A clamping device includes first and second clamping components and at least one elastic component. The first and second clamping components include first and second rear portions and first and second front portions pivoted to each other respectively. The first and second rear portions are pivoted to each other. The elastic component connects the first and second clamping components. The first and second clamping components rotate, with respect to each other, to a first state due to an elastic force of the elastic component so that the first and second front portions have a first distance. When the first and second clamping components are subject to a force, the first and second clamping components resist the elastic force of the elastic component and rotate, with respect to each other, to a second state so that the first and second front portions have a second distance greater than the first distance.

A clamping device includes first and second clamping components and at least one elastic component. The first and second clamping components include first and second rear portions and first and second front portions pivoted to each other respectively. The first and second rear portions are pivoted to each other. The elastic component connects the first and second clamping components. The first and second clamping components rotate, with respect to each other, to a first state due to an elastic force of the elastic component so that the first and second front portions have a first distance. When the first and second clamping components are subject to a force, the first and second clamping components resist the elastic force of the elastic component and rotate, with respect to each other, to a second state so that the first and second front portions have a second distance greater than the first distance.

A modification system for the modification of elongated pieces of stock may include a powered tool for modifying, or altering the piece of elongated stock, and a support device for supporting a position of the elongated stock relative to the powered tool. An arrangement of the components of the powered tool may provide for ergonomic balance of the powered tool. The support device may include a clamping device that clamps, or holds the elongated stock, and an adjustment device that adjusts a position of the clamping device based on a size of the elongated stock. The support device may include a latching device that maintains the position of the clamping device relative to the stock. A reaction arm may inhibit rotation of the tool relative to the stock during operation. A biasing device may provide for application of an axial biasing force on the stock, to initiate operation.

Systems and methods are provided for gripping of a workpiece with a layer jamming structure having rigid datum structures. A system includes a layer jamming structure configurable in an inactivated conformable state, with a membrane defining an internal cavity containing a number of overlapping material layers. The rigid structures engage the layer jamming structure. A pressure system includes a pump coupled with the internal cavity to change a pressure therein to transform the layer jamming structure from the inactivated conformable state to an activated rigid state disposed around the workpiece. The rigid structures help conform the layer jamming structure to the workpiece during transformation to the activated rigid state and to present datum fixturing surfaces in the activated rigid state.

A clamping system and method useful in miter edge fabrication. Two separate units, each including a vacuum plate may be placed on separate slabs. The units may be connected with a knuckle that can be rotated to provide connection of the slabs in a variety of angles. The units are vacuum sealed to the slabs. The vacuum plates may include various sections of varied sizes to connect to different sized slabs. When the knuckle is locked, a worm gear will provide for lateral movement, relative the knuckle, to provide precision fitting of slabs.

Systems and methods are provided for locating a pair of components relative to one another using complex surfaces. One component has a complex surface, where the complex surface is smoothly contoured. Another component is shaped to be connected with the first component. A fixture locates the first component relative to the second component. The fixture includes a locator with a complex surface region shaped to mate with the complex surface of the one component to locate the fixture relative to that component. The fixture includes another locator to locate the fixture relative to the second component.

Systems and methods are provided for locating a pair of components relative to one another using complex surfaces. One component has a complex surface, where the complex surface is smoothly contoured. Another component is shaped to be connected with the first component. A fixture locates the first component relative to the second component. The fixture includes a locator with a complex surface region shaped to mate with the complex surface of the one component to locate the fixture relative to that component. The fixture includes another locator to locate the fixture relative to the second component.

A ring for clasping a cylindrical object includes a first element, a second element and a switch mechanism. The second element is circumferentially butted with the first element, and one end of the first element is adjacent to one end of the second element. The end of the second element has a protrusion protruding outwardly. The switch mechanism includes an abutting member adjacent to the end of the first element and configured to be rotated to abut against or move away from the protrusion of the end of the second element. When the abutting member is rotated and abuts against the protrusion of the end of the second element, the second element is fixed; when the abutting member is rotated and moves away from the protrusion of the end of the second element, the second element is released.

A ring for clasping a cylindrical object includes a first element, a second element and a switch mechanism. The second element is circumferentially butted with the first element, and one end of the first element is adjacent to one end of the second element. The end of the second element has a protrusion protruding outwardly. The switch mechanism includes an abutting member adjacent to the end of the first element and configured to be rotated to abut against or move away from the protrusion of the end of the second element. When the abutting member is rotated and abuts against the protrusion of the end of the second element, the second element is fixed; when the abutting member is rotated and moves away from the protrusion of the end of the second element, the second element is released.

A component production method includes: a step of binding a long frame by a plurality of support devices arranged along the frame; a step of measuring, with a distance sensor, a distance to the frame supported by the plurality of support devices; a step in which, based on frame shape data prerecorded in a memory, the support devices move support positions where the frame is supported so that a calculated radial position of the frame being supported by the support devices matches the data about the frame shape; a step of fixing the frame in a state in which the data about the frame shape matches the radial position of the frame; and a step of performing a hole-making operation on the fixed frame.