Abstract:
A pivoting vacuum fitting support vacuum post enables fittings to be quickly manually re-oriented during set up, break down, storage, and shipping of a vacuum support or other device using the vacuum post. A segmented core pivotally supports an outer fitting pivoting support sleeve that supports a pair of segregated and independently operable vacuum ports typically to supply vacuum independently to a base of a vacuum support to hold it in place, and to an upper work piece vacuum hold down support. Incorporation of a spacer that can be supplied in varying heights enables use of the vacuum post in a variety of vacuum supports of varying height.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to improvements in the field of vacuum supports that use a vacuum to create force to hold the support in place with independent activation of lower vacuum and that stabilize a work piece onto the upper part of the support with upper vacuum, and particularly to the provision of a swiveling post through which an upper and a lower vacuum fitting may be attached while allowing the fittings to rotate about a vertical axis of the post through which upper and lower vacuum service is applied. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    As was described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,276, issued on Oct. 8, 1996 to the inventor of the instant application and entitled “LOCATOR AND HOLD DOWN SYSTEM FOR A MACHINE” and which is incorporated by reference herein, a vacuum hold down and location system needs to have flexibility in location and overall configuration of deployed vacuum hold down supports. Also, as was described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,286,822, issued on Sep. 11, 2001 to the inventor of the instant application and entitled “MACHINEABLE SUPPORTS FOR CLOSE TOLERANCE EDGE SUPPORT” and which is incorporated by reference herein, a vacuum hold down support (“vacuum support”) for use with the vacuum hold down system was illustrated and described. The vacuum support and support system facilitates fixed horizontal support as well as lateral stabilization of a work piece which is to be processed by milling, sanding, grinding, etc. Processing is typically carried out with a router-type spindle which travels around the vacuum support stabilized and supported work piece. 
         [0003]    The vacuum hold down supports have typically carried horizontally oriented vacuum quick-connect fittings to facilitate a more rapid layout arrangement of supports and quick connection and disconnection of vacuum lines generally horizontally distributed over the process working table. The vacuum fittings on the vacuum supports that are supported by the individual vacuum distribution post of the vacuum supports are typically outwardly disposed (with respect to the center of the vacuum support) to facilitate greatest ease of manual access. Although the outermost extent of the post supported vacuum fittings are typically inset from the lower and upper vacuum platforms to avoid lateral damage during handling, some damage to the prominently located post mounted vacuum fittings can occur if the vacuum supports are roughly handled. Rough handling can occur on setup, break down, and shipping. 
         [0004]    Currently available vacuum supports are available in a greater variety of shapes than previously. Shapes can include, to name a few, rectangular, quadrant shaped, concave corner, round, and narrow (for supporting fragile regions). Vacuum supports can be assembled on a working table in. a complex configuration, Dense, closely located configurations can likely produce a blocking interference with respect to two or more adjacently located vacuum supports. In addition, a given configuration might require placement that locates vacuum fittings in a position to require a longer route for a longer vacuum supply hose, especially due to the horizontal orientation of the fixed direction of the vacuum fittings on the vacuum supply post. Generally, the use of vacuum supply hoses of greater routing distance are generally to be avoided. Longer and more circuitous placement of vacuum supply hoses can increase the chance for operator error. A solution which enables greater simplicity and reliability is needed. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    A pivoting vacuum fitting vacuum post enables vacuum fittings to be quickly manually re-oriented during set up, break down, storage, and shipping. A segmented core carries a pair of segregated vacuum transmission grooves that extend completely about the circumference of the segmented core, A first, upper, vacuum transmission groove. A second, lower, vacuum port opens into a second, lower reduced diameter land as a vacuum transmission groove. The first and second reduced diameter portions distribute vacuum around the volume circumferentially outward of the first and second reduced diameter lands. 
