Clamping means and tool for making it

Abstract

Abstract Clamp capable of mechanical clamping and optionally useful for providing especially high electrical conductivity having a pair of juxtaposed clamping jaws for gripping an object. One important use of the clamp is to grip an article through which high current is required to flow as, for example, in electric welding. At least one of the jaw blocks is of deep case-hardened cold rolled steel, and when used for high electrical conductivity, is copper coated. The face of this block is provided with concentric teeth which bite into the article. The outer faces of the teeth are perpendicular to the surface of the article being gripped. This inhibits skidding of the clamp and also provides good electrical contact where needed, even in the presence of rust or corrosion. The circular shape of teeth permits rotation or oscillation of the clamp during the clamping operation, which facilitates cleaning of the engaged surfaces and enhances electrical conductivity. Such a low resistance electrical connection permits high current flow with relatively little power loss. In a form of the clamp there are a plurality of sets of concentric teeth, with teeth of one set intersecting teeth of another set. The teeth for the jaw block can be cut by a cutter in a tool holder which is adapted for rotation.

Inventors

• 👤 William A. Casler
• 👤 Phillip E. Saurenman

Bibliographic Details