Relatively Movable Jaws Patents (Class 269/86)
  • Patent number: 11642760
    Abstract: A woodworking clamp having a connector is provided. Two ends of the connector are connected with two clamping members to constitute the woodworking clamp. The connector includes a housing, a receiving tube, a U-shaped buckle, a spring, and a button. When the end of a bar of the clamping member is fully inserted in a notch of the U-shaped buckle, the spring provides a force to return the U-shaped buckle to its original position to complete the locking. When the button is pressed down, that is, a hook of the U-shaped buckle is pressed down, a positioning pin of the bar is released from the receiving tube and the U-shaped buckle so that the bar of the clamping member can be pulled out from the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Inventor: Chung Li Chen
  • Patent number: 11571893
    Abstract: In this liquid ejecting head, the pressure chamber extends in a second direction crossing a first direction, the first direction being a direction from the pressure chamber to the nozzle. The pressure chamber and the absorbing chamber are disposed at a same position in the first direction and next to each other in the second direction. The actuator is disposed on an opposite side in the first direction with respect to the pressure chamber. The absorption member is disposed on the opposite side in the first direction with respect to the absorbing chamber, the absorption member including at least part of members constituting the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Motoki Takabe, Shohei Mizuta, Yu Shiozawa
  • Patent number: 10690699
    Abstract: A holder for a current sensor having separable portions with inner surfaces forming an opening and opposing outer surfaces having a groove to accommodate a current sensing coil. The holder includes flexible members on the portions and extending toward the opening such that the flexible members can hold a power cable substantially centered within the opening and concentric with the current sensing coil. The portions are joined together with a hinge pivotally mounted between them at one end and a releasable clasp joining them together at another end, providing for ease of installation around the power cable by hand and without requiring tools or additional fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr., William E. Haushalter
  • Patent number: 9408635
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an orthopedic external fixation device, an orthopedic external fixation system, and method of assembling the orthopedic external fixation device. The orthopedic external fixation device may include first and second jaws each including respective arms, a floating circular jaw disposed between the first and second jaws and defining first and second channels with the first and second jaws respectively, a plurality of pins and biasing members configured to distance the circular jaw from the first and second jaws, and a locking assembly. The first and second channels may each be configured to receive one of an embedding member or a bar of the external fixation system. The locking assembly may be at least partially received within apertures defined by the first, second, and circular jaws and may be configured to lock the first, second, and circular jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Wright Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kian-Ming (Kevin) Wong
  • Publication number: 20150145196
    Abstract: A part fixturing system for securing a workpiece includes an expanding clamping device and a work holding device. The expanding clamping device comprises a clamp base portion, a first and a second traversing wedge blocks, and a clamp plate portion. The clamp base portion comprises a longitudinal recess. The first and the second traversing wedge blocks are located inside the longitudinal recess, each comprising an inclined contact surface. The clamp plate portion comprises a first declined contact surface and a second declined contact surface. The work holding device comprises a first support column and a second support column that define a longitudinal loading envelope. The expanding clamping device is positioned inside the longitudinal loading envelope of the work holding device. The expanding clamping device couples the workpiece to the first support column and the second support column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Richard Koczera
  • Patent number: 9033325
    Abstract: An optical fiber fusion splicer that heats and fusion-splices optical fibers to each other, the optical fiber fusion splicer includes: a coating clamp installation base; a coating clamp that is attached to the coating clamp installation base and has a coating clamp lid that is openable and closable; and a first power source for advancing the coating clamp installation base and opening the coating clamp lid. An operation of opening the coating clamp lid is performed using the first power source after the fusion splicing is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshinori Iwashita
  • Patent number: 9010742
