Abstract: A holding device 10 includes a supporting member 12 for supporting an optical fiber cord 1 and a fixing member 14 for fixing optical fiber cord 1 to supporting member 12. Supporting member 12 includes a hitching section 16 for hitching a jacket end 5 configured by turning back a tension member 3 exposed outside a jacket 4 onto an outer surface of jacket 4, in a manner as to prevent optical fiber cord 1 from falling off from supporting member 12 due to at least a weight of optical fiber cord 1. Fixing member 14 includes a pressing section 18 acting to deform hitching section 16 hitching jacket end 5 by a pressing force to make hitching section 16 closely contact with jacket end 5. Pressing section 18 exerts pressing force dependently on a dimensional difference between hitching section 16 and pressing section 18, so as to compress hitching section 16.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable tube holder (10) is used to print unshrunk heat-shrinkable tubes (14) held in a printer. The holder (10) comprises a flat transport material and holds the heat-shrinkable tubes (14) at certain distances, wherein two tongues (22) of the carrier material (12) are placed into the two ends of each heat-shrinkable tube (14). In order to simplify handling, it is proposed that at least one of the two tongues (22) has a slot (24) at the center. Such a heat-shrinkable tube holder (10) can be used to easily insert a cable (26) into the respective heat-shrinkable tube (14) after printing of the heat-shrinkable tubes while the heat-shrinkable tubes (14) is still positioned on the holder (10).

Abstract: A process for making a medicinal vial in which a vial and a closure are moulded in parallel in respective vial and closure moulds, then the closure and vial are automatically assembled together, all in a sterile environment. An apparatus for performing this process is also provided. By the process and apparatus of the invention sealed vials with a sterile interior may be made.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing workpieces containing plastics material by welding, stamping, cutting and/or bonding is described. The apparatus includes a loading and unloading station for loading and unloading the workpieces (35), a processing station with a free space for processing the workpieces (35) and at least one interchangeable module (15) which can be inserted and fixed in the free space and which comprises at least one workpiece receptacle (34) and at least one processing tool (37) which are both adapted to a selected processing task. In accordance with the invention the interchangeable module (15) is supported on running wheels (17) and can be inserted in the free space therewith, and the relative position between the receptacle (34) and the processing tool (37) required in the processing is determined by the interchangeable module (15) alone.

Abstract: A tooling for holding parts in position to enable them to be friction-welded together in order to construct a hollow structure, the tooling includes: a framework made up of two frames for receiving the parts for welding together in their positions for forming the hollow structure, the parts including preformed parts and an intermediate section; shape-holder members for holding the hollow structure, associating backing thrust members and lateral grip members for gripping the outsides of the preformed parts; anvils suitable for being placed inside the set of preformed parts beside the section; and clamping elements operable to take up a clamping position in which they cause opposing thrust to be applied against the anvil and the inside face of a preformed part, its part itself bears against the shape-holder members.

Abstract: A heart valve prostheses crimping apparatus and method for deducing the diameter of stents containing heart valve prosthesis. A medical prosthesis catheter loading apparatus, including a crimping assembly for reducing the diameter of a prosthesis; and a catheter clamp for holding a catheter adjacent to the prosthesis. Also disclosed is an apparatus for reducing the diameter of a medical prosthesis, including a base, a crimp head connectable to the base, and an actuation mechanism connected to the base and connectable to the crimp head to actuate the crimp head. Also disclosed is a method of loading a medical prosthesis into a catheter, including the steps of reducing the diameter of a prosthesis from its normal deployed state to a diameter less than that of the lumen of the catheter; holding a catheter adjacent to the reduced diameter prosthesis; and moving the prosthesis into the catheter lumen.

Abstract: A system for applying belt fasteners to belt ends is disclosed. The system includes a power tool apparatus and a guiding apparatus. The guide apparatus includes a guide block having guide bores in which attachment members, e.g., rivets, are held in position relative to the belt fasteners so that a drive rod of the power tool impacts the rivets in the guide block bores. The guide block preferably is of a hard material, e.g. a machined steel or powder steel, for proper guiding of the drive rod and rivet during riveting operations.

