A processing device (10) for processing flat material (12) extending along a material plane (11) includes at least one holding device (200) for holding the flat material (12), at least one clamping device (400) for fastening the flat material (12) in place and for clamping the flat material (12) along the material plane (11), and at least one laser device (600) for cutting at least one cut piece (1) from the flat material (12). The holding device (200) is designed such that the at least one cut piece (1) is held by the holding device (200) after the laser cut.

A manufacturing method employing a robotic assembly system includes first and second fastener system components that are positioned by a robotic assembly on opposite sides of at least two structural pieces that are to be fastened together. The first system component includes a particular tool of a plurality of different types of tools, where the particular tool installs a particular fastener of a plurality of different types of fasteners. Each tool includes a block or base of magnetic material with a passageway opening for the fastener associated with the tool passing through the base. The robotic assembly positions the tool against one side of the structural pieces to be fastened, and positions an electromagnet assembly on the opposite side of the structural pieces. Activating the electromagnet assembly clamps the structural pieces together. With the fastener positioned in a hole through the structural pieces, the tool is activated to install the fastener between the structural pieces.

A handheld magnetic tool includes a body having a top arm and a bottom arm connected via a spring, the spring allows the top arm and the bottom arm to open and close; a magnet holder secured to a first end of the top arm; a first magnet secured to the magnet holder; a plate secured to a first end of the bottom arm to close against the first magnet; the first magnet attracts metal items to be secured to a bottom surface of the plate; and opening the top arm from the bottom arm separates the first magnet from the plate, thereby allowing the metal items to release from the plate.

This relates to a holding apparatus for holding a component during mounting. The holding apparatus comprises at least a first holding unit including at least one magnetic field generating device for generating a magnetic field, and at least a second magnetic holding unit spaced apart from the first holding unit in a predetermined distance for receiving the component. A holding force for holding the component between the first holding unit and the second holding unit is generated in the second magnetic holding unit as a result of induction and by means of a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating device. The embodiment also comprises a mounting system and a method for holding components by means of such holding apparatuses.

A magnetic hand tool and method of assembly for manipulated conveyance over a surface for magnetic collection of ferrous articles, by which procedure a quick-release cap is used to release any and all collected ferrous material. This tool utilizes an alignment insert in a central opening of the magnet to coaxially align fastener guide holes through polar plates or protective covers on opposing planar sides of the magnet and a fastener guide hole in the insert, whereby insertion of the fastener through the guide holes laterally aligns the components of the assembly.

The invention is the release device/cap, that is part of the assembly by means of a self-adhering or hinged cap with a lip, square, circular or other shape, to aid in the separation of ferrous material from the magnetic tool by pushing away the cap from the magnetic hand tool by holding the lip for that purpose. The divots make it that the release lever device/cap is held onto the magnetic hand tool assembly. The separation allows for the ferrous material to fall in the drop collection box by ways of gravitational pull.

A magnetic substance holding device includes: a first pole piece assembly comprising at least one first pole piece, at least two second pole pieces, and at least two first permanent magnets; a second pole piece assembly comprising at least one third pole piece, at least two fourth pole pieces, and at least two second permanent magnets; a coil; and a control device. The first pole piece assembly and/or the second pole piece assembly is configured to be movable such that they are switched between a first arrangement in which the second faces of the first pole piece assembly are spaced apart from the first faces of the second pole piece assembly, and a second arrangement in which the second faces of the first pole piece assembly come in contact with the first faces of the second pole piece assembly. The control device controls holding and detaching of a workpiece on and from the first faces of the first pole piece assembly or the second faces of the second pole piece assembly, by way of controlling electric current applied to the coil to switch between the first arrangement and the second arrangement.

An adjustable depth magnetic device comprises a switchable magnet, switchable magnet carrier, or switchable magnet integrated into a carrier, constrained by and locked into position by a receiver that is separate from or integrated into an object or fixture. The adjustable depth magnetic device may be affixed to or integrated into an object for the purpose of constraining said object to a ferrous target; or the adjustable depth magnetic device may be affixed to or integrated into a fixture to facilitate manufacturing, production, and/or assembly operations.

A method of milling a piece of raw steel stock comprising: presenting a piece of raw steel stock having a first surface and a second surface having a perimeter; presenting a magnetic chuck with a top surface configured to support the piece of raw steel stock for milling with magnetic capabilities; arranging a minimum of four solid pole extensions on the top surface to support the second surface of the piece of raw steel stock for milling of the first surface thereof such that the solid pole extensions will be relatively evenly distributed beneath the perimeter of the second surface; arranging multiple mobile pole extensions on the top surface to further support the second surface; placing the second surface onto the multiple mobile pole extensions and the solid pole extensions; activating the magnetic capabilities of the magnetic chuck; and milling the first surface to a desired flatness.

Present invention provides for magnetic clamping tools where desired angles can be selectively set by adjusting a tightening mechanism in a locking hinge connecting two arm pieces, as well as some preset angles of 30-degree, 45-degree and 90-degree; each of the arm piece is disposed between two opposite covers that are made of magnetizable materials, serving to provide the contact angle to the work pieces being held/worked on.

A metal strip holding device configured to be connected to the die of a stamping system is presented herein. The strip holding device includes a magnetic component and a non-magnetic bracket. The magnetic component has at least one pole shoe. The bracket is configured to be connected to the die. Moreover, the magnetic component is installed into a cavity in the metal bracket.