Abstract: Automated method and machinery for fabricating a wrought-iron fence panel. The machinery includes (a) automated programmable machinery for welding vertical pickets to horizontal runners to form a fence panel; (b) automated programmable machinery for straightening the fence panel; (c) automated programmable machinery for washing the fence panel; (d) automated programmable machinery for drying the fence panel; (e) automated programmable machinery for painting the fence panel; and (f) automated programmable conveyor machinery for conveying the vertical pickets, the horizontal runners, and the fence panel from station to station.

Abstract: An assembly cell for accurate placement of stringer clips in a channel of a stringer for a compound contour section of an airplane fuselage, and for holding the clips at a predetermined orientation while drilling holes for fastening the clips in the stringers includes a fixture having locating surfaces for holding the stringer in a configuration that is the same as the configuration it will have when installed at its designated position in the airplane. The fixture has headers adjustable to conform to the shape of the airplane in which the stringers will be installed, The headers have clamps for securing the stringers against accurately machined reference surfaces on the headers. An end effector is held by a machine tool in the assembly cell for gripping a stringer clip and inserting it into the stringer channel.

Abstract: An apron forming apparatus and method for bending and joining the ends of a pair of apron half segments includes a series of four apron support surfaces lying in a common plane. A clamping arrangement is mounted on each of the apron support surfaces for selectively clamping an apron half segment. A bending arrangement is secured to each of the apron support surfaces for selectively bending an apron half segment. Each of the apron half segments is disposed between a clamping arrangement and a bending arrangement on a pair of apron support surfaces such that the apron half segments lie substantially parallel to each other. Each of the bending arrangements is movable into engagement with an apron half segment to bend the apron half segment such that the ends of one bent apron half segment are placed in overlapping relationship with the ends of the other bent apron half segment.

Abstract: A cased coil spring producing apparatus comprises a coil spring producing mechanism for forming coil springs, a conveying mechanism including a conveyer for conveying the coil springs fed from the coil spring producing mechanism, a hardening-and-cooling mechanism for hardening the coil springs and cooling them, a sheet feeding mechanism for double folding a sheet and feeding it, a compression-and-insertion mechanism for compressing the coil springs and inserting them in the double folded sheet, a bonding mechanism for bonding the double folded sheet inserting therein the coil springs together, and a coil spring arraying mechanism for changing position of the coil springs inserted in the sheet. The conveyer of the conveying mechanism includes coil spring supporting members aligned in two or more rows rising upwardly therefrom. A sorting mechanism is provided for sortably distributing the coil springs fed from the coil spring producing mechanism to the coil spring supporting members.

Abstract: A workpiece which is made by integrally combining an outer member and an inner member through hemming is manufactured efficiently in a common apparatus. An outer member and an inner member are combined to alternately subassemble two kinds of workpieces at a common subassembly station. A hemming station is disposed on a downstream side of the subassembly station in a manufacturing line. In this hemming station, a first hemming apparatus for the first kind of workpiece and a second hemming apparatus for the second kind of workpiece are disposed in a side by side relationship with each other. The first kind of workpiece subassembled in the subassembly station and the second kind of workpiece are alternately fed to the first hemming apparatus and the second hemming apparatus by a workpiece feeding robot.

Abstract: The invention provides a machine and methods for automated manufacture of tapered adjustable ducts, and particularly tapered adjustable take offs. A tube of material is cut into gores of predetermined configuration, coupling beads are formed in the gores and the gores are adjustably interconnected to one another to form the finished take off duct in an automated fashion. The apparatus for forming an adjustable duct member may include a housing including at least one work station formed therein. A die associated with the work station is selectively positioned at a predetermined location relative to a work piece positioned in association with the work station. A cutting and forming assembly associated with the work station cooperates with the die to selectively cut the work piece to form first and second members and to form a coupling bead in the first and second members which cooperate to reconnect the first and second members together at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: An assembly workshop for assembling together sheet metal parts, the workshop including preparation stations for putting parts in place relative to one another, assembly stations for fixing the prepared parts together, and finishing stations serving to finish off fixing the parts together.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fastening assembly system for applying fasteners along the seams of a cylindrical structure. The fastening apparatus includes a base unit which releasably attaches to a cylindrical structure, and a first fastening device coupled the base unit for applying fasteners along a seam of the cylindrical structure. The base unit may be embodied as either two crescent shaped members in parallel alignment for attaching to the upper half of the cylindrical structure. Alternatively, the base unit may include a base plate that is attachable to the floor beams on the interior of the cylindrical structure. In the preferred embodiment, the first fastening device cooperate with a second fastening device located on the opposite side of the cylindrical structure during the fastening process.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously producing jingling bells includes an upper mold plate and a lower mold plate. The upper mold plate includes a number of punch pins for punching a material web into jingling bells. A cutter is provided on the upper mold plate to cut an iron wire to thereby form a jingling member. The jingling member falls into a flower-like semi-product before closing the flower-like semi product. The lower mold plate includes a rotating wheel rotatably mounted thereto. The rotating wheel includes a number of closing holes for receiving the flower-like semi-product to be closed. An ejection pin provided on the upper mold plate ejects the jingling bell after formation.

