Abstract: A universal gripper has a movable arm locked in a gripping position by abutting against a movable blocking member. A pair of pivoting arms are maintained in their gripping positions by a blocking member being linearly slid between ends of the arms. Varying movable arm configurations can be easily interchanged with each other and mounted to a body by way of a single fixed pivot pin. The opening angle of a gripper arm can be mechanically limited to various positions by selective positioning of an adjustment member.

Abstract: A device for manipulating an object, the device including a housing, a first gripping member that is supported by the housing, with the first gripping member having a surface that defines a first bore or a first recess, a second gripping member that is supported by the housing, an activating mechanism capable of causing movement of at least the first gripping member or the second gripping member to place the first gripping member and the second gripping member in gripping relation with the object, and an engagement mechanism supported by the housing, the engagement mechanism capable of engaging the first bore or first recess to selectively prevent movement of the first gripping member away from the activating mechanism.

Abstract: An attachment for a hydraulically powered device such as an excavator or backhoe is provided, the attachment comprising an elongate frame; two elongate jaws, each jaw being pivotably mounted to the frame along a proximal long edge of the jaw, and an elastomeric liner on an inside surface of each jaw, the jaws being moveable between an open position in which distal long edges of the jaws are spaced apart sufficiently to receive a pipe segment and a closed position in which the distal long edges are pivoted toward each other sufficiently to grip the pipe along substantially the entire length of the jaws. A dual-acting hydraulic cylinder has an upper end attached to the frame and a second end attached to a pivot rod, the first and second links being pivotably attached to the pivot rod. The links are positioned so as to overcenter when the jaws are closed, thereby locking the jaws closed until the hydraulic cylinder is driven to its contracted position.

Abstract: A carrier for a semiconductor wafer has at least three protrusions on which he edge of the semiconductor wafer is supported so that the semiconductor wafer is positioned essentially horizontal. The carrier does not make contact with the front side and the rear side of the semiconductor wafer. The protrusions are shaped so that the edge of the semiconductor wafer is supported exclusively below an imaginary central plane in the center between the front side and the rear side of the semiconductor wafer. The carrier is preferably used in the treatment of semiconductor wafers at temperatures of at least 200.degree. C.

Abstract: An apparatus and method having short stroke motion for gripping and releasing an object utilizes a programmable stepper motor for controlling various short stroke, generally arcuate motions of the gripper. Gears associated with each of the at least one gripper jaws supported on a carrier shaft engage a common ring gear that is driven by drive means including the stepper motor which imparts synchronous motion of the grippers for opening and closing about the object.

Abstract: A robot gripper comprising a pair of gripper surfaces with flexible, non-elastic membranes disposed on each gripper surface respectively, these membranes being comprised of cubic cells filled with compressible fluid, so that when each gripper surface makes contact with the object to be lifted, they simultaneously compress and lift the object whereby the friction between the object and the gripper surfaces generates a shear force which distorts the membranes. As the compression and lifting forces are simultaneously increased, the distortion to the membranes will also increase until the pressure inside the cubic cells is large enough to provide sufficient friction force to lift the object.

Abstract: Grasping devices including arms pivotally connected to a support member and moved by actuators pivotally connected between the arms and the support member are described. The arms may be either single or multiple member limbs shaped to engage a variety of geometrically shaped objects. Multiple member embodiments include an outer member pivotally connected to an inner member which is pivotally connected to the support member. Each arm may carry a suction cup. The support members of each embodiment may be connected to any lifting device, such as a compound arm attached to a refuse truck.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (6) which functions to grip and hold, or release, material (3) with the aid of a number of movable gripping devices (51, 52). A part (57c) which is intended for coaction with the gripping device (51) has a first supportive surface (57g) and a first through-penetrating hole (57h), and the gripping device includes a narrowed part (51a) which, among other things, provides a second supportive surface (51b) which can face towards the first supportive surface (57g). The two supportive surfaces are adapted to abut one another. The gripping device also has a second through-penetrating hole. The centre line (71, 71') of the two holes can be coordinated for common coaction of the holes with a screw (72).

