Abstract: A ball lock punch and die retainer comprises a single piece body of high strength through hardened tool steel having a relieved flat bottomed borehole for the punch. The exterior sidewall of the retainer opposite the end having the punch borehole is substantially half-cylindrical. The oblique spring hole in the retainer body includes a circumferential undercut in the wall of the spring hole. The undercut mates with an enlarged portion of the spring to prevent the spring from pushing out of the hole.

Abstract: A ball lock punch and die retainer comprises a single piece body of high strength through hardened tool steel having a relieved flat bottomed borehole for the punch. The exterior sidewall of the retainer opposite the end having the punch borehole is substantially half-cylindrical.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved socket retainer device for a thin-wall drive portion of a wrench having an inner and outer drive portion. A resilient spring is placed within an elongated slot which is machined in the drive portion of the wrench. The outer edge of the slot is deformed such that the resilient spring is held firmly in place at its ends, the middle portion of the resilient spring being allowed to deflect and frictionally engage sockets when the socket is attached to the drive portion of the wrench. One embodiment of the present invention defines an s-shaped resilient spring and another defines two opposed resilient springs. The design results in lower fabrication and assembly costs and improved socket retention ability without compromising the strength of the drive portion of the wrench.

Abstract: A fiber holding chuck comprising a silica glass rod having a fiber groove or fiber chuck for an optical fiber. The optical fiber lies in the fiber groove, and a clamping mechanism holds the optical fiber in place. The fiber holding chuck positions the optical fiber without damaging the fiber in order to align the fiber with another fiber. The clamping mechanism maintains the position of the aligned fiber. The fiber chuck mounts in a chuck groove of a chuck mounting fixture. The chuck mounting fixture attaches to a fiber positioning mechanism, and the positioning mechanism positions the chuck mounting fixture along with the fiber chuck and the optical fiber to align and splice two optical fibers together while reducing the risk of damage to the optical fiber.

Abstract: A locking assembly is placed in a web area of a box wrench and includes a ball that is resiliently biased outwardly of the plane of that web into a position to engage one surface of a bolthead. The engagement between the ball and the bolthead maintains the box wrench engaged with the bolthead. The ball can be forced back into the web area to permit the wrench to move past the bolthead. The ball is biased outwardly by a resilient pad. In another form of the invention, a resilient snap ring maintains the ball in the web area, with a ball seating surface being defined in that web area The ball is held in place by edges of either a housing or by edges positioned on the web area.

Abstract: A tool bit retaining assembly for a tool of a type having a tool bit receptacle and a spring receiving region with a hole opening into the receptacle and a tool bit insertable into the receptacle. The tool bit has a transverse groove proximate an insertion end thereof, and includes a ball bearing with a diameter only slightly larger than that of the hole such that upon being pressed against the hole the ball bearing extends through the hole into the receptacle and engages the transverse groove in said tool bit. A split ring spring having a split extending from one end to the other with a portion transverse to the axis thereof is positionable around said spring receiving region such that the transverse portion of the split is opposite the ball bearing.

Abstract: An exchangeable-size tool system uses a tool holder which can reside in a drive motor chuck. Each of the various sizes or type of tool has the same shank size for mounting within the holder. A given tool size is popped into the holder. It is removed by manually pressing a small locking pin on the side of the holder and then pulling out the shank. The important features of the system are the ease of manufacturing and the precision of the holding of the tool.

Abstract: A retractable tool bit assembly for a tool such as an allen key. The assembly includes one or more spring loaded nestable or telescoping tubular sections together with a catch mechanism for capturing and holding the tool in its retracted position. The catch mechanism consists of a latch mechanism located in a base section and which engages a conically shaped tool head located at the inner end of the tool. The tool head adjoins an eccentric oval type neck portion which extends to a rear lip of the tool head. The latch mechanism releases when the ovular neck portion rotates about the catch members upon actuation of a rotary tool drive motor. When released, all the telescoping sections and the tool extends fully outward to a use position.

