Abstract: A clamping device operable to clamp work pieces together at an obtuse angle. The device includes an elongate support bar having an angle element attached thereto and projecting outwardly at the obtuse angle from the support member. A clamping projection is mounted on a sleeve that is shiftable longitudinally along the support member toward and away from the angle element. A locking mechanism is attached to the sleeve for securing the clamping projection in a selected position on the support member.

Abstract: A multi-purpose clamping apparatus to join the confronting edges of two boards together during a gluing process having a pair of base plates, a central hub about which the base plates may be rotated, a rail projecting laterally from the hub on which one of the base plates is connected and a press mounted on one of the base plates and engaging the rail for drawing the base plates together. Respective clamps overlie the upper surface of the base plates.

Abstract: Angle adjustable clamps are described which include a pair of jaws connected to pliers-type handles. At least one of the jaws includes two faces, and the angle between the faces is adjustable. The clamps are useful for gripping and supporting workpieces at a desired angle to each other.

Abstract: A workpiece holder for angularly reciprocatory friction welding apparatus includes clamp members for clamping the workpiece to a mounting table. The height and circumferential position of a drum is adjustable to facilitate blade attachment in manufacture of a blum. Means are also described for reinforcing the drum during blade attachment in order to absorb welding forces which might otherwise distort the drum surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately setting the height and depth placement of electrical boxes on wall studs or the like. The apparatus telescopically extends to the required height and a plurality of steps are disposed upon both a top plate and base plate. The steps correspond to various wall covering thicknesses. Proper operation ensures accurate positioning and maintenance of the height and depth settings.

Abstract: A multi-purpose clamping apparatus to join the confronting edges of two boards together during a gluing process having a pair of base plates, a central hub about which the base plates may be rotated, a rail projecting laterally from the hub on which one of the base plates is connected and a press mounted on one of the base plates and engaging the rail for drawing the base plates together. Respective clamps overlie the upper surface of the base plates.

Abstract: A set-up jig for a truss table is disclosed. The jig comprises (a) a body portion having a recessed portion on its lower surface configured to receive and slide upon a rail and further including a securing apeture and (b) stop means for constraining the movement of truss planks. A truss table suitable for use with such jigs is also disclosed.

Abstract: A jointing jig for the assembly of two- and three-dimensional joints is disclosed. The jointing jig includes two rigid bodies which are hingedly interconnected. Each rigid body includes a side having a plurality of channels of uniform size designed to accurately locate parallel-sided members for jointing. Each rigid body includes a channel along the hinged side of the body. A rigid removable connector locks the hinged rigid bodies at 90.degree. to each other. This permits the assembly of accurate three-dimensional corner joints. The advantage is that accurate three-dimensional corner joints may be assembled by persons inexperienced in joint construction.

Abstract: An assembly table for roof trusses has open parallel channels located on the table which contain jig stops. The jig stops are moveable along their respective channels by means of a connector head which can be raised and lowered from a gantry carriage located on a gantry which spans the table and runs along tracks located on each side of the table. The respective movements and operation of the gantry, gantry carriage and connector head are controlled by a computer.

Abstract: The present invention is an assembly/positioning system and method of use for application in the insertion or placement of tolerance dimensioned first process elements in tolerance dimensioned holes in or with respect to surfaces of second process elements. The system safely, precisely, repeatably and consistently compensates for tolerances in dimensions of process elements assembled therein, and for internal assembly/positioning system element tolerances which result from system stresses or temperature effects etc. during use. The assembly/positioning system also allows positioning process elements for processing and can include process element processing means internally. The assembly/positioning system utilizes mechanical or hydraulic toggle, insertion and tolerance compensation means in conjunction with mechanical transfer means to allow use with any combination of relatively large toleranced process elements.

Abstract: An in-jig assembly bond fixture for manufacturing a composite component having a plurality of parts includes at least one fixture for holding each of the plurality of parts in proper alignment relative to one another during a bonding operation. A mechanical mechanism is provided integral with the at least one fixture for applying a predetermined uniform compressive force to each bond line between each of the plurality of parts during the bonding operation. A plurality of heating elements is provided for applying heat directly to each bond joint and are each selectively located within the fixture for applying heat uniformly across each bond line during the bonding operation.

