Abstract: A workpiece holding fixture including a base plate having an engagement surface including a travel slot. A first static riser includes a position control member configured to removably couple a workpiece to the first static riser. A second static riser includes a rotation control member and is configured to removably couple the workpiece to the second static riser. A dynamic riser is configured to abut the workpiece by automatic, semi-automatic, or manual movement into secure engagement with the workpiece. The dynamic riser is slidably coupled with the travel slot and is operable between a plurality of positions associated with workpiece variants having different locating features and geometries.

Abstract: A centering and clamping device has a housing (1) with a drive mechanism (2) situated in its interior for actuating a clamping hook (5). The clamping hook (5) is active outside the housing (1). The clamping hook (5) engages a seal element (3) that is positioned in an opening (4) on the housing (1). The seal element (3) has a passage opening (6) for receiving the clamping hook (5). The passage opening (6) fits exactly with the clamping hook (5) in every position. The seal element (3) is mounted so that it is rotatable in the opening (4) of the housing (1). A portion of the sealing element projects, at all times, outside of the housing (1) so that the opening (4) of the housing (1) is completely closed in every rotation position of the seal element (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to an energy-efficient apparatus driven by compressed air and equipped with a dual piston function for tensioning, or clamping, or centering, or punching, or welding, or clinching, for use in body construction in the automotive industry. The apparatus is driven by a pressurized fluid, in particular by compressed air. It is shown how a significant amount of operating costs can be saved while, at the same time, conserving the environment and consuming a low amount of pressurized fluid, in particular compressed air. In addition, the pivoting angle of a toggle joint assembly and thus of an apparatus connected thereto, for example, a tensioning arm of a toggle tensioning apparatus, can be continuously adjusted in both directions while, at the same time, adjusting a sampling device using sensors, for example, microswitches, or inductive switches, or pneumatic switches, or limit switches.

Abstract: A clamping assembly is provided. The clamping assembly includes a base member having a base portion and an extension portion. The clamping assembly further includes a piston that is adapted to move first and second cam fingers toward the base portion to induce first and second pins, respectively, to move first and second wedge members, respectively, in first and second directions, respectively, on the extension portion to lift a wedge coupling member relative to the extension portion. The clamping assembly further includes a shaft coupled to the wedge coupling member that is further coupled to a clamping arm.

Abstract: A clamp has a housing with a piston assembly positioned in the housing. A piston rod lock assembly is coupled with the piston rod and is positioned in the housing. A clamping arm is coupled with the piston rod and moves from a position parallel to the piston rod, when in an unclamped position, to a position substantially perpendicular to the piston rod, when in a clamping position.

Abstract: A tool for clamping using end surfaces of box workpieces, comprises a soleplate and an upper template. A tightening cylinder has a piston rod connected with a top plate, and the top plate and the piston rods are in swinging connection. Three protrusions are arranged on the upper surface of the top plate and distributed in a triangle shape. A rotating shaft is arranged beside a position of the upper template, the upper end of the rotating shaft is provided with a hand wheel capable of driving the rotating shaft to rotate, the rotating shaft is sleeved with a compression spring on the portion between the hand wheel and the upper surface of the upper template, and the lower end of the rotating shaft is fixed with one end of a transverse support rod which is linked with the rotating shaft.

Abstract: An air-actuated clamping assembly that is quickly actuated to secure a workpiece in place during machining operations, such as on a waterjet machine. The clamping operation is completed within seconds after a workpiece is placed (for example, when used in conjunction with a waterjet machine) onto the waterjet machine slats. The system greatly minimizes set-up time, allows for an adjustable clamping force, allows for one operator to set up workpieces, keeps the workpiece firmly in place and prevents movement during the machining process, is adaptable to various waterjet brands and models, and is air-actuated so that typical “house air” can be utilized.

