Abstract: Positionable block assemblies are described. Example block assemblies include a block body with a tooth surface and a plate member with a tooth surface. The tooth surfaces of the plate member and the block body are engageable to interlock the plate member with the block body. Further, the block body is engageable with the plate member at multiple different positions to enable precise positioning of a positionable block assembly to achieve a variety of different working scenarios.

Abstract: A cargo component of a vehicle includes a panel, at least one ridge, and a plurality of measurement gradations. The ridge extends along the panel. The plurality of measurement gradations are formed in and along the ridge. In one form, the ridge extends in a longitudinal direction of the panel.

Abstract: A pipe jack includes an outer “C”-shaped frame that is provided with two (2) inwardly-shaped tabs on each end. The tabs engage a lower surface of a head on a conventional pipe jack stand. An interior cradle is driven downward onto a surface of a pipe via a rod connected by a swivel joint. The rod passes through a nut on top of the frame and terminates with a crank handle on top.

Abstract: An electronic device holder includes a base with at least three adjustable-position retaining posts extending upwardly from the base to permit an electronic device to be secured at a position above the base by the retaining posts. A test lead restraint assembly may be used to capture and thereby stabilize a test lead extending from the electronic device during testing of the electronic device.

Abstract: A gutter installation assembly for holding a gutter, a ferrule and a fastener proximate a roof edge includes a holder that may be positioned proximate the roof edge. A vertical portion of the holder may be gripped by a user. A U-shaped portion of the holder is coupled to the vertical portion of the holder. The U-shaped portion of the holder may position the ferrule and the fastener proximate the roof edge. A retainer is coupled to the U-shaped portion of the holder. The retainer may retain the fastener on the U-shaped portion of the holder. A horizontal portion of the holder is coupled to the vertical portion of the holder. The horizontal portion of the holder may support the gutter. The user drives the fastener into the roof edge so the fastener retains the gutter on the roof edge.

Abstract: An example apparatus for aligning a pressure tapping tool includes a base having an engagement portion. The engagement portion engages a component to limit relative movement between the base and the component. At least one guide mounts adjacent the base. Positioning a pressure tapping tool against the guide aligns the pressure tapping tool for pressure tapping the component. An example method of pressure tapping a component includes limiting relative movement between a fixture and a component and guiding a tool along a fixture when pressure tapping the component. The example may include guiding the tool along different portions of the fixture to pressure tap different portions of the component.

Abstract: A locator/fastener has a first outer member with a precision-machined external body portion, a retention head protruding from a first end, and a multi-diameter throughbore. A fastener, which may take the form of a cap screw, floats in the throughbore of the locator with the threaded portion protruding from a second end of the locator. A receiver has an internal precision-machined surface which contacts the precision-machined body portion of the locator and a threaded bore which receives the protruding fastener. By separating the locating and fastening functions, a quick connect disconnect device is created which does not bind or gall. A hangar system allows a sub-base plate to be attached to a base using the locator-fastener disclosed herein.

Abstract: A portable cradle device is provided and includes a cradle top section and a cradle bottom section, wherein the cradle top section includes a top portion base structure having a first component support structure and a second component support structure, and the cradle bottom section includes a cradle support structure extending downward from the cradle top portion, wherein a portion of the cradle top section is sized relative to the cradle bottom section to form a cradle lip such that when the portable cradle device is associated with a utility bucket, the cradle lip rests on the edge of the utility bucket cavity.

Abstract: A carrier for supporting a substrate during processing by a meniscus fowled by upper and lower proximity heads is described. The carrier includes a frame having an opening sized for receiving a substrate and a plurality of support pins for supporting the substrate within the opening. The opening is slightly larger than the substrate such that a gap exists between the substrate and the opening. Means for reducing a size and frequency of entrance and/or exit marks on substrates is provided, the means aiding and encouraging liquid from the meniscus to evacuate the gap. A method for reducing the size and frequency of entrance and exit marks is also provided.

Abstract: A positioning fixture assembly includes a support member, a first clamping member, and a second clamping member. The support member includes a substantially cylindrical connecting portion and a supporting portion. A number of receiving grooves are defined in the connecting portion. The supporting portion includes a first surface. The first clamping member defines a first receiving slot and includes a first mounting surface and a first resisting surface. At least one projection projects from the bottom surface of the receiving slot. The connecting portion is received in the first and second receiving slots and is clamped by the first and second clamping members. The at least one projection is selectively received in the receiving grooves so that an angle is defined between the first surface and the first mounting surface.

