Workpieces Parallel To Each Other (e.g., Box-shook Clamp) Patents (Class 269/43)
  • Patent number: 6684601
    Abstract: The jig loading system comprises an assembly of straps 10 for attachment to a support member 14 so as to hang downwardly in spaced apart positions. Each strap 10 has a releasable holder 16 thereon for supporting aircraft stringers 18 at spaced apart positions to enable the stringers to be positioned at the jig 24 for loading thereon. The holders 16 are loop-like and are openable and closeable by means of releasable spring clips 28.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Airbus UK Limited
    Inventor: Alan J. Minshull
  • Patent number: 6672578
    Abstract: A jaw is provided for a vise which includes a sloping surface for supporting a work piece at a particular angle. The jaw includes a primary mass and a secondary mass which are either formed together as a single unitary mass or formed separately and coupleable together. The primary mass includes a front surface which extends vertically and acts as a surface to hold the work piece within the vise. The secondary mass includes at least one sloping surface which is oriented perpendicular to the front surface of the primary mass. The sloping surface has an angle matching that desired for the work piece. A set of different jaws are provided with each jaw having a secondary mass with a sloping surface of a different angle. The work piece has a surface thereof resting against the sloping surface of the secondary mass of the jaw so that the work piece is held at the desired angle within the vise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Mike R. Martens
  • Patent number: 6666441
    Abstract: A jig (40) for locating anchor bolts in concrete standards of outdoor lighting installations comprises four complementary corner members (42) that can be interconnected and then secured together with fasteners (45) in the desired pattern. A second embodiment (70) comprised of male and female members (72, 74) is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Mark S. Grendahl
  • Patent number: 6659439
    Abstract: A rapidly adjustable multi-clamping device with at least one clamping module, which is adjustable along the base and can be locked in place thereon, wherein teeth for positioning the clamping modules are provided on the base and on the clamping modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Triag AG
    Inventors: Beat Baumgartner, Eduard Zängerle
  • Patent number: 6651353
    Abstract: A rail alignment system for locating a first end piece and a second end piece of a first rail section and a second rail section. The rail alignment system comprises (a) a first rail alignment tool for engaging and applying force to said first rail section; and (b) a second rail alignment tool for engaging and applying force to said second rail section. The first rail alignment tool includes: (1) a planar plate for extending transversely beneath said first rail section; (2) a pair of block members, each secured to said planar plate and each defining a threaded cavity which is substantially orthogonal to said first rail section and which are aligned with one another; (3) a pair of externally threaded bolts, each adapted for engaging one of said threaded cavities of said pair of block members; and (4) a pair of contoured rail engagement end pieces, each secured to an inner terminating portion of said pair of externally threaded bolts for engaging said first rail section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company
    Inventors: Donald G. Evans, Charles V. Blackwell, Terry E. Turner, Bobby L. Smith
  • Patent number: 6651967
    Abstract: A clamp for aligning the confronting ends of two or more workpieces, preparatory to their permanent joining. This clamp utilizes a chain of cruciform cross-section, and one or more alignment apparatuses, to encompass and secure the first workpiece, and align the remaining connecting workpiece(s). The chain may be fitted to the first workpiece, using color coding to select added chain-link sections for larger workpieces. Each alignment apparatus is slid on the chain, and secured by a spring-biased detent. The chain is then secured about the first workpiece. The alignment apparatus overlies the connecting workpieces, which are then aligned for joining, using one or more adjustable fasteners mounted on the alignment apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Franklin R. Barber
  • Patent number: 6648318
    Abstract: A welding jig is provided for supporting and aligning first and second workpieces in preparation for a welding operation. The welding jig includes a first support arm extending along a first axis. A second support arm is operatively connected to the first support arm and extends along a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis. A first clamping member is operatively connected to the first end of the first support arm for supporting a first workpiece. A second clamping member is pivotably connected to the first end of the second support arm for supporting a second workpiece. The second clamping member may be pivoted about a vertical axis for adjusting the angle between the first and second workpieces. In addition, the axial position of the second workpiece may be adjusted by moving the second clamping member along an axis parallel to the first workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Oetlinger Tool Engineering Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Frank F. Oetlinger, Russell Kempka, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6641124
