Abstract: A variable force exerting clamp assembly having a variable clamping area. A stretchable strap which deforms or "thins" to a smaller width in response to stretching is provided with a first work-engaging clamp secured to one end thereof and a second movable clamp which is slidable between the ends of the strap. The clamps are disposed for engaging a workpiece or workpieces between each other or for securing a pair of members together, and tension is applied until the strap is stretched to exert the desired force on the members, whereby, upon release of the tensional force, the strap tends to assume its original configuration, and the second clamp exerts a clamping force on the strap responsive to the strap expanding to its original width.

Abstract: A radiator lifting and holding apparatus includes an upright support stand, a radiator clamping mechanism, a stop mechanism, and a radiator winch-type lifting mechanism. The clamping mechanism includes a pair of clamping members coupled to respective upright post members of an upright structure of the support stand for adjustable movement toward and away from one another for clamping a radiator therebetween at a desired elevation above the ground while at the same time allowing rotation of the radiator to a desired angular position. The stop mechanism is mounted on one upright post member of the support stand and is cooperable with one of the clamping members to lock the radiator against further rotation and thus maintain it stationary at the desired angular position.

Abstract: A industrial robot head device for conveying a workpiece to a working apparatus and performing a working operation on the workpiece by the working apparatus is disclosed in which a grasping device provided with claws for grasping the workpiece is pivotally supported on a frame by a parallel linkage and urged by a spring system in the direction of displacement of the grasping device. The attitude of the workpiece in thereby accurately maintained at all times, even when the workpiece is being urged against a work head, for instance, a welding head gun of a spot welding machine.

Abstract: To match the soldering of an assembled printed-circuit board (13) to its assembly configuration, the circuit board (13) is brought in contact with a soldering wave (21) for a first time along a predetermined path (57, 58), and thereupon the circuit board is rotated about a vertical axis and is brought into contact, preferably with the same soldering save (21), a second time, along predetermined paths from the same direction during its motion along the paths (57, 58). The printed circuit board (13) may be rotated by an angle (.alpha.) depending on the assembly configuration relative to the direction of flow (56) of the soldering wave (21).

Abstract: This is an apparatus to facilitate securing radiator tanks onto header plates of automotive radiators and the like of a type made either from brass or of plastic having a gasket trough and integral header tabs. It includes opposed rails suspended from an overhead support, preferably circular to afford 360.degree. rotation, and arranged for individual movement towards and away from each other in substantially parallel relationship to support the header on different thicknesses of radiators for mounting the tank thereon. In one position, opposed edges of the rails are notched to hold radiators of varying sizes and types with easy access to header tabs on plastic radiators and in an inverted position, the rails are provided with a flange to support the underside of the gasket trough on plastic tanks with good access to the tabs.

Abstract: A fixture (50) is used to precisely locate the horizontal (20, 30) and vertical (10) guideways on the bed (40) of a grinding machine. After locating the guideways (10, 20, 30), a bonding material (70) is placed in the spaces (1, 2, 3) between the guideways (10, 20, 30) and grinding machine bed (40). After the fixture (50) is removed, bolts (80) are tightened to apply a compressive force on the bonding material (70) located between the vertical guideway (10) and the machine tool bed (40).

Abstract: A suspended rail welder which includes, generally, two clamping units which are supported by a beam which is affixed to a boom for raising and lowering the rail welder to the rails which are to be welded together. The two clamping units are coupled to one another by a pair of upset tube assemblies which extend between and through both clamping units. Each of these upset tube assemblies is formed of a hollow rectangular tube which supports within them a straight edge which is used to geometrically align both horizontally and vertically the rails to be welded together.

Abstract: A combination support and guide tool and a method for the installation of rectangular, flat ceiling panels or the like by a single person onto regularly spaced, parallel structural members of a building such as ceiling joists, the tool comprising an elongated rigid support plate and a guide plate which is connected at the leading edge of the support plate and forms a critical acute angle of panel insertion adapted to easily and safely slide the panel into place. The method comprises the use of such a support and guide tool to positively receive and guide both initial panels and subsequent panels into their required positions on the ceiling joists or similar structural members.

