Abstract: A circular saw includes a housing, a sawing assembly including a motor and a saw blade located at two opposite sides of the housing and connected together so that the saw blasé can be driven by the motor to saw the workpiece and a saw blade shield secured to the housing and covering a part of the saw blade to prevent the saw blade from cutting the surrounding people, and a prism assembly including a protective cover affixed to the front end of the saw blade shield and a prism located in the protective cover to reflect the image of the saw blade sawing the workpiece through a window of the protective cover to the line of sight of the operator. In this way, the operator can clearly confirm whether the sawing path is skewed with the normal operating posture to improve the efficiency.

Abstract: A slide lock includes a slide lock base having a plurality of grip element openings; a slide lock handle carried by the slide lock base and positional in a released position and a locked position relative to the slide lock base; and a plurality of grip elements carried by the slide lock handle and disposed in the grip element openings, respectively. The grip elements are retracted in the grip element openings, respectively, when the slide lock handle is in the released position and the grip elements protrude from the grip element openings, respectively, when the slide lock handle is in the locked position.

Abstract: A punch for punching a sheet of material is provided. The punch has a body with a fissure, a pivot shaft defining a pivot point and a lever retainer secured to said body. The lever is pivotably mounted about the pivot point and has an open position and a closed position. A block is positionable between the lever and the body. The body has longitudinal support ridges and side ridges with the pivot point being positioned in substantially the same plane as the longitudinal support ridge so that when the punch is closed, the side ridges of the lever pass outside of the support ridges of the body in a nesting relationship, allowing the punch to form a flat profile when closed.

Abstract: A tape cutter including: a cutter for cutting a tape-shaped material; a cutter frame for supporting the cutter in such a condition that the cutter can carry out cutting; a cutter driving mechanism for allowing the cutter to perform cutting from a standby position to a cutting position; a tape pressing member for pressing the tape-shaped material in a cutting direction against a receiving member provided on the cutter frame prior to the cutting by the cutter; a pressing spring disposed between the cutter and the tape pressing member to urge the cutter and the tape pressing member in directions away from each other; and a return spring whose one urging end is hooked to the tape pressing member to return the cutter from the cutting position to the standby position by returning the tape pressing member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a main body vise device (7) in a band saw machine, characterized in that: a movable main body vise body (33) is provided to a main body vise bed (31); an upstream movable vise jaw (37) is provided integrally to this main body vise body (33), while a downstream movable vise jaw (41) is movably provided on a downstream side of the main body vise body (33); a first pressing/biasing module (43) capable of advancing and retreating the main body vise body (33) is provided; and a second pressing/biasing module (45) capable of advancing and retreating the downstream movable vise jaw (41) independently of the upstream movable vise jaw (37) is provided.

Abstract: A sheet stack cutter cuts sheet stacks by means of a moving cutter edge and a stationary cutter edge disposed upward and downward along a predetermined cutting-plane line. The sheet stack cutter includes a sheet loading table for supporting the sheet stack, a press device for pressing and holding the sheet stack on the sheet loading table, a moving cutter edge disposed in up and down cutting directions for cutting the sheet stack on the sheet loading table along the cutting-plane line, a stationary cutter edge disposed to the side of the sheet loading table for pressing the moving cutter edge to cut the sheet stack, and an apparatus frame furnished with the press device and the moving cutter edge. A drive device moves the moving cutter edge in up and down cutting directions.

Abstract: A rotating saw clamp for clamping a product roll to be sawn. The rotating log saw clamp includes a first portion disposed for rotation about an axis and a second portion disposed for rotation with the first portion and movable relative to the first portion between an open position and a clamping position. The second portion is rotatable from the clamping position to the open position in rotation of the first and second rotating portions in a common direction.

Abstract: A radial arm saw is adapted with a safety top configured with cutting box enclosure that contains and collects substantially all of the sawdust generated during use. A dust collection system is in fluid communication with the cutting box for removing the sawdust contained therein. Spring biased push blocks function to hold the work piece in place during the sawing process while maintaining the user's hands safely away from the saw blade. A laser alignment device projects a beam within the cutting box along the cutting plane. A control panel is provided to allow use by authorized users upon entry of an authorization code.

Abstract: A sawing apparatus is implemented to cut rolls out of an elongated log. An in-feed conveyor pushes the log, and a braking system stops the log at a controlled position. A clamping system then holds the log in place while a saw blade travels to cut a roll out of the log. While the log is being cut, a bending pressure is applied on the log. The roll then is unloaded onto a discharge conveyor.