    Abstract: A clamping device for aligning confronting ends of a pair of pipe members having a joint therebetween, provides a support member for acting against one of the pipe members, a flexible clamping member having a first and second end and of such length as substantially to encircle one of said pipe members when positioned adjacent to the joint; an anchor member axially moveable relative to the support member; a coupler for releaseably coupling the first end of the clamp member to the anchor member; attachment device carried by the anchor member for releasable attachment of a portion of the clamp member that has been attached to the coupler, a section of the clamp member forming a loop. The section selected to be in conjunction with the support member to clampingly encircle, substantially, the circumference of one of the pipe members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Jerry Melanson
  • Patent number: 6634632
    Abstract: The present invention allows a user to attach a pair of pliers to a vise for holding an article. The vise includes at least one set of two receptacles. Each receptacle is designed and placed in correlation to the other said receptacle to hold one handle of a standard pair of pliers. As the vise jaws are adjusted, the pliers' jaws are also adjusted, thereby allowing an individual to quickly, securely, and safely hold an article while working on that article with both hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: William J. Yaeger
  • Publication number: 20030168793
    Abstract: A jig (40) for locating anchor bolts in concrete standards of outdoor lighting installations comprises four complementary corner members (42) that can be interconnected and then secured together with fasteners (45) in the desired pattern. A second embodiment (70) comprised of male and female members (72, 74) is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Mark S. Grendahl
  • Patent number: 6598866
    Abstract: A modular workpiece support reconfigurable to support a number of similar, but different profiled workpieces (such as the leading edge skin sections of an aircraft wing) comprises a base 32 defining a number of stations along the component. Each station comprises a clamp block 34, and a frame element 38 of predetermined profile may be clamped in the clamp block in either of two different orientations (for hand and opposite). Each frame element includes a number of suction cups 40, the suction being controlled by a valve 42. The workpiece support may be rapidly reconfigured for a symmetric component simply by unclamping and rotating the frame element through 180°. The workpiece support may also be reconfigured for different profiles by selecting the appropriate frame elements from a library thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: BAE Systems PLC
    Inventors: Stephen P. Helm, Brian A. Hoggatt, Brian Moore
  • Patent number: 6598867
    Abstract: A vise system including a plurality of jaws associated with a vise body. A first jaw is attached to a first shaft which are both slidable with respect to the vise body. A second jaw is attached to a second shaft which are both slidable with respect to the vise body independent of the first jaw and first shaft. A locking mechanism is associated with the first and second shafts for locking the first and second shafts, and first and second jaws, in place. The locking mechanism includes a first collet partially surrounding the first shaft, and an aligned second collet partially surrounding the second shaft. First and second stops are operatively connected to a handle so that as the handle is turned, the first and second stops engage the respective first and second collets to compress the collets over the shafts to immobilize them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Conquest Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gustavo R. Martinez
  • Publication number: 20030137092
    Abstract: A clamping device for aligning confronting ends of a pair of pipe members having a joint therebetween, provides a support member for acting against one of the pipe members, a flexible clamping member having a first and second end and of such length as substantially to encircle one of said pipe members when positioned adjacent to the joint; an anchor member axially moveable relative to the support member; a coupler for releaseably coupling the first end of the clamp member to the anchor member; attachment device carried by the anchor member for releasable attachment of a portion of the clamp member that has been attached to the coupler, a section of the clamp member forming a loop. The section selected to be in conjunction with the support member to clampingly encircle, substantially, the circumference of one of the pipe members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Jerry Melanson
  • Patent number: 6595508
    Abstract: A vise (10) having a control aperture (74) at an accessible end (54) of a screw rod (50) and extending along the rotational axis (52) thereof. The aperture (74) is sized and shaped to accept the anvil (72) of a drive mechanism (70) so that upon rotation of the anvil (72) along its torque axis (80), screw rod (50) rotates about its rotational axis (52). At least one of a pair of jaws (18, 20) is operatively associated with screw rod (50) to thereby vary the spacing (34) therebetween as screw rod (50) rotates under control of the anvil (72).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Duncan & Associates
    Inventor: John S. Duncan
  • Patent number: 6588815
