Abstract: There is provided a substrate processing apparatus, including: a substrate holder that holds a plurality of substrates (wafers) in a state of being arranged in a lateral direction (approximately in a horizontal direction) approximately in a vertical posture; a processing tube that houses the substrate holder; a throat side sealing part (throat side mechanical flange part) that air-tightly closes an opening part of the processing tube; a rotation part that rotates the substrate holder in a peripheral direction of the substrates, with an arrangement direction (a direction in which the substrates are held) of the plurality of substrates as a rotation axis, wherein the substrate holder includes a fixing part (movable holding part) and a fixture holding part for fixing the substrates approximately in a vertical posture.

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.

Abstract: A custom-manufactured clamshell plumbing fixture, or clamp, is provided, which precisely fits the irregular surface of a damaged oil-well riser pipe, or the surface of a blow-out-preventer, so as to tightly seal oil leaks. Using an optional gasket, the fixture functions as a plumbing adaptor with the damaged pipe at one joint, and a standard plumbing flange at another joint. Because of its rigid mechanical connection to the damaged pipe, a clamp of similar manufacture can also provide a solid platform for machine tools, allowing for reliable, precise cuts in damaged pipe or other devices, using a remote-controlled milling machine. The custom clamps are manufactured using techniques of digital object-capture and computer-controlled metal-working. Methods are discussed which can help to determine the exact shape of the surface to be sealed, and to manufacture and install the clamps and gaskets.

Abstract: A decontamination system including a test fixture configured to engage an endoscope in order to retain the test fixture thereto, wherein the endoscope can comprise a valve chamber and a valve removable from the valve chamber such that the test fixture can be inserted therein. The test fixture can comprise, first, a frame having a first gripping portion and a valve member analogue extending from the frame, and, second, a housing having a second gripping portion movable relative to the frame between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the second gripping portion is configured to be moved toward the first gripping portion to position the housing in its unlocked position. The second gripping portion can be configured to be moved away from the first gripping portion to position the housing in its locked position such that the housing can engage a locking feature on the endoscope.

Abstract: A fixture for final finishing flange faces of a hub of a knuckle assembly includes a mounting surface, a drive arrangement and a clamping arrangement. The drive arrangement is operative for engaging and rotating the hub of the knuckle assembly relative to the remainder of the knuckle assembly. The drive arrangement includes a drive member extending along a drive axis. The drive member is rotatable about the drive axis. The clamping arrangement is carried by the mounting surface. The clamping arrangement radially surrounds the drive arrangement and is operative for clamping the fixture relative to the mounting surface. The clamping arrangement includes a housing, a piston assembly radially positioned between the housing and the drive member, and a clamping sleeve radially disposed between the piston assembly and the clamping sleeve. The piston is movable in a first direction generally parallel to the drive axis.

Abstract: In order to enable high accuracy positioning and strong pressing of a substrate, the present invention provides a substrate holding apparatus including: a rotating bed having an inclined surface supporting a lower side of an outer circumferential side surface of the substrate, which bed rotates on a normal line of the substrate as the rotation axis together with the substrate; a position restriction unit rotating together with the rotating bed and restricting the substrate in a predetermined position on the rotating bed by pressing a plurality of points on the circumference on an upper side of the outer circumferential side surface of the substrate prior to the rotation; and a pressing unit rotating together with the rotating bed and pressing the substrate against the inclined surface by pressing a plurality of points on the upper side of the outer circumferential side surface of the substrate during the rotation.

Abstract: A workpiece carrier comprises a base with an upper part rotatable about a vertical axis and a lower part connected to the upper part at a distance by bolts. Workpiece holders each comprise a sleeve of elastically deformable material like rubber surrounding a duct where the shaft of a workpiece can be inserted, the sleeve being accommodated in a recess on the base. The vertical position of the sleeve which extends through holes in the upper part and lower part of the base, respectively, is fixed by a stop formed between a recessed rim surrounding the hole in the lower part and a downward-facing projecting rim of the sleeve. The shaft can be fixed by swivelling a lever about one of the bolts into an active position where a compressing surface of the same compresses the sleeve such that the shaft is jammed and released by swivelling the lever back into an inactive position where the compressing surface is not in contact with the sleeve.

