Abstract: A thermoforming system has a composite plate, a loading area in which the plate is placed, a heating area in which the plate is heated, a pressing area in which the plate is formed, and at least one mold which is located in the pressing area that applies heat and pressure to the plate so that the plate is formed. The system also includes a thermoforming area which is formed by the loading area, heating area, and the pressing area and consists of at least two different surfaces located opposite each other. A rail system is located on at least one surface in the thermoforming area and allows the plate to be conveyed within the thermoforming area.

Abstract: A cutting board for a hopper of a pellet grill, wherein the cutting board has a recessed area for removably attaching to the lid of the hopper. The cutting board may include magnetizable material countersunk to the recess area for magnetically attaching to the lid of the hopper. The cutting board may provide instructional indicia along the edges of the recessed area, wherein the instructional indicia is visible when the hopper lid is in an open condition.

Abstract: A device for clamping a piece of formwork includes a bar having an end for attachment to a body. The device includes a jaw mounted on the bar and for receiving the piece of formwork, the jaw being movable along the bar.

Abstract: An apparatus, having: a panel (100) comprising a top surface (102), a bottom surface (104), and a side surface (106) spanning the top and bottom surfaces; plural upper retaining slots (110), each upper retaining slot recessed into the panel through the top surface, extending parallel to the top surface, and opening through the side surface in at least one location (112), wherein each upper retaining slot comprises a trapezoidal shape; and a dog hole (122) extending through the panel from the top surface to the bottom surface.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a stepladder. The stepladder includes a ladder top having a plane having a front side and a rear side and a left side and a right side and a front side flange and a rear side flange and a left side flange and a right side flange. The stepladder includes a conduit holder slot for holding tubing, pipe and conduit. The conduit holder slot extends along the entire length of the top and in the right side and the left side. The conduit holder slot has a cross-section in the ladder top which is non-symmetrical. The stepladder includes a front section. The stepladder includes a rear section. A method for cutting a tube.

Abstract: A device for holding parts while coating a portion of the part includes a holder tool having a plurality of holes for receiving a part and a part holding mask size to mask a portion of a part and having an extension sized to fit in one of the plurality of holes for receiving a part. The part holding mask has a pair of masking halves sized to hold the portion of the part exposing the portion of the part to be coated.

Abstract: An efficient and economical cutting board used for chopping foods that puts multiple cutting boards at your fingertips, is easily stored, and helps prevent cross contamination of food is very useful in the kitchen. A versatile cutting board that has multiple cutting boards nested together, takes up no more space than the largest cutting board and when placed on the countertop the other cutting boards are hidden and not visible.

Abstract: A clamping unit for containers at container treatment machines where, apart from a vertically movable lifting arm with a centering support for clamping a container from above, a motor for driving the lifting arm and a pneumatic spring against the resistance of which the centering support is mounted at the lifting arm so as to be movable to the top are provided. The lifting arms may be set to a desired vertical position independently of the movement or the rotational position of an associated rotary machine, and a clamping force of the centering supports may be easily and flexibly adjusted by applying a suited pressure to the pneumatic spring.

Abstract: A cutting board includes a cutting portion for cutting material thereon. The cutting board also includes one or more extensions extending from the cutting portion. At least one of the one or more extensions is operable to identify a type of food to be used with the cutting board. Systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A magnetic worktable includes a worktable body and a plurality of magnetic devices disposed at a worktable body. Positions of the magnetic devices at the worktable body are variable. The magnetic devices are electrically connected to each other via a circuit, such that the magnetic devices can generate a magnetic attraction force when magnetized. The total area of the magnetic devices accounts for a small portion of the worktable body area, allowing a user to change the arrangement and quantity of the magnetic devices by modularization and according to the shape and processing method of a workpiece. Therefore, any workpieces can be fixed to the magnetic devices by magnetic attraction. Accordingly, the magnetic worktable incurs a low manufacturing cost and advantageously features high practicability.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved cutting board device. The device allows a user to prepare food on one side of the cutting board while the other is being cleaned. The device provides a user a quick and easy transition to a new, clean, cutting board work surface without the need to carry waste to a disposal bin, without having to stop to wash and dry the soiled surface of the cutting board.

