Abstract: A substrate holder includes a fixed holding member and a movable holding member for detachably holding a substrate by gripping a peripheral portion of the substrate therebetween, and an inner seal member and an outer seal member which are fixed to the movable holding member. When the substrate is held by the movable holding member and the fixed holding member, the inner and outer seal members seal the connection between the movable holding member and a peripheral portion of the substrate and the connection between the movable holding member and the fixed holding member, respectively. The movable holding member includes a seal holder, and the inner seal member and the outer seal member are fixed between the seal holder and a fixing ring secured to the seal holder.

Abstract: A holding tool for fixing an electronic component (2) during a manufacturing process, the electronic component (2) comprising a winding assembly (20) and an electronic circuit (24), wherein the holding tool (1) includes a holding tool body (10), first and second jaws (12, 14) disposed at the holding tool body (10) relatively movable to each other in a first direction (A), and first and second wire guide means (3, 4) characterized in that the first and second wire guide means (3, 4) are disposed at the holding tool body (10) remote from the jaws (12, 14).

Abstract: A fixturing apparatus for locating and supporting a panel, such as an automotive body panel is provided. The fixturing apparatus includes a support structure having at least three generally spherically shaped contactors. The panel includes at least three extending channels sufficiently configured to receive a respective one of the at least three generally spherically shaped contactors to locate and support the panel. At least one clamping arm is operable to selectively retain one of the at least three extending channels with respect to the respective one of the at least three generally spherically shaped contactors. A method of fixturing a panel employing the above described fixturing apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An equipment handling apparatus includes a base and a mast coupled to the base, the mast aligned along a first axis; an equipment head coupled to and translatable along the mast and including a rotatable head shaft defining a second axis non-parallel to the first axis; and an equipment cradle including a support coupled to a flange end of the head shaft and at least one arm extending from the support parallel to the second axis. The head shaft is movable to adjust an elevation of the arm(s) relative to the base.

Abstract: The present invention includes a fixture for securing a work piece to a support surface at a machining workstation comprising a base attachable to the support surface and having at least one undercut edge, and, a work piece holder engaging the at least one undercut edge of the base, spaced apart from the support surface, and having moveable work piece attaching jaws.

Abstract: A stanchion lock mechanism assembly is provided, including a clamp, and pin and a lever. The pin includes a first end and a second end, where the second end of the pin is engaged with the clamp. The lever is rotatable about the first end of the pin and includes a locked position and an unlocked position. The lever is selectively rotatable about an axis that is generally aligned with the pin when in the unlocked position. The lever rotates the pin about the axis, thereby advancing the pin and the clamp in a longitudinal direction with respect to the pin. The lever is rotated no more than one-hundred and eighty degrees about the axis between a first position and a second position, wherein the lever may be placed into the locked position.

Abstract: A stand holding virtually any vehicle engine and gearbox respectively during repair and renovation allowing clear access to every side of thereof, carrying a base structure (1) an immovable column (7), a horizontal immovable tube (9), includes a movable support assembly (12) and a pair of rotatable adjustable carrier assemblies (20) being distanced from one another. The support assembly is capable of varying the distance between a pair of carrier assemblies to correspond with the size of engine and of gearbox respectively. Each of the pair of carrier assemblies including an arm and a carrying plate connected by way of the connecting member; rather two handles adjustably coupled to corresponding carrying plate by first ends and having bolts threaded through second ends and corresponding adapters for receipt within corresponding holes of engine and gearbox respectively.

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 component assembly system precisely aligns a plurality of components in a circumferential direction and assembles the components together. A plurality of guide channels extending radially from an axis are formed in a disc-shaped base member. A plurality of slide members on which the upper and lower ends of coils are mounted are supported in the guide channels in a slidable manner. The slide members are positioned so as to make contact with a circular first positioning member by moving the slide members inward along the guide channels in the radial direction and further positioned by fitting a cylindrical second positioning member around the outer periphery of the slide members. In the course of the slide members converging on the circumference of a circle having a center on the axis, the coils mounted on the slide members mesh with each other so as to be unified.

Abstract: An article includes a cylindrical object such as a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) and a support body having a keyed slot therethrough. The keyed slot has a cylindrical aperture elongated along an aperture axis and a slot extending radially from the cylindrical aperture. A sleeve is received in the keyed slot and includes an annular segment of a hollow cylinder received within the cylindrical aperture and having a first annular end and a second annular end, an inner annular diameter DI sized to slidingly receive the cylindrical object therein, and an outer annular diameter DO sized for the annular segment to fit snugly within the cylindrical aperture. The cylindrical object is received within the annular segment of the hollow cylinder. A first tab extends from the first annular end into the slot, and a second tab extends from the second annular end into the slot and contacts a side of the slot.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for fusing a sidewall pipe onto a host pipe using pneumatic equipment. The functions of the fusing apparatus are controlled by a programmable computer.

