each strut includes a longitudinally-centered T-shaped slot formed into top, front, and rear faces. The front faces of each strut lie substantially within the same plane. The two lower struts have opposing edges that are spaced a predetermined distance from each other. When a workpiece is clamped to the faces of the struts, an edge may be placed against the fence. The workpiece may then be moved across the router bit to produce a square cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Lee Valley Tools Ltd.
    Inventors: Edwin C. Tucker, Steve K. Jones, Lloyd Sevack
  • Patent number: 5871098
    Abstract: An article holding tray adapted to retain and stabilize a wide variety of articles during their use such as dishware, drinking glasses, eating utensils, video game joy sticks and other articles which are typically usable on a tray or lap tray. The device includes a generally flat tray or board which includes one or more connected elongated slots formed orthogonally through the tray and sized in width for slidable translation of an elongated threaded fastener therealong. Each threaded fastener releasably retains an elongated movable retaining block in a selected position against an upper support surface defined by the tray. Each movable retaining block has at least one side surface, and preferably all of the side surfaces, which is sloped at an angle substantially greater than 90 degrees, and preferably about 105 degrees, with respect to the lower flat surface of the retaining block and the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: Lawrence O. Storck
  • Patent number: 5868183
    Abstract: A machine for routing end portions of frame pieces produces a channel that extends with increasing spacing from the bevelled face of the frame piece. Structure on the machine supports the frame piece in a plane that converges toward the plane in which the router bit lies, and cutting is carried out by effecting either curvilinear or rectilinear relative movement of the router and the frame piece or pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: The Fletcher-Terry Company
    Inventors: Vincent T. Kozyrski, William Hursey, Wayne Hawk
  • Patent number: 5855366
    Abstract: A work supporting device includes an elongated body, an extension plate and a locking unit. The elongated body has elongated first and second sections and an intermediate curved section. A gap is formed between the first and second sections. The curved section is indented from the work supporting faces at the gap. The first section has a first end distal from the second section and a second end proximate to the second section. The extension plate is connected pivotally to the first section of the elongated body. The extension plate is pivotable about an axis transverse to the first section between a first position where the extension plate extends into the gap in order to shield at least a part of the gap, and a second position where the extension plate extends beyond the first end of the first section of the elongated body in order to prolong the length of the first section from the first end of the first section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: P & F Brother Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: Chiu-Tsun Chang
  • Patent number: 5816300
    Abstract: A convertible woodworking jig comprising multiple components suited to making specialty woodcuts necessary for the manufacture of rails and stiles of cabinet door frames from standard milled wood stock. The jig has a base having a planar work surface, a first fence having a first straight edge, and a second fence with a second straight edge, between which edges a first cam assembly is medially positioned. The cam body is rotatably positionable for wedging a freely-positionable pressure block tight against a work piece, which is selectively positioned against one of either the first straight edge or the second straight edge. The work piece being so secured, a biscuit slot may be cut into the mitered end by use of a guide assembly disposed at an operative end of the second fence, which assembly closely guides a hand-held, power cutting tool at a predetermined angle formed relative to the plane of said second straight edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: William H. Rogers
  • Patent number: 5810341
    Abstract: A table for forming trusses comprises a support frame and first and second substantially horizontally-disposed elongate panels wherein each of the panels has an upper surface, a lower surface, and opposing lateral edge portions with a gap being formed between the panels. A first channel is also included and has a generally horizontal floor and opposed side walls extending upwardly therefrom. One of the side walls supports the lower surface of the first panel, and the other of the side walls supports the second panel. The floor is supported by the frame and is positioned beneath the gap. The table also includes magnetic positioning indicia mechanism located within the channel and magnetically attached to the first channel floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Tee-Lok Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas H. Williams
  • Patent number: 5768966
    Abstract: A woodworking machinery jig and fixture system includes an L-shaped track which can be attached to a separate wood fence, a miter head, an auxiliary table or other workpiece support of woodworking machinery such as a table saw, a band saw, radial arm saw, miter saw, a drill press or a router table. Two T-slots are formed in the top of the track, two are formed in the front, and one is formed in the back. A flip stop can be adjustably mounted in either of the two top T-slots, a wood fence can be secured in the front T-slots and the rear T-slot can be used to mount the track to a miter head, fence of a miter saw, or other work guide. Two sections of track can be connected with a connector set, and a lower end cap is used to support the workpiece next to the cutting tool. A miter guide with a 360.degree. adjustable head can be used to mount a section of track and the track to mount stops for clamping a workpiece between them for cutting tapers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Mark A. Duginske
  • Patent number: 5743161
    Abstract: An angularly adjustable table saw jig which comprises a base plate having an upper flat surface for supporting a work piece to be cut, a means for slidably attaching the jig to a table cutting tool, an upwardly extending work advancing abutment rotatably connected to the base plate at an axis of rotation for advancing work into cutting engagement with a table cutting blade, and a slot extending generally parallel to a cutting path of the cutting blade for providing clearance for the cutting blade as the jig is advanced into cutting engagement therewith. The jig also includes an elongated guide rail, which is rotatably connected to the base plate, and whose axis of rotation lies in the same plane of the cutting blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Jon P. Boudreau
  • Patent number: 5732937
    Abstract: A workpiece indexing and clamping system for machining the workpiece. Spherical or narrow cylindrical heads of index pins extend from holes in a base plate into workpiece holes to align and index the workpiece. The pin portions in the base plate holes can be expanded to lock them to the base plate. Each pin has relief flats parallel to the pin axis. Clamps engage workpiece edges with thread-like angled grooves on a cam surface to force workpiece edges against the base plate during machining of the workpiece. A central clamp has a pin extending from the base plate into a workpiece hole. Angled grooves in a cam surface are brought into contact with the hole sides to force the workpiece toward the base plate and hold the central area in place during machining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Manfred A. Morghen
  • Patent number: 5692666
    Abstract: The device this invention is an alignment device for stapling multiple sheets of paper having a base member with a horizontally disposed stop member, a vertically disposed stop member and an aperture defined in the upper left-hand corner of the base member for receipt of a stapler to be disposed with its anvil under the upper left-hand corners of the sheets to be manually aligned against both stop members for the stapling of the aligned sheets of paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: G. B. Invedyne Inc.
