Abstract: A punch press (10) having a punching head (30) which includes a large eccentric crankshaft (42) for operating selected punches (32). The large eccentric crankshaft (42) withdraws the punch (32) into an upper tool support (92) for a relatively large portion of the crankshaft rotation. The crankshaft (42) is connected to a selected punch (32) by a suitable mechanical interposer. The upper tool support (92) is provided to hold a variety of punches (32) and is movable to bring a selected punch (32) into position for being operated by the punching head (30). A mechanism is provided for relative positioning of a workpiece and the punching head (30). Since the punch (32) is withdrawn within the upper tool support (92) for a relatively large portion of the crankshaft (42) rotation the movement of the workpiece can take place while the selected punch is moving but withdrawn within the upper tool support (92).

Abstract: A machine tool (10) for removing metal from a workpiece (20) including a laser (14) for surface heat treating of the workpiece (20). Tools which engage the workpiece (20) for metal removal are supported by a tool turret (26) which is movable along two axes with respect to the workpiece (20) to bring tools into position for metal removal. The laser beam output is connected by beam directing assembly (48), including a telescoping tube arrangement, to a focusing head (60) which can focus the laser beam. The focusing head (60) can be engaged and positioned by the tool turret (26). Tool turret (26) is positioned to maintain the laser beam slightly defocused on the workpiece. A coating spray nozzle (62) is positioned with the laser head (60) and is used for coating the workpiece (20) before laser heat treating. A locking mechanism is provided for locking the head (60) to the beam directing assembly (48).

Abstract: An improved method of operating an apparatus to cut sheet material workpieces eliminates the inadvertent dropping of a relatively small scrap or remainder portion of a workpiece into a clearance space between a pair of cutter blades and a discharge conveyor. Thus, a relatively large sheet metal workpiece is gripped by a holder which moves the workpiece relative to a pair of blades. The blades are moved relative to each other to cut the workpiece to form a product having a desired configuration. The product is dropped onto a discharge conveyor. In order to prevent a relatively small scrap piece remaining in the holder from being dropped into a space between the discharge conveyor and the blades, the holder is extended through the space between the blades to a location over the discharge conveyor and is opened to drop the scrap or remainder portion of the workpiece onto the discharge conveyor.

Abstract: An automatic external cylindrical grinding center (10), having a pair of driven grinding wheels (86, 88) capable of straight and angular wheel feed for grinding a workpiece in on-center or chucking configurations. The grinding center (10) has a base (16) with a swivel table (20) pivotally mounted thereon. A longitudinally positionable work head (24) and footstock (26) are mounted on the base (16). A carriage (56) is slidably mounted on ways (52, 54) which extend longitudinally on the base (16). A pair of rearward extending ways (72, 74) are provided on top of the carriage (56) to support a wheel slide assembly (76) for back and forth movement. A rotatable wheel head (84) is mounted from the wheel slide (76) and supports two driven grinding wheels (86, 88) mounted thereon. The rotatable wheel head (84) is positionable at various positions to bring either grinding wheel (86, 88) into position for contacting the workpiece.

Abstract: A centrifugal force compensated chuck (12) using a moderately sized counterweight (60) and force multiplication to achieve proper compensation. Each counterbalance assembly includes a pair of levers (32, 40) pivotable about a common axis (34). One of the levers (32) is connected through an appropriate mechanical interconnection to an associated chuck jaw (15), the other lever (40) engages a counterweight (60) which moves out from the center of the chuck (12) during rotation. A ratchet (36) and pawl (42) mechanism is provided between the first and second levers. When the chuck (16) is stopped, the counterweight (60), which is spring biased, moves to a position disengaging the ratchet and pawl. With the ratchet and pawl disengaged the pair of levers are free for independent movement about their pivot axis. When the chuck is rotated the counterweight mechanism moves outward and the ratchet (36) and pawl (42) engage causing the pair of levers to move in unison.

Abstract: A pair of adjustable crankpin locators (40,100) for use on a crankshaft grinding machine (20) is disclosed. The adjustable crankpin locators (40,100) permit a size range of crankshafts (78) to properly be located in the grinding machine (20). One locator is an adjustable vee block locator (40) wherein the sides of the vee block are relatively positionable to accommodate a range of crankshafts (78) having different throws and different crankpin diameters. A supporting assembly (42) is provided on the crankshaft grinding machine (20) for supporting the adjustable vee block locator (40) in position to properly locate one crankpin (80) on the crankshaft (78) to be ground. An adjustable stud crankpin locator (100) is also provided for locating the crankshaft (78) in proper position, after the first crankpin (80) is ground, for grinding a 180.degree. displaced second crankpin (82). The adjustable stud crankpin locator (100) can also accommodate a range of crankshaft sizes.