    Abstract: A part fixturing system for securing a workpiece includes an expanding clamping device and a work holding device. The expanding clamping device includes a clamp base portion, first and second traversing wedge blocks, an actuation screw, and a clamp plate portion. The clamp base portion comprises a longitudinal recess, and the traversing wedge blocks are located inside the longitudinal recess, each block including an inclined contact surface and a threaded aperture. The actuation screw passes through the longitudinal recess of the clamp base portion and the threaded apertures of the traversing wedge blocks. The clamp plate portion comprises first and second declined contact surfaces. The work holding device comprises first and second support columns that define a longitudinal loading envelope. The expanding clamping device is positioned inside the longitudinal loading envelope of the work holding device and couples the workpiece to the first and second support columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Richard Koczera
  • Publication number: 20150084256
    Abstract: A stamp-face platemaking device transports a medium holder inserted into a plate insertion portion to a printing unit. The medium holder holds a stamp face material in a plate-like member, and has a predetermined pattern in a side end portion thereof. An optical sensor detects the top end portion of the medium holder on a sensor scanning line in the inserting direction, and the pattern start point and the pattern end point of the predetermined pattern. At least one of the horizontal and vertical sizes of the stamp face material is set based on the positions of two of the detected end portions. When the pattern end point is detected, platemaking with the stamp face material is started.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hirotaka YUNO, Takayuki HIROTANI, Yasushi MURAI, Shigeru FUTAWATARI, Takanori SUZUKI, Yoshimasa YOKOYAMA
  • Patent number: 8985566
    Abstract: A F type clamp having a locking function includes a base frame including a locating frame bar and a rail, a sliding member having one end coupled to the rail and selectively set between a locking position and an unlocking position, a clamping member movably mounted at an opposite end of the sliding member and providing a jaw plate for working with the locating frame bar to hold down a workpiece, and a locking device set between the sliding member and the rail for locking the sliding member to the rail under normal conditions and for enabling the sliding member to be moved relative to the rail by an external force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ehoma Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: Chun-Huan Chuang
  • Patent number: 8960656
    Abstract: The device is used to retain workpieces, has a tong-like design, and is provided with two tong arms. The tong arms are retained by a tong base and can be arranged at least in an open position and in a closed position. The tong base is retained by a main element. When a specified actuating force is applied, the tong base is released and can be pivoted relative to the main element within a certain range. Respectively one movable counter-element is arranged adjacent to two lateral surfaces of the tong base. The counter-elements are retained in a starting position by means of at least one spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: KHS Corpoplast GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Baumgarte, Frank Lewin, Michael Litzenberg, Michael Linke
  • Patent number: 8944424
    Abstract: Clamping apparatus and methods are provided. The apparatus can include a rigid backing member having a plurality of apertures disposed therethrough. The apparatus can further include a spring member having a plurality of radial members each having a first end and a second end. The first end of the radial members can be connected at a hub. The second end of each radial member can be connected to a flange. A plurality of apertures, corresponding to the plurality of apertures in the backing member, can be disposed about the flange. The radial members can be fabricated using two or more plies of resin-impregnated carbon fiber. The spring member can be affixed to the backing member using one or more fasteners disposed in the backing member apertures and corresponding aperture disposed in the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A Lev, Mark S Tracy
  • Publication number: 20150026959
    Abstract: A construction retention device comprising: a first member, a second member and an inner member; wherein the first member comprises a base and an upright; wherein the upright of the first member has at least a single holder; wherein the second member comprises a base and an upright; wherein the upright of the second member has at least a single holder; wherein the first member and the second member are connected to the inner member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Terin Dumas, Michael Joseph Chudilowsky
  • Publication number: 20150000712
    Abstract: A sonic cleaning tool having a component retaining fixture, a sonic bath, and a cleaning fluid circulating system. The sonic bath has a sound field transducer and is structurally configured to place the component retaining fixture in sonic communication with the sound field transducer within the sonic bath. The component retaining fixture comprises a first end plate, a second end plate, a first component securing member, a second component securing member, and a plurality of compression studs. The first component securing member projects from the first end plate and is structurally configured for repeatable transition between a retracted position and an extended position. The second component securing member projects from the second end plate. The compression studs of the component retaining fixture span from the first end plate to the second end plate and are spaced to form a plurality of sonic transmission windows between the compression studs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Cliff LaCroix, Armen Avoyan