Abstract: A tool for removing a quartz insert from an exhaust port of a semiconductor process chamber. In one embodiment, the tool of the present invention comprises a pair of generally elongated members (a first elongated member and a second elongated member) that are hingedly attached at a middle portion of each member. The first elongated member includes a first handle portion and a first end portion that are located on opposite ends of the middle portion of the elongated member. The second elongated member includes a second handle portion and a second end portion. The first and second handle portions are of sufficient length so as to be gripped by a user. A first head and a second head are pivotally attached to the first and second end portion of the first and second elongated members, respectively.

Abstract: An article-holding device for releasably grasping and retaining a substantially solid and/or irregularly-shaped object comprising at least one handle member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a gripping region, the gripping region further comprising an elastomeric region for grasping and retaining substantially solid and/or irregularly-shaped objects. The elastomeric region of the preferred embodiment includes a frame portion and a substantially open portion, with a substantially taut sheet member extending across at least a portion of the substantially open portion.

Abstract: Vehicle mounted container handling devices include a rotating swivel mount, an articulated arm connected to the swivel mount, a support member rotationally connected to a free end of the articulated arm and a loading mechanism pivotally connected to the support member. The articulated arm, swivel mount and loading mechanism are operable between stowed, extended, lift and dump positions. The loading mechanism includes first and second opposed mechanized fingers pivotally connected to the support member and aligned in spaced relation to converge and diverge to grasp and release an object of interest. Each mechanized finger includes a belt that enhances the gripping ability of the loading mechanism. In operation, with the grasping device opened, the articulated arm is extended to reach out toward a container of interest. The swivel mount is operated to pivot the articulated arm as required for the loading mechanism to engage the container.

Abstract: A tool for removing a quartz insert from an exhaust port of a semiconductor process chamber. In one embodiment, the tool of the present invention comprises a pair of generally elongated members (a first elongated member and a second elongated member) that are hingedly attached at a middle portion of each member. The first elongated member includes a first handle portion and a first end portion that are located on opposite ends of the middle portion of the elongated member. The second elongated member includes a second handle portion and a second end portion. The first and second handle portions are of sufficient length so as to be gripped by a user. A first head and a second head are pivotally attached to the first and second end portion of the first and second elongated members, respectively.

Abstract: A universal engaging mechanism for handling collection containers of a variety of sizes and shapes. The mechanism includes two arms rotatably mounted to a base and movable between open and closed positions, and a retainer located adjacent the base and between the arms. As the arms close about the container, the arms urge the container in a transverse direction toward the base, until the container abuts the retainer. The arms and the retainer also cooperate to inhibit longitudinal movement of the container and container sway during handling. A method for using the universal engaging mechanism of the present invention to handle containers of a variety of sizes and shapes using the universal engaging mechanism is also described.

Abstract: A wafer gripper assembly comprises first and second gripping members movably supported relative to each other. A motor propels the gripping members linearly towards and away from each other. Preferably both gripping members are movably supported, and a rotary-to-linear translator produces equal and opposite linear movement of the gripping members. Typically, at least six contactor elements are defined on the pair of gripping members. The contactor elements include a vertically extending portion having an inwardly facing convex surface for contacting an edge of a wafer, and an inwardly extending flange for supporting a lower surface of the wafer.

Abstract: A handling device for mechanically gripping, holding, moving or otherwise handling objects of any shape having a defined or undefined position, in particular for handling equipment such as industrial robots, consists of a large number of holding pins which are lowered onto the object to be held, are movably mounted in the longitudinal direction in bores of a holding pin guide plate, and are used to clamp the objects. The objects are released once again by pushing back the holding pins by an ejector plate.

Abstract: An improved wafer handler having a wafer chuck that properly picks up wafers from a wafer track of an ion implant machine is provided. The wafer handler comprises: an input arm having a wafer chuck and a wafer pad adjustably mounted to the wafer chuck. The wafer pad preferably has an oval shape. The wafer handler can pick up a horizontal wafer and set the wafer down on an angled surface. The oval shape, dimensions, flexible material and mounting screws of the wafer pad enable the pad to form a vacuum with the wafer and to properly handle the wafer. The wafer handler and wafer pad greatly reduce wafer breakage and damage to the implant machine from the broken wafers.

Abstract: A device for emptying trash barrels into a waste collection truck is provided on the lift-and-tip mechanism of the waste collection truck with a grab unit (12) for picking up the trash barrels, several upward pointing claws (14), with recesses (15) between them, provided on the grab unit (12) for insertion under a grip ledge designed essentially as an inverted U-channel protruding outwards from the side wall of the respective trash barrel at or near its upper rim, and a lower stay serving to brace the trash barrel suspended on the grab unit (12).

