Abstract: A cylinder case includes a first main path communicating first port with an end surface, a second main path communicating a second port with the end surface, first and second front chamber paths respectively communicating a front chamber with the end surface, and first and second rear chamber paths respectively communicating a rear chamber with the end surface. A manifold block includes a first intermediate path communicating first and second manifold holes opened in an abutting surface with each other and a second intermediate path communicating third and fourth manifold holes opened in the abutting surface. The manifold block configured to be attached and fixed to the cylinder case such that the abutting surface is abutted against the end surface and a relative position of the abutting surface with respect to the end surface portion is capable of being selected from a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A holding apparatus/workpiece adapter apparatus arrangement includes a holding apparatus and a workpiece adapter apparatus. The workpiece adapter apparatus is positioned and fixed, with a workpiece fastened thereto, by the holding apparatus. The holding apparatus has partially cylindrical positioning elements, which engage in an associated cylindrical positioning recess and a positioning slot and position the workpiece adapter apparatus in an x and a y direction. The workpiece adapter apparatus bears by mating contact surfaces against contact surfaces of the holding apparatus and is clamped by linearly displaceable clamping elements and pressed against the contact surfaces, and thus positioned in a z direction. For clamping, clamping surfaces of the clamping elements bear against mating clamping surfaces of the workpiece adapter apparatus.

Abstract: A chuck comprising a chuck body having on one end two guide grooves extending in radial directions, a clamping jaw in each guide groove, a wedge rod drivingly connected with a clamping jaw, the wedge rod being movably mounted in the chuck body, and an actuation piston arranged centrally in the chuck body and in a driving connection with the wedge rods, to provide automatic and independent lubrication of the clamping jaw and the guide groove during each advance movement of the clamping jaws. A high-pressure pump is disposed in a chuck body chamber, lubricant s in the chamber, a lubricant line in the chuck body extends from the chamber of the high-pressure pump and emerges in a branch from a lubricating line which emerges in a guide groove, and the high-pressure pump is activated by the movement of the wedge rod or wedge hook coupling.

Abstract: A chucking device for use when an outer peripheral end part of a semi-finished product having a pillar-shaped catalyst wrapped in a mat and housed in a cylinder is spin-processed using a plurality of spinning rollers. An outer peripheral surface of the semi-finished product is chucked using a plurality of pressing pieces. Each of the pressing pieces has a contact surface for touching the cylinder of the semi-finished product, and a pair of chamfers extending radially outward from either end of the contact surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an actuation device (20), which is used to clamp and loosen a clamping device which comprises a tie bolt which can be adjusted in an axial manner in a machine spindle (3), for actuating a clamping head (6) which co-operates with clamping claws (5). Initially, force is exerted upon the tie bolt (4) by means of an actuation device (20) which is used to clamp in an axial clamping direction, until the axial length thereof is fixed in relation to the machine spindle (3) by means of self-locking. According to the invention, after self-locking is obtained, the effect of the force in the direction of clamping of the actuation element (20) on the tie bolt is stopped and remains blocked while the clamping device is being used, and to release clamping, the tie bolt (4) is displaced by the actuation device (20) in the direction of release which is counter to the clamping direction. The invention relates to a device for carrying out said method.

Abstract: A clamping fixture features a chuck provided with a locking mechanism for releasably locating a workpiece pallet. The locking mechanism comprises a plurality of clamping members which in the locked position are engineered to engage a clamping spigot connected to the workpiece pallet. Each clamping member, or alternatively an actuating member assigned to a clamping member, is provided with a feedthru bore which on correct locking and/or release of the corresponding clamping members is closed off at one end. The feedthru bores are connectable by a common connecting conduit to a compressed air source. In addition, at least one sensor is provided for sensing air flow in the connecting conduit by means of which it can detected whether the clamping members are correctly released or locked.

