Abstract: Disclosed is a wire clamp, comprising: a clamp body; a pair of arms coupled to the clamp body; and a piezoelectric actuator having a longitudinal axis extending between a first end and a second end, the actuator being coupled to the pair of arms at the first end and to the clamp body at the second end. The second end of the actuator is coupled to the clamp body by a preload mechanism for applying a preload force along the longitudinal axis, and the preload mechanism comprises at least one wedge having an inclined surface which is slidable over a mating inclined surface. Also disclosed is a method of applying a preload force to a piezoelectric actuator of a wire clamp, as well as a jig for applying a preload force to a piezoelectric actuator of a wire clamp.

Abstract: A reconfigurable clamping system is disclosed. An example clamping system for securing a workpiece comprises a retention assembly and an inflatable bladder. The retention assembly comprises a plurality of links, each pair of adjacent links having a pivotal connection to enable the retention assembly to be configured to the general shape of a workpiece, and each pair of adjacent links having a locking mechanism to selectively lock an angular relationship between the pair. The inflatable bladder is coupled between the retention assembly and the workpiece and is to apply a clamping force to the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for assembling parts. A sealant is placed between a plurality of parts in a stack up to form a workpiece. The workpiece is clamped using a permanent magnet unit and an electromagnetic clamping device in an activated state such that a number of forces caused by a magnetic field clamps the workpiece between the electromagnetic clamping device and the permanent magnet unit. A number of holes are drilled in the workpiece. A number of fasteners are installed in the number of holes.

Abstract: The present application is directed toward a spacing means for aiding spacing of a plurality of elongated slats or fence palings in a planar manner to a supporting structure, wherein the spacing means comprises an elongated spine and a plurality of wedges as described herein.

Abstract: A clamping device for machine tools, the device provided with a power-operated chuck, an electrical drive motor, and a movement converter, with force accumulator. An output element is rotatably mounted on the output shaft of the drive motor, and is in driving connection with the movement converter. The output element is adapted to be connected to the output shaft by a servo device, and the movement converter can be interlocked with the spindle of the machine tool by a second servo device. It is thus possible to clamp or unclamp a workpiece. During working procedures, the drive motor is stopped. There is no need for elaborate control functions, rather the servo devices are actuated to make a driving connection between the drive motor and the movement converter, or to release this connection, and to block the movement converter during working procedures by means of its connection to the spindle of the machine tool.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a gripping unit for engaging a workpiece with the unit including a first assembly, a second assembly pivotally connected to the first assembly and having a limited range of pivotal movement relative to the first assembly. The first and second assemblies define a central opening of the gripping unit. Each of the first and second assemblies includes a V-block oppositely disposed from one another and capable of axial translation within the central opening to engage the workpiece. An actuator is arranged and designed to pivot the second assembly relative to the first assembly in the direction of the central opening.

Abstract: A universal clamping assembly for a key duplicating machine is described. The clamping assembly comprises a housing having a pair of opposed flat guide rail support surfaces and a sliding tip clamp is guidingly displaceable along each of the guide rail support surfaces and are urged against the tip of the key and key blank blades which are positioned on the guide rails. A pivoting clamp is displaceably engageable on a forward top edge of the respective key blades to apply a downward force on the key blades to ensure that the lower edge of the key blades is firmly resting against the guide rail support surfaces. A pair of cam operated side clamps is actuable to further clamp the blade on their sides at two distinct areas. The universal clamping assembly is capable of accommodating different key and key blank lengths, widths and thicknesses. The method of clamping the key and key blank is also described.

Abstract: An assembly used in performing a manufacturing process on a turbine engine component includes a turbine engine component and a fixture including an opening shaped to receive a portion of the turbine engine component. The assembly includes a non-metallic cover placed over at least a portion of an external surface of the fixture. The non-metallic cover is visible when positioned over the at least a portion of the external surface of the fixture and is visible when the turbine engine component is received in the fixture opening of the fixture.

