Abstract: A method of removing a component from an aircraft includes attaching a device comprising a guide member to the aircraft; attaching the component (such as an actuator) to the guide member; detaching the component from the rest of the aircraft; and moving the guide member so that the component follows a predefined path of removal of the component. A device for use in such a method is also described.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for supporting storage devices during manufacture. The apparatus includes structural members and plural slot carriers received in bays in the apparatus. Each slot carrier carries at least one slot arranged to receive a storage device, wherein the slot carriers are insertable and/or removable from the bays through apertures at the front of the apparatus. Clamp assemblies are arranged to releasably clamp the slot carrier to one or more structural members at the sides of the slot carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine tool and a corresponding method for machining, in particular for turning and milling, a workpiece having a central bore, said machine tool including a tool holder for holding a tool, a work rest for seating the workpiece, a work mounting for holding the workpiece in place, and a drive mechanism for rotating the workpiece about a central rotation axis, wherein the work rest has an arbor for attaching the workpiece, such that a section of the arbor projects into the central bore on a first side of the workpiece, and wherein the work mounting has a counter-holder movable in the direction of the bore axis of the central bore for applying a contact pressure, acting in the direction of the bore axis, to the workpiece on a second side opposite the first side.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus for manufacturing a display device, includes: a first holding section configured to hold a first substrate; a second holding section configured to hold a second substrate; a turning section configured to turn the first holding section such that the first substrate and the second substrate face each other; a support section configured to support the first holding section after the turning; an adjustment section; and an elevation section. The adjustment section is provided at an upper end of the support section and is configured to adjust a distance between the first holding section after the turning and the upper end of the support section. The elevation section is configured to elevate the second holding section and attach the first substrate and the second substrate via an adhesive layer.

Abstract: A group of fixtures for thin-walled shell/cylindrical components (10) while they are being machined internally and externally, has a mounting base (1) having mounting holes, positioning pins and clamps to locate one end of the thin-walled component. A supporting arbour or cylinder (5) is fixed in the base. A circular lid (12) is fixed to the supporting arbour or cylinder and has a wedged step to locate the other end of the cylindrical component for internal and external machining, or the major open end of shell component for internal machining. A pair of modified vehicle wheel inner tubes (8) are disposed around the supporting arbour or cylinder. A multi-layered sacrificial liner (7) surrounds the pressure element and is adapted to fit between it and the thin-walled components.

Abstract: Support comprising a reception zone in which the external envelope matches the shape of a plate (P2) designed to be placed on a droplet deposited at least in the reception zone in order to achieve capillary self-assembly of the plate and the support, and at least one pair of tracks (T11, T12) that extend on the support from the reception zone and that have a lyophilic type affinity with the droplet such that an overflow of the droplet beyond the reception zone is guided in the tracks, characterised in that the at least one pair of tracks comprises a first track (T11) and a second track (T12) that do not have the same lyophilic type degree of affinity with the droplet.

Abstract: A contribution is made to the assembly of a wind turbine intended to comprise, in a final assembly condition, a tower (2) surmounted by a nacelle (4) cooperating with a rotor (5) receiving a plurality of blades (3a-3c). To this end, a temporary association is made between at least some blades from said plurality of blades and the tower, so that said blades extend substantially in the longitudinal direction of the tower.

Abstract: A holder for removably attaching a portable electronic device to an elongate support such as a tray table latch on a seatback with a stowable tray table comprises a clamp frame, a spring compression lever slidably attached to the clamp frame, a flexible band for suspending the clamp frame from the elongate support and a self-centering clamp for gripping opposite sides of the elongate support. The holder may optionally include a device adapter for attaching a selected electronic device. Another embodiment comprises steps in a method for holding a portable electronic device against a seatback having a stowable seatback tray table.