    Abstract: A gripping device for use in a transfer press machine includes a jaw assembly having an upper jaw member and a lower jaw member disposed in fixed spaced-apart relationship to one another. A piston-cylinder assembly includes a cylinder element mounted on the upper jaw member and a piston element reciprocatingly housed within the cylinder element. The upper jaw member is provided with a bore passageway formed therethrough that opens into the clamping space. The piston-cylinder assembly is suitably mounted on the upper jaw member such that the piston element is displaceable therein and extensible into the clamping space defined between the jaw members. Suitably pressurizing the piston-cylinder assembly effects a displacement of the piston element into the clamping space which is sufficient to clamp a workpiece between the displaced piston element and the stationary lower jaw member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Legendary Engineering and Fabrication, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Shawn Paradise, Richard Allen Lock
  • Patent number: 6585247
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioning device, in particular a machine vice, with a base body, with a stationary jaw attached thereto and with a movable jaw opposite this, for whose adjustment there is provided a tension rod, wherein the tension rod comprises a support bearing via which the movable jaw is supported by way of a compression rod. The object of the invention is to specify a tensioning device which permits a quick tensioning also of differently dimensioned subjects and furthermore offers the largest possible protection from contamination of the functional parts. This object is achieved in that the movable jaw is formed lockable at various distances to the stationary jaw with the compression rod, preferably by way of clamping bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Fa. Georg Kesel GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: James R. Mattox, Rudolf Henkel
  • Patent number: 6575444
    Abstract: A method of holding a part (5, 16) in position in an assembly station (1), in which the part (5) is put into a determined position in the frame of reference of the assembly station (1) by means of a handling robot (7), at least one clamp (2, 3, 4) is closed onto a portion (5a, 5b) secured to the part, the clamp being mounted to slide freely in a guide (12) of the assembly station (1) extending parallel to its own clamping direction, and the clamp is blocked against sliding when it is clamped onto the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: ABB Body in White
    Inventor: Daniel Bidaud
  • Patent number: 6568059
    Abstract: A tool and a method for replacing brake system components for automotive vehicles. The tool is designed to rotatably secure a worn or defective treadle valve side by side with a rotatably secured replacement treadle valve. The treadle valves can be rotated and locked into place to present corresponding faces to the user. The tool and method allows the user to measure the orientation or alignment of threaded fittings on the worn or defective treadle valve, remove them and then install them or their replacement fittings on the replacement treadle valve in the same general orientation or alignment as the fittings had on the worn or defective treadle valve. The tool and method ensures that when the replacement treadle valve is reinstalled on the vehicle, the threaded couplings on the ends of lengths of tubing will align with the fittings installed on the replacement treadle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Rickie Lane Bush
  • Patent number: 6550128
    Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to a pipe handling arm, which apparatus comprises a clamp (3, 4) for gripping a tubular (70), characterised in that said apparatus further comprises means (10) for, in use, aligning said tubular (70) with another tubular (71) prior to connection thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Georg Lorenz
  • Publication number: 20030071402
    Abstract: A vise system including a plurality of jaws associated with a vise body. A first jaw is attached to a first shaft which are both slidable with respect to the vise body. A second jaw is attached to a second shaft which are both slidable with respect to the vise body independent of the first jaw and first shaft. A locking mechanism is associated with the first and second shafts for locking the first and second shafts, and first and second jaws, in place. The locking mechanism includes a first collet partially surrounding the first shaft, and an aligned second collet partially surrounding the second shaft. First and second stops are operatively connected to a handle so that as the handle is turned, the first and second stops engage the respective first and second collets to compress the collets over the shafts to immobilize them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Gustavo R. Martinez
  • Patent number: 6547258
    Abstract: A chuck body has a first surface for fixing to a support body and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the second surface of the chuck body is provided with a pair of chuck members for chucking a workpiece and a guide rail for guiding an open and close operation of these chuck members. Further, a plurality of stationary holes for fixing the chuck body to the support body is formed at a position overlapping with the chuck members of the guide rail so as to communicate with the first surface, and each of the chuck members is provided with a work hole for inserting a screw into these stationary holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Jiro Mandokoro, Hiroshi Hanne
  • Publication number: 20030042662
    Abstract: A clamp assembly for servicing electronic circuits is disclosed. The clamp assembly has two or more clamps (1, 2). The clamps are mounted on a rod (3) extending through each clamp. The space between the clamps may be stably increased or reduced by simply sliding one or both of the clamps along the rod to engage the ball bearing in each clamp on a dimple in the rod. A bushing is used as a pivot for each clamp. The rod passes through the bushing and the bushing holds the flanges of the clamp together on the rod. A spring (6) is fitted to the clamp arms (5A) by a locating dowel on each arm of the clamp. Squeezing the ends (5A) of the lever arms together allows the clamp to open. Each of the clamps is preferably lined with an insulating and heat resistant ceramic or plastic pad. These pads have V-shaped grooves formed in them to assist in the holding of small electrical components or electrical leads. This allows wiring etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Christian Louis Ternel
