Mechanical Means Between Fluid Means And Jaw Patents (Class 269/32)
  • Patent number: 6062552
    Abstract: A cutter clamp assembly for holding the elongated strip of tire material during the cutting process, whereby predetermined lengths of tire material are created to be formed into a tire. The cutter clamp is an air actuated clamp that is pivoted into engagement with a sidewall section of the elongated strip of tire material as air suction from an air manifold holds the entire elongated strip down so as to assure a uniform and even cut. The cutter clamp includes a clamp bar that is spring loaded by a tension bar such that during engagement the clamp bar evenly distributes a force along the entire sidewall adjacent to the cutter such that an even cut is started upon contact by the cutter with the elongated strip of tire material, whereby the air suction manifold holds down the entire elongated strip during cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard R. Sykes, Michael L. Wood
  • Patent number: 6059277
    Abstract: A retracting power clamp includes a body having a generally cylindrical external surface. A clamping arm is movable from a retracted position to a clamping position with the arm being linearly extendable and pivotable relative to the body when moved between the retracted and clamping positions. Another aspect of the present invention utilizes a spring biased plunger for selectively engaging a detent in the sleeve to encourage the sleeve and arm to remain in a fully retracted position if fluid pressure is lost. A further aspect of the present invention provides various mount configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: BTM Corporation
    Inventors: Edwin G. Sawdon, Steven J. Sprotberry
  • Patent number: 6056281
    Abstract: Adjustable stoppers for limiting the angle at which pivotal gripper jaws are opened. The stoppers include a stop block and at least one stopper pad which is made from a shock absorbing material such as urethane. The stoppers are secured to a pivotal one of a pair of gripper jaw members of a parts gripper and positioned to abut the other of the pair of gripper jaw members. Stoppers which are provided with two or more stopper pads of different lengths are reversible and can be used to adjust the angle at which the jaw members open. A mounting assembly which includes a mounting plate, and clamping plate and a spherical collar therebetween can be used to mount a workpiece holder from the rear or at a side. Providing the mounting plate with a central circular bore allows a cylindrical support member to be inserted therein and thus axially aligned with the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: PHD, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Moilanen, Bruce D. McIntosh, Kenneth Steele
  • Patent number: 6019357
    Abstract: A preferred clamping apparatus includes an hydraulic pull cylinder having a piston rod connected to the shaft of a wedge-shaped clamp operator received in a complementally shaped opening defined in a clamp block having a shiftable jaw. In operation, retraction of the piston rod pulls the operator toward the base of the block in order to shift the jaw to a clamping position to hold a workpiece. In preferred forms, the clamping apparatus is included as part of a fixture and operable to clamp a workpiece to the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Harold Bartsch, Gary Stoltz
  • Patent number: 5996984
    Abstract: A cylinder apparatus comprises a body having a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape, a cylinder unit for accommodating a piston which is reciprocatable along a cylinder chamber, a toggle link mechanism for converting linear motion of a piston rod into rotational motion, and an arm for making rotation by a predetermined angle in accordance with a driving action of the cylinder unit, wherein reaction force-receiving plates for absorbing reaction force applied when a workpiece is clamped are detachably provided in the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5984289
    Abstract: A modular articulated-lever clamping system having a base flange fittable to a pedestal fitted with a supporting element for supporting sheet metal parts; a control lever operated manually and/or by means of an actuator; a lock lever fittable with a gripping element for gripping the sheet metal parts and cooperating with the supporting element; and a connecting rod connecting the control lever to the lock lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Simpro S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giulio Bianchini
  • Patent number: 5979886
    Abstract: A retract clamp (20) utilizes three clamp arm retraction enhancement mechanisms (26, 28, 63) to increase clamp arm (24) retraction consistency. The first retraction enhancement mechanism (26) is a bifurcated piston having a first piston member (68) and a second piston member (70). If the first piston member (68) becomes tilted and caught, the second piston member (70) continues to move allowing the first piston member (68) to right itself. The second retraction enhancement mechanism (28) comprises a clamp arm guide mechanism having a base (82), a pusher (84), and a plurality of resilient members (110-124) interposed between the base (82) and the pusher (84) to bias the pusher (84) against the clamp arm (24) and align the clamp arm (24) with a clamp arm receiving area (40) defined in a clamp arm holder (22). The third clamp arm retraction enhancement mechanism comprises a lift surface (63) on the clamp arm (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Vektek, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Craft, Frederick A. Hausler, III, James V. Mascola