Abstract: An improved material handling apparatus boom cylinder structure. A hydraulic cylinder is provided inside an outer boom and an inner boom in order to provide a method for slidably moving the inner boom relative to the outer boom. Affixed to the hydraulic boom cylinder is a boom cylinder support adapted to engage the internal structure of the inner boom in order to provide support for the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A hydraulic system (40) for an excavator (10) which utilizes regeneration, minimizes cavitation, and provides hose break protection is disclosed. A valve assembly (50) is permanently connected to a hydraulic actuator (30) which is to be controlled. A hydraulic power supply (42) remote from the hydraulic actuator is connected to the valve assembly (50) through a pair of flexible hoses (56, 58). Pressurized hydraulic fluid can flow to the valve assembly through either of the flexible hydraulic hoses, but the valve assembly (50) includes a check valve (60) so hydraulic fluid return is only possible through one hose (56). A two position valve (62) is provided in the valve assembly (50) between a pair of operating ports (36, 38) on the hydraulic actuator (30). The two position valve (62) can be opened in response to a signal from the operator, connecting the two ports (36, 38) together to permit regeneration.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for isolating errors in a logic system employing memory and having a data transmission bus structure. A memory readout error is detected in a multibit word having a parity bit added thereto by parity checking means. A readout error, commonly referred to as a "soft read error," is an erroneous output from a memory device that is transient in nature in that the soft read error is corrected when the memory device is refreshed or reread. It is contemplated that such a readout error may take place when a multibit word is outputted from a refresh type random access memory such as a dynamic random access memory (RAM) or a write after read core memory. In response to the detection of an error condition in the memory by the parity bit error detector, the memory is read again in order to obtain a second output.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for isolating errors in a logic system employing memory and having a data transmission bus structure. A memory readout error is detected in a multibit word having a parity bit added thereto by parity checking means. A readout error, commonly referred to as a "soft read error", is an erroneous output from a memory device that is transient in nature in that the soft read error is corrected when the memory device is refreshed or reread. It is contemplated that such a readout error may take place when a multibit word is outputted from a refresh type random access memory such as a dynamic random access memory (RAM) or a write after read core memory. In response to the detection of an error condition in the memory by the parity bit error detector, the memory is read again in order to obtain a second output.

Abstract: A locking device to keep two spaced apart positionable heads in place. The disclosed locking device can keep two hex shaped adjustable relief valve heads (34,44) in place. The locking device (10) is punched out of a flat thin sheet metal plate. An elongated opening (12) punched out in the plate has a length (14) which is greater than the furthest separation of the two adjustable heads (34,44). The in flat width (16) of the elongated opening (12) in the sheet metal plate is large enough to fit over the adjustable heads. During use, the plate is bent to decrease the effective width of the opening (12) so that it is smaller than the associated adjustable heads. The locking device (10) is then forced over the two heads (34,44) to engage a flat portion thereof and prevent relative movement.

Abstract: A pneumatic press assembly 10 uses air pressure to power a piston 70 in a cylinder 52 through a power stroke. Springs 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, and 86 oppose the motion of the piston 70. A set of return springs (76 and 78) is effective over the entire stroke of the piston. The return springs are compactly mounted within the cylinder 52 between the bottom of the piston 70 and a shoulder 56 which extends radially inwardly from the cylinder wall. The shoulder also cooperates with a central portion 110 of the piston 70 to prevent rotation of the piston. A second set of springs (80, 82, 84, and 86) is effective only when the piston 70 is within a predetermined distance from the bottom of the power stroke. The second set of springs 80, 82, 84 and 86 is disposed between the bottom 230 of the cylinder 52 and a preload member 234. When the piston 70 approaches the bottom of its stroke, it contacts the preload member 234 which in turn compresses the springs 80, 82, 84, and 86 bringing the piston to a halt.