Abstract: A process load lock apparatus is disclosed. The process load lock apparatus includes a load lock chamber adapted to couple between a mainframe section and a factory interface, the load lock chamber including an entry and an exit each having a slit valve, and a load lock process chamber located at a different level than the load lock chamber at the load lock location wherein the load lock process chamber is adapted to carry out a process on a substrate, such as oxide removal or other processes. Systems including the process load lock apparatus and methods of operating the process load lock apparatus are provided. A lift assembly including a containment ring is also disclosed, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: A system, fixture and method for media finishing a cluster of airfoils are provided. The fixture may include a base having a first end and a second end, a receptacle disposed on the base and configured to receive the stator cluster, and at least one mock airfoil disposed at each of the first and second ends of the base in alignment with the airfoils of the cluster.

Abstract: A method of manipulating a thin-walled structure includes providing a thin-walled structure in a first unconstrained configuration, constraining the thin-walled structure to a first constrained configuration in which a first feature of the thin-walled structure is spatially located relative to the a second feature of the thin-walled structure in a predetermined manner, wherein an open volume of the thin-walled structure is constrained to maintain a predetermined open volume shape, and machining the thin-walled structure to a second constrained configuration in which the first feature of the thin-walled structure remains spatially located relative to the second feature of the thin-walled structure in the predetermined manner.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clamping system contains a housing, numerous permanent magnets, numerous low friction surfaces having a number of wheels, an end effector, an electromagnetic clamping device, first, second, and third coil systems, and a core. The end effector performs operations on a workpiece. The electromagnetic clamping device has an activated state and a deactivated state. The electromagnetic clamping device further includes a first coil system generating a first magnetic field causing normal forces on the permanent magnet unit and the clamping device; a second coil system generating a second magnetic field causing side forces on the permanent magnet unit; and a third coil system generating a third magnetic field causing a rotational force on the permanent magnet unit. The core provides access to the workpiece surface for performing operations thereon; and concentrates forces from a number of magnetic fields on the core surface contacting the workpiece surface.

Abstract: A drawing apparatus which performs a drawing process on a substrate includes a holding plate having a holding surface configured to be opposed a back surface of the substrate, a vacuum suction port formed in the holding surface and configured to attract the substrate to the holding surface by vacuum suction, and a plurality of Bernoulli suction ports formed in the holding surface and configured to attract the substrate to the holding surface by Bernoulli suction. The holding surface includes a circular region disposed concentrically with the center of the holding surface, and an annular region disposed concentrically with the circular region. At least one of the Bernoulli suction ports is disposed in the circular region, and at least one of the Bernoulli suction ports is disposed in the annular region.

Abstract: A clamp has a base and a first selectively compliant component carried by the base, the first selectively compliant component being selectively operable between a substantially compliant state and a substantially rigid state.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to a clamp. In one embodiment, the clamp includes a bar, and a first jaw, movable along the bar and positioned on a first side of the bar. The clamp also includes a second jaw positioned on the bar on a second side of the bar, opposite the first side. The clamp also includes an actuator for moving the first jaw toward the second jaw for clamping one or more workpieces, and the actuator includes one or more drive plates operatively coupled to the bar when the first jaw is in a driving mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gripping elongate pieces, such as pipes, bars, beams, etc., are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a body, the body having an inner cavity for receiving a piece to be gripped, the inner cavity having a sidewall, a recess provided around at least a portion of the sidewall, a clamping member disposed within the recess, wherein the recess is adjustable from a first dimension, where the clamping member is located substantially within the recess, to a second dimension where the clamping member is urged out of the recess and into the inner cavity. The gripping method comprises the steps of locating a clamping member around a piece to be gripped, locating two clamping shoulders such that they flank the clamping member, compressing the clamping member by urging the clamping shoulders together, the clamping member being arranged such that axial compression of it translates to radial compression.