  • Patent number: 8882095
    Abstract: A clamp meter has a main body and a stationary jaw fixed to an end of the main body. A hook portion of the clamp meter includes a movable jaw, a displacing means and a knob. The movable jaw is mounted on the main body corresponding to the position of the stationary jaw. The movable jaw and the stationary jaw together form a closed loop. The displacing means is mounted in the main body and comprises a displaceable rod connected to the movable jaw and a gear set for driving the displaceable rod. The knob is connected to the gear set for driving the displaceable rod and the movable jaw for linear displacement. The movable jaw is activated by the displaceable rod to generate a linear displacement, so that the user can operate the clamp meter more easily for measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Chung Instrument Electronics Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shao-Lin Liu
  • Publication number: 20140319750
    Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a balloon catheter during folding (i.e., fluting) is provided. The apparatus includes a base unit, a back gripper and a front gripper. The front gripper is configured to straighten an inner lumen of the balloon catheter. A method for gripping a balloon catheter during fluting is also provided. The method can include the steps of straightening an inner lumen of the balloon catheter and aligning the inner lumen with a central axis when straightened. The method further can include the steps of providing a plurality of arms coupled to the base unit and arranged in a pattern about a central axis, translating the plurality of arms in a radial direction toward and away from the central axis, fluting the balloon catheter with a plurality of blades coupled to the plurality of arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Interface Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Yanes, Eric Mabry, Malik Sumnani
  • Patent number: 8864965
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Jumpei Fujikata, Yuji Araki, Masaaki Kimura
  • Patent number: 8857803
    Abstract: A holder for an intraocular lens during the processing and packaging of the intraocular lens. The holder having an upper member having a base portion extending from the upper member along a first longitudinal axis. Additionally, the holder has a lower member having a receiving member defining a cavity for receiving the intraocular lens and a coupling member for engaging the base portion. The receiving member extending from the lower member along a second longitudinal axis and having at least one channel extending substantially through the receiving member that is substantially transverse to the second longitudinal axis. The holder has a locked position such that the upper and lower members are locked with respect to each other and at least one channel provides unobstructed access into the cavity of the receiving member for obtaining dimensional and optical measurements of the intraocular lens when the holder is in the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Dale T. Schaper, Jr., Christopher E. Redman, Douglas Wensrich
  • Patent number: 8857775
    Abstract: A camera system is configured to detachably couple to a camera mount, which in turn can be attached to an apparatus. The camera mount is a spring clamp including two arms, each include a handle component and a jaw component. The spring clamp can be attached to an apparatus when the two jaw components are closed around the apparatus. A strap is adjustably coupled to the spring clamp and is tightened around the apparatus to further secure the apparatus. In some cases, a flexible neck is fastened to the camera mount, and the camera system is detachably coupled to the flexible neck. This allows a mounted camera system to be situated at any desired angle for taking photographs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Aaron Clearman, Nicholas Streets
  • Patent number: 8746667
    Abstract: A machine tool having a machine frame and a workpiece table. It is provided that the workpiece table (5), on one of its sides (14), is held on the machine frame (2) by a holding device (4), the holding device (4) having at least two holding elements (6, 7), which are spaced apart from one another on the said side (14) of the workpiece table (5) and which are disposed at differing height positions (9, 10), such that an upper and a lower holding element (6, 7) is realized, and at least one of the holding elements (6, 7) being equipped with at least one piezo actuator (24) for altering its length and, associated therewith, influencing the position of the workpiece table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Mikron Agie Charmilles AG
    Inventors: Frank Bratschi, Jan Konvicka, Markus Kindler
  • Patent number: 8740206
