Abstract: A workpiece clamping apparatus for securing a workpiece relative to a planar support surface has a first cam with an arcuate exterior surface thereon. A pin is disposed for rotationally mounting the first cam about an axis. A mounting member is associated with the planar support surface for receiving the pin. Additionally, an abutment plate is operatively associated with the first cam for releasable securing a workpiece relative to the planar support surface. The workpiece can also include a second cam, having an arcuate exterior surface operably attached to the pin. The mounting member has a plurality of spaced apertures arranged in rows on the planar support surface, wherein each of the apertures are dimensioned to receive the pin.

Abstract: An x-y-z motion jack unit is mounted on a base frame supported by precision made floor inserts at an assembly site. The inserts are precision positioned in the floor and each insert presents a horizontal support surface for the base frame and a vertical threaded bore receiving an anchoring pin provided by an anchoring unit mounted on the base frame. Multiple of the jack units can be integrated into a computerized adjustment system for positioning aircraft structural components during assembly.

Abstract: A workpiece clamping apparatus has a first cam with an arcuate exterior surface thereon. A pin is provided for rotationally mounting the cam about an axis to an anchoring member. An adjusting mechanism is provided for adjusting the position of the pin means with respect to the anchoring member.A second cam is operably attached to the pin and is mounted for rotation about the axis.An anchoring member is attached to the work surface.A track member is attached to the work surface and the bottom of the anchoring member is attached to the track member.

Abstract: A workpiece clamping apparatus for securing a workpiece relative to a planar support surface; wherein, the workpiece clamping apparatus includes an abutment plate having means for selectively positioning the abutment plate relative to the planar support surface; and, securing means operatively associated with the planar support surface for captively engaging the workpiece between the abutment plate and the securing means.

Abstract: A system for building, testing, and repairing gas turbine engines and for transporting gas turbine engines from one location to another includes a transporter and a build cell. The build cell is a frame structure supported by a plurality of pedestals for mounting the gas turbine engine thereon and is transportable by the transporter to allow assembly and disassembly of the gas turbine engine at any location. The transporter removes the gas turbine engine from either a build cell or another type of a structure at a first location and transports the gas turbine engine either with or without the build cell to a second location and loads the gas turbine engine onto either a build cell or a second structure.

Abstract: A workpiece holding system includes a connector for mounting a workpiece-holding pallet or upper plate to a workstation with the high degree of accuracy that is necessary for workpiece machining operations. The upper plate connects to the workstation via a pair oppositely directed, extendable/retractable connectors aligned along an axis of connection, with a total of four connectors and two spaced axes of connection, though three such connectors may also be used. At least one of the connectors includes a pin, an actuating knob and a wrap spring, thereby to permit extension and retraction along the respective axis by rotation of the actuating knob. The wrap spring interconnects the actuating knob to the pin in a slippable manner. The wrap spring acts as a torque limiting device during rotation of the knob to extend the pin into engagement with the upper plate, and it acts as a clutch during rotation of the knob to retract the pin from engagement with the pallet.

Abstract: A workpiece clamping apparatus for securing a workpiece relative to a planar support surface has a pair of saddle clamp members each provided with a plurality of threaded apertures. A mounting member associated with selected ones of the plurality of threaded apertures is provided for operably attaching saddle clamp members to the planar support surface in a variety of orientations. Each saddle clamp member can engage a portion of a bar clamp. Each saddle clamp member can also engage a portion of a length of pipe which can have pipe clamps thereon.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating a member that is attached to an object within a predetermined degree of positioning accuracy by fasteners that can selectively engage and disengage the object. The apparatus comprises at least one biasing member positioned between at least one portion of the member and the object to bias the member away from the object when the fasteners are disengaged from the object.

