Abstract: An arrangement for clamping raw materials in a machine tool for machining elongated workpieces is provided. The arrangement comprises a supporting plate with at least one thoroughgoing opening and at least one clamping device arranged in front of one of the openings. The clamping device has a pair of clamping rings that drive pairs of jaws. When a pair of clamping devices are utilized, the first clamping device may be used primarily for the clamping of profiles, while the second clamping device is designated for round bodies.

Abstract: There is provided a locator device and an associated fixture and method for supporting a rotatable member. The locator device has a base and a plurality of flanges extending from the base in an axial direction and arranged circumferentially to define an aperture for at least partially receiving the rotatable member axially. The flanges defining slots for receiving radial portions of the rotatable member with the radial portions extending radially outward from the flanges. Thus, the locator device can support boreless rotatable members so that a tool can be supported against the radial portions of the rotatable member to thereby form the rotatable member to predetermined dimensions.

Abstract: A tool clamping device for a tool having a shaft which is accurate to size and which can be inserted into the receiving bore of a tool support, is provided with a clamping device which can be screwed on a screw thread of the tool support while the tool has a ring, which is arranged radially protruding in a clamping area. The ring extends in the circumferential direction and, with the shaft of the tool inserted into the receiving bore, the clamping device is axially supported against the ring (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A chuck assembly includes a housing formed with an hydraulic fluid inlet, a sleeve mounted in the housing and formed with an annular groove, a shaft mounted rotatably in the sleeve and formed with a first fluid passage, a chuck unit mounted in the shaft, a piston subdividing a chamber between the chuck unit and the shaft into first and second compartments, and an annular elastic sealing member disposed in the annular groove and formed with a second fluid passage for passage of a hydraulic fluid from a supply through the hydraulic fluid inlet and the first fluid passage to the first compartment.

Abstract: A saw blade clamping arrangement for a power tool includes a clamp support, a biasing member and an actuation member. The clamp support is interconnected with the drive shaft for reciprocating motion with the drive shaft relative to a housing of the power tool. The clamp support is configured to selectively receive a saw blade of the power tool in various orientations. A release lever is carried by the housing and is manually rotated to move a control member between a first position in which the saw blade is coupled to the drive shaft and a second position in which the saw blade may be displaced from the drive shaft. In at least one of the orientations, the saw blade is positioned offset from the drive shaft and proximate one of the side walls of the tool housing to allow for flush cutting of a work piece.

Abstract: A clamping device for releasibly fixing one first machine part containing a cone-shape drilled shank to a second machine part containing a female bore. The clamping device comprises an axially movable clamping sleeve inside the second machine part and several clamping claws assigned to the clamping sleeve that are radially movable through axial movement of the clamping sleeve and that have a clamping surface so as to position the clamping claws against a cone-shaped inner surface of the cone-shaped drilled shank. In order to create an easily mountable and inexpensive additional fixing mechanism by means of which the first machine part can be secured in a simple and reliable manner even if the clamping elements have been released, a split taper socket with radially resilient clamping segments is disposed in the second machine part, enabling frictionally engaged fixing of the first machine part.

Abstract: A drill has a drive unit having a spindle rotatable about an axis and having an axially forwardly directed front end formed centered on the axis with an axially forwardly open polygonal-section socket dimensioned to fit with a standard-size bit shank, a chuck body mounted on the spindle, rotatable about the axis at the front end, and having an axially forwardly open tool recess, and a plurality of jaws displaceable in the body to grip a bit in the recess.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing an automobile wheel is provided. The apparatus includes a rotatable center shaft assembly. An anchor anchors a wheel to the center shaft assembly. The center shaft assembly being rotatable so that anchoring the wheel rotates the wheel with the anchor. A centering device is disposed about the center shaft assembly between the center shaft assembly and the wheel for centering the wheel about the center shaft assembly.