Abstract: A strip-shaped protrusion and a corresponding strip-shaped groove are respectively configured at a first holder and a second holder of an APR plate device, such that as an APR plate is clamped by the first holder and the second holder via their clamping surfaces, the strip-shaped protrusion and the strip-shaped groove further push and slightly deform the APR plate for enhancement of the clamping toward the APR plate, thereby preventing problems of buckling or tearing of the APR plate due to insufficient clamping force of the holders.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bearing cap is disclosed using a fixture that has a mandrel that is received in the bearing bore and clamps that engage the outer surface of the bearing caps. A pair of bolt shoulders of the bearing caps are machined and a bolt hole is drilled in each of the bolt shoulder portions. The bearing bores are subsequently machined with the bearing caps being located based upon the location of the bolt holes to form a plurality of finished bearing caps. A holding fixture is disclosed for machining bearing caps that have a generally semi-cylindrical bearing bore on an interior surface and bolt shoulders on opposite sides that are drilled to receive bolts. The holding fixture comprises a fixture frame to which a mandrel is attached that receives the bearing caps with the bearing bore centered relative to the mandrel. A plurality of clamps engage an exterior portion of the bearing caps to retain the bearing caps on the mandrel.

Abstract: A carrier for supporting a substrate during processing by a meniscus formed by upper and lower proximity heads is described. The carrier includes a frame having an opening sized for receiving a substrate and a plurality of support pins for supporting the substrate within the opening. The opening is slightly larger than the substrate such that a gap exists between the substrate and the opening. Means for reducing a size and frequency of entrance and/or exit marks on substrates is provided, the means aiding and encouraging liquid from the meniscus to evacuate the gap. A method for reducing the size and frequency of entrance and exit marks is also provided.

Abstract: A support method and system includes a main tubular member and, alternatively, an auxiliary tubular member positioned on and in substantially transverse relation to the main tubular member. A plurality of moveable base support members are located along one or more of the main tubular member and the auxiliary tubular member to selectively position the base support members on one or more of the main tubular member or the auxiliary tubular member to support the support system on a structure. A plurality of hook support members are located on and are selectively moveable along one or more of the main tubular member or the auxiliary tubular members to selectively position the hook support members on one or more of the main tubular member or the auxiliary tubular member to communicatively engage with a load associated with the structure.

Abstract: A spring-compression apparatus for facilitating maintenance of a strut assembly comprises a guide member, a carriage assembly, and a spring-channeling assembly. The guide member comprises a first member end and a second member end. The carriage assembly comprises a jack assembly and a slide assembly. The jack assembly is operable to otherwise displace the slide assembly along the guide member. The slide assembly comprises a locator assembly, which comprises a locator extension arm and a pivotable strut end interface. A strut spring is receivable in the spring channeling assembly as laterally engaged therewith. The strut end interface is engageable with a strut end for compressing the strut spring. The locator assembly further enables a user to remove a mounting nut from the interface-engaged end when the strut spring is compressed, thus enabling strut assembly disassembly.

Abstract: A tool is used to elevate and hold a garbage disposer against a sink fixture during removal and/or installation of a garbage disposer. The tool includes a flat base including a notch opening through a corner of a rectilinear base to allow an electric cord to pass around the tool. A flat load supporting platform includes a similar notch. A screw jack force applying mechanism allows the platform to be raised relative to the base. The tool works equally well with the base down or with the platform down so the user doesn't have to turn the tool over for it to work.

Abstract: A locator/fastener has a first outer member with a precision-machined external body portion, a retention head protruding from a first end, and a multi-diameter throughbore. A fastener, which may take the form of a cap screw, floats in the throughbore of the locator with the threaded portion protruding from a second end of the locator. A receiver has an internal precision-machined surface which contacts the precision-machined body portion of the locator and a threaded bore which receives the protruding fastener. By separating the locating and fastening functions, a quick connect disconnect device is created which does not bind or gall. A hangar system allows a sub-base plate to be attached to a base using the locator-fastener disclosed herein.