Abstract: Jigs usable in a method for manufacturing a joined ceramic structure having a plurality of tubes and perforated plates joined to both the end portions of these tubes which has the steps of inserting the tubes of sintered ceramics into through-holes of the perforated plates of unsintered ceramics having a plurality of the through-holes, thereby integrally joining both the members by the utilization of a difference between firing shrinkage ratios of both the members; the jigs having end portions which are inserted into jig fixation orifices beforehand formed through the perforated plates and which have an outer diameter slightly smaller than a diameter of the orifices, and stems having an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the jig fixation orifices, the end portions and the stems being constituted so as to be detachably combined at engagement portions where they are engaged with each other without mutual restriction, the jigs being integrally combined with the joined ceramic structure after the completi

Abstract: The invention relates to a support apparatus for holding an object such as a ski, snowboard, bicycle surfboard or the like. A support base is attached to a work surface. The support base supports the object. In one embodiment, a base supports a ski or snowboard such that the user has access to the bottom and the side surface of the ski.

Abstract: A workpiece clamping apparatus for securing a workpiece relative to a planar support surface including a pair of contoured block members, each provided with a plurality of slots and apertures and having a base provided with structure for operatively attaching the block members to the planar support surface. A bar clamp has structure for securing a workpiece and further has opposite ends wherein each end of the bar clamp is operably associated with one of the pair of block members. The plurality of slots and apertures are axially aligned in both the vertical and horizontal planes. Each slot is operatively associated with a selected one of the plurality of apertures and is further dimensioned to receive one of the ends of the bar clamp. The plurality of apertures further include at least one aperture formed in the base of each contoured block wherein the at least one aperture is provided with structure for operably connecting the block member to the planar support surface.

Abstract: A collapsible work bench apparatus (10) for use with clamps and conventional power tools and, including two pairs of support legs (20)(21)(22)(23) pivotally connected to two pairs of strut arms (30)(31)(32)(33); wherein each pair of strut arms is provided with mirror image table top portions (40)(41), including an apertured support surface (42) provided with inboard (45) and outboard (44) (44') channels that may be joined together to other work bench apparatus (10) in both end-to-end and side-to-side fashion by a locking clip (60) and a locking bar (70).

Abstract: For machining a part or a series of parts on a machine tool, it is proposed that said part be successively fixed in at least two different gripping modules (12a to 12e) mounted on a central unit (10) placed on the machining plate of the machine. The rapid assembly and disassembly of the modules with respect to the central unit is ensured by flanging jacks (42a,42c) actuated by a hydraulic control system (14) carried on the central unit. This system (14) also actuates control and locking jacks (34,40,64) ensuring the gripping of the parts on the modules (12a to 12e).

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

Abstract: A hand-held, chuck-type part holder provides holding means for a machine part. The hand-held part holder may be secondary holding means for a part which itself is then inserted into a primary machine clamp. The chuck uses standard replaceable collets which may be easily interchanged for different size parts. The collet is actuated by a rod which is moved in turn by an air cylinder which is supported by a handle. The part-gripping collet may be actuated by a tilt switch which provides the automatic clamping action of the collet as the operator turns the holder to the vertical position before inserting or removing a part from the end of the collet. Additionally, a fixture mounted to the bed of the processing machine may be used which guides the part holder into alignment with the primary clamp as it is inserted. The fixture includes pivot and slide means which both support and direct the movement of the part holder.

Abstract: A workholding system comprising dissimilar support members, each adapted to interchangeably operably support at least one vise-like clamping assembly in a plurality of workholding orientations relative to a support member. One support member arrangement can non-movably support a plurality of vise-like clamping assemblies relative to the support member. Another support member can indexably support a plurality of vise-like clamping assemblies such that they can be selectively indexed about a common axis.

Abstract: A clamping bench dog that provides a simple, economical clamp that may typically be used with conventional round dogs but is also usable with square or rectangular dogs, other clamping dogs and the hold-down described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,391. A section of round metal rod provides a clamp body or post that fits into a bench dog hole. A second, threaded rod passes through a threaded hole near the upper end of the post at an angle of approximately eighty-seven degrees (87.degree.) to the axis of the post. A rotatable foot is attached to one end of the threaded rod and can tilt up to about three degrees (3.degree.). A handle, knob or tangent on the other end of the threaded rod is utilized to rotate it, and a wire spring journaled in a longitudinal groove on the post assures that the post will remain fixed in bench top dog holes by pressing against the wall of the hole to increase the friction between the post and wall.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for positioning a workpiece on a burn table. The apparatus has a locator assembly which is moveable between a first position at which the locator is engageable with the workpiece and a second position at which the locator assembly is spaced from the workpiece.

