Abstract: A router may be moved to an angle relative to the workpiece and corresponding to the desired angle of the hole. A plunge actuator may be used to move the router toward the workpiece. The plunge actuator may remain in a generally vertical, or perpendicular position relative to the workpiece. The router may be tilted to the angle of the desired hole. The plunge actuator may move the angled router generally along a line perpendicular to the workpiece to create the desired, angled hole. The router bit may enter the workpiece at an angle to cut the hole. By keeping the plunge actuator in a generally vertical position to route an angled hole, no tilting mechanism may be needed for the plunge actuator, thus reducing the amount of required machinery to cut the hole and improving the adaptability of the router assembly to other equipment.

Abstract: A friction welding system includes a first spindle and a second spindle. The first spindle and the second spindle securely locate a first part and a second part, respectively. The first spindle defines a first axis. The second spindle defines a second axis. A tailstock fixture is disposed along the first and second axes to securely locate a third part. A motor rotates the first and second spindles. A controller controls the motor and the angular orientation of the first and second spindles. The first spindle is moveable along the first axis. The second spindle is movable along the second axis. The first part and the second part can contact the third pat while rotating to effect two separate fiction welds. The controller controls the rotational position of the first spindle and the second spindle upon completion of the weld.

Abstract: A device for receiving and processing an elongated workpiece that proceeds along a path is disclosed. The device comprises a plurality of clevis-shaped members, each clevis-shaped member being pivotable about a vertical axis and having a pair of spaced apart upwardly extending posts. The clevis-shaped members are spaced apart relative to the path, and the posts of each clevis-shaped member defining therebetween a centered workstation disposed along the path. At least one actuator is provided, with the actuator operatively engaging each of the clevis-shaped members such that the each clevis-shaped member will pivot about its vertical axis. Accordingly, in response to operation of the actuators the posts of each of the clevis-shaped members shift in unison to center and clamp the workpiece at the workstation.

Abstract: A device for consecutively forming one or more notches in a first surface and one or more notches in second surface of a hollow workpiece. The notching device including a first die and a second die that is fixed relative to the first die; and a shiftable punch having opposing first and second cutting surfaces. The punch shiftable between a first punching position and a second punching position and aligned such that the first cutting surface and the first die cooperating to form a first notch when the punch proceeds towards the first position, and the second cutting surface and the second die cooperating to form a second notch when the punch proceeds towards a second position.

Abstract: A device for receiving and processing an elongated workpiece that proceeds along a path is disclosed. The device comprises a plurality of clevis-shaped members, each clevis-shaped member being pivotable about a vertical axis and having a pair of spaced apart upwardly extending posts. The clevis-shaped members are spaced apart relative to the path, and the posts of each clevis-shaped member defining therebetween a centered workstation disposed along the path. At least one actuator is provided, with the actuator operatively engaging each of the clevis-shaped members such that the each clevis-shaped member will pivot about its vertical axis. Accordingly, in response to operation of the actuators the posts of each of the clevis-shaped members shift in unison to center and clamp the workpiece at the workstation.

Abstract: A device for receiving and processing an elongated workpiece that proceeds along a path is disclosed. The device comprises a plurality of clevis-shaped members, each clevis-shaped member being pivotable about a vertical axis and having a pair of spaced apart upwardly extending posts. The clevis-shaped members are spaced apart relative to the path, and the posts of each clevis-shaped member defining therebetween a centered workstation disposed along the path. At least one actuator is provided, with the actuator operatively engaging each of the clevis-shaped members such that the each clevis-shaped member will pivot about its vertical axis. Accordingly, in response to operation of the actuators the posts of each of the clevis-shaped members shift in unison to center and clamp the workpiece at the workstation.

Abstract: A device for receiving and processing an elongated workpiece that proceeds along a path is disclosed. The device comprises a plurality of clevis-shaped members, each clevis-shaped member being pivotable about a vertical axis and having a pair of spaced apart upwardly extending posts. The clevis-shaped members are spaced apart relative to the path, and the posts of each clevis-shaped member defining therebetween a centered workstation disposed along the path. At least one actuator is provided, with the actuator operatively engaging each of the clevis-shaped members such that the each clevis-shaped member will pivot about its vertical axis. Accordingly, in response to operation of the actuators the posts of each of the clevis-shaped members shift in unison to center and clamp the workpiece at the workstation.

Abstract: A device for receiving and processing an elongated workpiece that proceeds along a path is disclosed. The device comprises a plurality of clevis-shaped members, each clevis-shaped member being pivotable about a vertical axis and having a pair of spaced apart upwardly extending posts. The clevis-shaped members are spaced apart relative to the path, and the posts of each clevis-shaped member defining therebetween a centered workstation disposed along the path. At least one actuator is provided, with the actuator operatively engaging each of the clevis-shaped members such that the each clevis-shaped member will pivot about its vertical axis. Accordingly, in response to operation of the actuators the posts of each of the clevis-shaped members shift in unison to center and clamp the workpiece at the workstation.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously forming multiple notches in opposing surfaces of a hollow workpiece in a single action. The device includes a first die and a first punch that is fixed relative to the first die. A second die and a second punch are fixed relative to each other and movable relative to the first punch and first die. In response to movement of the second die and second punch, the first die cooperates with the second punch to form a first notch in the first surface and the first punch cooperates with the second die to form a second notch in the second surface.

Abstract: A mechanism for clamping and holding an elongated workpiece in a machine includes a fixed support, and a longitudinally extending conveyor for supporting the workpiece relative to support. A pair of longitudinally extending clamping members are slidably mounted on the support and are retrained for transverse movement relative to the conveyor. A camming mechanism is actuated by power cylinders to move the clamping members into clamping engagement with opposite sides of the workpiece.

Abstract: A mechanism for clamping and holding an elongated workpiece in a machine includes a fixed support, and a longitudinally extending conveyor for supporting the workpiece relative to support. A pair of longitudinally extending clamping members are slidably mounted on the support and are retrained for transverse movement relative to the conveyor. A camming mechanism is actuated by power cylinders to move the clamping members into clamping engagement with opposite sides of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of friction welding first and second parts together at an angular orientation relative to each other includes the steps of mounting the first part in a spindle for axial rotation and the second part in a non-rotatable holder. The spindle is then rotated and the angular orientation of the first part relative to the second part is determined at any specific time. The holder is moved toward the spindle to bring the second part into frictional contact with the first part at a selected one of the specific times that the angular orientation is determined. Accordingly, due to frictional contact, the respective contacting surface of the parts are melted. The speed of the rotation of the spindle is then decreased and the holder is moved toward the spindle to forcibly urge the first and second parts together at the contacting surface.