Abstract: The described embodiments relate to adjustable fixtures. A number of adjustable length cylindrical pins can be utilized to form a conformal support structure in accordance with a workpiece having any number of variations. At least three fixed length pins having heights lower than the adjustable length pins, can be interspersed with the adjustable length cylindrical pins to define an orientation at which the workpiece is held. Because the adjustable length pins have an uncompressed height greater than the fixed length pins, each of the adjustable length pins can be compressed in accordance with a bottom surface of the workpiece when the workpiece is pressed against the fixed length pin. In this way a conformal support structure can be formed that supports the workpiece during a machining operation.

Abstract: In order to increase safety, flexibility and simplicity when handling a wind turbine nacelle compared to known solutions and devices, there is disclosed a wind turbine nacelle including a supporting structure, a nacelle housing and a plurality of handling devices to be used when handling the wind turbine nacelle. The four handling devices are connected to the supporting structure, and each of the handling devices includes an integrated moveable part. The integrated moveable part is moveable between a first position and a second position, and the integrated moveable part is inside or is flush with the nacelle housing in the first position and is extending out of the nacelle housing in the second position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a clamping device mountable to a bench top for setting an edge piece to an edge thereof such that the edge piece projects from the bench top at a predetermined angle, with interengaging surfaces of the edge piece and edge being formed with mating mitres whereby a mitre joint is formed between the edge piece and the bench top, the clamping device comprising a body, a first clamping means supported from the body for clamping the device to the bench top, a second clamping means supported from the body for applying clamping pressure to the mitre joint, and first and second locators carried by the body and engageable with the edge piece and bench top respectively to maintain them in the required configuration during clamping. There is also disclosed a related method of attaching an edge piece to an edge of a bench top.

Abstract: [Problem] An object of the present invention is to facilitate height level adjustment of a substrate processing apparatus regardless of size thereof. [Means for Solving] A lifting device 630b includes: a lifting mechanism 640 that is provided between at least one of a plurality of units of a substrate processing apparatus and an installation surface of the unit, and that adjusts height of the at least one unit with respect to the installation surface; and an adjustment member 660 that is provided with an extended section 664 extended from the lifting mechanism 640, and that is capable of operating the lifting mechanism 640 through the extended section 664.

Abstract: A rail restraining method for restraining a hot-rolled rail in an upright position at a time of forced cooling of a head portion and a foot portion of the rail includes defining a predetermined position within 2 meters from each of both end faces of the rail along a longitudinal direction of the rail as a first restraining position, defining a predetermined position 3 to 10 meters from the first restraining position in a direction toward center of the rail along the longitudinal direction of the rail as a second restraining position at the time of forced cooling, and restraining displacement of the rail in a vertical direction at the first restraining position and the second restraining position by a restraining force F (kN) that satisfies following Expression (1): F?100/L2??(1) where L2 (m) is a distance between the first restraining position and the second restraining position.

Abstract: In an improved sawhorse or clamp horse, a telescoping beam is pierced by a plaurlity of apertures at an insertion angle other than orthogonal to the surface, and a plualrity of push clamps, each bent at the insertion angle, is provided. By inserting a push clamp into the telescoping beam at an insertion angle, a work piece may be held securely in temporary positions during toolwork. The clamp horse's legs terminate in T-shaped feet to provide the option of permanent installation on the floor of the workspace.

Abstract: A system for rotating a turbine shell includes a first platform and a first trunnion rotatably connected to the first platform. A second platform is separated from the first platform, and a second trunnion is separated from the first trunnion and rotatably connected to the second platform. The system further includes structure for rotating the first trunnion.

Abstract: A method of controlling adherence of microparticles to a substrate to be processed includes applying voltage to an electrostatic chuck configured to electrostatically attract the substrate to be processed in a processing container before the substrate to be processed is carried into the processing container; and, after the applying of voltage to the electrostatic chuck, carrying the substrate to be processed into the processing container. Further, in the applying of voltage to the electrostatic chuck, the voltage is applied to the electrostatic chuck to reduce a potential difference between a focus ring and the substrate to be processed, the focus ring being provided to surround the electrostatic chuck.