Abstract: A chuck includes a driver disposed on a chuck body and in engagement with the jaws so that at least one of rotation and axial movement of the driver with respect to the body opens or closes the jaws. A first detent is disposed in the body in communication with the jaws. At least one of the jaws defines a catch at a predetermined position so that the catch engages the first detent when the jaws are at a predetermined position on the body with respect to a chuck bore.

Abstract: A chuck includes a generally cylindrical body and a plurality of jaws reciprocally disposed in the body in communication with a central bore in the body. A first detent extends radially into the central bore and is releasable in a radially outward direction. Upon insertion of an elongated tool shaft having a polygonal cross section into the bore so that a groove in the tool shaft is aligned with the first detent, the first detent engages the groove and axially retains the tool shaft. Upon movement of the jaws so that the jaw faces engage flat sides of the tool shaft, the jaws rotationally retain the tool shaft.

Abstract: A chuck unit for automatic machine tools perform both power tasks and high speed finishing of pieces with lubricant/coolant fluid flowing through a chuck shaft. The chuck unit includes a support on which a first chuck for a tool is mounted and driven by a motor. A second chuck is mounted inside the first chuck and is driven by the same or a second independent motor. A set of springs acts against a shaft with an attached gripper, to close the gripper in order to clamp the tool. The unit can therefore receive different types of tools and perform different tasks, eliminating the need to use different machines for different tasks. The pull of the power tool on upstream mechanical parts is discharged against the support structure of the first chuck.

Abstract: A chuck unit for automatic machine tools perform both power tasks and high speed finishing of pieces with lubricant/coolant fluid flowing through a chuck shaft. The chuck unit includes a support on which a first chuck for a tool is mounted and driven by a motor. A second chuck is mounted inside the first chuck and is driven by the same or a second independent motor. A set of springs acts against a shaft with an attached gripper, to close the gripper in order to clamp the tool. The unit can therefore receive different types of tools and perform different tasks, eliminating the need to use different machines for different tasks. The pull of the power tool on upstream mechanical parts is discharged against the support structure of the first chuck.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of passages in a fixture has a piston movable therein and cooperating with a collet therein to simultaneously move each collet to its workpiece retaining position and to release each collet from its workpiece retaining position. A recess in the bottom of the fixture supports a locking nut for each passage. Each locking nut has a circular passage extending therethrough to receive an end of the collet having threads on its outer surface. The circular passage has threads of the same pitch but the threads have an interrupted portion in the circumferential and axial directions. The locking nut has a first portion movable relative to a second portion to take up the pitch clearance in the threads on the collet due to the interrupted portion of threads in the circular passage to prevent rotation of the collet prior to the piston moving the collet to its workpiece retaining position.

Abstract: A drill chuck has a body formed with an axially forwardly open tool recess and holding a plurality of tool-gripping jaws. A socket formed with an axially forwardly open polygonal-section seat is nonrotatable in a seat of the chuck body and axially displaceable in the chuck body into and out of a tool-releasing position. A latch is radially displaceable in the socket in the tool-releasing position of the socket between an inner retaining position projecting radially into the seat and an outer freeing position clear of the seat and projecting radially into the pocket. The latch is aligned radially with the pocket only in the tool-releasing position. The chuck body engages the latch and forces it into the inner retaining position.

Abstract: A chuck for use with a manual or powered driver having a drive shaft, the chuck including a body having a nose section and a tail section, the tail section configured to rotate with a drive shaft of a driver and the nose section having an axial bore formed therein, plurality of jaws disposed within the body in communication with the bore, each of the jaws having a jaw face formed thereon for engagement with a tool shaft, and a visual indicator disposed on the body and including a surface on which is defined a visual indicia that is in operative communication with the jaws so that movement of the jaws to a predetermined position with respect to the bore exposes the indicia to view from outside the chuck and so that movement of the jaws from the predetermined position blocks the indicia from view from outside the chuck.