Abstract: A beveling apparatus, for manufacturing screws and the like, includes a fixed support structure, which includes a first motor unit and a second motor unit which actuate a pliers unit adapted to lock an item to be machined and associated with a movable supporting structure. The first motor unit is constituted by a pair of linear motors having rotors associated with a carriage which actuates the pliers unit. The second motor unit has a pair of linear motors having rotors associated with the movable supporting structure so as to actuate the axial movement of the movable supporting structure with respect to the fixed supporting structure in order to define at least two operating positions of the pliers unit; a position for picking up and unloading the item to machined, in which the pliers unit is at a certain distance from a machining head of a machine tool, and a position for machining the item, in which the pliers unit is located at the machining head of a machine tool.

Abstract: A fixture for clamping a workpiece is disclosed. The fixture includes a supporting stand and an elastic contacting assembly. The supporting stand has a first accommodating space and a plural of fixing portions. The elastic contacting assembly is disposed in a corner of the supporting stand. The elastic contacting assembly includes a cylinder, a pushing block driven by the cylinder and moved toward the first accommodating space to lean against the workpiece, and an elastic component disposed between the cylinder and the pushing block. Thereby, an elastic pushing force will be provided to the workpiece for positioning the workpiece, and there will be no damages to the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of removing a component from an aircraft includes attaching a device comprising a guide member to the aircraft; attaching the component (such as an actuator) to the guide member; detaching the component from the rest of the aircraft; and moving the guide member so that the component follows a predefined path of removal of the component. A device for use in such a method is also described.

Abstract: An actuating device has a linearly-movable fluidly operated piston drive (1). A pivot shaft (3) is movably, rotatably mounted in a housing (2). A lever arm (4) is connected with the pivot shaft (3) in a torsionally rigid manner. An adjustment mechanism (5) connects the piston drive (1) with the pivot shaft (3). A damping device (6) dampens movement of the lever arm (4). The damping device (6) is associated with the housing (2) and with the pivot shaft (3).

Abstract: A clamping device has a toggle lever mechanism (2) with a linearly movable actuator (1) and a pivot shaft (23) with a tensioning arm (21). A mechanism to unlock an over-center position is coupled with the toggle lever mechanism. The mechanism includes a control element (3) that is arranged on the actuator (1) and a rocker (4). The rocker (4) can be brought into adjusting contact with the control element (3). The control element (3) is in the form of a control extension in a direction facing away from the pivot shaft. The actuator (1) is arranged between the pivot shaft (23) and the rocker (4).

Abstract: A clamp has a housing with a piston assembly positioned in the housing. A detent mechanism is coupled with the piston rod and is positioned in the housing. A clamping arm is coupled with the piston rod. The clamping arm is moved by a biasing mechanism from a position parallel to the piston rod, when in a retracted position, to a position substantially perpendicular to the piston rod, when in a clamping position.

Abstract: Clamp devices configured such that dust does not enter insides of casings. The clamp devices each include the casing, and a clamp-side end section of a clamp arm is exposed from an opening of the casing. The clamp arm includes: a first circular arc section which is exposed from the casing when a workpiece is clamped by the clamp arm and is contained within the casing when the workpiece is not clamped by the clamp arm; and a second circular arc section which is exposed from the casing when the workpiece is not clamped by the clamp arm and is contained within the casing when the workpiece is clamped by the clamp arm. A first scraper and a second scraper are in sliding contact with the first circular arc section and the second circular arc section, respectively. The clamp device can also include a side surface cleaning scraper for making sliding contact with a side surface of the first circular section.

Abstract: The system for installing shower walls includes a pressure transfer member for urging a shower wall against a back up support during bonding of the shower wall to the support. An adjustable force development device engages the pressure transfer member to force the pressure transfer member against the shower wall. A support member engages the pressure transfer member when the force development device exerts a predetermined force against the shower wall. A fixation device holds the support member to maintain the pressure transfer position of the pressure transfer member. The fixation device includes a cam that moves a shower wall into a tight corner fit with an adjacent shower wall.