Abstract: The invention relates to a quick chucking unit with a chuck receptacle formed by a basic body, with at least one chucking element that can move relative to the basic body between an unlatched and latched position, with a cylinder and a piston element situated within the cylinder, which together with the cylinder, borders at least one pressure region, wherein pressurizing the pressure region moves the chucking element into the latched or unlatched position, wherein the piston element is designed as a piston element fixed in place relative to the basic body, and the cylinder is designed as a cylinder element that can move relative to the basic body and piston element. The invention also relates to a sealing unit for such a quick chucking unit, as well as to a quick chucking system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided, for clamping a fiber placement tool to a fiber placement machine, along a rotational axis of the fiber placement machine, through use of a clamping apparatus having a plurality of drive lugs extending axially from the machine, and having three intersecting faying surfaces thereof which mate simultaneously in substantially intimate contact with three corresponding intersecting faying surfaces of a plurality of drive lug receptacles extending axially from the tool. Pairs of movable tines, disposed on opposite sides of each drive lug, pull the drive lugs into intimate contact with the drive lug receptacles. Master fixtures are used for setting the drive lugs and lug receptacles with respect to corresponding ones of the other, to achieve a desired intimate fit between faying surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A work holder assembly for use in clamping a workpiece being machined. A chuck includes a fixed sleeve about which is mounted a rotatable collet. A plurality of individual clamps extend from circumferential spaced locations associated with the collet. The clamps each include a first spring biased and linear traveling component actuating a second radially traveling and adjustable component into engagement with annular disposed locations of the workpiece. Each the clamps exhibits a wedge shape at an interface between the linear and radial components, both in order to minimize clamping forces and to prevent backdriving of the clamps by the tooling. A fluid pressure extends through a location in the chuck, the collet further having a fluid delivery component in communication with the fluid supply and which is in contact with workpiece engaging locations, to overcome the spring bias of said pin in a fluid actuated release condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping device, especially for releasably clamping a machine tool having a fixing element extending therefrom. The clamping device includes a deforming clamping element which acts on a clamping part with a clamping force in order to secure the fixing element to the clamping device. The deforming clamping element may also be controlled to act on the clamping part with a releasing force in order to release the fixing element from the clamping device. Both the clamping force and the releasing force result from the deformation of the deforming clamping element.

Abstract: A pair of gripping sections performs opening and closing operations along a base member through displacement of a piston by means of a pressure fluid supplied to a chuck body. A pair of fingers, which constitute the gripping sections, is openable and closable in directions perpendicular to opening/closing directions of the gripping sections, by means of a driving force supplied from a driving section. The gripping sections are positioned with respect to a workpiece by actuating the pair of fingers to perform the opening/closing operation. Thereafter, by supplying the pressure fluid, the workpiece is gripped at a desired gripping position by means of the gripping sections.

Abstract: A piston is displaced by a pressure fluid supplied to a chuck body, whereupon a pair of first and second fingers that constitute a gripping member are operated to open and close along a base body. Further, a shaft-shaped bobbin is inserted through the interior of the first and second fingers, and a coil is wound around a small diameter portion of the bobbin. Accompanying opening/closing operations of the first and second fingers, an opening/closing amount thereof is detected based on a change in impedance of the coil.

Abstract: A work holder assembly for use in clamping a workpiece being machined. A chuck includes a fixed sleeve about which is mounted a rotatable collet. A plurality of individual clamps extend from circumferential spaced locations associated with the collet. The clamps each include a first spring biased and linear traveling component actuating a second radially traveling and adjustable component into engagement with annular disposed locations of the workpiece. Each the clamps exhibits a wedge shape at an interface between the linear and radial components, both in order to minimize clamping forces and to prevent backdriving of the clamps by the tooling. A fluid pressure extends through a location in the chuck, the collet further having a fluid delivery component in communication with the fluid supply and which is in contact with workpiece engaging locations, to overcome the spring bias of said pin in a fluid actuated release condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rapid clamping system (50), comprising a clamping housing (12), with a piston (18) acted on from one side by springs (15) and which may be pressurised from the other side, with an actuator (60) arranged on the piston (18) to follow the piston movement, with at least one clamping bolt (32) arranged to be displaced perpendicular to the piston axis (28), in a working coupling acting in both directions of displacement with the actuator (60) by means of an inclined guide (52), whereby, with the springs (16) extended, the clamping bolt (32) takes up a locking position for locking a clamping pin (14) which may be introduced in the clamping housing (12) and which adopts an unlocking position for removal of the clamping pin (14) on corresponding pressurization of the piston (18).

