With Means To Fasten Holder To Support (e.g., Portable) Patents (Class 269/95)
  • Publication number: 20090057973
    Abstract: A portable clamp has a hinged, two piece arm that folds for storage within a hollow stem. A first arm hingedly connects to a second arm where each has a curved shell sized for gripping the frame of a bicycle. The first arm and second arm have cooperating holes to admit pins for securing the first arm to the second arm. Opposite the hinge, the second arm fits perpendicularly into the stem. A buckle secures a strap that passes around an object. In use, a cyclist releases the clamp from the stem. The cyclist places the strap around the upright object at a desirable height. The cyclist places the end of the strap in the buckle and cinches the strap. Using a pin, the cyclist secures the clamp within the stem. The cyclist places the arm around a bicycle frame member then secures a pin through the arm and into the stem. The bike is then supported at a convenient height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: JEREMY P. HENDERSON
  • Patent number: 7490882
    Abstract: A clamping device suitable for lifting and handling of sheet like-objects has a fixed jaw parallel to a movable jaw. The movable jaw is supported for reciprocating, linear movement towards and away from the fixed jaw responsive to a tensile actuating force. The movable jaw comprises a clamping plate inclined at an angle of about 8 to 12 degrees with respect to first and second clamping surfaces. The clamping plate maintains said angle during movement to and from the fixed jaw. A tensile force transmitting member is guided and supported at an upper location of the clamping plate that substantially aligns with or overhangs the second clamping surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Abaco Machines (Australasia) Pty, Ltd
    Inventors: Hoa Nhon Nguyen, Hau Nhon Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7484284
    Abstract: This device will allow a worker to safely, cleanly and most efficiently clean out a pipe or piping system, using high pressure fluid, probably water, that is directed through an opening and into the pipe. This device can be used on any piping system and may be adjusted so that it is secured to any device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: George W. Mason
  • Publication number: 20080277852
    Abstract: The present invention includes a fixture for securing a work piece to a support surface at a machining workstation comprising a base attachable to the support surface and having at least one undercut edge, and, a work piece holder engaging the at least one undercut edge of the base, spaced apart from the support surface, and having moveable work piece attaching jaws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: Kell Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Kellerson
  • Patent number: 7419148
    Abstract: A variable angle flexible band clamping corner for clamping work piece angles in desired locations to permit nailing, screwing, gluing, or otherwise joining the work pieces. The clamping corner consists of two pivotable contact pads, where the face of each contact pad extends on both sides of the face of the other contact pad. The contact pads can be either constant width fingers that bypass each other when pivoting, or a wide pad with thinner fingers extending from the pad, where the fingers interleave with each other. A corner formed by two work pieces positioned between the two contact pads remains aligned by the force of the face of each contact pad. The clamping corner includes a body that receives force and transmits the force to the contact pads which hold the work piece corner in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Lee Valley Tools, Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven K. Jones, Scott T. Roger
  • Patent number: 7389978
    Abstract: A jaw for a bar clamp and a method of using a bar clamp, the bar clamp including a trigger having a first force applying mechanism to apply a first force against the drive lever at a first point on the drive lever that is remote from the bar as the trigger pivots with respect to the main section to provide low mechanical advantage to the drive lever. The trigger also having a second force applying mechanism to apply a second force against the drive lever at a second point on the drive lever that is closer to the bar than the first point as the trigger pivots with respect to the main section to provide high mechanical advantage to the drive lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventors: Stephen Rowlay, Keith M Lombardi, Alisdair Cumming
  • Patent number: 7377048
    Abstract: The truss setting bracket has an elongated body member, a first cradle, and a second cradle. Each cradle is provided with a first and second finger that define a cradle face therebetween. The second cradle is designed to be secured, at ground level, to a truss that is to be set in place on top of a building structure. The first cradle is designed such that, as the truss is lifted into place by a crane, the second finger is used as a guide for spacing the current truss from the previously set truss. Each cradle allows successive trusses to temporarily held in place by the truss setting bracket until all the trusses have been set and they can be permanently nailed or tacked into place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Raymond E. Koetter
  • Patent number: 7377504