Abstract: A method, process and apparatus for repairing and repainting vehicles and vehicle components, specifically auto body repair and vehicle body components. The method and process reduce vehicle painting preparation time and eliminate material and waste material in the repair and repainting process. The apparatus is directed a vehicle component support stand which simulates the mounting of the body components on a vehicle to reduce time and expenses in the component repair and replacement process.

Abstract: A generally square base serving tray is subdivided generally diagonally into three sections by partial-height walls and having partial-height support pads at opposite ends of the diagonal perpendicular to the sections, and an irregular oval or boat-shaped cutting and serving tray configured to nestle to the bottom of and within a center diagonal section of the base serving tray or alternatively rest elevated above the partial-height walls between a pair of partial-height support pads. The base serving tray and the nestled cutting tray each have lids permitting food to be stored therein. The nestled cutting tray lid is further designed to serve as an alternative flat cutting board with a juice groove defined by the lid closure lip. The unique geometry of the upper rim of the cutting tray, illustrated in an alternative four-member construction, accommodates melons of various sizes, and secures them against sliding or rolling during cutting.

Abstract: A clamping device for use with a golf club head. The clamping device may include a base and a holding device which is rotatably coupled to the base. The holding device may include at least first and second engagement portions. Each engagement portion is configured to at least partially accommodate an iron or wedge type golf club head, and prevent such club head from moving along a plane which is defined by the holding device. The clamping device may also include first and second clamp members which are each coupled to the base so as to be alignable with and operative to firmly seat corresponding golf club head within respective ones of the first and second engagement portions of the holding device.

Abstract: A fixture for selectably supporting a number of dissimilar workpieces. The fixture includes a frame with one or more rotatable workpiece tooling assemblies. Each workpiece tooling assembly has multiple faces to which is mounted workpiece support tooling. The workpiece support tooling may be designed to support dissimilar workpieces, such that a single fixture may support any of a given number of workpieces by simply rotating the workpiece tooling assembly or assemblies until the corresponding support tooling is properly positioned. A locking assembly may be provided to releasably secure each workpiece tooling assembly in the various support orientations that coincide with each of its faces.

Abstract: A rack apparatus used for retaining a workpiece having at least one threaded hole, includes a hanging frame, and at least one clamping assembly fixed on the hanging frame. Each clamping assembly includes a plurality of latching members and a plurality of connecting members detachably assembled on the latching members. Each connecting member includes a screw portion. At least one screw portion is engaged in a corresponding threaded hole of the workpiece.

Abstract: A device for holding a turbine engine blade for purposes of machining, the device including a support including at least one housing in which at least one block is removably mounted, the block including two jaws presenting an opening for mounting an airfoil of a blade. The block further includes six presser points for pressing against the airfoil, and a movable presser finger for pressing against a pressure side surface or a suction side surface of the blade, the finger being moved by an actuation mechanism such that in a blade clamping position, the presser finger presses the blade against the presser points of the block, which itself is pressed against the support.

Abstract: A method, process and apparatus for repairing and repainting vehicles and vehicle components, specifically auto body repair and vehicle body components. The method and process reduce vehicle painting preparation time and eliminate material and waste material in the repair and repainting process. The apparatus is directed a vehicle component support stand which simulates the mounting of the body components on a vehicle to reduce time and expenses in the component repair and replacement process.

Abstract: A device for holding parts while coating a portion of the part includes a holder tool having a plurality of holes for receiving a part and a part holding mask size to mask a portion of a part and having an extension sized to fit in one of the plurality of holes for receiving a part. The part holding mask has a pair of masking halves sized to hold the portion of the part exposing the portion of the part to be coated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two station positioner for positioning work pieces for mounting and working at the same time. A first arm positioner can be located in a mounting position for mounting a work piece on the first arm positioner, while the other arm positioner is located in a working position, where another work piece can be welded or machined. The first positioning arm, in the mounting position, is sufficiently low to allow workers to mount the work piece without the use of elevated platforms. A pedestal exchange platform can then be indexed to place the first positioning arm with the mounted piece in the working position and the other positioning arm in the mounting position. In this manner, workers can mount work pieces while other work pieces are being worked. In the working position, the positioning arm is rotated on a horizontal axis, which reduces programming complexity for robotic welders or machines.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a measurement object, particularly a formed sheet metal component of a vehicle body, in a reference position, comprises at least one carrier which holds the measurement object and has a carrier head that can be placed against the measurement object. The carrier comprises a plurality of carrier heads which can optionally be moved, relative to the rest of the carrier, into contact positions and the carrier heads can be pivoted about an axis.

