A quick-release clamp for a vehicular mount or rack having a rigid stationary first jaw with a clamping surface, and a rigid second jaw opposite with a clamping surface oriented to face the first jaw clamping surface. The second jaw is movable between an open and a closed position relative to the first jaw, where the closed position is capable of retaining one or more objects to be clamped transversely between said jaws. A lever, attached to a variable tensioning system operates to open and close the jaws when sufficient force is applied to overcome the tension of the tensioning system.

A double ended hand tool created to pick up place and position flatback crystals, gems or other tiny items is disclosed. The tool contains a hollow, conical end which securely encases each crystal allowing the operator to easily position the crystal with no slip. The tool has a first end and a second end coupled by a shaft. The first end has a wax tip which allows the user to pick up crystals or other small items. The second end has a hollow narrow extended portion which allows the users to manipulate the crystal or other small items.

The present invention provides systems, methods, and apparatus for a vacuum tool having a switchable plate, such that a common vacuum tool may be adapted with different plates. A switchable plate may form the entirety of the vacuum tool's material contacting surface or a switchable plate may form a portion of the material contacting surface. The vacuum tool is effective for picking and placing one or more manufacturing parts utilizing a vacuum force.

A vacuum device for a material handling system includes a vacuum device body and a sealing element. The vacuum device body has a vacuum passageway in which a vacuum is generated in response to activation of a pressurized air supply that forces pressurized air through a venturi device. The sealing element moves to a sealing position to substantially seal the vacuum passageway when the air supply is activated, and is urged toward the sealing position via pressurized air that is diverted from an inlet of the vacuum device to the sealing element. The sealing element moves to substantially vent the vacuum passageway when the air supply is deactivated. The vacuum passageway may be in fluid communication with a vacuum cup, which seals against the object when the sealing element is at the sealing position and the vacuum generating device generates at least a partial vacuum in the vacuum passageway.

The present invention provides systems, methods, and apparatus for a vacuum tool having a switchable plate, such that a common vacuum tool may be adapted with different plates. A switchable plate may form the entirety of the vacuum tool's material contacting surface or a switchable plate may form a portion of the material contacting surface. The vacuum tool is effective for picking and placing one or more manufacturing parts utilizing a vacuum force.

A pivoting vacuum fitting support vacuum post enables fittings to be quickly manually re-oriented during set up, break down, storage, and shipping of a vacuum support or other device using the vacuum post. A segmented core pivotally supports an outer fitting pivoting support sleeve that supports a pair of segregated and independently operable vacuum ports typically to supply vacuum independently to a base of a vacuum support to hold it in place, and to an upper work piece vacuum hold down support. Incorporation of a spacer that can be supplied in varying heights enables use of the vacuum post in a variety of vacuum supports of varying height.

A suction device includes a valve, a piezoelectric pump, and a housing. The valve includes a valve casing and a diaphragm. A first ventilation hole, a second ventilation hole, and a third ventilation hole are formed in the valve casing. The diaphragm is fixed to the valve casing and forms a flow path in the valve casing. The second ventilation hole is opened under atmospheric pressure. The piezoelectric pump has a suction hole and a discharge hole. The discharge hole is in communication with the first ventilation hole. The housing has a cavity. A suction pad is attached to the cavity. The housing forms an enclosed space together with the valve and the piezoelectric pump. The enclosed space is a space that is in communication with the cavity, the suction hole, and the third ventilation hole.

A tool assembly includes a support frame including support beams and support mounts supporting the support beams. The support frame is rigid and used to transport the tool assembly. A support tool is supported by the support frame and includes a faceplate and a supporting grid structure formed with the faceplate as a monolithic structure defined by a series of AM layers. The faceplate has a supporting surface at a top of the support tool for supporting a working component. The supporting grid structure engages the support beams such that loads are transferred between the support tool and the support frame through the support beams. The support frame maintains dimensional stability of the support tool during transport and when resting within an allowable tolerance of the support tool.

A brace tool comprises a rigid frame, a platform mounted on the frame for adjustable positioning of the platform relative to the frame, and a plurality of suction cups. The plurality of suction cups can be removably attached to a flat surface that is adjacent to an inclined surface 12 above which work is to be performed. The platform can be adjustably positioned relative to the frame 22, and then secured in its adjusted position. The platform can then be used as a brace that can be engaged by the person on the inclined surface that is performing the overhead work and prevent the person from sliding down the inclined surface.

A device for facilitating the removal and installation of a windshield by a single technician without use of heavy equipment includes a base plate, a slide plate and a deck plate. The base plate may be secured to a wiper blade post. The slide plate is secured to the base plate and may be slidably adjusted to a desired position. A deck plate may be secured to the slide plate. The deck plate has a roller or other channel within which the edge of windshield may easily slide in order to position the windshield and support most of its weight as it is manipulated by a technician.