Abstract: A pin clamp for clamping a workpiece includes a housing and a locating pin extending through the housing and having a longitudinal axis. The locating pin is sized to be positioned within an opening of the workpiece. A finger is positioned adjacent to the locating pin and movable in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis to retain the workpiece on the locating pin. A linear actuator is configured to move the locating pin in opposite directions along the longitudinal axis. A locking arrangement is carried by the housing. A sequence cam is connected with the linear actuator in a manner allowing axial movement of the linear actuator to be converted into transverse movement of the sequence cam. The sequence cam includes an engagement surface which engages the locking arrangement to lock the locating pin and the finger against the workpiece upon retraction of the linear actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping packaging material may include a packaging material holder. The packaging material holder may include a first jaw, a second jaw, opposing the first jaw, and a jaw opening between the first and second jaws. The jaw opening may be configured to receive a portion of packaging material. The packaging material holder may include an inflatable structure configured to fill at least a portion of the opening. The apparatus also may include a packaging material insertion tool configured to insert the portion of packaging material into the jaw opening for clamping.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for insertion of wire-ends into connector housings includes a wire gripper with two wire-end gripping jaws. The wire gripper has a slider apparatus with a guide element and a slider coupled to the first gripping jaw wherein the first gripping jaw and the slider are borne displaceably relative to the second gripping jaw along the guide element. A pressured actuator acts through a movement converter on the wire gripper to initiate a coarse movement of the first gripping jaw relative to the second gripping jaw and rotating movement of a motor is converted by the movement converter into a fine movement of the first gripping jaw relative to the second gripping jaw.

Abstract: The toggle lever clamp has a clamp housing coupled with a cylinder assembly. A piston assembly is movable within the cylinder assembly. A rod is coupled with the piston assembly. The rod extends into a cavity within the clamp housing. A toggle lever assembly is coupled at one end of the rod inside of the clamp housing. A sensor assembly is coupled with the clamp housing. The sensor assembly includes a pair of sensors or switches spaced from each other and positioned on a mounting plate. The mounting plate is slidably secured within the clamp housing. A sensor pickup is movably positioned on the rod so that the sensor pickup is multi-positionable on the rod to adjust the stroke of the toggle lever assembly.

Abstract: A workpiece holding fixture including a base plate having an engagement surface including a travel slot. A first static riser includes a position control member configured to removably couple a workpiece to the first static riser. A second static riser includes a rotation control member and is configured to removably couple the workpiece to the second static riser. A dynamic riser is configured to abut the workpiece by automatic, semi-automatic, or manual movement into secure engagement with the workpiece. The dynamic riser is slidably coupled with the travel slot and is operable between a plurality of positions associated with workpiece variants having different locating features and geometries.

Abstract: A belt splicer for butt-welding conveyor belts and methods for its operation. The belt splicer has clamp jaws that close to contact the butt edges of two belt sections against opposite ends of a heating wand and to hold the two melted butt edges together as they weld to each other. A toggle linkage assembly locks the clamped jaws closed and stores energy in a spring mechanism. The toggle linkage assembly allows the rapid release of the spring energy to accelerate the clamp jaws open to pull the melted butt ends rapidly away from the sides of the wand to avoid sticking. In another version, an air cylinder is used instead of the toggle linkage assembly and spring mechanism to close and rapidly open the splicer.

Abstract: A pin clamp assembly having a housing, locating pin, at least one finger, a drive rod and an actuator is provided. At least a portion of the locating pin may be extendable exterior of the housing. The finger is located adjacent the locating pin and movable relative thereto. The drive rod is movable and is engagable with the finger to move the finger between clamped and unclamped positions. The actuator drives the locating pin and the drive rod. Movement of the locating pin and drive rod is linear only and no rotational movement of the locating pin and drive rod is employed to move the finger between clamped and unclamped positions.

Abstract: A rotary joint includes a shaft, at least one input member defining an input hole rotatably sleeved on the shaft, and a plurality of sealing members positioned between the shaft. the at least one input member and an output member are fixed on the shaft. The shaft, the at least one input member, and the sealing members defines a circular channel cooperatively communicating with the input hole. The output member defines at least one output hole corresponding to the input member. The shaft defines at least one transmission hole intercommunicating the at least one output hole and the circular channel.