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a ring assembly that may be used in an etching or other plasma processing chamber. The ring assembly generally includes an inner ring and an outer ring disposed radially outward of the inner ring. The inner ring will correspond to the location where the majority of erosion occurs during use. This inner ring can be flipped and reused until both sides have eroded beyond their service life. Collectively, the two rings generally have the shape of a single piece ring, but the service life of the ring assembly is longer than a conventional single piece ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandhya Arun, Prashanth Kodigepalli, Padma Gopalakrishnan, Ashish Bhatnagar, Dan Martin, Christopher Heath John Hossack
  • Publication number: 20140138892
    Abstract: A fly fishing vice is provided. A fly vice for creating custom flies includes a cylindrical member that attaches to a vertical member, and the vertical member attaches to a base member. The members can be disassembled for transport. The cylindrical member includes integrated jaw members for holding flies. Moreover, the cylindrical member can be custom adjusted to a desired point in three-dimensional space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventor: David P. Durrant
  • Patent number: 8684343
    Abstract: A composite fabrication vent assembly for connection to an inflatable bladder, the combination of a vent assembly and an inflatable bladder, and a method of mechanically connecting a vent assembly and a bladder. The vent assembly comprises a body member having a first clamping surface, a clamping member having a second clamping surface, and a carriage member interconnecting the body member and the clamping member, with the first and second clamping surfaces in opposing relationship. With the open end of an inflatable bladder inserted between the opposed clamping surfaces, the carriage member is adapted to translate the body member and clamping member toward one another to form an airtight seal with the inflatable bladder. A controlled source of pressurized gas, connected to a gas inlet of the vent assembly, can then inflate and deflate the bladder in a controlled manner through one or more passageways in the vent assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Rubbercraft Corporation of California Ltd
    Inventors: Alan D. Hiken, David H. Lee, Robert L. Harshberger, Leo H. Phan, Rufino Santos
  • Patent number: 8656771
    Abstract: A device and method for measuring the thickness of a cloth when the predetermined pressing force is applied to the cloth. A device for measuring a cloth thickness includes a stationary part having a base surface; a movable member having a pressing end to press a cloth against the base surface; a movable member driving mechanism to move the movable member linearly without rotating around itself from an initial position up to an over-pressing position where the pressing end presses the cloth against the base surface with a force exceeding the predetermined pressing force; a load cell for detecting a force with which the pressing end presses the cloth against the base surface; and a pulse coder for detecting the space between the base surface and the pressing end when a force value detected by the load cell reaches the predetermined pressing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Hasegawa, Tomoyuki Okada, Nobuhisa Ito
  • Publication number: 20140035215
    Abstract: A for assembling a spoked wheel having a rim, a hub and spokes attaching the rim to the hub includes a base supporting at least three upwardly extending arms terminating is a rim support jaw. The arms pass through eccentric slots in an adjustment plate which is rotationally secured to the base. By rotating the plate relative to the base, the arms are moved radially inward and outward from the rim for both centering it and supporting it so that the spokes and hub are properly positioned and the spokes can be properly tensioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey Allen Young
  • Publication number: 20130318773
    Abstract: An apparatus for immobilising a component during a machining operation is provided. The component has a securing region and an elongate body to be machined extending therefrom. The apparatus has a clamp which is configured to immobilise the component at the securing region. The clamp, in use, exerts clamping forces on the securing region. The apparatus further has a support fixture which is movable relative to the clamp to confine the elongate body at a support region thereof distal from the securing region. The support fixture is configured such that, without exertion of clamping forces on the support region by the support fixture, the confined support region is unable to move during the machining operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Steven Moss
  • Patent number: 8596628
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a measurement object, particularly an auto body component in a reference position, comprises a clamping device, which can be attached to a carrier head, and which extends over the measurement object and holds it against the carrier head, and comprises a clamping element that can be placed against the measurement object. The clamping device comprises a lockable slide for adjusting the position of the clamping element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Junker & Partner GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Huber, Franz-Rudolf Junker
