A gripping device for a panel of a section of a fuselage of an aircraft, the panel including a skin and having an arcuate shape about a longitudinal axis X. The gripping device includes two gripping subsystems arranged at a distance from one another parallel to the longitudinal axis X, and each gripping subsystem includes a central element fastened to the panel, and two lateral elements fastened on either side of the central element by fasteners, and each lateral element includes pressurizers which come against the skin to apply a tension thereto in the opening direction of the arcuate shape. Such a gripping device makes it possible to ensure the shape of the panel when it is transported and until it is fastened to other panels in order to produce the section of the fuselage.

Modular carriage for varying spacing between ends of polymer pipe during fusion. The modular carriage includes a fixed jaw; an inner movable jaw; an outer moveable jaw and a plurality of guide rods. The fixed jaw being adapted for tool free engagement with the terminal ends of the plurality of guide rods. A carriage cylinder is associated with at least two of the guide rods and mounted for reciprocal travel along the length of its associated guide rod. The movable jaws being adapted for tool free engagement with at least two carriage cylinders for reciprocal travel therewith. A combined hydraulic cylinder/guide rod includes a guide rod with an integral guide rod piston, a cylindrical tube, and a guide rod gland on each end of the cylinder tube.

A clamp comprises first and second clamp halves, each comprising an elongate object receiving portion and a portion of a clamp retention mechanism. The first and second elongate object receiving portions are sized and shaped to cooperatively hold an elongate object at a desired position when the first and second clamp halves are fastened together. The first and second portions of the clamp retention mechanism are sized and shaped to (a) engage each other when the first and second clamp halves are moved towards each other in a first direction, (b) fasten the first and second clamp halves together without requiring use of a tool to engage the retention mechanism, and (c) disengage from each other when the first and second clamp halves are moved away from each other in a direction orthogonal to the first direction to unfasten the first and second clamp halves without use of a tool.

A twin clamp, comprising two receptacles (61, 62), each of which has two movable clamping jaws (611, 612, 621, 622) and by means of each of which an elongate profile segment (71, 72) having a circular cross-section can be clamped in the contact section, each elongate profile segment having a centre axis (D71, D72) and an outside diameter, wherein two clamping jaws (611, 612, 621, 622) of different receptacles (61, 62) are coupled to one another via a respective differential gearing (41, 42) and two clamping jaws (611, 612, 621, 622) of the same receptacle (61, 62) are coupled to one another via a synchronous gearing (51, 52) and the position of the centre axes (D71, D72) of the clamped elongate profile segments (71, 72) is independent of the size of the outside diameters of the elongate profile segments (71, 72).

A pipe alignment clamp for use in pipe fitting/fabrication applications. The pipe alignment clamp has a generally circular frame with at least one hinge therealong to enable the clamp to be opened and subsequently secured around a pair of pipe segments and/or fittings to be joined. Threaded support members are positioned along the frame in spaced apart fashion, and extend outwardly from each side of the frame. The support members are used to support alignment screws that can be independently repositioned radially towards and away from the pipe segments and/or fittings to be joined, thereby enabling the alignment clamp to accommodate a wide variety of different shapes and sizes of pipe segments and fittings, and requiring a minimum length of pipe segment to operate. The adjustment screws may be manipulated by hand, or by a separate alignment screw tool, which may be included as part of a pipe alignment kit.

An oil filter wrench having a base, a main gear, a plurality of claws each having a gear portion and an arm configured to engage an oil filter. The gear portions are rotatably disposed within the base and configured to engage the main gear such that when the main gear rotates; the arms correspondingly extend or contract relative to the base. The oil filter wrench also includes a main spring. The main spring is disposed within a cavity defined by the main gear. The main spring is configured to selectively bias the main gear toward rotation in either a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction. The oil filter wrench is characterised in that it also includes a switching mechanism a switching mechanism. The switching mechanism is configured to selectively toggle between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the switching mechanism engages a first tine of the main spring such that the main gear is biased to rotate in the first direction. In the second position, the switching mechanism engages a second tine of the main spring such that the main gear is biased to rotate in the second direction. The switching mechanism is toggled between the first and second positions by respectively engaging a first pin or a second pin that is integrated into one of the plurality of claws.

Systems for cutting cylindrical workpieces such as pipe are described. The systems include a clamping assembly and can be used in various methods. In one method, the clamping assembly and a cutting tool or saw is used on a rotating workpiece. In another method, the clamping assembly and a cutting tool or saw is used on a stationary workpiece. Also described are frames that can be secured to the clamping assembly.

A universal clamp assembly includes an elongate tubular base, a clamp arm adjustably secured to the tubular base at a threaded connection and an adjustment screw that adjusts the angle of the clamp arm relative to an upper surface of the base. Various workpieces can be secured between the clamping arm and the base. An optional clamping block is provided for cooperating with the clamping arm to secure cylindrical workpieces therebetween. In addition, workpieces can be inserted through the tubular base and secured.

A universal clamp assembly includes an elongate tubular base, a clamp arm adjustably secured to the tubular base at a threaded connection and an adjustment screw that adjusts the angle of the clamp arm relative to an upper surface of the base. Various workpieces can be secured between the clamping arm and the base. An optional clamping block is provided for cooperating with the clamping arm to secure cylindrical workpieces therebetween. In addition, workpieces can be inserted through the tubular base and secured.

An object grasping device includes: an upper frame having an inner peripheral surface shape corresponding to an outer peripheral surface of an upper portion of an object to surround the outer peripheral surface; a left lower frame having an inner peripheral surface shape corresponding to an outer peripheral surface of a left lower portion of the object to surround the outer peripheral surface of the left lower portion of the object; a right lower frame having an inner peripheral surface shape corresponding to an outer peripheral surface of a right lower portion of the object to surround the outer peripheral surface of the right lower portion of the object; left and right link members linking a left portion and a right portion of the upper frame and a middle portion of the left lower frame by hinges and a middle portion of the right lower frame by hinges, respectively.