  • Patent number: 5975605
    Abstract: A toggle clamp includes a movable first pin having an axis and a stationary second pin. An arm is carried by the first pin for rotation in a first direction applying pressure to a load and a second direction releasing the pressure. An exterior spring element is coupled between the first and second pins. The spring element exerts a spring force that biases the first pin toward the second pin. The spring element is releasable for exchange with another spring element to change the spring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Norbert J Kot
  • Patent number: 5971380
    Abstract: A fluid-actuated workholding apparatus that includes a base member that has a longitudinally extending slot and a fixed jaw attached thereto. The apparatus further includes first and second movable jaw members that are operably supported on the base member for movement towards and away from the fixed jaw member along the longitudinally extending slot. A clamping assembly is operably supported within the longitudinally extending slot and serves to define a fluid receiving cavity for receiving a pressurized fluid therein. The clamping assembly communicates with the first and second movable jaw members such that when a predetermined amount of pressurized fluid is admitted to the receiving cavity, the first and second movable jaw members are caused to move away from the fixed jaw member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Helmut Hebener
  • Patent number: 5967502
    Abstract: A pneumatically powered clamp that completely encloses the actuating linkage assembly in a fluid-tight, lubricated environment. The clamp includes a pneumatic cylinder longitudinally and removably secured to a plastic body by brackets. The body has a bore to receive a piston rod, and a cavity in communication with the bore. The cavity allows room for the linkage assembly to be pivotally held and cooperate in the body. The bracket substantially seals the body needing only a nylon washer to establish a fluid-tight seal. The linkage means converts the linear motion of the piston rod into rotational motion in the clamp arms which are securely held outside the brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry Dykstra
  • Patent number: 5941513
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for a workpiece holder which includes a pair of plates which can be coupled together so as to define two openings at their coupled surfaces. The plates are coupled together by threaded members which are located on either side of each of the two openings. One of the openings is cylindrical and designed to receive a workpiece holder. The other opening has a partial spherical bore and is provided with a spherical collar that can receive a support structure. The threaded members can be selectively loosened to allow either or both of the openings to expand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Phd, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Moilanen, Bruce D. McIntosh
  • Patent number: 5884903
    Abstract: A powered clamp and gauging apparatus performs as a clamp with moveable members which generate a toggle action, or performs as a gauging device having a pair of moveable members which mechanically abuts against each other to maintain, at least temporarily, a locking position of an arm even when actuating fluid pressures have been decreased or lost. In another aspect of the present invention, a lost linear motion device is provided in order to maximize arm unlocking forces. A uniquely configured slide, crank and hub are provided in a further aspect of the present invention. Methods of operating and assembling the present invention apparatus are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: BTM Corporation
    Inventor: Edwin G. Sawdon
  • Patent number: 5876025
    Abstract: A spring chamber (17) is formed above a piston (11) inserted into a housing (7), and the spring chamber (17) is communicated with an outside of the housing (7) through a breathing passage (41). A pressurized fluid is supplied to and discharged from an actuation chamber (18) formed below the piston (11). A clamping member (4) connected to the piston (11) is urged to a clamping position (X) by a clamping spring (21) within the spring chamber (17). A check valve seat (45) and a check valve chamber (46) are arranged orderly in the breathing passage (41). A checking member (47) within the check valve chamber (46) is pushed to the check valve seat (45) by a checking spring (48) for valve closing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kosmek
    Inventor: Keitaro Yonezawa
  • Patent number: 5875417
    Abstract: A sensor detects the absolute angular position of a rotatable clamp arm between full opened and full closed positions. The sensor is coupled to a clamp arm pivot shaft to provide output signals corresponding to the absolute position of the clamp arm. One or more programmable angular position set points are setable at angular positions in advance of the full open and full closed positions of the clamp arm. Outputs are generated when the clamp arm reaches and/or exceeds each set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: ISI Norgren Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Golden
