Patent US4278263A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4278263A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Quick-release clamp for microtomes
Assignee: Leica Microsystems Inc
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Filing: 1979-10-24
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Granted: 1981-07-14
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Expires: 1999-10-24
Abstract
Abstract A quick-release clamp particularly suitable for microtomes is disclosed. The clamp has several fingers protruding from the face of the clamp assembly to grip an object. A pivotally mounted control arm first moves the protruding fingers away from the face of the assembly and then moves them away from the center axis of the assembly to provide clearance for removal of the object. The object preferably has tabs adapted to extend under a lip portion of the fingers.
Inventors
- 👤 Julius S. Rosen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 14:53
CPC Classifications
B; B25; B25B; B25B5/00; B25B5/06; B25B5/08; B25B5/14; B25B5/142; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T279/00; Y10T279/35
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
113 words
A clamp comprising a main body and retaining means for releasably holding an object against one end of said main body, said body having a cavity with an internally threaded bore on an axis and extending away from said one end a rotatable member threadably engaging said threaded bore for axial movement when said member is rotated, said retaining means including a plurality of object gripping fingers, said rotatable member being connected to said fingers to provide movement in a direction normal to said one end during said axial movement, and means adapted to cooperate with said rotatable member for laterally moving said fingers relative to each other and to said one end.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
113 words
A clamp comprising a main body and retaining means for releasably holding an object against one end of said main body, said body having a cavity with an internally threaded bore on an axis and extending away from said one end a rotatable member threadably engaging said threaded bore for axial movement when said member is rotated, said retaining means including a plurality of object gripping fingers, said rotatable member being connected to said fingers to provide movement in a direction normal to said one end during said axial movement, and means adapted to cooperate with said rotatable member for laterally moving said fingers relative to each other and to said one end.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
57 words
The clamp according to claim 1 wherein said means for lateral movement includes a cam rotatably mounted in said main body and a plurality of cam followers, each of said plurality of fingers being mounted on a respective one of said plurality of cam followers for simultaneous relative movement of said fingers when said cam is rotated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
116 words
The clamp according to claim 1 further including a carrier and a cam mounted on said rotatable member, said rotatable member being rotatable relative to said carrier, said cam being fixed for rotation with said threaded member, a plurality of cam followers pivotally connected to said carrier, and spaced around said cam, each of said cam followers having one of said fingers mounted thereon, said cam and rotatable member being rotatable through an arc having first and second portions, each of said followers contacting said cam during the first portion of said arc to move said fingers relative to each other and being spaced from said cam during rotation in the second portion of the arc.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
The clamp according to claim 3 wherein there are four fingers.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The clamp according to claim 4 wherein each of said fingers has a lip for drawing the object against said end.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-07-13 | 1985-01-12 | 1985-07-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-07-13 | 1989-01-12 | 1989-07-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-07-13 | 1993-01-12 | 1993-07-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |