Abstract: A clamping device for holding an indexed angular position of a main shaft includes a clamp section non-rotatable relative to the main shaft, and a pressing mechanism including a clamp piston displaceable in an axial direction of the main shaft and causing a fluid pressure received by the clamp piston to act on the clamp section. The clamp section includes a first clamp portion being non-rotatable relative to the main shaft, and a second clamp portion being rotatable with the main shaft. The pressing mechanism includes first and second pressing portions which respectively press the first and second clamp portions. The second clamp portion or the second pressing portion is elastically displaced when the clamp piston advances by the fluid pressure. Forces in axial and radial directions are respectively applied to the first and second clamp portions, thereby clamping the main shaft.

Abstract: A holding/turning device for touch-sensitive flat objects, in particular wafers, with a distance positioning device which is arranged for holding the object perpendicular to the object plane at a defined distance, a lateral positioning device, arranged for positioning the object in the object plane and for rotating together with the object about a rotational axis perpendicular to the object plane, and with a rotational drive, coupled with the lateral positioning device, providing a driving force for rotating the object about the rotational axis, wherein the driving force can be applied to the object by means of the lateral positioning device. The distance positioning device has means for holding the object without involving contact, and is decoupled from the rotational drive in such a way that the distance positioning device does not rotate together with the object.

Abstract: A holding device for a rim of a vehicle wheel having a base plate which has a central recess for being pushed onto the shaft of a balancing machine, having a plurality of rotatably mounted holding elements and having at least one coupling element which is arranged coaxially with respect to the central recess and is mounted rotatably on the base plate, the holding elements and the coupling element having an interacting coupling for the positive coupling of the rotational movement of the holding elements. There is provision, in addition to the coupling which bring about the positive connection, for the holding elements and the coupling element to have a further coupling mechanism for the frictional coupling of the rotational movement of the holding elements, and for at least one fixing device to be provided for fixing the holding elements, if required.

Abstract: Substrate processing method and apparatus are disclosed. The substrate processing apparatus includes a non-contact air bearing chuck with a vacuum preload.

Abstract: A turntable includes a driving source, a workpiece holder holding a workpiece to be processed by a tool, a motive power transmission mechanism that can transmit the motive power from said driving source to said workpiece holder, and a load mechanism that can activate said motive power transmission mechanism under a load-applied state, and applying a predetermined load to said motive power transmission mechanism during processing of said workpiece.

Abstract: A workpiece carrier (2) comprises a rotary frame (3) and a driving part (20), both of which are rotatable about a driving axle (4). The rotary frame (3) can be driven by a motor (6), and carries a plurality of workpiece holders (13) which are distributed around the driving axle (4) so as to be rotatable about holder axes. A driving disc (22) of the driving part (21) is in each case rotatable about an anchorage point (23) from which its center point is at a distance of an eccentricity (E). A transmission part (25) having a coupling cutout which closely receives the driving disc (22) has driving apertures (26) through which there project driving pins (19) of the workpiece holders (13), which said driving pins (19) are likewise at a distance of the eccentricity (E) from the holder axes. The driving part (20) can be driven at a greater angular velocity by the rotation of the rotary frame (3), via an auxiliary gear set (31) attached to the base frame (1).

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for measuring a workpiece (2), comprising a turntable (1) for receiving the workpiece (2), a base plate (3) with a turntable bearing, and a foundation (12) on which the base plate (3) rests. The turntable (1) comprises a vertical shaft (W) which is situated beneath the turntable (1) and is held by means of the turntable bearing in the base plate (3). The turntable baring comprises an axial bearing (9) at a bottom face end (13) of the shaft (W) which is spaced from the turntable (1). The shaft (W) is rotatably held on the axial bearing in such a way that the weight (G) of the workpiece (2), when received by the turntable (1), is introduced into the foundation (12) through the turntable (1), the shaft (W) and the axial bearing (9).

