Abstract: A system and a method by which workpieces are bonded to and debond from a manufacturing fixture using a radiation responsive adhesive as a bonding agent. The system includes curing the adhesive agent during loading within seconds, and structurally weakens the adhesive bond during unloading within seconds. During the workpiece loading cycle, an adhesive dispenser deposits radiation responsive adhesive on to a load bearing, light transmittive surface, known as gripper pins. The workpiece is subsequently pushed against the locators, and towards the gripper pins causing the adhesive to interpose between workpiece and gripper pins, curing radiant energy is transmitted through the gripper pins and on to the adhesive to cure adhesive and bond the workpiece to the fixture. Therefore, the bond is structurally weakened or debonded in order to remove the workpiece from the fixture after manufacturing.

Abstract: A workpiece engraving machine provides for a way to clamp, align and identify a workpiece for engraving. An engravable band with a permanently embedded flexible engravable tag and a method of engraving the tag in the engraving machine. In a first aspect, a workpiece clamping table comprising a support surface, a clamp, one or more workpiece alignment devices, a positional sensor and a processor. The processor determines the workpiece type, keeps the automatic inventory and may indicate when workpieces need to be ordered. In a second aspect, a workpiece engraving machine may also have workpiece inventory doors which comprise containers with workpiece holders. The containers are attached to the engraving machine by rotators.

Abstract: In order to detect accurately a seating of clamped body and a clamping force at a seating, the workpiece supporting device has plural seating mechanisms 40. Each of the seating mechanisms 40 includes a load sensing element 45 receiving a clamping force or a fixing force. The load sensing element 45 consists of a material having a characteristic that said load sensing element is not substantially deformed by an applied load, especially it consists of a composite material dispersing a material having a pressure resistance effect or a magnetic resistance effect in a matrix of an electric insulation ceramics material. An abnormal clamping or fixing of the clamped body and an abnormal overload are detected by detecting an output from plural load sensing elements 45 supporting the clamped body.

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 workpiece engraving machine provides for a way to clamp, align and identify a workpiece for engraving. An engravable band with a permanently embedded flexible engravable tag and a method of engraving the tag in the engraving machine. In a first aspect, a workpiece clamping table comprising a support surface, a clamp, one or more workpiece alignment devices, a positional sensor and a processor. The processor determines the workpiece type, keeps the automatic inventory and may indicate when workpieces need to be ordered. In a second aspect, a workpiece engraving machine may also have workpiece inventory doors which comprise containers with workpiece holders. The containers are attached to the engraving machine by rotators.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring a clamp arm position in a power clamp provides a sensor wheel that may fit beneath the clamp arm. A low profile sensor body abuts an edge of the sensory wheel to detect the sensor position without undue change in the power clamp or clearance about the power clamp.

Abstract: An adapter for picking up and placing a fixture element on a fixture body using a controlled tool handling device having a tool translating and rotating spindle. The spindle has a tool receiving end and an axis of rotation. The adapter receives a cylindrical post member of a fixture element on a fixture body. The adapter has a first end having a receptacle for receiving the end of the spindle. The second end of the adapter is displaced from the first end and includes a cylindrical socket formed on the end. The socket is co-axial with the spindle and receives the cylindrical post member of the fixture element. A fluid passage is formed in the adapter from the receptacle to the cylindrical socket. The cylindrical socket has an upstream end and a down stream end. A piston is disposed in the upstream end of the socket. The piston is moveable longitudinally within the socket in response to fluid pressure delivered from the spindle through the fluid passage.

Abstract: A buckle pivotally arranged in a movable clamp 12 of a first tube holder 1 is attached with play to a buckle 120 pivotally arranged in a movable clamp 82 of a second tube holder 2. When tubes are held in the first and second tube holders 1 and 2, release of the tubes from the holders 1 and 2 is prevented by a movement of a plunger 203 in correspondence of excitation and demagnetization of a solenoid 202 for a predetermined period of operation of the apparatus after holding the tubes (i.e., for a period required from the locking of the buckle 120 until the completion of moving-down of a wafer holder).