Abstract: A bench mounted machine allows an operator to produce both mating components for woodworking through and half-blind dovetails in workpieces suitable for case construction and drawer construction with computer controlled programmable flexibility to determine size and centerline spacing of pins and tails as well as half-pin widths. Symmetrical and asymmetrical through and half-blind dovetail configurations can be created without the use of guide templates or fixed spindle arrangements. Stationary workpieces are mounted vertically and horizontally above an automated two axis dovetail cutting means. Pins and tails for interlocking through and half-blind dovetail joints are milled in the ends of workpiece boards based upon operator input commands from a personal computer control station.

Abstract: The invented fixture consists of a double acting jaw with a fixed part (F) and a movable part separated in two (R1 and R2), where the latter can slide along slide surfaces (8 and 9) on the fixed jaw for example by the use of a screw (A). The fixed jaws are oriented to a frame or jig by the use of for example anchoring bolts (B) on each side of work pieces (1). The orientation along balks or slots is performed by pins (C) through fixed jaws and balks or a jig through holes arranged - equidistant in the balks and in different combinations in the fixed jaws.

Abstract: A joined prism assembly having more than two prisms adhered to each other at joining surfaces is disclosed. The joined prism includes stepped portions between the end faces of the prisms adjacent to the joining surfaces for defining exposed positioning reference surfaces for when the prisms are adhered to each other.

Abstract: A truss assembly apparatus and method comprising a conveyor belt carrying a set of slats, a computer for generating an image of the set of slats and a pattern of stops for a truss jig, and a second set of slats that are used for setting up the jig in accordance with the pattern. The slats of the first set are held to the conveyor belt by spherical magnets partially encased in the undersides of the slats. Each slat is ruled and has holes formed therein for receiving the stops. The slats of the first set that are to be replaced with slats from the second set are ejected from the conveyor with an air gun to identify them and to facilitate their removal. The truss can then be assembled on the truss assembly portion of the conveyor belt as the truss is moved to the unloading portion of the conveyor. To attach the truss elements together, connector plates are seated in adjacent elements by rollers.

Abstract: The invention is an indexing jig for building model railroad bridge trestles having a series of horizontal and vertical apertures cut into it to form an interlocking system of grooves for holding the various members that are used to construct trestles including vertical and horizontal members and cross bracing.

Abstract: The machine of the present invention operates to automatically nail a combination of pre-cut wood boards together to form a pallet. The machine may be adjusted so that the size of the pallet can be varied as to dimensions and number of pre-cut boards. Once the pallet size and board combination has been selected, the machine is set up by moving jigs, stops, clamps and nailing heads into their proper operative positions. A number of nailing heads are adjustably mounted on a carriage that moves past a support on which the pre-cut boards are mounted. Both the top and bottom boards of the pallet are nailed simultaneously to the central or longitudinal board of the pallet. By way of a clamping system, the boards are squared and precisely positioned and secured together by clamping action. The carriage then begins to move and the nailing operations commence and continue until all of the nails have been driven into the boards of the pallet.

Abstract: A device for holding facia boards in position for attachment to a building is disclosed. The device includes an L-shaped bracket having one leg adapted for removable attachment to a building's roof with a second leg depending down adjacent the position at which the facia board is to be attached. A support member is slidably mounted to the depending leg and supports the facia board in position for attachment to the building. The support is adjustable to accomodate facia boards of different widths.

