Abstract: A step of a method applies a coating material to an electric coil of a workpiece. Before, after, or before and after that step, another step directs a first heated gas flow to impinge on the workpiece. An embodiment of apparatus includes first, second, and third mechanisms. The first mechanism directs a first heated gas flow to impinge on the workpiece. The second mechanism applies a coating material to the electric coil. The third mechanism relatively transports the workpiece between the first mechanism and the second mechanism.

Abstract: A stator winding system and method includes a winding pallet on transport pallet arrangement, with the winding pallet holding the stator and being removed from the transport pallet for a winding operation.

Abstract: An electric motor component testing system includes test stations located along different conveyor lanes.

Abstract: A method for coating an electric coil of a workpiece. A step of the method includes applying a curable coating material to the electric coil of the workpiece. Another step includes externally vibrating the workpiece before the applied curable coating material has cured. An embodiment of apparatus for coating an electric coil of a workpiece includes a mechanism for applying a curable coating material to the electric coil of the workpiece and also includes a mechanism for externally vibrating the workpiece before the applied curable coating material has cured.

Abstract: An apparatus for winding a wire about a component having a plurality of slots. The apparatus includes a rotatable gripper mechanism for gripping the component and rotating the component about a transverse axis of the component, the gripper mechanism being shaped to guide the wire into a slot of the component. The apparatus also includes a wire guide for guiding the wire into the slot of the component as the component is rotated about the transverse axis.

Abstract: A rotary conveyor comprising an annular array of a plurality of circumferentially spaced work piece support members for receiving a corresponding plurality of work pieces. They conveyor further include a first drive ring coaxially associated with the array for rotating the work pieces in the work piece support members. The drive ring is rotatable with respect to the array such that relative movement between the drive ring and the array causes the work pieces to rotate. The invention further includes a rotary oven for depositing and curing resin on work pieces having a shaft thereon. The oven comprises an annular array having a plurality of circumferentially spaced work piece support members. Each work piece support member has a sprocket mounted on its radially inward end and is shaped so as to receive a work piece in its radially outward end.

Abstract: A conveyor system in which the lateral distance between the parallel conveyor belts can be easily adjusted includes two parallel guide-rails for guiding the two endless parallel belts riding in the guide-rails. One guide rail is mounted to a plurality of fixed supports, while the other guide rail is mounted to a plurality of laterally mobile supports. Each of the mobile supports include a pinion gear rotatably mounted thereto, where each pinion gear is engaged with a laterally fixed rack mounted on a standing assembly. The pinion gears are also coupled together such that they rotate in unison, thereby guaranteeing that each of the mobile support columns translate laterally in unison.

Abstract: An open base adjustable pallet for supporting work pieces comprising: at least one carriage rod; a first support member mounted for travel along the carriage rod, the first support member including (a) a torsion spring having a helical portion which encircles the carriage rod and engages the carriage rod when the spring is relaxed and disengages from the second carriage rod when the second spring is compressed; and a second support member mounted on the of carriage rod, wherein the first support member is capable of being adjusted along of carriage rod relative to the second support member, thereby enabling the pallet to receive work pieces of differing sizes.

Abstract: An adjustable pallet for supporting work pieces having a carriage rod mounted on the pallet; and a pair of support member. At least one the support members is mounted for travel on the carriage rod. The support member, which is mounted for travel, includes a spring having a helical portion which encircles the carriage rod and engages the carriage rod when the spring is relaxed, thereby fixing the position of the support member on the pallet, and disengages from the carriage rod when the spring is compressed, thereby enabling the position of the support member to be adjusted.

Abstract: Welding a stack of stator laminations is accomplished with an arbor and a nest tool. The nest tool has a base from which extend plural lamination stacking members. The arbor is reciprocated with respect to the nest tool to extend through the center of a stack of laminations. A welding torch reciprocates relative to a stack of laminations to perform the welding operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fusing terminal or commutator wire connections on an armature or stator, including an electrode, a pneumatic locking cylinder for driving the electrode into contact with the workpiece and applying a force to the workpiece, a load cell for measuring the force applied by the electrode, an opposition cylinder for providing an opposition force to the electrode after a cold-forming force has been reached by the electrode, a linear potentiometer for measuring the distance traveled by the electrode after the opposition force has been applied; and a locking mechanism for stopping the locking cylinder after a predetermined distance has been traveled during the weld cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for fusing a workpiece including at least two electrically conductive elements comprising:an electrode;means for moving the electrode into contact with said workpiece causing said electrode to contact and apply a force to said workpiece;means for generating a trigger current upon contacting said workpiece with said electrode;means for detecting said trigger current and initiating a welding current which fuses said elements;and means for generating said welding current.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fusing terminal or commutator wire connections on an armature or stator, including an electrode, a pneumatic locking cylinder for driving the electrode into contact with the workpiece and applying a force to the workpiece, a load cell for measuring the force applied by the electrode, an opposition cylinder for providing an opposition force to the electrode after a cold-forming force has been reached by the electrode, a linear potentiometer for measuring the distance traveled by the electrode after the opposition force has been applied; and a locking mechanism for stopping the locking cylinder after a predetermined distance has been traveled during the weld cycle.

Abstract: A lead guide actuating mechanism for use on armature winding machines is mounted on the same non-rotating structure that supports the wire guide forms at the end of the flyer drive shaft. An axially movable piston surrounds the flyer motor drive shaft. The piston, when actuated, contacts rollers mounted on a diametrical arranged arm mounted for rotation with the flyer drive shaft. There is no contact between the piston and the rollers until the piston is actuated. The lead guide is attached to an extension of an axially aligned pin that has a bearing surface on its end which engages the arm; it is also moved axially when the piston is actuated, and thus the lead guide is moved into position in response to the action of the piston. The lead guide and the wire guide forms are mounted on a common non-rotating structure that can be quickly removed from the flyer drive shaft.