  • Publication number: 20130247359
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary actuated axial clamp that includes a primary fixture, having a rotatable primary clamp, having primary clamp fingers that engage secondary clamp fingers on a stationary secondary clamp. The primary fixture is attached to a positioner, while the secondary fixture is attached to the work piece. Different secondary fixtures can be utilized to fit the shape and size of the work piece, while maintaining a secondary clamp that is able to engage the primary clamp of the primary fixture. The primary fixture can consequently be utilized with numerous different work pieces having different shapes and sizes by simply modifying a secondary fixture to adapt to the size and shape of the work piece. Roller engagement of the primary clamp and secondary clamp reduces the force required to clamp and unclamp the primary and secondary fixtures. This reduces problems associated with attaching a work piece to a positioner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: RIMROCK AUTOMATION, INC. DBA WOLF ROBOTICS
    Inventor: RIMROCK AUTOMATION, INC. dba WOLF ROBOTICS
  • Patent number: 8534654
    Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatuses, and products are disclosed for welding ground wires to a grounding rod. A jig retains the ground wires to the grounding rod. The jig has a first horseshoe oriented to a second horseshoe to form a crucifix. Each horseshoe has a pair of legs supporting the jig from earth and providing electrical ground to the earth. A central passage bisects each horseshoe through which the grounding rod inserts. Means are included for clamping a ground wire to at least one of the legs, such that the ground wire is retained for welding to the grounding rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: James Thomas Vandergrift, II
  • Patent number: 8523160
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a clamp system for use in screen printing, including first and second jaw members, screws, an extension member, and a registration pin. The jaw members are aligned and have respective facing flat surfaces and openings. The screws threadedly connect to respective openings and set the distance between jaw members for clamping a frame. The extension member remains flush to the flat surface of the first jaw member and has a housing extending orthogonal to alignment of the jaw members. The registration pin engages a hole on the housing and extends parallel to jaw members and orthogonal to the housing. The blunt end of the pin abuts a platen. All platens maintain the same position relative to the frame, when abutting the blunt end. The registration of platens to the frame allows for multiple consistent ink application onto a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Derrick Wilturner
  • Patent number: 8444130
    Abstract: A method for securing a closure on a cylindrical container (such as a pharmaceutical vial) includes: positioning a closure in a first position, the closure being substantially centered via a centering assembly along an axis that is generally normal to the closure; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a second position; positioning a cylindrical container, the container being substantially centered via the centering assembly along the axis; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a third position in which it is adjacent the substantially centered container; and relatively rotating the closure and the container to secure the closure to the container. With such a method, both the closure and the cylinder can be centered along the axis, thereby registering them with each other for reliable securing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventors: John Richard Sink, Richard D. Mitchelli, Charles H. Guthrie, Joseph C. Moran, Jr., Demetris P. Young
  • Patent number: 8430386
    Abstract: In a wave linear motion mechanism (4) of a holding mechanism (1), those portions of a flexible screw (14) where first and second male screws (32, 33) are formed are elliptically deformed by first and second wave generators (12, 13) installed on an input shaft (11), and the first and second male screws (32, 33) are respectively partially engaged with first and second female screws (42, 44) of first and second circular nuts (15, 16). First and second holding members (5, 6) are mounted on the first and second circular nuts (15, 16), respectively. When the input shaft (11) is rotated by a motor (3), the first and second holding members (5, 6) are opened or closed depending on the rotation direction to release or hold an object (W).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Harmonic Drive Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Keiji Ueura
  • Publication number: 20130093133
    Abstract: A piping slider includes: a cavity in which a pipe-shaped part of an adherend is accommodatable; a slit that intercommunicates the cavity with an outside; a connector to which a belt is connected; a grip member in which the cavity and the slit are provided; a key member insertable into the slit; and a lock mechanism that restricts a displacement between the key member and the grip member when the key member is inserted into the slit, where an opening width of the slit is greater than a minimum width of the pipe-shaped part, and an opening width when the key member is inserted to the slit is smaller than the minimum width of the pipe-shaped part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Yuu Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20130084781