  • Patent number: 6513216
    Abstract: An alignment tool for aligning two individual conduits, the conduits having flanged ends with bolt holes passing therethrough. The tool includes an adjustable brace for stabilizing the tool in use against a part of one of the conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Future Alignments Limited
    Inventor: Robert Stephen
  • Patent number: 6502809
    Abstract: A fixture for holding workpieces on a machine tool table includes: a base plate for placement upon table rails and slidable along such rails; a locking plate under the base plate for rotation between a locking position to secure the base plate to the table rails, and an unlocked position clear of the table rails; an upright center block on the base plate; left and right slide blocks on opposite sides of the center block, releasably clamped so as to be slidable along the base plate toward and away from the center block, each slide block including a fluid driven piston movable toward and away from the center block to releasably clamp a workpiece against it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Mark S. Gionta
  • Patent number: 6463979
    Abstract: A buckle pivotally arranged in a movable clamp 12 of a first tube holder 1 is attached with play to a buckle 120 pivotally arranged in a movable clamp 82 of a second tube holder 2. When tubes are held in the first and second tube holders 1 and 2, release of the tubes from the holders 1 and 2 is prevented by a movement of a plunger 203 in correspondence of excitation and demagnetization of a solenoid 202 for a predetermined period of operation of the apparatus after holding the tubes (i.e., for a period required from the locking of the buckle 120 until the completion of moving-down of a wafer holder).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroaki Sano, Narukuni Nakada, Akihiko Iguchi, Yoshiyuki Yamada, Masashi Yanagawa, Takeshi Minatani
  • Patent number: 6450490
    Abstract: A quick change fixture mounting arrangement includes a pair of mating ball-and-socket connectors at the headstock end of the fixture and a ball joint coupler at the tailstock end of the fixture. This arrangement allows for some misalignment of the fixture relative to the axis of rotation and permits the fixture to be rotated about a second, external axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Genesis Systems Group, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jan C. Mangelsen, John W. Brewer, Michael P. Skahill
  • Patent number: 6431534
    Abstract: A clamping tool which can generally be utilized to align and hold tubes to be welded. The clamping tool has a curvilinear body or frame similar to a traditional “C”-shaped clamp which is well known in the art. The tool of the present invention has at least one solid angle clamping element or member which is formed from a single piece of metal. Advantageously, the solid angle clamping element is free of welds and can withstand numerous heating and cooling cycles typically associated with welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Pneumatics
    Inventors: Stephen William Orosz, Mario Michael Nolfi, Thomas Joseph Nolfi
  • Patent number: 6427994
    Abstract: A support device for supporting an exhaust pipe tip during replacement of an exhaust pipe tip includes an elongate frame member. A exhaust pipe attachment member having clamping bolts for clamping to an exhaust pipe is pivotally connected to the frame member for pivoting movement of the frame about a vertical axis. An exhaust pipe tip support member is attached to the outer end of the frame member for vertical adjustment relative thereto, and serves to support to support the exhaust pipe tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: John Thomas Stodolka
  • Publication number: 20020101017
    Abstract: An apparatus for urging two members apart or together that includes a first clamp adapted to be received by a first piece, a second clamp adapted to be received by a second piece and a plurality of power screws coacting with the first clamp and the second clamp, whereby moving the power screws in a first direction causes the first clamp to move relative to the second clamp and the first piece to move relative to the second piece. The present invention is suited for separating muffler pipes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventor: Frank Kolarik
  • Patent number: 6412157
    Abstract: A device for displacing tubular elements relative to one another has two clamping members each movable between an open position in which each of the clamping members is open and can be arranged on a tubular element and a closed position in which each of the clamping members is closed, a fluid-operated unit located between the clamping members and operative for moving the clamping members axially relative to one another, and a power source operative for supplying the fluid operated unit with power fluid so that it can activate the fluid-operated unit and to move the clamping members relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Keith Arthur Gray
  • Patent number: 6409161