         [0006]    A series of three “o” ring support groove structures are provided to isolate the first and second reduced diameter lands. A first “o” ring support groove is provided at an upper end of the first reduced diameter land to circumferentially outwardly support a first “o” ring to prevent breach of vacuum in the first reduced diameter land at its upper end. A second, central “o” ring support groove is positioned between the first and second reduced diameter lands to circumferentially outwardly support a second “o” ring that isolates vacuum of the first and second reduced diameter lands with respect to each other. A third “o” ring support groove is provided at a lower end of the second reduced diameter land to circumferentially outwardly support a third “o” ring to prevent breach of vacuum in the second reduced diameter land at its lower end. 
         [0007]    An outer fitting pivoting support sleeve has an internal surface that engages the first, second and third “o” rings simultaneously and provides an outer boundary for the space of the first and second vacuum transmission grooves at their respective reduced diameter grooves. The outer fitting pivoting support sleeve can pivot with respect to the segmented core. The outer fitting pivoting support sleeve supports a first threaded fitting bore at a level of the first reduced diameter land for threaded attachment of a first fitting. The outer fitting pivoting support sleeve supports a second threaded fitting bore at a level of the second reduced diameter land for threaded attachment of a second fitting. The outer fitting pivoting support sleeve pivots by manual turning of the outer fitting, perhaps with some assisted manual engagement of the first and second pneumatic quick disconnect fittings that, are threadably engaged to the outer fitting pivoting support sleeve. 
         [0008]    A bottom of the segmented core includes an axially directed “o” ring support to provide support for an “o” ring for sealing the segmented core against a surface. The lower extent of the segmented core extends a short distance, perhaps 50 or 60 one-thousandths of an inch beyond the outer fitting pivoting support sleeve to insure that the outer fitting pivoting support sleeve will clear any surface to which the bottom end of the segmented core is attached. A top of the segmented core carries a set of threads for engagement with a spacer that can be supplied in varying heights. The top of the spacer has an axially directed “o” ring support to provide support for an “o” ring for sealing the spacer of the segmented core against a surface. 
         [0009]    The spacer of varying heights is available to facilitate use with different height vacuum support. The use of the spacer to accommodate different heights between a lower vacuum plate and an upper vacuum support will enable a single axial length size of segmented core and a single axial length size of outer fitting pivoting support sleeve to be used with many different lengths of vacuum posts and many sizes of vacuum supports. This can be done with only the spacer being needed to be provided in different heights. 
         [0010]    Easy manual pivoting of the circumferential direction of, the pneumatic vacuum fittings on the outer fitting pivoting support sleeve will enable a almost inadvertent adjustment to be made during setup. Adjustment is expected to be made to re-orient the pneumatic vacuum fittings to avoid interference with other structures and especially other vacuum fittings, when vacuum supports are positioned. Another slight adjustment is expected to be made to enable the use of the shorter, rather than longer, pneumatic vacuum hose. The pneumatic vacuum hoses can be more readily arranged for the most direct paths and in the simplest visual configurations to help minimize error, promote clear visualization during setup, and avoid conflict with other vacuum hoses exiting other vacuum posts placed adjacently. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The invention, its configuration, construction, and operation will be best further described in the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a Perspective view looking downward onto a fixed direction vacuum support having a conventional fixed vacuum fitting support integral with a non-pivoting vacuum post and, illustrating pneumatic vacuum fittings located at an inside corner of a vacuum support having a radiused section shape and typically directed away from a middle of the vacuum support; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view looking downward onto a rectangular vacuum support employing the vacuum swivel post of the invention that enables the pneumatic vacuum quick fittings to be angularly directed with respect to the vacuum swivel post at a horizontal position at any direction within a horizontal plane; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a top view