Abstract: An electrostatic clamp, which more effectively removes built up charge from a substrate prior to and during removal, is disclosed. Currently, the lift pins and ground pins are the only mechanisms used to remove charge from the substrate after implantation. The present discloses describes a clamp having one of more additional low resistance paths to ground. These additional conduits allow built up charge to be dissipated prior to and during the removal of the substrate from the clamp. By providing sufficient charge drainage from the backside surface of the substrate 114, the problem whereby the substrate sticks to the clamp can be reduced. This results in a corresponding reduction in substrate breakage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of clamping a substrate on a surface of a substrate support structure. First, a liquid is applied on a surface of the substrate support structure. The surface is provided with a plurality of contact elements. The liquid is applied such that the contact elements are fully covered by a liquid layer. Then the substrate is provided and placed onto the liquid layer. Finally, liquid underneath the substrate is removed such that the substrate rests on the plurality of contact elements and is clamped by means of a capillary clamping force exerted by a capillary layer of the liquid between the substrate and the surface of the substrate support structure.

Abstract: A positioning assembly for a composite structure is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the positioning assembly includes at least one vertical carriage support, at least one vertical carriage carried by the at least one vertical carriage support, at least one vertical motor drivingly engaging the at least one vertical carriage, a transverse carriage support carried by the at least one vertical carriage, a riser block carried by the transverse carriage support and at least one horizontal motor drivingly engaging the riser block.

Abstract: A sheet restrainer is used to restrain movement of continuously traveling glass sheet and includes arms on either side of the glass sheet. A driving device coupled to the arms moves the arms from a retracted position in which the arms are withdrawn from the glass sheet to an engaged position in which the arms are near the glass sheet and in alignment with each other. Rollers are connected to the arms and contact the glass sheet in the engaged position. A damping device applies an adjustable damping force to at least one of the arms dampening movement of the arm in the engaged position thereby restraining movement of the sheet. In a method of operation, the damping devices restrain angular and/or lateral movement of the sheet by transmitting movement of the sheet against the rollers into a resistive damping force of the damping devices.

Abstract: A clamping device for components to be joined, which clamping device comprises: a first component holder for a first component, a second component holder for a second component, and a clamping structure which secures the component holders relative to one another in a joining position, and when the component holders are in the joining position, the clamping structure extends from an external face of the first component holder to an external face of the second component holder facing away from the external face of the first component holder and extends respectively around a peripheral edge of the component holders.

Abstract: A substrate support device including a support member having a lower-surface support section to support a lower surface of a substrate; and a position restriction section provided on the lower-surface support section, the position restriction section being formed to surround a periphery of the substrate supported on the lower-surface support section and restrict a position of the substrate. At least one of the lower-surface support section and the position restriction section includes a base material and a protective film formed to cover the base material and prevent at least one of wear and chemical erosion to which the base material will be subject. The substrate support device further includes, for example, a base that supports the support member, and a driving structure that moves the support member in a relative fashion with respect to the base, and is constructed as a substrate transport device.

Abstract: A substrate support structure for clamping a substrate by means of a capillary force created by a liquid clamping layer having a lower pressure than its surroundings. The substrate support structure comprises a surface provided with a plurality of substrate supporting elements for holding the substrate, and the surface further comprises portions with different capillary potential for inducing, during clamping, a predetermined capillary flow within the liquid clamping layer.

Abstract: A connector including a spacing link, and a first engagement member connected directly or indirectly to the spacing link, and a second engagement member mounted on an extension arm characterised in that the extension arm is mounted with respect to the spacing link so that the extension arm can move from one side of the spacing link to another.

Abstract: A centering device (1) for flat workpieces, especially sheet-metal blanks to be processed in a press, comprises a first table (100.1), which can be rotated about a first vertical axis (90), for receiving a workpiece and a second table (100.2), which can be rotated about a second vertical axis (90), for receiving a workpiece. The second table (100.2) is arranged to the side of the first table (100.1), and a support level of the first table (100.1) coincides substantially with a support level of the second table (100.2). The device furthermore comprises a rotation mechanism (45, 46, 50, 61), which is coupled mechanically to the first table (100.1) and to the second table (100.2) in such a way that the first and the second tables (100.1, 100.2) can be rotated jointly about a third vertical axis (50). If both tables (100.1, 100.2) are rotated jointly about the third vertical axis (50), the tables (100.1, 100.2) form a common supporting surface.