  • Patent number: 5865577
    Abstract: A clamping device for milling working of engine is provided which makes stability of working operation by stably fixing without trembling upon milling working of casted engine and improves a working preciseness and prevents deformation of members by dispersing excessive clamping force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Byung-Gi Kim
  • Patent number: 5855365
    Abstract: An engine clamping apparatus is provided for firmly fixing engines having different fixing points. The invention includes a cylinder serially accommodating an upper and lower piston for providing a shorter rising stroke when supplying an oil pressure so that a rising stroke of the lower piston pushes up the upper piston, than upon supplying the oil pressure so as to push up only the upper piston. The engine clamping apparatus also includes an operating rod extended to top portion of the upper piston, a groove formed in a side of a body of the operating rod, a rotating grip pivotable about a hinge shaft and having one end bound in the groove, and a fixing bar horizontally projected at a free end of the rotating grip, the fixing bar being pushed into a fixing hole of an engine so as to fix the engine when the operating rod is raised and a free end of the rotating grip is lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sun-Gi Hong
  • Patent number: 5845897
    Abstract: A toggle lever clamp device for automobile body fabrication comprises a clamp housing (1) having a rectangularly shaped cross section wherein the cross-section is taken at a right angle to an axial direction of the housing. The housing is comprised of two parts (12, 13) and has a slot (19) on a rear side thereof that extends in the axial direction. The toggle lever clamp device further includes a cylinder (2) coupled to an end of the housing in the axial direction, a piston (6) axially located in the cylinder so that pressure can be exerted alternately on either side thereof, a piston rod (7) coupled to the piston (6) and extending axially through a part of the cylinder (2) and into a hollow space in the clamp housing (1); and a toggle lever joint arrangement (10) secured to a free end of the piston rod (7). An integral replaceable monitoring cassette (20) forms a cover in the area of a slot (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Tunkers Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Josef-Gerhard Tunkers
  • Patent number: 5836573
    Abstract: A clamping system has a clamping device inserted in an installing hole formed in a fixture base, a cylinder unit for operating a clamp and a detection unit for detecting operation positions of the clamp, both of which are formed in the clamping device. In the fixture base, there are formed clamping fluid supplying passages for supplying clamping fluid and detection fluid supplying passages for supplying detection fluid, in which pressure switches are provided. And also, in the clamping device, there are formed detection fluid supply passages and clamping fluid supply passages. When the clamping device is inserted into an installing hole formed in the fixture base, the clamping fluid supplying passages are communicated with clamping fluid supply passages, and also the detection fluid supplying passages is communicated with the detection fluid supply passages through nozzles formed in the cylinder unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Toyoda Koki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takehiko Hayashi, Takaaki Hayashi, Sentarou Sugita, Takeshi Nishikayama
  • Patent number: 5829112
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an enclosed power clamp from individual planar plates which when stacked and secured in the proper manner provide an inexpensive, lightweight and structurally sound enclosed power clamp. The enclosed housing of the power clamp is defined and sectioned into a plurality of planar laminations. A plurality of planar plates are formed having configurations corresponding to the planar laminations. The planar plates are then stacked in a predetermined sequence corresponding to the planar laminations. The internal mechanisms of the power clamp are assembled to the planar plates of the power clamp, and the planar plates are secured together to form an integral unit of the power clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: ISI Norgren Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Blatt
  • Patent number: 5823519
    Abstract: A toggle lever clamp for use in devices and welding machines in the motor vehicle industry, has a clamping head consists of two shell-shaped parts that combine to form a housing. This arrangement reduces the number of individual parts to a considerable degree and protects sensitive parts on all sides against dust, dirt, and water spray, as well as welding spatter, while permitting ease of movement of the clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Tunkers Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Josef-Gerhard Tunkers
  • Patent number: 5816567