Abstract: A cover installation apparatus installs continuous lengths of flashover protection covers around energized electrical power lines. The apparatus includes a cover assembly housing that takes a flat, extruded length of material and forms the material into a closed circular shape surrounding a power line. The cover assembly housing includes opposite first and second ends, with an inlet port in the first end and an outlet port in the second end. An interior passageway extends along a longitudinal direction from the inlet port to the outlet port and is configured to receive the power line therethrough. The interior passageway also provides a path for the flexible panel to follow from an uninstalled configuration to an installed configuration surrounding the power line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bucking bar assembly that positions a bucking bar for clamping a first panel and a second panel along a lap joint and upsets a rivet to fasten the first panel to the second panel at the lap joint. The assembly includes a lateral carriage system for moving the bucking bar along a length of the lap joint, and a rotational carriage system for rotating the bucking bar relative to the lateral carriage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable process for automated fastening of aircraft structures. The invention will employ two primary elements for locating and installing through-the-skin fasteners. Inside and outside units are attached onto an airframe and indexed to each other through coordination holes that have been pre-drilled through the structure. The aircraft structure is assembled with the pre-drilled coordination holes by aligning adjacent airframe parts and inserting alignment pins. The alignment pins will provide a degree of clamping to pull the parts together and provide indexing for inside and outside vacuum attachment track systems. The invention is equipped to traverse along the track system, accurately position itself, and drill only or countersink a hole, insert a fastener, and fasten, i.e., upset a rivet, or run down a threaded nut, then reposition itself to the next fastener location and repeat the process.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting sheet metal discs (31) from and welding sheet metal discs (31), or other smooth-contoured sheet metal pieces, to a sheet metal strip (20) or other workpiece, particularly an endless sheet metal strip, e.g., in a double-strip press. The apparatus has guide for securing a cutting apparatus (34), welding apparatus, and a machining apparatus. The guide can be positioned on or against the sheet metal workpiece (20). The apparatus has a backing (32) positioned to support the disc about a weld seam to be produced. The guide (8) are held against the sheet metal strip by at least one electromagnet (2), preferably a plurality of electromagnets (2), and/or at least one vacuum element (35a, 35b, 35b, 35c), preferably a plurality of vacuum elements. Holding elements (12, 13, 14) are provided to secure the cutting and/or welding apparatuses (34, 34), which are moveable along the guide (8) by action of a motor (3).

Abstract: A device for constructing a laminated article, in particular for electrical use, having mutually superposed metal laminations provided with elements or clips for connecting the laminations together. The clips project from the surface of the laminations and are formed by deforming the laminations. The laminations include cavities, each arranged to house a clip, whereby the cavities and clips constitute coupling elements of male-female type. The clips are punched from a metal strip in a first station, die-cut and stacked in a second station and coupling cavities are formed in a third station which may be the same as the first station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the production of bonded plastic/metal parts in the cavity of a modified injection-molding tool by a combination of metal-joining techniques and conventional injection-molding processes.

