Abstract: An accumulating conveyor formed by a series of self propelled pallets (18) running on a track (20), with non-contacting proximity detectors (24A, 24B) located on the front and rear of each pallet (18), and an on board control circuit (26) causing deenergization of the drive motor (22) when a stopped pallet (18) is detected ahead, or when barrier members (28, 30) are positioned ahead. Slow down, stopping and reversing of the drive may be controlled by side mounted photo detector switches (40A, 40B, 52A, 52B) activated by photo emitter devices (42A, 42B, 54A, 54B) mounted along the path of the pallets (18). A bilevel feed and return track (20A, 20B) may be traversed by the pallets (18), reversed to be driven in either direction, and either the forward or rear proximity switch (24A or 24B) activated by the control circuit (26) depending on the direction of travel of the car.

Abstract: A tool coupling arrangement is disclosed for a tooling assembly (10) adapted for automatic tool insertion into a spindle assembly (12), the tooling assembly (10) having an axially moveable element (20) for causing movement independently of the spindle assembly (12). In the particular disclosed applications, a pair of cutting tools (14, 16) are provided to simultaneously machine concentric features on a workpiece (8), disclosed as a valve stem guide bore (9) and valve seat (7) of an engine cylinder head. A first coupling arrangement secures this tooling assembly (10) after it is inserted within the spindle assembly (12), while a second coupling arrangement automatically couples the separately moveable element (20) to an inner draw bar (84) of the spindle assembly (12).

Abstract: A linear position indicating system utilizing a fixed chain (20) which engages a pinion (32) connected to a mechanical input of an encoder (26) for providing position information. Encoder (26), supported on a relatively movable cross slide (14), provides an output signal indicative of the position of crosslide (14) relative to member (12) from which it is supported. Idlers (34, 36) are provided to guide the chain (20) around pinion (32) to ensure a large contact of approximately 180.degree.. Proximity switches (50, 52) are disposed for detecting when crosslide (14) is near its travel limits. The distance between switches (50, 52) is adjustable so they can be set at a precise separation. A counter (72) is provided for counting pulses as crosslide (14) moves between switches (50, 52). The output of counter (72) is used along with the know separation between switches (50 52) for calibrating the output of encoder (26).

Abstract: A process for heading of a blank (30) formed from a length of wire stock to form a brush contact (10) having a different diameter ends, (12,14) and an intermediate shoulder (16) with a relatively great reduction in the length of the blank (30) occurring during successive heading steps, including clamping the blank in one of a plurality of holders (166), each having a counter bore (46) opening onto an end face against which a respective one of a series of coning dies (32,50,56,64) are brought into abutment. Each coning die is formed with an opening (38,50,58,66) of successively larger diameters receiving a protruding end of the blank. Respective punches (40,52,60,68) are axially advanced in a respective coning die against the blank and during forming of the blanks, simultaneously forcing the blank material against the interior of the coning die opening and outward into the counterbore.

Abstract: An improved machine tool (10) utilizing force transmitting joints for securing a way block (32) to a one-piece cast bed (12). The way block (32) and one-piece bed (12) have interlocking projections (70) and recesses (72) for transmitting the load between the two joined surfaces. A hardenable, castable filler (84, 86, 88) is provided between the interlocking projections (70) and recesses (72) and between other selected portions (100, 104) of the way block (32) and cast bed (12) to provide for accurate positioning of the way block (32) with respect to the driven spindle assembly (18). Securing means such as bolts (76) or an adhesive is provided for holding the way block (32) in place. During operation, the shearing loads generated by the metal cutting process are directly transmitted from the way block (32) through filler (86) to the cast bed (12). This reduces the size and sophistication required of the securing means which holds down the way block (32).

Abstract: A mechanical quill having selective braking capability, achieved by a pneumatic cylinder (110) mounted to one motor (80) for selectively driving a braking member (120) into a braking material (104) coupled to a motor armature (84). This braking member (120) interrupts a clutch-type drive path through the motor as desired, to prevent advance of a quill.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) and process for multistep heading of elongated stock to form a brush contact (10) with a relatively great reduction in the length of the wire stock material (386) achieved during successive heading steps, including a rotary holder plate (112) mounting a series of blank clamping holders (166) indexed through a series of stations and a series of coning dies (240) and punches (244) carried by independently actuated tooling plates (114, 116) which are axially advanced during forming of the blanks. A final forming step involves a reverse extrusion to create an endwise axial opening (26). The apparatus (100) also includes a feed mechanism (148) and a cutoff mechanism (160) for forming blanks from wire stock (386). A clamping member (178) is associated with each holder (166) for clamping the blank for securement during the forming steps, which is unlocked at an ejection station to enable removal of the formed article by an ejection mechanism (610).

Abstract: A socket contact (10) for electrical connectors and method of manufacture comprised of a contact liner (12), a front guide sleeve (14), and a rear sleeve (16) each of said guide sleeve (14) and rear sleeve (16) interfit over the contact liner (12) with a slight overlap (42) at the approximate midsection of the contact liner (12). The guide sleeve (14) is enabled to be interfit with both the contact liner (12) and the rear sleeve (16) by a crimp (44) formed adjacent the rear end (40) of the guide sleeve (14). A fillet weld (48) is applied at the shoulder (46) created by the guide sleeve (14) overlapping the rear sleeve (16) which weld reinforces the midsection of the socket contact (10).

Abstract: A socket contact (50) for electrical connectors and method of manufacture is disclosed comprised of a separate solid socket body (10) formed with a terminal portion (14), and a projection (16) receiving a tubular spring member (28). The projection (16) has a forward larger diameter section (20) with an intermediate groove (22), and a reduced diameter section (26). The spring member (28) has a circumferential crimp (38) seated in the intermediate groove (22) at assembly. Both the spring member (28) and an outer guide sleeve (40) have their rear ends (30, 46) crimped into the reduced diameter section (26) to establish a mechanical assembly thereto. The circumferential crimp (38) seated in the groove (22) enhances the electrical connection between the spring member (28) in the socket body (10) as well as aiding in assembly.

Abstract: A multi-axis load cell of the type adapted to generate signals corresponding to each of the various force and moment components exerted on the load cell is disclosed, comprised of a hub and a housing interconnected by three flexure arms, each flexure arm fixed at one end to one of the hub or housing and at the other end to a beam flexure element fixed to the other of the hub or housing. Each flexure beam is designed to be readily deflected in directions aligned with its respective flexure arm but offers substantially greater resistance to deflection in other directions, so that a centering bias force is provided without restricting the bending deflection of the flexure arms relied on to measure the force and moment components.Two sets of displacement transducers are provided, each set consisting of three transducers, with the first set arranged in pinwheel fashion about the load cell axis to measure the XY displacement components and torsional about the load cell axis.

Abstract: A gage for measuring concentricity between a bore and a countersunk valve seat, said gage having a stem for insertion into the bore and a partially-spherical surface (24) on a spindle member for engaging the valve seat. The spindle member is rotated through 180.degree. to obtain the measurement, while a pair of gaging circuits indicate respective clearances between an upper extension of the stem and the spindle member at the theoretical center of the partially-spherical surface.