Abstract: Particular embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatus for deforming a tire sidewall. Such methods include the step of providing a tire having at least one sidewall connected to a corresponding bead. A further step includes constraining at least one of the sidewall and bead from moving laterally toward the other. Yet another step of such methods includes engaging the sidewall with an inclined member. Another step of such methods includes moving at lest one of the sidewall and bead in a lateral direction away from the other until the sidewall is laterally deformed into a laterally deformed configuration.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus and method for maintaining a workpiece flatness during processing includes a base having a planar surface for receiving a first workpiece. Two sets of opposing clamping mechanisms are mounted to the base and include a clamp head at a distal end of a rod extending from a housing in removable overlapping relation to the first workpiece. Each set of the clamp heads are in opposing spaced relationship to each other defining a second workpiece area, and the clamp heads are configured to mate with a top surface of the first workpiece. A biasing member is coupled to each of the housings and apply a downward vertical force to the housings, rods, and the clamp heads for applying a downward vertical pressure to the first workpiece. The first workpiece is thereby discouraged from thermally expanding in a vertical direction and is thermally expandable horizontally along the planar surface.

Abstract: One or more support elements radially extend through one or more openings defined in a turbine engine casing and are configured to centralize and at least partially support a rotor assembly of the engine during an engine disassembly or assembly procedure. The support elements are configured to transfer any rotor assembly weight loads to an engine casing while a bearing support of the rotor assembly is absent or removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1), such as a chuck intended for connection to a drive unit, intended to hold elongated objects (11) such as fishing rod parts in conjunction with surface treatment. The device (1) is comprised of at least one first inner part (9) and at least one outer second part (10) which are pivotally arranged relative to one another between at least one first position where the object (11) can be inserted into the device (1) and at least one second position where the object (11) can be fixed temporarily to the device (1) with at least three elastic bands (14).

Abstract: A machine tool (2) comprising a mobile table (11) and a support and gripping device (200) fitted to one said machine tool (2) and which comprises:—pincer means (210) for blocking the part;—a support (250) which contains and supports the pincer means (210) and is blocked to the mobile table (11). The pincer means (210) comprise a part blocking pincer (212) and an intermediate pincer (211), respectively one inside the other, both elastic. The part blocking pincer (212) has a structure for gripping the part following interaction between the intermediate pincer (211) and the support. (250); in addition the pincer means (210) are suitable for being placed in rotation around the pincer axis (P-P).

Abstract: A coiled tubing servicing system comprising a servicing cart comprising two or more support frames, a length of coiled tubing supported by the servicing cart, a servicing fixture disposed about a portion of the length of coiled tubing adjacent the servicing cart, wherein the servicing fixture is movable along a longitudinal axis of the length of coiled tubing and radially about the longitudinal axis of the length of coiled tubing; and a servicing tool coupled to the servicing fixture.

Abstract: A reconfigurable interface assembly includes, but is not limited to, a first sub-assembly that is adapted for attachment to a work-piece supporter. The first sub-assembly includes a first brake. The reconfigurable interface assembly further includes a second sub-assembly attached to the first sub-assembly. The second sub-assembly is adapted for attachment to a work-piece manipulator. The second sub-assembly includes a second brake. The first sub-assembly is configured to move the second sub-assembly in a first direction with respect to the first sub-assembly and the first brake is configured to inhibit movement of the second sub-assembly in the first direction with respect to the first sub-assembly. The second sub-assembly is configured to move the first sub-assembly in a second direction with respect to the second sub-assembly and the second brake is configured to inhibit movement of the first sub-assembly in the second direction with respect to the first sub-assembly.

Abstract: A removable hand guard is provided for installation on drilling rig hand tongs and used to protect the hands of workers from being accidentally crushed when gripping the tong handle. The hand guard can include resilient body and tabs, which allow the guard to be positioned on the tong handle. The hand guard can be locked into place using locks and fasteners. The hand guard can include a slot, which can form a secondary handle to be used by a second worker to manoeuvre the tongs.

Abstract: A workpiece clamping jig configured to clamp a workpiece is provided with a baseplate, a fixed abutting member, and a movable abutting member. The baseplate has a pocket, which forms an air intake passage on the reverse side of a workpiece mounting surface, and a suction through-hole internally connecting the workpiece mounting surface and the pocket. The fixed abutting member is disposed on the baseplate and has a fixed abutting surface corresponding to the shape of the workpiece, and the movable abutting member has an abutting surface movable relative to the workpiece caused to abut against the fixed abutting surface of the fixed abutting member.