Abstract: A wafer transfer plate adapted to be disposed on a wafer transfer unit for transferring a wafer within a wafer manufacturing system, which comprises at least one wafer contact portion designed to be held in contact with the wafer as the wafer transfer plate is loaded with the wafer, a coated film being formed of a material which does not contain harmful elements and provided at a region including the wafer contact portion.

Abstract: Drum lifting attachments for allowing forklift trucks to be able to raise and lower 55 gallon storage drums. A first embodiment includes a drum lifting attachment having two pairs of arcuate lifting arms positioned side-by-side to allow for lifting two 55 gallon plastic drums simultaneously. This embodiment includes a pair of arcuate arms for each drum. A rotatable rectangular flap can fold-down over the portion of the side-by-side connection between the two pairs of arcuate arms inorder to allow for the lifting of a different diameter sized drum. Optionally, the fold-down flap can have arcuate shaped sides. Optionally, plural flaps of increasing sizes can be folded down to adjust for the different diameter drums. A second embodiment includes a forklifting attachment that includes four sets of arcuate arms for allowing four 55 gallon drums to be able to be lifted simultaneously. The drums to be lifted in include standard 55 gallon metal drums, 55 gallon conical drums and drum sizes of varying diameters.

Abstract: A tong-like eating utensil has gripping portions on each piece of the tong for gripping large pieces of food such as chicken pieces. The gripping portions have posts extending into the space between the gripping portions to hold the food more securely and two aligned plates which can be pressed together to grip smaller pieces of food. Optionally, the utensil includes cutting members extending from the ends of the tongs which can be used to cut food.

Abstract: There is disclosed a gripper having improved cone and point jaw inserts wherein a single part can be used for both types of insert, thereby doubling the life thereof. Also disclosed is a simple insert retainer which can mount and secure a plurality of inserts with a single fastener, and a one-piece mount for universally mounting a gripper to a support bar using a single fastener.

Abstract: A robotic gripping device comprises a fixed frame, and a hold down plate vertically moveable in relation to the fixed frame between a raised release position and a lowered hold down position. A moveable support platform retained by the fixed frame is moveable between an extended position where the support platform is opposed to the hold down plate to permit the retention of packages therebetween, and a retracted position where the support platform is no longer opposed to the hold down plate. The support platform further comprises pairs of generally parallel side members, with roller members disposed between each pair of side members, and a belt member looped around the roller members. A package receiving portion of the belt member faces the hold down plate when the support platform is in its extended position.

Abstract: A robotic grasping manipulator includes a support base, a pair of fingers disposed on the base which extend forwardly a certain distance therefrom, and a two-degree of freedom elongate thumb. The thumb is pivotally attached at a proximal end to the base to extend generally forwardly therefrom, and terminates in a distal end tip which may be moved vertically and laterally with respect to the fingers to thereby enable holding objects between one or both fingers and the thumb. The fingers are moveable in a plane toward or away from each other, and include tip sections which are pivotable downwardly in a direction generally normal to the plane of movement of the fingers. A unique linkage apparatus intercouples the fingers with the base such that a non-pivotal, back-and-forth-moving piston rod can be used to move the fingers. The fingers contain gripping structure including rigid, pointed protuberances interleaved with flexible, blunt protuberances which are longer than the rigid protuberances.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus comprising a body having a fastener for attaching the body to an automated manufacturing device, a pair of jaws slidably attached to the body, each jaw projecting away from the body, a jaw driver for opening and closing the jaws, the movement of each jaw defining one range of motion, a pair of fingers, each of which extending from and movably attached to a corresponding jaw, and a finger driver connected to open and close the fingers, the movement of each finger defining another range of motion, one range of motion being significantly smaller than the other range of motion, the movement of the fingers being independent of the movement of the jaws.

Abstract: A probe for detecting and handling objects that are hidden from sight or from which it is desirable to insulate the user from direct contact includes pivotally coupled elements with jaw and handle portions. The jaw portions are preferably angled with respect to the handle portions to facilitate insertions into pockets of search subjects' clothing, and the elements are preferably formed of composite materials with high vibration transmissivity.