looking downward onto the rectangular vacuum support of  FIG. 2  with the upper containment plate removed to illustrate the wide variety of the many pivot positions of the vacuum swivel post shown in  FIG. 2 , as well as graphical illustration of the capability for full pivot greater than 360°; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a top view looking downward onto four radiused section shape vacuum supports arranged for circular support; and illustrating the vacuum swivel post shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  having a pivoting capability such that the pivot fitting can be oriented predominantly in the direction from which vacuum source tubing extends; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is an elevation view of the vacuum swivel post of  FIGS. 2-4  with the outer fitting pivoting support sleeve positioned to direct the pneumatic vacuum fittings in a direction toward the observer; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is an elevation view of the vacuum swivel post of  FIGS. 2-5  with the outer fitting pivoting support sleeve positioned to direct the pneumatic vacuum fittings directed to the left side; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the vacuum swivel post of  FIGS. 2-6  with circumferential and axial “o” rings and securing, fasteners illustrated; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the isolated vacuum swivel post of  FIGS. 3-7  and illustrates further details of the upper side of the spacer, its sealing support structures and the segmented core to which it is attached; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is an upper perspective of the isolated vacuum swivel Post of  FIGS. 2-8  and showing some depth of arrangement of the engagement and sealing support structures; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a bottom view of the isolated vacuum swivel post of  FIGS. 3-9  and illustrating the arrangement of, the engagement and sealing support structures; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a bottom view of the spacer shown with the vacuum swivel post of  FIGS. 2-10  and illustrating a groove concentrically within an outer located flat surface  257 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a sectional view of the vacuum swivel post of  FIGS. 2-11  taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 2  to illustrate the segmented core engagement to the upper structures of the vacuum support through the spacer and to it the segmented core engagement to the vacuum base plate; 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is an upper perspective view of the vacuum swivel post of  FIGS. 2-12 , but having a longer spacer shown above the segmented core  125  which will engage it at its lower end; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a sectional view of the vacuum swivel post of  FIGS. 2-13  and with a longer spacer seen in  FIG. 13  in a sectional view similar to the view of  FIG. 12 , and illustrating details of the segmented core engagement to the spacer and the spacer&#39;s engagement with the upper structures of the vacuum support of  FIG. 2 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view looking downward onto a vacuum support  51  is seen. Vacuum support  51  has a radiused section shape and is used for illustration only, At the bottom of  FIG. 1  a vacuum base plate  5  is typically a metal plate with an underside vacuum seal (not seen in  FIG. 1 ). An upper containment plate  55  may include a space for support of a peripheral seal  57  surrounding a dressed polymer  61  bondably mounted on a thin aluminum plate  63 . A portion of thin aluminum plate  63  is seen adjacent a vacuum transmission screw  65 . Vacuum transmission screw has a channel through its body to transmit vacuum from ore end to the other. A vacuum transmission groove  67  is shown in alignment with the area surrounding the vacuum transmission screw  65 . Vacuum transmission groove  67  helps better distribute an applied vacuum across the area of the dressed polymer  61 . 
         [0027]    A pair of non-vacuum support posts  71  underlie and secure upper containment plate  55  each using a screw  73 . Screws  73  are preferably not modified for vacuum transmission like the vacuum transmission screws  65  since simple support posts  71  are not involved in vacuum transmission. A conventional non-pivoting vacuum post  75  underlies and also secures upper containment plate  55  with a vacuum transmission screw  65 . Vacuum post  75  is a fixed vacuum distribution post structure that independently supplies vacuum to the bottom of the vacuum base plate  53  and to the top of the upper containment plate  55 . An independent and isolated upper pneumatic vacuum fitting  77  ands an independent and isolated lower pneumatic vacuum fitting  79  are horizontally supported by the conventional non-pivoting vacuum post  75 . 