Abstract: A clamp for dipping printed circuit boards into a solder bath of a solder coater machine is disclosed. The clamp comprises first and second interdigitated, coplanar fingers connected respectively at common ends thereof to a pair of spaced, parallel first and second plates. Pivot pins respectively connect adjacent first and second fingers to each other to define a pivot axis extending parallel to and between the distal ends of fingers and the first and second plates. The second plate is spring biased from and movable towards the first plate under an applied actuating force to pivot the second fingers out the plane of the first fingers enabling insertion of a printed circuit board between clamping surfaces defined by the distal ends. The pivot pins and spring mechanism are spaced a sufficient distance from the distal ends to avoid contamination by solder particles and flux during the coating process and to avoid interference with air leveling knives closely spaced to the coated board upon removal from the bath.

Abstract: A holder for supporting a printed circuit board in a vertical plane for movement along a path for treatment of sides of the board. The holder comprises a rigid frame support an means for mounting the frame for movement along the path. The improvement comprises means for mounting an edge of the board at a first position on the frame and a moveable weight bar for mounting a second edge of the board at a second position on the frame below the first position. The weight bar acts to provide a stretching force to the board for aiding and maintaining the board substantially planar during processing of the board as mounted in the frame.

Abstract: A gas utility service saddle U-bolt installation holder comprises an elongated handle having a substantially L-shaped lower end and a clamp adapter attached to said L-shaped lower end for holding a U-bolt at a location substantially midway along its lengths with the U-bolt legs projecting upwardly so as to straddle a gas main from the underside of the main, the U-bolt clamp being channel-shaped to receive the U-bolt therein, and a thumb screw being provided through one of the upstanding legs of the channel shape to clamp the U-bolt against the opposite channel leg. Preferably, the U-bolt clamp is a separate clamp adapter having a pair of vertically spaced apart support arms by which it is mounted on conventional "lower tape holder" tool, using a second thumb screw to make such attachment.

Abstract: This specification is directed to a rack assembly (40) used in the vacuum brazing of aluminum heat exchangers (10). The rack assembly of this invention includes an upper rack support structure (42) having front (44) and rear (46) facing portions. A pair of rails (48--48) are mounted from the upper rack support structure so that the pair of rails extend from the front facing portion to the rear facing portion thereof in a spaced-apart relationship. The spacing (50) between the pair of rails is sufficient that fluid tubes and fin strips of a heat exchanger can pass therethrough while an upper header member thereof is supported on opposite sides of the pair of rails. An upper locking structure holding device (52) is mounted on the rear facing portion of the pair of rails for holding a locking structure (66) therein. A releasable locating structure holding device (54) is mounted on the front facing portion of the pair of rails for releasably holding a locating structure therein (78).

Abstract: A first portion of the device is suspended by a head from the mounting for an excavator bucket and comprises a first jaw and a guideway. A second portion of the device comprises a second jaw and a slide slidable within the guideway under the control of a hydraulically operated ram. Pins extend from the upper end of the second jaw and can extend through respective holes in sheeting held between the jaws and into respective holes in the upper end of the first jaw. Opposing plates are resiliently mounted on the respective jaws for engagement with the opposite sides of the sheeting. Vibratory means mounted on the second jaw vibrates the plate and thus the other plate and the sheeting therebetween.

Abstract: An improved sled for fixturing engine blocks includes an inclined mounting surface which can be supported at alternate inclinations for fixturing engine blocks having various V-angles. A preferred embodiment utilizes a two-way frame which is removably mounted on the sled for supporting various V-blocks with the main bearing cap in place. Air float means are also preferably provided for lifting the sled above a supporting surface to facilitate maneuvering the sled. One preferred embodiment includes a novel means of aligning and securing an engine block on the sleds which includes a sling for rotatably engaging and lifting a block.

Abstract: Multi-legged apparatus for frictionally engaging the interior of a chimney flue liner and inserting same in a chimney via a stanchion or multi-sectioned rods. Each L-shaped leg is containably and rotatably mounted to a center threaded rod. The legs are expandable via a moving carrier containing cantilever arms connected to each of said L-shaped arms, such that by moving said carrier up or down along said center rod, said arms radially expand or contract from said center shaft.

Abstract: A press-fit device of a drive shaft into a differential gear installed in a front engine-front drive type automotive vehicle comprising a first mechanism for press-fitting a drive shaft and a Hooke's joint which are oppositely set to both sides of a differential gear and a second mechanism for retaining the first mechanism and adjusting the position of the first mechanism relative to the differential gear. The first mechanism is comprised of a cylinder fixedly provided with a first attachment at its one end and with a rod guide at its other end, a rod adapted to be reciprocatably inserted into the cylinder, being guided by the rod guide and having a stopper at its free end, a second attachment slidably fitted on the rod between the stopper and the rod guide, and a guide shaft provided in a parallel relation with the cylinder for guiding the movement of the second attachment.