Abstract: A blade seat structure for a paper cutter includes a base, a sliding seat, an engaging block and a cover. The base includes an arcuate slot and a longitudinal hole. The sliding seat is located in a trough of the base. The sliding seat is provided with a plurality of blades and a first post sliding along the slot to facilitate exchange of the blades. A second post is provided on the engaging block. The second post moves within the longitudinal hole and engages with a recess section of the sliding seat. The cover is provided with a block to press the engaging block to secure the sliding seat firmly for cutting paper.

Abstract: A rotating log saw clamp for clamping a product roll to be sawn. The rotating log saw clamp includes a first portion disposed for rotation about an axis and a second portion disposed for rotation with the first portion and movable relative to the first portion between an open position and a clamping position. The second portion is rotatable from the clamping position to the open position by relative rotation of the first and second rotating portions in a common direction.

Abstract: A base having a substantially planar surface, an upright support member and a blade guide having a serrated surface that can be adjustably positioned along the planar surface. The blade guide is biased toward an opposing serrated plate member to securely hold a section of donor bone, and locked in place using an adjustable lever-cam linkage.

Abstract: A food slicer comprises a fan-cooled electrically powered motor driving a slicer blade. The motor is mounted within an enclosure which comprises at least one air intake port and at least one exhaust port on opposite sides of one nominally air-tight first partitioning wall within the enclosure to confine the flow of cooling air from the air intake port through the enclosure, then into intimate contact with the electrical windings and components within the frame of the motor. The motor frame is sealed into a closely conforming contacting aperture in the first partitioning wall. The fan is mounted immediately adjacent to a non-contacting aperture in a second partitioning wall within the enclosure juxtaposed the exhaust port.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a workpiece sheet is provided that includes a support frame, a cutter head assembly, and a clamp assembly. The cutter head assembly is mounted on a track attached to the support frame, and can be selectively moved along the track. The clamp assembly includes a bar that is selectively operable between a retracted position and a deployed position. Embodiments of the apparatus include a drive unit operable to drive the cutter head assembly along the track.

Abstract: A sheet stack cutter cuts sheet stacks by means of a moving cutter edge and a stationary cutter edge disposed upward and downward along a predetermined cutting-plane line. The sheet stack cutter includes a sheet loading table for supporting the sheet stack, a press device for pressing and holding the sheet stack on the sheet loading table, a moving cutter edge disposed in up and down cutting directions for cutting the sheet stack on the sheet loading table along the cutting-plane line, a stationary cutter edge disposed to the side of the sheet loading table for pressing the moving cutter edge to cut the sheet stack, and an apparatus frame furnished with the press device and the moving cutter edge. A drive device moves the moving cutter edge in up and down cutting directions.

Abstract: A punch assisting apparatus usable in combination with one of a plurality of punches includes an apparatus base and a handle pivotably attached to the apparatus base, the apparatus base being provided with a punch holder integrated therein which allows the plurality of punches having different sizes to be independently positioned and fixed in accordance with their respective sizes. The punch holder is configured so as to provide both a use position and a nonuse position by changing its posture; whereby, when a punch is mounted to the punch assisting apparatus to replace the one previously mounted, the punch can always be positioned at a given position regardless of the type of punch. Since the punch assisting apparatus is provided with a punch holder combined in one piece, the punch assisting apparatus and punch holder can always be handled together, which makes managing them easier.

Abstract: A radial arm saw is adapted with a safety top configured with cutting box enclosure that contains and collects substantially all of the sawdust generated during use. A dust collection system is in fluid communication with the cutting box for removing the sawdust contained therein. Spring biased push blocks function to hold the work piece in place during the sawing process while maintaining the user's hands safely away from the saw blade. A laser alignment device projects a beam within the cutting box along the cutting plane. A control panel is provided to allow use by authorized users upon entry of an authorization code.

Abstract: A sawing device includes a holding device (22) arranged so as to hold in the course of wire sawing the different sawed slices (23) substantially parallel and such that the width of the sawing gaps (24) is held constant. The device includes, for this purpose, holding members (25), for example in the form of a bar (30) whose resilient coating (31) is applied by springs (35) against a lower portion (26) of the slices (23) . There are thus obtained slices without undulations, striations, breakages and irregularities; moreover, the invention permits easy repair of the layer of wires after breakage of the wire.