         [0028]    The directional orientation of the pneumatic vacuum fittings  75  and  77  in the horizontal plane is usually fixed to a direction which is expected to be the most convenient, all other things being equal. The most distal ends of the pneumatic vacuum fittings  75  and  77 , depending upon the particulars of construction may or may not extend beyond the outermost periphery of the overlie the vacuum base plate  53 , but can nevertheless be subject to damage if the conventional vacuum support  51  is roughly handled. In addition, and for example, close placement of the conventional vacuum support  51  to another conventional vacuum support  51  could block the connection approach to the distal ends of the pneumatic vacuum fittings  77  and  79 . A single pneumatic vacuum supply tube  81  is shown approaching the pneumatic vacuum fittings  77  and  79 . The vacuum supply tube  81  used for vacuum connection are typically not amenable to sharp bending or sharp turns and can&#39;t be deployed where vacuum fittings  77  and  79  conflict or are restricted by another structure. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view looking downward onto a vacuum support  101  employing a vacuum swivel post  105  is shown. The components of vacuum swivel post  105  visible in  FIG. 2  include an upper spacer  111  that overlies an outer fitting pivoting support sleeve  113 . The outer fitting pivoting support sleeve  113  supports threadably attached, conventional, pneumatic vacuum fittings  77  and  79 . All components other than the vacuum swivel post  105  seen in  FIG. 2  are generally the same as was seen in  FIG. 1  and are labeled using the same numbers. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , an elevation view of the vacuum swivel post  105  of  FIG. 2  is shown in isolation. The outer fitting pivoting support sleeve  113  symmetrical about its axis such that a line drawn between the connection of the pneumatic vacuum fittings  77  and  79  would result in bilateral symmetry. On the cuter fitting pivoting support sleeve  113 , a main cylindrical surface  115  transitions to a brief conical section  117  before a transition to a brief terminal circumferentially smaller cylindrical surface  119 , at both the upper and lower ends of outer fitting pivoting support sleeve  113 . At the lowermost part of vacuum swivel post  105 , below the lower brief terminal circumferentially smaller cylindrical surface  119 , is seen a vary abbreviated lower portion of a segmented core  125 . Segmented core  125  extends slightly below the lowermost extent of vacuum swivel post  105  to insure that will not contact any structure to which the segmented core  125  is attached. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a top view looking downward onto the vacuum base plate  53  of vacuum support  101  having vacuum swivel post  105  illustrates a typical area of approach to the vacuum swivel post  105 . The approach of a vacuum source tube (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) can include a path over the base plate  53 , to one side of, or in between posts  71 , or across an edge of the base plate  53  near an edge of the base plate  53 . A worker can simply urge the outer fitting pivoting support sleeve  113  in one direction or another to any extent to change the path of approach. A breakout view of the vacuum swivel post  105  with a circular arrow is illustrative of the fact that a wide variety of the many pivot positions can be achieved. In the embodiment shown a graphical illustration of the capability for full pivot greater than 360° is emphasized. 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a top view looking downward onto four radiused vacuum supports  114  equipped with the vacuum swivel post  105  of  FIGS. 2-3  is shown. The arrangement for a small circular support requires the four corners where the vacuum swivel posts  105  are located to be brought into close proximity to each other. The freedom for the vacuum swivel posts  105  to assume a different orientation as seen in  FIG. 4  enables such close and non-interfering arrangements. 
         [0033]    Were four of the vacuum support  51  with fixed angle pneumatic vacuum fittings  77  and  79  to be brought together in a similar configuration, opposing pairs of vacuum fittings  77  and  79  would block vacuum supply tube  81  at a common level. Without flexibility and ease of use of the vacuum swivel post  105  seen in  FIG. 4 , the circular shape would have to be disrupted and the support they would otherwise be capable of providing would be compromised. 