Abstract: A rack for use in carrying recorded discs through a cleaning operation includes a substantially C-shaped rod having a hook at its top end and three sets of spaced posts extending from the sides of a circular bottom portion. A separate plastic spindle is mounted on each of the posts with each spindle having a plurality of spaced annular grooves in its outer surface. The recorded discs are adapted to be set in the grooves in the spindles to support the discs on the rack.

Abstract: Adjustable apparatus for firmly holding a workpiece to be treated in a fluid environment wherein the fluid may be agitated, the workpiece and its holding apparatus shaken or otherwise jostled and the whole apparatus and workpiece easily removed from one fluid environment to be placed in another for continued exposure of the workpiece to further treatment.

Abstract: A polyvalent suspension balance for the assembly lines of manufactured goods, especially motor vehicles, involving at least one overhead device for coupling to an aerial conveyer drive is disclosed. The suspension balance consists of two vertical curved arms, shaped roughly like a wide-open C, each of which separately connects an overhead coupling piece to at least one lower and separate anchoring member for the substructure of the product to be assembled. The said curved arms are articulated about a more or less vertical axis which has great freedom of movement, thereby making it possible to gain easy access to all of the products during all stages of their assembly. Application is to assembly lines for relatively bulky and complex manufactured goods, especially to the production lines of motor vehicles.

Abstract: A stand and method for disassembling structures, such as automobile radiators, by separation of first and second parts thereof that are joined by a meltable bonding medium such as solder. The disassembly stand is of a simple frame construction that is provided with an adjusting platform for raising, lowering, and supporting the structure to be separated and clamps for freely suspending the structure with its joint to be separated located so as to be acted upon by a room-shaped heating structure, according to a preferred embodiment. In accordance with an aspect of the method, opposed forces are caused to act upon the parts to be separated while the joint by which they are connected is simultaneously heated along substantially the entire length thereof.

Abstract: A portable bicycle repair rack is disclosed which suspends a bicycle from and in spaced relation to a conventional door.

Abstract: This invention relates to a work hook device which is particularly constructed for supporting castings as they are conveyed through a blast cleaning machine. The work hook device includes a suitable support which is of an inverted keystone cross section and which has mounted thereon one or more hooks, each of the hooks including a hanger portion and a hook portion, and the hanger portion having an opening therethrough for receiving the support, and an upper portion of the opening being of a tapered configuration for interlocking engagement with the support. The construction is such that each hook may be mounted on its associated support in a desired angular relation as opposed to being vertically disposed and so locked in that position so as to rigidly engage a workpiece to be cleaned. Normally a pair of hooks will cooperate with one another to carry a relatively large casting. Each support may be carried by a rotatable shaft so as to rotate the casting during the blast cleaning operation.

Abstract: A radiator repair bench and attached hoist mechanism includes a test and repair bench with a radiator support gantry having spaced support legs pivotally attached to the top of the bench. A powered gantry support bracket pivots the gantry hoist mechanism into position over the bench or adjacent one side of the bench in order to permit gripping and subsequent movement of a radiator. In this manner, a radiator resting on the floor of a shop may be gripped by a radiator clamping assembly suspended from the gantry, raised by the gantry over the workbench and deposited on the workbench for repair and testing.

Abstract: A rigid elongated framework contains a traverse mounting member at one end for attachment to the bell housing of the transmission. A belt is wrapped around the opposite end of the framework and transmission to pull the transmission toward the framework. A central extendible support member is moved into engagement with the center of the transmission body to insure secure engagement between the transmission and the framework. The framework and transmission can be moved to several positions for providing easy access to any part of the transmission. A second embodiment is also provided which includes an upright framework with a pivotable transmission mounting structure.

Abstract: An improved building panel erection bracket includes a panel lifting plate which is rotatable and retractable. The panel erection bracket permits a building panel to be fixed into the final position thereof before the erection bracket is detached from the panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a weight of a wire fabric to a top rail of a chain link fence is disclosed. The apparatus includes a generally L-shaped or C-shaped frame made up of straight, rectangular bars. Connected to a lower end of a leg of the L-shaped or C-shaped frame is a relatively long, rectangular bar which includes at least one hook. An axle is rigidly connected to an upper portion of the L-shaped or C-shaped frame, and a guide roller is rotatably mounted on the axle.