Abstract: A chuck includes a driver disposed on a chuck body and in engagement with the jaws so that at least one of rotation and axial movement of the driver with respect to the body opens or closes the jaws. A first detent is disposed in the body in communication with the jaws. At least one of the jaws defines a catch at a predetermined position so that the catch engages the first detent when the jaws are at a predetermined position on the body with respect to a chuck bore.

Abstract: In a finishing apparatus, a plurality of works are retained at distances from each other in a direction of an X-axis. A single spindle is disposed on a table movable in the direction of the X-axis, the spindle has an axis parallel to an axis of each of bores to be finished, and is capable of being advanced and retracted axially. A measuring device is provided that measures an inside diameter of each finished bore and which is advanced and retracted independently from the spindle in a direction along the axis of each finished bore. A combination tool is mounted at a tip end of the spindle and finishes an inner surface of any of the bores to be finished, even if the position of insertion of the combination tool into each of the bores is changed.

Abstract: A chuck grips the housing of a hub assembly to hold it fast and further engages a hub spindle that is within the housing and rotates the spindle on a bearing that is between it and the housing so that a flange on the hub may be machined with precision. The chuck includes a fixed base that carries jaws which clamp down on the housing to firmly hold the housing. It also includes a rotatable base and an arbor carried by the rotatable base and engaged with the spindle of the hub to impart the rotation of the hub. The arbor can shift radially with respect to the rotating base to accommodate misalignment between the axes of rotation for the hub and the rotating base. A bearing lies between the arbor and rotating base to resist an axially directed force applied to the arbor to expand it in the hub spindle.

Abstract: A clamping module has a retractable drawbar and pivoting expansion members. The expansion members are pivotable from a first position having an effective diameter which is less than the minimum diameter of the workpiece hole through which the drawbar and expansion members are extended and a second position engaging the workpiece so as to transmit an axial force from the drawbar through the expansion members to the workpiece sufficient to secure the workpiece.

Abstract: A chuck includes a driver disposed on a chuck body and in engagement with the jaws so that at least one of rotation and axial movement of the driver with respect to the body opens or closes the jaws. A first detent is disposed in the body in communication with the jaws. At least one of the jaws defines a catch at a predetermined position so that the catch engages the first detent when the jaws are at a predetermined position on the body with respect to a chuck bore.

Abstract: A tool or workpiece having a mounting collar centered on an axis and for internally with an axially directed shoulder is mounted on a bolder having a drive sleeve also centered on an axis and fitted coaxially over the collar and a plurality of angularly spaced jaws in the sleeve having axially outer ends each formed with a rearwardly directed face. The jaws are displaceable radially between an outer locking position with their faces bearing axially inward on the shoulder and an inner freeing position with their faces out of engagement with the collar. An axially displaceable actuating member in the sleeve moves the jaws between their inner and outer positions. Axially extending retaining fingers each have a rear end secured in the sleeve and a front end with a rearwardly directed face.

Abstract: A chuck includes a generally cylindrical body and a plurality of jaws reciprocally disposed in the body in communication with a central bore in the body. A first detent extends radially into the central bore and is releasable in a radially outward direction. Upon insertion of an elongated tool shaft having a polygonal cross section into the bore so that a groove in the tool shaft is aligned with the first detent, the first detent engages the groove and axially retains the tool shaft. Upon movement of the jaws so that the jaw faces engage flat sides of the tool shaft, the jaws rotationally retain the tool shaft.

Abstract: This invention relates to a chuck unit for automatic machine tools, designed to perform both power tasks and high-speed finishing of pieces, with lubricant/coolant fluid flowing through the chuck shaft, which includes:

Abstract: A chuck 40 includes a body 42 having a plurality of angularly spaced ribs 166, 168 and 170 formed in a forward cylindrical opening 48 thereof. A locking element 236 is movable within a passage 180 of the body 42, and is formed with a defined portion 242 which is extendable from the passage 180, through an inboard peak surface 172 of the rib 166 and into the opening 48. An actuator 44 is coupled to the locking element 236 and is biased by a spring 250 to urge normally the defined portion 242 of the locking element into the opening 48. A bit 62 is formed with a shank 96 with three grooves 100, 102 and 104 extending axially to a free end 112 thereof. A pocket 114 is formed in a base of each of the grooves 100, 102 and 104. The bit 62 can be manually inserted into the opening 48 of the chuck 40 such that the grooves 100, 102 and 104 are located drivingly over at least portions of the ribs 166, 168 and 170, respectively.

