Abstract: A power and free conveyor having a slow down section through which conveyed articles travel at reduced speed. The slow down section comprises an endless auxiliary chain traveling at a speed less than the speed of the main drive chains with stops at selected locations along the auxiliary chain. The stops are pivotally mounted and gravity controlled to assume active positions upon entry into the path of travel of the articles so as to interact with an oncoming article to slow the article to the speed of the auxiliary chain. The pivotal motion of the stops with respect to the auxiliary chain is controlled so that the stops are pivoted to an inactive position and carried by the auxiliary chain during return of the chain.

Abstract: A shuttle type accumulating conveyor adapted to advance articles located behind an empty station to their next successive stations. The conveyor comprises an elongated support along which the stations are longitudinally spaced apart, a transfer bar movable forwardly and rearwardly longitudinally of the elongated support, pusher type feed units and feed unit setting assemblies mounted on the transfer bar and actuator assemblies for moving the feed units to feed positions so that upon an initial rearward movement of the transfer bar from a start position all feed units behind an empty station are moved to their feed positions. The transfer bar is then moved forward a distance substantially greater than the distance between stations to advance articles from station to station. Binding of the drive mechanism due to the prolonged travel of the transfer bar, during which feed unit setting assemblies contact actuator assemblies, is prevented by cooperating recess and pivot means on the actuator assemblies.

Abstract: An accumulating conveyor adapted to advance articles from station to station comprising an elongated support along which the stations are longitudinally spaced apart, a transfer bar movable forwardly and rearwardly longitudinally of the elongated support, independently movable feed units on the transfer bar, and means for moving the feed units to feed positions so that upon an initial rearward movement of the transfer bar from a start position all feed units behind an empty station are moved to their feed positions. A work transfer cycle then is completed by moving the transfer bar forwardly to advance the articles behind the empty station to their next adjacent stations and then returning the transfer bar to its start position.

Abstract: A lubricating system for machining apparatus having a transmission unit for driving a work-performing tool. The lubricating system includes a housing in which the transmission unit is located and which forms a reservoir for lubricating fluid so that those portions of the transmission unit submerged in the lubricating fluid are continuously lubricated. A passage is formed in the housing and a threaded member is positioned in the passage in close fitting relationship therewith. The passage has an inlet in fluid communication with the reservoir and an outlet in fluid communication with a conduit for conveying lubricating fluid from the passage to selected components of the transmission unit requiring lubrication. The threaded member is rotated by the transmission unit to force lubricating fluid from the reservoir through the passage and the conduit onto those selected components of the transmission unit as it operates.

Abstract: An accumulating conveyor comprising an elongated support along which a plurality of articles are movable through a series of longitudinally spaced apart stations, a transfer bar movable up and down and back and forth with respect to the elongated support, independently movable feed members pivotally mounted on the transfer bar at spaced apart positions corresponding with the spacing between the stations, a plurality of feed member setting units operatively associated with the feed members, flexible connecting means connecting adjacent ones of the feed member setting units, and sensing means at each station for sensing the absence of an article. When there is an unoccupied station, an initial upward movement of the transfer bar from a start position actuates the feed setting unit that is associated with the feed member at the station next following the empty station to move the feed member thereat to a feed position.

Abstract: Machining apparatus for machining a workpiece with a work-performing tool comprising a frame on which a tool carrier is mounted for reciprocal movement toward and away from the workpiece and a feed unit for moving the tool carrier between a partially retracted position and a fully retracted tool change position and for moving the tool carrier from the partially retracted position reciprocally through a machining stroke to machine a workpiece. The feed unit includes a drive transmitting assembly which is reciprocally mounted on the frame and which comprises extensible and contractible means connected to the tool carrier. A first drive means reciprocates the drive assembly while the extensible and contractible means remains fixed so as to move the tool carrier reciprocally through a machining stroke and a second drive means actuates extensible and contractible means to move the tool carrier between its partially and fully retracted positions.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for advancing workpieces through a plurality of spaced-apart work stations which are arranged so that the distances between certain adjacent work stations are greater than the distances between other adjacent work stations. During an advancing stroke, the drive mechanism moves each workpiece from one work station the entire distance to the next work station so that no workpiece occupies any space between adjacent work stations after the completion of the advancing stroke. The drive mechanism includes a rotary drive crank to which a plurality of drive links are pivotally mounted. Each drive link is connected to a transfer bar which is guidably supported for straight line reciprocal movement to engage and advance the workpieces. A predetermined half-cycle movement of the drive crank imparts contemporaneous movement to the transfer bars which are moved through different distances during the half cycle movement of the drive crank to advance all workpieces to the next work stations.

Abstract: In transfer apparatus for advancing work-supporting pallets from one work station to a successive work station, a locating and clamping mechanism for precisely positioning a pallet at each work station and securing the pallet thereat so that an operation can be performed on work that is supported on the pallet. The locating and clamping mechanism consists of a plurality of lift-pin members, driven by an actuator assembly, and movable up and down into engagement with the underside of the pallet at the work station. At least one of the lift-pin members has a tapered head that is received in a correspondingly-tapered opening in the pallet so as to horizontally orient the pallet. Stop means overlie the pallet at the work station so as to be engaged by the pallet upon its upward movement by the lift-pin members to clamp the pallet at a predetermined position where the work performing operation can be carried out.

Abstract: Cam and cam follower apparatus in which the cam follower comprises a body having a cavity at one end and a diamond material filling the cavity. The cam member is substantially cylindrical and has a longitudinal axis about which the cam member is curved. The cam follower has a diamond material working surface which is curved in planes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cam and is maintained in following engagement with the cam. As a result, the cam and follower have intersecting arcuate surfaces providing for substantially point contact between the surfaces, with the point being located on the diamond material. This arrangement provides for improved efficiency in the operation of the cam and the cam follower because it materially reduces wear of the follower. Thus, increased accuracy in the shape and size of the products being formed can be maintained. The hardness of the diamond filling material insures this improved efficiency.

Abstract: Storage apparatus for storing a plurality of parts comprising a frame, a cylindrical drum having a longitudinal axis that is mounted on the frame for rotation in opposite directions about the axis, and a plurality of spaced-apart support shelves which radiate outwardly from the drum so that each shelf is substantially perpendicular of the drum surface. Adjacent shelves form a part storage compartment so that a plurality of compartments about the surface of the drum are provided. A drive mechanism mounted on the frame engages the drum to intermittently rotate the drum to successively move each compartment to a position where the parts can be fed into and removed from the compartment.

Abstract: Electrically operated apparatus for adjusting the working position of a machine tool to compensate for such conditions as tool wear by automatically maintaining a predetermined position of the tool within desired tolerance limits. In response to a signal from automatic gaging equipment indicating the necessity of moving the cutting tool either toward or away from the workpiece, a synchronous electrical motor drives tool compensating apparatus to provide for adjusted movement of the tool through a predetermined incremental distance. Limit switches determine the working and retracted positions of the tool and a movable slip ring which carries the limit switch actuator enables movement of the tool to adjusted working positions to compensate for tool wear.