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for processing an optical lens are proposed, whereby the desired optical data of the lens can be input into the device and lens-production data and/or geometric data of the lens are determined therefrom to control the processing of a surface side of the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: SCHNEIDER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Gunter Schneider
  • Publication number: 20130082429
    Abstract: A method comprises manufacturing a frame of a C-clamp, which has a lower jaw, an upper jaw and a mouth between the lower jaw and upper jaw. The method comprises forming a lower end plate and an upper end plate and at least two frame plates, which have a lower branch and an upper branch. The lower branches of the frame plates are attached to the lower end plate and the upper branches to the upper end plate, so that the frame plates settle in a parallel manner at a distance (e) from each other. The joined frame plates and end plates form the frame of the C-clamp. The frame plates are formed by machining a steel plate of ultra-strength steel only with machining methods, which do not substantially heat up the material being machined. Suitable machining methods are for example chipping machining methods or water cutting. The lower branches are attached to the lower end plate and the upper branches are attached to the upper end plate by welding or with mechanical attaching means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: Autoprod Oy
    Inventors: Jari Kiviniemi, Juha Miinala, Timo Lehto
  • Patent number: 8403201
    Abstract: According to the invention, a shell handling carriage (19) is provided with grippers (194) which grip the end edges of a shell (2) made of composite material still fixed to a molding drum (11). An expeller strut (13) prevents the drum (11) from moving while the carriage (19) translating 5 removes the shell (2) from the drum (11). The shell (2) is then transported by the carriage (19) to a working station in which robots rivet the transversal ribs on it. The transversal ribs reach the robot working position orderly arranged on a self-moving rib store, which is inserted in the shell (2) itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignees: Bisiach & Carru S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Ragni, Bruno Bisiach
  • Patent number: 8375581
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fixturing an airfoil stub during linear friction welding are described. Critical clamping support structures are manufactured by a direct digital manufacturing process such as direct metal laser sintering to minimize time and expense of the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: James Romanelli, Wangen Lin, Robert P. Delisle, Herbert A. Chin, James J. Moor, Jesse R. Boyer
  • Publication number: 20130032983
    Abstract: A clamp meter has a main body and a stationary jaw fixed to an end of the main body. A hook portion of the clamp meter includes a movable jaw, a displacing means and a knob. The movable jaw is mounted on the main body corresponding to the position of the stationary jaw. The movable jaw and the stationary jaw together form a closed loop. The displacing means is mounted in the main body and comprises a displaceable rod connected to the movable jaw and a gear set for driving the displaceable rod. The knob is connected to the gear set for driving the displaceable rod and the movable jaw for linear displacement. The movable jaw is activated by the displaceable rod to generate a linear displacement, so that the user can operate the clamp meter more easily for measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Shao-Lin Liu
  • Patent number: 8342494
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a first jaw (108) coupled to a second jaw (110) to form an opening (114) when the first jaw (108) and the second jaw (110) are closed. An aligning structure couples to at least one of the first jaw (108) and the second jaw (110). A portion of the aligning structure may be disposed within the opening (114) and aligns a power line (128) to a sensor (418) disposed within the first jaw (108) and the second jaw (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc A. Ricci, Colin Gunn, Sam Gaib, Stewart Harding
  • Publication number: 20120326374
    Abstract: In one aspect, a manufacturing system is provided having lobe clamps configured to secure lobes of a spider, drive assemblies configured to pivot the lobe clamps, sensors for detecting the position of the lobe clamps, and a control system operably coupled to the drive assemblies and configured to cause the drive assemblies to pivot the lobe clamps and impart a twist to lobes of the spider. In another aspect, a method is provided that includes twisting lobes of a spider in a first direction toward initial target positions using a machine, permitting the lobes to twist in a second direction toward free state positions, and twisting one or more of the lobes using the machine in response to the one or more lobes having free state positions different than final target positions of the lobes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: REVCOR, INC.
