Patent ID: 6241231
Filing Date: 2001-06-05
Classification: B25B

Abstract:
A method of clamping a workpiece comprising:a. providing a clamping device having a base, and an actuator including a heat altering material adapted to move a clamping member between a clamped position wherein said workpiece is held by said clamping member in a clamped state and an unclamped position wherein said workpiece is removable from said clamping device;b. providing a flexible material between said heat altering material and said clamping member;c. heating said heat altering material to cause a flexible material to move and engage said clamping member thereby causing said clamping member to move to said unclamped position;d. positioning said workpiece proximate said clamping member; and,e. cooling said heat expandable material to cause said clamping member to move back to said clamped position to clamp said workpiece in said clamping device.