Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a fluid-actuated piston that allows clutch usage in both high pressure and low pressure applications. The configuration of the clutch assembly is usable with both hydraulic and pneumatic pressure actuation. Seal configurations create differently sized internal piston surface areas against which inlet pressure applied at hydraulic or pneumatic fluid inlet ports act to move the piston. The utilization of differently sized piston surface areas allows the piston to apply essentially the same clutch engaging compression force in both high pressure hydraulic actuation and lower pressure pneumatic actuation applications.

Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a fluid-actuated piston that allows clutch usage in both high pressure and low pressure applications. The configuration of the clutch assembly allows the piston to be used with different seal arrangements. These different seal configurations create differently sized piston surface areas against which the inlet pressure will act to drive the piston. The ability to change the size of the affected piston surface areas allows for the piston to receive essentially the same driving force under both high pressure and low pressure applications. Thus, the clutch assembly enables use of high hydraulic pressure (e.g., 320 psi) in combination with a seal arrangement that creates a small piston-driving surface area, and also use of low pneumatic pressure (e.g., 120 psi) with a seal arrangement that creates a large piston-driving surface area.

Abstract: A PTO clutch assembly is directed to marine environment usage with a propeller drive shaft. The PTO clutch assembly can be operated at 7 degrees of axial tilt. A clutch friction disc has a recessed area that reduces the need for initial break-in.

Abstract: A PTO clutch assembly is directed to marine environment usage with a propeller drive shaft. The PTO clutch assembly can be operated at 7 degrees of axial tilt. A clutch friction disc has a recessed area that reduces the need for initial break-in.

Abstract: The PTO clutch assembly (150) is readily connected to a shaft (218). The clutch assembly includes a hub (152), a piston assembly (168), and one or more friction discs (156, 157) positioned between a backplate (154) and a pressure plate (164). The shaft is mated with the hub to rotate therewith. The hub is supported by the shaft at a tapered portion thereof. The piston assembly is supported by the hub. The piston assembly can be actuated to cause the clutch assembly to engage the friction discs to impart drive to the shaft. The clutch assembly permits direct access to the friction discs upon removal of the backplate, without disconnecting the hub from the shaft. The fluidly operated PTO clutch assembly allows for replacement of a mechanical linkage Bell Housing style PTO clutch assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-spindle machine system having a control arrangement for selectively slowing down the speed of a stock feeder mechanism. The machine is operable at a low speed or a high speed. A braking arrangement for slowing the advance of stock is operative responsive to a machine controller. The feeder mechanism is slowed prior to engagement of feed stock with a stock stop device. The operation of the system of the present invention enables slowing the feed stock during its feeding into the machine to reduce stock bounce back to ensure more accurate initial positioning of the stock in the machine. The braking arrangement may comprise a machine brake clutch and/or a snubbing clutch.

Abstract: A dual machining clutch apparatus (10) for a multiple spindle machine has at least two stations (20) for holding work pieces (22, 23). A first machining tool (24) is guided on a first slide (26). A controller (34) is notified that the earlier of the first or second machining tool has reached its selected position for completion of its machining operation. The respective machining clutch is de-energized, allowing its shaft to free-wheel. The later machining tool continues to perform its machining operation. As the later machining tool reaches its selected position for completion, the threading clutch for the earlier machining tool is engaged and the high speed clutch is engaged. The machining tools are then backed off the work piece to return to their original positions. The machining operation is complete and the main drum may index.

Abstract: A multi-spindle machine system includes a pick-up attachment. Both the rotational and the axial positions and speeds of the pick-up spindle may be selectively controlled. A plurality of clutches may be used to rotate the pick-up spindle at different speeds. The clutches operatively engage respective drive gears to drive the pick-up spindle. A brake may be used to slow or stop the pick-up spindle. A servo motor may alternatively be used to rotate the pick-up spindle at different speeds. Another servo motor may be used to axially position the pick-up spindle at different locations. The pick-up attachment of the system of the present invention provides selective programmable control of the movements of a pick-up spindle during work piece pickup, back machining, and dropping operations.

Abstract: A clutch arrangement for a multi-spindle machine includes a starting clutch 12 and a machine brake clutch 14 positioned on a starting clutch drive shaft 16. A high speed clutch 18 and a snubbing clutch 22 are positioned on a long worm drive shaft 20. All clutches are pneumatically operated by solenoid valves 40, 42, 44 and 46 and electrically actuated by electrical circuit 60. When the multi-spindle machine shifts from a high speed to a low speed, the present invention activates the machine brake clutch 14 and snubbing clutch 22 for a predetermined time period to cause the drive train gears to slow down allowing synchronous meshing with the low speed drive train of the multi-spindle machine to enable a reduction in machine cycle time.

Abstract: A threading clutch apparatus 40 and method for a multi-spindle machine that is pneumatically actuated and electronically controlled. The threading clutch apparatus 40 shifts from a low speed side 48 to a high speed side 46 at a selected time interval. An electrical circuit 106 is in electrical communication with a limit switch 112 which is operatively connected to a threading tool. At a desired time in the machining process, limit switch 112 is tripped and electrically starts a count down timer 114,116 to energize solenoid valve 102 for selectively activating the high speed side 46 of the threading clutch apparatus 40. The threading clutch 40 allows varying static torque capacity with variable pressure control to eliminate clutch adjustment and electronically monitoring tap depth adjustment.