US3899162A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multi-load self-centering work holding vise
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1974-09-27
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Granted: 1975-08-12
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Expires: 1994-09-27
Abstract
Abstract The two jaws of a self-centering vise are moved toward and away from each other by respective fluid motors. The adjacent ends of the jaws have faces in the form of an inverted V. A centering pin is positioned between the jaws and has faces parallel to the V faces of the jaws. The centering pin is movable along an axis at right angles to the path of movement of the jaws and is urged into the position between the jaws by a spring. When the jaws move toward each other the jaw faces contact the pin faces to move the pin axially thereof against the resistance of the spring. The movements terminate when the jaws grip the workpiece.
Inventors
- 👤 Hugo J Fischer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 10:36
CPC Classifications
B; B25; B25B; B25B1/00; B25B1/02; B25B1/06; B25B1/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
227 words
In a self-centering vise for gripping a workpiece and comprising a frame, a pair of jaws mounted on the frame for movement along a path toward and away from each other, power means connected to the jaws for moving the jaws individually along said path toward and away from each other, and centering means for positioning said jaws, when they grip the workpiece, so that the workpiece is at a specific locatioN along said path, the improvement wherein said centering means comprises: said jaws having end faces adjacent each other and forming a first pair of faces; a centering device normally positioned between said end faces and being mounted in said frame for movement only along a line at right angles to said path from said normal position to a displaced position, said centering device having side faces in juxtaposition to said end faces respectively, said side faces forming a second pair of faces; one of said pair of faces being positioned generally in the form of a V centered with respect to said line, whereby as said jaws move toward each other said end faces contact said side faces and apply a force to said device in a direction tending to move said device along said line toward said displaced position; and means engaging said device and resiliently resisting movement of said device in said direction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
227 words
In a self-centering vise for gripping a workpiece and comprising a frame, a pair of jaws mounted on the frame for movement along a path toward and away from each other, power means connected to the jaws for moving the jaws individually along said path toward and away from each other, and centering means for positioning said jaws, when they grip the workpiece, so that the workpiece is at a specific locatioN along said path, the improvement wherein said centering means comprises: said jaws having end faces adjacent each other and forming a first pair of faces; a centering device normally positioned between said end faces and being mounted in said frame for movement only along a line at right angles to said path from said normal position to a displaced position, said centering device having side faces in juxtaposition to said end faces respectively, said side faces forming a second pair of faces; one of said pair of faces being positioned generally in the form of a V centered with respect to said line, whereby as said jaws move toward each other said end faces contact said side faces and apply a force to said device in a direction tending to move said device along said line toward said displaced position; and means engaging said device and resiliently resisting movement of said device in said direction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
85 words
In a self-centering vise as set forth in claim 1 and wherein said frame includes a base plate having a side, the improvement comprising: said jaws being adjacent said side of said base plate, said end faces are said one of said pair of faces, the large end of said V being closer to said side of the base plate than is the small end, and said centering device extending outwardly from said side of the base plate to its position between said end faces.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
In a self-centering vise as set forth in claim 2, wherein the side faces are generally in the form of a V which has its large end closer to said side of the base plate than is the small end thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
In a self-centering vise as set forth in claim 3, wherein said means engaging said device is a spring.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
132 words
In a self-centering device as set forth in claim 4, wherein said power means comprises two linear fluid motors, said motors being positioned at said side of said base plate and each being connected to a respective jaw, said frame including means at said side of said base plate and engaging said jaws for guiding said jaws along said path in response to the action of said motors, said frame including an opening having its axis midway between the jaws and at right angles to said path, and said device comprising a pin having a cylindrical stem journaled in said frame opening for movement along said axis, and means engaging said frame to limit the extent that the pin can move in the direction outwardly of said side and toward said jaws.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
65 words
In a self-centering device as set forth in claim 5, wherein behind said opening forming said journal said frame has a larger opening concentric with said axis, said device means engaging said frame comprising an enlarged head on said stem and positioned in said larger opening; and said spring being a compression spring in said larger opening and bearing against said pin and said frame.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
145 words
In a self-centering vise as set forth in claim 1 and wherein said frame includes a base plate having a side, the improvement comprising: said power means comprises two linear fluid motors, said motors being positioned at said side of said base plate and each being connected to a respective jaw, said frame including means at said side of said base plate and engaging said jaws for guiding said jaws along said path in response to the action of said motors, said frame including an opening having its axis midway between the jaws and at right angles to said path, and said device comprising a pin having a cylindrical stem journaled in said frame opening for movement along said axis, and means engaging said frame to limit the extent that the pin can move in the direction outwardly of said side and toward said jaws.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
65 words
In a self-centering device as set forth in claim 7, wherein behind said opening forming said journal said frame has a larger opening concentric with said axis, said device means engaging said frame comprising an enlarged head on said stem and positioned in said larger opening, and said spring being a coMpression spring on said larger opening and bearing against said pin and said frame.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
65 words
In a self-centering vise as set forth in claim 8, wherein said frame includes a pair of walls spaced from each other and extending outwardly from said side of said base plate, said walls forming mounts for said motors, said means guiding said jaws comprising a pair of guide rods secured to and extending between said walls, said guide rods being journaled in said jaws.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
In a self-centering vise as set forth in claim 8, wherein said device has a distal end positioned between said jaws, said side faces are said one of said pair of faces and being adjacent said distal end.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
In a self-centering vise as set forth in claim 10, wherein said means engaging said device is a spring.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-08-11 | 1979-02-10 | 1979-08-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-08-11 | 1983-02-10 | 1983-08-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-08-11 | 1987-02-10 | 1987-08-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |