Abstract: An electric clamp apparatus includes a body, a rotary drive unit which is driven rotatably by an electric signal, and a clamp arm disposed rotatably with respect to the body. By driving the rotary drive unit, a drive force is transmitted to the clamp arm through a drive force transmission mechanism, whereby the clamp arm is rotated via a link arm through a predetermined angle with respect to the body, and a workpiece is clamped between the clamp arm and a support member of the body. Further, rotational operation of the clamp arm is regulated by abutment of a sub-roller against an inclined portion of a displacement body.

Abstract: An adjustable miter gauge for use with a table saw includes a miter attachment and an adjustable guide bar coupled to the miter attachment. The miter attachment rests on a working surface of the table saw. The guide bar is received in a slot in the working surface. The guide bar includes a main body, which has first and second surfaces parallel to side walls of the slot, an adjustable body, which has a third surface parallel to the first surface, and a deformable biasing member. The adjustable body is coupled to the main body and slidable between a first position, wherein the second and third edge surfaces are coplanar, and a second position, wherein the second and third edge surfaces are not coplanar. The biasing member is arranged between the main body and the adjustable body and biases the adjustable body toward the second position.

Abstract: A workpiece clamp comprising: a body; a workpiece-engaging spring edge connected to the body; and an opening for accepting a screw for securing the body to a fixture plate.

Abstract: A workpiece clamp comprising: a body; a workpiece-engaging spring edge connected to the body; and an opening for accepting a screw for securing the body to a fixture plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a substrate is generally provided. In one aspect, an apparatus for supporting a substrate includes a support plate having a first body disposed proximate thereto. A first pushing member is radially coupled to the first body and adapted to urge the substrate in a first direction parallel to the support plate when the first body rotates. In another aspect, a load lock chamber having a substrate support that supports a substrate placed thereon includes a cooling plate that is moved to actuate at least one alignment mechanism. The alignment mechanism includes a pushing member that urges the substrate in a first direction towards a center of the support. The pushing member may additionally rotate about an axis perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sheet clamping apparatus for a reticle, a wafer, a glass substrate, a LCD panel et al. The apparatus comprises a pair of brackets, each bracket having at least one cam groove thereon for defining a movement route by two opposing sides of the cam groove, and one end of each bracket being joined with a connecting frame. One end of a clamping arm is joined with each cam groove, and the other end of the clamping arm is clamping the sheet (ex: a reticle, a wafer, a glass substrate, a LCD panel et al.). The characteristic of the sheet clamping apparatus is that: on the other end of each clamping arm is formed with a clamping head with recess, and at least a pair of rollers are disposed on the recess of clamping head for stably clamping the reticle or a semiconductor component stored in the pod.

Abstract: A manufacturing carrier has an insert that can be configured and reconfigured for a wide variety components. The carrier has a frame configured to be transported by a conveyor, an insert and at least one positioner. The insert has pin holes arranged in a matrix. The positioner is carried in a pin hole and configured for locating a component at an x axis position, a y axis position, and a z axis position in relation to the insert. The positioner is moveable from the pin hole configured for a component to another pin hole to reconfigure the insert for another component.

Abstract: A mold fixture 20 for safe and efficient extraction, insertion and storage of mold inserts 26, 28 is provided. The mold fixture 20 includes a lower receiving area 24 for fixedly receiving a lower mold insert 28, an upper receiving area 22 for fixedly receiving an upper mold insert 26. The mold fixture 20 facilitates insertion or extraction of the upper and lower mold inserts 26, 28 into/from a molding machine 1 in a safe and secure manner. Furthermore, the upper and lower mold inserts 26, 28 can be securely stored within the mold fixture 20 at a storage location.

Abstract: A device for processing workpieces utilizes a frame and a fixture. The frame has a perimeter with an opening, and inner and outer side walls. A pair of shelves are located in the opening for supporting a workpiece and a spring retains the workpiece on the frame. The fixture has work locations with elevators that are moved by an elevator handle. The fixture also has an engagement handle for actuating the springs. The workpieces may be simultaneously mounted to or removed from the frames with the fixture. The frames are loaded into the locations and both handles are rotated to raise the elevators and bend the springs. The workpieces are then placed on top of the elevators, and the elevator handle is rotated to lower the workpieces. Next, the engagement handle is rotated to release the springs to form assemblies that can be removed from the fixture.