Abstract: A retractable tool bit assembly utilized in conenction with a robotic gripper type and end-effector. The apparatus includes one or more spring loaded nestable or telescoping tubular sections together with a catch mechanism for capturing and holding the tool, such as an allen key, in its retracted position. The innermost tubular section includes a threshold cap and engages and holds the tool. The catch mechanism consists of a slider type mechanism located adjacent a relatively larger outer base sction and includes means for engaging a conically or mushroom shaped rear end portion of the tool when the telescoping sections are moved to a retracted or parked position. The catch mechanism is released upon actuation of a rotary tool drive motor coupled to a circular mount and which holds the base section. When released all the telescoping sections including the tool extends fully outward to a use position.

Abstract: A plug-in holder (2) of a drilling tool has an axially extending central bore for receiving a centering drilling bit. The holder (2) has an opening (5) extending from the bore to its outer surface. A latching element (6) is radially displaceably supported in the opening (5). The bore (4) has inwardly projecting entrainment ridges (9). The latching element (6) holds the centering drill bit in the axial direction while the entrainment ridges (9) engage the bit for rotational displacement.

Abstract: An improved punch retainer is disclosed in which a backing plate extends over a relatively large surface area to dissipate force from a punch. A punch retainer body and the backing plate are permanently connected to each other and include passages which are finally ground after the two have been permanently connected. With this arrangement, it is ensured that passages within the backing plate and retainer body are all properly aligned during formation of the punch retainer. Since the backing plate dissipates force over a relatively large surface area, the punch retainer may be used in heavier applications than prior art punch retainers. A spring passage is closed off by a seal received in the backing plate, allowing the use of standard springs.

Abstract: A quick detach bit apparatus includes a wear sleeve having a chuck threaded thereinto. A bit is mounted within the chuck. The bit and chuck are interconnected by mating, axially extending splines and grooves. The chuck includes a resiliently mounted segment urged into engagement with the bit. A quick release tool is accommodated in a passage between the bit and chuck. The tool is inserted into the passage and has a thickness sufficient to urge the segment out of engagement with the bit so that the bit is removed from the chuck.

Abstract: A tool holder device for drill bits, screw tip bits and like tools permits rapid exchange of the tools. A holder body of the device defines a tool receiving opening in one end thereof for receiving the shank of a tool therein. A spring clip is secured at one end thereof to the holder body and is movable between an operative position wherein the other end of the clip engages and retains a tool received in the opening in the holder body and an inoperative position wherein the clip is out of engagement with that tool so that the tool can be replaced. An axially movable control pin is received in a transverse bore through the holder body and is of a length longer than that bore.

Abstract: A fluid cylinder assembly comprising a fluid cylinder having ports disposed at opposite ends thereof communicable with a source of fluid under pressure, a piston disposed in said cylinder having a first rod section extending through an end of said cylinder, extendable and retractable relative to said cylinder, the first piston rod section having an axial bore, a second piston rod section having a guide portion disposed in the axial bore of the first piston rod section and axially displaceable relative the first piston rod section, and means for detachably locking the first piston rod section to the second piston rod section.

Abstract: Precision centering device useful for positioning items in a predetermined position has first and second halves which are held within a frame. The first and second halves are maintained against retaining walls within the frame by resilient material. The bottom portion of the halves extends from the bottom of the frame and each has a tapered edge which face each other in order to hold the item to be positioned. The top of the halves are maintained within the frame by a resilient structure which allows the halves to move in a vertical position. The halves which accomplish the positioning do not have to be made from precision parts. As the parts wear the centering precision is maintained since the parts are mirror images of each other made from a common piece of stock material.

Abstract: A coupler assembly having male and female coupler members, the female coupler member having at least one linear open ended slot therein adapted to receive a drive pin on the male coupler member, the female coupler member also having an annular opening angularly displaced with respect to the linear slot, the male coupler member also having a depressible locking pin adapted to be depressed by the female coupler member as the drive pin is inserted into the linear slot, the locking pin being positioned to enter the annular opening in the female coupler member when the projection reaches the inner end of the slot, thereby locking together the coupler members.

Abstract: A combination of a cutting tool (10) and a holder (14) defining a socket (13) for receiving a shank (12) of the cutting tool, wherein the shank includes a slot (17) extending transversely to its longitudinal axis, an elongate locking bar (20) mounted in the slot and projecting therefrom, and resilient means (19) biassing the bar into its projecting position and wherein the holder includes an elongate abutment member 21 releasably connected thereto and co-operable with the locking bar to retain the shank within the socket.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism permits a robot hand to be coupled to, and uncoupled from, application-specific tools by the motion of the robotic hand relative to a tool stand.