Abstract: A support tooling for supporting at least one metal part that is to be subjected to heat treatment or shaped while hot, the tooling including: a stationary support structure presenting a determined shape that corresponds to the general shape of each metal part that is to be supported; first holder elements arranged on one side of each part; second holder elements arranged on the other side of each part; and at least one spring type resilient element placed between the support structure and each first or second holder element so as to hold the part throughout the duration of heat treatment. The support structure, the first and second holder elements and the resilient element(s) are made of thermostructural composite material.

Abstract: A vehicle body clamping device including a clamping linkage unit adapted for mounting to a conveyor carrier at a location beneath a vehicle body while said vehicle body is carried on a conveyor carrier. A clamping actuation assembly is located below the conveyor carriers and along their path of travel, and includes a pair of actuator units for operating the clamping linkage. Activation of a first actuator unit cause the clamping linkage to place a clamping bar thereof in an unclamped position, such that a vehicle body can be loaded to or removed from the conveyor carrier. Activation of the second actuator unit cause the clamping linkage to place the clamping bar in a clamped position, such that a vehicle body is securely clamped to the conveyor carrier.

Abstract: A method of forming a batch of uniformly shaped glass sheet objects is disclosed. A stack of glass sheets is placed in a frame and submerged in a coolant. A hole is drilled through the stack. The cores of the hole and any debris from the drilling process are swept away in the coolant and pumped through a filter. A pin is inserted into the hole and attached to the base. A head on the pin, or a washer, fixes the stack of glass to the base at the hole. An outer profile is then cut in the glass stack around the hole while the formed objects are held to a base of the frame by the pin. Again, any debris is swept away in the coolant. The uniformly shaped objects are removed from the frame and separated. The glass sheet objects are preferably usable as a substrate for a magnetic or magneto-optical (MO) data/information storage retrieval medium.

Abstract: For machining a workpiece the workpiece is fixed in a first gripping device of a machining device in order to make at least one element. Next the workpiece is transferred to the second gripping device of the machining device, where the workpiece is fixed by means of the element in the second gripping device of the machining device, while the first gripping device remains connected to the machining device. The element comprises a dovetail-shaped mounting element.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a securing device for plate-like work pieces, comprising a body member and an anchor member, the body member having a first end and a second end, the first end having an engagement portion, a biasing member to basis the body member laterally within a plurality of aligned openings in said work pieces and biasing the engagement portion past the openings, the engagement portion having an operative surface to engage an outer surface on a first outer work piece, the body member including a threadable portion, the anchor member being operable to engage an outer surface on a second outer work piece, the anchor member including a threaded member to engage the threadable portion, the threaded member be rotationally operational to draw the body member toward the anchor member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for holding a plurality of arrow shafts in alignment for applying a heat-shrinkable sleeve thereto. The apparatus includes a support and an arrow holding assembly for holding more than one arrow shaft relative to the support. An adjuster ring is moveable along the support to hold the sleeves in the desired positions on the shafts. The apparatus and method of this invention allows for consistent positioning of shrinkable sleeves around multiple arrow shafts and simultaneous shrinking of sleeves onto the multiple arrow shafts.

Abstract: A portable vise, particularly for use in supporting elongated member, provides a convenient design for safely cutting, drilling, welding, and painting. An elongated member is inserted through an aperture of a vise body. The vise rests upon the ground or other work surface such that one end of the elongated member is supported over the work surface while the other end of the elongated member rests upon the work surface.

Abstract: A method, process and apparatus for repairing and repainting vehicles and vehicle components, specifically auto body repair and vehicle body components. The method and process reduce vehicle painting preparation time and eliminate material and waste material in the repair and repainting process. The apparatus is directed a vehicle component support stand which simulates the mounting of the body components on a vehicle to reduce time and expenses in the component repair and replacement process.