Abstract: An equalizing power chuck includes a body, a plurality of work engaging jaws, and a plurality of rocker arms carrying the jaws. The rocker arms extend axially along an axis and have a mounting portion at one axial end for the jaws and an end portion at the other axial end. The equalizing power chuck also includes a plurality of swivel mountings connecting the rocker arms to the body, a plurality of slide members receiving the end portions of the rocker arms, a reciprocal actuator disposed centrally of the rocker arms, and a plurality of carrier members pivotally secured to the actuator. Each of the carrier members operatively cooperates with a pair of the slide members such that reciprocatory movement of the actuator moves the carrier members and correspondingly the slide members to move pairs of the jaws simultaneously relative to each other to engage a work-piece therebetween and allows the pairs of the jaws to pivot until a pressure exerted on the work-piece by the work engaging jaws is equalized.

Abstract: The elongate rod shaped non-impact and non percussion drilling tool comprises: a non-impact and non-percussion drilling tool or implement formation at an outer end of the shank, a portion of the shank having a polygonal cross section at a location on the shank other than at an inner end of the shank, an annular groove in the shank which is only wide enough to receive a detent to prevent axial movement of the tool when it is received in a snap-in chuck assembly and a spline formation at an inner end of the shank. The chuck assembly includes either a polygonal drive structure in a center bore of the chuck assembly or a rotatable nose collar or an axially movable nose collar whereby a tool received in the center bore is held by friction in the polygonal drive structure or by a rotatable movement or an axial movement of the nose collar.

Abstract: The tool drive system for use with a chuck having a throughbore including an outer bore portion for receiving a tool or tool holder and an inner bore portion constructed to receive and be mounted on an outer end of a motor shaft of a power tool comprises: an insert received in the inner bore portion; structure for preventing rotation of the insert relative to the chuck; structure on the insert for engaging an inner end of a tool or tool holder; and a mechanism for holding the tool or tool holder against axial movement relative to the insert.

Abstract: A plunger type rotary chuck assembly includes a main seat in which bearings are mounted for rotatably supporting a main shaft. An inner periphery of an axial hole of the main seat includes a number of fluid passages A number of piston chambers are provided around and communicated with the axial hole of the main seat. Piston rods are mounted in the piston chambers and coupled to discs that urge clutches or a follower ring to move a spring chuck. The spring chuck includes an outer inclined surface that may disengage from or engage with an inner inclined surface of the main shaft or of the follower ring, thereby allowing the spring chuck to release or hold a work piece to be processed.

Abstract: The chuck assembly comprises: a chuck body having an outer end portion, an outer periphery and a central axial bore extending at least part way therethrough; a nose collar mounted on the outer end portion of the chuck body; structure for mounting the chuck body onto the outer end of a shaft of a powered drive mechanism; the outer end portion of the chuck body having at least one radially extending bore therein which extends from the outer periphery of the chuck body inwardly to an opening which opens to the central bore and which has a diameter less than the diameter of the radial bore; at least one ball or detent in the at least one radial bore; urging mechanism for urging the ball or detent into the radial bore and part way through the opening; releasing mechanism for allowing the ball or detent to move radially outwardly in the radial bore and away from the opening; and structure in the central bore for engaging a tool shank and preventing rotation of the tool shank relative to the chuck body.