Abstract: An ultrasonic clamp coagulator assembly that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. An elongated portion of the instrument can be configured for endoscopic applications and has an outside diameter of less than 6 mm. The construction includes a clamping mechanism, including a clamp arm pivotally mounted at the distal portion of the instrument, which is specifically configured to create a desired level of tissue clamping forces, exceeding 4 pounds when the trigger is fully closed. The clamping mechanism includes a two-piece pad design and pad material that enables the higher tissue clamping forces and a force-limiting mechanism that effectively smooths out abusive tissue forces. The assembly also features hand activation configured to provide an ergonomical grip and operation for the surgeon. Hand switches are placed in the range of the natural swing of the surgeon's thumb, whether gripping the surgical instrument right-handed or left handed.

Abstract: A quadrail ergonomic apparatus includes two or more pathways designed to permit movement in two or more directions mounted to a static object above a surface. One or more carriages designed to move in two or more directions are disposed within the pathways. Each carriage is suspended above the surface from the pathways and capable of maintaining a workload in place and permitting movement of the workload in at least four directions.

Abstract: Provided is a method applicable to the production of silicon wafers having crystal orientation <100> or <110> and consisting in specifying wafer-supporting positions on the occasion of heat treatment in a vertical heat treatment furnace as well as a heat treatment jig for use in carrying out that method. It becomes possible to suppress the shear stress which contributes to the extension of the slip generated at each wafer-supporting element contact point as an initiation, suppress slip growth and thus markedly improve the yield of heat-treated silicon wafers. The heat-treated wafer obtained by using the supporting method and the heat treatment jig has few slip, in particular has no long and large slip, and is high in quality.

Abstract: Transportation of larger diameter gas turbine engines can be problematic. In such circumstances it is known to separate the fan assembly (30) from the engine core (1) and other parts to facilitate transportation. Separation of the fan assembly (30) and engine core (1) can require a gantry which adds to inconvenience and costs. By utilizing a platform (2, 44) with suspender members (43) in the form of boot straps (43) which extend down from an existing pylon (31) it is possible to remove an engine core (1) through a carriage dolly (3, 45) which moves along a rail (21 within the platform (2, 44) generally laterally until it is possible to lower the engine upon the platform to ground level. The platform (2, 44) and carriage dolly (3, 45) can then act as a stand for transportation of the engine core.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating containers such as, for example, liquid containers, may include at least one treatment unit, which treats the containers in a predetermined manner. The treatment unit may be moved along a specified path of travel. The apparatus may include a guiding cam, which is designed in such a way that it causes at least once along the path of travel a movement of the treatment unit in a direction extending vertically relative to the path of travel. The treatment unit may include a guiding element, which is at least at times in contact with the guiding cam, and wherein a force acting between the guiding element and the guiding cam varies at least at times along a specified area of the path of travel. In various aspects, the apparatus may include a force reduction device, which causes the force acting at a certain point of the area between the guiding cam and the guiding element to be reduced at least on average.

Abstract: A device (1) for holding a laboratory sample cassette (2) having a marking surface (3) disposed at an inclined angle to a main body of the cassette (2), has a platen (10) with an aperture through which marking of the marking surface (3) can occur. The device (1) also has a receiving surface (13) for receiving one said cassette (2) which surface (13) is inclined relative to the platen (10), a stop (15) and a clamp (18). A received cassette (2) is slid down the inclined receiving surface (13) until the cassette (2) engages the stop (15) and so that the marking surface (3) substantially faces the platen (10) and a recess behind the marking surface (3) is aligned with the clamp (18). A plunger (19) of the clamp (18) is lowered towards the platen (10) and into the recess so that the marking surface (3) is pinned against the platen (10). The marking surface (3) can then be marked by marking means via the platen aperture. The plunger (19) is then moved away from the platen (10) and the cassette (2) is removed.

Abstract: A fixture assembly for securely positioning a plurality of blades loosely assembled on to a rotor of a gas turbine engine in which axial clamping forces are translated to apply radial expansion forces on the blades to simulate a centrifugal force on the blades during engine operation.

Abstract: A method enables a blade assembly to be secured for manufacture. The blade assembly includes an airfoil, a dovetail, and a platform extending therebetween. The method includes providing a fixture including at least one platform support assembly and at least one dovetail clamp assembly coupled to the fixture, wherein the platform support assembly includes a support member, a lever arm, and a biasing mechanism, locating the blade assembly within the fixture using a locator, positioning the platform support assembly against the blade assembly platform, and retaining the blade assembly in alignment with respect to the fixture using the at least one dovetail clamp assembly.

Abstract: A process generally includes contacting a surface of at least one workpiece with a reconfigurable pad of a fixture device, wherein the reconfigurable pad comprises a shape memory material configured to conform to the surface of the at least one workpiece, and fixturing the contacted workpiece.

