Gripping apparatus and method

A method for gripping a workpiece using a gripping apparatus, comprising:

• inserting a workpiece into the gripping apparatus, wherein the gripping apparatus comprises:
• a first jaw insert and a second jaw insert disposed within a cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end wherein the cylindrical housing comprises:
• an inner feature having a tapered wall, wherein said tapered wall extends at least partially between the first end and the second end;
• a first half shell rigidly affixed to the inner feature;
• a second half shell pivotally connected to the first half shell;
• a first ring having a circumference slidably disposed around the cylindrical housing at a first axial location thereof;
• and
• a second ring having a circumference slidably disposed around the cylindrical housing at a second axial location thereof;
• applying a pushing force in a first direction to the first and second jaw inserts, wherein said step of applying a pushing force causes the first and second jaw inserts to wedge against the tapered wall;
• and
• trapping the workpiece between the first and second jaw inserts.

A method for gripping a workpiece using a gripping apparatus, comprising:

• inserting a first jaw insert and a second jaw insert into a cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end wherein the cylindrical housing comprises an inner feature having a tapered wall, wherein said tapered wall extends at least partially between the first end and the second end;
• a first half shell rigidly affixed to the inner feature;
• a second half shell pivotally connected to the first half shell;
• a first ring having a circumference slidably disposed around the cylindrical housing at a first axial location thereof;
• a second ring having a circumference slidably disposed around the cylindrical housing at a second axial location thereof;
• closing the clam shell section;
• translating the first ring a first direction along the housing until it abuts a first stop;
• translating the second ring in the first direction along the housing until it abuts a second stop;
• applying a pushing force in the first direction to the first and second jaw inserts, wherein said step of applying a pushing force causes the first and second jaw inserts to wedge against the tapered wall;
• and
• trapping the workpiece between the first and second jaw inserts.

A quick change gripping apparatus for gripping a workpiece having a profile, comprising:

• means for inserting a first jaw insert and a second jaw insert into a cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end wherein the cylindrical housing comprises an inner feature having a tapered wall, wherein said tapered wall extends at least partially between the first end and the second end;
• a first half shell section rigidly connected to the inner feature;
• a second half shell section pivotally connected to the first half shell;
• a first ring having a circumference slidably disposed around the cylindrical housing at a first axial location thereof;
• a second ring having a circumference slidably disposed around the cylindrical housing at a second axial location thereof;
• means for closing the second half shell section and retaining the second half shell section to the first half shell section;
• means for translating the first ring a first direction along the housing until it abuts a first stop;
• means for translating the second ring in the first direction along the housing until it abuts a second stop;
• means for applying a pushing force in the first direction to the first and second jaw inserts, wherein said step of applying a pushing force causes the first and second jaw inserts to wedge against the tapered wall;
• and
• means for trapping the workpiece between the first and second jaw inserts.

A stretch form machine for stretch forming a workpiece, comprising:

• an inner hydraulic drive;
• an outer hydraulic drive;
• and
• a first quick change gripping apparatus that grips the workpiece, said first quick change apparatus comprising:
• a cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end wherein said cylindrical housing comprises:
• an inner, feature having a tapered wall, wherein said inner feature extends at least partially between said first end and said second end;
• a first half shell section;
• and a second half shell section hingedly connected to said first half shell section;
• and
• a first ring having a circumference slidably disposed around said cylindrical housing at a first axial location thereof, wherein said first ring translates a first distance along said housing.

A quick change gripping apparatus for gripping a workpiece having a profile, comprising:

• a cylindrical housing having a first cylindrical end and a second cylindrical end wherein said cylindrical housing comprises:
• an inner feature having a tapered wall, wherein said inner feature extends at least partially between said first end and said second end;
• a first half shell rigidly affixed to said inner feature;
• and
• a second half shell pivotally connected to said first half shell and pivotal between an open position and a closed position;
• and
• a first ring having a circumference slidably disposed around said cylindrical housing at a first axial location thereof, wherein said first ring translates a first distance along said housing.