Abstract: A hard carbon film is formed over an inner surface of a guide bush by fixing an auxiliary electrode support member for supporting an auxiliary electrode of a jig for forming a film in a center bore of the guide bush by an auxiliary electrode insulation member, disposing an auxiliary electrode in alignment with the axis of the center bore so as to face the inner surface, disposing legs, and a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and the insulation member which are fixed to the legs are placed on the bottom of a vacuum vessel placing the guide bush on the first electrode plate contacted electrically with a power source, while the projection of the auxiliary electrode support member projecting out of the auxiliary electrode insulation member is contacted electrically with the second electrode plate.

Abstract: A chuck assembly which can chuck thin and brittle workpieces that differ widely in size with high accuracy and reliability without warping them. The chuck assembly includes a tubular chuck body having three first cylinders and a plurality of second cylinders arranged along a circumference in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the chuck body at equal angular intervals. The cylinders have pistons adapted to protrude under oil pressure. The three first cylinders are also arranged at equal angular intervals. The chuck assembly further includes a pressure-biasing means for applying, independently of the oil pressure, pressure to the pistons of the first cylinders against a workpiece, so that the piston are less likely to be retracted by the reaction force from the workpiece. That is, this chuck assembly has a self-centering function.

Abstract: A chuck has a chuck body, an actuating element limitedly axially displaceable in the body, a first set of guide pistons axially fixed in the actuating element, angularly spaced about the axis, and each forming a guide passage extending at a small acute angle to the chuck axis, and a second set of guide pistons limitedly axially movable in the actuating element, angularly spaced about the axis, interleaved with the axially fixed guide pistons, and each forming a guide passage extending at a small acute angle to the chuck axis. Respective jaw bolts slidable in the passages each have an outer end projecting forward from the chuck body and a rear end axially coupled to the chuck body. The outer ends of the jaw bolts of the axially fixed pistons define a fixed-jaw circle centered on the chuck axis and the outer ends of the jaw bolts of the axially movable pistons define a movable-jaw circle centered on the axis.

Abstract: A turning apparatus for a CNC or other turning machine comprises a faceplate having a locating insert secured and located therein for locating a part on a taper thereof. The turning apparatus clamps and draws the part into the locating insert to facilitate machining of the part. The insert is readily replaceable to accommodate a part having a different taper.

Abstract: Clamping is ensured by at least two pivoting arms one end of which co-operates with a half draw member (10a, 10b) via a link having a truncated sphere (19) and an inclined plane (10). The draw member is mounted coaxially outside a locking ring (9) displaceable through the action of a traction rod (5). The system of transmission between the ring and the draw member is provided with compensating and locking means constituted by a guide (11), a compensating disk (13) and an adjusting member (14) co-operating with an oblique face of the compensating disk.

Abstract: The present invention discloses to a processing method for a shaft for a hub unit comprising a shaft body portion 2 and a radial outward flange 3 provided on one end thereof. The processing method comprises the steps of: machining, on a root portion 5 of the flange 3, an internal diameter surface 7 and a side 8 of an annular portion 6 extending in a direction of axis X--X of the shaft body portion 2 and in a direction opposite to the shaft body portion 2; and clamping the internal diameter surface 7 with the side 8 of the annular portion 6 being a reference, in which clamped state a flange side 9 on the annular portion 5 side and an outer peripheral surface 10 of the shaft body portion are machine-finished.

Abstract: A fixture for holding a brake drum or other similarly shaped workpiece for machining. The fixture includes a body having a body cavity and a clamping assembly disposed therein. The clamping assembly includes a positioning plate having a plurality of positioning posts secured thereto. The positioning posts are received within fastener apertures formed in the brake drum mounting face for locating the drum within the fixture so that the drum axis is coaxially aligned with the fixture axis for proper machining. The clamping assembly further includes a clamping plate and clamping flange for clamping the mounting face of the brake drum during machining to simulate the compressive forces applied to the drum as it is mounted to a vehicle during operation. The fixture further includes first and second pluralities of chucking assemblies for gripping the body of the brake drum along respective first and second spaced apart planes thereby reducing distortions caused by the cutting tool during machining.