    Inventor: Angelo N. Dallas
  • Patent number: 5649347
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for assembling a frame, wherein the frame includes slotted side members connected by corner members insertable into slots of the slotted side members. The apparatus includes a table for holding side members of the frame, and a pair of ram assemblies proximate the table and having rams which move toward and from the table. When a ram of a ram assembly is activated a corner bracket received by the ram assembly is inserted into a frame side member carried by the table. The table includes locking mechanisms and guide members. Each locking mechanism and guide member combination orients a frame side member in an aligned position in relation to a ram, and locks a side member so that the side member remains stable when a ram is activated to insert a corner bracket into a side member. The apparatus is particularly useful for assembling a flange frame of an air conditioning or heating duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Inventor: Joseph M. Cattadoris
  • Patent number: 5644964
    Abstract: A clamping mechanism is provided for securing a workpiece proximate a power tool on a work surface of the type having a support surface defined thereon and extending generally orthogonal thereto. The clamping mechanism applies a force to the workpiece to secure the workpiece between the clamping mechanism and the support surface. The force applied to the workpiece has a component directed substantially perpendicular to the support surface, and an additional component which is directed substantially parallel to the support surface in a direction away from the power tool to resist pulling forces which are applied by the power tool to the workpiece. Further, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the clamping mechanism is oriented proximate a work head of the power tool without entering an effective work area of the power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: T. David Price
  • Patent number: 5611525
    Abstract: A combination fence and table for use with a power tool provides means for rotating a plate from a table position to a fence position. The plate also is tiltable with respect to the base of the apparatus. The edge of the plate closest to the power tool remains at a substantially constant distance from the power tool throughout the range of angles that the plate is tilted. When used in the fence position, the plate is movable linearly across the width of the power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: DeVlieg-Bullard, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter M. Bishop
  • Patent number: 5579672
    Abstract: A distance locating device or work length stop (120) for attachment to a machine tool apparatus (1) comprises an index (89) and a facility (85) for supporting a measuring tape (95)- The index (89) is situated to align with measurements on the tape (95) whereby the setting of a distance between the end (124) of a stopping member (120) and an edge of a saw blade attached to the apparatus can be read directly from the index (89).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: Brian D. Findlay
  • Patent number: 5538231
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for positioning a workpiece on a burn table. The apparatus has a locator assembly which is moveable between a first position at which the locator is engageable with the workpiece and a second position at which the locator assembly is spaced from the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Baldwin, Dave R. Draper
  • Patent number: 5516089
    Abstract: A workpiece locating unit is receivable in a T-slot formed in a workpiece supporting table member and provides a pin or other locating device cooperable with a locating feature on a workpiece to aid in accurately positioning the workpiece on the work supporting surface of the table member. The unit has four corners each providing an abutment surface for engagement with one or the other of two vertical slot surfaces. Two diagonally opposite ones of the abutment surfaces are rigid and the other two diagonally opposite ones of the abutment surfaces are resilient. The resilient abutment surfaces resiliently engage the two vertical surfaces of the slot and urge the unit about a vertical axis to hold the rigid abutment surfaces engaged with the vertical slot surfaces eliminating lateral looseness between the unit and the table member and providing accurate positioning of the locating device of the unit as the unit is moved from one position to another along the length of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Gerber Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Dana W. Seniff, James M. Diener
  • Patent number: 5505438
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for locating a work piece on a burn table. The apparatus has a locator which is moveable between a first position at which the locator is engageable with the work piece and a second position at which the locator assembly is spaced from the work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Baldwin, Dave R. Draper, Ronald R. Schultz
  • Patent number: 5490665
    Abstract: A pivotable stop for machine tools, in particular panel saws, having a striker bar, on which a first stop flap is mounted in a longitudinally displaceable but fixed manner, and is connected to a measurement and display unit which determines and displays the relative position of the stop flap to the striker bar, and in which a rod can telescopically be extended and retracted, which bears a second stop flap at its free end, characterized in that a coupling placed at the measurement and display unit detachably connects the rod to the measurement and display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Wilhelm Altendorf GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Siegfried Thiele, Rolf Tweer
  • Patent number: 5443554