Abstract: A device for fluid treatment of a plate-like article includes a rotary head for holding and rotating a plate-like article around a substantially vertical rotation axis drive elements to suspend and drive the rotary head without contact, the elements to suspend and drive the rotary head being arranged radially around the rotary head a substantially cylindrical sidewall, which is substantially concentric to the rotation axis, wherein the cylindrical sidewall is arranged between the rotary head and the drive elements and is introduced in the gap between the rotary head and the drive elements elevating members for lifting and lowering the rotary head and the wall relative to each other.

Abstract: A pallet P is moved in a vertically held state from a pallet-mounting surface vertically formed on a table 115 of a machine tool 101 onto a pallet-mounting surface of a pallet support member 17 that is vertically formed on a pallet exchanger 11. After a turning plate 15 is turned and indexed by 180° about the vertical axis, a pallet F? is moved from the pallet support member 17 onto the table 115.

Abstract: The present invention provides a strip-like holding gripper which holds a semiconductor wafer when measuring a shape of the semiconductor wafer, wherein a side where the semiconductor wafer is held has a round shape, a groove which holds an edge of the semiconductor wafer along a side surface of the round shape portion is provided on the side surface, and the groove comes into contact with the edge of the semiconductor wafer from a periphery of the wafer to hold the semiconductor wafer. As a result, it is possible to provide the gripper, which can stably hold the wafer in a fixed state even if the gripper is inclined when holding the wafer, a holding method, and a shape measuring apparatus.

Abstract: A measuring system for calibrating a machine in which a base (10) is attachable to a surface of the machine and a housing (20) is mountable on the base, wherein at least one surface of the base and at least one surface of the housing are each provided with a complementary part of a mounting device, such that when the two parts of the mounting device are connected together, the housing may be aligned in any of a plurality of predetermined directions. The base includes a lifting mechanism (64) which when lowered allows the complementary parts of the mounting device (93, 95) of the housing (20) and the base (10) to be in contact and when raised causes them to at least partly break contact with one another. The level of the base (10) may be adjusted using a system of members and tapered rollers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to overcoming stability issues when using welding stands or jacks screw stands to support pipe and other cylindrical objects in horizontally oriented manner by providing a support head or head apparatus which pivots. In one embodiment, the pivoting head apparatus for supporting a cylindrical object having a longitudinal axis comprises a base member and a support member pivotally mounted to the base member so that, in operation, the support member pivots about an axis that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a cylindrical object. In another embodiment, the pivoting head apparatus further comprises a plurality of rollers for rollably engaging the cylindrical member. Additional embodiments and a method aspect are also disclosed.

Abstract: A machining method for manufacturing structures includes a preprocessing step (11), a clamping step (13), a machining step (15) and an extracting step (19), which are performed in that order. The preprocessing step is performed to get workpieces (20a, 20b, 20c and 20d) for forming a plurality of structures. In the clamping step, fixedly clamping a plurality of workpieces on a multiple workpiece mounting device (30) and rotatably installing the multiple workpiece mounting device on machining equipment (50). In the machining step, machining the workpieces by the machining equipment to get structured workpieces. In the extracting step, extracting a plurality of structures from the structured workpiece. The invention is also related to an above-described multiple workpiece mounting device comprising a plurality of platforms (38) and a rotation axis (L1).

Abstract: A wafer spinner apparatus includes a main body, and a plurality of spin units disposed in the main body to open and close in a rack configuration, each spin unit including a stepping motor disposed in the main body to move a spin unit in a horizontal direction, a base plate coupled to the stepping motor, a reference sensor disposed in the main body to determine a position deviation of the spin unit, and a spin chuck disposed on the base plate.

Abstract: An exemplary rotary bracket system includes at least one rotary bracket (10) and at least one anti-vibration system (20). The rotary bracket has a rotary shaft (12). The anti-vibration system includes at least one fixture member (21) and at least one shock-absorber assembly (23) connected to the at least one fixture member. The at least one fixture member fits around the rotary shaft of the at least one rotary bracket such that the rotary shaft is rotatable in the at least one fixture member.