Abstract: A jig for forming wooden trusses and like structures, including a table traversed by upwardly opening channels in which stop units are received to define the structure to formed. Each stop unit includes a stop and a clamp member which are adjustable to clamp elements of the channel between them and thereby fix the location of the stop along the length of the channel in which it is received. Each channel carries a scale at one side and the clamp member carries an index mark to be aligned with positions on the scale for accurately locating the stop.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for applying a solder material to a square leadless chip carrier using a solder wave technique. The carrier is placed on a pallet so that one side of the carrier forms an angle of 45.degree. to the direction of travel of the solder wave. The carrier has attachment pads spaced equidistantly around a peripheral surface thereof, and the carrier is retained on the holder so that the attachment pads are positioned adjacent the solder material. A solderable pin is positioned on the holder behind the carrier, when considered in the direction of movement of the pallet. One pin is necessary for each of the last pads to be soldered. The pin extends from the surface of the carrier a distance substantially equal to the distance the carrier extends from the pallet surface, and the area of the pin corresponds substantially to the area of a pad.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for integrally bonding two latex surfaces is disclosed, together with a latex bag having integral loops and/or holding straps which is made by the process. Briefly, a first curing latex surface such as a strip of curing latex, is held against a second curing latex surface such as the curing surface of the bag, so that the two surfaces form an integral bond. Preferably, a few drops of latex are added to the interfacing area prior to bringing the two surfaces into contact.

Abstract: A truss assembly table having a plurality of sections in succession along its length separated by openings. Each section of the table has several panels in succession separated by openings which extend across the table. Below each opening between the panels, a lead screw drives a carrier which supports a jig stop projecting above the top of the table. Each lead screw is driven by a manually-controlled power-operated device for positioning the corresponding jig stop at a selected position across the table. Power-operated lifts at the openings between sections of the table can be raised to lift a completed truss above the top of the jig stops so that it can be slid off the table laterally.

Abstract: The invention relates to the an adjustable support and spacer device having and a base member and extension member which is adjustable relative thereto via a releasable clamp. The extension member and the base member each carry a support member whereby the adjustment of the extension member relative to the base member provides a relative adjustment of the two support members. The base and extension members are provided with measuring indicia and the extension member is able to be pivoted about the releasable connection device to provide angular adjustment between the two support members.

Abstract: A clamp for holding lumber which is used to form roof trusses. A plurality of clamps are placed on a work table oriented to constrain plural pieces of lumber forming the truss until truss plates attach ends of adjacent pieces of lumber. The clamp includes an inner and outer sleeve, the inner sleeve telescopes with respect to the outer sleeve and a spring bias connection exists between the inner and outer sleeve through a threaded shaft which causes the inner sleeve to telescope so that imperfections in the lumber can be accounted for and several identically configured trusses can be formed without removing the clamps from the table. Specific types of clamp support for the lumber as well as a specific means for supporting the clamp on the work table is disclosed.

Abstract: A stairway fabricating apparatus includes a structural machine frame that can support an elongated linear stringer work piece thereupon. A plurality of tread supports include multiple work stations which are movably supported by the frame for simultaneously supporting multiple, selectively pre-spaced stair-step treads in a position against the stringer so that the tread and stringer can be connected to define thereafter horizontal stair-step positions of staircase treads that are of a pre-selected spacing and of a pre-selected angular position with respect to the stringer. Connection of the treads to the stringers can be accomplished by welding, for example, once the correct linear spacing and the correct angular position of the treads are selected.

Abstract: A fixture for workpieces which cannot be directly engaged by the work holder of a machine tool has a pallet for several work holding elements each of which has a head releasably engaging a workpiece and a section which is embedded in hardened casting material of the pallet so that the casting material does not contact the workpieces. The pallet can be a one-piece casting or is assembled of several reusable modules, and it has several mounting surfaces which facilitate predictable mounting in the work holder of a machine tool.

Abstract: Manufacturing method for integrated circuit chip carrier or similar devices comprises the steps of producing the substrate as a discrete part by pressing ceramic powder in a precision mold and sintering the pressed part. The discrete substrates are then placed in a work holder in which a plurality of substrates are precisely located with both surfaces of each substrate exposed. The manufacturing steps of metallizing the substrates, imaging, plating, resist removal, etching, and so on, can then be carried out on all of the substrates in the work holder simultaneously. The processes can be applied to both surfaces of each substrate simultaneously and in addition, further steps such as assembly of an IC chip to each substrate and wire bonding can be carried out while the substrates are in the work holder. The process greatly reduces the cost of manufacturing chip carriers, particularly the type having terminal pads on both surfaces of the substrate and conductors extending between the major surfaces.