    Abstract: A foldable work piece support assembly (10) incorporating at least one rapid locking and quick release of article retaining means (26) for enabling rapid locking and quick release of articles required to be supported by the foldable support assembly/structure (1) the rapid locking and quick release article retaining means (26), including first and second clamp members (87, 79) providing first and second operationally co-operable clamping surfaces (81, 84) an elongate thrust member (60) supporting the second clamp member (79) for axial movement in a predetermined direction relative to the first clamp member (67) to enable variation of the separation between the clamping faces along said axial direction, a manually operable unidirectional drive means (89) for producing relative movement between the first and second clamp members (87, 79) to produce a required relative clamping, displacement between the first and second clamp members, means (95, 97, 98) for preventing movement of the thrust means (60) the revers
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Framex Concepts, Limited
    Inventor: Mik Houldsworth
  • Patent number: 7374158
    Abstract: The invention provides a multi-purpose reversible clamp comprising a threaded rod having a handle fixed at a first end, a lower jaw mounted on the threaded rod above the handle, the lower jaw including a female corner receiving portion facing away from the handle, wherein the uppermost portions of the female corner receiving portion include a plurality of flattened surfaces that share a common plane. The clamp also includes an upper jaw with a male corner portion on a first end and a flat surface on a second end. In a corner clamping configuration, the upper jaw is mounted on the threaded rod with the male corner portion facing the female corner receiving portion of the lower jaw. In a parallel clamping configuration, the upper jaw is mounted on the threaded rod with the flat surface facing the flattened points of the lower jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventor: Daniel M. Deming
  • Publication number: 20080105099
    Abstract: A portable jig for cutting a plurality of building materials quickly, uniformly and accurately, which may be quickly assembled and reassembled for easy transport and maintenance. The jig includes a platform, a deck, a deck fence, an optional platform fence, and two rails. The rails are removably and securably connectable to the fixed platform and passable through the deck, such that both rails are separated from each other. The deck fence is reversibly joinable to the deck. When the platform fence is included, the platform fence is reversibly joinable to the platform. While building materials are laid upon the jig for cutting, a cutting device, such as a circular saw blade, may be passed near and along either of the deck or platform fences to effect this cutting of one or both ends of the building materials. The jig further includes an optional support member for supporting the jig when it is being used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Michael John Backman
  • Patent number: 7306212
    Abstract: A ratchet clamp is proposed, said clamp comprising a first limb with a first handle member and a first jaw member; a second limb with a second handle member and a second jaw member; a pivotal bearing for the relative pivotal movement of the first limb and the second limb; and a ratchet mechanism for fixing relative pivotal positions of the first limb and the second limb; wherein the first jaw member is mounted on the first limb in displaceable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: BESSEY Tool GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Mark Cantin
  • Patent number: 7293501
    Abstract: A press includes an arm mechanism to input force transferred to upper and lower rollers by a worm unit. The worm unit occupies less space so that even if the size of the press is increased, the worm unit can be used without too much change. The handle is located on a top of the casing of the press and is formed together with the casing of the press. A suction mechanism is located on an underside of the base part of the casing and is controlled by a lever. A platform is independently connected to the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Chia Shun Lee
  • Patent number: 7213797
    Abstract: A deck board straightener is taught which is comprised of a main rod part connected to a handle at one end and a flat steel plate at the opposing end. The flat plate is comprised of two shoulders that consist of the bent edges of the flat plate but could also be shoulder elements separately attached to the flat plate. The shoulders can spaced at a fixed distance apart or be made adjustable to allow for use on a varying material thickness. A securing screw can be placed through one shoulder to provide additional material securing means. A pressure jaw is attached to the flat steel plate and a quick-grip mini bar clamp in a manner that also allows for rotating movement. When in use, the pressure jaw secures material such as a deck board against the flat plate and shoulders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventor: Garland Jerome Gaskins
  • Patent number: 7172184