Abstract: The invention relates to a chuck for flexible manufacturing, said chuck comprising a chuck body, a central draw head guided axially in a central hole of the chuck body and connected to inner jaws radially guided in the chuck body through a straight-wedge mechanism, and outer jaws also radially guided in the chuck body and adapted to be equipped with chuck jaws for chucking a work-piece and to be engaged with coupling heads through rack teeth. The coupling heads are built in the inner jaws and guided axially therein, wherein said coupling heads comprise a double locking coupling device. The first locking stage of said coupling device includes wedge-shaped control members fixed to a control ring, whereas the second locking stage includes an additional locking member directly connected to the control ring. The chuck body is in the form of a one-piece unit, wherein the control ring is encased by the chuck body and the rear centering disc so that the control ring can be rotated there-between.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a chuck assembly for precisely holding a workpiece, such as a tool or part. The chuck assembly includes a piston mounted for movement and a set of jaws mounted for pivotal movement. Movement of the piston causes pivotal movement of the set of jaws.

Abstract: It is an object to provide an aligner for centering a wafer and adjusting an angle of a notch or the like of the wafer while gripping edges of the wafer capable of attaining a shortened takt time and miniaturization of the apparatus by employing a mechanism capable of infinite rotation without being restricted by a rotational range, by eliminating cables and/or tubes at the rotating portion. The link mechanism for causing opening and closing movements of the gripping mechanism for gripping a wafer 1 is supported via a bearing 14 with respect to the link mechanism driving portion for driving the link mechanism so that only the gripping portion and the link mechanism can be rotated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an actuation device (20), which is used to clamp and loosen a clamping device which comprises a tie bolt which can be adjusted in an axial manner in a machine spindle (3), for actuating a clamping head (6) which co-operates with clamping claws (5). Initially, force is exerted upon the tie bolt (4) by means of an actuation device (20) which is used to clamp in an axial clamping direction, until the axial length thereof is fixed in relation to the machine spindle (3) by means of self-locking. According to the invention, after self-locking is obtained, the effect of the force in the direction of clamping of the actuation element (20) on the tie bolt is stopped and remains blocked whilst the clamping device is being used, and to release clamping, the tie bolt (4) is displaced by the actuation device (20) in the direction of release which is counter to the clamping direction. The invention relates to a device for carrying out said method.

Abstract: A method for machining a workpiece in which a machine tool comprising a first and a second chuck devices is employed to machine the workpiece, the machine tool being used in which the first and the second chuck devices comprise a chuck main body, plural chuck jaws, a chuck jaw drive body, and a pressing member, the method comprising: machining a clamp part of the other end part of the workpiece in a state where one end part of the workpiece is clamped by the first chuck device; machining a clamp part of the one end part of the workpiece in a state where the clamp part of the other end part of the workpiece is clamped by the second chuck device; and executing desired machining on the workpiece in a state where each of the clamp parts are clamped by each of the chuck devices.

