Chick Workholding Solutions, Inc.

Jeffrey M Warth

George R Swann

James G Alward, Ii

Helmut Hebener

A device for holding a workpiece, the device comprising, in one form, a base and a jaw member, wherein the jaw member includes a detachable jaw plate. The jaw member can further include a lock assembly which can attach or affix the jaw plate to the jaw member. In at least one embodiment, the lock assembly can include a cam, or lock, configured to pull the jaw plate toward the jaw member and/or secure the jaw plate against the jaw member. In certain embodiments, the lock assembly can include a slide which can be moved by an actuator such that the slide can engage the jaw plate and move the jaw plate into position. In at least one such embodiment, the slide can pull the jaw plate against the jaw member and, in addition, pull the jaw plate downwardly against a workpiece support surface.

Workholding apparatus having a detachable jaw plate

A modular workpiece holding apparatus comprising a first portion including a first base and a first jaw member supported by the first base and, additionally, a second portion including a second base positionable relative to the first base at a selected distance relative to the first base, wherein the selected distance is selected by the operator of the modular apparatus. The modular apparatus can further include a movable second jaw member and a drive member extending between the first base and the second base, wherein the second jaw member comprises a connector movable between an engaged position in which the second jaw member is operably engaged with the drive member and a disengaged position in which the second jaw member is operably disengaged from the drive member. The drive member extends between the first and second portions when the portions are positioned on a foundation plate at the selected distance.

Workholding apparatus

A device for holding a workpiece, the device comprising a base, a first jaw member, a movable jaw member, and features which allow the movable jaw member to be moved in large increments relative to the first jaw member in addition to features which allow the movable jaw member to be moved in smaller increments. The device can include a drive member operably engaged with the base and the movable jaw member such that the operation of the drive member can move the movable jaw member in small increments. The movable jaw member can include a connection member, or claw, which can operatively engage the movable jaw member with the drive member. The connection member can be moved between first and second positions to disengage the movable jaw member from the drive member such that the movable jaw member can be slid relative to the first jaw member in large increments.

A device for holding a workpiece, the device comprising a base, a first jaw member, a movable jaw member, and features which allow the movable jaw member to be moved in large increments relative to the first jaw member in addition to features which allow the movable jaw member to be moved in smaller increments. The device can include a drive member operably engaged with the base and the movable jaw member such that the operation of the drive member can move the movable jaw member in small increments. The movable jaw member can include a connection member which can operatively engage the movable jaw member with the drive member. The connection member can be moved between first and second positions to disengage the movable jaw member from the drive member such that the movable jaw member can be slid relative to the first jaw member in large increments.

Workholding apparatus having a movable jaw member

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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Mars, PA, United States of America

Jeffrey M Warth