Patent ID: 6095507
Filing Date: 2000-08-01
Classification: B23K,B25B

Abstract:
A pneumatic clamp, comprising:a frame;a crankshaft carried by the frame for rotation about an axis;a drive arm connected to the crankshaft for rotation in unison with the crankshaft;a first crankpin and a second crankpin each eccentrically mounted on the crankshaft for co-rotation with the crankshaft;a first clamp arm pivotally carried by the frame and having a cavity constructed to receive the first crankpin such that upon rotation of the crankshaft the first crankpin pivotally moves the first clamp arm;a second clamp arm pivotally carried by the frame and having a cavity constructed to receive the second crankpin such that upon rotation of the crankshaft the second crankpin pivotally moves the second clamp arm whereby, upon rotation of the crankshaft in one direction by the actuator to move the clamp to its closed position, the first crankpin moves the first clamp arm in a first direction of rotation and the second crankpin simultaneously moves the second clamp arm in a direction of rotation opposite said first direction of rotation to thereby move the first and second clamp arms towards each other to apply a clamping force to an object and upon rotation of the crankshaft in a direction opposite said one direction, the first and second crankpins cause rotation of their respective clamp arms in opposed directions to move the first and second clamp arms away from each other to move the clamp to its open position.