Abstract: A system and method for modifying a gas turbine engine in the field to drill a series of cooling holes in a turbine rotor disk made of a superalloy. A portable field repair system includes a stand configured to receive, support, and position a turbine rotor disk, a drill having a self-feeding spindle and configured to automatically drill a predetermined depth through a superalloy and to automatically stop upon completion, a drill guide configured to coordinate the drill with a plurality of radial axes associated with a precise hole pattern to be cut and a drill mount configured to mechanically couple the drill to the drill guide and to position the drill during the modification of the gas turbine engine turbine rotor disk.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods that may be used to dissect insects. In some embodiments, the systems, devices, and methods may be used to isolate insect salivary glands. In some embodiments, the systems, devices, and methods may be used to isolate mosquito salivary glands. In some embodiments, the systems, devices, and methods may be used to collect mosquito salivary glands.

Abstract: At least one adjusting element aligns a first surface of a test body, comprising a dentine and/or enamel surface, plane-parallel with respect to a contact surface and/or to at least one second surface, which is optionally coated with an adhesive dental material. The at least one adjusting element in a device is usable to produce an adhesive bond at the contact surface between the first surface and the at least one second surface. A method determines necessary force to be applied to separate or break the adhesive bond at the force surface and/or contact surface between the first and the at least one second surface.

Abstract: [Object] To provide techniques such as a mask adjustment unit capable of appropriately adjusting the position of a mask pattern. [Solving Means] A mask adjustment unit according to the present technology includes a base body, a movable member, and an adjustment mechanism. The movable member supports a side of an outer edge portion of a mask main body and is movably provided on the base body, the mask main body having the outer edge portion. The adjustment mechanism applies, to the mask body via the movable member, both pulling tension force from the outer edge portion of the mask main body to outside of the mask main body and pressing force pressing from the outer edge portion to inside of the mask main body, the mask body being supported by the movable member.

Abstract: A holding jig (1, 2, 3) for a thin cylindrical work (W) includes a holding member (10, 10A, 10B) which holds the work (W) from an inner peripheral side and a diameter changing unit (25, 27) which changes a diameter of the holding member (10, 10A, 10B). The holding member (10, 10A, 10B) is made of metal and has a cylindrical shape and an elastically expandable or contractible diameter. The holding member (10, 10A, 10B) is configured with an outside diameter of the holding member (10, 10A, 10B) being held smaller than an inside diameter of the work (W) at the time of insertion into an inner periphery of the work (W) and being expanded after inserted into the inner periphery of the work (W) to hold the work (W) from an inner peripheral side of the work (W) with an outer peripheral surface in close contact with an entire inner peripheral surface of the work (W).

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes a holder for holding a carrier and a supporting base for receiving the holder comprising a recess for accommodating a plurality of balls mounted on a surface of the carrier. Furthermore, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes providing a carrier, providing an apparatus comprising a supporting base including a recess, holding the carrier on the supporting base and accommodating a plurality of balls mounted on a surface of the carrier in the recess.

Abstract: A catheter is provided for medical ultrasound imaging that can be effectively used in combination with other imaging modalities to detect medical structures of interest as well as the catheter. Markers are added to the catheter which allow more precise location identification of the catheter in the merging of the images from different modalities. Using a template, apertures for marker placement are formed in the catheter after creating the catheter housing. The ultrasound array may be used for accurate positioning of the template. Alternatively or additionally, a rigid insert with markers connects with the array. The insert holds the markers in place and may reduce artifacts in ultrasound scanning due to flexing of the array.

Abstract: A machining apparatus has a frame defining an input station, an output station, and first and second machining stations. Respective first and second workpiece holders in the first and second machining stations can retain a workpiece therein. A first pivotal turret is movable vertically and horizontally on the frame between the input station and the first machining station and carries at least one machining tool and a first grab, and a second pivotal turret is movable vertically and horizontally on the frame between the first and second machining stations and the output station and carries at least one machining tool and second and third grabs.

Abstract: A method of supporting a part with particulate shape retaining media, the method including placing the part on a bed of the particulate shape retaining media, fluidizing the particulate shape retaining media until the part penetrates therein, and vibrating the bed of particulate shape retaining media to compact the particulate shape retaining media around the part. The part may be a green part to be debound in a powder injection molding process. Fluidization may be performed through vibrations at a different frequency than the compaction.