    Abstract: A carrier for use in processing of a plurality of wafers or other substrates includes a support frame on which the wafers are mounted and in one embodiment at least one auxiliary frame for holding the substrates on the support frame. A plurality of clips extend from the auxiliary frame and engage the substrates in pressure engagement, and fasteners retain the auxiliary frame in position with respect to the support frame. In one embodiment two auxiliary frames can be employed for holding wafers on opposing surfaces of the support frame. The support frame has electrically non-conducting surfaces whereby the processing does not affect the support frame, and the auxiliary frame is made of electrically non-conductive material. The clips are electrically conductive and bridge current from the support frame to the wafers during plating operations. In another embodiment, auxiliary frame are not used and the wafer retention clips are mounted on the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Sunpower Corporation
    Inventors: Luca Pavani, Neil Kaminar, Pongsthorn Uralwong, Thomas Phu, Douglas H. Rose, Thomas Pass
  • Patent number: 7128313
    Abstract: A vise and base system is disclosed. The vise includes a stationary jaw, a frame with a frame perimeter wall and a moveable jaw, the stationary jaw being fixed to the frame, and the moveable jaw that is movable along the frame. The vise cooperates with a hollow base that includes a first recessed area that is adapted for mating with the frame perimeter wall and a second recessed area that is adapted for mating with the stationary jaw. The base also includes a base panel that is attached to the base perimeter wall and a layer of flexible high friction material that is attached to the base panel, such that the base can support the vise in a generally horizontal position and in a generally vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Larry E. Pliley
  • Patent number: 7108461
    Abstract: A clamping apparatus includes a clamp arm that is pivotable between a raised position and a lowered position, and a clamp spindle assembly that is adjustably positionable along the length of the arm. A magnet in the clamp spindle assembly magnetically engages the clamp arm with sufficient magnetic force to maintain the spindle assembly in a selected position as the clamp arm is moved between its raised and lowered positions, while allowing the position of the clamp spindle assembly to be manually adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Bill D. Colburn, Robert W. Allard, Robert D. Dixon
  • Patent number: 7100353
    Abstract: A portable disassembly tool is provided to disassemble a track link assembly from a machine by removing opposed track links from the track link assembly. The portable disassembly tool includes first and second members that are tightly secured to the track link to be removed by a plurality of fasteners. The second member has clearance holes therein to freely receive the ends of the associated track pin assemblies. A third member having spacer members extending therefrom is disposed adjacent to the second member with the spacer members extending into the respective clearance holes into contact with the ends of the track pin assemblies and secured to the second member by a second plurality of fasteners. By alternately tightening the plurality of fasteners, the track link is pulled from the associated track pin assemblies. During the removal of the track link, binding in any direction is overcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Roy L. Maguire
  • Patent number: 6957808
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a workpiece comprising first and second clamp members, a transportable elongate member to which the clamp members are mounted for being shifted between clamped and unclamped positions to allow a clamped workpiece to be transported, and a base having a base securing mechanism for securing the base to a work surface and an elongate member securing mechanism which allows the transportable elongate member to be connected in a fixed position relative to the base to keep the secured workpiece fixed relative to the work surface. With this configuration, the elongate member and clamp members may be used in conjunction with the base and/or removed from the base and used remotely thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: WMH Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Varzino, Mark R. Lytell
  • Patent number: 6955344
    Abstract: A system of tools and connector assemblies can be erected in numerous arrangements and configurations, in positive, selected interrelationships, for the mounting and support of a workpiece or the like. Engagement portions on the tools are clamped by the clamping blocks comprising a connector assembly; the tools may be C-clamps, bar-clamps, pipe-clamps, coupling devices, brackets, standoffs, and like implements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventors: Robert L. Brass, Steven W. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6951096
    Abstract: The present invention provides a portable machine for assembling a track for a track type work machine. A positioning block is provided for alignment of a pair of track pins that are to receive an outer track joint. A portable assembly tool having a pair of contact tools is adapted to receive a pair of outer track joints. The assembly tool is positioned over the positioning block and a hydraulic ram is extended to press each of the outer track links onto the track pins. The present invention is used with track assemblies that do not require master links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Roy L. Maguire, James A. Huenefeld, Darryl J. Brincks
  • Patent number: 6889968
