Importance

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Abstract

A T-Nut for use in a machine tool having a tooling plate with an inverted T-shaped channel. The T-Nut comprises a central body having oppositely inclined faces each including an opening forming a cavity extending through the central body, and first and second wedges in slideable communication with the central body inclined faces. Each of the wedges have wings extending laterally beyond the central body to engage upper surfaces of the channel lower wide portion and include a clearance hole extending through a length of the wedge. A rotatable actuation member abuts the first wedge at an end opposite the first wedge mating surface and is internally threaded for a distance from one end thereof. An externally threaded cylindrical shaft is engaged with the internal threads of the actuation member and extends through the first and second wedge clearance holes, the shaft being secured to and non-rotatable with the second wedge. In operation, when tooling is secured to the top surface of the central body and the actuation member is rotated, the first and second wedges are slideably moved symmetrically along the central body inclined faces until the first and second wedge wings engage upper surfaces of the channel lower wide portion while the tooling is simultaneously urged in the direction of the tooling plate until the tooling mounting surface bears against the tooling plate top surface, thereby removably securing the tooling to the tooling plate.

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First Claim