Abstract: A clamping and locating fixture includes a hollow body, a pin or angled plate mountable to the body, a locking arm positionable within the body locatable between two positions and a drive pin moveable within the body to engage the locking arm. A workpiece can be directed to a clamping position by the guide pin or angled plate. The pin or plate includes an aperture allowing a locking projection of the locking arm to extend therethrough and over a workpiece to clamp the workpiece for a processing operation. The locking projection can be retracted through the aperture while the workpiece is being located or is being removed. The drive pin can be moved within the body to engage a cam follower of the locking arm.

Abstract: A block suction apparatus for fixing plate-shaped work pieces on a fixing beam or fixing table using under-pressure has at least one support surface provided with a sealing plate having a sealing lip about its periphery. The sealing lip delimits a suction chamber and least one supporting element is provided within the suction chamber. At least one additional supporting element is also provided and is located in the direct vicinity of the sealing lip. Sagging of sections of a plate being lifted by the apparatus which project past the block suction apparatus is thereby reduced and the edge of the plate can therefore be processed with greater accuracy.

Abstract: A method comprises: bonding a plurality of thin film piezoelectric elements, formed on a substrate, onto a temporary fixing substrate via an adhesive layer; selectively removing the substrate to expose the thin film piezoelectric elements; fixing an element housing jig having sectional regions for individually isolating the thin film piezoelectric elements in such manner that the thin film piezoelectric elements and the sectional regions correspond to each other; and dissolving and removing the adhesive layer, and housing the thin film piezoelectric elements in the sectional regions of the element housing jig. Accordingly, it is possible to individually isolate and house the thin film piezoelectric elements removed from the substrate.

Abstract: Automated parts assembly station includes positioning member (11) having surfaces (15a, 16a) defining a desired mutual position of the parts to be assembled and assembly member (13) connecting the parts. At at least some of the surfaces (15a, 16a) there are measurement members (18) for measuring a distance between the at least some surfaces and facing surfaces of the parts being assembled.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a bitting pattern of a key comprising a housing used for optically outlining at least the profile of the blade of the key so as to form an image. The image is digitized and information created therefrom, including information about the width of the blade of the key at a plurality of selected longitudinal positions along the length to include the width of the blade at the location of at least one cut of the bitting pattern. The information about the bitting pattern of the key digitized can then be used to cut the bitting patten into a key blank. Alternatively, the information can be compared to stored information and the detected width of the blade adjusted at a location of at least one cut to be one of a plurality of predetermined widths from the manufacturer, thereby creating a regenerated bitting pattern of the key.

Abstract: Apparatus for orienting a pair of framed eyeglasses relative to an electronic scanner whereby the scanner then generated digital data defining the geometry of the frame. This data is entered into a computer to cause it to control a milling machine which shapes a blank to form a filter lens for an accessory that clips onto the frame and has a matching geometry.

Abstract: A self-dispensing fastener for attachment to a substrate by a quick-setting photocuring adhesive has a UV transparent flange for placement against the substrate and UV opaque adhesive reservoir for containing the adhesive in the fastener, and upon pressing the fastener against the substrate the adhesive is expelled into the interface formed between the flange and the substrate for curing by UV radiation.

Abstract: In a wire harness-arranging method, a wire group at a predetermined portion of a wire harness, comprising a plurality of wires bundled together, is untied, and is arranged so as to be coated with a water stop agent. The wire harness is supported above an installation plate through a plurality of wire group support jigs mounted upright on the installation plate, in spaced relation to this installation plate. Subsequently, U-shaped wire holding members, each having a slit of a uniform width over an entire length thereof, are brought respectively into gripping engagement with those portions of the wire group, disposed respectively at opposite ends of the predetermined portion of the wire harness spaced from each other in a wire-installing direction, from an upper side of the installation plate, so that the wire group at the predetermined portion is arranged along each of the slits in an upward-downward direction.

Abstract: A two-part device for producing a toy wheel from cylindrical playing blocks composed of a hard foam, the device has a cutting device having a trough for insertion of a playing block and a guide for a separating tool extending at an angle to the trough, a joining device which has a circular-ring-shaped trough for insertion of playing block segments cut with the cutting device from the playing blocks, and a wheel shaft hole which is coaxial to the trough of the joining device for passing a wheel shaft.