Abstract: A gripping device comprises a support frame defining an axially extending internal space for receiving a part that is to be gripped and a plurality of jaws carried by the support frame. The jaws each have an end face and are connected with the support frame such that an axially directed force applied to the end faces causes axially and radially inward movement of the jaws for gripping a part received in the internal space.

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.

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.

Abstract: The invention discloses a device (10) for clamping particularly an eye glass lens blocked on a block piece for processing and/or coating said eye glass lens, comprising a receiving space (34) having a center line (M) for a clamping section of the block piece, and a plurality of clamping surfaces (36) provided in a boundary region of the receiving space, which may optionally be engaged in the clamping section of the block piece in order to clamp the block piece. In order to avoid excessive deformation of the clamped block piece, the clamping surfaces are positioned opposite of each other in pairs at a radial distance to the center line and can be displaced optionally toward or away from each other by a clamping piece (38) in order to clamp the clamping section of the block piece by way of clamping forces (F), which are substantially oriented in a tangential direction at a radial distance to the center line, or in order to release the block piece.

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.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a jig for holding a workpiece using forces provided by a clamp having a first clamping member, a second clamping member, and a connecting member operable for moving the first clamping member relative to the second clamping member. The jig includes an elongated base member and an elongated support member extending upward from the base member. The support member has a clamp engagement surface for engaging the first clamping member of the clamp, a generally vertically oriented upper surface disposed opposite of the clamp engagement surface for engaging a lateral side of the workpiece, a generally horizontally oriented support surface extending from the support member disposed below the upper surface for engaging a bottom side of the workpiece, and an aperture sized and arranged to accept the connecting member of the clamp.

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.

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).

Abstract: The invention relates to a worktable apparatus employing primary and secondary worktop members (1, 2) whereby the secondary worktop members (2) are pivotable between a first position in which they are co-planar with the primary worktop surface (1), and a second position in which they are operable to releasably hold a workpiece or other item in a plane above the primary worktop surface (1) (see FIGS. 7-10). When in the first position, the respective worktop members (1, 2) present an enlarged planar surface area for supporting larger workpieces (see dashed lines in FIG. 7). When in the second position, the spacing between the respective worktop members (1, 2) is sufficient to allow the secondary worktop member (2) to be moved over items placed on the primary worktop surface (1) and therefore its clamping or holding functions are unimpeded.

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.

Abstract: Provided is a construction apparatus for safe and smooth construction of a floating offshore wind turbine generator in deep sea. The construction apparatus for constructing the offshore wind turbine generator with a crane ship includes a guide member attached to the crane ship in a work position perpendicular thereto such that a bottom end of the guide member is disposed under the sea and at least one pair of arm units that include grippers capable of holding and releasing a tower member divided into a plurality of segments in an axial direction and that slide along the guide member.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing a wind turbine blade comprising a spar and at least one airfoil section, where both the spar and the airfoil section comprise an outer surface which forms part of an aerodynamically active surface of the blade. The method comprises steps of providing a support structure, placing the spar at the support structure, providing a clamp adapted to be fixed to the outer surface of both the spar and the airfoil section, arranging the airfoil section relative to the spar, fixing the clamp to the outer surface of the spar and the airfoil section, and assembling the at least one airfoil section an the spar by a process including adhesion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of bonding refractory metal alloys together by use of a modified clamping arrangement.

Abstract: A connector including a spacing link, and a first engagement member connected directly or indirectly to the spacing link, and a second engagement member mounted on an extension arm characterised in that the extension arm is mounted with respect to the spacing link so that the extension arm can move from one side of the spacing link to another.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-purpose holding device to handle, support and rotate one or more hollow cylindrical objects. The holding device consists of a rigid frame and support members for precise alignment and rotation of one or more objects within the frame structure. A method is also provided to reproducibly support, rotate and inspect the hollow cylindrical objects.

