Universal manifold holding fixture
OwnerLadd Fowlerinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A universal manifold holding fixture for holding intake manifolds from v-type engines that establishes and maintains a centerline alignment With respect to the intake manifold and a centering shaft; said centering shaft is configured to be receivable into various machining tools. The fixture is adjustable in three axes and configurable to accommodate intake manifolds from various manufacturers. The fixture also maintains the intake manifold in isometric tension thus simulating actual service conditions. The fixture provides engine machinists with a solution to handling, large, heavy, and unwieldy intake manifolds while machining the manifold surfaces.
Claims16
A universal manifold holding fixture comprising;
- a) a length adjustment assembly comprising;
- i. a centering shaft for attachment with a machining tool;
- ii. at least a pair of substantially parallel endplates slidingly attached and in communication with the centering shaft;
- iii. at least a pair of length adjusting plates adjustably attached with the endplates such that the centering shaft and the end plates are maintained substantially perpendicular with respect to each other and whereby manifolds of differing configurations may be accommodated;
- b) a manifold attachment assembly comprising;
- i. a centering slide block slidingly attached with the centering shaft whereby a manifold may be centered with respect to the holding fixture;
- ii. a carburetor flange mounting plate adjustably attached with the centering block whereby a manifold may be removeably attached to the holding fixture;
- c) a machining guide assembly comprising;
- i. a plurality of centering adapter blocks removeably attached with the end plates, each centering adapter blocks configured with a receiving hole;
- ii. a pair of side locating bars slidingly attached with the centering adapter blocks through the receiving holes whereby an independent center line with respect to a manifold may be established;
- d) a clamping assembly comprising;
- i. a plurality of split ring clamping collars in sliding communication with the centering shaft such that the collars may be adjusted along the centering shaft and clamped in position;
- and
- ii. a plurality of collar-clamping bolts in threaded communication with the clamping collars whereby a manifold may be held in isometric tension.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.