Abstract: A buckle pivotally arranged in a movable clamp 12 of a first tube holder 1 is attached with play to a buckle 120 pivotally arranged in a movable clamp 82 of a second tube holder 2. When tubes are held in the first and second tube holders 1 and 2, release of the tubes from the holders 1 and 2 is prevented by a movement of a plunger 203 in correspondence of excitation and demagnetization of a solenoid 202 for a predetermined period of operation of the apparatus after holding the tubes (i.e., for a period required from the locking of the buckle 120 until the completion of moving-down of a wafer holder).

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

Abstract: A vise includes a base with a fixed jaw and a screw extends through the base and a movable jaw is connected to the screw. A frame is fixedly connected to the base and a first wedge ramp extends from the frame. A sleeve movably extends through the frame and a second wedge ramp extends from the sleeve. A spring is mounted to the screw and received in the sleeve. An end of the screw extends through the spring and extends from the hole in the frame. A crank handle is connected to the end of the screw. When the sleeve is rotated to match two respective high points of the two ramps, the sleeve and the screw are shifted and quickly clamp the object by movement of the screw.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a bitting pattern of a key comprising a housing used for optically outlining at least the profile of the blade of the key so as to form an image. The image is digitized and information created therefrom, including information about the width of the blade of the key at a plurality of selected longitudinal positions along the length to include the width of the blade at the location of at least one cut of the bitting pattern. The information about the bitting pattern of the key digitized can then be used to cut the bitting patten into a key blank. Alternatively, the information can be compared to stored information and the detected width of the blade adjusted at a location of at least one cut to be one of a plurality of predetermined widths from the manufacturer, thereby creating a regenerated bitting pattern of the key.

Abstract: A chuck for holding an object, including one or more linear motors which include one or more linear stators, two or more moving members which are movable along the linear stator or stators, independent of each other, and one or more guide members which guide each of the two or more moving members along the linear stator or stators, and two or more holding members which are supported by the two or more moving members, respectively, and which cooperate with each other to hold the object.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling seatbelt webbing with a sill-end bracket has a form-feeding member with a tapered channel for receiving one end of a length of seatbelt webbing on an assembly line. A webbing pull-through member engages one end of the webbing. A bracket sensor senses the presence of a bracket at a correct position in the bracket support. Means responsive to a signal from a sensor may be provided for indicating the correct positioning of the sill-end bracket for feeding the pull-through member through the sill-end bracket. Means for driving the webbing into the tapered channel are provided so that said one end is located at a predetermined position relative to the form-feeding member. A method of manual or automatic assembling seatbelt webbing with a sill-end bracket is also disclosed.

Abstract: A clamp for clamping extendible supports in flexible tooling system includes three overlapping tapered collets surrounding the extendible support, with a set of ball bearings positioned between each of the collets. The middle collet is tapered in a direction opposite to that of the inner and outer collets, so that when the middle collet is pressed by springs into a gap between the inner and outer collet, the inner collet is forced against the extendible support, thereby clamping it. The ball bearings and the three collet assembly prevent the clamp from binding with thermal expansion so that the clamp releases when the force pressing the middle collet into the space between the inner and outer collet is removed. The springs maintain a sustained clamping force so the clamp does not release upon thermal expansion of it components.

Abstract: A flexible tooling system includes a support table with multiple openings adapted to removably accept a self-contained actuator. Each opening of the support table provides vacuum and air supply lines as well as a bus interface so that each position may be uniquely addressed and commanded separately from any other openings. The self-contained actuator has corresponding connectors for receiving the vacuum and air supply as well as for interfacing with the bus. An actuator may be placed at a particular location by insertion into the receptacle at the opening in the support table aperture. The actuator may be commanded to raise, lower, lock in position and supply vacuum separate from any other actuator.

