Abstract: The invention concerns a machine design to fill hollow profile rods, such as spacer rods for insulating window panes, with a granular material which serves as a desiccating agent.The purpose of the machine is to mechanize to a large extent the filling operation which has hitherto been performed manually.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for the simultaneous machining of a stack of plate-like workpieces wherein the individual workpieces of the stack are initially assembled into a stack which is held in a manner which will not interfere with the subsequent machining operations by use of rivets or the like. The plate-like workpieces are mounted in the stack upon a support plate, and the machining operations are preferably so conducted as to penetrate through the lowermost member of the stack and into the upper portion of the support plate. The machine tool is preferably one in which a series of stations for drilling, riveting, machining and then drilling out the rivets is provided. The tool may include means for automatically and precisely moving the stack between the several work stations.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for assembling a hose unit consisting of a given length of hose having end couplings inserted respectively in each of its ends. The given length is measured and cut off, being inserted freely, longitudinally in a rigid tube without endwise restraint. The couplings are inserted simultaneously, the thrust applied being balanced as well as sufficient to compress the hose longitudinally, while the dimensions of the tube relative to the hose are such as to prevent buckling. The rigid tube moves perpendicularly of the length of hose, preferably about a common axis, stepwise to a series of stations. In one station the inserted couplings are secured to the respective ends by a commercial crimper-expander. The hose unit is then dropped or ejected to a container.

Abstract: A machine for preparing and introducing closure sliders inside annular hollow members for producing spring safety catches for necklaces and the like, consisting of two operative unitsets, each comprising a table rotatably mounted about a vertical axis and actuated by means for rotating the table intermittently through angles of 90.degree. and carrying four radially reciprocating pliers units spaced apart from each other of 90.degree.

Abstract: Apparatus for assembling a wall module from a plurality of stretched sheets of metal laterally spaced apart by a skeletal frame with the interior of the wall module to be later filled with structural foamed plastic. The apparatus has a first and a second elongated sheet metal stretcher assembly, a pair of tower assemblies for supporting the first elongated sheet metal stretcher assembly vertically above the second elongated sheet metal stretcher assembly, and a plurality of jack screw assemblies for moving the first elongated sheet metal stretcher assembly vertically toward or away from the second elongated sheet metal stretcher assembly. Both of the elongated sheet metal stretcher assemblies have sheet metal clamping jaws longitudinally fixedly mounted adjacent one of their ends and longitudinally movable sheet metal clamping jaws mounted adjacent their other end.

Abstract: An automation system for cutting segments from a strip of film wound on a reel, mounting the segments in reusable fixtures and stacking the fixtures in a magazine.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing elements for an optical cable, such elements including a tube of an elastic material, e.g. a synthetic resin or an elastomer, which loosely encloses one or more optical fibers. Preferably, the fiber or fibers are longer than the enclosing tube and the tube is filled with a material which prevents the migration of water, etc. The tube in mechanically stabilized form and the optical fiber or fibers are advanced toward a traction zone where the tube is pulled. Prior to the traction zone, the tube is slit or cut longitudinally through one thickness of the wall, the cut edges are spread apart and the optical fiber or fibers are inserted into the tube through the gap between the cut edges. Optionally, filling material is also inserted into the tube through such gap or a downstream gap subsequently formed. The tube-optical fiber assembly follows a straight line downstream of traction zone to a collecting point.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting segments from a strip of film and for mounting the segments in reusable fixtures. Each segment is severed from the strip and mounted in a single cycle of operation of the apparatus. A cutting die is provided with a nonlinear symmetrical cutting edge lying in a die cutting plane. A punch is provided with a bottom surface substantially the size of a segment. The cutting plane of the punch has a linear punch cutting edge formed at the intersection of the bottom surface and the punch cutting plane, and the punch is mounted in cutting relationship with the die. Positioning means position the strip so that a boundary between segments lies in the die cutting plane. As the punch moves toward the die and a fixture located below the die, a segment is severed from the strip by the cutting action of the punch and die cutting edges which co-operate to minimize the forces applied to the segment tending to change the orientation of the segment to the punch.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously forming a plurality of terminals from a plurality of lengths of wire and inserting the terminals simultaneously into preformed openings in a plastic part. The apparatus includes a mechanism for simultaneously moving a plurality of lengths of wire which are held in spaced relation to one another to a severing position. The wires may be arranged in both horizontal and vertical planes. At the severing position, a shear is provided for simultaneously severing end portions from the lengths of wires to form a plurality of short wire terminals. The shears and an anvil support the terminals and maintain them in spaced relation to one another after severing for insertion into the preformed openings in the plastic part. The apparatus further includes a tool which supports the plastic part. A slide moves the plastic part and the terminals into engagement with one another to thereby embed the terminals in the preformed openings of the plastic part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for storing and serially positioning a series of carrier strip mounted electrical connectors at a wire insertion station whereat pairs of small gauge insulated wires are trimmed and inserted into the electrical connectors. Each wire-receiving portion of a connector is located by a projecting portion on the connector. A reeling device advances the carrier strip until the projecting portion registers against a stop which momentarily positions the wire-receiving portion correctly at the insertion station. Subsequent to connection of a pair of wires in the connector the stop is removed allowing advancement of the carrier strip. The stop is then replaced to engage another of the projections on the same connector or another connector to position momentarily another wire-receiving portion of the connector at the insertion station.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous production of prefabricated insulating panels is provided, which includes a feeding station for a lower metal sheet and for an upper metal sheet, a rolling-mill train for shaping the sheets, a furnace for heating the sheets, a device for injecting expandable plastic material between the sheets, a joining unit for joining the sheets together and for holding the expanded plastic material in place, and a cutter for cutting the finished panels. The joining unit has two, link-type upper and lower conveyors for the sheets shaped by the rolling-mills, at least one of which is adjustable, so that the distance between them may be regulated according to the thickness of the panel, with the conveyors being arranged to revolve continuously around rollers which rotate about a horizontal axis. An article produced by the apparatus is also provided.The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing insulating panels and the panels produced thereon.