Abstract: A radial arm saw is adapted with a safety top configured with cutting box enclosure that contains and collects substantially all of the sawdust generated during use. A dust collection system is in fluid communication with the cutting box for removing the sawdust contained therein. Spring biased push blocks function to hold the work piece in place during the sawing process while maintaining the user's hands safely away from the saw blade. A laser alignment device projects a beam within the cutting box along the cutting plane. A control panel is provided to allow use by authorized users upon entry of an authorization code.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved miter gauge for retaining and adjustably positioning a workpiece. The miter gauge includes a fence frame pivotally mounted to a base member for adjusting the workpiece to be cut at a user selected angle. The fence frame includes a fence surface for positioning the workpiece. The fence surface is opposed by a quick-adjusting stopping unit mountable to the base member for clamping the workpiece therebetween.

Abstract: The combination cutting board and slicing brace is a device designed to satisfy two needs that coexist in the food preparation process. One of these needs is a device designed to safely hold food product while it is being sliced. The other of these needs is a surface for additional types of cutting such as chopping or dicing. The present invention consists of a unique structure that does not exist in the prior art and addresses the structural and utilitarian deficiencies of these earlier designs. None of the designs in the prior art provide this unique combination of uses. The structure of the present invention also incorporates a uniquely designed sliding arm that can be incorporated within said cutting surface while controlling the bracing device, thus producing a streamlined homogenous unit that can be stored and cleaned easily.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for opening condiment packets, having a base and a support that define an opening to receive a condiment packet. A cutter subassembly connected to the support is used to cut the packet received in the opening. The cutter subassembly includes an upper body portion that releasably connects to the support, a lower body portion, a rod that extends through the upper and lower body portions, a handle connected to a top end of the rod, a cutter connected to a lower end of the rod, and a spring system that controls movement of the cutter and lower body portion relative to the upper body portion. The spring system causes the lower body portion to contact a received packet before the cutter cuts the packet, so that the contents of the packet can be urged away from the area to be cut before the cutting. In one example, the spring system includes springs having different spring constants to cause the lower body portion strikes the packet first.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an elongated circular product during cutting includes a fixed lower support frame and a movable upper support frame. Right and left bottom support links include a lower end which is pivotally connected to the lower frame. Right and left side support links include a lower end which is slidably supported by a slot in the lower frame, an intermediate pivot point which is pivotally connected to the upper end of one of the bottom support links, and an upper end which is engageable with the product. The upper frame includes right and left guide surfaces which are engageable with the product. When the upper frame is moved downwardly toward the lower frame, the guide surfaces of the upper frame move the upper ends of the side support links closer to the center of the product.

Abstract: A bagel or bun slicing apparatus includes a frame mounted to a vertically adjustable stand and base. The frame defines a vertical channel which houses a reciprocating blade and rollers for transporting the bagel or bun through the channel and across the blade. The rollers are rotated by an electric motor which also reciprocates the blade. The rollers and/or a guide plate may be laterally adjustable to allow for bagels or buns of varying widths.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a sheet-shaped material, comprises the first blade, the second blade, the first holding members and the second holding members. The second blade is disposed to face the first blade so that a sheet-shaped material to be cut is placed between the first blade and the second blade. The first holding members are disposed on the opposite sides of the first blade, respectively. Each of the first holding members has a cushioning property by which each of the first holding members is elastically deformed to press the sheet-shaped material during cutting operation. The second holding members are disposed on the opposite sides of the second blade, respectively. Each of the second holding members has a cushioning property by which each of the second holding members is elastically deformed to hold the sheet-shaped material during cutting operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an amorphous tissue specimen into a cooled block while preserving the anatomical orientation of the specimen includes a base assembly, a system of magnetic movable wall units and a cover which may be intercoupled to form an enclosed specimen cavity. The wall units each include a hinged panel at one end, so that the wall units may be adjustably intercoupled to form various planar surfaced shapes, such as a rhomboid or eccentric block form. Each wall unit also includes a reservoir for a refrigerant such as liquid nitrogen for cooling the enclosed specimen to an optimal temperature for tissue cutting. The base is equipped with orientation indicia and temperature sensors. A synthetic resin may be applied to the specimen-contacting surfaces of the form in order to facilitate release of the cooled specimen.