Abstract: A sheet material work bench for holding sheet material without the need of clamps. The sheet material work bench includes a support portion. The support portion comprises a central column. The column is generally hollow. A table portion comprises a plate having a top side, a bottom side and a peripheral edge. A plurality of bores are located in the plate. Each of the bores is generally adjacent to a central location of the table portion. A coupling means couples the table portion to the support portion. A suction means draws air through the bores. The suction means is mounted in the support portion and draws air into the support portion through the bores.

Abstract: A work bench includes a frame, a bench surface on the frame with the bench surface including at least two members, one of which is movable along the frame for clamping a workpiece between the members. A mechanism for moving the member includes two screws coupled with the members. The two screws are spaced with the member for moving the member upon rotation of the screws. A sprocket is coupled with each of the screws. A transmission belt or chain is coupled with the sprockets. At least one handle is coupled with one of the screws to rotate the screws. At least one clutch is coupled with the at least one screw to limit clamping pressure on the workpiece. The clutch enables rotation of one screw with respect to the other screw so that workpieces may be clamped between the members and clamping of the workpiece may be accomplished by rotation of the screws with one hand of the operator. Also, a guard may be present which covers the transmission belt or chain.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a product, preferably such as a flexible product in a flat and secure position on a generally planar surface. More specifically, the apparatus consists of a self-contained multi-zone vacuum chuck fixture which is adapted to enable the selectively controlled securing and holding of flexible products possessing various sizes and configurations on a flat work surface. The apparatus may be transparent so as to be also utilized as a light table.

Abstract: A method for attaching a jaw to a vise-like workholding apparatus. The method includes placing the jaw member onto a support member of the workholding apparatus in a first direction that is perpendicular to a worksurface of the workholding apparatus. The jaw member is placed such that at least a portion of the support member is received within a cavity in the jaw member in a first released position. The method also includes applying a first axial force in a first axial direction to the jaw member to cause the jaw member to move axially in the first axial direction to a second position wherein it is retained on the support member.

Abstract: A clamping device for at least one adjustable element has at least one adjusting spindle designed to receive a crank for adjusting the element. Upon pushing the crank unto the adjusting spindle, a signal for releasing the clamping action is triggered.

Abstract: A semiconductor-supporting device comprising a substrate made of an aluminum nitride-based ceramic material and having a semiconductor-placing surface, wherein an orientation degree of the aluminum nitride-based ceramic material specified by the following formula is not less than 1.1 and not more than 2.0.Orientation degree=[I'(002)/I'(100)]/[I(002)/I(100)]in which in an X-ray diffraction measurement, I'(002) is a diffraction intensity of a (002) face of the aluminum nitride-based ceramic material when X-rays are irradiated from the semiconductor-placing surface, I'(100) is a diffraction intensity of a (100) face of the aluminum nitride-based ceramic material when X-rays are irradiated from the semiconductor-placing surface, I(002) is a diffraction intensity of the (002) face of the aluminum nitride ceramic according to a JCPDS Card No. 25-1133, and I(100) is a diffraction intensity of the (100) face of the aluminum nitride ceramic according to a JCPDS Card No. 25-1133.

Abstract: Distortion amounts .delta.1, .delta.2, .delta.12 of workpieces are measured. Based on these distortion amounts, those correction amounts A1, A2, A3 for correcting the workpieces which are required to eliminate the distortions after the workpieces have been combined are computed. Clamp units are moved to thereby deflect the workpieces by the correction amounts. In this state, the workpieces are combined.

Abstract: A linear actuator is used to push a spring-loaded ram. The loading force of the spring against a stationary workpiece is calibrated with the displacement of the ram once the load exceeds the spring preset value. At a preset loading position, an electrical contact opens, indicating that the spring load has reached or exceeded the preset value. A mechanical stop, acting in conjunction with the stall characteristics of the linear actuator, prevents the operating range from being exceeded. This device has applications where precise standoff from a surface, the application of a precise force to that surface, and a controlled rate of the application of the force is needed.

Abstract: The invention is intended to realize a battery convey jig capable of efficiently conveying and sorting in conveying step, in a manufacturing process of a variety of batteries. The jig is cylindrical, having a hole for accommodating a battery in the center, and an iron ring of a great specific gravity is buried as a weight in the lower part of the jig. Hence, stable supporting and conveying may be realized without increasing the bottom size of the jig.