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a general purpose clamping device. It comprises a straight shank with the lower end attached to a short cylindrical sleeve and a movable arm sliding over the shank. Feeding through the free end of the movable arm is a threaded rod with clamping pad and turning handle at the lower end and upper end respectively. The present invention is designed to hold a workpiece tightly, quickly and conveniently on the working surface of a table, workbench or machine tool. And the invention can be relocated easily over the workbench made of wood or metal, or over the working surface of a machine tool. Attachments are provided to enhance the functionality of the invention. A Y-axis attachment assembly is adapted to being slidably mounted on the straight shank to hold a second workpiece along an axis that is generally perpendicular to the vertical clamping direction of the multi-function clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Valtra, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry Wong
  • Patent number: 6877203
    Abstract: A method for regulating a device used for fixing aircraft airframe pieces in connection with assembly of airframe parts, where the device consists of a rig comprising a matrix of rails that can slide in such a way that a number of fixing elements attached to the rails can be positioned freely along three co-ordinates x, y, z in space within a given volume, where a manipulator grasps a fixing element after which the fixing element is moved by the manipulator to the given co-ordinate, and where the rails on which a fixing element is arranged is locked in relation to the rig by an automatic locking function initiated by the manipulator, thereby fixing the fixing element's position in space and the setting procedure is repeated for a predetermined number of fixing elements on the rig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Saab AB
    Inventors: Magnus Engström, Mats Karlsson, Roland Kvist
  • Patent number: 6763563
    Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a liquid cooled compressor stator bar bottle clip having a groove extending around an outer surface of the bottle clip is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the repair apparatus includes a first body portion that includes a plurality of threaded fastener openings in a first end section and a second end section of the first body portion, a second body portion that includes a plurality of threaded fastener openings in a first end section and a second end section of the second body portion, and a plurality of threaded fasteners extending through corresponding fastener openings in the first and second body portions. The fasteners connect the first and second body portions such that an elliptical opening is defined between the first and second body portions. The elliptical opening extends through the repair apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventor: Michael Allen Shanahan
  • Patent number: 6736252
    Abstract: A work holder is provided for a through hole examination apparatus that reduces the generation of scrubbed-off metal powder caused by abrasion during the movements, and has a high operability. Also, it is an object to provide a work holder for a through hole examination apparatus that can readily adjust the holder to be parallel at low costs. A work holder 18 is provided for a through hole examination apparatus, which retains a workpiece having through holes provided therein and transfers the same between a work replacement operation region and a through hole examination region. A roller movement device 50 is mounted on the holder main body to enable a rolling movement thereof, and the roller movement device is made to be height-adjustable such that the parallel degree of the holder is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Shirasaki
  • Patent number: 6729529
    Abstract: A system for providing cutting and orbitally welding thin-walled tubing. The system includes a plurality of clamping blocks that hold the tubing while the tubing is trimmed and orbitally welded. The system further includes at least one tooling plate to which the clamping blocks can be mounted such that the tubing is attached to the tooling plate and properly aligned for net length trimming. The system further includes a welding cassette for retaining the clamping blocks and properly aligning the tubing during orbital welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Paul J. Cecil, Roger G. Rae, Elton R. Rice
  • Patent number: 6722643
    Abstract: A multi-clamp is illustrated which operates in the manner of a traditional “c”-clamp, but which also operates cooperatively with a support such as a pipe or bar clamp to apply forces normal to otherwise difficult or impossible to reach large sheet materials. A pair of nested u-shaped members are coupled together with a threaded rod. A knob is used to actuate the threaded rod and provide motive force or actuation between the nested u-shaped members. Two alternative embodiments are also illustrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: William C. Kurtz
  • Patent number: 6691992
    Abstract: A tool for positioning and installing paneling sections, such as drywall sections, on underlying walls. The tool is initially secured to a wall, and comprises a vertical surface parallel to the wall and a downwardly angled surface. These surfaces, together with the wall, form a gap, which accommodates and temporarily holds a paneling section in place and therefore allows for easy installation and/or repositioning of the paneling. The downwardly angled surface forces the paneling section against the wall. The tool also may include a mounting surface with screw slots, these screw slots being capable of engaging and disengaging the screw to permit easy removal of the tool following use. A second angled surface may be positioned so as to guide the paneling into the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Timothy Mungo
