A reconfigurable device comprises flexible bladder that encloses a jammable material. The geometry of the device can be altered by unjamming the jammable material (making it flexible), changing the shape of the device while it is flexible, and then jamming the jammable material (making it rigid). In some applications of this invention, a joint connects rigid arms. The ends of the rigid arms are enclosed in the bladder. By varying the stiffness of the jammable material in the bladder, the stiffness of the joint can be controlled.

Workpieces that generate pressure by an extrusion media (6, 6a) and are deformed in this way for the secure connection of components (7, 8). In particular, an extrusion billet which comprises an extrudable material or material mixture in the interior thereof, which can be reversibly compressed by a compression die (4) penetrating into the material, such that billet can expand in diameter by increasing the internal pressure in the billet, which leads to a very secure, but reversible press fitting of the different types of components to be connected, in particular of shaft-hub connections for mechanical engineering.

A clamping device (100) includes a first movable member (210) that is movable along an extending direction of a first body interior space (120), a disc spring (260), an annular spring (270), a spring (280) and a collet (300). A driving mechanism (400) has a second movable member (430) that moves along an extending direction of a second body interior space (130) with rotation of a rotary member (410). When the rotary member is rotated in one direction, the first movable member moves toward an oil-filled closed space (121) and the clamping device is set to a clamping mode that will hold a tool holder (510). On the other hand, when the rotary member is rotated in the opposite direction, the first movable member moves towards the side opposite of the oil-filled closed space and the clamping device is set to an unclamping mode that will release the tool holder.

Workpieces that generate pressure by an extrusion media (6, 6a) and are deformed in this way for the secure connection of components (7, 8). In particular, an extrusion billet which comprises an extrudable material or material mixture in the interior thereof, which can be reversibly compressed by a compression die (4) penetrating into the material, such that billet can expand in diameter by increasing the internal pressure in the billet, which leads to a very secure, but reversible press fitting of the different types of components to be connected, in particular of shaft-hub connections for mechanical engineering.

A clamping device (100) includes a first movable member (210) that is movable along an extending direction of a first body interior space (120), a disc spring (260), an annular spring (270), a spring (280) and a collet (300). A driving mechanism (400) has a second movable member (430) that moves along an extending direction of a second body interior space (130) with rotation of a rotary member (410). When the rotary member is rotated in one direction, the first movable member moves toward an oil-filled closed space (121) and the clamping device is set to a clamping mode that will hold a tool holder (510). On the other hand, when the rotary member is rotated in the opposite direction, the first movable member moves towards the side opposite of the oil-filled closed space and the clamping device is set to an unclamping mode that will release the tool holder.

A fluid-actuated fastening device comprises a housing including a housing body defining a fluid cavity and a fluid port. The fluid port places the fluid cavity in selective communication with an outside fluid source. A telescoping mast assembly includes a mast sleeve. A spindle has longitudinally spaced inner and outer spindle ends separated by a longitudinally oriented spindle body. The spindle body is at least partially located within the mast sleeve for telescoping longitudinal movement with respect thereto to transform the mast assembly between compressed and expanded mast states. At least one disc spring is located substantially within the fluid cavity. Introduction of pressurized fluid into the fluid cavity via the fluid port causes at least one of travel of the disc spring between flexed and relaxed spring states and translational movement of the mast between the compressed and expanded mast states.