Abstract: An air motor driven device adapted for driving tools used during orthopedic surgery by rotating a driven shaft on the tool. The device has first and second spaced parallel output shafts driven at different speeds, at least one of which shafts can releasably engage the driven shaft of the tool. The second shaft has a through central opening accessible from its end opposite its output end so that the device can power pin or wire drivers or reamers guided on a guide wire. An attachment mechanism for releasably attaching a tool to the device is provided which receives an oval portion of the tool in a mating socket, and in addition to trigger operated valves for operating the air motor, provides a valve for shutting off or throttling the gas inlet line.

Abstract: A tool-gripping device for remote manipulators, industrial robots and like assemblies which includes a sleeve provided with a movable locking element having an opening therethrough which is traversed by a stepped pin member associated with each tool and wherein the locking element is resiliently urged and operable to engage the pin member at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis thereof to thereby force the tool into close proximity with the gripping device.

Abstract: A tool change apparatus for a machining center and the like comprises a spindle head vertically slidably mounted on a column, and a spindle rotatably mounted in the spindle head. The spindle has at the lower end thereof a tapered tool reception bore in which a tool is releasably held. When a draw bar is shifted upwards, resilient clamper arms are forced to enter a reduced bore to be contracted thereby so that a head of the tool is clamped. When the draw bar is shifted downwards, engageable end portions are moved into an enlarged recess-like portion whereby the clamper arms are allowed to expand outwards to release the head of the tool. Even when the head is released, a stop pin urged by a spring continues to engage the head of the tool whereby the tool is still held by the spindle.Tools are held by a series of magazine pots. Each pot is indexed to a tool change station.

Abstract: In a tool bit driver, a body suitable for mounting on a square drive of a socket wrench is provided with a bit socket adapted for receiving a tool bit at one end of the body, and diametrically opposed grooves are formed to extend longitudinally within the socket. A spring is provided with resilient fingers seated within the socket grooves, and reversely bent ends are formed on each spring finger for engaging the bit in surface-to-surface contact for positively and releasably securing the bit in a driving position within the socket.

Abstract: A locking tool holder is disclosed which has a socket adapted to receive a tool which has a lateral recess. The tool holder contains a lock pin which is slidable in a first aperture transverse to the tool socket, and this lock pin has a wedge portion on the inboard end thereof to engage a tapered lateral recess on the tool. A cam bar is slidable transversely to the lock pin in another aperture in the tool holder, and has first and second cam surfaces to cooperate with first and second cam followers on the lock pin. The cam bar may be moved manually or by a spring into a first locked position, whereat the second cam engages the second cam follower on the lock pin to force the lock pin wedge portion against the lateral recess in the tool. When the cam bar is moved into the second position, the first cam surface engages the first cam follower on the lock pin to withdraw the lock pin from the tool so that the tool may be removed from the tool socket.

Abstract: A rod chucking device for a perforator for perforating a pig iron discharge opening being adapted to mount exchangeably perforating rods for perforation work, such as drill rods, blanking rods and the like to the tip end of an impact rod. The chucking device has a cotter movable between an engage position and disengage position in order to fix the perforating rod inserted into a rod insert hole of a socket. A spring is engaged with the cotter for urging the cotter toward the engage position. In order to prevent deterioration of the spring through vibration and heat during the operation, chilling air passage from the impact rod to the perforating rod is separated to form an air passage to chill the spring.

Abstract: A retention system for supporting a device on a first stationary member to have biased abutment with a cooperating second stationary member removably secured to the first stationary member. The system includes at least one resilient clip carried by the first stationary member and having a portion resiliently frictionally engaging the device so as to effectively retain the device in association with the first stationary member prior to the mounting of the second stationary member thereto. The spring clip further includes an end portion biasing the device outwardly from the first stationary member to be engaged by the second stationary member when the second stationary member is mounted to the first stationary member. The clip is removably retained in a slotted portion of the first stationary member for facilitated installation.

