Clamps and methods of forming clamps
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorRaymond J. Slesinski
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatuses include first and second monolithic members that are coupled together, that are configured to move relative to each other, and that are configured so that they cannot be decoupled from each other without destruction of one or both of the two monolithic members. Apparatuses further include a third monolithic member configured to be selectively coupled to at least one of the first monolithic member and the second monolithic member. Methods of forming and using such apparatuses also are disclosed. Some monolithic members are formed utilizing an additive manufacturing process so that they are restricted from being decoupled from each other. Some apparatuses define clamps. Some clamps are used to precisely align laser projection alignment targets for use with laser projection alignment systems.
Claims15
A clamp, comprising:
- a first monolithic member;
- a second monolithic member coupled to the first monolithic member and configured to be selectively moved relative to the first monolithic member;
- and
- a third monolithic member configured to be selectively coupled to at least one of the first monolithic member and the second monolithic member;
- wherein the first monolithic member and the second monolithic member are configured so that the second monolithic member cannot be decoupled from the first monolithic member without destruction of one of the first monolithic member and the second monolithic member;
- wherein the first monolithic member defines a bore and a first clamping surface, configured to engage an article;
- wherein the second monolithic member defines a threaded hole;
- wherein the third monolithic member includes:
- a body that defines a second clamping surface, configured to engage the article;
- and
- a threaded shaft extending from the body;
- and
- wherein the clamp is configured to be selectively configured between an unclamped configuration and a clamped configuration, in which the clamp is secured to the article, wherein in the clamped configuration, the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface engage opposite sides of the article, and the threaded shaft extends through the article, through the bore of the first monolithic member, and into the threaded hole of the second monolithic member, and wherein when a user rotates the second monolithic member, the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface translate toward each other.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.