Abstract: Framing table assembly for manufacturing a wall or other skeletal framework from several parallel riser-members to be accurately perpendicularly attached between two longitudinally extending base-members. The framing table assembly utilizes a pair of longitudinally extending benches for horizontally supporting the respective base-members. Each bench is equipped with a longitudinally extending array of pivotably positioned team-flippers that at a ready-station flanks and that then at a narrowed active-station securely holds respective transversely extending riser-members. After the thusly precisely held riser-members and the base-members are attached into a skeletal framework product, the product can be longitudinally rolled off the benches by virtue of downwardly recessable rollers which are periodically extendable above the bench upper-surface.

Abstract: An automatic soldering apparatus wherein a fixture is conveyed sequentially and endlessly by an elevation mechanism of a loading unit, soldering conveyors of a plurality of units that relate to the soldering operation, an elevation mechanism of an unloading unit, and return conveyors of units relating to the soldering operation; works are automatically fitted to the fixture by the loading unit, and while the fixture is being conveyed by the soldering conveyor of each of the units which relate to the soldering operation and are combined with one another suitably, whenever necessary, the soldering operation of the works and other operations associated therewith are carried out; and the unloading unit automatically recovers the works from the fixture and the empty fixture is returned to the loading unit by the return conveyors of the units relating to the soldering operation so that the works are again fitted to the fixture by the loading unit.

Abstract: An electrode plate arranging jig according to the invention which allows to arrange electrode plates with high precision and facilitates the work of constructing an array of electrode plates, characterized in that a member with a plurality of grooves cut at pitches at which the electrodes are arranged has a structure of two superimposed members (11, 12) deviatable from each other in the direction in which the plurality of grooves are arranged, and has grooves (13, 14) having a width which has enough leeway compared to the thickness of the electrode plates.

Abstract: A carrier for components to be soldered includes an upper frame pivotally connected to a lower frame. The upper frame includes longitudinal grid members interlocked with transverse grid members to define recessed zones with stepped corners to locate the components. The lower frame has slidably mounted strips with projections which engage the components when the lower frame is pivoted to a closed condition.

Abstract: A method for positionally stabilizing one end of a bracelet while the bracelet is being secured about the wrist includes a recessed receiver, a positive engagement clamp and a base portion with a flat stabilization surface. The receiver is in the form of a plate which is recessed to snugly receive the user's wrist. One end of the bracelet is forcefully engaged by the clamp at a location proximate the recess to prevent any movement of the clamped end of the bracelet while the two braclet ends are being engaged about the wrist. Positional stabilization of the overall device is provided by the flat stabilization surface which may be placed on a surface of an external support.

Abstract: A method of feeding a work, in which a jig having an attitude controlling groove formed therein is prepared. A first work is controlled to assume a predetermined attitude by placing the work in the attitude controlling groove. The jig is conveyed to a first position so that the attitude controlling groove is located at a second position. Then, the first work is moved to a third position in the controlling groove and the first work at the third position is transferred to a processing device.

Abstract: A workholder for holding a plurality of substrates, the workholder configured in a flat plate having a top surface and a bottom surface which is parallel to the top surface. The top surface spaced a distance from the bottom surface, such that the distance between the top surface and the bottom surface does not exceed a distance between an upper surface and a lower surface of an individual substrate. A plurality of substrate receiving openings extend through the plate, each opening being dimensioned to receive a respective substrate therein. A biasing spring means adjacent to each opening for biasing a substrate in the opening. The biasing spring means being between the top and bottom surfaces of the workholder and not extending beyond the top and bottom surfaces thereof. The configuration of the workholder allows the substrates to be held in the openings of the workholder, while having their upper and lower surfaces projecting beyond the top and bottom surfaces of the workholder respectively.