Abstract: An automatically retractable stop mechanism is provided for machine tools. The stop apparatus includes a base that is releasably fixed to the machine tool table. A stop bar is retractably mounted to the base. A spring urges the bar into a retracted condition disengaging the metal part being machined. The spring permits the bar to be selectively actuated to engage the part being machined and properly position that part on the machining table. After positioning is complete, the stop bar is released and the springs automatically retracted so that the machining operation can be performed without interference from the stop apparatus.

Abstract: An automatically retractable stop mechanism is provided for machine tools. The stop apparatus includes a base that is releasably fixed to the machine tool table. A stop bar is retractably mounted to the base. Spring means urge the bar into a retracted condition disengaging the metal part being machined. The spring permits the bar to be selectively actuated to engage the part being machined and properly position that part on the machining table. After positioning is complete, the stop bar is released and the springs automatically retracted so that the machining operation can be performed without interference from the stop apparatus.

Abstract: A leadframe clamping apparatus includes a resilient polymeric membrane which permits self-leveling compensation of a variably movable clamp insert for variations in leadframe thickness. The clamp insert is formed of a polymer such as polyimide to provide further compensation for leadframe variations.

Abstract: A leadframe clamping apparatus includes a resilient polymeric membrane which permits self-leveling compensation of a variably movable clamp insert for variations in leadframe thickness. The clamp insert is formed of a polymer such as polyimide to provide further compensation for leadframe variations.

Abstract: A novel back stop gauge for determining accurate and safe positioning of work piece material in a machine tool, such as a press brake, wherein a linear stop has an axially stiff, but transversely flexible coil spring intermediate end portions, one end portion being engaged by work piece material and the opposite end portion being anchored to a cooperating support. Misplacement of work material either over or beneath the stop, while normally destructive of the work piece upon closure of the press brake, does not result in damage to the machine tool or the press because of the flexible nature of the back stop, which permits movement of the stop out of the path of the machine tool.

Abstract: A dual spring hold down for use with wood working tools, such as table saws, routers and shapers comprises a bracket mounted on the wood working table behind the tool and a hold down bar pivotably attached to the bracket with the hold down bar surrounding the wood working tool. A threaded rod is threaded into and extends upward from an extension arm of the bracket and though a slot in a hold down bar cross plate. A first coil spring surrounds the threaded rod immediately above the cross plate and a second, stronger coil spring surrounds the threaded rod above the first coil spring while a cylindrical sleeve surrounds the first coil spring. The hold down bar is free to drop down to act as a safety barrier when no wood panel is present. Then, initial lifting of the hold down bar by a wood panel is initially against the relatively light downward bias of the first coil spring until the sleeve is lifted to a “hold down height” at a point sufficient to compress the first coil spring within the sleeve.

Abstract: A leadframe clamping apparatus includes a resilient polymeric membrane which permits self-leveling compensation of a variably movable clamp insert for variations in leadframe thickness. The clamp insert is formed of a polymer such as polyimide to provide further compensation for leadframe variations.

Abstract: A leadframe clamping apparatus includes a resilient polymeric membrane which permits self-leveling compensation of a variably movable clamp insert for variations in leadframe thickness. The clamp insert is formed of a polymer such as polyimide to provide further compensation for leadframe variations.

Abstract: A wafer stand for facilitating the inspection, testing, and handling of large-diameter silicon wafers, such as those having a diameter of 8 inches (200 mm), during semiconductor processing and assembly. The stand consists of a lower plate or pedestal, a plurality of adjustable legs mounted thereon, and an upper plate mounted on the upper end of the legs. The top plate has an access aperture of a diameter coinciding approximately with that of the wafer, and can be adjusted such that the attitude and/or height of the upper plate in relation to the pedestal can be varied. In one embodiment, the front leg of the stand may be removed to provide better access to the bottom of the wafer. The upper plate is also provided with a pair of parallel tracks into which a wafer mounting frame can be slid to position the wafer over the access aperture. The wafer stand is constructed so as to permit its temporary mounting to a workbench or table, yet is fully transportable by one person.

Abstract: Semiconductor wafer clamp device includes at least one clamp apparatus, the clamp apparatus including a removable clamp finger coupled to a connecting block by a connector. The device allows access to clamp apparatus from a top surface of a substrate holder, eliminating the need to remove the substrate holder in order to perform maintenance or repair operations on clamp apparatus. Tempered springs in the clamp apparatus reduce resilience losses experienced with non-tempered springs. Plastic clamp shaft bushings and spring retainers extend the useful life of clamp apparatus components by eliminating wear caused by metal-to-metal contact of moving parts.