Abstract: A method of dialing a workpiece having an axis into a chuck includes providing a chuck assembly having a plurality of independent hydraulically controlled jaws distributed about a central axis, each jaw having first and second hydraulic chambers. The method further includes the steps of inserting a portion of the workpiece into the chuck assembly, pumping hydraulic fluid uniformly into each of the first chambers until the jaws are substantially touching the perimeter of the workpiece, and adjusting one or more of the jaws to align the axis of the workpiece with the central axis of the chuck assembly by pumping hydraulic fluid into at least one of the chambers of at least one of the jaws. The method also includes the step of pumping hydraulic fluid uniformly into each of the first chambers until the jaws are clamped around the perimeter of the workpiece at a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A workholding apparatus includes a body, and a workholding sleeve composed of metal and carried by the body. A fluid chamber receives a fluid between the body and the workholding sleeve. Under fluid pressure, the sleeve is radially displaceable and recoverable to a high degree. For example, the sleeve is radially displaceable to at least one percent in diameter with runout within about 0.03% of its diameter, and after release of fluid pressure repeatably recovers to within about 0.01% of its original relaxed diameter. In another example, when displaced under fluid pressure, the sleeve experiences substantially complete and repeatable strain recovery of at least about 2% of its overall cross-sectional area. Preferably, the sleeve is composed of Nitinol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a quick chucking unit with a chuck receptacle formed by a basic body, with at least one chucking element that can move relative to the basic body between an unlatched and latched position, with a cylinder and a piston element situated within the cylinder, which together with the cylinder, borders at least one pressure region, wherein pressurizing the pressure region moves the chucking element into the latched or unlatched position, wherein the piston element is designed as a piston element fixed in place relative to the basic body, and the cylinder is designed as a cylinder element that can move relative to the basic body and piston element. The invention also relates to a sealing unit for such a quick chucking unit, as well as to a quick chucking system.

Abstract: Semiconductor technology requires the use of object holders, which are capable of holding wafers securely, also during rotation. In order to save time and expense, such holders should be suitable for integration directly into a processing facility, wherever possible. According to the invention it is proposed to provide centrally mounted holders which comprise support surfaces for the wafer and pivotable gripper fingers, in which the gripper fingers are pretensioned by means of at least one pretension element in the holding position and are actuated through one opening mechanism, in which at least one opening mechanism and at least one pretension element are integrated in the central clamping arm fixture and/or in the clamping arms.

Abstract: A centering and holding fixture includes a base, a piston disposed within a piston chamber at least partially located within the base, and a radially flexible ring connected to the piston by force transmission apparatus operable to contract and expand the radially flexible ring by upward and downward motions respectively of the piston. The flexible ring may be slotted and may include alternating inwardly and outwardly extending radial slots extending axially through the flexible ring and extending radially inwardly and radially outwardly from radially outer and inner surfaces of the flexible ring respectively to axial stress relief holes extending axially through the flexible ring. The apparatus may further be operable to contract the radially flexible ring when the piston chamber is pressurized and to expand it when the piston chamber is depressurized. Spring loaded clamps mounted to the base may be used to secure a workpiece to the holding fixture.

Abstract: A chuck actuator has a hollow housing having a chamber and having a front end and a rear end. A ring in the chamber forms with the front end thereof a front compartment and a piston in the chamber between the ring and the rear end forms an intermediate compartment with the ring and a rear compartment with the rear end. A stem on the piston projecting forward through the ring and through the intermediate and front compartments is adapted to engage and open a chuck and is formed with a region of enlarged diameter. The piston is shiftable between a rear position with the enlarged-diameter region offset rearward from the ring and with the stem forming with the ring an axially extending passage between the front and intermediate compartments and a front position with the enlarged-diameter portion fitting snugly in the ring and substantially closing the passage.