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: The present invention relates to a c lamping device configured to clamp an object (20, 120) on a support (1, 101). The clamping device comprises: a first device configured to force the object and the support away from each other using a first force, and a second device configured to force the object and the support towards each other using a second force. The first device and second device are configured to simultaneously exert the first force and the second force respectively to shape the object to a desired shape before completing the clamping of the object on the support.

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.

Abstract: A pipe clamp fixture that may be used for more than one size diameter pipe is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a robotic workstation (1), comprising at least one multiple-axis parts-handling robot (7) having an arm (9) with a free end that is provided with a parts support (10), and first and second operational units (5, 6) for co-operating functionally with the support, and wherein the support comprises a body (11) provided with locations (14) for receiving parts, said locations being arranged so that each of them is accessible simultaneously by one of the operational units. The invention also provides a method of controlling the station.

Abstract: An adapter (10) for a magnetic clamp (12) includes a body (14) having an element engaging portion (16) for engaging an element (18) to be supported in position by the magnetic clamp (12). A height compensation mechanism (20) is carried by the body (14) For compensating for height variations between the clamp (12) and the element (18).

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping a work piece to be cut using a power saw includes a first clamping portion foldably connected with a second clamping portion. The work piece is placed between the first and second clamping portions and the saw is forced against one of the clamping portions to secure the work piece for cutting.

Abstract: Work support arrangements 1 are provided in order to support work pieces 20 when it is necessary to machine those work pieces 20. The work pieces 20 may simply passively rest upon contact ends 6, 16 or be in compressive engagement to retain position but in either event it is advantageous to determine contact force. By providing a contact pad element 15 which directly provides contact force at an interface between contact end 6, 16 and the work piece 20 without taking any load force itself robust determination of contact force is achieved. Generally, the contact pad element 15 is suspended upon a guide 13 extending from a mounting such as an actuator seat 11.

Abstract: A purge gas introduction system for an orbital tube welding setup is provided, configured to inject high purity inert purge gas to the interior volume of a tube or tubular component. An o-ring is interposed between an annular base and an annular ring, their junction forming an annular o-ring groove, each part forming one sidewall, with the o-ring fully recessed within the groove, protecting the o-ring during the insertion and removal of a tube. The annular base and an annular ring are configured to receive a tube terminus. The sidewalls of the o-ring groove are divergent one to the other, wherein as the annular ring is drawn towards the annular base, the o-ring is forced partially out of the groove, forming a substantially leak tight seal between the tube and the o-ring. A purge gas from an external source is transmitted to the annular base through a purge connector, then, in turn, introduced to the interior volume of the tube.

Abstract: A clamp of less waste instruction method for an addition axis, which omits instructions for clamping and unclamping and working in response to those instructions, includes the steps of, at a stage of working a work piece with a tool, measuring a rotational torque generated by the working with respect to the addition axis coupled to a table which supports the work piece or a pallet having the work piece mounted thereon; and generating a clamp instruction to the addition axis when the rotational torque exceeds a predetermined reference value.

Abstract: A fixed electrode and a movable electrode to be used to drive each arm are formed at a drive unit. As a voltage is applied between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode, the movable electrode is caused to move by coulomb force, thereby driving the arm 3 in a closing operation. By detecting a change occurring in the electrostatic capacity between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode at this time, a decision can be made as to whether or not the sample has been gripped.

Abstract: An extension slide locating system for a press-and-pull clamping apparatus designed with slide insertion length adjustable depending on the specification of a work piece is essentially comprised of an extension slide and a slide inserted to each other; an insertion holder connected to the front end of the extension slide; a locating sleeve inserted to the insertion holder; locating sleeve being pushed to be inserted into the locking notch containing the insertion holder prevents the slide from being disengaged from the insertion holder to firmly maintain the insertion configuration in coping with the clamping operation among work pieces in different specifications.