Abstract: A head drum assembly for use in a video cassette recorder includes a stationary drum, a rotary shaft rotatably fitted into the stationary drum, a rotary drum closely fitted onto the rotary shaft, a lower bearing fitted into a lower portion of the stationary drum and an upper bearing fitted into an upper portion of the stationary drum. Herein, the upper bearing includes a top surface facing the rotary drum and an inner peripheral surface, facing the rotary shaft. The top surface is provided with a plurality of building-up grooves for retaining an oil for lubricating the upper bearing and the inner peripheral surface is provided with an oil guiding groove for guiding the oil retained on the inner peripheral surface onto the building-up groove of the top surface during rotation of the rotary shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a reconfigurable gantry tool and a reconfigurable tool system. The reconfigurable tool includes a platform, a reconfigurable holding mechanism, a gantry frame, a multi-axis numerically controlled robotic tool, a multi-movement control device coupled to the mobile multi-axis tool, and a rotatable and translatable sine plate. The reconfigurable gantry tool system comprises a plurality of reconfigurable gantry tools strategically coupled to one another to form a non-matrix assembly line. Other tooling systems can be coupled to and/or within the reconfigurable gantry tool system for performing additional operations.

Abstract: A semi-automated machine for singulating individual surgical needles from an bulk supply and attaching a suture to the surgical needle is described. Each of the surgical needles has a suture receiving opening formed therein for receiving a suture. The machine includes a needle singulation station, a precise positioning station, a suture feeding station, a swage station, a pull-test station and an off-load station. The singulation station has a sliding surface that assists an operator in singulating needles and depositing them in a pair of drop locations for subsequent automatic handling. Indexing conveyors, an articulated robot and a precision conveyor are used with a pre-positioning and a precise positioning station for orienting each needle for automatic handling. A universal gripper mounted on a rotary indexing device automatically receives each individual needle in a predetermined orientation and conveys the needle for sequential processing from station to station to form the needle-suture assembly.

Abstract: An assembly tower method and apparatus for use with an assembly jig having a tower guidance apparatus. The assembly tower includes a base, a platform coupled to the base for movement relative thereto, a drive system for moving the base relative to the ground and for moving the platform to the base in response to selected control signals. A Control System is included in the assembly tower for selectively generating and communicating the respective control signals to the drive system. A tower guidance apparatus is engagable with a guidance element of the tower to limit movement of the base relative to the ground in accordance with a pre-defined path. The tower carries a tool for assisting in constructing large aircraft components such as fuselage panels which are supported on the assembly jig.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a reconfigurable gantry tool and a reconfigurable tool system. The reconfigurable tool includes a platform, a reconfigurable holding mechanism, a gantry frame, a multi-axis numerically controlled robotic tool, a multi-movement control device coupled to the mobile multi-axis tool, and a rotatable and translatable sine plate. The reconfigurable gantry tool system comprises a plurality of reconfigurable gantry tools strategically coupled to one another to form a non-matrix assembly line. Other tooling systems can be coupled to and/or within the reconfigurable gantry tool system for performing additional operations.

Abstract: The present invention is a mobile tool positioning system including a support assembly, a mobile multi-axis, numerically controlled robotic tool, and a multi-movement control device coupled to the mobile multi-axis tool. The support assembly is located adjacent a workpiece and has a plurality of engagers. The mobile multi-axis, numerically controlled robotic tool has proximity sensors removably attached to the engagers. The mobile tool can therefore be detachably coupled to the support assembly. The proximity sensors precisely locate and align the mobile tool with the support assembly before being coupled. In addition, the mobile tool can have a self leveling system with a configurable memory. As such, precision tooling operations can be performed on the workpiece.

Abstract: A machine for fastening rail plates to cross-ties, utilizing spikes or the like, and method therefore, is disclosed in the present invention. The preferred apparatus of the present invention teaches a system wherein there is provided a conveyor for conveying a plurality of laterally arranged, juxtaposed ties in bulk, a loader or retriever for loading a single tie upon a template conveyer, and a positioner for positioning the single tie during the pre-plating process. The present invention further includes a template system for securing the cross-tie or tie in place, feeding and positioning the rail-plate in place, feeding, dispensing, and positioning the spikes in place, driving the spikes, and discharging the processed tie, the template system utilizing as a principle motive force the displacement of the template reciprocating drive piston for positioning the template, as well as dispensing the plates.