Abstract: A log cutting aid comprising an inclined skid member, which is preferably a single skid member and cylindrical in shape, having forward and rearward ends, a foot support at its forward end, preferably adapted for sliding engagement with the bottom surface of a log, support means adjacent the rearward end of said skid member to hold said skid member in an inclined position, and winching means attached to said skid near its rearward end for engaging logs and winching the same up onto said skid in a direction from the forward end toward the rearward end. Logs held on the skid may then be conveniently cut with a chain saw or the like.

Abstract: A substrate holder for use in liquid phase epitaxy growth of magnetic garnet films for bubble memories comprising a dipping rod having substrate holding means including hooks at one end which confine the substrate securely yet permit tilting movement so as to allow the substrate to assume a horizontal position for liquid phase epitaxy growth in the flux in which the substrate is immersed and to assume a tilted position as the substrate is being withdrawn from the flux for flux runoff. One embodiment discloses a substrate holder for one substrate while a second embodiment shows a holder for supporting a plurality of substrates for processing a batch of substrates in one operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a portable station in which an article may be suspended and coated. The article may remain within the apparatus for drying, or be removed to another location. The apparatus includes a support base capable of being suspended from a generally vertical surface, a beam connected to and extended generally longitudinally horizontally from the support base, at least two first hangers are rotatably depended from the beam and the first hangers are also positioned in spaced relationship relative to each other and from the support base. The apparatus may also suitably include a second hanger for each first hanger. Each second hanger is suspended from each respective first hanger, and is engagably detachable therefrom. The apparatus further includes a drop curtain which is suspended from the generally horizontal beam. The drop curtain collects any stray droppings or spray mist which occur during the coating application of the article.

Abstract: Apparatus for rotating a heavy object about its longitudinal axis consisting of an I-beam having a number of openings along its length and a pair of units for revolving endless cords for supporting the heavy object. The units are attached to the I-beam by pins inserted through the openings and are lifted by a crane together with said I-beam. Further, means are provided to prevent slip of the cord at the pulleys and disengagement of the cord from the pulleys when the cords slacken.

Abstract: A pickling hook arrangement for pickling bundled material has a first leg and a second leg to give it a U-like shape and a suspension device to which the first leg is secured. The second leg serves as support for the bundled material. At least the first leg is downwardly inclined for guiding off liquid. Connection devices are provided to connect the first leg with the suspension device, and covering devices are provided on the first leg and on the connection devices to protrude beyond the cross-section thereof to prevent liquid from dripping onto the bundled material.

Abstract: A repair support for an automatic automotive transmission, which support includes first and second portions that may be separated and in combination with an overhead hoist permits a transmission after being removed from a vehicle to be raised and moved to a desired location where fluid may be drained from the transmission with the transmission thereafter being disposed in a stationary position where repair work may be performed conveniently thereon, and the repaired transmission thereafter being returned to a position adjacent the vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus for clamping a length of a brittle material in preparation for severing thereof into shorter lengths without chipping thereof towards the end of such severing. A pair of bifurcated clamps or clamping members are correspondingly actuated toward each other by a pressurized fluid cylinder and associated piston rod, such cylinder being attached to a clamp support member to which one of the clamps is attached and the otherwise free end of the piston rod being attached to a second clamp support member to which the other of the clamps is attached. A pair of coil springs supports the clamp suppprt members in a vertically floating manner, such clamp support members slidably surrounding guide shafts for vertical alignment of the support members and the attached clamps.

Abstract: A tool for temporarily holding one or both ends of a piece of wallboard or plaster-board adjacent a ceiling joist to assist in nailing or otherwise fastening the board to the joist is disclosed. In one embodiment the tool includes a right angle plate with a handle at the bottom and an inverted U-shaped flange along the top edge for engagement over a joist as the end edge of the wallboard is carried and supported by the plate. The U-shaped flange is dimensioned from the plate so as to be engageable of joists of different widths. In another embodiment the inverted U-shaped flange is adjustable so that different widths of joists can be accommodated to bring the end edge of the wallboard relatively close to the bottom edge of the joist for convenience in nailing.