    Inventor: Richard R. Shelby
  • Patent number: 8336865
    Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatuses, and products are disclosed for welding ground wires to a grounding rod. A jig retains the ground wires to the grounding rod. The jig has a first horseshoe oriented to a second horseshoe to form a crucifix. Each horseshoe has a pair of legs supporting the jig from earth and providing electrical ground to the earth. A central passage bisects each horseshoe through which the grounding rod inserts. Mechanisms are included for clamping a ground wire to at least one of the legs, such that the ground wire is retained for welding to the grounding rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: John Thomas Vandergrift, II
  • Publication number: 20120320362
    Abstract: An exemplary device includes first and second portions that are movably connected together by first and second sets, respectively, of multiple blades interleaved with each other at an overlap region. When the overlap region is compressed, displacement of the first and second portions relative to each other is prevented so as to provide relatively high stiffness in first and second orthogonal directions (e.g., z- and y-directions) and relatively low stiffness in a third orthogonal direction (e.g., x-direction). The device can be used in coordination with an actuator, wherein operation of the actuator and compression of the overlap region are automated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Douglas C. Watson, Fardad Hashemi, Christopher S. Margeson, Lorri L. Watson
  • Patent number: 8322698
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing vibrations of a machine element (9) and/or a workpiece (5) in a machine tool, a production machine and/or in a machine which is embodied as a robot. A clamping force (F), which is used to lock the workpiece (5) and which makes the workpiece holder (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 11a, 11b) act upon the workpiece (5), is modified when vibrations occur. The invention also relates to a corresponding machine. Due to said invention, vibrations of a machine element (9) and/or a workpiece (5), which occur during a machining process, are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jochen Bretschneider, Maximilian Klaus
  • Patent number: 8276251
    Abstract: A hand tool comprises: a body; a handle extending from the body; a hand-operable lever pivotally connected to the body and pivotable from a resting position towards the handle to a working position; a shaft extending through the body along a longitundal axis, and movable between forward and reverse directions along the axis relative to the body; a shaft drive mechanism mounted to the body and operatively connected to the shaft and lever such that pivoting of the lever to the working position causes the shaft drive mechanism to incrementally advance the shaft only in the forward direction; and a shaft release mechanism mounted to the body and comprising a shaft locking member operatively connected to the shaft and lever, wherein the shaft locking member is movable by the lever between a locking position and an unlocking position, and wherein movement of the lever from the resting position away from the working position moves the shaft locking member to the unlocking position and enables the shaft to be moved i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Private Brand Tools (Australia) Pty Ltd
    Inventor: David Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20120139175
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for applying multi-axial inertial force, the apparatus including: a lower support plate; two first support members fixed to stand up from the lower support plate; a second support member positioned to be orthogonal to inner sides of the two first support member in a stand-up direction thereof and rotatably coupled to the first support member; and a third support member stacked on the second support member and coupled to the second support member so as to be rotatable based on a rotational axis corresponding to a stacked direction. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an apparatus for applying multi-axial inertial force in which vibration excitation and rotation may be performed in multiple-axes directions using a uni-axial inertial force generator that may be vibration-excited and rotated only in a single direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jun Lim
  • Patent number: 8182469