Abstract: A support brace includes a bottom section that has planar top and bottom surfaces. The bottom surface is seated on a ground surface, and the top surface abuts a bottom surface of a user foot. The bottom section has linear sides wherein one is diagonally offset from adjacent ones. A first wall extends upwardly from the bottom section. A second wall extends upwardly from the bottom section and has a longitudinal length registered perpendicularly to the first wall. The second wall has sloping top surfaces extending upwardly and away from the first wall that define a shoulder against which a wood plank is supported. A third wall abuts the bottom section and is spaced from the second wall for defining a passageway therebetween. The second wall has a lowest elevation defined above a highest elevation of the third wall.

Abstract: There are provided a base frame 12 positioned below a horizontal axis O; a pair of clamp units 14 positioned at the two ends above the base frame; a pair of support units 16 that horizontally support the long workpiece in two locations, and that are capable of moving vertically; and machining units 18 that are capable of machining the long workpiece. The two clamp units 14 are capable of moving from the outside toward the inside, which support the long workpiece in two locations, and rotate around the horizontal axis O in synchronization with each other.

Abstract: A new and improved pivotally angled V-block work holding instrument that embodies the varied uses of the present invention is herein introduced. It provides a holding device to enable the support of a workpiece for machine tooling comprised of a base block having a rectangular flat bottom surface, two upright inverted W's positioned laterally and symmetrically, and two pivoting panels attached between them at the apex of each point by a hexagonal screw. The general purpose of the pivoting heads is to enable independent adjustability of varying angles. This provides greater choice of applications for supporting a variety of angled objects.

Abstract: An apparatus for cylindrically grinding workpieces includes a first holding tool (10), a second holding tool (12), and a grinding wheel (14). The first holding tool is configured for positioning un-ground workpieces (18), and the first holding tool defines a plurality of first grooves (104) for containing the un-ground workpieces to be partially ground. The second holding tool is configured for positioning the partially ground workpieces, and the second holding tool defines a plurality of second groove (124) for containing the partially ground workpieces. The grinding wheel defines a plurality of grinding grooves (142) for grinding the workpieces.

Abstract: A manufacturing cell having a plurality of work stations, where at least one of the work station comprises a metalworking machine, and where at least one metalworking machine is provided with a modular tooling apparatus. The modular tooling apparatus consists of a base having one or more attachment surfaces, and one or more inserts that can be inserted semi-permanently to the attachment surfaces. The attachment surface is typically a pocket in the surface of the base. The insert has a workpiece support feature that can support and/or secure the workpiece into the proper position and orientation for machining. The base, pockets and inserts are configured to provide a characteristic location and orientation for the workpiece relative to the base, and to the metalworking machine.

Abstract: Articulated pipe jack clamps include a pair of laterally opposed L-shaped legs hinged at an upper end to a central threaded collar, each having an elongate upper portion and a shorter inwardly turned bottom portion engageable with the underside of a wide V-shaped cradle of a pipe jack. A threaded stem engaged in the collar has a handle at its top end and an inverted V-shaped head connected at its bottom end by a ball-and-socket connection. The clamp is placed vertically downward over a work piece supported in the pipe jack cradle such that its V-shaped head is engaged on the top of the work piece, and the bottom portion of each leg is disposed beneath the sides of the cradle, then the head is screwed down to raise and engage the bottom portion of the legs on the underside of the cradle to clamp the work piece in the pipe jack.

Abstract: A manufacturing cell having a plurality of work stations, where at least one of the work station comprises a metalworking machine, and where at least one metalworking machine is provided with a modular tooling apparatus. The modular tooling apparatus consists of a base having one or more attachment surfaces, and one or more inserts that can be inserted semi-permanently to the attachment surfaces. The attachment surface is typically a pocket in the surface of the base. The insert has a workpiece support feature that can support and/or secure the workpiece into the proper position and orientation for machining. The base, pockets and inserts are configured to provide a characteristic location and orientation for the workpiece relative to the base, and to the metalworking machine.