Abstract: A vise provided with a movable jaw device having separated approaching and clamping steps in a bending machine die, the vise (4) having a fixed jaw portion (7) and a movable jaw device (10) including a body (6) having two abreast supporting walls (8, 9), on an external side of one of which an operation mechanism (20) of the movable jaw is mounted, and upper edges (31, 32) of the supporting walls acts as cams for opposite spindles (29, 30) laterally projecting from one hydraulic cylinder (28) that is swing mounted on the movable jaw (11). The upper edges (31, 32) have two respective notches (33, 34) designed to receive the projecting spindles in such a way that the extension of the rod (27) of the hydraulic cylinder (28), being locked in position by its projecting spindles.

Abstract: A clamp apparatus comprises a guide member with a top wall and a circumferential wall that protrude above a housing and are inserted into a hole of a work. The guide member is inserted into the housing to be movable downward against an advancing unit that pushes the guide member upward, within a locking stroke of downward movement. Through the circumferential wall, a plurality of guide grooves are made at predetermined intervals in circumferential directions. A locking member inserted into each guide groove is biased radially inward by an annular elastic member which is a thin strip. A clamp rod has wedge surfaces engaging with the respective locking members from above, and is clamp-driven downward and unclamp-driven upward by a piston.

Abstract: A fluid passage connection device includes a positioning mechanism that incorporates a male coupler attached to a stationary base member and a female coupler attached to a movable member, and that positions the movable member with respect to the base member so that it becomes possible to connect the male and female couplers, and a clamping mechanism that drives the movable member in order to clamp and fix the movable member with respect to the base member by the elastic force of a spring, and that also releases this clamping with the hydraulic pressure of a hydraulic cylinder; and the male coupler has a connection sleeve that is driven to retract by hydraulic pressure and is driven to advance by a spring, with a hydraulic passage being provided that interconnects a hydraulic pressure operation chamber of the connection sleeve and an unclamping hydraulic chamber of the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A clamp device includes a support mechanism that supports a grip member when expanding the diameter thereof, a clamping hydraulic cylinder that can drive the grip member and a clamp rod axially forwards and backwards (up and down), and a main body member to which the grip member, the clamp rod, the support mechanism, and the clamping hydraulic cylinder are mounted, with the grip member, the clamp rod, and the support mechanism being positioned at one end portion of the body member, and with the common axis of the grip member and the clamp rod being offset from the axis of the clamping hydraulic cylinder in a direction orthogonal to the clamp rod.

Abstract: A tool connects a stud in place to a longitudinal track in a metal stud wall system installation. The tool includes a tool head having an upright slot in which a track flange is received and a pair of rams mounted on the tool head for linear movement transversely of the track. The rams are spaced apart and straddle opposite sides of the stud. The rams have leading tips with cutting edges. An actuator moves the rams into cutting engagement with the track flange in the upright slot to cut hinged tabs in the track flange, and to bend the hinged tabs into frictional engagement with the opposite sides of the upright stud to connect the upright stud in place to the track.

Abstract: An equine CT table for positioning a horse during a CT (“computed tomography”) scan. The table is positioned above the patient couch and communicates with the conventional CT system for examination of a horse without requiring mechanical or electrical attachments between the CT system and table. The table includes a frame carrying a tracking system, a linear movement system and a carousel upon which the horse is positioned. Prior to examination, positioning of the horse on the table may be manually adjusted linearly and/or radially in any direction to properly align the horse. Infinitely positionable cantilever members are provided to support horse's appendages. The tracking system identifies movement of the CT couch and mimics the movement with the linear movement system to enter and retract the horse from the gantry at predetermined positioning.