Abstract: A clamp pin handle cover for covering a pin handle of a mechanical clamp. The clamp pin handle cover includes an elongate cover body defining a slot which is adapted to receive the clamp pin handle therein. In one embodiment the clamp pin handle cover is adapted for use with a clamp having a fixed pin handle. In a second embodiment the clamp pin handle cover is adapted for use with a clamp having a translating pin handle with the translating pin handle disposed at its mid position or a translated position.

Abstract: A support for flat workpieces for program-controlled machines includes a plurality of workrest rails which are movable along a first machining axis. Each workrest rail supports a plurality of vacuum chucks which are movable along the workrest rails and thereby movable along a second machining axis. Light bands which include a row of point sources of light are provided to indicate the selected positions of the workrest rails and the selected positions of the vacuum chucks on the workrest rails, thereby ensuring that the machining process does not interfere with or damage the vacuum chucks.

Abstract: A clamping device used in, for instance, a bonding machine, using a piezo-electric element for opening and closing a pair of clamping claws for holding, for instance, bonding wires in between. The clamping device includes a pressure adjustment screw which applies a preparatory pressure to the piezo-electric element via a contact plate, and the contact plate is connected, via flexible sections which are capable of expansion and contraction, to a screw attachment with which the pressure adjustment screw is screw-engaged.

Abstract: An actuation apparatus for positioning a workpiece includes a movable electrically conductive member connectable to said workpiece, first electromagnetic actuating means energizable by a first AC voltage source to produce a first force acting on said movable member in a first direction, and second electromagnetic actuating means energizable by a second AC voltage source to produce a second force acting on said movable member in a second direction opposite to said first direction. The forces produced on the movable member by the actuating means are brought about by the interaction of eddy currents induced in the movable member with the magnetic fields produced by the first and second actuating means. The movable member can be moved to a desired position by appropriate energization of the first and second actuating means such that the first and second forces are equal at the desired position.

Abstract: A flexible tooling system includes a support table with multiple openings adapted to removably accept a self-contained actuator. Each opening of the support table provides vacuum and air supply lines as well as a bus interface so that each position may be uniquely addressed and commanded separately from any other openings. The self-contained actuator has corresponding connectors for receiving the vacuum and air supply as well as for interfacing with the bus. An actuator may be placed at a particular location by insertion into the receptacle at the opening in the support table aperture. The actuator may be commanded to raise, lower, lock in position and supply vacuum separate from any other actuator.

Abstract: A wafer stage is provided with a plurality of through holes in its central and peripheral portions. To each of the through holes is coupled an end of a vacuum line the other end of which is coupled to a vacuum pump. With each of the vacuum lines is associated a respective one of electromagnetic valves. A controller controls the timing of opening of the electromagnetic valves. When a wafer placed on the stage is warped so that its central portion is higher than its peripheral portion, the electromagnetic valves associated with the vacuum lines coupled to the peripheral portion of the stage are opened first and the electromagnetic valves associated with the vacuum lines for the central portion of the stage are opened next.

Abstract: A reciprocating table assembly includes a frame, a table, and a bearing assembly for rotatably mounting the table to the frame. A cylinder assembly rotates the table at a pivot point by extending and retracting a piston rod from the cylinder. Three sensors sense which position the table is in its rotational path and signal the piston rod to either extend or contract at the appropriate time.

Abstract: A jig for releasably holding a modular jack having a base and a modular jack holder connected thereto. The base is structured for being placed upon a rest surface, such as a table top or a floor, wherein it provides a stable platform. The modular jack holder has a work surface and is provided with an L-shaped slot having a perpendicular slot component and a parallel slot component (the L-shaped slot component orientations being with respect to the work surface). The perpendicular slot component of the L-shaped slot opens at the work surface and has a first predetermined depth with respect thereto. The parallel slot component of the L-shaped slot communicates with the perpendicular slot component and extends a second predetermined distance spaced from, and parallel with respect to, the work surface. A front face of the modular jack holder is provided which extends from the base to the work surface, wherein both the parallel and perpendicular slot components of the L-shaped slot are open thereat.