Abstract: Turbine casings LP1, PL2 and HP are secured to storing spaces S1 to S3 formed in a concrete frame 12. Cubic blocks 16, 40 and 80 are secured to depressions C2, C3 and C1 respectively. The cubic block 16 has transverse anchors 20a and 20b projecting upward from an upper wall 18. A bearing housing 35 for supporting a rotor shaft 34 rotatably is positioned and secured by transverse anchors 22a and 22b in a direction perpendicular to a rotor shaft (a direction of an arrow a).

Abstract: Provided are a chucking device having low dusting characteristics and high detergent properties and capable of vacuum-sucking even a substrate having a large warpage, and a chucking method using the same. A chucking device according to an aspect of the present invention vacuum-sucks and holds a wafer. The chucking device includes: a perforated plate having a plurality of through-holes and being mounted with a wafer, the through-holes penetrating through both sides of the perforated plate; a porous plate that supports a surface other than a mounting surface of the perforated plate, on which the wafer is mounted, transmits a vacuum state to the wafer through the plurality of through-holes, and has a pore to limit a flow rate; and a vacuum pump that exhausts an air through the pore of the porous plate.

Abstract: A work holding device that secures a workpiece includes a first support column, a second support column, and a plurality of part fixturing anchors. The first support column and the second support column are coupled to one another forming a longitudinal loading envelope having a width-wise dimension, a height-wise dimension, and a length-wise dimension. At least one of the support columns includes a plurality of part fixturing recesses passing through the support column in the width-wise dimension and arranged within the height-wise dimension and the length-wise dimension of the longitudinal loading envelope. The part fixturing anchors extend through the support column at the part fixturing recesses into the longitudinal loading envelope and couple the workpiece to the first and second support columns.

Abstract: Dental prostheses may be manufactured based on electronic models of the prostheses. Manufacturing aids may be used to check manufacturing quality of the dental prosthesis and components thereof. For example, a jig may be used during and after the manufacture of the dental prostheses and systems and methods for using the same. A customized tooth die may be designed and fabricated to fit a dental prosthesis or components thereof in a jig for inspection. A customized jig may be designed and fabricated for inspecting a dental prosthesis or components thereof throughout the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A chuck body includes a base, a fixed gripper finger, a cylinder mount, a slide, and a movable gripper finger. The base includes a planar member. The fixed gripper finger is fixedly provided on the planar member at a position spaced from a longitudinal end of the planar member. The cylinder mount is mounted on the planar member, and includes a cylinder and a linear actuator operably engaging the cylinder to linearly move the cylinder in a longitudinal direction of the planar member toward and away from the fixed gripper finger. The slide is secured to a distal end of the cylinder and is integrally movable with the cylinder. The movable gripper finger is secured to the slide and positioned to cooperate with the fixed gripper finger to grip an associated work object when moved toward the fixed gripper finger by the linear actuator.

Abstract: A method of aligning an ingot of semiconductor or solar-grade material with a mounting block includes supporting the ingot using adjustable supports, aligning a predetermined centerline of the ingot with a reference line using a laser, and attaching the mounting block to the ingot such that the predetermined centerline remains aligned with the reference line.

Abstract: A method of operating a clamp (100) that includes a first clamping jaw (102), a support element (104) to which the first clamping jaw is attached and a trigger handle (118) pivotably mounted to a clamp body (112). The method includes actuating the trigger handle causing the first clamping jaw to experience incremental motion and varying the incremental motion as a function of a load encountered by the support element by varying an effective lever arm of the trigger handle by moving a fulcrum point into contact or out of contact with the trigger handle based on the load.

