Magnetic table jig assemblies and methods allow workpieces (e.g., aircraft components to be fabricated) on a table top of the table jig assembly to be accurately indexed relative to a robotically operated tool (e.g., a robotically operated drill). The magnetic table jig assembly may include a wheeled frame which is capable of rolling movement across a floor surface, a horizontally planar table top exhibiting ferromagnetic properties supported by the frame and a plurality of magnetic workpiece positioners each including an actuator to magnetically couple and decouple the magnetic workpiece positioner to the table top. The workpiece will therefore be positioning restrained on the table top by magnetically coupling the plurality of the magnetic workpiece positioners to the table top in abutting relationship to a perimetrical edge of the workpiece.

A radiopaque marker bead can be attached to an endoprosthesis by pressing an end of bead into a through hole formed into the endoprosthesis and allowing the opposite end of the bead to pass through the hole and protrude out of the other end of the hole. Both ends of the bead can then be pressed and flattened so as to frictionally engage both ends of the hole. A support tool having a curved outer surface can be inserted into the endoprosthesis to support the endoprosthesis luminal surface while the bead is being pushed into the hole. The support tool has a depression which allows the opposite end of the bead to protrude out of the hole.

A radiopaque marker bead can be attached to an endoprosthesis by pressing an end of bead into a through hole formed into the endoprosthesis and allowing the opposite end of the bead to pass through the hole and protrude out of the other end of the hole. Both ends of the bead can then be pressed and flattened so as to frictionally engage both ends of the hole. A support tool having a curved outer surface can be inserted into the endoprosthesis to support the endoprosthesis luminal surface while the bead is being pushed into the hole. The support tool has a depression which allows the opposite end of the bead to protrude out of the hole.

A fixture assembly, for use in maintaining a piece of heavy equipment. The fixture assembly includes a first connecting component configured to be connected releasably to a first part of the heavy equipment, and a second connecting component configured to be connected releasably to a second part of the heavy equipment connected to the first part when the heavy equipment is assembled. The fixture assembly also includes a hinge arrangement connecting the first connecting component to the second connecting component. The technology further includes methods for maintaining the heavy equipment using the fixture assembly, such as by separating heavy equipment parts in order to replace a gearbox of the equipment.

A fixture assembly, for use in maintaining a piece of heavy equipment. The fixture assembly includes a first connecting component configured to be connected releasably to a first part of the heavy equipment, and a second connecting component configured to be connected releasably to a second part of the heavy equipment connected to the first part when the heavy equipment is assembled. The fixture assembly also includes a hinge arrangement connecting the first connecting component to the second connecting component. The technology further includes methods for maintaining the heavy equipment using the fixture assembly, such as by separating heavy equipment parts in order to replace a gearbox of the equipment.

A method for evacuating a volume below a substrate in a substrate processing system includes arranging the substrate on a lift mechanism of a substrate support to define the volume below the substrate between the substrate and an upper surface of the substrate support. An evacuation step is initiated to evacuate the volume below the substrate. The evacuation step includes pumping down the volume below the substrate at least one of through and around the lift mechanism. The lift mechanism is lowered during the evacuation step to position the substrate on the upper surface of the substrate support and the evacuation step is terminated.

A vacuum hold-down apparatus retains a wafer in a desired position and orientation. A vacuum chuck assembly of the vacuum hold-down apparatus has a vacuum chuck surface with a vacuum communication aperture. A venturi vacuum generator is fixed with respect to the vacuum chuck assembly and communicates with the vacuum chuck surface via the vacuum communication aperture. A positive pressure fluid line communicates with the venturi vacuum generator.

The disclosed wafer processing apparatus includes a vacuum chuck unit configured to adsorb and support a wafer assembly including a wafer; a rotary chuck unit configured to rotate the vacuum chuck unit; a rotating shaft connected to the rotary chuck unit to rotate the rotary chuck unit; a ring cover unit configured to press the wafer assembly such that a processing solution sprayed onto the wafer is not diffused into the vacuum chuck unit; a sealing ring installed in the vacuum chuck unit and configured to support the wafer assembly; and a medium supply unit configured to supply an inspection medium to the vacuum chuck unit such that the inspection medium for identifying damage to the sealing ring flows into the sealing ring.

The present invention provides a common fender mounting jig apparatus for use with multifarious vehicles including a plurality of common clamping units for clamping fender panels of multifarious vehicles by using, selectively, a plurality of fixing blocks processed in compliance with the shape of a fender panel associated with each vehicle model. Additionally, the common fender mounting jig may also include a clamp movement unit for moving the common clamping unit upwardly and downwardly, forwardly and backwardly; a fender mounting jig mounted on its upper face with the common clamping unit and loading the fender panel clamped by the common clamping unit on a body-in-white; and a jig movement unit for moving and rotating the fender mounting jig. By using only one common clamping unit, the present invention is able to comply with various shapes of fender panels of multifarious vehicles.

A device for clamping a workpiece (P) to a workbench (T) includes a body (1) containing a vacuum-generating element. The body (1) has a lower cavity (2) open at the bottom and positioned in the vicinity of a face for securing to the workbench (T). The lower cavity (2) forms a vacuum reserve, this vacuum reserve being connected by a substantially straight duct (6) to an upper face for securing a workpiece (P).