Abstract: An equalizing chuck includes a body, a plurality of work engaging jaws, and a plurality of rocker arms carrying the jaws. The rocker arms extends axially along an axis and have a mounting portion at one axial end for the jaws and an end portion at the other axial end. The equalizing chuck also includes a plurality of swivel mountings connecting the rocker arms to the body, a plurality of slide members receiving the end portions of the rocker arms, a reciprocal actuator disposed centrally of the rocker arms, and a plurality of segments slidably secured to the actuator. The segments are operative to move in a radial manner with respect to a centerline of the body and operatively cooperate with the slide members such that reciprocatory movement of the actuator moves the segments and correspondingly the slide members to move the jaws relative to each other.

Abstract: A combination of a drill and a device for securing the drill in a chuck which has a body with a central passage and three slots inclinedly defined in a periphery defining the passage. Three clamping members are inclinedly and movably received in the slots and engaged with an annular member rotatably mounted to the three clamping members. The body has at least one aperture defined radially therethrough which communicates with the passage in which the drill is received which has a plan surface defined in an outer periphery thereof such that a positioning member received in the aperture contacts the plan surface to position the drill in place.

Abstract: Even though the shape and size of an aluminum wheel to be chucked for machining is changed, it is possible to easily deal with this situation and to simply chuck the same. In a finger chuck which finger levers 5 are swingably mounted in the radius direction via fulcrum point parts 8 installed at adequately spaced positions in the circumferential direction of the outer circumference of a chuck body, the front end face part of the chuck body front part, which constitutes the front portion of said fulcrum point parts, is eliminated, a plurality of front end face parts 12 which are intended to be selectively replaced and mounted at said eliminated portion are formed integral with each other, and at this time said plurality of front end face parts are provided with a clamp seat 14 and a centering member 23 so that each of said front end face parts can be applied to specified kinds of different workpieces w.

Abstract: A chuck apparatus is operative to center and lock an aluminum wheel in a lathe having a machining centerline. The chuck includes a face plate adapted for rotation about the centerline, and first, second and third radial slide blocks slidably movable perpendicularly with respect to the centerline and adapted to receive locators. First, second and third clamps are equally spaced about the periphery of the face plate and are adapted for applying a clamping force to the aluminum wheel in a direction parallel to the centerline. The slide blocks are actuated independently of the clamps to facilitate centering of the wheel prior to clamping. The slide blocks are selectively movable in a first direction radially outward from the centerline for causing the locators to engage the wheel and a second direction radially inward to cause the locators to engage the wheel.

Abstract: A dampening apparatus for dampening vibrations of a workpiece during machining, the dampening apparatus having a dampener, a support to support and place the dampener in abutting vibration absorbing contact with the workpiece, and a dampener fixture for holding the dampener fixed relative to the workpiece. A pressure adjusting apparatus to adjust contact pressure between the dampener and the workpiece is preferably included. The dampener may further include a number of dampening rods supported by the plate at first ends of the rods and which in turn support dampening elements at distal second ends of the rods. The dampening elements may be lugs made of a resilient material such as rubber and the lugs may have flat surfaces for being placed in abutting vibration absorbing contact with the workpiece. The invention also includes a method of machining a thin web of a workpiece having an annular inner hub connected to a concentric annular outer rim by the thin web using the dampener.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a collet chuck in which a chuck section of a collet is so formed as to provide a greater chucking force when the collet chuck is turned. To accomplish this object, a collet chuck is provided in which a collet mounted on the axis of rotation of a rotating element which rotates in one direction, and having a chuck section which is guided for closing by a guide section of a retainer which is interposed between the rotating element and the collet and moves on the axis of rotation, is adapted to hold a member to be chucked by inserting into an insertion hole of the collet, and the chuck section of the collet is formed in a spiral configuration having a plurality of slits cut from one end of the retainer side and in the opposite direction of rotation along the direction of the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A member is disposed against a motor vehicle wheel at a position near the center of a bore for receiving the wheel axle. The member may be a collet expansible radially against the annular wall defining the central bore. Alternatively, a ring may be moved into concentric relationship with the central bore and then disposed against the back side of the wheel. Clamping members are then moved, preferably axially and rotationally, against the wheel front side at a position near the wheel periphery. A snubber ring is thereafter moved against the wheel back side, preferably at a position corresponding radially to the positions of the clamping members against the wheel. Each member at the wheel periphery may be moved by introducing hydraulic fluid into an individual one of a plurality of cylinders to move a piston coupled to such member.

