Patent ID: 6036415
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: B23B,Y10T

Abstract:
A spindle for gripping and closing a mounting member, comprising:A housing having a spindle assembly mounted therein, said spindle assembly including a first rotary member being capable of rotation about its longitudinal axis, and a second rotary member disposed about said first rotary member in coaxial relation and being capable of rotation about the longitudinal axis;said first rotary member having a gripping portion for gripping the mounting member, and said second rotary member having a thrust surface and a contacting portion for contacting the mounting member;a radial bearing for supporting said second rotary member for the rotational movement, and a fluid thrust bearing for axially supporting said thrust surface of said second rotary member;one of said first and second rotary members being capable of axial movement relative to the other of said rotary members and having an engagement surface engageable by fluid pressure for causing axial movement of said one of said rotary members; andan actuating assembly constructed and arranged to selectively engage said engagement surface to move said one of said rotary members axially relative to said other of said rotary members, thereby drawing the mounting member against said contacting surface for closure.