Chick Workholding Solutions, Inc.

Helmut Hebener

Jeffrey M Warth

An indexing apparatus for selectively indexing a payload about an axis. The apparatus includes a housing that supports an indexable support table. A second retainer is provided on the indexable support table that is adapted to selectively axially engage a first retainer on the housing to lock the indexable support table in any one of a plurality of selected rotational positions about the axis. The apparatus also includes an axial displacement member that is movably supported within the housing to selectively engage the indexable support table while the indexable support table is locked in any one of the preselected rotational positions. Thereafter, the axial displacement member biases the indexable support table in a first axial direction out of the locked position and applies a rotational force to the indexable support table to rotate it a desired amount about the axis. After the indexable table has been rotated, a biaser causes the indexable support table to move in a second axial direction until the first and second retainers are re-engaged to lock the indexable support table in the selected rotational position. The apparatus may also include a device for detecting when the indexable support table is in a &ldquo;zero&rdquo; or &ldquo;home&rdquo; position.

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Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany

Helmut Hebener