Abstract: A tubular gripping apparatus has a jaw assembly that has a tubular-contacting surface at an end thereof, a drive yoke that has a tubular-contacting surface at an end thereof, an actuator connected to the drive yoke, and a locking mechanism interconnected to the drive yoke. The drive yoke is connected to the jaw assembly. The actuator moves the jaw assembly and the drive yoke such that the tubular-contacting surfaces thereof move radially inwardly for a substantially identical distance. The locking mechanism directs a load away from the actuator while the jaw assembly and the drive yoke grip the tubular. The locking mechanism has a cylinder yoke positioned around the piston-and-cylinder assembly, and a wedge assembly positioned adjacent the bearing bar and the cylinder yoke. The wedge assembly is suitable for contacting the cylinder yoke so as to prevent a movement of the cylinder yoke.

Abstract: A pipe gripping apparatus has a first jaw with a pipe-contacting surface at one end thereof, a second jaw having a pipe-contacting surface at one end thereof, a tongue having a pipe-contacting surface at one end thereof, and an actuator connected to the first and second jaws and to the tongue. The actuator serves to move the first and second jaws and the tongue such that the pipe-contacting surfaces thereof move radially inwardly simultaneously for a substantially identical distance. A first link pivotally connects the tongue with the first jaw. A second link pivotally connects the tongue with the second jaw. The first and second links extend angularly outwardly from the tongue. The first and second pivot points of each jaw have a distance unequal to a distance between the first pivot point and pipe-contacting surface of each jaw. The pipe-contacting surfaces can be elastomeric pads, toothed dies, or rollers.

Abstract: A work piece support device that includes a body and at least two portions of high-grip material on opposite sides of the body is provided. The body may have a flowable media stored therein to provide a lowered center of gravity depending on the orientation of the work piece support device. The work piece support device may include mating projections and recesses for coupling a plurality of work piece support devices together. Further, the projection can be in the form of a cone such that the work piece support device may function as a support cone.

Abstract: A powered grip that can engage and hold an item which includes a primary body member, an actuator dependent from the primary body member and a pair of spaced apart clamp jaws to move towards and away from each other. A force transmission mechanism is operatively located intermediate of the actuator and each of the clamp jaws to displace the clamp jaws relative to the primary body and that, through mechanical advantage, establishes a multiplication of the force of the actuator force at the clamp jaws. A force transmission mechanism geometry adjuster is provided to vary the spacing between the clamp jaws for any given operating force applied by the actuator, allow the pre-testing setting of the spacing between the jaws such that the range of force applied by the clamping jaws to the item to be tested is within a desired range.

Abstract: A clamping device has a hollow shaft (1) rotatably mounted in a housing with a clamping element fastenable to the shaft and includes a lever arm (2) as part of a toggle lever mechanism. An intermediate element is articulated on both sides by the lever arm (2) and an axially movable final control element (4) of a drive element, respectively. An inner shaft (6), connected to a hand lever (5), is arranged in the hollow shaft (1). The inner shaft has a pin element (7) that extends through a link guide (8) on the hollow shaft (1). The inner shaft (6) can be operationally linked to the toggle lever mechanism. A spring element (9) tensions the inner shaft (6) against the hollow shaft (1) in the main axial direction. The spring element (9) is arranged in the interior of the hollow shaft (1).

Abstract: A work support comprises a plunger, a transmission member, a first chamber, a second chamber, a third chamber, a clamping mechanism, a plug, and a body. The plunger may be slidably retained within the clamping mechanism, which in turn is firmly held within the transmission member. The transmission member may extend and retract from the body corresponding to a pressure in the first chamber and the second chamber. Extension of the transmission member also extends the plunger such that the plunger may contact and receive a load from a work piece. The third chamber may be located between the outer surface of the clamping mechanism and the inner surface of the transmission member. Increasing pressure in the first chamber while decreasing pressure in the second chamber extends the transmission member and opens the plug which blocks the entry to the third chamber. Pressure in the third chamber closes the gap between the clamping mechanism and the plunger and applies a clamping force to the plunger.