         [0034]    The multi positions of the vacuum fittings  77  [and  79 ] are shown to show the wide variety of connection approaches possible. Possible connection approaches suggest the potential for different paths of approach of the vacuum supply tubes  81 . In the example of  FIG. 4  the vacuum supply tube  81  extend predominantly from one direction. The possible pivot angles suggest that approaches of vacuum supply tubes  81  from different directions are easily possible. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , an elevation view of the vacuum swivel post  105  of  FIGS. 2-4  is shown in isolation. The outer fitting pivoting support sleeve  113  symmetrical about its axis such that a line drawn between the connection of the pneumatic vacuum fittings and  79  would result in bilateral symmetry. On the outer fitting pivoting support sleeve  113 , a main cylindrical surface  115  transitions to a brief conical section  117  before a transition to a brief terminal circumferentially smaller cylindrical surface  119 , at both the upper and lower ends of outer fitting pivoting support sleeve  113 . At the lowermost part of vacuum swivel post  105 , below the lower brief terminal circumferentially smaller cylindrical surface  119 , is seen a very abbreviated lower portion of a segmented core  125 , Segmented core  125  extends slightly below the lowermost extent of vacuum swivel post  105  to insure that will not contact any structure to which the segmented core  125  is attached. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , an elevation view of the vacuum swivel post  105  shown in  FIGS. 2-5  is shown with the outer fitting pivoting support sleeve  113  positioned to direct the pneumatic vacuum fittings  77  and  79  to the left side of  FIG. 6 . The horizontal length of the supported pneumatic vacuum fittings  77  and  79  are an indicator that a greater ability to position them for protection is advantageous. Fixed direction pneumatic vacuum fittings  77  and  79  and a requirement for a more linear approach of vacuum supply lines might require greater lengths of vacuum supply lines on a working table (vacuum supply lines not shown). Put another way, the availability of use of the vacuum swivel post  105  will make it far less likely that an operator will need to compromise an optimum configuration of a working table arrangement of any type of vacuum support because of an otherwise awkward vacuum line approach. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , an exploded view of the vacuum swivel post  105  of  FIGS. 2-6  is shown, including components to enable use of the vacuum swivel post  105  with a vacuum support  101 . At the top of  FIG. 7  is a vacuum transmission screw  131 , which may be a low socket head screw. A small bore is typically formed that extends the length of the screw  131  (and which bore may include the socket) so that vacuum can be transmitted to the vacuum transmission groove  67  of vacuum support  101  so that vacuum will not be isolated to a limited area of the top of the dressed polymer  61 . 
         [0038]    Below the vacuum transmission screw  131 , an upper, first axial “o” ring  133  is seen in a position just above the spacer  111 . Spacer  111  has a support groove (not seen in  FIG. 5 ) that enables first axial “o” ring  133  to seal against another surface, typically the underside of the upper containment plate  55 . Spacer  111  will ideally be supplied in a variety axial heights “Σ” (sigma) which will be associated with the overall height of the vacuum swivel post  105  necessary to fit within a vacuum support  101  of a given height. The spacer  111  has been found to work well-in heights of about 0.484 inches, 2.256 inches and 4.224 inches corresponding to overall vacuum support  101  weights of 105 millimeters, 150 millimeters, and 200 millimeters, respectively. These are merely popular vacuum support  101  heights. It is understood that spacer  111  could be eliminated by providing a longer segmented core  125  incorporating the sealing features of the spacer  111 . The arrangement of a commonly used single segmented core  125  with various spacers reduces the duplication of the lore complex segmented core  125  part. 
         [0039]    Below the spacer  111 , a spacer-core “o” ring  134  is seen. The pacer-core “o” ring is compressed by a shallow groove (not seen in  FIG. 7 , but which will be seen in  FIG. 8 ) in the underside of the spacer  111 . Seen in  FIG. 7  is the full length of, the segmented core  125  shown in plan view. At the top of the segmented core  125 , an external spacer engagement thread  135  is carried on a boss  137 . Boss  137  has an internal thread set (not yet shown) for engaging the screw  131 . Below the external spacer engagement thread  135 , the segmented core  125  is seen to have a series of lands formed by the cutting of square grooves of roughly even diameter to leave radial projections of a uniform size. A first land  141  is separated from a second land  143  to support a first, upper, circumferential “o” ring support groove  145 . With these structures explained, it can be seen that the underside of the spacer  111  is in a position to force the spacer core “o” ring  134  into sealing compression against the top surface of the land  141  adjacent the external spacer engagement thread  135 . 