Abstract: A holder of improved construction for mounting a saber saw blade on a drive means for reciprocation. The holder includes means defining a slot for receiving the blade, and means coupled with the support means for retaining the blade in the slot and for preventing movement of the blade relative to the support when the support and blade are reciprocating under the influence of the drive means. The holding means in several embodiments includes cam members which are received in notches in respective blades. Other embodiments relate to the formation of blade-receiving slots by moving wall means into proximity with recesses in side faces of elongated members.

Abstract: An adapter for a torquing tool includes an elongated body having a bore at at least one end to accommodate a working member such as a drill bit or fastener driver and a coupling means for detachably attaching the body to the tool. The improvement comprises a quick release means internal of the body member to detachably retain the working member within the bore and to the elongated body. The preferred quick release means is a spring loaded shuttle positioned in an opening radially through the body member and in communication with the bore.

Abstract: An improved socket wrench (300) is provided which includes a first pawl (318) sliding on a first slide surface (312) and a second pawl (320) sliding on a second slide surface (314). At least one of the slide surfaces is not perpendicular to a radial line from the axis of rotation (27") of the drive member (302) intersecting the plane of the slide surface when the slide surface is least distant from the rotational axis. This provides an increase in the number of pawl engagements per revolution over that possible with only a single pawl. A square drive to hex drive adapter (380) and a hex drive to square drive adapter (400). Finally, retainer spring (414) is used to frictionally engage sockets on a breaker bar (260).

Abstract: A quick change tool retention device for attachment to a power operated mechanism, such as a power operated hand drill, provided with a body portion and a release means attached to a spring-biased leg portion so that a tool, provided with a groove for interlock with the leg portion, can be brought into a keyway and locked in place until such time as the release button is depressed, thereby depressing the leg portion against the spring biasing and releasing the tool from retention via the groove.

Abstract: A lever is mounted about an oscillation axis for limited oscillation relative to a first component. A linear tension spring latching member is mounted for rotation on that lever about an axis eccentric to the oscillation axis, the latching member being mounted for frictionally retarded rotation. In the joined condition of second and first components, a latching pin projects from the second component in parallel spaced relation to the oscillation axis and the latching member axis. The tension spring latching member includes a latching hook at its distal end for engagement with the latching pin so that in the latched condition in the components, the spring latching member is tensioned between the latching pin and the eccentric axis.

Abstract: The punch retainer mounted on a die shoe has a body with a backing plate fastened to the top face thereof. The body is formed with a first bore for retaining a punch, the inner end of which abuts the backing plate. A first dowel projecting from the mounting face of the die shoe extends into the backing plate in axial alignment with the central axis of the first bore. Second and third bores in the body register with second and third holes in the backing plate. Tubular dowels engage in the registering bores and holes to align the backing plate on the body. The retainer is mounted on a die shoe by holding screws which extend through the tubular dowels and thread into the die shoe. The backing plate is aligned on the die shoe by either a separate fourth dowel in the backing plate spaced remotely from the first dowel or by extending one of the tubular dowels beyond the backing plate for engagement with a registering opening in the die shoe.

Abstract: A tool assembly in which the tool holder 6 forms a relatively small volume of metal thereby facilitating brazing of the tool bits (21, 23) and inexpensive replacement.

Abstract: An adapter for a torquing tool includes an elongated body having a bore at at least one end to accommodate a working member such as a drill bit or fastener driver and a coupling means for detachably attaching the body to the tool so that at least a portion of the adapter is not housed within the tool. The improvement comprises a quick release means internal of the portion of the body member that is not housed within the tool to detachably retain the working member within the bore and to the elongated body and means associated with said bore and said working member for transmitting torque from the tool to the working member. The preferred quick release means is a spring loaded shuttle positioned in an opening radially through the body member and in communication with the bore. The preferred torque transmitting means is a pair of corresponding, opposed surfaces disposed on the bore and working member, respectively.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use with a packer positionable in a casing in which the packer has an upstanding male location member having a noncircular peripheral configuration having a circumferential slot adjacent the upper end, a female insertion member having means at the upper end for attachment to the lower end of a pipe string extending from the earth's surface and having a recess in the lower end slidably and nonrotatably receiving the upper end of the male location member and having an upper internal recess communicating with the tool open bottom, the recess having an internal enlarged diameter groove therein and a plurality of clips each configured as a segment of a washer positioned in the internal recess of the retrieval tool and having an elastomeric member therearound to inwardly bias the clips towards each other, the clips being expandable outwardly within the groove to receive the upper end of the location member and to enter into the external circumferential groove in the location member to ther