Abstract: Articulating workpiece transfer apparatus comprises a pair of identical housings each of which has a circular flange projecting from one side of the housing and abutting one another. Each flange has adjacent its periphery a beveled edge. A circular clamp has a concave groove in which the peripheral edges of the flanges are accommodated, and such clamp is operable to apply a clamping force on each flange urging the latter into face-to-face engagement with one another. Each housing has a cylindrical opening for the accommodation of an elongate transfer arm which is linearly slideable and rotatable about the axis of the arm. Each housing includes a clamp which enables and disables relative movement between the associated arm and the housing. The housings are rotatable relative to each other about an axis which passes through both flanges and which is normal to the axis of rotation of the respective transfer arms.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for fusing a sidewall pipe onto a host pipe using pneumatic equipment. The functions of the fusing apparatus are controlled by a programmable computer. Further, as each fuse is performed, a GPS system provides and stores the geographical location of the fuse.

Abstract: A substrate includes a flat principal member having a surface, and at least three first holding portions projecting from the principal member. Each of the first holding portions includes a pair of horizontal contact surfaces which are parallel to the surface of the principal member and which are disposed facing opposite to each other. At least three second holding portions are also disposed on the principal member, each of the second holding portions including a pair of vertical contact surfaces which are perpendicular to the surface of the principal member and are disposed facing opposite to each other. Method and apparatus for holding such a substrate includes structure and steps for grasping the at least three first holding portions and the at least three second holding portions. The structure and functions provide a platform for stably gripping a substrate.

Abstract: In a workpiece support, a servomotor, a right-angle speed reducer and a work gripping device are supported on a horizontal shaft which is rotatable on bearings in a frame to tilt the axis of rotation of the workpiece. The shaft is locked against rotation by a lever-operated screw, which exerts a lateral force on the shaft through a lock ring. The lock ring is held against rotation by a pin which is fixed to the frame and which extends into a hole in the lock ring along an axis parallel to the axis of the screw. Fixing the lock ring against rotation prevents unintended movement of the shaft caused by tightening of the lever-operated screw. The inner surface of the lock ring is provided with an axial extending V-shaped groove which engages a spacer ring fixed on the shaft along two lines of contact for secure locking of the shaft against rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding small articles comprises an elongated post, a rail member selectively slidably mounted at one end of the post at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the post, and a workpiece holding assembly mounted on the upper surface of the rail member. The workpiece holding assembly has a workpiece engaging device fixedly mounted at one end of the rail member and a selectively slidable jaw mounted on the upper surface of the rail member to allow holding workpieces of varying sizes and shapes between the slidable jaw and the workpiece engaging assembly.

Abstract: An adjustment apparatus which is capable of selectively securing to elongated members in a predetermined positional relationship includes a housing member having an eyebolt slidably positioned within a through aperture disposed longitudinally within a housing member; the eye portion of the eyebolt has a pivotal pin disposed therein affixing it to a T-bracket disposed proximate one end of the housing member. A sensing rod is disposed in a through aperture provided proximate the other end of the housing member which is permitted to flex. The eyebolt extending through the housing member is adapted to receive a threaded knob thereon and tightening the threaded knob simultaneously secures the housing member and sensing rod in a fixed position.

Abstract: An adjustable workpiece securing device is disclosed for securing a workpiece to a support while performing one or more machining operations thereon. The device incorporates a cam assembly for application of a force to the displaceable end of a substantially immovable bar to secure the workpiece to its underlying support. The construction of the device to include non-movable elements in those portions which effect the securing of the workpiece, results in the precision alignment of the workpiece with respect to a machine cutting element that can be effectively maintained during the machining operation.

Abstract: A moveable clamp and an improved method of fabricating insulated glass is disclosed according to the preferred teachings of the present invention. The clamp includes first and second clamping rollers which are rotatably mounted to the first ends of first and second arms. The arms are pivotally mounted together by a third arm having a first end attached to the first arm and having a second end pivotally secured to the second arm. The second ends of the first and second arms are biased apart by a spring for creating a clamping force between the first and second clamping rollers. A first guide wheel is rotatably mounted to the first arm for rolling on the outside surface of the glass sheet to prevent the clamp from tipping with respect to the stacked glass sheets. A second guide wheel is rotatably mounted to the first arm for rolling on the edges of the stacked glass sheets for preventing the clamp from moving away from the perimeter of the stacked glass sheets.