         [0040]    Below the second land  143 , a first reduced diameter vacuum transmission groove  151  is located. First reduced diameter vacuum transmission groove  151  includes at least a first vacuum transmission aperture  153  into a space (not yet shown) within the segmented core  125  that communicates with an internal threaded bore inside the external spacer engagement thread  135  (also not yet shown). This arrangement is to enable vacuum from the pneumatic vacuum fitting  77  to be communicated through the outer fitting pivoting support sleeve  113  and into the first reduced diameter vacuum transmission groove  151 , through to the vacuum transmission screw  131  to provide vacuum to the top of the vacuum support  101 . First vacuum transmission aperture  153  may be a through bore and produce a pair of first vacuum transmission apertures  153  on both sides of the segmented core  125 . 
         [0041]    Below the first vacuum transmission aperture  153  a third land  161  is separated from a fourth land  163  to support a second, middle, circumferential “o” ring support groove  165 . Circumferential “o” ring support groove  165 , when fitted with appropriate sealing members, promotes the vacuum isolation of the first reduced diameter vacuum transmission groove  151  at its axially lower boundary. Likewise Circumferential “o” ring support groove  145 , when fitted with appropriate sealing members, promotes the vacuum isolation of the first reduced diameter vacuum transmission groove  151  at its axially upper boundary. 
         [0042]    Below the fourth land  163 , a second reduced diameter vacuum transmission groove  171  is located. Second reduced diameter vacuum transmission groove  171  includes at least a second vacuum transmission aperture  173 . Below the second vacuum transmission aperture  173  a fifth land  181  is separated from a sixth land  183  to support a third, lower, circumferential “o” ring support groove  185 . Circumferential “o” ring support groove  185 , when fitted with appropriate sealing members, promotes the vacuum isolation of the second reduced diameter vacuum transmission groove  171  at its axially lower boundary. Likewise Circumferential “o” ring support groove  155 , when fitted with appropriate sealing members, promotes the vacuum isolation of the second reduced diameter vacuum transmission groove  171  at its axially upper boundary. 
         [0043]    A series of three “o” rings  191 ,  193 , &amp;  195  are shown spaced apart axially below the segmented core  125 . The pneumatic vacuum fittings  77  and  79  are shown in a position corresponding to the area between “o” rings  191  &amp;  193 , and between “o” rings  191  &amp;  193 , respectively. The positioning indicates that pneumatic vacuum fittings  77  and  79  supply vacuum separately to the areas between the “o” rings  191  &amp;  193 , and between the “o” rings  193  &amp;  195 , respectively. Thus the “o” ring support groove  165  and “o” ring  193  is responsible for providing a boundary of separation between the vacuum introduced the pneumatic vacuum fittings  77  and  79  so that they continue to operate independently of each other while being enabled to swivel. 
         [0044]    Below the lowest “o” ring  195 , the pivoting outer fitting pivoting support sleeve  113  is seen in isolation. An upper, first end  201  is more easily identified, as is a lower, second end  205 . With the pneumatic vacuum fittings  77  and  79  removed, an upper, first countersunk flat groove  211  and a second countersunk flat groove  215  are visible. An upper threaded bore  221  extends from a position adjacent an inner part of the first countersunk flat groove  211  into an inner volume  223  of the outer fitting pivoting support, sleeve  113 . A lower threaded bore  225  extends from a position adjacent an inner part of the second countersunk flat groove  215  into the same inner volume  223  of the outer fitting pivoting support sleeve  113 . The first and second countersunk flat grooves  211  &amp;  215  provide a flat surface for seating the pneumatic vacuum fittings  77  and  79 . 