  • Publication number: 20040004318
    Abstract: A suction-cup device has a cup-shaped support body having a cup opening and a hole. A suction diaphragm is positioned in the cup opening of the cup-shaped support body. A rod extends through the hole and is connected to the suction diaphragm. A clamp has first and second arms pivotally connected together at an articulation pin, the first and second arms each having a clamping jaw at one end and an actuating section at another end. The clamping jaws are biased toward each other. The clamp has a clamping member pivotally connected to the rod by a pivot pin which extends in a direction transverse to a direction of the articulation pin. The clamping member operatively contacts the cup-shaped support body and moves the rod and actuates the suction diaphragm when the clamping member is pivoted to a suction position. The clamping member moves the rod and releases the suction diaphragm when the clamping member is pivoted to a release suction position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Klemens Degen
  • Publication number: 20030090048
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a workpiece comprising first and second clamp members, a transportable elongate member to which the clamp members are mounted for being shifted between clamped and unclamped positions to allow a clamped workpiece to be transported, and a base having a base securing mechanism for securing the base to a work surface and an elongate member securing mechanism which allows the transportable elongate member to be connected in a fixed position relative to the base to keep the secured workpiece fixed relative to the work surface. With this configuration, the elongate member and clamp members may be used in conjunction with the base and/or removed from the base and used remotely thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: WMH Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Varzino, Mark R. Lytell
  • Publication number: 20030071405
    Abstract: A vacuum pump operated vacuum pad (35) is utilized as a vacuum base (22) for a workpiece clamping mechanism (11). In one embodiment, the clamping mechanism (11) is solidly connected to a rigid base plate (36) which is solidly affixed to the vacuum pad (35). In use, the vacuum pad (35) is vacuum bonded to a mounting surface (23), thereby rigidly but temporarily anchoring the clamping mechanism (11) in place so that objects may be secured therein and operated on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Christopher Alois Miksovsky
  • Patent number: 6547258
    Abstract: A chuck body has a first surface for fixing to a support body and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the second surface of the chuck body is provided with a pair of chuck members for chucking a workpiece and a guide rail for guiding an open and close operation of these chuck members. Further, a plurality of stationary holes for fixing the chuck body to the support body is formed at a position overlapping with the chuck members of the guide rail so as to communicate with the first surface, and each of the chuck members is provided with a work hole for inserting a screw into these stationary holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Jiro Mandokoro, Hiroshi Hanne
  • Patent number: 6427991
    Abstract: A non-contact holder including one or more chucks holds a planar workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer, particularly a thin wafer. Each chuck in the holder includes a cavity that opens to a surface adjacent to the workpiece. A tangential orifice introduces a tangential gas flow into the cavity to create a vortex having a central, low-pressure region. A central orifice directs a gas flow into the low-pressure region of the vortex. The combination of gas flows creates a more uniform vacuum attraction holding a workpiece in close proximity to the chuck. The gas exiting from the chuck provides a cushion that prevents contact between wafer and chuck. Small diameter chucks located close to each other help avoid distortion when processing very thin workpieces. In addition to equalizing pressure, the central gas flow increases the angular spread of gas exiting from each chuck and thus simplifies the design of a holder providing a gas flow that inhibits entry of contaminants between the holder and the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Tru-Si Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Sam Kao
  • Patent number: 6342138
    Abstract: An electroplating rack includes a cathode flight bar from which depends an insulated rack bar over an acid bath. A clamp is fixed to the rack bar, and has a bridge electrically connected to the flight bar through a conducting core inside the insulated rack bar. The clamp has a main body made of plastic, which includes a slot in which protrudes the bridge. An electrically conducting spring clip is installed in the slot, and is formed of two arms continuously biased into a spreaded, opened condition in the slot. A screw carried by the main body, when rotated in a first direction, can force the spring clip into a closed condition, in which it can hold an article to be electroplated between its two arms, and in which one of the spring clip arms is forced against the bridge member. Thus, electrical current can pass through the rack flight bar and conducting core, then through the bridge member, the spring clip and finally into the article to be electroplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: M & B Plating Racks Inc.