Abstract: A work support incorporating an improved bearing locking mechanism comprises a body having a first and second end and a body bore defined by a body inner wall; a pin defining a pin ramp and slidably positioned within the body bore to receive a work piece load; a plurality of roller bearings circumferentially spaced about the body bore; a nose cap closing the first end, and a cage assembly to engage roller bearings, close the second end and form a barrier to receive fluid back pressure. Introduction of fluid back pressure and work piece load rotates the roller bearings toward the pin ramp and urges the pin in an opposing direction, locking the roller bearings, pin ramp and body inner wall. The work piece load and fluid back pressure are both introduced and then both removed to respectively cause locking and unlocking to occur.

Abstract: For use in replacing a bearing in a machine that has a body, a shaft extending from the body, a bearing by which the shaft is mounted to the body, a wheel mounted on the shaft outside the body for rotation with the shaft, and a belt passing circumferentially around the wheel and exerting on the wheel a force that is perpendicular to the shaft, a fixture that includes a base, first means for attaching the base to the body of the machine, second means connected to the base for applying a counterforce to the wheel equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the force exerted by the belt, and third means connected to the base for supporting the wheel in a fixed position with respect to the body of the machine after the counterforce has been applied and while the bearing is being replaced.

Abstract: A wiring guide bar extending vertically through a protector case and projecting from the upper end thereof is vertically movably supported by an elastic member. In installing a protector cover on the protector case, the elastic member is compressed to locate the upper end of the wiring guide bar below the upper end of the protector case.

Abstract: A reference point assembly is provided for use with an inspection table in which the reference point assembly is mounted to the table and adapted to engage an elongated slot on a part under inspection and, in doing so, accurately position the slot with respect to the reference point assembly and thus to the table. The reference point assembly includes a pin movable between a retracted and an extended position with respect to the table. The pin has two tapered surfaces on opposite sides which engage opposite sides of the slot and, in doing so, center the slot with respect to the pin in a first direction. Similarly, a ramp assembly is also movable between a retracted and an extended position with respect to the table. The ramp assembly includes a pair of ramp surfaces adapted to engage opposite ends of the slot end, in doing so, center the slot with respect to the ramp assembly in a second direction which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A calibrated fence apparatus for radial arm saws wherein the calibrated fence apparatus consists of one of more fence units secured to the saw table top whereby a workpiece to is positioned against the appartus so as to be cut at a selected length which is set by the adjustment of a plurality of stop gauge members that are slidably mounted in the housing of the fence units. The stop gauge members are adapted to be releasably locked in a fully retracted position when a given measured setting is required for cutting several workpieces in an accurate and speedy manner.

Abstract: A ceramic substrate is held in position, while being processed, by vacuum. The substrate is positioned on an intermediate plate and held down by a vacuum. The intermediate plate is supported on an air bearing while being moved into correct location on a support member, after which the intermediate plate is held in position by a vacuum. The locating of the intermediate plate can be caused to move into position during movement of the support member to a processing position. Typical processing to the screen printing of circuits and other features.

Abstract: An adjustable adapter, expecially useful for modular fixturing has provisions for mounting a variety of types and sizes of spring stop buttons and spring locating pins. These are secured in linear alignment with a slot in the adaptor base. When used to press a workpiece against stops, the reaction of their applied spring force is directed precisely along the line of this base slot. A single bolt in the slot thus suffices to secure the adaptor to a base plate, because this reaction causes no twisting moment about the point of bolting. Since only one bolt is required in the slot, the adaptor is compact and well suited for use with a modular fixturing plate; the slot length need be no longer than half the modular spacing of the plate bores.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lateral pressure pad for positioning workpieces on a support provided with one or more stops, employing resilient pressure with a retaining pin 1 partially enclosed in a housing and insertable with the housing in an aperture of the support. The pin is provided with a flange 3 abutting the housing wall 2 and is pressed with its flange against the inwardly angled housing rim 6 by a compression spring arranged in the housing between the housing bottom 4 and flange 3. The spring force of the compression spring 5 can be varied by an adjusting element adjustable in the housing bottom 4 via a set screw 8.