Abstract: A device for packaging plants including a base, and a vertical column is mounted on the base and carries a generally conical sleeve support. A multiplicity of nested paper or plastic sleeves are carried by the sleeve support. A pedestal extends upwardly from the base through the conical support, as well as through the nested sleeves, and a platform is mounted on the upper end of the pedestal. With a potted plant supported on the platform, the innermost sleeve is drawn upwardly around the plant to bring the lower end of the sleeve into engagement with the rim of the pot to enclose the plant in the sleeve.

Abstract: A jig for assembling a prefabricated building wall or similar structure including a supporting frame formed of first and second pairs of supporting members disposed in a generally polygonal configuration, at least two pair of clamping members, each pair of clamping members including opposing first and second clamping members between which are supported first parallel structural members, such as a header and sill plate and a plurality of joist therebetween, at least one of the clamping members of each pair having a rod received in a sleeve with a cooperative pin and a plurality of cam slots effect stepwise adjustment thereof, the same clamping member of each pair also including a threaded rod for fine adjustment, and a flexible cable interconnecting the clamping members of each pair to augment the clamping force provided by each pair of clamping members adjacent to nailing the structural members together to form the prefabricated building wall.

Abstract: A spacer bar is used to place ceiling runners at a predetermined distance apart. At either end of the bar is pivotally mounted a holder and this allows the bar connecting together the two holders to be freely movable relative to the holders. A holder is placed on one runner in position and the second holder holds a new runner to be placed in position. The new runner may be swung in position and spaced from the first runner due to the means connecting the two runners together.

Abstract: A method for determining the quality of metal coatings of hole units in a circuit board. Well centered hole units are punched and secured in a container provided with grooves, said holes being aligned, whereafter the container is filled with material for moulding-in the hole units. Thereafter the hole units and filling material are milled down to alignment with the centers of the holes, and the material is milled down additionally around the holes so that the hole unit centers have raised portions. The raised portions comprising the hole plating are thereafter ground and the latter can be examined. The invention also concerns apparatus for performing the above-mentioned method.

Abstract: A conduit weld positioner for positioning two conduit portions extending at an angle to each other in which one of the conduit portions is grasped by a frame tiltably mounted relative to a turntable adapted to rotate about a central axis. The degree of tilting is adjustable in proportion to the angular relationship between the two conduit portions.

Abstract: A welding fixture for a nuclear fuel assembly grid having rigid top and bottom members and having apparatus for releasably securing them together. The bottom and top members each have an egg-crate configuration of interleaved fixture straps. Top notches on the bottom fixture straps' top edges are placed to engage the grid straps' bottom edges when the grid straps are aligned for welding. Likewise, bottom notches on the top fixture straps' bottom edges are placed to engage the grid straps' top edges when the grid straps are aligned for welding.

Abstract: A gauging tool for use in mounting the rails of a drawer pull-out guide assembly to furniture side walls includes a holding member for supporting the body rail. The body rail can be screwed onto the furniture side wall while held by the holding member of the gauging tool.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for remotely positioning, connecting, and generally andling components in a hot cell of a reprocessing plant for spent nuclear fuels. The apparatus includes a housing mounting a first stationary clamp for holding one end of a pipe and a second movable clamp for holding the end of a second pipe to be welded to the first. By adjusting the movable clamp, the pipe therein can be aligned with the pipe in the stationary clamp. The movable clamp can be moved longitudinally to press the pipe ends together, upwardly to compensate for pipe out of round, and can be tilted where pipes are to be joined at an angle. The adjustment permits accurate alignment of the parts. A tool support is rotatably mounted on said stationary clamp to permit welding or other processing through 360.degree..

Abstract: A strap and vane positioning fixture is provided for aligning simultaneously the segments of straps forming a fuel rod grid. The fixture comprises a plate having a plurality of rods extending from it, in rows and columns, positioned for entry into cells of a grid. The rods at the periphery of the plate comprise a first set and have at their upper ends a spade with a single blade, the remaining rods comprising a second set and having at their upper ends a spade with a pair of blades. A method comprising engaging vanes extending from certain straps to align segments of each strap between the slots thereof, and holding the straps in the aligned position.