Abstract: A hand drill, in particular a hammer drill has a combination tool holder provided with a first tool receptacle with clamping jaws displaceable relative to a base body and adjustable by a rotatable adjusting ring to different diameters of tool shafts, and a second separate tool receptacle for tools with a groove shaft and provided with means for at least one driving and locking as well as with a central receiving opening for the groove shaft tool, and an arresting device having a blocking slider which is arranged displaceably in the base body and non-rotatably connected with the base body in a circumferential direction, the blocking slider being movable between a first end position in which a radially inwardly directed end of the blocking slider engages in the central receiving opening and is provided with teeth such that when a groove shaft tool is inserted in the receiving opening the teeth in another end position of the blocking slider non-rotatably engage with counter teeth connected with the adjusting rin

Abstract: A finger chuck for use with a machine tool comprises a chuck main body having a front wall and a rear wall, the front wall and the rear wall defining a space therebetween. A centering device is supported by the front wall for centering the workpiece on the axis of the chuck main body. Jaws are supported by the front wall for holding the workpiece. A rearwardly protruding portion is provided on the front wall toward the rear wall within the space, and a cavity is defined in the protruding portion so as to open in the front surface of the front wall, the cavity accommodating at least part of the centering device. A drawing member extends through the rear wall in the axial direction, and is shifted by a drive source in the axial direction. A guide portion is disposed in the space integrally with the drawing member, so as to be guided on the protruding portion in the axial direction. A seat surface is formed around the guide portion, and a spider is supported on the seat surface for movement therealong.

Abstract: A universal substrate holding apparatus is disclosed comprising:(a) a first core member having a top end and a bottom end;(b) a first inflatable tube disposed around the first core member;(c) a first passageway defined by the first core member in communication with the interior surface of the first tube;(d) a second core member having a top end and a bottom end, a portion of the second core member having a larger outer cross-sectional dimension than the first core member, wherein the top end of the first member is associated with the bottom end of the second member;(e) a second inflatable tube disposed around the second core member, a portion of the second tube having a larger outer cross-sectional dimension than the first tube, and whereby the second tube is disposed in tandem with the first tube; and(f) a second passageway defined by the second core member in communication with the interior surface of the second tube.

Abstract: A compliant workpiece support assembly for a microrobotic apparatus for aligning three workpieces and welding them into an assembled package, includes a lower support assembly having a ball and socket joint with a polymer ball seat cast around the ball. The ball has a radial bore containing a lower collet axially movable in the bore to grip one of the workpieces. The other two workpieces are held in telescoping arrangement, respectively in inner and outer collets of an upper support assembly, the collets being disposed coaxially one within the other and respectively having camming housings for opening and closing the collets. The outer collet housing supports the entire upper support assembly and is axially driven so that when the outer collet bottoms on the outer workpiece the continued movement of the outer housing closes the collet to grip the workpiece. The inner collet is closed over the inner workpiece by a pneumatic piston.

Abstract: A chuck jaw is provided for holding an irregularly-shaped object such as a differential housing on a lathe. A chuck jaw body which is pivotally mounted to each chuck mounting block to pivot about an axis substantially tangential to a cylinder defined around the turning radius of the lathe. A first end of the chuck jaw body extends radially further in than a second end of the chuck jaw body, so that the first end can engage a radially smaller part of the irregular object, while the second end engages a radially larger part. Springs and adjustment screws preferably are provided to allow adjustment of the initial angle of the first and second ends.