         [0045]    Below the first end  205  of the outer fitting pi  4 Y ting support sleeve  113 , a lower, second axial “o” ring  233  is shown. Second axial “O” ring  233  fits within a groove (not shown in  FIG. 7 ) of the lower end of the segmented core  125 . The lower end of the segmented core  125  has a support groove (not seen) that enables second axial “o” ring  233  to seal against another surface. At the very bottom of  FIG. 7  is a lower, vacuum transmission screw  235  which may be socket and angular chamfer head screw. As was the case for vacuum transmission screw  131 , small bore is typically formed that extends the length of the screw  235  (and which bore may include its socket) so that vacuum can be transmitted through the vacuum base plate  53  to hold the vacuum support  101  having vacuum swivel post  105  down upon a working table (not shown). The components shown in  FIG. 7  contemplate plate engagement structure below vacuum transmission screw  131  and above the vacuum transmission screw  235  for use, with various height vacuum supports  101 . 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , a top view of the isolated vacuum swivel post  105  of  FIGS. 2-7  illustrates further details of the upper side of the spacer  111  and the segmented core  125 . From the outside and proceeding inward, main, cylindrical surface  115  is adjacent the brief conical section  117  of the outer fitting pivoting support sleeve  113 . The next structure seen is the space  111 . The outside of the spacer  111  is adjacent an outer wall  241 . Outer wall  241  is adjacent an axially directed “o” ring slot  243 . An inner wall  245  completes the inner support for complete formation of the axially directed “o” ring slot  243 . 
         [0047]    The inner wall  245  has an inside threaded set, not well seen in  FIG. 6 , that engages the external spacer engagement thread  135  of the boss  137 . Boss  137  is seen to lie concentrically inwardly of the inner wall  245 . However, as will be shown more directly, boss  137  carries an internal threaded bore  247  for engaging the vacuum transmission screw  131 . Referring to  FIG. 9 , the structures of  FIG. 8  can be seen in perspective. The perspective angle of view does not enable the segmented core  125  to be seen in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , a bottom view of the isolated vacuum swivel post  105  of  FIGS. 3-9  illustrates further details of the lower end of the lower portion of a segmented core  125 . From the outside and proceeding inward, main cylindrical surface  115  is adjacent the brief conical section  117 , both of the outer fitting pivoting support sleeve  113 . Because no structure overlies the lower, second end  205  of outer fitting support sleeve  113 , it is the next structure seen. Further inwardly, the next structure seen is at the bottom end of the segmented core  125 . Segmented core  125  includes an outer wall  251  which is immediately adjacent sixth land  183  seen in  FIG. 5 . Outer wall  251  is adjacent an axially directed “o” ring slot  253 . An inner wall  255  completes the lateral support for complete formation of the axially directed “o” ring slot  253 . Concentrically inwardly of the inner wall  255  a threaded bore  257  is seen. Threaded bore  257  is for engaging lower, vacuum transmission screw  235  that was seen in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , a bottom view of the spacer  111  is seen. At the innermost extent of the spacer  111  a segmented core boss engagement thread  256 A is provided for enbabement with the external spacer engagement thread  135  of the segmented core  125 . Spacer  111  has a concentrically outer located flat surface  257 . A groove  258  is located concentrically inwardly of the flat surface  257 . Groove  258  has a diameter and depth to enable the spacer-core “o” ring  134  to be sealably compressed by spacer  111  against the first land  141  of segmented core  125 . 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , a sectional view of the vacuum swivel post  105  of  FIGS. 3-11  taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 2  is shown. As can be seen vacuum base plate  53  may generally be a generally solid plate, and is preferably fitted with a groove  259  having an seal  261 , also shown in section. The lower vacuum transmission screw  235  clears the bottom surface of the vacuum base plate  53  so that first contact of the vacuum base plate  53  will be the seal  233 . A lower space  263  is in fluid communication between the vacuum transmission screw  235  and the lower pneumatic vacuum fitting  79  via the lower threaded bore  225  seen in  FIG. 7 . Likewise, An upper space  265  is in fluid communication between the vacuum transmission screw  65  and the upper pneumatic vacuum fitting  77  via the upper threaded bore  221  seen in  FIG. 7 . Note that first and second reduced diameter vacuum transmission groove  151  and  171  can, depending upon the dimensions of the materials used, provide some clearance for the innermost extent of pneumatic vacuum fittings  77  and  79 . The radial vacuum availability transmission space provided by first and second reduced diameter vacuum transmission groove  151  and  171  which oppose the straight cylindrical inside of the outer fitting pivoting support sleeve  113  could be provided by other structures. A radial vacuum availability transmission space could be provided by an inwardly directed groove in an intermedate structure or directly into the cylindrical inside of the outer fitting pivoting support sleeve  113 . 