    Abstract: A pneumatically actuated clamp and gripper including a fluid actuated piston and cylinder assembly and a clamp arm supported for pivotal movement and having a moving end for clampingly engaging a workpiece. The clamp includes a link having one end pivotally connected to the clamp arm for causing movement of the clamp arm and the other end of the link being connected to the piston. The clamp also includes a frame assembly for supporting the clamp arm for pivotal movement, the frame assembly including a pair of frame halves clamped together in face-to-face relation and housing the projecting end of the piston and clamp arm therebetween. The frame assembly includes a pair of pivot pin bores for selectively and alternatively supporting the clamping arm for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis. The clamp also includes a roller assembly for supporting the drive member connected to the link for reciprocating movement and for preventing wear of the drive member and the frame components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Aladdin Engineering and Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward R. Horn
  • Patent number: 5806841
    Abstract: A fluid-actuated workholding apparatus that includes a base member that has a longitudinally extending slot and a fixed jaw attached thereto. The apparatus further includes first and second movable jaw members that are operably supported on the base member for movement towards and away from the fixed jaw member along the longitudinally extending slot. A clamping assembly is operably supported within the longitudinally extending slot and serves to define a fluid receiving cavity for receiving a pressurized fluid therein. The clamping assembly communicates with the first and second movable jaw members such that when a predetermined amount of pressurized fluid is admitted to the receiving cavity, the first and second movable jaw members are caused to move away from the fixed jaw member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: Helmut Hebener
  • Patent number: 5799932
    Abstract: A rotary clamp having a common plane mounting arrangement that provides a first planar surface for mounting the rotary clamp to a support member and a second planar surface for mounting a workpiece engaging means to the rotary clamp wherein the first and second planar surfaces lie in a common plane for simplifying the set up procedure of the rotary clamp. The first planar surface is formed on a housing of the rotary clamp, and the second planar surface is formed on a pivot pin of the rotary clamp. The first and second planar surfaces are spaced from one another to provide proper relief so that the workpiece engaging means may freely rotate without interference from the second planar surface. The pivot pin provides a large end portion seated within a recess of the housing that remains externally accessible with respect to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: ISI Norgren Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Blatt
  • Patent number: 5778511
    Abstract: An elongated cam (A) fixed centrally at one end longitudinally within a cylinder is inserted within a cavity in an end of a piston rod (C) which has a cam follower (D) positioned therein and fixed against longitudinal movement so as to reduce the length of the stroke necessary to turn a member adjacent the other end of the piston rod through a given angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Compact Air Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Rickey Lynn Keaton
  • Patent number: 5762325
    Abstract: A power actuated gripper for engaging and holding a workpiece wherein a cam surface is pivotally linked to a reciprocating actuator for actuating at least one of a first and second jaws between a clamped position, wherein the first and second jaws engage and hold the workpiece, and an unclamped position, wherein the first and second jaws disengage and release the workpiece. The reciprocating linear actuator provides a fluid motor with a piston and piston rod for providing linear reciprocal movement. The piston rod is connected to a coupling member which is pivotally connected to a pair of linkage members for each of the first and second jaws. A pair of lever arms are pivotally connected to the linkage members and are integral with a shaft link. The cam surface is formed on the shaft link and actuates a cam follower, biased toward the cam surface, connected to the first and second jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: ISI Norgren Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Blatt
  • Patent number: 5752693
    Abstract: A retract clamp apparatus is provided for supporting a work piece on a fixture. The apparatus includes a body that is secured to the support surface of the fixture, and an arm received in the bore and presenting an outer end adapted to engage the work piece. A piston within the body shifts the arm between a retracted position and an extended position, and the arm is supported for longitudinal movement with the piston and for pivotal movement about a pivot axis that is transverse to the central axis defined by the bore. The body includes structure for preventing the arm from pivoting relative to the body in the retracted position and for permitting limited pivoting of the arm about the pivot axis when the arm is shifted longitudinally a predetermined distance toward the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Vektek, Inc.