Abstract: A positioning pin device comprises a bush having at least 3 radially bored holes with, a positioning pin extending axially within the bush. The pin is movable in its axial direction and a spring urges the positioning pin toward the upper side of the bush. At least 3 balls are respectively disposed inside the radial holes of the bush. Screws fitted in the bush respectively abut the balls at their tips to provide positioning adjustment.

Abstract: A front gauge which has a pair of arms (20) attached to a machine tool with a front and rear head assembly movably positioned thereon defining a pair of indexing members (34) providing an adjustable measurement. The head assemblies have a front head (32) connected by springs in bias with a positioning screw (50) to a rear head (40) providing separable adjustment. A manual lever operated pin (56) in the rear head mates with one of a series of holes (22) in the arm furnishing an incremental adjustment of the head to the nearest whole number distance from the tool. The adjusting screw is rotated changing the relationship of the heads a fractional dimension, as read by a dial indicator (64) positioned on one head contiguous with the other, thereby achieving accurate measurable distances from the tool to the gauge overcoming inaccuracies of rear mounted gauges.

Abstract: The work release stop of the present invention is adapted for use with conventional types of vises for engaging and limiting the rearward movement of the adjustable jaw of the vise when releasing a workpiece clamped between the fixed jaw and the adjustable jaw to facilitate the repetitive clamping and unclamping of workpieces positioned in the vise. The work release stop acts as an adjustable stop for the adjustable jaw and includes a stop plate extending transversely of the adjustable jaw and divided into first and second parts. Gripping jaw portions extend downwardly into the guideway slot of the vise and are engageable with opposite sides to thereby maintain the stop plate in longitudinally adjusted position in the guideway. A compression spring urges the adjustable jaw in a rearward position to reduce any "play" between the adjustable jaw and the operating screw shaft.

Abstract: An optical fiber chuck for use in an optical fiber splicer may be both accurate and inexpensive because the fiber moves through a stationary chuck rather than a moving chuck carrying the fiber. The fiber slides between precision V-grooves, and is advanced and retracted by frictional engagement with a drive wheel.

Abstract: A motor operated circular miter chop saw is pivotally mounted on a generally horizontal axle pivot bolt about which it rotates in a vertical plane with the axle pivot bolt being carried by a cast support base structure. Angular orientation of the work piece is provided by an angularly adjustable fence rotatably carried by the cast base support structure with the fence having a generally downwardly open circularly arcuate groove cooperating with a pair of machined steel pins pressed into the cast base support structure. The cast base support structure is also provided with an arcuate slot to provide clearance for the circular saw blade and leaf spring means are provided carried by the cast support base bias the fence rearwardly so that the pins engage against the inward wall of the fence groove.

Abstract: An improved stop mechanism for use with machinery wherein a workpiece is advanced through one or more tooling stations comprises an arm supported for limited pivotal movement about orthogonal axes. The arm is constrained for movement within a grooved block and mounted on a pin extending through coaxial conical bores formed in opposite sides of the arm. The arm is biased in a direction opposite to travel of the workpiece to a ready position in sliding contact with the workpiece until the forward end of the arm engages a predetermined notch or locating surface on the workpiece and pivotally moves therewith to a stop position. The rear end of the arm simultaneously actuates a valve, switch or other control device to initiate the desired operation on the workpiece. After completion of the desired operation, the arm is disengaged from the notch or locating surface to release the workpiece and returned to the ready position.

Abstract: In shearing apparatus comprising a fixed and a movable shear element for shearing work such as wire into desired lengths, a stop member is provided for stopping the wire as same is fed endwise through the fixed shear element. Each time the wire length projecting out of the fixed shear element is cut off, the stop member is pivoted against the force of a spring to relieve the impact of the shearing operation exerted thereon. For adjustably moving the stop member toward and away from the fixed shear element, the stop member is mounted on a carriage having a tapped hole through which extends a threaded first shaft geared to a second shaft. This second shaft can be rotated manually for moving the carriage toward or away from the fixed shear element and can be locked in a desired angular position by a locking pin which is spring biased into engagement in any of several circumferentially spaced indentations formed in a collar on the second shaft.

Abstract: A device useful in the manufacture of ceramic tile sheets is provided, having a peripheral rim along three edges of a rectangular backer board structure. The fourth peripheral edge of the backer board structure is open to permit insertion of individual tile pieces and removal of an integral tile sheet. One of the closed edges is movably mounted to the backer board structure, and includes handle means for manipulating the movable edge of the device. The handle means also functions as an alignment means for the movable edge.