Abstract: An exemplary manipulator includes a main body, a plurality of holding devices, and a supporting arm. The main body includes four connecting surfaces. The holding devices are connected to the connecting surfaces of the main body. The holding devices are configured to seize and release grasping members. Each of the grasping members defines four latching holes. The holding devices are capable of abutting inner surfaces of the latching holes. The supporting arm is fixed to the main body, and configured to rotate with the main body.

Abstract: A key clamping device includes a first key clamp, a second key clamp and a rotational device connected to the first and second key clamps. The rotational device may facilitate rotation of the first and second key clamps.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a securing device for plate-like work pieces, comprising a body member and an anchor member, the body member having a first end and a second end, the first end having an engagement portion, a biasing member to basis the body member laterally within a plurality of aligned openings in said work pieces and biasing the engagement portion past the openings, the engagement portion having an operative surface to engage an outer surface on a first outer work piece, the body member including a threadable portion, the anchor member being operable to engage an outer surface on a second outer work piece, the anchor member including a threaded member to engage the threadable portion, the threaded member be rotationally operational to draw the body member toward the anchor member.

Abstract: A holding structure associated with a lifting device for supporting a removed turbine engine cover plate assembly. The holding structure includes an upper support member and a lower support member. The upper support member is formed with a plurality of service areas, where each service area is configured for servicing a cover plate assembly. Each service area includes a plurality of slots extending inwardly from a peripheral edge of the upper support member to receive and support components of the cover plate assembly during a disassembly and service operation.

Abstract: For machining a workpiece the workpiece is fixed in a first gripping device of a machining device in order to make at least one element. Next the workpiece is transferred to the second gripping device of the machining device, where the workpiece is fixed by means of the element in the second gripping device of the machining device, while the first gripping device remains connected to the machining device. The element comprises a dovetail-shaped mounting element.

Abstract: A work holding device that secures a workpiece includes a first support column, a second support column, and a plurality of part fixturing anchors. The first support column and the second support column are coupled to one another forming a longitudinal loading envelope having a width-wise dimension, a height-wise dimension, and a length-wise dimension. At least one of the support columns includes a plurality of part fixturing recesses passing through the support column in the width-wise dimension and arranged within the height-wise dimension and the length-wise dimension of the longitudinal loading envelope. The part fixturing anchors extend through the support column at the part fixturing recesses into the longitudinal loading envelope and couple the workpiece to the first and second support columns.

Abstract: In a bench circular sawing machine as one example of a cutting machine, a vise assembly to be mounted to a guide fence includes a pressing part (e.g., an arm and a feed screw) configured to be capable of moving upward and downward and fixed at a desired height, in a position protrusively frontward of the guide fence, and a second pressing part (e.g., stopper plate) configured to be capable of moving along the guide surface upward and downward and fixed at a desired height. One of the pressing part and the second pressing part is selected for use in holding a workpiece down from above.

Abstract: The invention relates to a workpiece positioning device (1) comprising at least one positioning axis (35, 39) and a modular machine frame (3) on which at least one workpiece receiving element (8, 9) is arranged. At least one frame part (4, 5, 6, 7) comprises at least one frame module (15) provided, in turn, with a long carrier element (16) and at least one connection element (17, 18, 18?).

Abstract: A clamping system for clamping aerofoils. The clamping system has pivotally mounted engagement members that engage the aerofoil mounted on a pivotally mounted arm either side of the pivotal mounting. The arm can pivot as required relative to the item, to accommodate differences in shape in the item, while providing a substantially equal clamping force by both engagement members.

Abstract: A device for handling workpieces. The device has a magazine (12) for holding at least one workpiece, and a delivery location (10). The device is retainable in the magazine by a retainer (s) (43) in the delivery location and displaceable to a position in which the workpiece because of its shape releases the retainer (s) so that the workpiece is free for being removed from the magazine. The device may provide for easy handling of workpieces and may be manufactured cost effectively.

Abstract: A cutting board assembly including a primary cutting board and a secondary cutting board. The secondary cutting board is housed within a void space of the primary cutting board, providing the ability to use multiple cutting surfaces within one conveniently arranged cutting board.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a measurement object, particularly a formed sheet metal component of a vehicle body, in a reference position, comprises at least one carrier which holds the measurement object and has a carrier head that can be placed against the measurement object. The carrier comprises a plurality of carrier heads which can optionally be moved, relative to the rest of the carrier, into contact positions and the carrier heads can be pivoted about an axis.