Abstract: A method of using a machining assembly to machine a plurality of different turbine components that include a dovetail having a contoured profile. The method includes removably coupling a first set of retainers into the machining assembly, the first set of retainers include an upper portion having a profile that substantially mirrors a portion of the first dovetail, and a lower portion having a profile that substantially mirrors an opposite side of the first dovetail, coupling a first turbine component between the upper and lower portions such that the first turbine component is secured by the first set of retainers, coupling the machining assembly into a milling machine, and machining at least one seal groove into the dovetail of the first turbine component.

Abstract: A clamp device for removably attaching a vacuum cleaner component to a structure according to an embodiment of the invention includes a clamp adapted to removably attach to the structure, a slot formed in the clamp, and a knob attached to the vacuum cleaner component. The knob slides into the slot of the clamp and the vacuum cleaner component is removably held in the clamp by the knob.

Abstract: A clamp device is provided that can prevent a table from being tilted at the time of clamping, can suppress a displacement in an axial direction at the time of clamping to a minimum, and also can be suitably used for a table unit with its table swiveling at a high speed. A table 2 has fixedly attached thereto a braking plate 7 swiveling with the table 2. A frame 3 has fixedly attached thereto fixing plates 6, 6 having inner flange portions protruding to a swiveling axis side of the table 2 with a predetermined pitch so that the inner flange portions interpose the braking plate 7. Moreover, a hydraulic cylinder 4 having a clamp piston 5 freely movable between a clamp position at which the braking plate 7 is clamped and an unclamp position at which the clamp state is released is provided with the flame 3.

Abstract: A clamping device has a base body, a pressing body for pressing a workpiece and a rotationally operable rotary body, all of which are rotatable relative to each other about an axis. The pressing body can rotate between a first rotary position at which the pressing body does not face the workpiece and a second rotary position at which the pressing body faces the workpiece. The pressing body can move between a press releasing position and a pressing position while being at the second rotary position. When the rotary body is rotated from one rotary position to a middle rotary position, the pressing body rotates from the first rotary position to the second rotary position as the rotary body rotates. When the rotary body is rotated to another rotary position, the pressing body is moved from the press releasing position to the pressing position by a cam mechanism.

Abstract: Various models of engines and transmissions can be installed in an engine room model in a relatively easy manner. As a result, efficiency of inspecting the engine room is optimized by using the engine room model and various potential problems which may occur in a mass production of vehicles are discovered and can be prevented in advance.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a fixture and a method to assist in the alignment of the inlet end of a transition duct and a combustor component in a turbine engine. Among other things, the fixture can include a flange adapted for mounting to a combustor component, an elongated mandrel, and a plurality of radially extendable jaws. After mounting the fixture to a combustor component, the jaws can engage an inner peripheral surface of a transition so as to properly align the transition with a target axis of alignment. The fixture can be configured to measure the size of any shims needed at the base of the flexible support bracket. Further, the fixture can also include various gauges to validate the alignment of the inlet end of the transition.

Abstract: A scale for weighing objects in general and specifically bicycles is described. One embodiment of the scale comprises a body, a hook for suspending the item to be weighed, and an appendage extending from the body. The appendage is adapted to be firmly secured in a tube clamp of a typical bicycle repair stand to hold the scale while a bicycle or other objects are being weighed.

