Patent ID: RE39786

Claim:
In a clamping apparatus operably engageable with a linear reciprocal actuator moveable between an extended position and a retracted position, said clamping apparatus comprising: a hollow housing having a guide track defined on opposing inner surfaces; a slide block operably engageable with said guide track capable of being driven, moved, and positioned along said guide track by said actuator between first and second end limits of movement corresponding to said retracted and extended positions respectively of said actuator; a cam connected to said slide block for movement therewith; and at least one pivoting arm, each said pivoting arm pivotally mounted for rotation about a pivot axis with respect to said housing adjacent to said guide track, and each said pivoting arm having an elongate slot adjacent to and spaced from said pivot axis, said cam positioned within said elongate slot of each said pivoting arm for converting linear reciprocal movement of said cam into pivoting rotation of each said pivoting arm, such that each said pivoting arm is in a clamped position when said slide block is in said first end limit of movement and each said pivoting arm is in a released position when said slide block is in said second end limit of movement.