Abstract: An actuator mounting assembly includes a cap, a rod, a spring mechanism, and a switch assembly. The cap is adapted to couple to an actuator. The rod extends through the cap and includes a first end adapted to extend through the actuator and a second end adapted to attach to a fixed location. The spring mechanism is disposed in the cap cavity, is compressible, and has a predetermined preload. The switch assembly is disposed in the cap and adapted to sense relative positioning between the rod and the cap and to provide signals based on the sensed relative positioning. When the rod and the cap are in a first relative position, the switch assembly provides a first signal to the actuator to allow the cap to move axially relative to the rod, but when in a second relative position, the switch assembly discontinues providing the first signal to the actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a multiple glazing unit (100). According to the invention, a fixing element (21) can be positioned in a groove (N), between two planar elements (101, 102), forming the multiple glazing unit (100), in a simple manner and provisionally fixed during the production of the multiple glazing unit (100) without loss of the required positional accuracy of the fixing element (21) in the groove (N), wherein during the production of the multiple glazing unit (100), a profile rail (1) with at least one first leg section (10), a second leg section (20) and a bridge section (30) connecting the first and second leg sections (10, 20) is used.

Abstract: An improved vacuum box assembly for use in printed circuit board manufacturing where the printed circuit board is supported during manufacturing operations on the second side of the board. The vacuum box uses a unique and improved side plate that securely retains commercially available substrate support devices within the vacuum box. The side plate has a retention cavity configured to receive one or more substrate support devices therein. The side plate retains the substrate support device in a desired position. Open or unoccupied regions of the retention cavity may be sealed by use of specifically configured vacuum blocking plates.

Abstract: A keyless chuck having both an automatic locking feature and a manual locking feature. The automatic locking feature provides for automatic locking of the chuck in a tightened state when a predetermined tightening torque has been exceeded. The chuck can be utilized with only the automatic locking feature engaged. If desired, a manual locking feature can also be engaged wherein rotation of the outer sleeve relative to the body is prevented. A retaining feature can be employed to inhibit the movement of the manual locking feature between a locked and unlocked position. The retaining feature thereby avoids accidental engaging or disengaging of the manual locking feature.

Abstract: A method of producing an indwelling needle assembly formed by assembling an inner needle having a point only at its tip, an inner needle hub fixed to the base end of the inner needle, a hollow outer needle through which the inner needle is insertable, an outer needle hub fixed to the base end of the outer needle, and an elastic seal member on the outer needle hub effecting sealing when the inner needle is withdrawn. The method involves: inserting the inner needle into the seal member to set the inner needle to an inserted state; applying, in the inserted state, lubricant to the outer peripheral surface of at least that portion of the inner needle which protrudes from the seal member; and axially reciprocating at least one time the inner needle relative to the seal member to cause the lubricant to penetrate the inside of the seal member.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a turbine nozzle assembly using a fixture including a biasing mechanism. The method includes moving the biasing mechanism from a biased first position to a second position using at least one of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical power, positioning at least one datum of the turbine nozzle assembly adjacent at least one datum location point on the fixture, and aligning the turbine nozzle assembly at least one datum with the at least one datum location point by releasing the biasing mechanism such that the biasing mechanism moves from the second position into contact with the turbine nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A clamp device includes a first clamp head movable but restricted in movement in a perpendicular direction that is at right angles to a travel direction, and serving as a reference side, a second clamp head movable in a direction coming closer to and in a direction farther away from the first clamp head, capable of clamping a workpiece located between the first and second clamp heads, and tiltable and/or slidable in the perpendicular direction, and a drive unit driving the first and second clamp heads. The workpiece is clamped with the first and second clamp heads by moving the first and second clamp heads in a direction coming closer to each other.

Abstract: A method for processing elongate substrates, including forming a plurality of parallel elongate openings (102) through a semiconductor wafer (104) to form a corresponding plurality of elongate substrates (106) between the openings, each of the elongate substrates (106) having opposite edges coplanar with opposite surfaces of the wafer, opposite faces (112) orthogonal to the wafer surfaces, and opposite ends by which the elongate substrates are interconnected; and applying securing means (402) to at least one of the opposite edges of each elongate substrate to engage the edges and thereby inhibit relative movement of the elongate substrates.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotation of a structural beam during fabrication thereof comprises spaced mounting members, each mounting member including a base frame and a circular support bracket supported for rotation by spaced rollers mounted on said base frame. At least one of the spaced rollers includes a drive mechanism to rotate the support brackets with a beam located therein. Each support bracket comprises a beam clamp mechanism with a stationary portion and a movable portion pivotably mounted thereto to form opposable jaws to receivably locate said beam therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing vibrations of a machine element (9) and/or a workpiece (5) in a machine tool, a production machine and/or in a machine which is embodied as a robot. A clamping force (F), which is used to lock the workpiece (5) and which makes the workpiece holder (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 11a, 11b) act upon the workpiece (5), is modified when vibrations occur. The invention also relates to a corresponding machine. Due to said invention, vibrations of a machine element (9) and/or a workpiece (5), which occur during a machining process, are reduced.