Abstract: An adaptor member for mounting a column that operably supports at least two vise-like clamping assemblies in a predetermined orientation on a support surface of a milling table. The vise-like clamping assemblies include movable support members that protrude from a corresponding surface of the column and have removable jaw members attached thereto. The adaptor member is equipped with cavities adapted to receive therein the movable support members of a clamping assembly to enable the column to be supported on the adaptor member. Locating members are provided to locate a surface of the column member relative to the adaptor member in a predetermined confronting orientation. The column member is removably attached to the adaptor member using pins that are also used to removably attach the jaw members to their corresponding movable support members.

Abstract: An indexable workholding apparatus. The apparatus has a column member with at least one pair of workholding jaws operably attached thereto. The column member is rotatably and axially supported on a shaft member that is operably attached to an indexing assembly. The indexing assembly is constructed to axially displace the column along a longitudinal axis to a disengaged position upon the initial application of a rotary force to the shaft member. When in the disengaged position, the column can be selectively rotated about the axis by the further application of rotary force to the shaft member so that the column may be positioned in a predetermined angular position. A damping apparatus is attached to the shaft member and column for damping the return axial and rotary motion of the column and shaft member when the application of rotary force is discontinued.

Abstract: A workpiece locating unit is receivable in a T-slot formed in a workpiece supporting table member and provides a pin or other locating device cooperable with a locating feature on a workpiece to aid in accurately positioning the workpiece on the work supporting surface of the table member. The unit has four corners each providing an abutment surface for engagement with one or the other of two vertical slot surfaces. Two diagonally opposite ones of the abutment surfaces are rigid and the other two diagonally opposite ones of the abutment surfaces are resilient. The resilient abutment surfaces resiliently engage the two vertical surfaces of the slot and urge the unit about a vertical axis to hold the rigid abutment surfaces engaged with the vertical slot surfaces eliminating lateral looseness between the unit and the table member and providing accurate positioning of the locating device of the unit as the unit is moved from one position to another along the length of the slot.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for locating a work piece on a burn table. The apparatus has a locator which is moveable between a first position at which the locator is engageable with the work piece and a second position at which the locator assembly is spaced from the work piece.

Abstract: An indexing apparatus for indexing an article about an axis. The indexing apparatus is adapted to be removably attached to the article and is constructed to axially displace the article along the axis to a disengaged position upon the initial application of a rotary force to an indexing assembly housed within the indexing apparatus. When in the disengaged position, the article can be selectively rotated about the axis by the further application of rotary force to the indexing assembly so that the article may be positioned in a predetermined angular position. The indexing apparatus further includes a device for locking the article in a plurality of predetermined angular positions when the application of rotational force to the indexing assembly is discontinued.

Abstract: An adapter for use with clamping devices for clamping workpieces on perforated screen plates of machine tools. The adapter has a plurality of building block-like elements. One such element, a base plate, has at least two bores for fastening the base plate to the perforated screen plate. A T-groove in the base plate receives a transverse sliding element. A T-groove in the transverse sliding element receives a base of a longitudinal sliding element. A building block element rests on the base plate. A securing mechanism secures the building block-like elements with respect to each other.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus having a fixed post with a pad and a clamping jaw post with a threaded hole, through which a screw with a handle on one end and a pad on the other passes. The clamping apparatus may be used with rails so that on the bottom rail the fixed post is placed within one hole and the clamping jaw post placed within another hole such that a workpiece may be clamped between the two, and additionally a top rail with holes that the other ends of the fixed and clamping jaw post engage with may be added to prevent the workpiece from buckling when clamping pressure is applied by turning the screw.

Abstract: A positioning fixture which allows two or more parts to be positioned in proper spatial relationship to one another and then allows the parts which are clamped together to be repositioned while maintaining the spatial relationship between the parts. The positioning fixture has a flat working surface which is compatible with a variety of standard and custom clamping mechanisms for holding and positioning the parts to be welded. The working surface with the parts clamped to it is tiltable to a wide range of working positions. The tilting feature is provided by mounting the working surface on a locking ball joint which is operated by a foot pedal through a mechanical or pneumatic mechanism. The locking ball joint also provides electrical isolation between the work surface and the base of the positioning fixture which is important when using electrical welding methods.