Abstract: There is disclosed a gripper having improved cone and point jaw inserts wherein a single part can be used for both types of insert, thereby doubling the life thereof. Also disclosed is a simple insert retainer which can mount and secure a plurality of inserts with a single fastener, and a one-piece mount for universally mounting a gripper to a support bar using a single fastener.

Abstract: Article converging/diverging chamfered walls gripping anvils are provided having two protuberances extending from a body portion. The protuberances have top and bottom chamfered, converging inner sides for gripping a square-bobbin-shaped interface therebetween. The protuberances have diverging notches in their outer walls for locating between top and bottom chamfered protrusions on an interface.

Abstract: A gripper for handling printed product rolls and empty roll cores is used for intermittently storing printed products wound on roll cores. The gripper has a central piece (10), which is fixed to a conveying or transporting device and which carries a gripper arm star or spider (20). On the gripper arm star (20) is a substantially circular array of radially movable roll clamping devices (30) for clamping a roll or rolls (W) from the periphery thereof and core supports (40) for engaging and supporting a rosette-shaped arrangement of juxtaposed roll cores (WK). The core supports (40) are pivotable so that, in a core handling configuration of the gripper, they are positioned within the circle formed by the roll clamping devices and in a roll handling configuration of the gripper they are moved out of that circle. The movements of the gripper parts are driven by linear drives and monitored by sensors, so that the gripper can operate in a fully automated manner.

Abstract: A contact lens insertion tool and a method of implementing the same wherein the tool comprises an elongated handle section having a top surface, a bottom surface, and two side surfaces; an intermediate section angularly displaced from the handle section at an acute angle; and a lens supporting section angularly displaced from the intermediate section at a second acute angle that is greater than the first acute angle, and further including a substantially circular cross sectional land area for engaging a contact lens. The novel contact lens insertion tool is first grasped by a user who will then manipulate the tool to adhere the contact lens to the land area by means of the adhesion between the lens and the land area. Next, the user will bring the contact lens edge first to the bottom central area of the sclera of the eye into which insertion is desired, and will secure contact between the lens edge and the eye at an angle ranging from approximately 20.degree. to not greater than 90.degree..

Abstract: An automated storage system uses a pass-through picker assembly interposed between a storage device and a plurality of storage cells, wherein the pass-through picker assembly is mounted on an accessor and incorporates independently operating fore and aft grippers driven by a single motor. The fore and aft grippers are tandemly mounted such that the fore gripper can be aligned to one of a plurality of storage cartridges located with the storage cells, and the aft gripper can be aligned with a storage slot of the storage device. The pass-through picker design allows the fore gripper to grasp a storage cartridge, feed the cartridge through to the aft gripper, release, and then allow the aft gripper to grip and pass the storage cartridge to the storage slot. In this way, a special priority cell of the storage cells, directly across from the storage slot, can very quickly pass a priority storage cartridge directly to the storage device without moving the pass-through picker assembly.

Abstract: A bifurcated, orbital replacement unit interface comprises a body and two pairs of fingers extending outwardly from opposite sides of the body, wherein each pair of fingers provides a bifurcation between their inner sides in the form of an inwardly tapering recess. All of the inner sides of the fingers are bevelled for aligning a correspondingly shaped anvil in the tapering recess.

Abstract: A microgripper for gripping and releasing an object, particularly very small objects. The microgripper includes a support and two cantilevered flexible arms, each of which is mounted on one end to the support. The other ends of the flexible arms are capable of being flexed toward and away from each other. A servomotor, is affixed to the support. There is a slide arrangement driven by the servomotor and which is adapted to move the unmounted ends of the flexible arms toward or away from each other, thereby providing, respectively, a gripping or releasing movement. An apparatus which includes a micromanipulator, the microgripper which is operationally, detachably affixed to the micromanipulator, and a control system which is electrically connected to the motor means whereby the movement of the slide arrangement is controlled.