Abstract: A fixing jig is made up of a plate-like jig main body (2) and a close contact layer (3) which detachably holds a work (W) in close contact therewith. The jig main body has: on one surface thereof a plurality of supporting projections (4) to support the close contact layer; and also has, along an outer peripheral portion of said one surface, a side wall (5) which is of substantially the same height as the supporting projections. The close contact layer is adhered to an end surface of the side wall to thereby define a partitioned space (6) between the close contact layer and the jig main body. By sucking the air within the partitioned space via a ventilation hole (7) formed in the jig main body, the close contact layer is deformed. The work is thus surely supported and fixed also in performing a processing in which a force is applied to the work.

Abstract: A machining station and a method produce vehicle bodies of different types. A clamping station has interchangeable clamping frames, at least one clamping frame magazine, into which the interchangeable clamping frames are deposited when not in use and from which the interchangeable clamping frames are removed when in use, and at least one robot for transporting the interchangeable clamping frames. The interchangeable clamping frames, in particular the clamping frames for the vehicle body side parts, are divided into a plurality of separable segmental clamping frames, with, to convert to a different type of vehicle body, one segmental clamping frame in each case being transported by a robot from the clamping station to the clamping frame magazine, being deposited there, a segmental clamping frame of a different type being removed from the clamping frame magazine and this segmental clamping frame being transported to the clamping station.

Abstract: A substrate holding apparatus configured to hold a substrate by vacuum holding includes a rim which has a circumferential shape and is configured to support the substrate, a projection portion configured to support the substrate in an inner area surrounded by the rim, an exhaust unit configured to exhaust gas from an inner space within the rim to attract and support the substrate, a lift pin configured to load the substrate on the rim and the projection portion, a supply unit configured to supply gas to the space surrounded by the rim, and a control unit configured to control a flow rate of the gas supplied from the supply unit, wherein when the gas is exhausted by the exhaust unit, the control unit starts supplying the gas before the substrate contacts the rim and the projection portion, and controls the flow rate of the supplied gas in order to reduce a deformation in the substrate caused by exhaust of the gas.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a product and a method of a bipolar plate assembly having a pair of plates, the bipolar plate assembly being a part of a fuel cell stack. The pair of plates may be joined together at their respective borders by a mechanical forming process.

Abstract: A simple and versatile door support system holds a door by attaching to top and bottom edges. The system allows the two visible door faces and the two visible door edges to be painted at one time, and may be converted to hold a door horizontally or to transport a door. The system includes four support blocks which mount to corners of top and bottom surfaces of the door. The blocks have mounting features for mounting to the door, and attachment features for attaching one or more attachments. A rod attachment may be connected to each of the four blocks to support the door horizontally, and a pair of support shoes may be attached to two of the blocks to support the door vertically or on an edge. Casters may be attached directly to the blocks, or indirectly to the blocks (e.g., to the attachments), to transport the door.

Abstract: A supporting member, carrier and method of supporting are provided with a supporting member main body mounted to freely rotate. The supporting member main body is provided with a plurality of projections extending radially from a central rotation axis. Since the substrate is supported by abutment of the projections with an end of the substrate, the occurrence of cracking in the substrate can be prevented or the durability of the supporting member main body can be increased.

Abstract: A ladder station supporting device is provided which includes an upper holder assembly having an upper mounting body and a first vertically-oriented holder rotatably fastened to the upper mounting body; a lower holder assembly having a lower mounting body and a second vertically-oriented holder rotatably fastened to the lower mounting body; and a vertically-oriented articulation rod interconnecting the upper and lower holder assemblies, wherein the upper holder assembly may be adjustably positioned along an axis defined by the articulation rod.