    Inventor: David P. Brisco
  • Patent number: 5746420
    Abstract: A clamping device for holding, for example a work piece in a machine tool, has a housing with a cylindrical bore and a clamping piston with a dead-end cavity axially slidable in the housing. A clamping lever extends through a ball-bushing with an inner end into the dead-end cavity of the piston and with an outer end carrying a clamping head out of the housing. The inner piston end has a first slanted surface that cooperates with a correspondingly slanted second surface rigidly held in the cavity of the piston. A guide and stop pin also rigidly mounted in the piston cavity cooperates with a recess in the clamping lever to guide an axial movement of the lever relative to the piston and to facilitate a pivoting movement of the lever about the center of the ball-bushing, but simultaneously preventing or stopping a relative rotation between the piston and the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Rudolf Kohlert
  • Patent number: 5743687
    Abstract: A quick fixture changing apparatus for the fourth axis turn table of a machine tool. A pneumatic servomechanism exerts force on a drawbar, which is releasably attached to the fixture plate. The drawbar passes through the central opening of the turn table, so that the servomechanism, drawbar, and fixture are all axially aligned. An intermediate fixture plate is permanently mounted to the turn table, and has dowels for aligning the work holding fixture plate. When pneumatic pressure is relaxed, the fixture plate is manually lifted from the fourth axis. Tedious threading of fixture plates is eliminated. A new fixture plate, which has been prepared during the prior machining operation, can then be mounted on the dowels. Air pressure is restored, and the new fixture is securely locked in place. With 80 psi (5.5 kPa) operating pressure, a servomechanism of 6 inch (15 cm) diameter can develop a clamping force of 1800 lb (800 N).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventors: John Ribic, Valentin Ribic
  • Patent number: 5704600
    Abstract: A power operated clamp assembly 10 includes a clamp body 12, a reciprocatable member 20 extending into the clamp body 12, and a clamp arm 22 pivotally mounted to the clamp body 12 by a first pivot element 36. The clamp arm 22 is pivotable about a pivot axis 38 of the first pivot element 36 between first and second positions of movement termination C and D, respectively. A linkage assembly 46 has a drive end 48 adjustably secured to an end 56 of the reciprocatable member 20, and a clamp end 50 operatively secured to the clamp arm 22 so as to pivot the clamp arm 22 as the member 20 reciprocates. The linkage assembly 46 includes a connection pivotable about the pivot axis of a second pivot element 80. The drive end 48 is adjustable with respect to the end 56 of the reciprocatable member 20 so as to allow adjustment of the first and second positions C and D, respectively. One pivot element of the first and second pivot elements 66 and 80, respectively, includes an eccentric shaft having a central axis 124.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: Brian Owen Robinson
  • Patent number: 5701791
    Abstract: A workpiece being processed on a machine tool is moved by control devices to the tool head or work station of the machine mechanically or automatically. A stop defines an area around the work station from which the holding devices must be kept to prevent damage. As soon as a holding device reaches the limit of the danger zone around the tool head, it is switched into a setting releasing the workpiece and moves into a position away from the work station. The machine has a switching element connected to each holding device to be so movable, and the switching element has a switching slide which is acted on by an applied force and is supported in a first position until it abuts the stop when one slide position connects the energy source to the drive of the holding device to move it away from the stop. In another slide position, the connection to the energy source is broken and the holding device returns to the workpiece holding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Trumpf GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Eckehart Schulze, Peter Bytow
  • Patent number: 5690546
    Abstract: An edge clamp apparatus includes an elongated body 14 defining a cylindrical bore within which a piston 86 is received for movement between retracted and extended positions. The body 14 includes a mounting surface 18 and opposed front and rear body portions, and the bore is formed in the rear portion. The front portion includes a support surface 48 that intersects the cylindrical bore of the rear portion and is inclined relative to the mounting surface by an angle of about 10.degree.. A cap 16 is secured to the front portion of the body 14 for closing off the cylindrical bore of the body and limiting movement of the piston 86. The cap 16 includes an inner surface engaging the support surface 46 of the body 14, and a recess formed in the inner surface for receiving a clamp blade 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Vektek, Inc.