    Inventor: Howard Brown
  • Patent number: 6338477
    Abstract: Stackable dual adjustable vises allow more precise movement of a work piece with the vise in a stationary position. The vises comprise a base vise that is capable of mounting to a work station and has one or more separately adjustable jaws, and a work holding vise that has one or more separately adjustable jaws and is capable of being mounted to the base vise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Bitmoore Vise, an Oregon General Partnership
    Inventor: Richard A. Moore
  • Patent number: 6322064
    Abstract: A device for holding varying pieces of wood when cutting, for instance with a chain saw, comprising a frame (9), a pendulum (2) having spikes (4) and being pivotally mounted at an upper part (8) of the frame and a lower frame part having upwardly directed spikes (3). The pendulum (2) with its spikes (4) is arranged to assume steplessly varying positions in relation to the upwardly directed spikes (3) of the lower frame part. The freely pivoting pendulum (2) with its spikes (4) is arranged, by its own weight, to engage into and hold an inserted piece of wood within the range of pivotation of the pendulum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Nils Tallving
  • Patent number: 6305091
    Abstract: Double end and single end jig apparatus is disclosed having a channel and guide edges for marking window/door trim held in the channel, for subsequent miter cut of corners for mounting the trim around window/door opening, and a set back or margin between the window/door opening and the trim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Arvel D. Tegels
  • Patent number: 6286822
    Abstract: The devices and systems encompass the provision of a plurality of supports specially designed to closely support a work piece immediately adjacent the edge being worked, ground or polished. The top surfaces of the supports are machineable in place on the working table to insure that all are brought to exactly the same height to prevent adjacent supports from creating uneven support and adjacent shear forces. The top members of the supports are a hardened plastic which will not enable the work piece to displace downwardly but which will provide a vacuum downward force. The hardened plastic top of the edge hold down are machineable without losing the ability to act as a vacuum hold down. The shape of the hardened plastic top portions of the edge hold downs are complementary to each other and provide gently interlocking support and can be placed closely enough to eliminate the possibility of any significant amount of work piece area exposure which could produce shear forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: John Blick
  • Patent number: 6109600
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a workpiece, such as an automobile bumper, comprising a support base, a top frame attached thereto, a crossbar mounted to the top frame for supporting the workpiece and a stabilizing device for securing the workpiece to the apparatus. The top frame further comprises a central portion and a plurality of arms extending therefrom. The plurality of arms may further comprise a first pair of spaced apart arms each having a first end attached to the support base and a free second end opposite the first end. A crossbar is attached to each of the free second ends of the pair of spaced apart arms. The apparatus further includes a stabilizing device attached to the apparatus for stabilizing the workpiece positioned thereon. The apparatus may include an adjustment mechanism comprising a rod having spaced apart ends received within a pair of aligned bores, and a retainer positioned intermediate the ends for positioning the top frame in a plurality of user selectable orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Brian P. Yost
    Inventors: Brian P. Yost, Robert J. Budesa
  • Patent number: 6000688
    Abstract: A production V-block including four or more individually vertically adjustable V-blocks on a single ferromagnetic base for magnetically securing to a machine tool table, all of the V-blocks are ground to identical depths for simultaneous identical operations on several work pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph A. Giangrasso
  • Patent number: 5984292
    Abstract: An adjustable clamping device. A base or a channel is attached to either the top or side of a work table. The base has a threaded aperture for engaging one end of a threaded rod upon which several adjustable clamping bars are positioned. The clamping members are each movable to an adjusted clamping position on the threaded rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Louis J. Troha
  • Patent number: 5918868
    Abstract: A fixturing device, usable with various fixturing components as a universal modular fixturing system, has a slot and a shaft, the slot and the shaft intersecting and having a common plane of symmetry, the fixturing device having a plurality of transverse bores intersecting the slot and the shaft, perpendicular to the plane of symmetry. The fixturing device is used according to one or more of three clamping techniques. The first clamping technique is back-clamping in which a workpiece having a threaded recess is clamped by a bolt from the back of the slot. The second clamping technique is relocatable clamping in which a clamp support supporting a clamp clamping a workpiece is displaceable along the shaft. The third technique is lever-arm clamping in which a lever arm, pivotally mounted on a pin located in one of the transverse bores, is rotated to clamp a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Techcom Technical Computerized Fixturing Ltd.