Abstract: A screwdriver with replaceable blade is inserted in the longitudinal direction of the handle from one end in non-rotatable complementary manner into an opening having a non-round cross section with which there is associated a spring for holding the blade by friction. The opening is formed from a socket which is of polygonal shape on an inside and an outside thereof and a part (x) of the length thereof is held in non-rotatable complementary manner within the handle while the remaining length (y) thereof projects beyond an end surface of the handle said socket being formed on an inner wall thereof with an annular groove, and a spring of ring shape is disposed partly in the groove.

Abstract: A punch and retainer assembly wherein the punch has a non-circular punching end and a flattened surface at the upper end of its side wall. The punch also has an axially extending, radially inwardly inclined flat surface below the flattened side wall portion. The punch retainer includes a vertically movable latch having cylindrical surfaces adapted to engage the flat inclined surface on the punch and a flat inclined surface on the retainer in wedging relation to retain the punch within the retainer. Means are provided for permitting the punch to be inserted into the retainer only when the flattened surface thereof is aligned parallel with the axis of the latch. A strong leaf spring biases the latch downwardly into engagement with the flat inclined surface on the punch so that the cylindrical surface of the latch engages the flat inclined surface on the punch with line contact that is perpendicular to the vertical axis of the punch.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a chuck for use in a motor driven tool. The chuck is internally mounted within a transverse opening which intersects a longitudinal opening in the output shaft of the motor driven tool and includes an internal, transversely mounted hardened roller which locks a tool bit in the motor output shaft only when a torque or resistance is applied to the tool bit. The torque or resistance creates a twisting moment applied about the axis of the tool bit to lift the roller into engagement with an interior portion of the transverse opening to thereby lock the bit relative to the motor driven tool. In the quiescent state the tool bit is unlocked and may be readily removed from the motor driven tool or inserted at almost any given angle. The motor output shaft and associated bearings provide essentially the entire structural support for the tool housing.

Abstract: A punch and retainer assembly wherein the punch has a flattened surface at the upper end of the side wall thereof and a radially inwardly extending recess directly below the flattened side wall portion. The punch retainer includes a vertically movable latch adapted to engage within the recess on the shank of the punch and retain the punch within the retainer block. Means are provided for limiting vertical movement of the latch so that the punch can be inserted into the retainer only when the flattened surface thereof is aligned parallel with the pivot axis of the latch.

Abstract: A reversible termination tool blade is removably interlocked in a slide by means of a spring loaded cam follower on the slide and a cam surface on the reversible termination blade. The blade is inserted in the slide with a rectilinear motion aligning the cam follower with the cam. A rotary motion of the blade in the slide causes the cam to pass the cam follower, capturing the cam follower behind the cam and interlocking the termination blade in the slide with the desired end of the termination blade projecting therefrom.

Abstract: A variable-length tool holder having a shank assembly including a hollow shank into which a shaft is adjustably inserted. Mounted on the shaft is a bit holder for retaining a tool bit on the shank assembly. The hollow shank forms a hole having a non-circular cross section, with the shaft also having a non-circular cross section and mating in the cross section of the hole of the shank for rotating with the shank. External screw threads are cut into the shaft for threadedly engaging with the internal screw threads of a nut rotatably attached to the shank in order to permit axial movement of the shaft relative to the shank by rotation of the nut.

Abstract: A retainer of generally U-shape having slightly diverging legs detachably secures the proximal part of an excavating tooth within a complementary recess in its holder. The proximal end of the tooth has a generally rectangular cross-section with opposed outward extending ears and rearwardly thereof is formed with a spindle having a shoulder at the back. In the operative position of the retainer, a portion of the retainer straddles the spindle immediately in front of the shoulder. At least one leg of the retainer is formed with an upper offset leg portion and with oppositely offset lower leg portion with an interconnection there-between. The upper offset portion fits ahead of the shoulder to retain the tooth in place when the retainer is in operative position; but when the retainer is retracted to inoperative position, the upper offset portion of the leg clears the shoulder of the spindle of the tooth.