A method and apparatus for reworking a structure. A compaction blanket comprising a number of magnets is placed on the structure. A heat source is applied on the compaction blanket, wherein the compaction blanket is between the heat source and a rework of the structure and heat is conducted from the heat source through the compaction blanket to heat the rework.

A magnetic clamping device is provided that includes a housing in which a number of magnets are disposed. A magnetizable core extends through the housing between the magnets and is movable with respect to the housing and the magnets. The core can be moved using a suitable mechanism disposed on the housing between an extended position where the core is positioned in contact with the support surface and a retracted position where the core is spaced from the support surface. The position of the core relative to the housing and the support surface adjusts the magnetic holding force transmitted from the magnets through the core to attract and hold the core on the support surface.

Apparatus and methods for aligning heavy metal plates during tank construction using an alignment device, which is temporarily attached to the heavy metal plates with a pair of locking members pivotably coupled to a frame and a pair of adjustable alignment members attached to the frame between the pair of locking members. The alignment device may be attached to the heavy metal plates without the inefficiencies, hazards and other disadvantages associated with welding.

A method of milling a piece of raw steel stock comprising: arranging a minimum of four solid pole extensions on top surface segments of a magnetic chuck such that the solid pole extensions are relatively evenly distributed under a piece of raw steel stock and within 2 inches of a perimeter of the piece of raw steel stock; arranging multiple mobile pole extensions beneath the piece of raw steel stock and on every other top surface segment of the magnetic chuck under the piece of raw steel stock that is not occupied by the solid pole extensions but beneath the piece of raw steel stock, each of the multiple mobile pole extensions having a biased top portion that contacts the piece of raw steel stock; milling the piece of raw steel stock with a face mill that generates steel chip as swarf; and recycling the steel chip.

A system for automatically magnetically gripping non-magnetic objects. The system includes a robotic arm, a magnetic actuator, and a free magnetic element. The magnetic actuator may be coupled to an end effector of the robotic arm. A non-magnetic object may be placed between the free magnetic element and the magnetic actuator. The magnetic actuator may magnetically attract the free magnetic element to securely grasp the non-magnetic object therebetween. A corresponding method is also disclosed and claimed herein.

An apparatus for use with various shearing machines for safely and efficiently positioning material to be worked. Magnets which control the material are embedded in a body made of non-magnetic material. Magnets are positioned in the forward end of the apparatus for holding the material being worked while other magnets are positioned in the body of the apparatus for adhering the apparatus to the machine table. A handle is provided for sliding the material into the proper position.

One or more clamping aid tools for mounting to various squares and straight edges, including carpenter squares, framing squares, speed squares or the like, and various straight edges and rulers for easily and accurately positioning various objects, either flat and/or round, magnetic or not. The clamping aid tools can secure these squares and straight edges to various objects while they are being fitted, secured and/or welded together.

The present invention provides lift pin strategies with a reduced risk of causing contamination due to the up and down actuation of lift pins. The present invention provides a lift pin system that uses electromagnetic actuation strategies in order to raise and lower lift pins. The electromagnetic forces act remotely on the lift pins so that direct contact or coupling of the lift pins to actuation components is not required. This avoids contamination that otherwise would be associated with friction and associated lubricants used for mechanical actuation strategies.

A suction device for retaining and/or transporting objects, comprising a main supporting body (2) and at least one operating plate (3) provided with suction holes (7) connected to and suction means, in which the operating plate (3) is removably associated with the main supporting body (2) and has a second connecting face (5) coupled to a first connecting face (4) of the main supporting body (2), and in which the device also comprises one or more magnets (13) and one or more ferromagnetic bodies (14), each ferromagnetic body (14) being magnetically coupled to one or more magnets (13) when the operating plate (3) is associated with the main supporting body (2) for keeping the operating plate (3) fastened to the main supporting body (2), each magnet (13) and the ferromagnetic body (14) magnetically coupled to it being constrained respectively one to the operating plate (3), the other to the main supporting body (2).

A deposition apparatus including a driving unit configured to be movable in first and second directions crossing each other and to be rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to a third direction normal to a plane defined by the first and second directions, a first supporting member connected to a bottom end of the driving unit in the third direction, a magnet plate disposed below and connected to the first supporting member, a second supporting member disposed below the magnet plate, and a plurality of first connection units disposed on the first supporting member. The first connection units may extend in the third direction, may penetrate the first supporting member and the magnet plate, and may be connected to the second supporting member.