Abstract: An improved hub assembly is utilized to rotatably mount a grinding wheel. The hub assembly includes a hub which engages a first major side surface of the grinding wheel. A circular clamp member is mounted on the hub by a plurality of fasteners. An annular flange ring circumscribes the clamp member and engages a second major side surface of the grinding wheel. The clamp member has radially extending arms which engage the flange ring and press it against the grinding wheel. A cover is mounted on the flange ring and extends over the fasteners. When the grinding wheel is to be removed from the hub assembly, the fasteners are loosened by inserting a suitable tool though openings in the cover. Loosening the fasteners enables the annular flange ring to be rotated relative to the clamp member until the radially extending arms on the clamp member are aligned with radially extending recesses formed inside the flange ring.

Abstract: A dual steering system for use on a material handling vehicle having a chassis with front steerable wheels and an upperstructure movably supported from the chassis for rotary movement about a connecting center pin. The vehicle has a main truck cab on the chassis, from which the vehicle may be driven over road to a selected site, and an operator cab on the upperstructure from which the excavator vehicle may be operated and also driven for short distances. When the vehicle is driven over road, the vehicle is steered from a steering wheel in the main truck cab, and hydraulic power is provided by a hydraulic power supply mounted on the chassis. When the excavator is controlled from the operator cab, the vehicle is steered with a joy stick and hydraulic power is supplied from an alternate hydraulic supply on the upperstructure. Thus, two alternate but interconnected sources of hydraulic fluid are utilized to provide power to a hydraulically powered, mechanically controlled steering gear.

Abstract: An improved method and grinding machine are used to grind lobes on a camshaft. The grinding machine includes a longitudinally extending rocker bar which is pivotally mounted on a work table or carriage. A headstock and tailstock are connected with the rocker bar to rotatably support the camshaft as the cam lobes are ground by a grinding wheel. A control assembly includes a motor which is operated to pivot the rocker bar from a retracted or loading position through an index position to an operating position in a range of operating positions. Immediately before the rocker bar reaches the range of operating positions, the speed of the motor is reduced to effect a corresponding reduction in the speed of movement of the rocker bar. In addition, the motor actuates a biasing assembly to urge the rocker bar toward the camshaft with a relatively large force during a rough grinding operation and a reduced force during a finish grinding operation.

Abstract: A sheet metal workpiece is held by holders as the workpiece is cut and moved relative to a device such as a shearing machine or punch press. An improved apparatus and method is provided to precisely position the sheet metal workpiece relative to the holders. This apparatus includes a first gripper assembly which is disposed at an opening in a support structure for the sheet metal workpiece. The first gripper assembly moves the workpiece to position it along a first axis. A second gripper assembly is disposed at another opening in the support structure and moves the workpiece to position it along a second axis which extends transversely to the first axis. The two gripper assemblies can be moved between extended positions projecting upwardly from the support structure and retracted positions in which the gripper assemblies are disposed within the support structure.

Abstract: A high speed gill box having an upper head and lower head each of which contains a compliment of individual unconnected faller bars constrained to move in a smooth closed loop path. Each head is constructed to engage the associated faller bars outside of the pinned area to guide the faller bars through the closed loop path. Cam tracks are provided outside of the faller bar guide paths for engaging a crank arm extending away from the main pinned portion of each faller bar to provide proper orientation as the faller bar moves along its fixed path. Sprocket drives are provided in each head for engaging some of the faller bars and pushing them along the closed loop path. The pushed faller bars, as they exit the drive sprockets, push the faller bars ahead of them through the closed loop path. The drive sprockets are mounted at one end of the drafting zone while idler sprockets are mounted at the other end of the drafting zone to facilitate movement of the faller bars from the drafting zone.

Abstract: An improved vehicle includes a truck mounted material-handling mechanism having a main cab or operator's station from which the vehicle is driven over a road or highway and a second cab or operator's station from which the material-handling mechanism is operated. When the vehicle is being driven over the road, power is transmitted to the driving wheels of the vehicle from a main engine by a main drive line which includes a main transmission assembly. When the material handling mechanism is being operated, a control means in the second cab or operator's station is selectively operable to drive the vehicle with power transmitted from an auxiliary engine to the main transmission assembly in the main drive line by an auxiliary drive line. The auxiliary drive line includes a pump which is driven by the auxiliary engine to provide fluid under pressure to operate a fluid motor which is drivingly connected with the main transmission assembly.