Abstract: Device for filling spacer frames for insulating glass with hygroscopic material, the frames comprising a first wall and a second wall that lie respectively outside and inside the insulating glass and two third side walls arranged adjacent to the glass sheets forming the insulating glass. The device comprises first means for forming at least one opening at the second inner wall of the frame and second means for inserting the hygroscopic material. There are also third means which seal the opening formed on the second inner wall.

Abstract: An automated assembly machine for fabricating large mechanical structures including a floor assembly jig for receiving and holding parts in a desired orientation, a pair of carriages, a first drive mechanism for independently driving the carriages longitudinally, a second drive mechanism for moving the carriages vertically, a tool tray mounted on the carriages, and a plurality of tools, including a drill, a hole diameter measurement probe, a nut runner, and an electromagnetic riveter, mounted on the tool tray for lateral movement toward and away from a workpiece clamp-up position. The tools are positioned at the workpiece clamp-up position by moving one of the carriages longitudinally along the floor assembly jig and raising the other carriage to elevate the tool tray to a desired elevation.

Abstract: Plant for the continuous production of building elements which consist of two parallel flat grid meshes made from welded longitudinal and transverse wires, of straight web wires holding the grid meshes at a predetermined mutual spacing and of an insulating body which is arranged between the grid meshes and through which the web wires penetrate, with a production channel (2), on both sides of which supply reels (3, 3') and straightening devices (5, 5'), each for an endless grid sheet (G, G') standing on edge, and push-in devices (7, 7') are provided for drawing off the grid sheets in steps and for introducing these into grid-sheet lead devices (14, 14'), two cutting devices (11, 11') for severing grid meshes (M, M') of predetermined length being arranged upstream of the lead devices, and the grid meshes being capable of being advanced in the lead devices and in the production channel in steps to web-wire feeding and cutting devices (26, 26') by means of a grid-mesh conveying device (18) and downstream welding

Abstract: Disclosed is a unique force generating mechanism which is easily adapted for use in a compact lightweight tool requiring high work forces. The mechanism includes a force generating member disposed within an actuation chamber where either pneumatic or hydraulic fluid pressure is allowed to bear against a relatively large ram surface causing a deflection of the ram in a first direction and translation of the ends of the ram in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A working force, larger than the force of the fluid bearing on the ram surface, is thereby generated along this direction of translation.

Abstract: An assembly machine for implanting pins has a casing, a retarder, a hopper, a guide pipe, a guide recess, a seat, a chuck device, and a link. The hopper has spaced driving bolts, spaced chutes on the cone-shaped portion, a seat connecting the cone-shaped portion, a block on the seat, a shaft adjacent to the block, a rod connecting the shaft. A stretch spring connects a cylinder which is adjacent to the block and a bolt which is disposed on the driving rod. A rod which connects the shaft is adjacent to a notch. The seat has a slot communicating with the recess. A gap is at the bottom of the slot. A movable plate is at the bottom of the seat, and a spring is at the bottom of the movable plate. The chuck device has a bottom plate, a chuck, an extensible plate, a notch at the front end of the extensible platel, a rear board, an upper board and a lower board. A funnel matches a pin-guiding device which is supported by a seat. The funnel receives a plunger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning tooling with respect to a curvilinear workpiece which is curved in a first direction extending along a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the workpiece and which is curved in a second direction extending along a plane substantially parallel to the workpiece longitudinal axis, the degree of curvature in the first direction being greater than the degree of curvature in the second direction. An illustrative example is automatic drilling, inserting and upsetting one or two piece fasteners such as exterior skin rivets on an airplane fuselage. There is provided a head for supporting a plurality of tools at spaced locations around a central axis wherein each of the tools has an operational axis disposed substantially parallel to the central axis and an arrangement for moving the head along paths of travel relative to the workpiece to reach various locations on the workpiece where the tools are to perform operations on the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to filler tubes and, more particularly, to fuel filler tubes and methods of attaching them to automobile fuel tanks. The fuel filler tube of the present invention includes an inlet tube, a retainer member, sealing means and a fuel tank having a downwardly extending diameter portion. The retainer is disposed over the downwardly extending diameter portion and adhered to the tank. The inlet tube is then inserted into the fuel tank aperture until the inlet tubes annular flange engages the fuel tank's annular lip. A crimping tool is then inserted through the axial bore of the inlet tube and a plurality of bearings contained on the crimping tool are forced radially outwardly to thereby crimp the inlet tube and downwardly extending diameter portion together. The retainer member includes a plurality of recessed areas for hosting the expanded inlet tube and tank portions.