Abstract: A device for holding parts while coating a portion of the part includes a holder tool having a plurality of holes for receiving a part and a part holding mask size to mask a portion of a part and having an extension sized to fit in one of the plurality of holes for receiving a part. The part holding mask has a pair of masking halves sized to hold the portion of the part exposing the portion of the part to be coated.

Abstract: A bearing plate for positioning containers with a main body, having at least one first pressure element being arranged on the main body, where the first pressure element is arranged at least in part parallel to the main body, and furthermore a positioning being arranged on the main body and including at least one opening through which the first pressure element protrudes at least in part, and where the positioning body is formed as a second pressure element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using an apparatus to machine honeycomb cores are disclosed. A honeycomb core is inserted into a channel in an apparatus with removable dams. The core is flooded with a fluid which is frozen. The frozen block is machined while supported by the apparatus. The block is then melted and the machined honeycomb is removed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mounting apparatus for mounting and supporting one structure side of a substrate, which structure side has structures thereon. The apparatus having a mounting element with a flat mounting surface for supporting the structures and a suction surface F2 which penetrates the mounting surface solely in an outer ring surface for effecting a fluid flow which produces suctions on the substrate.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to carrier assemblies for handling and processing thin flexible glass. More particularly, the invention relates to an adhesive-free carrier assembly for handling thin flexible glass substrates that are used in organic opto-electronic devices such as OLEDs and organic photodetectors (OPDs).

Abstract: In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an apparatus for combinatorial wet processing includes: a chuck, a substrate located on the chuck, a cell located over the substrate; and a height adjustment mechanism for the cell above the substrate wherein applying compressed air on an O-ring in a gland prevents vertical movement of the cell relative to the position of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for carrying at least one substrate for plasma processing. The method and apparatus comprising a carrier for transporting the substrate, that is located unbonded on the carrier, onto a substrate support within a plasma system for plasma processing. An electrostatic clamp, that is coupled to the substrate support, electrostatically secures the substrate to the substrate support through the carrier during plasma processing.

Abstract: A specimen carrier for use with an ex-situ lift-out (EXLO) milling process includes a carrier top surface having at least one specimen support area and at least one aperture formed through the specimen carrier top surface. The aperture includes a first opening having an open wider upper end and a narrower lower end. The first opening is bounded by opposed sidewalls in spaced-apart orientation that are inwardly inclined from the wider upper end to the narrower lower end. The aperture is configured to enable a specimen to sit over the opening and can be wedged between the first opening opposed sidewalls so that a region of interest to be milled is centered about the open end of the opening. Specimens so mounted can then be re-thinned via charged particle instruments such as focused ion beam (FIB) milling, broad beam ion milling, or via laser ablation.

Abstract: An elastic material, in which at least the surface thereof is adhesive and conductive, is provided on a plate, and while a substrate constituting a component of an electronic part is held on the surface of the elastic material by the adhesiveness of the elastic material, an element such as a semiconductor chip is mounted at a fixed location on the substrate.

Abstract: Collars having a center opening are conveyed through a feed channel by compressed air to a swaging die tool for bolts. There is sufficient clearance between the collar and the channel to permit movement of the collar as the forward end of the die pin engages a central opening of the collar, the feed assembly or the swaging die tool being moveable sufficiently thereafter to permit a die-pin engaged collar to move forward for engagement with a tail end of a bolt. The collar is loaded onto the bolt and the collar moved forward to a stackup of parts prior to a bolt being moved through an opening in the stackup for engagement with the collar.

Abstract: A protective system includes a protective multi-layered body portion for protecting an instrument from debris, wind, temperature extremes, and visual observation. The body portion encapsulates the instrument fully assembled, so that a user has to remove the cover to utilize the instrument. The body portion minimizes contact with instrument. The body portion includes multiple layers. Each layer provides a unique, novel function for protection of the instrument. An inner layer engages the instrument. An intermediate layer contours to the shape of the instrument and provides insulation. An exterior layer forms the exterior protective surface and includes a pouch and a handle. Outside the body portion, a fastener regulates access to the inside. Inside the body portion, an instrument enhancing device, such as silica packs help protect the instrument. At least one wire carries a current along the body portion to provide heat for the instrument from an external source.