Abstract: A device for the axial and rotational movement of a sample is disclosed comprising a mount member for mounting the sample, which is rotatable about and movable along an axis, characterised in that the mount member has a helical screw thread which produces the movement along said axis simultaneously with the rotation. A sample may be scanned or machined whilst being axially and rotationally moved. The screw thread may be disengageable perphaps by relative movement of co-operating screw threads into and out of engagement with each other by a lever to allow movement of the mount member along the axis without rotation when desired. The screw thread on one of the members may be formed from a piece or layer of a deformable material, which deforms to form a mating screw thread upon being brought into engagement with the screw thread on the other member. Also desclosed is a method of scanning a sample.

Abstract: This patent relates to a machine that automatically assembles, inspects, and packages disposable prophylaxis angles. The machine includes a movable table including a plurality of fixtures on which angle components are assembled and the assembled angles are inspected. The movable table is surrounded by a number of stations, each of which performs a different operation of the assembly and inspection procedure. Feeders automatically supply the angle components to their respective stations for assembly. Angles that are incorrectly assembled are automatically rejected. Properly assembled angles are automatically sealed in individual bags. Individually bagged angles are counted into batches by the machine and automatically sealed into cartons.

Abstract: In the multi-axial machine tool, a table unit is detachably mounted on the upper surface of the interior portion of a portal bed disposed on a leg. The table unit comprises a table base fixed to the upper surface of the leg, a turning table which, when it is viewed at a reference working position, is turnably disposed on an inclined turning surface of the table base formed so as to be inclined in a descending manner toward a front side of the machine tool, and a work table disposed on the table support portion of the turning table so as to be turnable around axes lying in parallel with the axis of a spindle.

Abstract: A robotic positioner for use with an automated processing system, such as an automated welding system, for example, includes a base, a support structure rotatably supported on the base, and at least one work surface supported on the support structure suitable for supportably engaging a workpiece. The support structure extends from the base at an angle relative to vertical, and the work surface extends at an angle relative to the support structure. In operation, a workpiece is secured onto a work surface while in a generally horizontal load/unload position. The support structure and work surface thereon is then rotated into an inclined work position relative to horizontal that is adjacent the automated processing system. Thereafter, the work surface is rotated with the support structure back to the generally horizontal load/unload position so that the workpiece can be removed and another loaded.

Abstract: A resin application station has processing units for heating dynamo-electric machine components. In one or more of the processing units batches of components are placed in fixtures on vertically rotating support plates. The vertically rotating support plates are mounted in cabinets. Heated air is circulated in the cabinets to control the ambient temperature. The components travel through regions of the controlled temperature ambient as the support plates rotate and are heated to process temperatures. Intermittent rotation of a support plate in a unit allows loading and unloading of an individual component from the unit while the support plate is stationary. The support plate rotations in all the units are synchronized to increase the station throughput.

Abstract: A numerical-control milling machine having a supporting frame; a worktable fitted to the supporting frame so as to oscillate about a substantially horizontal first axis of rotation, and in turn having two rotary platforms, each for accommodating a workpiece; and two independent work units, each of which is fitted movably to the supporting frame, alongside the worktable, is positioned facing a corresponding platform, and provides for machining the workpiece on the platform; the two work units selectively operating either asynchronously, to machine the workpieces fixed to the two platforms independently of each other, or synchronously to perform the same machining operations simultaneously on the workpieces fixed to the two platforms.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a lens defining opposed top and bottom surfaces and a peripheral edge. The cleaning apparatus comprises a rotatable base having a plurality of arms pivotally connected thereto and rotatable therewith. The arms are configured to releasably engage the peripheral edge of the lens. The cleaning apparatus further comprises a steam conduit including a dispensing nozzle which is selectively positionable in a prescribed orientation relative to the lens mounted within the arms, the dispensing nozzle being operative to propel steam towards at least one of the top and bottom surfaces of the lens while the lens is being spun by the rotation of the base and the arms.