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: A handle for a machinists vise configured to preset the maximum clamping force that can be applied to the vise jaws constructed such that, in tightening the vise, when a clamping force is applied by the operator to the handle equal to a preset value, a clutching mechanism in the handle will allow the handle to slip without further tightening of the vise. The mechanism includes a ratchet for positive engagement in loosening the vise and for providing a clicking sound that the clutch is slipping and thereby alert the operator that maximum clamping force is being applied.

Abstract: A clamp device for clamping a specimen holder. The clamp device includes a rotatably mounted clamping lever, a rotatable clamping wedge, and a guide member which is located adjacent to the clamping wedge for receiving the specimen holder. The clamping wedge is in operative communication with the clamping lever, so that by rotating the clamping lever, the clamping wedge is rotated into the guide member which causes the specimen holder to be clamped within the guide member. The specimen holder may be provided with a removable adapter plate wherein the adapter plate is sized to fit within the guide member. By including the adapter plate, multiple sizes and types of specimen holders can thereby be employed using the same clamping device.

Abstract: A temporarily-retaining clip set for a window glass includes two temporarily-retaining clips for a window glass, each temporarily-retaining clip for a window glass having a base plate, a first surface of the base plate being adhered to a peripheral edge portion of a window glass, and elastic supporting bodies extending from a second surface of the base plate which is opposite the first surface, the elastic supporting bodies engaging a mounting flange provided at an edge portion of an opening portion in which the window glass is mounted; and strut members connecting the second surfaces of the base plates of the two temporarily-retaining clips such that the second surfaces face each other with a predetermined gap being formed therebetween, the strut members enabling cancellation of connection of the base plates. Accordingly, the two temporarily-retaining clips are nipped by a mounting jig via the strut members, and are adhered to the window glass in succession.

Abstract: A device to simply control a position and an amount of rotation of a carrier and to prevent a decrease of the control accuracy upon thermal expansion of the carrier. On a base (15), a carrier (16) is slidably and at the same time rotatably supported. The carrier (16) has arms (41, 42 and 43) which are driven by a respective drive element (21, 22 and 23) for each of three axes (X, X', and Y). The drive elements of each axis (21, 22, 23) are the same distance from a reference axis which functions as the center of rotation of the carrier (16). When the carrier (16) moves in the X direction, by means of the drive elements (21 and 22), two of the arms (41 and 42) are moved by the same amount. For movement in the Y direction, the third arm (43) is moved by the third of the drive elements (23). When the carrier (16) is turned, the drive elements (21, 22 and 23) move all of the arms (41, 42 and 43) the same amount in the direction in which the carrier is turned.

Abstract: A system for fast, efficient assembly of mechanical component support infrastructures based on a set of interlocking rods and/or tubes and supporting blocks, each block supporting at least two rods/tubes in a precision configuration. The blocks and rods are formed in a particular relative size and shape to allow them to be assembled quickly and easily into a wide variety of configurations, all capable of providing a highly stable and precision infrastructure for supporting equipment in lab and bench setups.

Abstract: A clamp secures a workpiece relative to a work piece support. A clamp arm is connected to an external end of the clamp for movement between workpiece clamping and release positions. An inflatable bladder disposed within a bladder support is releasably attached to the clamp arm between the workpiece and the clamp arm. A proportional regulator controls the inflation of the bladder, so that when the bladder is inflated, the bladder provides uniform distribution of the pressure to be exerted along a greater portion of the workpiece to protect the workpiece surface from undesirable indentations or defects.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for positioning a wing panel or other member for riveting or conducting other operations thereon. The member is loaded at floor level on a plurality of hydraulic cylinders spaced over the length thereof and raised to a position for conducting the operations thereon. The hydraulic fluid flow to and from the hydraulic cylinders is controlled to synchronize the movements of the cylinder piston rods so that each of the piston rods bears its share of the load throughout raising and lowering of the member. The cylinders are also individually operated to accommodate passage of riveting machine heads or other tooling relative to the member.