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: A new and improved powered rotating turntable with a universal, self-adjusting chuck for holding auto wheels and the like for polishing, which includes a pneumatically-adjusted, self-centering metal chuck for gripping and holding specialty wheel rims of motor vehicles for polishing. The chuck is self-adjusting, self-centering and is able to handle any diameter of wheel. With the self-adjusting, self-centering capability, this chuck eliminates the need to set up a new jig for gripping and holding a wheel rim each time a series of rims having a different diameter or style from the last series of wheel rims previously chucked-up and polished, thereby greatly improving the efficiency of the entire wheel polishing operation in terms of both time and cost of operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to rotating machine element that contains a mechanism actuated by a fluid pressure. The aim of the invention is to allow for a supply of actuation fluid also during the rotation. To this end, a non-rotating control element (2) is mounted on two fluid bearings (3) on the machine element, said bearings being spaced apart in the axial direction and allowing flows of actuation fluid to flow from one element to the other. Feed lines (R, S) in the control element are provided with a series of radially inwards facing ports (13, 14) and reception channels (17, 18) in the machine element, a series of radially outward facing orifices (15, 16) being disposed in such a manner that in every relative position both elements for every individual flow of actuation fluid are disposed such that at least one port (13, 14) is aligned with one associated orifice (15, 16).

Abstract: A new and improved wafer support for supporting wafers in a process chamber such as an edge bead removal (EBR) chamber. The wafer support comprises multiple wafer support units each including a gripper block that engages an edge portion or bevel of the wafer. The gripper block is attached to an engaging and disengaging mechanism for selectively causing engagement of the gripper blocks with the wafer to support the wafer and disengagement of the gripper blocks from the wafer to release the wafer for removal of the wafer from the chamber. The gripper blocks contact little or none of the surface area on the patterned surface of the wafer to prevent or substantially reduce the formation of contact-induced defects on the wafer.

Abstract: A self-centering element for clamping workpieces via deflecting pins, which act between a drive element and self-centering slides. Deflecting pins, which are provided with grooves in which carrier prisms are arranged, are introduced in pairs into recesses in a housing in a plane located in parallel to the mounting surface of the element. The carrier prisms have wedge surfaces, which are slidingly guided in the grooves of the deflecting pins. The deflecting pins are controlled by pistons, which are arranged in the same plane but at right angles to the deflecting pins. The forces are transmitted beginning from the piston via the deflecting pins to the carrier prisms and then to the self-centering slides, which are connected to the carrier prisms and which move the clamping jaws.

Abstract: A drill rod chuck in which the closing of the jaws is effected through the use of gas springs mounted in the slidable jaw actuating jaw bowl. Further the jaws are supported by bushings against cantilever loading during drilling and the jaws are positively advanced and retracted through slidable interengagement with the jaw bowl.

Abstract: Moving parts of the chuck are enclosed in a sealed cavity which is provided with a circulating lubrication. The power which drives its flow is derived from the force needed for opening and shutting the tongs of the chuck. In a chuck with hydraulically actuated jaws, this power is delivered by the pressure differences that occur between different parts of the hydraulic circuit actuating the jaws of the chuck and the hydraulic liquid acts also as lubricant.

Abstract: A drill rod chuck in which the closing of the jaws is effected through the use of gas springs mounted in the slidable jaw actuating jaw bowl. Further the jaws are supported by bushings against cantilever loading during drilling and the jaws are positively advanced and retracted through slidable interengagement with the jaw bowl.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement (1) for gripping and holding or releasing a material (M), such as material held in a lathe chuck. The arrangement includes a piston-cylinder assembly (2) and a plurality of material gripping and holding or releasing elements, so-called gripping element arrangements (3). The gripping elements are movable between two positions, an open position and a closed position, in response to movements of the piston-cylinder assembly (2). The cylinder-part (22) of the piston-cylinder assembly (2) includes a circular groove (22a) for co-action with rolling support surfaces (12c) associated with said gripping element arrangement (3). The arrangement also includes a separate gripping member (50) which can be readily fitted to the free end-part (3a) of the gripping element (3′) and readily removed therefrom.