Abstract: A modular model verification mounting system and method for building and verifying a production tooling verification model with a surface contour made of a workable material is disclosed. The mounting system can include at least one base member for supporting the production tooling verification model. The base member has a first uniform grid of apertures disposed in a first surface at a first predetermined distance from one another. At least one component member is provided for attaching to the base member in cooperation with the first grid of apertures. The component member has a second uniform grid of apertures formed in at least one second surface and disposed at a second predetermined distance from one another. At least one armature is connected to the component member in cooperation with the second grid of apertures. The armature member has at least one custom surface adapted to support the workable material.

Abstract: A work holder is provided which comprises a work surface having a pattern of apertures across its entire surface. The apertures allow a conventional clamp to secure any work piece to the work surface at any point on the surface. The apertures are circular in shape and of a dimension such that a conventional clamp will not slip from the board. Radially extended flutes are connected to the circular apertures to allow the clamps to be fully extended across a work piece and be essentially locked to the work surface. Half apertures at the edges of the work surface allow the work surfaces to interlock with one another. The interlocking half apertures in combination with their radial flutes allow the work surface to be set up in a wide variety of configurations.

Abstract: A modular welding fixture apparatus for positioning a workpiece. The fixture includes a base table having an array of openings through the surface and an array of locator mounting holes co-located in a spaced relationship with respect to the openings to accommodate at least one vertical end locator having a base plate that is removably mountable to the base table at preselected positions thereon, and the locator has means for locating and holding at least a portion of a workpiece. The fixture further includes at least one horizontal locator having a base plate that is removably mountable to the base table at preselected positions thereon, and the base plate having means for locating and holding at least a portion of a workpiece.An alternative embodiment includes a rotatable base plate and a rotatable front plate to allow greater flexibility in the positioning of workpieces at various angles with respect to the base table.

Abstract: In a positioning structure for a frame and brackets in a modular-type wiper device, a positioning protrusion provided on an assembly jig is passed thorough a first positioning hole provided in the frame of the device and fitted into a positioning recess provided in each of the device brackets so as to set the frame and the brackets in position with respect to the assembly jig, and a positioning protrusion provided on each of the brackets is passed through a second positioning hole provided in the frame so as to effect a relative positioning between the frame and each bracket.

Abstract: A carpenter's workbench is disclosed comprising a freestanding frame body (4) supported by four legs (6). A longitudinal channel (46) of T-shape profile and a V-shape groove (48) extend into a top surface (14) of the body (4) and are adapted to receive and render stationary lengths of lumber and tubular pipe, respectively, such that ends which overhang the workbench may be severed. Alternatively, a length of two by four inch wood may be situated horizontally and secured within an upper portion (50) of the channel (46) to provide a wood work surface if desired. Peripherally located surfaces (28, 36, 64) are provided having means (30, 32, 38, 62) for securing work tools to the workbench. Storage compartments (40, 42) are further provided to store hardware.

Abstract: A lap blank and holder assembly includes a lap blank having two spaced apart flat surfaces separated by a given thickness and formed from a material capable of compressing about a member inserted into it. The holder has a projection extending outwardly from a front face thereof and is inserted into the material making up the lap to secure it against rotational and shifting movement while being cut in a surfacing machine. This arrangement further allows the assembly to be placed as an assembly in a finishing machine for subsequent polishing of a cut lens surface in an off-axis polishing procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a fixture system for providing a fixture for the positioning and clamping of details to be assembled, preferably by welding. According to the method drawing information for the assembled product is provided in a computer program, a zero position on the product is established, an installation plan for the fixture to be built is provided by determining support positions in a system of coordinates, for the fixture relative to the product, based on the drawing information and starting from the zero position on the product, and the fixture is built up according to the established installation plan and from standard fixture components (1, 5, 7, 14) selectively interconnectable by means of hole systems (2, 6, 18, 15) extendable along the X-, Y- and/or Z-axes of the coordinate system.