Abstract: A machine for carrying out mechanical workings preferably by showing removal includes a frame arranged for receiving a semi-worked piece having a cross section exhibiting dimensions remarkably smaller than the length of the piece measured along its own longitudinal axis. The semi-worked piece is arranged with the longitudinal axis along a working axis in a working station. A clamp is arranged at a number of cross sections of the semi-worked piece for locking the semi-worked piece in the working station. A tool is arranged for carrying out workings on faces of the semi-worked piece. A support to which the semi-worked piece is fixed by the clamp is suitable to be rotated about a service axis.

Abstract: A workpiece holding means for machine tools and more particularly for milling and/or drilling machines, comprising a pivoting bridge supported between two bearing walls. The bearing walls respectively laterally delimit a working area. At least one drive motor serves for pivoting the pivoting bridge, such motor being arranged outside the working area on at least one outer side of the bearing walls. The pivoting bridge is provided with a gear ring adjacent to one or both of the inner sides of the bearing walls, such gear ring being drivingly connected with the drive gear wheel driven by at least one drive motor. The bearing points or bearing pins of the pivoting bridge accordingly do not have to transmit any drive torque and are not subjected to any torque load so that more precise running and more precise positioning is possible.

Abstract: A clamping jig particularly adapted for use with elongate work pieces. The jig has an elongate work face, a work stop abutment the length of the work face, a plurality of toggle clamps affixed to the work face. One or more elongate or linear work pieces to be worked are positioned on the work face and held in place by the work stop abutment. The plurality of toggle clamps may be used to either hold the work piece in place or hold one or more additional work pieces to the first work piece. The work face or faces are rotatable around the elongate axis. Each toggle clamp has a toggle clamp arm with which the toggle clamp is set. On rotation of the work face, an actuating bar engages the toggle clamp arms to release the toggle clamps for removal of the work piece.

Abstract: A machine tool in which a plurality of machining positions is orbited by a work spindle unit carrying a workpiece and capable of radial displacement relative to the central axis of rotation. The work spindle unit may be one of one or more such units mounted upon a bridge element angularly displaceable about that axis.

Abstract: A hose preparation apparatus and method therefor including a supporting device for supporting at least one hose. A printing device is positioned adjacent to the supporting device for printing a symbol on a hose supported by the supporting device. A trimming device is positioned adjacent to the supporting device for trimming a hose supported by the supporting device. The apparatus and method can also include a clipping apparatus, a capping apparatus and an inspecting apparatus.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing an aluminum alloy roof for a railway car includes a welding station, a welding unit moveably coupled to the welding station, the welding unit for applying a weld, a roof retainer for selectively holding roof components thereto and for removably coupling to a portion of the welding station, and a rotator unit coupled to the roof retainer for selectively rotating the roof retainer to allow the welding unit to weld the roof components with an orientation substantially perpendicular with respect to gravity. A method of manufacturing a railcar roof includes placing roof carlines and roof sheets on a roof retainer, aligning and clamping the roof carlines and roof sheets to the roof retainer, rotating the roof retainer with respect to a welding to unit, and welding desired weld locations between the roof sheets and roof carlines during rotation of the roof retainer with a desired orientation.

Abstract: A holder is provided for holding a pan or other article during the process of applying a coating, such as a non-stick release coating, to the article's surface. The pan holder includes a pan holding member for holding the pan in position on the pan holder, and a pan holder chuck attached to the pan holding member. The holding member may include a bottom support piece and a plurality of pan support rods extending from the bottom support piece. At least one of the support rods is preferably movable and biased in an inward radial direction for holding the pan in position against the other support roads. The movable support rod may also include therefor for engaging a handle stud extending from a pan. The pan holder chuck includes a downward extending shaft for mounting the pan holder on a conveyor chain in a chain-on-edge spray line, and a pulley adapted to be engaged by a drive belt for rotating the pan holder while a coating material is sprayed onto an article held by the pan holder.

