Patent ID: 8256773

Claim:
A clamping fixture comprising a chuck ( 1 ) provided with a locking mechanism ( 2 ) for releasably locating a workpiece pallet ( 33 ), the locking mechanism ( 2 ) having a plurality of clamping members ( 5 ) which in the locked position are configured to engage a clamping surface ( 31 ) arranged at the workpiece pallet ( 33 ) or a clamping spigot ( 30 ) connected thereto to fixedly locate the workpiece pallet ( 33 ) at the chuck ( 1 ), wherein at least one clamping member ( 5 ) is provided with a feedthru bore ( 8 , 8 a ) configured so that on correct locking and/or release of the at least one clamping member ( 5 ) said bore ( 8 , 8 a ) of said clamping member ( 5 ) is closed off at one end and at least one other clamping member ( 5 ) is assigned a locking pin ( 10 ) configured to shift the clamping member into a locked position and provided with a feedthru bore ( 12 ) which on correct locking and/or release of said one other clamping member ( 5 ) said bore ( 12 ) is closed off at one end, each feedthru bore ( 8 , 8 a , 12 ) being connectable by a connecting conduit ( 28 , 28 a ) to a compressed air source ( 26 ) and at least one sensor ( 27 ) is provided for sensing air flow in the connecting conduit ( 28 , 28 a ).