A method and apparatus for supporting a structure. The apparatus may comprise a support, a load-balancing structure associated with the support, and a set of connection devices associated with the load-balancing structure. The set of connection devices may be configured to connect to the structure to form a set of control points. Each of the set of connection devices may be configured to independently control a location of a corresponding control point in the set of control points.

A fixture for positioning an object relative to a beam, wherein the beam includes a web, is disclosed. The fixture includes a first portion including a first positioning face, a first contact face, and a first clamping face. Each of the first positioning face, the first contact face, and the first clamping face is movable in a first working direction. The fixture also includes a second portion including a second positioning face, a second contact face, and a second clamping face. Each of the second positioning face, the second contact face, and the second clamping face is movable in a second working direction opposite to the first working direction. When the fixture is installed on the beam, the first contact face and the second contact face abut each other, and the first clamping face and the second clamping face engage the web.

A manufacturing system including a base and multiple work machine modules that are arranged in an arrangement direction on base to be attachable to and detachable from base, in which one wheel of a pair provided on work machine module is engaged with one rail of a pair provided on base in a state in which positional deviation in the arrangement direction is prohibited, and the other wheel of the pair is engaged with the other rail of the pair in a state in which positional deviation is permitted in the arrangement direction, thereby the position of work machine modules on the base in the arrangement direction is specified, and work machine modules are fixed at a setting position on the base to be restricted so as to be drawn toward the base by a module fixing mechanism that is provided on the base.

A method and apparatus for supporting a structure. The apparatus may comprise a support, a load-balancing structure associated with the support, and a set of connection devices associated with the load-balancing structure. The set of connection devices may be configured to connect to the structure to form a set of control points. Each of the set of connection devices may be configured to independently control a location of a corresponding control point in the set of control points.

A fabrication system may generally comprise an x-y positioning assembly, a clamping head to receive an end effector, wherein the clamping head is coupled to the x-y positioning assembly, a z positioning assembly, a platform including a surface that is rigid and substantially planar, wherein the platform is coupled to the z positioning assembly, and a controller operably coupled to the x-y positioning assembly, end effector, z positioning assembly, and platform. Methods of using the fabrication system are also described.

A spindle phase indexing device for a machine tool is equipped with a guide rail detachably or fixedly attached to a table, a phase indexing jig configured to travel on the guide rail and which includes a first fitting part, a cutting tool including a second fitting part configured to be fitted with the first fitting part, and a controller configured to store therein a phase of a spindle at a point in time when the first fitting part and the second fitting part are fitted together. The first fitting part and the second fitting part are formed such that rotation of the cutting tool is constrained when the first fitting part and the second fitting part are fitted together.

The present invention relates to a machine tool including a ram spindle and a tool holder, and provides a machine tool comprising: a tool holder including at least two inserts; and a ram spindle capable of fixing the tool holder in a clamped state or rotating the tool holder in order to change the position of the insert, such that the position of the insert can be quickly changed, thereby enabling an improvement in productivity and precision and a reduction in product costs.

A mounting apparatus for handling of a structured substrate which has structures. The mounting apparatus having a soft material layer for accommodating the structured substrate on a receiving surface. The structures of the structured substrate are able to be taken at least partially into the material layer. Fixing means for fixing of the structured substrate on the receiving surface are provided.

A clamping apparatus and method for maintaining a workpiece flatness during processing includes a base having a planar surface for receiving a first workpiece. Two sets of opposing clamping mechanisms are mounted to the base and include a clamp head at a distal end of a rod extending from a housing in removable overlapping relation to the first workpiece. Each set of the clamp heads are in opposing spaced relationship to each other defining a second workpiece area, and the clamp heads are configured to mate with a top surface of the first workpiece. A biasing member is coupled to each of the housings and apply a downward vertical force to the housings, rods, and the clamp heads for applying a downward vertical pressure to the first workpiece. The first workpiece is thereby discouraged from thermally expanding in a vertical direction and is thermally expandable horizontally along the planar surface.

A clamping apparatus and method for maintaining a workpiece flatness during processing includes a base having a planar surface for receiving a first workpiece. Two sets of opposing clamping mechanisms are mounted to the base and include a clamp head at a distal end of a rod extending from a housing in removable overlapping relation to the first workpiece. Each set of the clamp heads are in opposing spaced relationship to each other defining a second workpiece area, and the clamp heads are configured to mate with a top surface of the first workpiece. A biasing member is coupled to each of the housings and apply a downward vertical force to the housings, rods, and the clamp heads for applying a downward vertical pressure to the first workpiece. The first workpiece is thereby discouraged from thermally expanding in a vertical direction and is thermally expandable horizontally along the planar surface.