    Abstract: The housing of a two station machining device has thereon a stationary jaw and two movable jaws reciprocable between open and closed positions relative to the stationary jaw by a pair of spaced slides that are reciprocable in a recess in the housing beneath the work surface. A piston in the recess has one end thereof secured to one of the slides and has its other end slidable sealingly in an axial bore and counterbore in the other slide. Normally the slides and the piston are retained resiliently in first limit positions in which the movable jaws are disposed in their open positions. Hydraulic fluid under pressure is supplied to the bore in the other slide beneath the head of the piston initially to move the piston and the one slide into second limit positions in which the jaw connected to the one slide is moved to its closed position, and then to move the other slide to a second limit position and its associated jaw to be moved to its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Parlec, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley D. Wolff, Matthew T. Hoyt, David L. Durfee, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6398101
    Abstract: A bi-directional compliant precision linear slide apparatus having a base that supports two side bearing blocks, side rails and an internal air cylinder. The bearing blocks allow for a set of side rails to be moved in a first direction via the introduction or expelling of air to and from the air cylinder. A top rail allows for a top mounting bracket to be moved back and forth in a second direction, and a set of spring loaded plungers facilitate the precise positioning of the top mounting bracket within the top rails prior to bracket engagement to tube. The top mounting bracket is connected to a first component that is to be welded to a second component. Thus, by controlling the precise position of the top mounting bracket, the gap between the two components is controlled thereby affecting the type and quality of weld needed, reducing the amount of the weld time, and reducing the amount of heat introduced into the two components during the welding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Dimensional Tooling Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick W. Pollock
  • Patent number: 6394438
    Abstract: A mutlilevel clamp device for holding a plurality of frames during gluing procedures. The mutlilevel clamp device includes a plurality of clamps. Each of the clamps comprises a first end wall and a second end wall. A bar extends between and is attached to the end walls. The bar has a channel therein extending between the end walls. A rod is positioned in the channel and extends between the end walls. The rod is rotatably coupled to the end walls and has a free end extending through the first end wall. The rod is threaded. A block is positioned in the channel and extends upwardly out of the channel. The rod extends through the block and threadably engages the block. The block is moved along the channel by rotation of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Richard D. Glaser
  • Patent number: 6394439
    Abstract: A device having a fixture with a working surface and at least one hole, at least one stop rising above the working surface, a fastener, a gripping member having a first block portion and a second block portion where the first block portion is joined to the second block portion for relative movement. Each block portion has an inner wall and a gripper wall adapted to engage a workpiece, the inner walls of the first and second block portions form a through bore for receiving the fastener when the first and second block portions are joined and each inner wall has a lower radial surface and an upper conical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Gene Christopher Weber
  • Patent number: 6390170
    Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus and method for facilitating, locating and securement of supports or cushioning blocks on a container panel includes a table for receiving the container panel and a bi-directionally, vertically movable frame which receives a template. The frame is raised and lowered by one or more linear actuators which may be double acting, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, ball screw operators or similar devices. The template includes a specific pattern of openings which correspond to the desired locations of supports or cushioning blocks. A container panel is placed on the table, the template is disposed in the frame and the frame is lowered onto the panel. An adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive is distributed on the panel through the openings and the supports or cushioning blocks are positioned according to the template on the panel. The frame and template are then lifted off the pad and the completed panel is removed from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Ace Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy L. Bringard, Dennis L. Burke, Thomas N. Potcova
  • Patent number: 6386533
    Abstract: A laser processing fixture is formed to allow for facet processing of cleaved laser bars, either individually, or allowing for multiple bars to be processed simultaneously. The fixture holds the bars at a precisely-controlled distance with respect to a predefined reference plane, and holds the bars rigidly enough so as to minimize the possibility of vibration, but not so forcefully as to cause damage. The fixture comprises a fixed jaw and a movable jaw, with a pair of spaced-apart support members extending between the jaws. One or more laser bars may then be positioned between the jaws such that the front and rear facets will be exposed above and below the jaws. Therefore, each facet may be processed without unloading and re-loading the bars in the fixture. The support members, which may comprise a pair of wires, are spaced a sufficient distance so as to be disposed beyond the location of any active device region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Agere Systems Guardian Corp.