Abstract: A finishing die is used to assemble and finish a shaft sealing. The die performs the multiple functions of staking a metal case to an elastomeric sealing boot, punching a drain hole in the side surface of the boot, and punching a hole locator notch in a flange of the metal case. The finishing die includes a carrier having a cam-type drive connection with a hole punching device so that, during the closing stroke of the forming die, the hole forming device is driven in a transverse direction to form a drain hole in the side of an elastomeric sealing boot which forms part of the shaft seal.

Abstract: A machine part such as a shaft is inserted or pressure-fitted into a hole in a workpiece by setting the workpiece on a table which is rotatable around at least two axes, rotating the table so as to orient the hole vertically, holding the part vertically by an assembly tool, operating a two-dimensionally moving mechanism so as to move the assembly tool within a horizontal plane and to position the part vertically above the hole, and using an elevator to move the two-dimensionally moving mechanism vertically. Since both the part and the hole are vertically aligned, no torque is generated on the part during the insertion process.

Abstract: A press for press-fitting an axle tube into a differential housing having a locator and accurately locating a flange on the tube relative the locator by offsetting flange mislocation, deflection of the tube and press and deflection and/or shifting of the tube and housing fixtures during press-fitting. The press has a ram in operable communication with a drive and a computer in communication with the ram and drive to accurately control movement of the ram and depth of insertion of each tube. Carried by the ram is a probe that senses flange location relative on the tube for determining deviation in flange location and offsetting depth of insertion to compensate for any such deviation. Another sensor communicates to the computer the insertion force the ram is applying to the tube to determine tube and press deflection.

Abstract: A machine for fastening rail plates to cross-ties, utilizing spikes or the like, and method therefore, is disclosed in the present invention. The preferred apparatus of the present invention teaches a system wherein there is provided a conveyor for conveying a plurality of laterally arranged, juxtaposed ties in bulk, a loader or retriever for loading a single tie upon a template conveyer, and a positioner for positioning the single tie during the pre-plating process. The present invention further includes a template system for securing the cross-tie or tie in place, feeding and positioning the rail-plate in place, feeding, dispensing, and positioning the spikes in place, driving the spikes, and discharging the processed tie, the template system utilizing as a principle motive force the displacement of the template reciprocating drive piston for positioning the template, as well as dispensing and positioning the spikes and plates.

Abstract: A cover sheet assembling apparatus for an electronic component such as a ladder-type filter, which delivers a sheet member stepwisely by feed means, punches out a cover sheet from the sheet member with a punch and a die, and inserts the cover sheet in an opening of a case so that the lead portions of terminal plates pass through slits of the cover sheet. According to this apparatus, it becomes possible to automatically assemble the cover sheet in the case, thereby the working efficiency is highly improved.

Abstract: It is provided with a longitudinal bearing (2) mounted on a frame (1) and framed by two side, vertical and parallel guides (9) and (10), the position of the latter being adjustable in order for the spacing thereof to match the thickness of the spring carcass, which is hauled by a thruster (4) driven by a motor reducer (5) intermittently towards the working area of two stapling heads (12-12) where a retractable ram (15) receives the spring action directly and adjusts, in accordance with the latter's diameter, the position of the balance lever acting on the proximity detector that in turn controls the movement of the motor reducer (5) in order for each spring to duly face the stapling heads (12).

Abstract: A machine for positioning clips in channel-shaped airplane fuselage stringers, and drilling holes in the stringers and clips, includes an elongated beam support having a box beam supported on five floor engaging legs and supporting a carriage assembly positioned on said beam and supported on bearings traveling along rails on the beam for longitudinal movement therealong. A motive mechanism, including a servomotor in the carriage and driving a pinion engaged with a rack fastened to the beam moves carriage longitudinally along the beam. An index mechanism including a fixed end stop at a known position indexes a stringer on the beam at a fixed reference position thereon. The stringer is centered under a drill by a centering mechanism mounted on the carriage, and a drill system drills a series of vertical holes along the channel floor of the stringer at locations specified in a digital product definition of said part.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for positioning tooling with respect to a curvilinear workpiece which is curved in a first direction extending along a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the workpiece and which is curved in a second direction extending along a plane to the workpiece longitudinal axis, the degree of curvature in the first direction being greater than the degree of curvature in the second direction. An illustrative example is automatic drilling, inserting and upsetting one or two piece fasteners such as exterior skin rivets on an airplane fuselage. Inner and outer positioning systems carry or support inner and outer tooling, respectively, which engage the workpiece from opposite sides thereof during tooling operations thereon.