Abstract: In a wave linear motion mechanism (4) of a holding mechanism (1), those portions of a flexible screw (14) where first and second male screws (32, 33) are formed are elliptically deformed by first and second wave generators (12, 13) installed on an input shaft (11), and the first and second male screws (32, 33) are respectively partially engaged with first and second female screws (42, 44) of first and second circular nuts (15, 16). First and second holding members (5, 6) are mounted on the first and second circular nuts (15, 16), respectively. When the input shaft (11) is rotated by a motor (3), the first and second holding members (5, 6) are opened or closed depending on the rotation direction to release or hold an object (W).

Abstract: A device for removing particles from a connecting rod includes a clamp for fixing a rod of a connecting rod disposed on a base plate, a vibration cylinder disposed to the clamp and a driving unit connected to the vibration cylinder for reciprocating a cap of the connecting rod according to driving of the vibration cylinder.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus has a shaft (2) mounted in a housing element (1). The shaft (2) is rotated about an axis of rotation. One end of the shaft (2) is connected to a drive mechanism (3) disposed in the housing element (1). The other end of the shaft (2) is connected to an actuating element (4), in a torsion-proof manner. The shaft (2) implements a rotational and translational movement to the actuating element (4). The shaft (2) is mounted so that it can be displaced perpendicular to the axis of rotation in a guide element (5) connected to the drive mechanism (3). The guide element (5) is rotatably mounted in the housing element (1).

Abstract: A pin clamp assembly is provided that includes a housing, a locating pin, and a finger. The locating pin is movable with respect to the housing. The locating pin can also selectively entirely retract inside the housing. A finger is supported by the locating pin and retractable and extendable into and out of the locating pin. The finger is also extendable out of the locating pin when at least a portion of the locating pin supporting the finger is exterior of the housing.

Abstract: A workpiece-holding unit for installation on machining centers for connecting rods, comprising a crosspiece which is adapted to be rotatably supported about its axis in front of a machining head of the machining center and has internal, hydraulic longitudinal ducts which communicate with respective hydraulic outlets on the main faces of the crosspiece and are connected to hydraulic feed means. Several workpiece-holding tools are installable on the main faces of the crosspiece and are provided with positioning mechanisms and locking mechanisms for at least one connecting rod, which are hydraulically operated via respective hydraulic lines leading at positions aligned to said hydraulic outlets.

Abstract: A locating pin assembly is provided. The assembly includes a body and a cylinder assembly for moving a ram in a reciprocally linear manner. A bearing is coupled to the ram and configured to engage a bearing wedge to reduce “play” between the ram and the assembly. Illustratively, the bearing and bearing wedge reduce or substantially eliminate this “play” to prevent axial rotation of the ram.

Abstract: A hand held opener for opening a frangible closer comprising a handle adapted to be gripped by an operator, a motion actuator operatively connected to the handle, a first shaft connected to the motion actuator, a second shaft connected to the motion actuator, a first gripper portion on the first shaft adapted to grip the frangible closer in a first location, and a second gripper portion on the second shaft adapted to grip the frangible closer in a second location wherein the motion actuator provides reciprocal movement to the shafts to rotate the frangible closer in one direction and to rotate the frangible closer in a direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A linkage clamping system that may be used both for moving a clamp laterally and for rotating the clamp. The device includes a linear actuator, a rotational linkage assembly, and a clamping member. The linear actuator may first rotate the clamp, then move the clamp laterally, or may be configured to move the clamp laterally first, then rotate it. Both the lateral and rotational movements are achieved in distinct motions with a single linear actuator. The clamp may be rotated about 180 degrees and the lateral movement may only be limited by the lateral movement provided by the linear actuator. The linkage clamping system may be used to secure equipment, such as a material handler for unloading an open top railroad car.