    Inventor: James V. Mascola
  • Patent number: 5687961
    Abstract: A pneumatically actuated clamp and gripper including a fluid actuated piston and cylinder assembly and a clamp arm supported for pivotal movement and having a moving end for clampingly engaging a workpiece. The clamp includes a link having one end pivotally connected to the clamp arm for causing movement of the clamp arm and the other end of the link being connected to the piston. The clamp also includes a frame assembly for supporting the clamp arm for pivotal movement, the frame assembly including a pair of frame halves clamped together in face-to-face relation and housing the projecting end of the piston and clamp arm therebetween. The frame assembly includes a pair of pivot pin bores for selectively and alternatively supporting the clamping arm for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis. The clamp also includes a roller assembly for supporting the drive member connected to the link for reciprocating movement and for preventing wear of the drive member and the frame components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Aladdin Engineering & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward R. Horn
  • Patent number: 5688014
    Abstract: A clamp has a clamping arm pivotally mounted to a base frame for swinging between clamping and unclamping positions. An actuator, such as a pneumatic cylinder, provides bidirectional forces for swinging the arm. The arm is driven by the actuator by way of an articulated linkage system including at least one spring link and one rigid link. The spring link preferably has a C-shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Norbert J. Kot
  • Patent number: 5676357
    Abstract: A pneumatically actuated clamp and gripped including a clamp arm supported for movement about a pivot, the clamp arm including a workpiece engaging portion spaced from the pivot and a driving member that is reciprocally moveable between a retracted position and a clamping position. The clamp further includes a link connected to the driving member and connected to the clamp arm in spaced relation from the pivot so that movement of the driving member from the retracted position toward the clamping position causes movement of the workpiece engaging portion of the clamp arm toward the workpiece, the link including a spring portion, the spring portion limiting the clamp force applied by the clamp arm to the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Aladdin Engineering & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward R. Horn
  • Patent number: 5657972
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: ISI Norgren, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Blatt
  • Patent number: 5647581
    Abstract: A pneumatic clamping device which is driven by a single cylinder, but which operates with two degrees of motion so that it is completely out of the way after an assembly operation is complete. A housing which defines an aperture through which a shaft passes to connect to the cylinder. The shaft has two diameters along its length, the smaller of which is nearer the piston. This permits the shaft to point away from a vertical axis when it contacts the inner diameter of the aperture in the housing which provides a sliding fit to the larger diameter of the shaft. The shaft which supports a perpendicular clamp, one end of which will apply the clamping force to the workpiece. The other end of the clamp is connected to a guide which is approximately parallel to the shaft. A pin restrains the motion of the guide as the piston moves from the clamped to the unclamped position. Further movement of the piston impresses a second degree of motion upon the clamp, namely, a rotation about the pin and away from the work area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Daryl Richard Corle
  • Patent number: 5634629
    Abstract: A rotary clamp having a common plane mounting arrangement that provides a first planar surface for mounting the rotary clamp to a support member and a second planar surface for mounting a workpiece engaging means to the rotary clamp wherein the first and second planar surfaces lie in a common plane for simplifying the set up procedure of the rotary clamp. The first planar surface is formed on a housing of the rotary clamp, and the second planar surface is formed on a pivot pin of the rotary clamp. The first and second planar surfaces are spaced from one another to provide proper relief so that the workpiece engaging means may freely rotate without interference from the second planar surface. The pivot pin provides a large end portion seated within a recess of the housing that remains externally accessible with respect to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: ISI Norgren Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Blatt
  • Patent number: 5595375
    Abstract: A clamp for releasably gripping a workpiece includes a base member, a first jaw portion attached to the base member and having a first gripping portion and a second jaw member pivotally coupled to the base member at a pivot location, and having a second gripping portion. The second jaw is pivotable about the pivot location between an open, retracted position where the first and second gripping portions are spaced apart and a closed, gripping portion where the first and second gripping portions engage the workpiece and apply a gripping force to hold the workpiece. An actuator selectively retracts the second jaw member from the gripping position into the retracted position by application of a retracting force. A mechanism which may include a cam or an over-center linkage releasably holds the second jaw member in the retracted position independently of the retracting force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Benn Corporation