Abstract: The food holder has two vertical plates, mounted on a base vertically and parallel to each other. The two plates create a gap between the plates where food is held. Knife guides with vertically extending guide slits are provided at both ends of the gap. The two vertical plates are connected to the base in a manner allowing their translational motion in directions which can change the gap size. Additionally, a centering mechanism insures the distance moved by each plate is equal.

Abstract: A holddown bar assembly for a textile-centering and cutting machine through which a web is advanced in a direction has a lower bar underneath the goods and extending transversely of the direction a full width of the web and an upper support bar above the goods, extending the full width of the web, and provided with a vertical guide. A row extending the full width of the web of finger plates are vertically displaceable relative to each other on the guide directly above the lower bar so that the web can be pinched between the row of finger plates and the lower bar. A biasing unit is engaged between the upper support bar and the finger plates for urging the finger plates downward against the web.

Abstract: An improved elongated holddown bar for use in conjunction with a power corner notcher having a table which defines a horizontal working surface. The notcher includes a clamp means adjustably positionable on, and connectable to, the table atop the work surface which immobilizes the holddown bar in a selected position to establish either of two upright side edges of the holddown bar against which a piece of sheet metal may be positioned. One of these edges includes a recess formed entirely therealong which defines a recessed upright abutting surface and a horizontal holddown surface spaced above the working surface a height substantially equal to the thickness of the sheet metal whereby the notching operation into the edge of the sheet metal cannot substantially buckle or distort the edge of the sheet metal.

Abstract: A workbench for woodworking is composed of a foldable support frame for supporting the workbench on the floor of a work shop, a bench top supported on the support frame and composed of one fixed top plate and one movable top plate, a locating and holding set mounted on the bench top for holding and locating a work piece in accordance with the shape of the work piece, and a cutting set consisting of a locating seat, a rotary seat, a fastening bolt, a spring, and a hand saw capable of being actuated to swivel for an angle corresponding to a swiveling angle of the rotary seat which is caused to swivel along with the locating seat.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus for reel material includes a reel support, a first clamping device and a second clamping device as well as a cutting device arranged between the clamping devices. The first clamping device is spring-mounted along two non-parallel axes so that the paper web can be evenly clamped and cut transversely to the web direction without twisting and formation of undulations.

Abstract: A slitting machine for cutting rolled material is disclosed which is maintained in position through use of a support frame. A support cylinder is unmovably connected to the support frame at one end. An expansion rod is centered within the support cylinder with one end extending through the frame and affixed to a lever. A rigid sleeve, preferably having a slick surface, is over the support cylinder. A motor is incorporated with a receiving channel receive the support cylinder is attached to the support frame. A flexible expansion ring is placed in contact with the motor, to allow it to revolve with the motor. A bearing and washer, with diameters greater than than the base leg of the rigid sleeve are placed between the connector affixed to the expansion rod and the support cylinder. The lever is equipped with a gear which, when the lever is placed in a locked position, shortens the distance between the connector and the support frame. A cutting device is movable horizontally along a blade support rod.

Abstract: Device for cutting sheets of material, with a counter (12) for the material to rest on, a blade to cut the material, and a holdfast (11) that can be lowered onto the material by a mechanism (10) and raised off it by a spring (6). When the spring in such a device breaks, the holdfast can drop and injure the operator. The object is to prevent such injuries. An interceptor (7, 8, & 9) accordingly brakes the holdfast when the spring that raises it is broken.

Abstract: A tool is used to hold a food product upright while a user manually cuts the food product by slicing the food product from edge to edge with a blade of a knife. The tool includes a base having a top surface adapted to support the food product, a pair of knife blade guide members attached to the base opposite each other and spaced apart to provide a cutting zone, and a cutting pad in the cutting zone comprising a polyester based thermoplastic polyurethane having a Shore A hardness between 75 and 100 that resists being cut by the blade of the knife as the blade cuts through the food product.