Abstract: A multiple fixture is provided for aiding in affixing replacement spoons to worn teeth of a rotary hoe wheel. The fixture comprises a circular hub from which extends a plurality of generally equally-spaced, radially-disposed arms. The number of arms equal the number of teeth on the worn hoe wheel. Mounting members or plates are carried by the arms and replacement spoons are positioned and clamped thereon. The rotary hoe wheel is then aligned with the fixture hub and connected thereto with the replacement spoons positioned in contact with the worn end portions of the hoe teeth and welded to them.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved fixture assembly for use on an electrode wire EDM apparatus which is adapted to cut a conductive workpiece. Referring to FIG. 2, the improved fixture which can secure a plurality of workpieces 52 comprises master bar 40, which is secured to work supports 30 transversely therebetween, base plate 42 which is removably attached to the master bar at a predetermined location thereof and which has a plurality of equally-spaced support locations upon which each said workpiece rests, locator plate 44 which is removably attached to the base plate at a predetermined location thereof and which has a plurality of equally-spaced recesses of predetermined shape along an edge thereof for a side of each workpiece to be held thereagainst, and a plurality of pre-configured clamps 48 removably attached to the upper side of said locator plate which are tightenable to exert force against the top surface of each workpiece for securing the workpiece in a precise location for cutting.

Abstract: A trailer bed or chassis including side rail extensions and center rail support posts serves to mount a wooden truss fabricating jig including laterally adjustable center rail sections and associated transverse arms for the support of truss lumber. An arrangement of permanent stops and swivel stops on the jig together with a truss peak locator and splice locator enable the setting up on the job site of a calibrated jig prior to placing the truss lumber thereon, resulting in a great savings of time in truss fabrication. Trusses are produced with precision and uniformity having improved quality and a wider range of truss sizes can be accommodated with the apparatus because of its versatility.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tobacco leaf grading and stripping apparatus or rack which is easily movable to desired locations accessible to the cured tobacco, and comprises base means, tobacco stick hanger means having a generally wheel-shaped, polygonal periphery, rotatably mounted on the base means and comprising a plurality of individual arms extending outwardly from stanchion means in a spoke-like manner, and each of the arms being provided on its outer portions with support means adapted to receive and support one end of a loaded tobacco stick such that adjacent support means can support jointly the whole stick in a generally horizontal posture. Any number of arms can be provided for supporting any desired number of loaded tobacco sticks, about four or five sticks being preferred.

Abstract: A ready-to-assemble kit for forming a toy chair includes a rigid workboard and a plurality of clothespins. The clothespins are identical pairs of rigid wooden elements. The workboard is characterized by a rectangular upwardly open area on its top surface encompassing a plurality of juxtaposed clothespins when arranged in glued together pairs. The workboard further includes a plurality of groups of spaced-apart upstanding rods arranged in respective predetermined patterns for frictional contact with the outer side surfaces of a plurality of the clothespin pairs and pin elements when arranged in juxtaposed, abutted and/or overlapping glued together relation to form toy chair subassemblies of the chair legs, sides, back and seat portions which are subsequently glued together to complete the chair.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for aligning a pair of optical fibers wherein a first fiber is positioned in a holder, adjusted along two axes in a plane, and rotated about an axis perpendicular to the plane. A second fiber is mounted in a universal fixture by a first set of adjustable positioning screws opposed to each other in a housing, and a second set of adjustable positioning screws opposed to the first set positioning the housing on an adjustable structure. The optical fibers are brought into position and flush contact effected by the flexibility of the universal fixture. Thereafter the structure is adjusted in a plane defined by two separate axes to effect alignment about the axes, and rotated about the third axis to complete alignment. A laser or other light source and a light sensitive element are utilized to determine when maximum light transmission is achieved, thus signifying proper alignment.

Abstract: A clamp for holding work pieces in assembled relationship for welding and the like comprising a pair of discrete posts and a transverse member, as fabricated preferably of bar stock. Each of the pair of posts pivotally mounts a magnet at the lower end thereof and cooperative interengagement expedients are provided on the posts and transverse member to permit of interengagement in preselected relationship. A threaded hold-down member is adapted for mounted disposition upon the transverse member in predetermined relationship thereto.