Abstract: A framing jig for building various configurations of wall sections, roof trusses and similar structural components in building construction. In one embodiment, two or more ganged cradle assemblies are provided with spaced cradles for supporting building studs in a spaced transverse configuration. Each set of ganged cradle assemblies may be set for a characteristic spacing distance. In an alternative embodiment, one set of ganged cradle assemblies is provided with means for extending alternate cradles so that staggered stud double walls may be constructed. By providing jig stops along transverse structural members, roof trusses may be constructed using the same framing jig on which building walls may be constructed. In a further embodiment, the framing jig may be deployed in a portable configuration combined with a sawing station and other supporting equipment for a fulling integrated on-sight fabrication facility.

Abstract: A repair apparatus 78 for repairing the combustion chamber assembly 32 of a gas turbine engine 20 is disclosed. Various construction details are developed which increase the speed of the repair process and the structural integrity of the repaired combustion chamber assembly. In one particular embodiment, the repair =apparatus has a support assembly 82 which is adapted by locating pins 98 to engage the lug mountings 48 of the combustion chamber assembly 32.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a sleeve of heat-shrink material (a "band") to a container comprises a rotary drum having a plurality of upstanding heads. A web of banding material is intermittently advanced and lengths cut off, each cut length being held by fingers in the path of a gripper head mounted on the rotary drum. Each head has forward-facing vacuum port through which air is drawn on a timed basis, so that a band 30 will be picked-up and held by one side face as the gripper head passes the fingers. The resilience of the banding material allows the band partially to open out as it is transferred by the gripper head. The rotation of the drum is synchronized to advancement of the containers, so that a held band is rolled on to the top of a container, the container serving to assist in the opening-out of the band, whereat the band is released by the gripper head.

Abstract: An apparatus for bending hollow profile strips into spacer frames for insulating glass panes, comprises an inclined supporting wall 1, at the bottom rim 8 of which at least one bending head 2 is arranged. A conveyor track 20 feds hollow profile strips to be bent into spacer frames. A device 40 transfers the hollow profile strips from the conveyor track 20 into supports 7 in the zone of the bottom rim 8 of the supporting wall 1. This assembly is provided behind the supporting wall 1. Thereby, the space behind the supporting wall 1 is utilized and the front side of the apparatus remains vacant so that it is accessible for an operator without any danger, and mounting space is saved.

Abstract: A cut-off (10) for severing an elongate hollow form member comprises a die (11) having a pair of spaced blades (22), the hollow form member being supported on the upper surface of the die (11), the upper surface of each blade (22) being shaped so that they are contiguous with the lower surface of the hollow form member, a punch (12) having a pointed substantially triangular shaped blade (28), punch (12) above the die (11), controlling the punch (12) such that it moves towards the die (11), and controlling the descent of the punch (12) such that the punch (12) impacts the upper surface of the hollow form member with sufficient force to pierce and cut the upper surface of the hollow form member. A cap fitting apparatus is provided for fitting end caps to each end of the severed hollow form member.

Abstract: Software and hardware such as part feeding and assembling devices constituting a production system are simplified with the use of a plurality of processing and assembly integrated units in which processing and assembling of parts are coupled and integrated in accordance with products to be produced. The necessities for an automatic warehouse and an automated ground vehicle are eliminated by getting rid of futility of mere movements of the parts. A fundamental idea is that a production system is constructed of units in which three sections--a section for processing a raw material, a check functional section and an assembling section--are integrally combined in accordance with the products to be produced. The parts are processed, checked and assembled by single units just in time while targeting molded parts of plastic and pressed parts.