Abstract: A test fixture for making an electrical connection with electrical contacts of a circuit board includes jaws made of conductive material. The jaws may be monolithic pieces of copper, with a pair of sections that pivot along a thin hinged portion at one end. The jaws float freely within a test fixture housing, allowing the jaws to reposition themselves within the housing to adjust to variations in position of the electrical contacts. A clamping mechanism pushes free ends of the jaw sections toward one another, causing engagement between the sections and the electrical contacts. The test fixture provides a way to provide good contact area and good contact pressure, allowing large-current flows between the jaws and the electrical contacts, while at the same time providing substantially no force on the circuit board in a direction perpendicular to the circuit board.

Abstract: A clamp rod (6) inserted into a guide hole (5) of a housing (4) has: a clamping member (10); an inner piston (12); and a tapered pressure receiving surface (13), which are provided in this order in an axial direction from a left end to a right end. An output portion (26) for locking and releasing is provided on an inner periphery of a right end portion of one outer piston (23) inserted between the inner piston (12) and the guide hole (5). A collet (33) inserted between the pressure receiving surface (13) and the guide hole (5) is formed of four divided members (34) arranged circumferentially at substantially regular intervals. An input portion (36) driven by the output portion (26) and a pressing surface (40) which makes a wedge-engagement with the pressure receiving surface (13) from a right side are respectively provided in an outer periphery portion and on an inner periphery portion of each divided member (34).

Abstract: A plate pin assembly for use with a fixture that holds multiple plate pin assemblies for use in chassis-body marriage during the manufacturing of automobiles. The plate pin assembly has a lower end that fits into a bushing hole on the fixture to attach the plate pin assembly to the fixture, an upper end that supports or otherwise interacts with the vehicle chassis or body, and a quick-disconnect mechanism to enable fast changeover of the plate pin assemblies on the fixture when switching from one vehicle application to another.

Abstract: A clamp has a housing with a piston assembly positioned in the housing. A detent mechanism is coupled with the piston rod and is positioned in the housing. A clamping arm is coupled with the piston rod. The clamping arm is moved by a biasing mechanism from a position parallel to the piston rod, when in a retracted position, to a position substantially perpendicular to the piston rod, when in a clamping position.

Abstract: A clamp rod (5) is vertically movably inserted into a housing (3), and a detection hole (58) is formed in a lower end wall (3b) of the housing (3), substantially concentrically with an axis of the clamp rod (5). An inlet hole (71, 72) for supplying compressed air is opened in a peripheral surface of the detection hole (58). Into the detection hole (58), a detection member (62) is fitted vertically movably, the detection member (62) having a closing surface (68) which closes an opening portion (71a, 72a) of the inlet hole (71, 72), and a recessed portion (69) through which the opening portion (71a, 72a) is communicatively connected to outside air. The detection member (62) is connected to a downward projecting portion (5a) of the clamp rod (5). The detection member (62) is urged by an elastic member (91) toward the opening portion (71a, 72a).

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible support assembly for supporting and/or locating a fixture on a tooling plate. The support assembly includes a stanchion with a bore, and a threaded portion on an inner-diameter surface thereof. A base plate is attached to, and configured to repositionably fix the stanchion to the tooling plate. A cylindrical sleeve with a threaded portion on an outer-diameter surface thereof is threadably engaged with the stanchion, whereby the sleeve is operable to telescope with respect to the stanchion between a first, lowest position and a second, highest position. A nut is threadably engaged with the sleeve to lock the sleeve at any predetermined position between the first and second positions. A locator pin is releasably engaged with the sleeve at a first end thereof. The locator pin has a protrusion projecting outward from a second opposing end thereof for engaging a pinhole in the fixture.

Abstract: A swing clamp apparatus is provided in which the clamp arm is positioned and attached to a clamp rod at a desired position in a simple and reliable manner and the clamp arm replacement workload is certainly reduced. The swing clamp apparatus comprises an attachment block fixed to the leading end of a clamp rod and to which a clamp arm is detachably attached and a pair of clamping force transmission pins inserted in the attachment block and clamp arm in the direction parallel to the orthogonal direction to the axis for coupling the positioned clamp arm to the attachment block in an integrated manner.