Abstract: A pipe removal method includes navigating a flexible element through a first pipe. At least a portion of the flexible element is coupled with the first pipe. The flexible element and the first pipe are pulled as a composite assembly, and the flexible element reinforces the tensile strength of the first pipe. In one example, the first pipe is at least pulled in compression between the point of coupling between the flexible element and the first pipe and a proximal end of the flexile element. In another example, the method includes wrapping the composite assembly around a spool. The composite assembly is thereby removed from the ground surrounding the first pipe.

Abstract: A vehicle body assembly and sequencing system includes the advantages of a batch vehicle body build sequence with the advantages of a random sequence of vehicle body styles transferred to a painting area. The build system includes using automated guided vehicles which transfer and store assembled, un-painted vehicle bodies in a storage area and sequentially transfers selected bodies from the storage area to the painting area achieving a random or variable supply of different vehicle bodies to be painted a certain color.

Abstract: A wire sorting fixture includes a cable support configured to support a multi-wire cable and a wire support configured to support wires of the cable. The wire support has a top surface. The wire support has cradles open at the top surface. The wire support has separating walls between corresponding cradles. A top plate is positioned above the wire support. The top plate is moved toward the wire support to a clamping position after the wires are positioned in the corresponding cradles. The top plate holds the wires between the top plate and the wire support in the clamping position.

Abstract: A work holding device that secures a workpiece includes a first support column, a second support column, and a plurality of part fixturing anchors. The first support column and the second support column are coupled to one another forming a longitudinal loading envelope having a width-wise dimension, a height-wise dimension, and a length-wise dimension. At least one of the support columns includes a plurality of part fixturing recesses passing through the support column in the width-wise dimension and arranged within the height-wise dimension and the length-wise dimension of the longitudinal loading envelope. The part fixturing anchors extend through the support column at the part fixturing recesses into the longitudinal loading envelope and couple the workpiece to the first and second support columns.

Abstract: Apparatus for hanging a High Voltage Air Conditioning unit having an arm attached at its top end to a support member, a bar slidably coupled to the arm having a first horizontally extending arm at the bottom of the bar to form a J bar, and a second horizontally extending arm attached to the bottom of the J bar above the first horizontally extending arm. Clearance openings in the arm and J bar for fasteners for attaching the arm to the J bar to raise or lower the horizontally extending arms for units of different heights. Coupling sleeves coupled to the horizontally extending arms and extension member have lengths that provide for HVAC units of different widths and are adapted to be removably attached to coupling sleeves on an opposing J bar. The second horizontally extending arm and extension member provides support an HVAC unit; and the first provides to support a drain pan.

Abstract: A polishing head configured to hold a workpiece at the time of polishing the workpiece by bringing a front surface of the workpiece into sliding contact with a polishing pad attached to on a turn table, the polishing head includes: a workpiece-holding board configured to hold a back surface of the workpiece, the workpiece-holding board being flexible and being composed of ceramics; a sealed space defined on a surface of the workpiece-holding board on an opposite side of a surface on which the workpiece is held; and a pressure-controlling device configured to control a pressure in the sealed space, the polishing head being capable of adjusting a shape of the flexible workpiece-holding board into a convex shape or a concave shape by controlling a pressure in the sealed space by the pressure-controlling device.

Abstract: Examples of tooling fixtures and methods for manufacturing computing devices are described. According to some examples, a computer component may be shaped using successive steps of forging after deep drawing. In some examples, certain components may be assembled to form sub-assemblies of computer components and the sub-assembly may then be machined to drive closer tolerances. According to other examples, a work holding tool is described which may include a first plurality of individually movable pins for supporting a first surface of a work piece, the tool also having a second plurality of individually movable pins for applying a restraining force over a second opposite surface of the work piece to retain the work piece in position while maintaining it in its natural state.