    Inventor: Asher Bruchman
  • Patent number: 5915898
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adapter arm for coupling a fabrication tool or workpiece to the work table of a machine tool, the adapter arm comprising an elongated shaft having first and second ends, the first end being adapted to be removably connected to the work table, and a clamping device attached to the second end for releasably securing the tool or workpiece to the shaft, whereby movement of the work table is translated to the tool or workpiece through the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Dennis M. Pfister
  • Patent number: 5820116
    Abstract: A suction attachable retaining clamp for holding an object such as a molding or mounting bracket against a surface such as a windshield. The suction attachable retaining clamp includes a base member having a pair of attachment arms extending from it. Each attachment arm has a suction cup member attached to its extended end for attachment to the surface of a windshield. The suction attachable retaining clamp also has plunger member having a pair guide arms which are inserted into a guide arm bore in each of the attachment arms. The plunger member also has a plunger arm extending from it through a plunger bore in the base member. A clamping foot at the end of the plunger arm is designed for holding an object against the windshield surface. Also attached on the plunger member is a pull ring for pulling the clamping foot in a direction away from surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Robert W. Haese
  • Patent number: 5785304
    Abstract: A fly vise base assembly includes a base member for securing a fly vise, a resilient elastomeric gas impermeable suction pad and a movable lever for drawing the suction pad from a first position to a second position for a suction seal for securing the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Frank Little
  • Patent number: 5775679
    Abstract: Tying vise for an artificial fly. The tying vise has a clamp for attachment to a support and, connected to the clamp, a gripping jaw unit for gripping a fishhook, wherein the gripping jaw unit is connected to the clamp across an articulated arm equipped with joints on both ends, and wherein the joints are placed, respectively, on a leg of the clamp and on the gripping jaw unit in such a way that the clamp, articulated arm, and gripping jaw unit can be collapsed into a compact transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Michael Strub
  • Patent number: 5692739
    Abstract: A jig for releasably holding a modular jack having a base and a modular jack holder connected thereto. The base is structured for being placed upon a rest surface, such as a table top or a floor, wherein it provides a stable platform. The modular jack holder has a work surface and is provided with an L-shaped slot having a perpendicular slot component and a parallel slot component (the L-shaped slot component orientations being with respect to the work surface). The perpendicular slot component of the L-shaped slot opens at the work surface and has a first predetermined depth with respect thereto. The parallel slot component of the L-shaped slot communicates with the perpendicular slot component and extends a second predetermined distance spaced from, and parallel with respect to, the work surface. A front face of the modular jack holder is provided which extends from the base to the work surface, wherein both the parallel and perpendicular slot components of the L-shaped slot are open thereat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Dennis M. Pugh
  • Patent number: 5582397
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle
    Inventor: Herve Lanvin
  • Patent number: 5553837
    Abstract: A vacuum cell device for holding work pieces on a work table, and a system comprising a plurality of the vacuum cells as needed to hold a particular workpiece, is disclosed wherein the individual vacuum cells comprises a pair of vacuum units connected together by an adjustment mechanism which allows the axial spacing of the vacuum units to be adjusted to fix the cell in a desired cell height. A first vacuum unit includes a workpiece interface surrounding an open top vacuum chamber, and the second vacuum unit comprises a work surface interface surrounding an open top vacuum chamber. A sealing element is carried about the periphery of each interface to seal against the workpiece and work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: David A. Kahle
  • Patent number: 5421384
    Abstract: An unlimited width dovetailing system for holding a workpiece and guiding a router while cutting dovetails in an upper edge of the workpiece includes a base plate with a pair of blocks attached thereto, and a beam which rests on the base plate, abutting against the blocks. A dovetail template for a router is affixed to the beam, which can be turned end-for-end to expose either side of the template to the workpiece.An overhead clamping mechanism for holding the workpiece in a vertical plane against a front face of the beam includes a pair of bars each having a fixed jaw pivotally bearing against a respective one of said blocks and having an offset which extends over the workpiece's upper edge, a pair of movable jaws, one on each of the bars, an elongate clamping member extending between the jaws, and a pair of clamping screws, each passing through a threaded hole in its respective jaw and into said elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Alexander A. Nuwordu
  • Patent number: 5335900
    Abstract: A supporting holder for a model airplane or similar small device being worked on, The holder is adjustable in various directions so that the work piece can be turned over, turned at right angles to an original position and variously placed for easy manipulation. In at least one position, the holder is adjustable to set the model such as an airplane in a precise location so that the angle of incidence of the wing and of the tail surfaces can be accurately set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventor: Randall W. Bonde