Abstract: A holder for an optical fiber ferrule end face grinding apparatus is provided which can grind an increased number of optical fiber ferrules simultaneously. The holder comprises a holder plate provided with a plurality of ferrule insertion holes, a seat extending to at least one insertion hole and having a first wall, and a second wall on a side of the insertion hole opposing the seat. A slidable holding member including a front face facing the second wall, and an inclined rear face is disposed on the seat. A depression member is mounted on the holder plate that presses downwardly on a rod member disposed on the inclined rear face. As the depression member is operated, the rod member is pressed downwardly along the first wall, and the holding member is pushed forward such that a ferrule is clamped between the front face and the second wall.

Abstract: A mower blade sharpener apparatus has an automatic reciprocating holder means to sharpen lawn mower blades conveniently with any stationary circular flat-faced grindstone with its driving motor affixed to a common base. A housing frame having open opposing sides contains a blade holder with upper and lower securing clamps and a V-shaped cradle. The housing frame is attached by a screw to a carriage automatically moved back and forth a limited distance on a pair of parallel rods to sharpen the lawn mower blade. The housing frame and carriage are driven by a pneumatic system designed with a reciprocating movement of approximately 4 inches in a cycle duration of approximately a second. An on/off pneumatic valve switch automatically shuts off the pneumatic pressure when a semicylindrical shield which covers the blade portion not being sharpened is rotated back away from the blade.

Abstract: A wafer support plate comprises a support surface on which a semiconductor wafer is supported, and a crystal orientation mark which indicates the crystal orientation of the semiconductor wafer. Even the semiconductor wafer thinned by grinding can be stably held on the support surface, and the crystal orientation can be recognized even when the outer periphery of the semiconductor wafer has chipped.

Abstract: A support frame assembly for supporting an engine in a vehicle engine compartment including a telescoping support beam supported by foot members which are adjustable to accommodate the configuration of the fender lips of the engine compartment. Adjustment of the support foot members relative to the horizontal cross beam may be effected in two degrees of motion by virtue of the connection mechanism of the foot member to the support beam.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to enhancing the accuracy with which tooth restorations are performed, including the manner by which a tooth is prepared and fit with a dental prosthetic, such as a crown or bridge. Further, the present invention is directed to reducing the skill-dependent tasks associated with tooth restoration, including root canals, while at the same time, improving the precision with which these procedures are performed and by aesthetics of the prosthetic. By improving the accuracy of restoration procedures, any need to repeat these procedures for a given patient can be eliminated and patient comfort can be improved. In addition, by improving the precision with which a prosthetic is prepared for attachment to the prepared tooth of a patient, and/or fit to patient, durability and longevity of the prosthetic are improved.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus is disclosed. The gripping apparatus includes a first finger including a plurality of first sawteeth along a first longitudinal end and a receiving area being located between adjacent sawteeth and a second finger including a plurality of complementary sawteeth juxtaposed from the first sawteeth. One of the first and second fingers is movable relative toward the other of the first and second fingers such that an object to be gripped is positioned in the receiving area by one of the plurality of complementary sawteeth. The object is releasably retained against the receiving area by the second finger. A method of gripping an object is also disclosed.

Abstract: A silicon carbide rail for use as a support in an apparatus for holding semiconductor wafers is made by forming a first series of parallel slots or grooves into the front side of a graphite plate usually without piercing the back side of the plate, converting the slotted graphite plate into a slotted silicon carbide plate, and forming a second series of parallel slots into the back side of the slotted silicon carbide plate such that each slot on the back side connects with a corresponding slot on the front side. The width of each back side slot is less than that of the corresponding front side slot, thereby forming rail teeth having a ledge running along their to top surfaces.

Abstract: A customizable nest plate for securely positioning a device to be nested. An alignment device may be used to position nest pins within one version of the nest plate. In another version, several tugboat stop blocks may be adjusted and secured against a nest plate having many threaded apertures in order to secure the device to be nested. In addition, adjustable ramps may be used to adjust the height of a device to be nested above the surface of the nest plate.

Abstract: A clamping stand having a workpiece tray that includes a planar surface that is adapted to be clamped in the tray. The planar surface includes two spaced-apart parallel surfaces joined together via a V-shaped channel. One of the surface includes a notch which is adapted to receive an arm of the clamping member to clamp the workpiece either in the V-shaped channel or on top of the planar surface.