         [0051]    At the top of  FIG. 12 , the component parts of upper horizontal structure of the vacuum support  101  are seen. The upper containment plate  55  supports the thin aluminum plate  63  to which is bonded the dressed polymer  61 . The vacuum transmission screw  65  can be seen holding the aluminum plate  63  to the upper containment plate  55  by engagement with a thread  267  on the inside of the boss  137 . The spacer  111  internal segmented core boss engagement thread  256 A is shown to engage the external spacer engagement thread  135 , especially where a spacer  111  is of a shorter height to enable the internal thread  269  of the boss  137  to be directly accessed by a vacuum transmission screw  65 . Thus in the configuration of  FIG. 12 , the component parts supported by the upper containment plate  55  are held directly by the upper structure of the segmented core  125 . The spacer  111  is also held directly by the upper structure of the segmented core  125 , namely the external spacer engagement thread  135 . 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , an upper perspective view of a longer spacer  271  is shown above the segmented core  125 . The outer fitting pivoting support sleeve  113  is not shown in order to obtain some better observation of the structures of the segmented core  125 . Structures common to the top of the spacer  111  are seen atop longer spacer  271 . Axially longer spacer  271 , includes a circular groove  243  for supporting the upper axial “o” ring  133  seen in  FIG. 5 . The circular groove  243  is bound by the concentrically larger outer wall  245  and the concentrically smaller inner wall  247 . 
         [0053]    However, longer spacer  271  has a threaded bore  275  at its upper end Sized to accept threaded engagement by the vacuum transmission screw  65  directly into longer spacer  271 . Due to the length of the longer spacer  271  the internal threaded bore  247  inside of the boss  137  that was previously directly engaged by vacuum transmission screw  65  will not be used. The threaded bore  275  of the longer spacer  271  will engage the same vacuum transmission screw  65 . 
         [0054]    A lower end of the longer spacer  271  matches the bottom details seen for the of the spacer  111  shown in  FIG. 9 . In addition, the internal segmented core boss engagement thread  256 A is not seen in  FIG. 13  but will be shown in detail in  FIG. 14 . Thus, the longer spacer  271  will attach to the segmented core  125  by attachment using external spacer engagement thread  135  on boss  137  to capture the spacer-core “o” ring  134 . Spacer-core “o” ring  134  provides sealing between the longer spacer  271  and segmented core  125 . An internal threaded bore  256 A will be used in the spacer to engage with the spacer engagement thread  135  on boss  137 , as will be shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIG. 14 , a sectional view of the vacuum swivel post  105  with a longer spacer  271  is shown and is similar to the view of  FIG. 12 . In the case of an axially taller adapter  271  the upper vacuum transmission screw  65  is in fluid communication with the upper space  265  via the inside of the boss  137 , and an internal connection bore  279 . The length of the internal connection bore  279  will change proportionately with the length of the longer spacer  271 . In addition, the internal segmented core boss engagement thread  256 A is shown as securing longer spacer  271  to the external spacer engagement thread  135  of the segmented core  125 . 
         [0056]    While the present invention has been described in terms of a system for enabling angular directional pivoting adjustment for two different pneumatic vacuum fittings on a post support structure, while maintaining separate control, the structures techniques employed herein are applicable to a wide range of devices, machines, and methods to provide easily producible, assemblable and constructable components. Although the invention has been derived with reference to particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, included within the patent warranted are all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of this contribution to the art.