Abstract: A method of holding a dried honeycomb structure 8, which is a honeycomb structure after a drying process and before a firing process, when a ceramic honeycomb structure in which bulkheads forming a number of cells are disposed in the form of a honeycomb is manufactured with a manufacturing method including a extruding process, the drying process, and the firing process. A chuck 1 having a plurality of claws 10 is used and the plurality of claws 10 are allowed to come into contact with an outer periphery 89 of the dried honeycomb structure 8 so that the direction of the pressure F applied to the dried honeycomb structure 8 by the claws is substantially parallel with the bulkheads 81.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacture capable of manufacturing a repulsion magnetic circuit for a speaker with good production efficiency and in a stabilized manner and an apparatus for use in the manufacture. A position of abutment between first magnetic block circuit attached to lower jig (102) and second magnetic circuit block attached to upper jig (105) is detected by detection of a load current of servomotor (103). A pressing time for achieving adhesion is established by the number of pulses from encoder directly coupled with servomotor (103).

Abstract: A means and method for inserting drivers into a surgical stapling cartridge, including a pallet that holds the cartridge firmly. The pallet has a central slot and laterally positioned lip members that are biased toward the slot. The cartridge is positioned in the slot and the lip members are released to extend their lips over the lateral flanges on the cartridge, thereby holding the cartridge in position. A finger extends into a recess formed at one end of the cartridge, thereby positively positioning the cartridge in the slot. The cartridge is released for removal by a tongue inserted between the lip members, thereby separating them by displacement.

Abstract: A proximity sensing assembly for sensing the proximity of a metallic workpiece to a work holding device includes Hall-effect sensor. The magnetic field generated by the magnet is altered when a metallic workpiece is in close proximity to a magnet. Due to an offset relationship between the sensor and the poles of the magnet, the polarity detected by the Hall-effect sensor is analogous to a reversal when a metallic workpiece is proximate the magnet rather than simply detecting a change in strength. Thus the polarity detected by the Hall-effect sensor sends a clearly defined signal indicating the presence or absence of a workpiece in the work holding device.

Abstract: A method for reliable, safe removal of an electrical or electronic component or device mounted on a fragile or brittle circuit board substrate having opposed planar upper and lower surfaces, e.g., for performing testing such as failure analysis, comprises sequential steps of cutting the substrate transversely through its thickness to separate therefrom a segment comprising a first portion including the component or device and a second, adjoining portion; cutting the separated segment longitudinally along a plane parallel to the upper surface, the cutting extending beneath the entirety of the first portion; and cutting the substrate of the separated segment transversely through its thickness to separate the first portion including the component or device from the second portion.

Abstract: For removing and transporting several spaced, parallel wafers stored in a container, a gripping device is provided. The gripping device has a holding rake and several gripping heads which can be rotated with respect to the holding rake. In one swivel position, the gripping heads are moved through between the wafers and then swivelled into another swivel position. In this latter position, the gripping heads are brought to a stop against the edges of the wafers movement of the gripping device, and then the opposite edges of the wafer disks are brought to stop against the counterholder by displacement of the counterholder. All wafers contained in the container are thus simultaneously securely held and can be displaced out of the container. In order to then swivel the wafers, the holding rake which has slots for receiving the wafer edges is also stopped at the wafer edges, and the counterholder is then pushed back. The wafers are therefore securely swivelled.

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: A plastic pipe butt fusion machine has a base, a clamp on the base for securing a first length of plastic pipe, a second clamp mounted on the base for securing a second length of plastic pipe to be fusion welded to the first in axial end-to-end alignment, the second clamp being moveable relative to the base, a spring positioned between the second clamp and the base so that when the spring is tension loaded the second clamp is urged in the direction toward the first clamp to thereby resiliently urge the plastic pipes held by the first and second clamps into axial abutted relationship during fusion.

Abstract: A convertible ladder-clamp combination as disclosed which includes first and second sides each having upper and lower end portions and a plurality of rungs therebetween. Each upper end portion carries a clamping member between which an object can be clamped when the lower ends of the sides are moved apart. The sides are preferably selectively adjustably connected to each other at the upper portions to thereby vary the spatial relationship between the clamping members to effect clamping of different size objects. At least one of the clamping members may be mounted in a slidable biased relationship to the other of the clamping members to provide a yielding clamping force to an object clamped therebetween which is particularly advantageous when clamping fragile, brittle or like objects.