Abstract: A device used as an aid in scoring polygonal shapes into glass having a platen rotatable on a base and a compression arm secured to the base, the platen having grid markings and circular markings intersecting the grid markings, and holes at certain of the grid markings into which locating pins, straight edges and clamps can be inserted, the base having a circular recess, the platen being seated into the circular recess, the compression arm being secured to the base and having a glass engaging clamp, the compression arm extending over the platen to secure a piece of glass between the glass engaging clamp and the platen to facilitate a straight line to be manually scored using a hand scoring device, the platen being a held by a retaining force variably applied to hold the platen position by the glass engaging clamp during the scoring operation.

Abstract: An elongated and cross-section polygonal work piece carrier (1) has at least two clamping surfaces (2) extending parallel to its longitudinal axis (3). It is retained in bearing (5, 9) at least at one end, to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis over 360°. Each of the clamping surfaces (2) is supplied with at least two rotatable work piece holding tables (11) located in a row adjacent each other. The holding tables (11) are coupled by gears (25, 26, 33) with each other and with a common drive gear (35) in such a manner that all tables, in dependence on the rotation of the work piece carrier (1) about its longitudinal axis (3), will rotate over its respective rotation axis (12) about a predetermined angle, depending on the angle of rotation of the work piece carrier; an interrogation device is provided to interrogate whether all rotated tables are in predetermined, locked angular positions.

Abstract: A router guide apparatus for use in forming rosette designs in a work piece includes a frame having a work surface with a wheel rotatably mounted upon the work surface. The wheel has a plurality of position stops. The frame includes an adjustable guide for holding and a tracking a router with a cutting blade. The frame includes stops for limiting movement of the router during use. The guide and stops are configured to enable the cutting blade to cut two petals of a rosette design in a single pass. The wheel is affixable into multiple angular positions relative to the guide so that multiple cuts can be made at different angular orientations relative to one another.

Abstract: A topographic head for profilometry and AFM supports a central paddle by coaxial torsion bars projecting inward from an outer frame. A tip projects from the paddle distal from the bars. The torsion bars include an integrated paddle rotation sensor. A XY stage may carry the topographic head for X and Y axis translation. The XYZ stage's fixed outer base is coupled to an X-axis stage via a plurality of flexures. The X-axis stage is coupled to a Y-axis stage also via a plurality of flexures. One of each set of flexures includes a shear stress sensor. A Z-axis stage may also be included to provide an integrated XYZ scanning stage. The topographic head's frame, bars and paddle, and the XYZ stage's stage-base, X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis stages, and flexures are respectively monolithically fabricated by micromachining from a semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A movable workbench 6 has a work board 7, second casters 8 attached on one side of the back of the work board, and first casters 9 attached on the other side thereof. The first casters 9 can rotate freely around an axis of rotation 91 perpendicular to the back of the work board 71, and have rollers 92 and 93 which can rotate freely around axes of rotation 92a and 93a respectively which are inclined symmetrically with respect to the axis 91. The rollers 92 and 93 also have plates to prevent running off 94 and 95 respectively. Because the pair of rollers 92 and 93 are put on a cylindrical rail 35 and roll along the rail, the movable workbench 6 can be moved along the rail by manpower. Since each of the casters can rotate freely, the casters can be moved along an arc-like line. In addition, the plates 94 and 95 prevent the workbench 6 from running off the rail even if the workbench is inclined.

Abstract: A reciprocating table assembly includes a frame, a table, and a bearing assembly for rotatably mounting the table to the frame. A cylinder assembly rotates the table at a pivot point by extending and retracting a piston rod from the cylinder. Three sensors sense which position the table is in its rotational path and signal the piston rod to either extend or contract at the appropriate time.