Abstract: A two-part device for producing a toy wheel from cylindrical playing blocks composed of a hard foam, the device has a cutting device having a trough for insertion of a playing block and a guide for a separating tool extending at an angle to the trough, a joining device which has a circular-ring-shaped trough for insertion of playing block segments cut with the cutting device from the playing blocks, and a wheel shaft hole which is coaxial to the trough of the joining device for passing a wheel shaft.

Abstract: V-block apparatus for holding around object being worked on includes a base element which may be appropriately secured to a work bench or to a table of a drill press. The V-block includes a pair of angularly oriented sides or wings which define a trough for receiving a round object. At the juncture of the sides or wings is a bottom slot which may receive the tip of a drill after the round object has been drilled through to provide a pair of diametrically aligned holes. The V-block apparatus also includes friction enhancing elements to aid in holding the round object while the round object is being worked on.

Abstract: An apparatus for passively aligning first and second substrates having micro-components disposed thereon when the substrates do not include patterned surfaces which face each other. The apparatus includes a first depression which cooperates with an alignment sphere to mechanically engage a corresponding depression disposed on the front surface of the first substrate and a second depression which cooperates with a second alignment sphere to mechanically engage a corresponding depression disposed on the front surface of the second substrate. The first and second depression of the alignment apparatus and the alignment spheres cooperate to passively align micro-components disposed on each of the substrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a pipe fitting table used to temporally support a plurality of pipes being connected. More particularly, the present invention relates to providing welding, cutting and clamping devices on the pipe fitting table to assist an assembler in positioning and joining a plurality of pipes.

Abstract: A plurality of blocks are chained together in alignment over at least one rod, each with a recess for receiving a work piece between adjacent blocks. A second chain of holders may be employed to receive a different portion of the work pieces so the work pieces extend between the chains of blocks, forming a set of chains that may be presented as a unit before a cutting tool to make a cutting process efficient and uniform among work pieces. Further chains or sets of chains may be employed to hold a larger number of work pieces together. Chains of blocks are advanteously mounted on vise plates in plate holes spaced apart from centers of vertical and horizontal neighboring plate holes a same distance, d. Thus, two rods of a set of work piece holders may be positioned at preferred positions on the plate with recesses aligned vertically or horizontally.

Abstract: A displaceable X/Y coordinate measurement table having two orthogonally arranged measurement mirrors for interferometric position determination is described. The displaceable measurement table, a mirror body carrying the measurement mirrors, and the receptacle for the substrate are embodied as separate components. The mirror body has a number of support points on its upper side and lower side for supporting a substrate or a receptacle above the upper side and for supporting the mirror body on the lower points above the measurement table. The mirror geometry is therefore unaffected by the weight of various substrates. The two measurement mirrors are integrated into a one-piece mirror body made of a material having an extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion. The described embodiments have frame-shaped openings in the X/Y coordinate measurement table and mirror body, which makes the measurement table suitable for both reflected and transmitted applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holder for a semiconductor substrate including a main body which is provided with three or more projections by means of which the substrate can be held fixed in the holder. Two projections are fixedly connected, and a third projection present opposite the other two is movably connected to the main body. The third projection can be moved away from the other two and is urged towards the latter two by means. According to the invention, a lateral side of each projection facing towards the substrate to be inserted is provided with a convex recess whose geometry is such that exclusively the outermost edges of both the upper surface and the lower surface of the substrate to be inserted come into contact with the convex recess. A substrate, for example a round substrate, can be satisfactorily fastened in such a holder while still its entire surface area can be processed.

Abstract: A tube clamping assembly comprising a first portion having a base and a clamping device carried on the base, and a second portion having a base and a clamping device carried on the base. The first and second portions are coupled to each other such that the portions may be adjusted relative each other. In another embodiment, the invention is a tube clamping assembly comprising a base, and a first movable clamp arm and a first stationary clamp arm coupled to the base for gripping a cylindrical workpiece therebetween. The tube clamping assembly further comprises a second movable clamp arm and a second stationary clamp arm coupled to the base for gripping a cylindrical workpiece therebetween, wherein at least one of the stationary clamp arms is removably coupled to the base.

Abstract: A locking pliers for holding cylindrical elongate objects such as rods and tubing to a work surface. The locking pliers includes a pair of jaws pivotally coupled together. Each of the jaws has a jaw plate coupled thereto. A generally V-shaped clamping plate is coupled to a first of the jaw plates. An elongate bar is coupled to a second of the jaw plates.

