Patent ID: 6468376
Filing Date: 2002-10-22
Classification: B25B

Abstract:
A clamping apparatus comprising:a base plate with a planar supporting surface for a lower surface of a component having lower and upper planar surfaces with the upper planar surface being parallel to the lower planar surface; at least first and second alignment stops positioned adjacent to the supporting surface and extending above the supporting surface to provide first and second stopping surfaces which are perpendicular to the planar supporting surface; a pressure plate which contacts the upper planar surface of the component to urge the component against the supporting surface; one or more guides which engage the pressure plate and the base plate to align the pressure plate with the supporting surface while allowing vertical movement of the pressure plate; a resilient structure which urges the pressure plate toward the supporting surface, the resilient structure being held in position by attachment to the base plate; and at least first and second alignment fingers which are adjustably attached to the base plate to urge the first and second components against the first and second alignment stops respectively in a first position and release the first and second components in a second position.