    Abstract: A surgical accessory clamp, method of use, and a robotic surgical system including the clamp are disclosed. A surgical accessory may be attached and removed from a manipulator arm during a surgical procedure without requiring the use of an intermediate sterile accessory clamp, thus removing the need for a detachable accessory mount or adaptor that needs cleaning and sterilization and allowing for greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The accessory clamp further allows for easy removal and attachment of instruments, tools, or accessories to the robotic surgical system without breach of sterility. In one embodiment, an accessory clamp includes a base for coupling to a distal end of a manipulator arm; two clamp jaws adapted to receive a surgical accessory, each of the clamp jaws rotatably coupled to the base and configured to pivot relative to one another; a sterile drape portion over the two clamp jaws; and a lever portion capable of actuating the two clamp jaws into an open position or a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: S. Christopher Anderson, Thomas G Cooper, Bruce Schena, William Burbank, Margaret M Nixon, Alan Loh
  • Publication number: 20120119427
    Abstract: A clamp system having a clamp adapted to be removably fastened to a wide variety of stationary support forming a base on which additional clamps or rods may be mounted for the purpose of holding a workpiece, the clamp including a tensioning device allowing a piece of cord to be looped over a part of the workpiece and pulled taut to bind the workpiece to the clamp. The cord is quickly and easily attachable to the clamp, fixed in place under tension, and quickly and easily released. The clamp comprises: a frame, clamping screw subassembly, at least one jamming cleat formed as part of the frame, and adjustable connector feature formed as part of the frame for connecting two or more frames together. A length of cord may be tensioned and secured within the jamming cleat of the frame and means is provided for anchoring the cord within the clamping plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Weissenborn
  • Patent number: 8157252
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool, wherein the machine tool has a workpiece clamping device (10) for clamping a workpiece (9), wherein the workpiece clamping device (10) and in this way the workpiece (9) can be moved by means of a piezoactuator (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d). The invention furthermore relates to a corresponding method. The invention provides a machine tool in which vibrations occurring during a machining operation are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Uwe Ladra, Gabriele Schmitt-Braess, Elmar Schäfers
  • Publication number: 20120061896
    Abstract: A part fixturing system for securing a workpiece includes an expanding clamping device and a work holding device. The expanding clamping device includes a clamp base portion, first and second traversing wedge blocks, an actuation screw, and a clamp plate portion. The clamp base portion comprises a longitudinal recess, and the traversing wedge blocks are located inside the longitudinal recess, each block including an inclined contact surface and a threaded aperture. The actuation screw passes through the longitudinal recess of the clamp base portion and the threaded apertures of the traversing wedge blocks. The clamp plate portion comprises first and second declined contact surfaces. The work holding device comprises first and second support columns that define a longitudinal loading envelope. The expanding clamping device is positioned inside the longitudinal loading envelope of the work holding device and couples the workpiece to the first and second support columns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Koczera
  • Publication number: 20120065041
    Abstract: A holding jig (1, 2, 3) for a thin cylindrical work (W) includes a holding member (10, 10A, 10B) which holds the work (W) from an inner peripheral side and a diameter changing unit (25, 27) which changes a diameter of the holding member (10, 10A, 10B). The holding member (10, 10A, 10B) is made of metal and has a cylindrical shape and an elastically expandable or contractible diameter. The holding member (10, 10A, 10B) is configured with an outside diameter of the holding member (10, 10A, 10B) being held smaller than an inside diameter of the work (W) at the time of insertion into an inner periphery of the work (W) and being expanded after inserted into the inner periphery of the work (W) to hold the work (W) from an inner peripheral side of the work (W) with an outer peripheral surface in close contact with an entire inner peripheral surface of the work (W).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: TOSHIBA KIKAI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takayoshi Sano, Tadamasa Furuya
  • Publication number: 20120032382
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise a clamping mechanism for securing a work piece on a power tool having a working surface and a guide fence, the clamping mechanism including a support configured to be movable along the guide fence and a clamp interconnected to the support, the clamp being movable between a securing position and a release position, wherein in the securing position, the clamp engages a work piece, and in the release position, the clamp is disengaged from the work piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicants: Robert Bosch GmbH, Robert Bosch Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Hendrickson, Jan Koegel