    Inventor: Hermann Bennhausen
  • Patent number: 5575462
    Abstract: A rotary clamp for a linear actuator having means for converting linear actuator motion between a first position and a second position into rotary clamp motion between an unclamped position and a clamped position wherein a reciprocating member provides means, separate from the linear actuator, for resetting the converting linkage toward the first position without having to disassemble the rotary clamp of the linear actuator. The reciprocating member also provides a secondary stop to prevent the converting linkage from reaching an over-center position. The reciprocating member is slidably disposed and captured within a wall of a housing of the rotary clamp. If power is lost to the rotary clamp, the clamp may become "locked" in the clamped position, and the reciprocal member may be struck from the outside of the housing in order to drive the linear actuator toward the unclamped position thus manually resetting the converting means of the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: John A. Blatt
  • Patent number: 5503378
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a clamping chuck consisting of a fork-like clamp jaw holder (1) to which an adjusting element (2) moving back and forth in the longitudinal extension of the clamp jaw holder (1) is provided for the relative movement of the clamp jaw supports (3, 4) with respect to each other in the clamped and open setting. According to the invention, in each leg (5) of the clamp jaw holder (1) one bearing hole (6) and four additional holes (7, 7') are mutually aligned laterally, with their centers (Z) positioned on the corners (E) of the square (Q). The two bearing holes (6) are arranged centrally on the respective connecting line (L) of the two holes (7') on the clamp jaw side and the two clamp jaw supports (3, 4) provided on the clamp jaw holder (1) have a drilled hole (6') aligned with the bearing hole (6). In this case the moving or pivoting clamp jaw support (3) has features (8) for a frictional and/or form-fit actuated connection with the adjusting element (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Schauss, Michel Buchenau
  • Patent number: 5501435
    Abstract: A cam clamp includes a swing clamp arm and multiple options for driving the clamp. The movement of a locking cam within a clamp header influences a central shaft having a clamp member attached thereto to rotate from a first rest position to a second clamping position, then causes the central shaft (with the clamp member mounted thereon) to move axially downwards to exert a clamping force. In a second embodiment, the rotational movement of a locking ring causes a central shaft, having a clamp member attached thereto, to rotate with it from a first rest position to a second clamping position. At the second position, the shaft is restrained from further rotation, but the locking ring continues as before. An appropriately inclined upper surface of the locking ring comes into sliding contact beneath the clamp member, causing the clamp member to pivot downwards with steadily increasing clamping force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Inventor: Luciano T. S. Monteiro
  • Patent number: 5490663
    Abstract: A slide actuated holding clamp for holding a connector stationary while a push test or pull test is performed on a conductor secured to the connector. The clamp comprises a main body portion having an opening formed therein, a locking member adapted to fit nestably substantially within the opening, and an actuating member adapted to fit nestably within a recessed portion in the locking member. The actuating member is pivotally coupled to an upper end portion of the locking member and the locking member is captively held within the opening in the main body portion by a locking pin. The locking member includes elongated openings which allow the locking member to be urged slidably longitudinally within the main body portion as the actuating member is moved in first and second longitudinal directions. The pivotal coupling of the actuating member and locking member allows the locking member to be urged pivotally into abutting engagement with a connector as the actuating member is moved in a first linear direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Dragan B. Stojkovic, George L. Justus
  • Patent number: 5488901
    Abstract: A device for stretching a screen on a roller frame includes at least three torsion stations and a support structure. Each torsion station includes a torsion tool, for example, a wrench head, which can be attached to one end of one of the sides of the frame and torqued for the purpose of stretching the screen. Each torsion tool is attached to a shaft structure at a first pivot point. Each shaft structure is attached to the support structure at a second pivot point. Each shaft structure has a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder positioned intermediately along its length for altering the length of the shaft structure between its first and second pivot points, thereby causing the wrench head to torque and rotate one of the rollers of the frame. A control panel allows the operator to activate all of the pneumatic cylinders simultaneously and with substantially equal forces, thereby resulting in a more rapidly and evenly stretched screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventor: Jerome J. Hruska