Abstract: A shear die is axially divided into a pair of die portions 18,19 between which a holding cavity 22 is formed, wherein the holding cavity has a diameter that is less than that of material "a" so that when one of the die portions is forced against the other die portion under a biasing effect of a spring 25, the material will be firmly held in the die cavity ensuring that the material can be cut to a predetermined volume and present a smooth cut surface, and the cutter arbor 4 is provided with a releasing member 34 adapted to release the one die portion 19 from the effect of the spring 25 as the cutter arbor 4 is retracted to facilitate additional material being moved into the die cavity for a subsequent cutting operation.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism is provided for securing a workpiece proximate a power tool on a work surface of the type having a support surface defined thereon and extending generally orthogonal thereto. The clamping mechanism applies a force to the workpiece to secure the workpiece between the clamping mechanism and the support surface. The force applied to the workpiece has a component directed substantially perpendicular to the support surface, and an additional component which is directed substantially parallel to the support surface in a direction away from the power tool to resist pulling forces which are applied by the power tool to the workpiece. Further, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the clamping mechanism is oriented proximate a work head of the power tool without entering an effective work area of the power tool.

Abstract: Disclosed are tools (10, 60, 100, 200) and (300) used to hold a bagel (22) upright while being sliced from edge to edge with a blade (28) of a knife (30). Each tool (10, 60,100, 200, and 300) includes a base (12) having a top surface (12a) adapted to support the bagel (22) by an edge of the bagel (22). An upright support plate (14) is removably mounted to the base (12) and has opposed lateral sides and opposed faces (14a and 14b). A pair of knife blade guides (16 and 18) are attached to the base (12) opposite each other, each guide being positioned near one of the opposed sides of the upright support plate (14) and spaced apart to provide therebetween a cutting zone (24). Tool (300)is adapted to slice both bagels and a loaf of bread, and it has two cutting zones (24 and 302). Positioning elements (102)regulates the thickness of the sliced segments of the bagel (22) and bread.

Abstract: A pocket joint cutter system for forming a pocket cut and fastener bore into a workpiece. The pocket cut and fastener bore receives a fastener such as a self-tapping screw which passes through the bore and into a second workpiece for forming a Joint between the two workpieces. The head of the fastener is held within the pocket cut in order to secure the joint. In one preferred form of the present invention, a workpiece system secures the workpiece in a predetermined position and forms the pocket cut and fastener bore into the workpiece. This preferred embodiment further comprises a bench-mounting system coupled to the workpiece system for securing the system to a bench. Using this embodiment of the present invention, the system can be mounted to a bench, and the workpiece can be brought to the system and held in position while the user forms the pocket cut and fastener bore.

Abstract: A tool 10, 60, or 100 used to hold a bagel 22 upright while being sliced from edge to edge with a blade 28 of a knife 30. Each tool 10, 60, and 100 includes a base 12 having a top surface 12a adapted to support the bagel 22 by an edge of the bagel 22. An upright support plate 14 is removably mounted to the base 12 and has opposed lateral sides and opposed faces 14a ad 14b. A pair of knife blade guides 16 and 18 are attached to the base 12 opposite each other, each guide being positioned near one of the opposed sides of the upright support plate 14 and spaced apart to provide therebetween a cutting zone 24. A positioning structure regulates the thickness of the sliced segments of the bagel 22, and includes the upright support plate 14.

Abstract: An automatic tissue supplier includes a container stored with folded or wound tissue strip, a water-spray system operatively spraying water for instantly moisturizing the tissue immediately extended by a driving motor, a warming and cooling device for selectively warming or cooling the water before being delivered to the spray nozzle for making warm or cool moisturized tissue, and a cutter operatively cutting the tissue in a predetermined length ready for a "fresh" use of moisturized tissue.

Abstract: A convertible siding cutter (10) for cutting vinyl or metal siding, comprises an upper knife assembly (26) pivoted to the front one of a plurality of lower knife assemblies (36, 46) mounted on a base (20). The blade (28) in the upper knife assembly (26) can be interchanged with other blades, and an auxiliary lower knife assembly (58) can be used for conversion to accommodate different sizes and types of siding. A safety clamp assembly (64) is also provided to help keep the user's hands away from the blades when using the cutter (10).

Abstract: An arrangement to position molding, and particularly crown molding, upon a miter table is arranged to include at least one positioning assembly having an adjustment rod threadedly directed parallel to and below the miter saw table, with an abutment plate mounted to a positioning rod that is arranged above and parallel to the adjuster rod, with the abutment plate arranged for engaging the molding for orienting the molding in a predetermined orientation relative to a saw blade of the associated miter table.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a key blank, including a clamp for securing part of the key blank between the cutting edge of a punch and an aperture in a mating die. The die includes a surface for reinforcing part of the key blank when the key blank is in contact with the cutting edge of the punch. The apparatus further includes a resilient element for biasing the key blank away from the reinforcing surface and toward the punch when the key blank is secured between the cutting edge of the punch and the aperture.