Abstract: A rotary table lockdown apparatus made a part of a computer controlled dicing saw holds a table work surface parallel to a reference surface independent of axial misalignment and without rotational movement. The apparatus includes a deflectable disk rotor radially extended from the table within a plane parallel to the reference surface. A piston styled plunger is biased against a top surface of the rotor forcing it into frictional contact with the reference surface for holding the table and thus the work surface in a rigid position for operation on a workpiece removably attached to the work surface. A chamber is pressurized to displace the plunger in a piston-like manner against a top surface of the rotor. A flexible O-ring holds the plunger in sealable contact with chamber walls and with increased pressure in the chamber flexes to permit the displacement of the plunger. Upon release of the pressure, the flexible O-ring pulls the plunger out of contact with the rotor permitting the table to be rotated.

Abstract: A turntable for rotating a wafer carrier in order to enable the attachment of a handle to the wafer carrier. The turntable includes a platform rotatably mounted to a baseplate. In addition, the turntable includes stops which are positioned to enable 180.degree. clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the platform to provide access to the wafer carrier for handle attachment. The platform includes carrier guides which are spaced apart to accommodate the wafer carrier. The platform further includes a platform handle which an operator manipulates to rotate the platform.

Abstract: A system for the manufacture of a CO.sub.2 powered dragster with a low-cost three axis machine tool, the system including an expansion base to be fixedly secured to a support surface of the machine tool, and an indexing fixture to be adjustably secured to the expansion base. The indexing fixture has a generally elongate indexing plate which slides within the expansion base and is secured in one of at least two linear indexing positions, thereby positioning a portion of a material block from which a chassis of the dragster is made within a range of linear motion of the spindle, while a remaining portion of the material block is maintained aligned for subsequent positioning with the range of linear motion of the spindle, a rear end housing secured to a rear end of the indexing plate, and a front end housing secured a front end of the indexing plate.

Abstract: A holding fixture for a wheel and tire assembly enabling a single person to perform an operation on the tire such as grooving or the like. The fixture comprises a first U-shaped bracket having a base for mounting on a wall or other vertical surface and legs extending perpendicularly from the vertical surface. A second similar U-shaped bracket has a vertical base and horizontal legs adjustably bolted to the legs of the first bracket. The vertical base of the second bracket supports a horizontally extending support tube. A rotatable tube segment has a wheel mounting plate for a wheel and tire assembly affixed to one of its ends and a slotted positioning ring affixed to its other end. The tube segment and its slotted ring and mounting plate are captively and rotatively mounted on the support tube so that a tire and wheel assembly affixed to the mounting plate is rotatable about the support tube. A lock assembly is affixed to the support tube and the base of the second bracket.

Abstract: The part holder for workstations with a revolving table has a first prism-shaped supporting element and at least one second supporting element which is adapted to support parts to be machined. The holder comprises locator pins for positioning the second supporting element on a lateral face of the first supporting element and protrusions for removably locking the second supporting element on the face.

Abstract: A closed cylindrical housing defining a transport chamber has a top plate with a first opening communicating with an entry and exit chamber, and a second opening communicating with a coating chamber. A turntable rotatable about an axis in the transport chamber carries a holder to a first position below the first opening as it carries a like holder to a second position below the second opening. Each holder has thereon a container with a diameter smaller than the first opening but larger than the second opening. A first lifter raises a holder sealingly against the top plate around the first opening, the container thereon passing through the first opening to load or unload substrates. A second lifter raises the other holder so that the container thereon abuts a mask defining the second opening in order to coat a substrate in the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in coating the surfaces of closely spaced channels in a workpiece is provided. In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus is provided which facilitates coating the microchannels in an ink jet printhead with insulative coating material.

Abstract: A gripping device for cases is mounted in an automatic packaging machine and includes a pair of stationary prongs and an associated pair of counterfacing prongs which cooperate to clamp a case between them. At least the movable prongs have notchings facing the stationary prongs which are adapted to grip a side wall panel of the case.

