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 measuring device (60) measures the value (t) of a chosen parameter (thickness) of what has been lifted by a lifting assembly (40) from a stack of sheets (1) of material and allows the lifted material to be moved from the stack when the value is in a predetermined relationship to a reference value (T). One (45a) of a plurality of selectively releasable members (45) on the lifting assembly (40) is moveable in two horizontal directions to locate a sheet attached to the one releaseable member (45a) against locating pins (5, 6) on the work table (3) of the punch press (4). The entire system may be operated automatically by a controller (90).

Abstract: A measuring device (60) measures the value (t) of a chosen parameter (thickness) of what has been lifted by a lifting assembly (40) from a stack of sheets (1) of material and allows the lifted material to be moved from the stack when the value is in a predetermined relationship to a reference value (T). One (45a) of a plurality of selectively releasable members (45) on the lifting assembly (40) is moveable in two horizontal directions to locate a sheet attached to the one releaseable members (45a) against locating pins (5, 6) on the work table (3) of the punch press (4). The entire system may be operated automatically by a controller (90).

Abstract: A coupon packet housing defines a vertically disposed compartment for receiving a stack of substantially vertically aligned, vertically juxtaposed packets. A forwardly and rearwardly movable reciprocable floor plate underlies the compartment and has a flat surfaced, recessed portion extending rearwardly from its front end to define a generally vertically disposed dispensing shoulder which lies adjacent the rear of the compartment when the plate is in rearward position. The lowermost packet is received in the recessed portion, and is separated from the stack and then the recessed portion when the plate is respectively moved forwardly and thence returned rearwardly.

Abstract: A coin operated newspaper and like article vending system for dispensing articles on a one-at-a-time basis wherein a housing forms a cabinet for containing newspapers and like articles to be vended, a door is hinged on one side of the cabinet, a coin operated lock mechanism releasably locks the door to the cabinet, a partition is incorporated with the housing as a wall thereof situated behind the door and provides a dispensing slot behind the door for passing one article at a time, an elevator assures the delivery of newspapers successively to a location opposite the dispensing slot, a newspaper dispensing element is actuable to engage and move the newspaper partly out the opening, linkage mechanism connects the door and dispensing element to move the newspaper at least partly out of the opening when the door is moved and mechanism delays the return of the dispensing element to full dispensing position pending locking of the door.

Abstract: A coin operated vending machine delivers single newspapers and/or similar articles from the upper end of a stack of articles out a vending slot. A roller engages the article and moves it part of the way out the slot so that it can be grasped by the customer and pulled the remaining distance. An actuator, such as the access door used on vending machines currently in the field, is linked with the roller to revolve it in a dispensing direction, but the motion transmission mechanism for the roller does not transmit rotation in the opposite direction and permits the roller to revolve independently of the motion transmission mechanism.

Abstract: An acoustically enclosed apparatus for shaking out sand-cores from metal castings. A plurality of percussive shakeout stations are spaced around the circumference of a turntable. The stations are separated one from the other and from their surroundings by an acoustical enclosure which rotates with the turntable and within a stationary enclosure. The castings are loaded and unloaded through outwardly facing access openings in the rotatable enclosure as they become registered with an access port in the stationary enclosure. Shaking out is effected while the access openings are out of registry with the access port. The sand collector beneath the stations attenuates the sound emitted from beneath the station.

Abstract: A casting-marking apparatus is adapted for incorporation in a permanent foundry pattern of the type used to produce sand molds for metal casting. The apparatus carries a marking that is impressed in the sand old and subsequently reproduced on a casting. The apparatus is designed and constructed so that the marking that it carries can be altered from a station remote from the pattern. In the apparatus, the alterable marking is carried by a marking body that is rotated by an air actuated piston.

Abstract: A continuous mechanical iron pouring line for pouring molten metal into a moving conveyor line of abutting sand molds. A plurality of pouring ladles mounted on independently driven and controlled carriages move along a track in a closed-loop between: (1) a stationary ladle filling station wherein molten metal flows from a stationary holding vessel into the ladle; (2) a pouring station wherein the molten metal is conveyed from the ladle into an associated moving mold as the ladle and mold move together through the pouring station; and (3) back to the filling station. Control of each carriage is effected by interaction of that carriage with preceding and succeeding carriages. At the pouring station, the mold line parallels the track along which the carriages move and defines a sector wherein the metal may be poured.