Abstract: In a cylinder having a piston 2 and a cylinder body 3 having a piston chamber 4 in which said piston 2 is slidably accommodated, a guide shaft 9 extending toward the piston chamber 4 is provided on a head-side end wall 8 of the cylinder body 3, and the piston 2 includes a guide hole 2c in which the guide shaft 9 is accommodated. A plurality of grooves 9a and 2d respectively extending in axial directions are provided between an outer peripheral surface of the guide shaft 9 and an inner peripheral surface of the guide hole 2c. A plurality of steel balls 13 are provided between the grooves 9a and 2d.

Abstract: A stroke first air cylinder mechanism having a larger-diameter first piston and a larger-diameter first rod is incorporated in a casing, a chuck second air cylinder mechanism having a smaller-diameter second piston and a smaller-diameter second piston and a smaller-diameter second rod is coaxially incorporated into the first air cylinder mechanism, a base end portion of the second rod projects from the first piston and extends to such a position as to face a position detecting portion of the casing, a magnet is mounted to the base end portion of the second rod, and magnetometric sensor is mounted to the position detecting portion. By detecting an operating position of the second rod, opening and closing positions of jaw members can be detected.

Abstract: A clamping device for objects, has a housing, at least two clamping jaws which is radially displaceably guided relative to a longitudinal central axis, actuating elements associated with the clamping jaws for actuating the latter, clamping pistons displaceable in a cylinder chamber and acted for clamping of the clamping jaws by a pressure medium under pressure at least in one working direction, the actuating element being in operative communication with the clamping piston at least in a working position, at least one central adjusting device displaceably arranged in the housing and acting on the actuating elements, abutment means including an abutment for each of the actuating element against which each of the actuating elements can abut, the actuating elements being formed as angular levers which are turnably held in the housing and engage at one end with associated one of the clamping pistons and on the other hand with an associated one of the clamping jaws.

Abstract: There is provided a chuck having four radial jaw grooves, two pairs of opposed jaws movably provided in the grooves, a first rotary vane actuator for actuating one pair of the opposed jaws, and a second rotary actuator for actuating the other pair of the opposed jaws, an inlet for admitting fluid into chambers of the actuators, and an outlet for discharging fluid from the chambers. The first and second vane actuators are opearated by the fluid admitted from the one inlet such that the two pairs of opposed jaws are differentially actuated by said first and second rotary vane actuators. The first rotary vane actuator includes a first pressure chamber and the second rotary vane actuator includes a second pressure chamber, in which the first and second pressure chambers are in fluid communication via at least one fluid-conducting path.

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.

Abstract: Moving parts of the chuck are enclosed in a sealed cavity which is provided with a circulating lubrication. The power which drives its flow is derived from the force needed for opening and shutting the tongs of the chuck. In a chuck with hydraulically actuated jaws, this power is delivered by the pressure differences that occur between different parts of the hydraulic circuit actuating the jaws of the chuck and the hydraulic liquid acts also as lubricant.

Abstract: This invention discloses a chuck apparatus actuated by a fluid including a body, a plurality of master jaws slidably mounted in the body, a fluid driven piston mounted for axial motion relative to the body along an axis, the piston comprising a plurality of bores extending therethrough along bore axes inclined with respect to the axis, and a plurality of shafts, each slidably mounted in one of the plurality of bores and being coupled to one of the master jaws, and wherein axial movement of the piston along the axis causes the plurality of shafts to move and to cause the plurality of master jaws to move therewith.

Abstract: A rotary chuck having a chuck body supporting a plurality of clamping jaws for movement between open and closed positions and defining a cylindrical piston chamber containing an axially movable double acting piston coupled to a jaw actuator. A plurality of springs contained within the piston chamber apply biasing force to the piston in one axial direction to urge the jaws toward closed positions. An incrementally adjustable pneumatic control system is operable to apply pressure to the piston in opposition to the springs to reduce the resultant clamping force applied by the jaws in closed position. The control system is also operable to act in consort with the springs to increase the resultant clamping force applied by the jaws in closed position.