    Abstract: A positioning device for use with a table saw including a worktable with a transverse beam transversal to the saw, along which a workpiece stop member may slide. The device has an elongated support fixed to the transverse beam of the worktable. A plurality of block members are slidably mounted along the support and are lockable anywhere on this support. An alignment arm is connected to the stop member so as to be movable therewith. This arm has at least one protuberance that is engageable with any preselected block member to lock the stop member in a given position away from the saw. The device allows for easy and infinitely precise positioning of the alignment arm and stop member plate for a workpiece placed on the worktable. It further allows for a rapid "programming" of the positioning of a plurality of workpieces to be sawed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Inventor: Denis Robert
  • Patent number: 5385339
    Abstract: A set-up jig for a truss table is disclosed. The jig comprises (a) a body portion having a recessed portion on its lower surface configured to receive and slide upon a rail and further including a securing apeture and (b) stop means for constraining the movement of truss planks. A truss table suitable for use with such jigs is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Tee-Lok Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas H. Williams
  • Patent number: 5364084
    Abstract: A carpenter's toe-nail backup clamp for use in positioning a first board, such as a 2.times.4 wall stud, to a second board, such as a 2.times.4 plate, to facilitate attaching the first board to the second board with nails, the backup clamp having a base member to rest on the second board, an end plate affixed to one end of the base member for extending along one edge of the second board, a cam member secured to the base member at the other end thereof about an axis that is parallel to the end plate, the cam member providing variable spacing from the end plate according to the rotational position of the cam member, and a handle extending from the cam member by which the cam member can be rotated to clamp the second board between the cam member and the backup plate, the base member thereby providing a backup for a first board so that the first board may be toe-nailed to the second board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Karding, Inc.
    Inventor: L. Stanley Karash
  • Patent number: 5337641
    Abstract: A woodworking machinery jig and fixture system includes a track which is attached to a separate plywood fence, auxiliary table or other workpiece support of woodworking machinery such as a table saw, a band saw, radial arm saw, miter saw, a drill press or a router table. A flip stop and an optional microadjuster mount to a T-shaped slot in the track. An angle bracket is also provided for making right angle connections of track to track or track to support. A location stop records the position of a track relative to a flip stop or other jig or fixture and a circle jig can be used in the track to cut circles. A miter guide, optionally having a fixed head, has a longitudinally adjustable auxiliary fence and a miter bar with an anti-play feature in which a bearing is adjusted to slide on the side of a table top slot in which the bar is received. A guideway for the miter guide has a concave bottom wall which adjustably flexes to tighten the guideway around a miter guide bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: Mark A. Duginske
  • Patent number: 5289860
    Abstract: The invention relates to a boring machine, particularly for woodworking, for boring rows of holes and structural bores in plate-shaped workpieces such as cabinet sidewalls, cabinet doors, etc., with a machine frame having a workpiece holder and an adjustable multi-spindle boring assembly arranged over the workpiece holder, a fixed, longitudinally oriented workpiece stop being mounted on the back of the workpiece holder, and which has a stop fixture consisting of stop rails aligned parallel to and projecting laterally at the longitudinal sides of the workpiece holder and whereat adjustable and lockable stop receivers can be introduced into the stop rails, the stop receivers receiving spring-loaded stop platelets, which project at the surface of the workpiece holding fixture, but which can be brought into a pushed back position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: REICH Spezialmaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Siegfried Keusch
  • Patent number: 5287899
    Abstract: The invention relates to a boring machine, particularly for woodworking, for boring rows of holes and structural bores in plateshaped workpieces such as cabinet sidewalls, cabinet doors, etc. with a machine frame having a workpiece holder and a boring assembly displaceable on guide rails, in which machine the workpiece holder. a workpiece stop and a stop arrangement with position fingers adjustable and lockable in the displacement direction of the boring assembly, which, in connection with the boring assembly, determine the boring position along the displacement path of the boring assembly.Presetting of boring patterns with a number of bore rows is carried out by means of position rollers having a number of holding rails in which fingers can be prepositioned. The fingers cooperate with finger receivers to determine the positions of the boring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Reich Spezialmaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Siegfried Keusch
  • Patent number: 5239763
    Abstract: An adjustable linear gauge including a linear track having uniformly spaced indentations along a surface thereof, and an adjustable member moveable along the track which includes a body portion carrying a stop member adapted to engage an end of a work piece to accurately position the work piece relative to a machine for performing an operation on the work piece. The adjustable member further includes a pivotable component that has a surface with one or more projections for engaging the spaced indentations on the track. The latter component is pivotally attached to the body portion and biased toward engagement with the indentations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: James Kulp
  • Patent number: 5205198
    Abstract: A work holding apparatus for table power tools mounts to a rip fence or other member parallel to the direction feed by a track carrying a clamping frame against which the stock is clamped so that an operator can smoothly and precisely feed the stock into the cutting element of the power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventors: Brian B. Foray, Thomas Ricciardone