Vektek, Inc.

Nick J Karras

Joseph L Gray

Aaron Vernon Luthi

A work support comprises a plunger, a transmission member, a first chamber, a second chamber, a third chamber, a clamping mechanism, a plug, and a body. The plunger may be slidably retained within the clamping mechanism, which in turn is firmly held within the transmission member. The transmission member may extend and retract from the body corresponding to a pressure in the first chamber and the second chamber. Extension of the transmission member also extends the plunger such that the plunger may contact and receive a load from a work piece. The third chamber may be located between the outer surface of the clamping mechanism and the inner surface of the transmission member. Increasing pressure in the first chamber while decreasing pressure in the second chamber extends the transmission member and opens the plug which blocks the entry to the third chamber. Pressure in the third chamber closes the gap between the clamping mechanism and the plunger and applies a clamping force to the plunger.

Double acting work support with internal sequence control

A clamping sleeve is of generally cylindrical shape with a hollow interior and comprises an upper crown, a lower crown, and a tubular sidewall. The upper crown is positioned at an upper end of the clamping sleeve. The lower crown is positioned at a lower end of the clamping sleeve. The tubular sidewall is positioned between the upper and lower crown and includes one or more corrugations that utilize spring like principles such that pressure applied to the external surface of the tubular sidewall circumferentially flexes the clamping sleeve in order to reduce the diameter of the clamping sleeve and apply a clamping force to an object within the clamping sleeve. The clamping sleeve may be utilized in a work support that includes a plunger positioned within the clamping sleeve, wherein a pressurized flowable medium provides pressure to the exterior of the tubular sidewall thereby causing the clamping sleeve to apply a clamping force to the plunger.

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Macomb, MI, United States of America

Nick J Karras