Abstract: A device for forming two triangular glass knives from a glass square, such as for ultramicrotomy, has a rotary table and a holding device for receiving, aligning, and fixing the glass square to be broken positioned on the rotary table. The holding device has two opposingly arranged clamping jaws of U-shaped profile for holding the glass square therebetween arranged on the rotary table. The rotary table's axis of rotation is aligned with the center of the glass square held between the clamping jaws. A scoring and breaking device is positioned above the table alignable with the glass square.

Abstract: A magnetic clamp (20) for welding a magnetic object (504), includes a first magnetic member (22) and a second magnetic member (24). A hinge (26) connects magnetic members (22) and (24) so that an angle formed by magnetic members (22) and (24) may be changed. A spring loaded terminal (500) having a contact end (502) is disposed between first magnetic member (22) and second magnetic member (24). Magnetic clamp (20) may be attached to magnetic object (504) so that first magnetic member (22), second magnetic member (24), and contact end (502) all abut magnetic object (504). In a preferred embodiment, a removal tab (36) is connected to magnetic clamp (20) to assist in removing magnetic clamp (20) from magnetic object (504).

Abstract: A clamp and V-block apparatus for improving the use and structure of a V-block.

Abstract: A fixturing tool has an elongate body with a polygon cross section so as to define a plurality of sides. At least one annular groove extends around the circumference of the body thereby dividing each of the sides into a plurality of segments. At least one longitudinal groove extends across the plurality of segments which comprise one of the sides of the fixturing tool for retaining a work piece therein.

Abstract: An improvement in a reflow soldering apparatus for bonding a connector element such as flexible circuitry or a pin type input/output (I/O) connector to a printed circuit board (PCB) is disclosed wherein a fixture tray included in the apparatus automatically aligns or self levels itself with the heating bars, or thermodes, of the apparatus. The fixture tray includes a body for supporting the connector/PCB assembly and cylindrical rods extending from the body. The rods are rotatably supported in corresponding grooves on the surface of the fixture tray table. As a thermode is pressed onto the connector/PCB assembly, the fixture tray rotates about its axis of rotation until the work area is aligned with the thermode. In a sandwich type soldering application including a pair of thermodes for simultaneously soldering opposite sides of a connector/PCB assembly, the fixture tray rests on an upper plate of a tray table supported by resilient means such as springs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for machining a radius or diameter defined feature at locations on a workpiece that are not symmetrically with respect to the workpiece boundaries, wherein the method employs a simplified and precise set up process which assures exact feature location; and the apparatus for implementing the method employs a dual jawed adjustable workpiece holder formed as a highly versatile V-block device wherein the V-point may be precisely shifted in vernier increments along both X and Y axes responsive to user input controlled translations of one or both adjustable jaws along parallel axes. A baseline method employs determining first and second distances from a feature central axis and first and second boundary points on the workpiece , and then using a 90 degree technique to first adjust the workpiece holder in translation and then adjust an adjustable V-block jaw.

Abstract: A clamp (10) having at least one clamping assembly (11) comprising a base plate (17) and a pair of tension elements (14, 15), the base plate (17) including a pair of oblong holes (16) which converge towards a central line, each of the two tension elements (14, 15) being fully or partially curved at its peripheral face, the peripheral face being made of a skidproof “non-slip” material, a respective tension element (14, 15) being mounted in a respective one of the two oblong holes (16) and positioned such as its axis is substantially perpendicular Lo the base plate (17), the tension elements (14, 15) furthermore being arranged, such that the curved peripheral faces thereof are exactly opposed to each other, and the tension elements (14, 15) being slidable in their respective oblong holes (16) by means of a common slider (155), and wherein they are rotatably seated by means of ball bearings (20), such that they can freely rotate about their own longitudinal axis, wherein, on one hand, the distance be

Abstract: A gripper which is structurally simple and can reliably and quickly grip small articles of various different shapes. The gripper has a base including a fixed portion and a movable portion movable longitudinally toward and away from the fixed portion, a first gripper portion provided on the fixed portion, a second gripper portion provided on the movable portion, and a moving/fixing mechanism for gripping a small article of an indefinite shape by moving the second gripper portion toward the first gripper portion.