Abstract: A vise assembly, for use on a drill press having a vertical cylindrical column and a table with a flat upper surface substantially perpendicular to the column, has a mounting block slidably and rotatably mounted on the column and a frame slidably mounted on the mounting block for movement parallel to the flat top surface of the table. The frame includes a back plate, at least two pairs of rods connected to the back plate, fixed and movable jaws, one of the pair of rods being connected to the fixed jaw and the other of the pairs of rods being connected to the movable jaw. The jaws normally rest on the table. In the preferred embodiment, hydraulic cylinders, carried by the back plate, are connected to move the pair of rods connected to the movable jaw. In another embodiment, a manually operated screw arrangement is used to move one pair of rods relative to the other, to move the movable jaw toward the fixed jaw.

Abstract: A device for supporting a workpiece 5 from a bench 4 in any required spatial position comprises two G-clamps 1 which are adjustably fixed to a metal tube 2 by clamping devices 3. Each of the devices 3 is operated by a single clamping screw having a handle 21 and when the clamping screw has been released, the device 3 can slide along, and turn about the axis of, the tube 2. Also, the clamp 1 can turn relative to the clamping device 3 about the axis of the clamping screw and about the axis of a pin 24 which is perpendicular to the axis of the clamping screw. This enables the workpiece 5 to be set in almost any desired position and orientation relative to the bench 4 and, when set, to be locked in its set position by tightening the two clamping screws by means of their handles 21. The device is therefore extremely versatile and it can, of course, alternatively be used to hold two workpieces in position relative to each other, for example while glued joints set.

Abstract: A clamping assembly is operated by a piston and cylinder assembly rotatably mounted on a support. A mounting bracket rotatably mounted on the support is provided with a pair of pivotally mounted plates each having a clamping arm and a cam track. The mounting bracket includes an annular shoulder engaging the support; a flange draws the shoulder against the support, thereby selectively locking the bracket and the piston and cylinder against rotation in any of a plurality of rotational positions. A drive rod connected to the piston extends through the support and into an elongate slot in the bracket. A pair of rollers secured to the outer end of the rod are disposed in the cam slots and drive the plates to pivot. The cam slots are specially configured to lock the clamp in a locking position in the event that fluid pressure is lost in the piston.

Abstract: A temporary support structure for the head of a surgical patient combined with an alignment fixture for a steel band to be attached to the patient's head for subsequent attachment to a head and neck support system. A self-standing adjustable pillar is used to support a patient's head as it protrudes over the edge of a bed or table. A three-lobed head support atop the pillar furnishes support to the head while restricting head movement. Also attached to the pillar, by use of several adjustable clamps, is a jig to hold a metal halo for attachment to the patient's skull.

Abstract: A universal clamp for an adjustable post includes a split base clamp mounted on a stationary supporting stud. An elongated channel in the form of a yoke including a rigid extension protruding through the split base clamp slidably supports a pair of opposed jaws adapted to engage the post. The channel is enclosed within a covering sleeve. One jaw is fixed with respect to the sleeve. The remaining jaw is operably movable through a lever operator and interposed over-center toggle plate. Manipulation of the lever operator tensions the channel and extension. This tightens the split base clamp. It also engages complementary radial serrations surrounding the extension on one end of the sleeve and on the split base clamp. The jaws are compressively moved toward one another through the toggle plate and interposed sleeve to grasp the post and thereby fix its position relative to the mounting stud.

Abstract: An assembly post for holding a portion of elongate objects, such as wires to be formed into a bundle, elevated with respect to a wiring layout board and for defining a turn in the objects. The assembly post comprises means for mounting the post on the layout board and holding means supported by the mounting means for holding the elongate objects. The holding means is movable between an extended position wherein it supports the objects and a retracted position wherein it is closer to the layout board than in its extended position. The post also includes means for maintaining the holding means in its extended position during wiring of the bundle against a predetermined force greater than the weight of the portion of elongate objects whereby, after layout of the bundle, application of a force greater than the predetermined force causes movement of the holding means to its retracted position and permits application of a tying device and removal of the bundle without substantial interference from the post.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus is provided which is adapted to selectively secure two elongate members in a predetermined positional relationship. The apparatus includes a U-shaped clamping block, with an opening receiving a mounting post therethrough. A second opening extends through the arms of the clamping block, and a bolt-like clamping member is disposed through the second opening and has a knob threadedly positioned thereon. The head of the clamping member is slotted and includes a third opening receiving a stop rod therethrough. Also, cooperating frusto-conical surfaces are provided in the second opening of the clamping block and adjacent the head of the clamping member, whereby the tightening of the knob on the clamping member serves to concurrently clamp the post in the opening of the clamping block and the rod in the opening in the head of the clamping member.