Abstract: A substrate holding apparatus includes a rotary table rotatable about a vertical center axis for supporting a substrate in a horizontal plane, and substrate travel regulating pins fixed to the rotary table and arranged at positions in contact with the outer edge of the substrate so that the center of gravity of the substrate supported on the rotary table is spaced from the center axis for regulating the travel of the substrate in a horizontal direction. Centrifugal force generated with respect to the substrate when the rotary table rotates about the center axis, urges the periphery of the substrate towards the travel regulating pins so that the resulting frictional force prevents rotary slippage between the substrate and the rotary table as rotation of the latter relates to the latter. The structure of this apparatus is simple because the substrate holding portion does not include a movable portion.

Abstract: An easily attachable and detachable accessory to a bandsaw or jigsaw table. The device allows for the cutting of circles or partial arcs. The frame of the device has a protruding member that slides into the existing groove in the saw table and a travel stop that allows the frame to be held firmly in place. An adjustable arm slides perpendicular to the cutting plane of the saw. This arm carries a pivot pin that extends through a slot that extends the length of the frame. A workpiece is drilled to fit on the pivot pin, or a template with an upper surface having a high friction coefficient is used.

Abstract: Device for retaining crown caps having a carousel for the support and transfer of the caps which includes a disk which rotates about a vertical axis and is peripherally provided with a series of angularly equidistant recesses which are open outwardly. A stationary ring is superimposed on each disk and peripherally supports a series of magnets. The edge of each recess has an upper lip which protrudes toward the inside of the recess itself, thereby defining an underlying semicircular seat in which a cap is attracted by the respective magnet.

Abstract: A work holding apparatus is a work holder for holding a work in a predetermined position in relation to a basic member. A base column is rotatably supported astride on two sets of base plates. Holding fixtures are removably mounted on each side of the base column, such that different types of works can be supported and clamped by the holding fixtures. An indexing-rotation driving device rotates the base column such that it may be applicable to various types of works, thereby facilitating the holding of many types of works and the replacement of supporters and clamps. Furthermore, the base plate for supporting the base column is divided into two sets to reduce the weight of the base plate moving parts, and a base plate synchronizing means is provided to insure synchronized operation of the two base plates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manipulator for positioning workpieces with respect to an industrial robot (4) by which the work pieces, one after the other, are to be processed. The manipulator (2) comprises at least two fixture supports (26,27) each having fixture members for holding a respective work piece, a holder (16) for the fixture supports, movably suspended for moving one of said fixture supports from a loading position, in which exchange of a work piece held in said fixture members may take place, towards an operative position within the operating range of the robot, while simultaneously moving another one of said fixtures from the operative position towards the loading position. A turning servo motor (32) common to the fixture supports is drivingly engageable with a fixture support (26) held in the operative position so as to be able to rotate said fixture support, e.g.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism is provided to prevent movement of the rotatable stock carrier of a multiple spindle bar machine after it has rotated into position for the machining operation. The clamping mechanism comprises a controllable locking pin to engage indexing pin slots on the stock carrier, a passive pressure brake located opposite the locking pin, and a hydraulically actuated pressure brake in the same quadrant as the locking pin. The hydraulically actuated brake clamps the carrier against the passive brake, and in combination with the locking pin holds the carrier against movements caused by the forces of the machining tools. The hydraulic brake is released by a programmable controller to allow intended rotation of the carrier to a new position.

Abstract: A fixture for holding and positioning reamers and other objects for grinding has a support base connectable to a flat horizontal surface and its upper portion is positioned at an angle relative to the horizontal surface. A cylindrical sleeve rotatably mounted on the upper portion of the support base has an eccentric longitudinal bore and a radial flange at its rearward end. A cylindrical spindle rotatably received within the eccentric bore has a mounting flange at its forward end to receive a chuck for holding an object to be ground and a rear flange adjacent the sleeve radial flange. A handle extending from the sleeve rotates the sleeve about its longitudinal axis. An axial guide flange between the support base and sleeve moves the sleeve forward or rearward upon rotation of the sleeve.