Abstract: An improved carpet stripping device (10) designed for rapid, easy removal of adhesively secured carpeting is provided which includes an elongated cable or line (12) connected at one end thereof to a powered winch assembly (14). The opposite end of the line (12) is connected with an improved carpet connection assembly (16) allowing ready and secure connection to a pulled margin (60) of the carpeting to be stripped. The assembly (16) includes a stretch of flexible cable (50), together with a pair of spaced apart, carpet margin-gripping jaw members (42, 44) positioned on the cable (50) and shiftable along the length thereof. In use, the assembly (16) is initially positioned on a pulled and slitted margin (60) of carpeting, and is rolled to form an interlocking convolution (66), with the cable (50) extending through the carpet slit (62). The attached assembly (16) is then coupled with the line (12) for carpeting stripping operations.

Abstract: An insert for use in slips comprises a resilient base member in which are vulcanized a plurality of strips each having pipe gripping teeth.

Abstract: An inserter/extractor apparatus for inserting and extracting objects from bins located at different heights in a carousel including a vertical frame and an inserter/extractor carriage that is vertically movable along the frame and has a pair of gripping pads that have opposed, high friction gripping surfaces. The gripping pads are movable along a first horizontal axis from a retracted position in which said gripping pads and carriage are free to move vertically along the frame without interference with the bins to an extended position in which the gripping pads are even with a bin. The gripping pads are movable with respect to each other along a second horizontal axis that is transverse to the first horizontal axis from open positions spaced from each other by a distance larger than the largest dimension of an object to positions spaced from each other by a distance less than the smallest dimension for an object.

Abstract: First and second legs are pivotally mounted in a scissor-like relationship about an adjustable pivot axle, wherein an outermost end of the legs have cooperative first and second jaws having facing mirror image surfaces arranged to secure aluminum cans.

Abstract: A workpiece holding apparatus provides concurrent rotational motion to a workpiece as it is held. The apparatus comprises a support bracket for mounting on a fixed or movable support structure. A pair of spaced apart, axially rotatable engaging rollers, each having a circumferential surface profile complementary to a profile of a workpiece, are located on the first support bracket for partially engaging a circumferential surface of the workpiece. A support arm having a third axially rotatable engaging roller with a circumferential surface profile complementary to a profile of a workpiece for partially engaging the circumferential surface of the workpiece is pivotably mounted on the support structure. The support arm is biased toward the support bracket to enable engagement of each axially rotatable engaging roller with an appropriately positioned workpiece, or is pivoted away from the support bracket to release the workpiece from the engaging rollers.

Abstract: A finger chuck assembly and method for holding a bottle or other hollow article having a neck opening at one end, characterized by a support member having an axis; a plurality of jaws each including a finger, an actuator arm and an intermediate portion interconnecting the finger and actuator arm; and a chuck operator member carried on the support member for movement relative to the support member. The jaws each are pivotally mounted at the intermediate portion to the support member for movement of the jaw between a contracted position for inserting the fingers into a neck opening of a hollow article and an expanded position for engaging an interior surface of the hollow article. The fingers of the jaws extend generally parallel to one another and to the axis of the support member when the jaws are in the contracted positions thereof and diverge laterally outwardly away from one another when the jaws are in the expanded positions thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding an object includes a plurality of holding pins and restricting means for restricting displacement thereof. The holding pins are retained on a guide member in a manner movable in the direction projecting therefrom and are displaced to a holding position where the geometry formed by their respective terminal ends upon contact with an object to be held conforms to the contour of said object to be held. The restricting means contacts the outer side surface of the holding pins so as to restrict their movement in the state where the holding pins are displaced to the holding position.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for molding ice cream and ice confections on plastic sticks which includes the step and equipment for cooling the sticks to critically low temperatures prior to insertion into the cold confection mold to prevent the common problem of shattering, splintering and warping of the plastic stick which results from the drastic temperature change of the plastic stick in a matter of fractions of a second. In addition, methods and apparatus for forming plastic confection sticks having unique shapes, texture and surface configuration are disclosed and sticks having such characteristics are shown.

Abstract: Gripping apparatus for gripping articles or objects such as refuse bins including a support frame carrying a first pivotally mounted arcuate support arm carrying a flexible element and a second pivotally mounted arcuate support arm carrying a flexible element, the elements being secured to the frame. The arms may be actuated to move towards each other so that the flexible elements partially wrap around the article or object to grip same.