    Inventors: Utpal Kumar Chakrabarti, David Reese Peale
  • Patent number: 6385859
    Abstract: An improved spacing and positioning tool is provided for facilitating spacing and positioning of parallel spaced apart construction materials. The tool allows for the installation of aligned parallel spaced apart materials in either of a first or second preferred orientation thereof. Preferably, the tool is used in a set of two, which are placed proximate opposed ends of the materials being spaced, to ensure correct spacing and positioning of the workpiece materials along the length thereof. The tool includes a spacer body with a plurality of evenly spaced apart rectangular cutouts formed in a front edge thereof. The sides of the rectangular cutouts are substantially transverse to a plane defined by the front edge of the spacer body. The back edge of the spacer body has a plurality of evenly spaced apart substantially V-shaped cutouts formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: T&S Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph Thomas Varney
  • Patent number: 6385861
    Abstract: A rail alignment system for locating a first end piece and a second end piece of a first rail section and a second rail section. The rail alignment system comprises (a) a first rail alignment tool for engaging and applying force to said first rail section; and (b) a second rail alignment tool for engaging and applying force to said second rail section. The first rail alignment tool includes: (1) a planar plate for extending transversely beneath said first rail section; (2) a pair of block members, each secured to said planar plate and each defining a threaded cavity which is substantially orthogonal to said first rail section and which are aligned with one another; (3) a pair of externally threaded bolts, each adapted for engaging one of said threaded cavities of said pair of block members; and (4) a pair of contoured rail engagement end pieces, each secured to an inner terminating portion of said pair of externally threaded bolts for engaging said first rail section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company
    Inventors: Charles V. Blackwell, Terry E. Turner, Bobby L. Smith
  • Patent number: 6381908
    Abstract: A device for setting studs includes a rigid face plate that has a fixed length and includes a lower surface, a front edge, a rear edge, and opposite side edges; a rigid bar member extending from the face plate lower surface so as to have a rear surface perpendicular to the face plate lower surface. The face plate has first and second square inside corners formed in its rear edge for squarely aligning and setting studs a desired distance apart between centers and restricting movement thereof during fastening to a sill plate or similar structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Jerry A. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6361035
    Abstract: A plurality of blocks are chained together in alignment over at least one rod, each with a recess for receiving a work piece between adjacent blocks. A second chain of holders may be employed to receive a different portion of the work pieces so the work pieces extend between the chains of blocks, forming a set of chains that may be presented as a unit before a cutting tool to make a cutting process efficient and uniform among work pieces. Further chains or sets of chains may be employed to hold a larger number of work pieces together. Chains of blocks are advanteously mounted on vise plates in plate holes spaced apart from centers of vertical and horizontal neighboring plate holes a same distance, d. Thus, two rods of a set of work piece holders may be positioned at preferred positions on the plate with recesses aligned vertically or horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Truman Collins
  • Patent number: 6361034
    Abstract: A magnetic holder of a vise jaw that has a permanent magnet mounted in the jaw for holding metal or other magnetic material workpiece support parallels in position against the jaw clamping surface to properly hold the parallels during the clamping operation. The vise jaw can be used with a jaw plate that forms part of the jaw. The jaw plate has through holes or bores through which the mounting screws pass for bolting it to the main jaw and a bore for mounting the parallel retaining magnet. The jaw plates can be used either on fixed or movable jaws, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Kurt Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Ingo E. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 6357735
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flange fixture intended to hold a flange to a tube for welding the flange to the tube, whereby it comprises: a) a cylindrical central body comprising at least three evenly distributed expansion holders as well as one cylindrical part provided with threads, whereby the expansion holders are each arranged to receive at least a radially movable expansion mechanism, and whereby the cylindrical part being provided with threads is arranged to receive one controlling device influencing the radially movable expansion mechanism for obtaining an outwardly directed movement; b) a first cylindrical shaft axially and rotatably mounted arranged in the central body and comprising a second controlling device arranged in the end thereof facing away from the central body; c) an axially and rotatably arranged second shaft in the shaft, which second shaft in its end receives at least three evenly distributed second expansion holders, which are each arranged to receive at least one radially move
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Jouko Haverinen
  • Patent number: 6349869