Abstract: A motorized leveling stage capable of adjusting the angular position of a work piece relative to a reference plane includes an upper stage, a lower stage, and a hinge coupling corresponding edges of the two stages together for relative pivotal movement of the stages. A first spring pivotally biases the upper and lower stages toward each other about the axis of the hinge. A slide is disposed for sliding movement on an upper surface of the lower stage in a direction generally perpendicular to the hinge axis. The slide includes an upper surface defining an inclined plane disposed in sliding abutment with a lower surface of the upper stage such that movement of the slide toward and away from the hinge respectively raises and lowers the upper stage relative to the lower stage. A motorized drive assembly is operable to control movement of the slide relative to the hinge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for holding a plurality of arrow shafts in alignment for applying a heat-shrinkable sleeve thereto. The apparatus includes a support and an arrow holding assembly for holding more than one arrow shaft relative to the support. An adjuster ring is moveable along the support to hold the sleeves in the desired positions on the shafts. The apparatus and method of this invention allows for consistent positioning of shrinkable sleeves around multiple arrow shafts and simultaneous shrinking of sleeves onto the multiple arrow shafts.

Abstract: A panel platen for holding substrates such as PCBs has an automatic shimming mechanism to provide shims for panels of varying sizes and/or thicknesses. A platen includes a top surface, and a plurality of adjustable shims located below the top surface and around an edge of the platen, wherein the adjustable shims can be raised and lowered to a desired height to compensate for different sizes or thicknesses of substrates. A platen may include a top surface, a plurality of adjustable height pads located around an edge of the top surface, and a motorized control mechanism located below the top surface and configured to raise and lower the plurality of adjustable height pads. A method of automatically shimming different sized substrates on a platen includes providing a plurality of motorized shims under a top surface of the platen, and raising and lowering the motorized shims based on a size or thickness of a substrate.

Abstract: A portable vise, particularly for use in supporting elongated member, provides a convenient design for safely cutting, drilling, welding, and painting. An elongated member is inserted through an aperture of a vise body. The vise rests upon the ground or other work surface such that one end of the elongated member is supported over the work surface while the other end of the elongated member rests upon the work surface.

Abstract: A fixed carrier for machine tool parts includes a table frame and a table having a first face That can hold a first part to be machined, the first face being fixed above a machining device and the first part being stationary during the machining process. The table also has a second face for holding steady a second part to be machined.

Abstract: A clamping system for clamping aerofoils. The clamping system has pivotally mounted engagement members that engage the aerofoil mounted on a pivotally mounted arm either side of the pivotal mounting. The arm can pivot as required relative to the item, to accommodate differences in shape in the item, whilst providing a substantially equal clamping force by both engagement members.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a securing device for plate-like work pieces, comprising a body member and an anchor member, the body member having a first end and a second end, the first end having an engagement portion, a biasing member to basis the body member laterally within a plurality of aligned openings in said work pieces and biasing the engagement portion past the openings, the engagement portion having an operative surface to engage an outer surface on a first outer work piece, the body member including a threadable portion, the anchor member being operable to engage an outer surface on a second outer work piece, the anchor member including a threaded member to engage the threadable portion, the threaded member be rotationally operational to draw the body member toward the anchor member.

Abstract: An end-face heating apparatus of the present invention comprises: a heating tool that is placed almost in parallel with an end face of a honeycomb aggregated body in which a plurality of pillar-shaped honeycomb fired bodies are integrated with one another by interposing a sealing material paste layer formed on the side face of the honeycomb fired body; a heating tool translation device for translating said heating tool toward said honeycomb aggregated body; and a holding jig that holds said honeycomb aggregated body.

Abstract: A portable vise, particularly for use in supporting elongated member, provides a convenient design for safely cutting, drilling, welding, and painting. An elongated member is inserted through an aperture of a vise body. The vise rests upon the ground or other work surface such that one end of the elongated member is supported over the work surface while the other end of the elongated member rests upon the work surface.