Abstract: An element arrangement board and method are provided. Where the element size is comparatively small with respect to the distance in element arrangement and the density of arranged elements is low, the elements can also be arranged with certainty and efficiently in a short period of time. The element arrangement board has an arrangement face on which fitting holes for receiving elements are formed and tapered faces are formed around the fitting holes and inclined downwardly toward the fitting holes. Elements to be arranged are mixed in fluid. The fluid is supplied to the arrangement face of the element arrangement board. The elements are acted upon by force toward the fitting holes on the tapered faces so that they are fitted in a self-aligned fashion into the fitting holes and arranged on the element arrangement board.

Abstract: A vacuum-mounted clamp for clamping a first component to a second component. The clamp includes a substantially rigid body having an application face, a back face opposite the application face, a side, and a vacuum port extending between the application face and the back face. The application face has a step adjacent the side for engaging the first component. The clamp includes a flexible seal connected to the rigid body adjacent the application face. The seal has a vacuum port in fluid communication with the vacuum port in the primary body and a periphery for contacting the second component to create a vacuum area between the clamp and the second component. The vacuum port of the body and the seal are in fluid communication with a vacuum generator for generating a vacuum in the vacuum area.

Abstract: A work support comprises a plunger, a transmission member, a first chamber, a second chamber, a third chamber, a clamping mechanism, a plug, and a body. The plunger may be slidably retained within the clamping mechanism, which in turn is firmly held within the transmission member. The transmission member may extend and retract from the body corresponding to a pressure in the first chamber and the second chamber. Extension of the transmission member also extends the plunger such that the plunger may contact and receive a load from a work piece. The third chamber may be located between the outer surface of the clamping mechanism and the inner surface of the transmission member. Increasing pressure in the first chamber while decreasing pressure in the second chamber extends the transmission member and opens the plug which blocks the entry to the third chamber. Pressure in the third chamber closes the gap between the clamping mechanism and the plunger and applies a clamping force to the plunger.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for positioning a motor vehicle bodywork part, the bodywork part being intended to be juxtaposed with a door of the vehicle, it being possible for this door to adopt a open position and a closed position on the vehicle. The positioning device comprises elastic means capable of defining: a first position for the positioning device when the door is in opened position, and a second position for the positioning device when the door is in closed position, during which the elastic means are deformed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin wall isogrid or the like casing by a machining process comprising the steps of: mating a surface of a casing precursor (10,50) with a substantially continuous support surface (20,60) of a hollow support sleeve (18, 58); engaging an engagement surface (26, 66) of a deformation member (24, 64) with an engagement surface (22,62) of the support sleeve (18,58), the engagement surface (22, 62) of the support sleeve (18,58) being opposite the support surface (20,60) and the deformation member (24,64) being co-axially arranged with the support sleeve (18,58); axially displacing the support sleeve (18,58) and deformation member (24,64) relative to one another, the deformation member (24,64) engagement surface (22,62) and support sleeve (18,58) engagement surface (22,62) being configured such that the support sleeve (18,58) is deformed by the deformation member (24,64) by the relative axial displacement in order to mate the support surface (20,60) with substantially the whole of the sur

Abstract: A fixture assembly for retaining a workpiece during a coining process includes a mounting block. The workpiece includes an airfoil portion, a platform, and feet extending from the platform opposite the airfoil portion configured to engage a retention slot in a gas turbine engine, each foot defining a substantially arcuate engagement surface. The mounting block includes a first portion having a slot defined therein between opposite first and second lateral edges and having an exposed front face, first and second retaining structures positioned adjacent to the first and second lateral edges, respectively. Each of the first and second retaining structures overhangs the slot and defines an engagement surface facing the slot, such that during engagement of the workpiece the substantially arcuate engagement surfaces of the feet contact the engagement surfaces of the first and second retaining structures to provide a pivotable engagement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a robotic workstation (1), comprising at least one multiple-axis parts-handling robot (7) having an arm (9) with a free end that is provided with a parts support (10), and first and second operational units (5, 6) for co-operating functionally with the support, and wherein the support comprises a body (11) provided with locations (14) for receiving parts, said locations being arranged so that each of them is accessible simultaneously by one of the operational units. The invention also provides a method of controlling the station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool, wherein the machine tool has a workpiece clamping device (10) for clamping a workpiece (9), wherein the workpiece clamping device (10) and in this way the workpiece (9) can be moved by means of a piezoactuator (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d). The invention furthermore relates to a corresponding method. The invention provides a machine tool in which vibrations occurring during a machining operation are reduced.