    Abstract: A welding clamp is provided which attaches along its base portion to the receiving plate of a conventional jackstand. An upright member extends from the base and is angled in a direction which extends toward a vertical axis defined by the jackstand. The support member provides a sleeve for receiving in an adjustable manner a horizontal arm. One end of the arm defines a threaded aperture through which a bolt is positioned. The bolt is used to secure a segment of pipe within the pipe stand without a need for temporary tacking welds between the pipe and the jackstand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: David McBee
  • Patent number: 6347792
    Abstract: A mechanic's bench vise which is easy to use and increases the maximum level of clamping force on a workpiece in a pair of jaws of the vise. Another benefit is that it allows a vise to be used performing operations such as installing bushings, die punching holes, and setting rivets. One feature of the invention is that it measures the amount of torque which is applied to the torque arm. The invention broadly comprises a vise having at least one long slender torque arm for opening and closing a pair of jaws of a vise and a ratchet for opening and closing a pair of jaws of the vise. In a first aspect of the invention, the torque arm is not intended to be removed from the vise during normal service. In a second aspect, the length of the torque arm is adjustable. In a third aspect, the torque is removable for shipping and storage and to allow the use of different style and length torque arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Orlin P. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20010050456
    Abstract: A clamping device 10 comprises a first part 12 and a second part 14 together with means 16 for drawing the two parts together. The first part 12 comprises a longer member 18 and a vertically disposed elongate member 20 at the end of which is pivotally mounted a suction pad 24 and means of which the first part may be secured to a planar member such as a sheet of glass. Similarly, the second part 14 has a suction pad 28 pivotally mounted thereon for securement to a further planar member. In use, the suction pads 24, 28 are secured to adjacent planar members and the second part 14 is then moved along part 18 as far as possible and then is secured in position relative to the first part 12 in order to urge the edges of the planar members together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventor: Alan Wallis
  • Patent number: 6327763
    Abstract: An alignment tool (10) for aligning two individual conduits (14, 18), the conduits having flanged ends with bolt holes passing therethrough. In the preferred embodiment, the alignment tool (10) is hand operated using a lever (24) and appropriate pivot points. In an alternative embodiment, a hydraulic cylinder is used such that larger conduits may be aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Future Alignments Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Stephen
  • Patent number: 6325277
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for precisely aligning and holding two thin walled stainless steel sanitary tubing segments end-to-end to allow for tack welding of the segments together during a tube assembly process are disclosed. The apparatus includes two pivotally connected C-shaped clamp halves that contact almost an entire circumferential path along the outer walls of both aligned tubing segments. The apparatus is not designed to reshape the ends of the tubing segments, but rather is designed for precision alignment of the ends of the tubing segments during the tack welding process. The process includes use of an apparatus constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Gary Collie
  • Patent number: 6325366
    Abstract: A tube clamping assembly comprising a first portion having a base and a clamping device carried on the base, and a second portion having a base and a clamping device carried on the base. The first and second portions are coupled to each other such that the portions may be adjusted relative each other. In another embodiment, the invention is a tube clamping assembly comprising a base, and a first movable clamp arm and a first stationary clamp arm coupled to the base for gripping a cylindrical workpiece therebetween. The tube clamping assembly further comprises a second movable clamp arm and a second stationary clamp arm coupled to the base for gripping a cylindrical workpiece therebetween, wherein at least one of the stationary clamp arms is removably coupled to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: James M. Kane, Ronald K. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6305091
    Abstract: Double end and single end jig apparatus is disclosed having a channel and guide edges for marking window/door trim held in the channel, for subsequent miter cut of corners for mounting the trim around window/door opening, and a set back or margin between the window/door opening and the trim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Arvel D. Tegels
  • Patent number: 6295722
    Abstract: An method and apparatus for the assembly of motors utilizing curable adhesives. The method includes stations for: treating motor components with adhesive, assembling the motor components piece by piece, holding assembled motor components under compressive tension, overgramming components as needed, and an operational and life testing station. Integral to using the method are multi-position preload/cure fixtures. These fixtures include frame and base pieces. The frame holds assembled and adhesive treated motor components under compressive tension with spring loaded guide shafts during the curing process. The frame rests on the base. The base features nests which align the motor components for engagement with the guide shafts. The base also features a retractor bar to facilitate the insertion and removal of motor components. The base also features an overgramming means which supplies a brief overgramming pressure on the motor components to fully seat motor components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. MacLeod, Alex Gredinberg, Gregg P. Stevens