Abstract: In a component mounting device (1) which has a first mounting lane (L1) and a second mounting lane (L2) and which is structured so as to be able to select either an independence mounting mode or an alternation mounting mode, when device type changing operation is performed with change of the type of boards which are the mounted objects, if a tape feeder float detecting sensor (17) that is provided in proximity of an opening (19) through which a part of the body or the foreign object enters in the component supplying part is, detects a part of the body such as a finger (26) of the operator or the foreign object, operation of the component mounting mechanism which belong to the mounting lane opposite to the mounting lane to which the component supplying part, in which the optical sensor is provided, belongs is stopped.

Abstract: A blade support cradle is described, which can be used to support a section of a wind turbine blade using an array of vacuum clamps. The cradle provides a secure and reliable system for the support of a blade section during and after blade manufacture, allowing for various operations to be easily carried out on the surface of the blade section. A method for receiving a blade section in the cradle is further described. In addition, the cradle may be used as part of a blade post-moulding station in a method of manufacturing a wind turbine blade.

Abstract: A holding tool for releasably securing a shaft from rotation relative to the holding tool. The holding tool may have a head including a pair of semi-cylindrical main bodies, each head having a hinge flange extending from a respective first end of the main body and a bolt flange extending from a respective, opposed second end of the main body, with each bolt flange including a fastener hole; a hinge pivotally securing the hinge flanges together; a fastener received through the fastener hole and selectively biasing the bolt flanges toward one another; a pair of semi-cylindrical shaped resilient inserts, each secured to an inner surface of the main bodies, defining a cylindrical channel to receive the shaft; and a handle extending generally radially outward from the head. The holding tool may be used to secure a propshaft to a vehicle.

Abstract: An accessory making device (1) of the present invention is a device for making an accessory including a core (83) formed into a substantially ring shape by connecting both ends of a stretchable cord-like body (46) having rubber-like elasticity and a decoration main body (83) disposed around the core in such a manner so as to abut both ends thereof against each other in a contracted state so as to be reduced in axial length. The accessory making device (1) includes a long rigid holder (5). The holder (5) can retain connecting portions (47M, 47F) on both end sides of the cord-like body (46) with the connecting portions (47M, 47F) of the cord-like body (46) separated from each other, and can be inserted through the decoration main body (83).

Abstract: An interlocking assembly includes a frame, a first arm coupled to the frame, and a second arm coupled to the frame. The first arm and/or the second arm is moveable between an open position and a closed position, such that the first and second arms overlap to define a first area when the first and second arms are in the closed position.

Abstract: A construction retention device comprising: a first member, a second member and an inner member; wherein the first member comprises a base and an upright; wherein the upright of the first member has at least a single holder; wherein the second member comprises a base and an upright; wherein the upright of the second member has at least a single holder; wherein the first member and the second member are connected to the inner member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centring arrangement for a component carrier, in particular for a mounting frame for structural aircraft components, having a centring pin, a centring receptacle for the centring pin, and a rotary drive for rotating the centring pin about a longitudinal axis of the centring pin, so that the centring pin can be brought into centring engagement with the centring receptacle as a result of the rotation. The invention further relates to a method for centring and locking a centring receptacle.

Abstract: A system includes a positioning and centering pin (4) configured to be attached to an ophthalmic lens, an attachment member (5) configured to be positioned on and attached to the pin and to be attached to the lens, a tool (20) for positioning the attachment member on the pin, and which includes a body (42) provided with at least one receiving recess configured to at least partially receive at least one of the attachment members and the pin, at least one centering member (48, 56) and at least one guide member (48, 57), which are configured such that, when the attachment member and the pin are mounted on the tool, the attachment member is centered relative to the body and the pin is guided relative to the body, whereby the attachment member is positioned in a predetermined position on the pin.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for positioning workpieces for processing. In one aspect, a clamping device includes two clamping elements and a servo drive provided for the clamping elements. The servo drive is operable to first move at least one of the clamping elements toward the other of the clamping elements such that the clamping elements are transferred into a clamping start position in which the clamping elements are positioned on opposite sides of a workpiece arranged therebetween and in which the clamping elements do not apply a force to the workpiece or apply a force to the workpiece that is smaller than a clamping force, and subsequently urge the clamping elements toward one another from the clamping start position to an operational state, in which the clamping elements apply the clamping force to the workpiece.