Abstract: A machine for fastening rail plates to cross-ties, utilizing spikes or the like, and method therefore, is disclosed in the present invention. The preferred apparatus of the present invention teaches a system wherein there is provided a conveyor for conveying a plurality of laterally arranged, juxtaposed ties in bulk, a loader or retriever for loading a single tie upon a template conveyer, and a positioner for positioning the single tie during the pre-plating process. The present invention further includes a template system for securing the cross-tie or tie in place, feeding and positioning the rail-plate in place, feeding, dispensing, and positioning the spikes in place, driving the spikes, and discharging the processed tie, the template system utilizing as a principle motive force the displacement of the template reciprocating drive piston for positioning the template, as well as dispensing and positioning the spikes and plates.

Abstract: A calking structure wherein a calked member is calked firmly in a fixed member and a jig intended for obtaining the structure are disclosed. Cutting edges 2a, 2b of calking jigs 15, 16 are provided with slant faces 3a or 3b, 3c for subjecting calking pieces 21a, 21b to a torsional deformation with reference to a cut face A from depression, and the calking pieces 21a, 21b are locked to a fixed member 8 as deformed torsionally to a calked member 20.

Abstract: A compression molding tool comprises an upper part (3) and a lower part (2) connected by guides (4). A die (5) arranged in the lower part (3) of the tool cooperates with a force plug (6) arranged on the upper part (2) of the tool. The die (5) contains a mold cavity (7) the side walls of which are formed by two regions (12, 13). The outer region (13) of the side walls is inclined outward, i.e., divergent. A frame (14) guided on the columns (4) can be connected to the force plug (6) via a coupling device (15). Mounted on the frame (14) are spring-loaded elements (16) the free ends (17) of which cooperate with the inclined region (13) of the side walls of the mold cavity (7) in the die (5). The spring-loaded elements serve to produce a circular folded seam around the multilayer molded plates.

Abstract: An apparatus is used to align, burnish, and secure an upper needle guide for a fuel injector valve body. The apparatus includes a lower portion having a fixture containing a spring-loaded plunger and a spring-loaded centering pin, and an upper portion having a burnishing tool, a spring-loaded stripper, and a crimping ram. The fixture aligns the needle guide and the valve body, and as the two portions are operated closed, the inside diameter of the upper needle guide is first burnished, and then the valve body is crimped onto the needle guide. The stripper holds the crimped parts against the lower portion of the apparatus while the upper and lower portions are operated open to withdraw the burnishing tool from the inside diameter of the needle guide.

Abstract: A tape automated bonding feeder apparatus employs a vertical carrier extraction unit to successively supply electronic circuit components to an output station from which a component is seized for placement and attachment to a circuit board. The feeder apparatus, which may be mounted on a rollable cart, includes a generally rectilinear housing on a top plate of which one or more magazines are mounted. A magazine contains a stack of circuit component carriers. The bottom of the magazine has a carrier extraction unit which controllably allows an individual component carrier at the bottom of the stack to drop away onto an underlying carrier shuttle. The carrier shuttle is supported for movement between the magazine and a lead forming unit. The lead forming unit detaches a component from the carrier and forms the leads of the excised component for mounting the component to a circuit board.

Abstract: A slide mounter where a photographic film transparency is advanced to an operation station and is cut from a photographic film web and punch holes are punched. The cut and punched film transparency is then inserted into a slide mount at an insertion station. The punch holes are designed to cooperate with pin registrations in the slide mount to lock the film transparency in place within the slide mount. The photographic film transparency is cut from a photographic web which is supported along a support axis. The film transparency is pushed from the operation station after it is cut and punched along a push axis into the slide mount M. The orientation of the push axis and the support axis is design to accommodate exposed film where the image is 90.degree. from the normal orientation of images recorded by a photographic camera.

Abstract: An index-feed machining system having a pilot machining device for sequentially forming pilot portions on a workpiece indexed at predetermined pitches, a pilot guide means engaging with the pilot portions, and a plurality of independent machining means corresponding to a plurality of machining processes; all of these means being sequentially disposed in the feeding direction of workpiece; in which the pilot machining means and the pilot guide means are constructed integrally. The index-feed machining system lends itself to the easy positioning of machining means, and to the manufacture of high-precision products.