Abstract: A transmission coupling for manipulator head includes a support body (50) connected to the manipulator head (4), an intermediate transmission member (76) slidable on the support body (50) along a first line (C), and an attachment member (28) slidable on the intermediate member (76) along a second line (B) perpendicular to the first line. The attachment member can pivot relative to the support body (50) about at least two mutually-perpendicular axes substantially parallel to the plane defined by the first and second lines. The present invention also relates to a rapid attachment device for an interchangeable tool for a manipulator head (104) including a base body (106) connected to the manipulator head and a generating device for providing a force for retaining the tool (102).

Abstract: Gripper pads for a gripping device such as that found in a stretch wrap packaging machine are provided with means enabling their simple installation and mechanical attachment to the fingers of a film gripping unit without necessitating the removal of the gripper unit from the machine. Each pad includes a film-contacting surface which is essentially unaffected chemically by plasticizers found in the common stretch films employed in this field. The film-contacting surface is one which is compressible but also has a fast recovery for returning to its original uncompressed condition to accommodate relatively high speed wrapping. Laminated to the film-contacting surface is a solid urethane or comparable material which has strength capabilities enabling the formation of stems or runners on the side opposite the film-contacting surface so that the stems can be threaded through openings in the fingers and used as pulling tools to anchor heads connected to the stems to be anchored in the fingers.

Abstract: A vacuum suction lifter for holding and transferring objects with a temperature of more than 400.degree. C., in particular glass screens, is provided, the contact surface (4) of which is raised with respect to a central surface (6), and which is covered with a heat-resistant, sufficiently tight textile structure of poor thermal conductivity, preferably a glass fibre fabric, as the sealing element (16). The contact surface (4) matches the contour of the workpiece to be lifted.

Abstract: A device for handling railroad timber, including ties, bridge timbers, crossing planks, and bundles of ties and timbers, which comprises spaced-apart pivotally mounted gripping members or jaws for engaging longitudinally along the timber, actuating levers connected to the jaws, and a lifting harness for connecting the device to a lifting machine, such as a crane, wherein the lifting harness is connected to the actuating levers and when raised applies a force to the actuating levers and the gripping members to tightly engage the timber so it can be lifted, moved or repositioned.

Abstract: A multifunctional end effector includes a quick release finger locking mechanism disposed in each of the pair of fingers which maintains system accuracy and integrity by providing a positive pressure force between the end effector finger and the mating locking plates provided on the tools adapted to cooperate with the end effector. In one embodiment the mating locking plate intrudes into the fingers of the end effector and an alternative embodiment the end effector finger engaging mechanisms grasp and lock on ledges provided on the cooperating mating locking plates.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for internally holding an at least partially hollow substrate having at least one open end. The apparatus includes a member defining a fluid passageway, a normally inflated porous material mounted on the member in communication with the fluid passageway of the member, and a mechanism, in communication with the member, for deflating the porous material, the deflating mechanism being de-energized in response to the porous material being disposed into the opening in the substrate for enabling the porous material to return to being normally inflated to hold the substrate.

Abstract: A contact lens insertion tool and a method of implementing the same wherein the tool comprises an elongated handle section having a top surface, a bottom surface, and two side surfaces; an intermediate section angularly displaced from the handle section at an acute angle; and a lens supporting section angularly displaced from the intermediate section at a second acute angle that is greater than the first acute angle, and further including a substantially circular cross sectional land area for engaging a contact lens. The novel contact lens insertion tool is first grasped by a user who will then manipulate the tool to adhere the contact lens to the land area by means of the adhesion between the lens and the land area. Next, the user will bring the contact lens edge first to the bottom central area of the sclera of the eye into which insertion is desired, and will secure contact between the lens edge and the eye at an angle ranging from approximately 20.degree. to not greater than 90.degree..

Abstract: A takeout jaw .Iadd.assembly .Iaddend.for use in a bottle-forming machine .[.is formed in a semicircular shape and.]. contains a spring clip for holding immovably .[.a piece of.]. .Iadd.an arcuate, .Iaddend.non-metallic .[.contact material.]. .Iadd.takeout jaw insert .Iaddend.within .[.a.]. .Iadd.an arcuate .Iaddend.pocket in the body of the takeout jaw.

Abstract: A work piece support device features two pincer members which can be moved toward and away from each other and which can be varied in length in manner to accommodate different shaped work pieces. The device is mounted on a manipulator which selectively displace the same in three mutually opposed directions. Location and locking probes can be used in combination with the support device to locate and/or lock the work piece in place.