Abstract: A machine to slice baked goods such as bagels is provided which achieves a uniform and reproducible slice thickness. The machine comprises a housing, a vertical shaft, at least one spiral cutter, and at least one hold-down mechanism. The hold-down mechanism consists of a double-armed lever wherein one arm forms a pressure plate and another arm is attached to a tension spring with the ends of the pressure plate and other arm connected by means of a pivot shaft. Within the cutting area there is located a stop for positioning the baked goods to be sliced. Other features of the machine include a disc attached to the vertical shaft and to which the spiral cutters are secured. An intermediate plate may be positioned between the disc and cutter to adjust the height of the cutter edge. A passage for removing cut slices is located in the cutting area leading to a chute emptying the slices into a hopper.

Abstract: An improved quick clamping device to hold armored cables such as BX cable for cutting. The device includes a handle for receiving the cable which is preferably U-shaped and which defines a cable receiving channel. A clamping handle is hingedly attached to one end of the cable receiving handle. A clamping stud with a two-sided stop adjustable along its length is slidably held between the clamping and receiving handles such that when the handles are compressed the clamping stud projects into the cable receiving channel and clamps the cable. A spring biasing means on one side of the stop serves to hold the handles in the open, unclamped position prior to use. A resilient means such as a bowed spring steel washer is provided on the other side of the stop which compresses as required to prevent excess clamping forces from being generated which might damage the clamp. A saw is preferably mounted on a pivoted saw handle to cut the cable which it is clamped.

Abstract: An elongate product such as a surface fastener or a slide fastener chain is cut off on a lower cutter blade by an upper cutter blade moving toward and coacting with the lower cutter blade. While the elongate product is being severed, it is pressed down against a base board by a first pressure pad. A severed piece is positively discharged off the upper and lower cutter blades by a second pressure pad which moves with the upper cutter blade. The second pressure pad includes a brush of electrically conductive bristles for removing static electricity from the elongate product and the severed piece.

Abstract: A cutting machine for solid bodies such as rubber tires according to the invention comprises a blade base 14 moved vertically by pressing cylinders 1. Downwardly directed cutting blades 18 are mounted on the underside of the blade base 14. These blades 18 can retractably project through slits 15a formed in a presser plate 15 positioned below the blade base 18. Rubber tires T.sub.1 placed on a receiver 27 are cut by the blades 18 with the presser plate 15 compressively retaining the tires T.sub.1. The resultant cut pieces are discharged by horizontally moving an accommodating box 22 through discharge cylinders 23. The receiver 27 is slightly rotated after a predetermined number of cutting operations.

Abstract: A tube-cutting apparatus and method for separating centrifuged materials are shown in which a resilient axial compressive force is exerted on the tube during cutting by spaced tube-holding members; and the cutting knife has flat upper and lower sides against which the severed portions of the tube are held in sealing engagement by the axial force. Independent adjustment is provided for (a) the relative positions of the tube and the cutting knife, and (b) the relative positions of the spaced tube-holding members.

Abstract: A workpiece clamping apparatus for machine tools comprises a frame; a rocking sleeve member, rockably fixed to the frame; a cylindrical member, slidably inserted in the rocking sleeve member, so as to move therein; a rod member, inserted in the cylindrical member, so as to project therefrom; a swinging holding member, rockably provided at one end of the rod member; and an upper clamping jaw and a lower clamping jaw, both connected to the swinging holding member, for gripping an end of a workpiece.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus (3) for holding a workpiece (W) between an upper punching tool (19) and a lower punching tool (21) in a machine (1). A frame (33) attaches the clamping apparatus (3) to the machine (1). The clamping apparatus (3) comprises an upper clamp (61) and a lower clamp (57), the latter pivotably cooperating with the upper clamp (61) in order to secure the workpiece (W). The clamping apparatus (3) also comprises a plate member (51) and rods (49) and (75). These rods (49) and (75) are mounted in the frame (33) in a direction perpendicular to the workpiece (W). The lower end of the rods (49) and (75) are attached to the lower clamp (57) and the upper end of the rods (49) and (75) are attached to the plate member (51). A spring (83) is arranged between the lower clamp (57) and the plate member (51) for the purpose of maintaining the lower clamp (57) and the plate member (51) in horizontal orientation whenever the lower clamp (57) collides with the lower punching tool (21).