Abstract: A piece of movable equipment is provided with a male docking bar (10) . An immovable piece of equipment is mounted to an immovable fixture which has a female docking bar (28). The female docking bar (28) has freedom to move in a first axis. The movable piece of equipment is brought into contact along a second, orthogonal axis to meet the immovable piece of equipment, at which point lugs (12) on the male docking bar mate with corresponding holes (30) on the female docking bar. The male locking bar can then be interlocked (16, 32) to the female docking bar. The movable piece of equipment can then further be moved along the first axis.

Abstract: The invention is a jig for holding and positioning a flexible hollow article while being connected to another flexible hollow article. The jig includes a platen having a bottom surface and a die having a top surface. When the die and platen are positioned proximate each other, a cavity is formed in the die and platen. The cavity is sized and configured to accept the hollow flexible. One of the platen or die have formed therein a passageway in fluid communication with the cavity, whereby a vacuum may be applied to the outside surface of the article while in the cavity, whereby the shape of the hollow article is maintained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for holding and positioning objects for a single diamond point turning operation. The objects which may include liquid phase epitaxy films are mounted on multiple platforms (10, 46). The platforms (10, 46) are securely connected to a base (20). The platforms (10, 46) are positioned, independently from one another, for elevation and orientation relative to the base (20) while the platforms (10, 46) are securely connected to the base (20).

Abstract: A table, particularly an orienting and welding table comprises a table plate having a surface provided with uniformly distributed cylindrical throughgoing openings arranged in a grid with a uniform distance therebetween.

Abstract: On a base plate with a matrix array of centering holes of a certain unit spacing, an intermediate plate or mounting element can be affixed which has longitudinal rows of centering holes of a center to center spacing which is one-half the unit spacing. A positioning element is mounted on the mounting element and has a pair of parallel positioning surfaces perpendicular to the mounting plane thereof, a countercentering hole located midway between these surfaces and another countercentering hole offset by one-quarter of the unit spacing corresponding to the offset between the holes of the rows of the mounting element whereby, by rotation of the positioning element through 180.degree. in its plane, small changes in the location of the positioning surfaces can be achieved.

Abstract: A mold used in producing printed wiring board is disclosed. The mold comprises upper dies and lower dies for sandwiching a printed wiring board therebetween, thereby performing drilling, punching or the like, one of said upper dies and lower dies having a press surface which is provided with concave or convex portions for absorbing steps caused by forming a printed wiring circuit on the printed wiring board.

Abstract: A woodworking bench and related fixtures providing an integrated system of bench features, vises, dogs, panel clamps, hold-downs and fixtures that cooperate to provide a highly flexible workpiece holding and clamping apparatus able to accommodate a wide variety of shapes and sizes of workpieces and hold such workpieces in an enormous variety of positions during numerous different operations. Two substantial slabs provide the bench top surface and carry a rectilinear pattern (in rows and files) of round, vertical bench dog holes. The rectilinear pattern of round bench dog holes with specific, equal spacing between holes, and similar holes in the edge of the top, facilitate great flexibility in clamping using conventional round dogs in the bench top holes and corresponding dogs in bench edge-mounted, or end-mounted vises. Such holes also accommodate other clamping, fixing and hold-down fixtures that contribute to flexibility and utility.

Abstract: Damage to the pins and ceramic body of pin grid array type semiconductor device assemblies is avoided by providing ceramic bushings in the pin-receiving holes of a boat transport. The bushings elevate the package body above the platform surface of the boat, and also alleviate problems associated with unequal thermal expansion of the metal boat and the ceramic package. In an alternate embodiment, a ceramic insert formed as a square ring encompassing an area roughly equivalent to the area of the package body is provided with holes for receiving the pins, and the boat transport has a cavity for receiving and retaining the ceramic insert.

Abstract: A lap blank and holder assembly includes a lap blank having two spaced apart flat surfaces separated by a given thickness and formed from a material capable of compressing about a member inserted into it. The holder has a projection extending outwardly from a front face thereof and is inserted into the material making up the lap to secure it against rotational and shifting movement while being cut in a surfacing machine. This arrangement further allows the assembly to be placed as an assembly in a finishing machine for subsequent polishing of a cut lens surface in a polishing procedure.