Abstract: In a chucking device and a chucking method for a machine tool which grip a workpiece that serves as a target object to be processed by the machine tool, a first cylinder and a second cylinder are controlled based on the position of a piston of the first cylinder detected by a length measuring sensor, and the position of a piston of the second cylinder detected by a length measuring sensor. In this manner, the workpiece is gripped by respective gripping members at a predetermined position, i.e., the axial center, of a chuck main body.

Abstract: Implementations disclosed herein allow a printed circuit board (PCB) to be removeably secured to a lapping carrier. The lapping carrier may include a clamping mechanism and one or more alignment pins that thread through corresponding holes in the PCB. In other implementations, the lapping carrier includes insulation that prevents current leakage or short-circuiting of electrical paths on the PCB during contact with the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A structure to connect a refrigerant pipe and an air conditioner having the same, the connecting structure enabling a refrigerant pipe to be easily connected to an indoor unit or an outdoor unit of an air conditioner and including a refrigerant pipe through which refrigerant flows, a socket part connected to one end of the refrigerant pipe, and a coupling nut coupled to an outer circumferential surface of the socket part, wherein, a socket part is provided with a grip-ring allowing the refrigerant pipe to move in a first direction in which the refrigerant pipe is coupled to the socket part and preventing the refrigerant pipe from moving in a second direction in which the refrigerant pipe is separated from the socket part, and at least one O-ring configured to prevent refrigerant from leaking at the socket part.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a slide assembly device having a static tooling base which is statically and solidly affixed to a base such as a table and a moveable tooling arm that is rotatable about a hinge connected to the static tooling base, so that moveable tooling arm rotates about the hinge in a manner similar to a book cover opening and closing. The embodiments further provide an upper slide chuck that is removably attachable to the moveable tooling arm and a lower slide receiver that is removably attachable to the static tooling base. The upper slide chuck is configured to hold an experimental slide via a vacuum mechanism to engagedly hold the experimental slide to the upper slide chuck while the moveable tooling arm is rotated about the hinge from an open-book position to a closed-book position.

Abstract: The disclosed technology is a wrench or other tool with a top side, bottom side, left side, and right side. A working end of the tool has a clamp open or openable on the top, left, and right sides. A handle region defined by an elongated shape is adapted for gripping. A mid-region of unitary construction is attached to the handle region and a head region, wherein the head region is a separate piece fastened to the mid-region, such as by threads or bolts. A base with a flat side is formed of unitary construction, such as forged in the same metallurgy process, as the mid-region. The flat bottom side of the base may be angled to entirely rest on a surface when a corresponding bottom side of the handle region rests on the surface.

Abstract: An assembling apparatus configured to mount a first part on a second part having an engaged part extending in a first direction includes a holding part configured to hold the first part, an engaging part extending in the first direction and being configured to engage with the engaged part, a support part configured to support the holding part and the engaging part, a first mechanism configured to displace the support part in the first direction, and a second mechanism configured to allow a displacement of the support part in a plane intersecting with the first direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a piston over a lip seal on a shaft includes a cylinder or primary force and a weight member or secondary force. The primary force and secondary force are coupled by a resilient member, which will permit the secondary force to retract from the assembly process when the force needed to complete the assembly is above a predetermined value.