  • Patent number: 5476252
    Abstract: A fulcrum portion (5a) provided in a midway portion of a clamp arm (5) in the left and right direction is supported vertically pivotably by a housing (3) through a pin (13). A first shaft (21) of a transmission member (18) is fitted into a driven portion (5b) provided in the right portion of the arm (5). A second shaft (22) of the transmission member (18) is so supported by support grooves (25) of the housing (3) through rollers (24) as to be movable in the front and rear direction. The first shaft (21) and a piston rod (50) of a pneumatic cylinder (6) are connected to each other by a lever (19). At the time of clamping, the first shaft (21) is eccentrically rotated clockwise about an axis (A) of the second shaft (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kosmek
    Inventor: Keitaro Yonezawa
  • Patent number: 5460358
    Abstract: A power clamp including a clamp assembly which is moved by a power cylinder rapidly to an approximate clamping position and is thereafter moved by the power cylinder with an intensified force to the final clamp position. The clamp includes a support structure defining a guideway, a drive assembly secured to the piston rod of the power cylinder and slidably mounted in the guideway, a guide lever pivotally mounted to the support structure, and a clamp lever pivotally mounted to the guide lever. The drive assembly includes a drive pin which is received in guide slots in the guide lever and in the clamp lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Jack J. Sendoykas
  • Patent number: 5452885
    Abstract: A vise for clamping workpieces of different sizes, and including two adjustable pieces, one of which gives a large adjustment and the other which gives a finer adjustment. A clamping jaw is included, and the adjustment pieces can be set so that there is desired clearance between the jaw and the workpiece prior to applying hydraulic force in the clamping action. Rotation restrictors apply to each of the rotationally adjustable members, and a spring returns the jaw to the unclamped or opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Beere Tool Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard F. Beere
  • Patent number: 5437440
    Abstract: An elongated cam (A) fixed centrally at one end longitudinally within a cylinder is inserted within a cavity in an end of a piston rod (C) which has a cam follower (D) positioned therein and fixed against longitudinal movement so as to reduce the length of the stroke necessary to turn a member adjacent the other end of the piston rod through a given angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Compact Air Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Rickey L. Keaton
  • Patent number: 5319890
    Abstract: A bushingless workhead comprises a flexible drill collet inside a flexible chucking collet. The chucking collet has external frusto-conical surfaces on the ends thereof that mate with corresponding frusto-conical surfaces on a pair of pistons. The pistons are slidable within a housing away from each other to apply opposed forces to the chucking collet. The forces cause the chucking collet to collapse and to also collapse the drill collet to grip a tool inside the drill collet. One piston applies a greater force on the chucking collet than the other piston. The chucking collet is thus forced to move longitudinally in one direction, and it abuts a fixed reference surface that repeatably locates the chucking collet during each tool gripping operation prior to the chucking collet collapsing to grip the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Giddings & Lewis, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry G. Warner
  • Patent number: 5277411
    Abstract: A slide actuated holding clamp for holding a connector block stationary while a push test is performed on a conductor secured to the connector. The clamp comprises a body portion having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough and a portion forming a channel. A locking member is pivotally disposed within the channel and includes a locking finger portion and a lower shoulder portion. An actuating member is slidably disposed within the channel and includes a pin member extending transversely therethrough which causes the locking member to move pivotally such that the locking finger portion is moved outwardly of the channel when the actuating member is moved in a first direction. When the actuating member is moved in a longitudinally opposite second direction, the pin member abuttingly engages the lower shoulder portion, thereby causing the locking member to move pivotally such that the locking finger portion is retracted to a position within the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: George L. Justus
  • Patent number: 5273264
    Abstract: A pneumatic quick vise utilizes a compressed air source to control operation of its jaws for high speed clamping and releasing of working pieces at high efficiency. The vice include a piston operated by the compressed air source to drive a booster mechanism and driving a screw rod to operate the vice, and the vice further includes a pivot for its movable jaw at a reactive side to prevent upward raising of a working piece during clamping and a cushion arrangement at both sides of the piston to minimize impact from quick displacement of the piston in order to prolong service life and improve machining accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Safeway Machinery Industry Corp.
    Inventor: Rong-Shiou Chen