Abstract: A worktable and particularly a worktable and viceclamp of general utility for accomplishing a variety of tasks such as repair and service of equipment and tools.

Abstract: A fixturing system for mounting engine blocks on a dual-axis table with T-ways in preparation for machining has two rear support units, a front support unit, and a front screw jack unit, on which the engine block is mounted. These units are adjustably clamped to the table by T-nuts. The two rear support units provide an adjustable vertical stem having an enlarged tapered head for engaging a rear portion of the engine block. The front of the engine block is engaged by the head of a clamping screw mounted on an adjustable bracket clamped against a slide block in turn clamped to the table.

Abstract: A clamping element (4) for the clamping of workpieces on a clamping surface (1b) with receiving recesses distributed over its surface in accordance with a predetermined division (Ra) has on its clamping body at least two attachment openings (9) spaced from each other by the division spacing (a) and at least two clamping holes (10) which are in each case distributed along at least one circle around a longitudinal axis (8) of the clamping element (4) in order to achieve high reproducibility with a great variety of possible uses.

Abstract: A novel combination unit of a novel receptacle and a novel mount is provided herein. The novel mount includes a base for securement to a selected surface. The base includes a support arm (e.g. which is centrally located) projecting from the base. Co-operative gripping means, e.g. laterally-spaced-apart members, are provided, as well as an upper, pivotally mounted, resiliently-sprung, e.g. spring biased closure. Alternately, a fixed angular closure surface fitted with a resilient closure block may be provided. The receptacle is provided with an internal pocket which is adapted to mate with the support arm, e.g. a central pocket. It is also co-operative grippable, e.g. laterally-spaced grippable depressions. A dispensing opening in the receptacle is adapted to be sealed automatically upon fitment of the receptacle with respect to the mount by actuated pivoting of the closure with respect to the mount or by contact with the fixed angularly-upwardly-projecting closure surface.

Abstract: A workbench including a work top which is supported by a base. The base includes a plurality of attachment points of which various implements such as clamps, brackets and other accesories are removably mountable such that they are secured to the workbench without requiring attachment to the work top, thereby enabling the work top to remain unmarred, imperforate and in good working condition. The plurality of attachment points allow the implements to be mounted to the base in various positions as desired.

Abstract: An improved fold-down tailgate for use on a truck-like vehicle is disclosed. The tailgate of the present invention employs a slotted work surface which permits the ready attachment of various construction implements, such as cargo ramps, extended work surfaces, and a wide variety of vises, clamps and tie-down devices. The tailgate provides improved functionality while maximizing the amount of cargo space in the vehicle.

Abstract: A tool which is adapted to orient a work piece for machining. A first embodiment of the tool is adapted to be removably mounted on the fixed jaw of a pair of relatively shiftable jaws of a machine vise. The tool has an arm pivotally mounted thereon, and the arm has a surface for supporting and orienting a work piece relative to the jaws. A curved slot in the tool for receiving a locking device carried by the arm, whereby the arm can be moved into any one of a plurality of infinitely variable positions with the aid of a protractor to support a work piece when the work piece is between the jaws. Holes formed into the arm receive a pin for supporting the work piece. Other embodiments are a tool for orienting the compound of a lathe.

Abstract: A device for fixing a work in position on a base having a protrusion and a hole formed adjacent the protrusion for mounting the device. The device includes a rotational member mountable in the hole of the base and rotatable around the axis of the hole. The rotational member has a shank insertable into the hole and a head disposed on an upper end of the shank. The head is provided with a lateral surface for pressing the work against the protrusion. The distance from the rotational axis of the rotational member to the lateral surface is varied in a circumferential direction of the head. The rotational member further includes a first engaging portion for engagement with a tool for rotating the rotational member. A threaded hole is formed to extend from the head to the shank along the rotational axis of the rotational member. A screw member is threadably engaged with the threaded hole of the rotational member and has a second engaging portion for engagement with another tool for rotating the screw member.