Abstract: A tool holder includes a collet clamped with a tool, a collet chuck connected to a power tool, and a clamping nut connecting the collet to the collet chuck. At least two groove-shaped material recesses are created in a body of the collet. The at least two recesses extend in a lengthwise direction of the collet body, and starting from an open circumferential surface of the collet body, extend in a radial direction up to a limit stop.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus applies a force to a workpeice during processing. The clamping apparatus includes a base defining a work area configured to receive a joined structure having multiple elements. The base defines a recess in the work area. An adjustable mechanism is configured to releasably couple to the base and apply a adjustable downward force to the joined structure to bend the joined structure downwardly into the recess during a process. A resilient plunger is part of the adjustable mechanism. The resilient plunger extends downwardly from a top plate of the adjustable mechanism, and the resilient plunger is configured to contact a top of a first element of the joined structure to apply the downward force.

Abstract: An expandable arbor for rotatably mounting an object to a machine tool comprises a mounting portion fastenable to a machine tool spindle and a clamping portion located on the mounting portion. The clamping portion comprises a finger extending from the mounting portion, an expandable sleeve coupled to the finger, and a nut for coupling the expandable sleeve to the mounting portion and for coupling the mounting portion to the rotating spindle. The expansion of the expandable sleeve allows for the clamping of the expandable sleeve to an internal surface of a tool or workpiece.

Abstract: A precision alignment unit and techniques are described that include a tray assembly configured to be used in a testing system, where the tray assembly includes at least one pocket formed in the tray assembly, the pocket configured to contain an integrated circuit chip, and at least one pin pass-through, and a device positioning unit including at least one alignment device configured to extend through the at least one pin pass-through. In implementations, a process for using the precision alignment system that employs the techniques of the present disclosure includes mounting a precision alignment unit to a vacuum chuck of a handler; loading at least one alignment tray into the handler; placing the at least one alignment tray on the precision alignment unit; and aligning at least one integrated circuit chip device disposed on the at least one alignment tray.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus and method for applying a force to a workpiece during processing includes a base defining a work area. The work area is configured to receive a joined structure including a substrate and a die. A component is positionable in the work area and over the joined structure. An adjustable releasable structure is positionable over the component and the joined structure and includes a resilient mechanism having an inner member for contacting the component to apply an inner downward force to the component. The resilient mechanism also includes outer members for applying an outer downward force to opposing distal edge areas of the substrate. An external downward force is applied to the adjustable releasable structure, such that the inner and outer members apply the inner and outer downward forces to the component and the opposing distal edge areas of the substrate, respectively, during processing of the joined structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping a component on a rotating machine part, in particular a balancing machine, having a basic body, having a clamping mandrel, which is arranged in an axially displaceable manner within the basic body, and having a plurality of clamping devices, which can be moved between a release position and a clamping position by axial displacement of the clamping mandrel. In order to make it possible for components to be clamped centrally with repeated accuracy, the clamping devices are designed as clamping segments which can be displaced radially in relation to the centre axis of the basic body above the latter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting an object. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a support structure, a positioning system, and a retention system. The positioning system may be associated with the support structure and configured to position the support structure with respect to a number of linear axes. The retention system may be associated with the support structure. The retention system may be configured to retain a portion of an object and move the portion of the object towards a platform such that the portion of the object substantially conforms to a shape of the platform.

Abstract: A yard leveling base for leveling a column during assembly is provided. The yard leveling base is configured to allow for a packed column section of a column to be placed on a top surface of the yard leveling base, the yard leveling base can further include a bottom surface configured to maintain substantial contact with the ground of a remote manufacturing yard, wherein the yard leveling base is adapted to adjust the level of the top surface of the yard leveling base to account for unevenness or slope of the ground of the remote manufacturing yard.

Abstract: The present invention provides a common fender mounting jig apparatus for use with multifarious vehicles including a plurality of common clamping units for clamping fender panels of multifarious vehicles by using, selectively, a plurality of fixing blocks processed in compliance with the shape of a fender panel associated with each vehicle model. Additionally, the common fender mounting jig may also include a clamp movement unit for moving the common clamping unit upwardly and downwardly, forwardly and backwardly; a fender mounting jig mounted on its upper face with the common clamping unit and loading the fender panel clamped by the common clamping unit on a body-in-white; and a jig movement unit for moving and rotating the fender mounting jig. By using only one common clamping unit, the present invention is able to comply with various shapes of fender panels of multifarious vehicles.