Abstract: Proposed in this specification is a method for fixing a multitude of blades or vanes onto inner concaved surface of an outer shell of a turbine wheel for a fluid or hydrodynamic coupling made by sheet metal stamping, in which a plurality of slots, each having a size sufficient to receive in it a projected part of each blade, are formed by means of an array of punches held on a die in the inner concaved surface of the outer shell of the turbine wheel at an equal space interval provided between adjacent slots, and in an arrangement of a plurality of concentric rings, then the projections provided on each blade are fitted into the slots in a manner to cause the blade to extend in the radial direction from the center of the concentric rings of the arrays of the slots, and finally one of the edge portion of each slot is staked or caulked by means of the array of punches which have been shifted for a thickness of the blade so as to cause one of the side surfaces of each of the projections on each blade to be urged

Abstract: A means and method of installing emitters in irrigation tubing, wherein a core assembly dimensioned for ready insertion in a thinwall irrigation tube is provided with internal rollers which are confronted by fixed external rollers positioned to function through the walls of the irrigation tube so as to retain the core assembly in a fixed position as the tubing is moved between the internal and external rollers; the core assembly including an anvil periodically engaged by an external radially movable cutting tool to form in the irrigation tube a series of emitter receiving perforations; the core assembly also including a fork member for spacing the perforated wall of the irrigation tube from the opposite wall thereof to facilitate reception of emitters forced therein by an external mandrel; the anvil and fork and their respective cutting tool and mandrel adapted to be spaced at preselected distances depending on the required emitter spacing.

Abstract: The method of forming a tow of filaments and the tow formed by said method wherein a bundle of elongated elements, such as rods or wires, is clad by forming a sheath of material different from that of the elements about the bundle and the bundle is subsequently drawn to constrict the elements to a desired small diameter. The elements may be formed of metal. The bundle may be annealed, or stress relieved, between drawing steps as desired. The sheath may be formed of metal and may have juxtaposed edges thereof welded together to retain the assembly. The sheath is removed from the final constricted bundle to free the filaments in the form of tow.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus is disclosed for manufacturing cable harnesses having a measured length of a multi-conductor flat flexible cable terminated by at least two electrical connectors. The assembly apparatus includes a conductor testing and cable cutting station, a connector crimp termination station, and a test fixture which electrically tests each connector for shorts and opens simultaneously with the crimping of the connector onto the cable.

Abstract: The invention disclosed sets forth a machine for forming a sleeve of a shrinkable, cellular polymeric material from a predecorated web. The web is processed to provide (1) a partial-depth slit along the longitudinal dimension, and (2) cross-dimension pleats. Predecorated shrunken neck labels are formed from the web for overlying the neck and closure of the bottle and including a pilfer-proof feature. Such a label is formed from the processed web by cutting a blank having the cross pleats therein and winding the blank on a mandrel to overlap the ends and seam the overlap to make a sleeve. The sleeve is stripped onto the top neck end and over the closure of a bottle of room temperature to a label position and shrunken to a snug fit, the pleats absorbing wrinkles that occur in shrinking the material onto a "cold" bottle.

Abstract: A ball cage retainer of the type including a pair of coextensive strips having annular pocket portions defined by truncated angular flanges to define ball retaining pockets for rotatably retaining balls between the strips with the strips spot welded together and a method and apparatus for assembling such a ball cage. The ball cage is utilized in a conduit of a motion transmitting remote control assembly for facilitating the movement of a motion transmitting core element within the conduit. The cage is assembled by indexing a pair of metal ribbon-like strips successively through a plurality of stations by two sets of fixed and movable clamping assemblies. The pocket portions, and alignment notches adjacent the pocket portions, are simultaneously formed in each of the strips at a first station as the strips pass through the first station in parallel relationship to one another. One of the strips passes through a second station and balls are placed in each of the pocket portions of that strip.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for automatically loading film transparencies into pre-closed slide mounts either of plastic or of cardboard material and having an internal pocket for receiving the film transparency which is inserted through an openable region near one edge of the mount. In loading operation, wedge means temporarily spread the openable portion of the slide mount, defining a passageway for the film transparency to pass through into the mount, and then the two sides of the mount are allowed to spring back to their closed position after loading. Advantageously, the film transparency is cut off from the filmstrip before loading, with the freshly cut end of the strip serving as pushing means for pushing the film transparency into its mount, and thus low inertial forces are involved, because the individual cut transparency has only a small mass to be accelerated and moved.

Abstract: A door hinge applying unit for supporting and releasably holding a door and the hinge jamb of the door frame in positions alongside each other with the butt-receiving surfaces of the door and jamb coplanar for applying the butts of a butt hinge, which unit includes a butt mortiser for simultaneously forming the mortises for said butts, a drilling device for forming the holes for the screws to secure said butts in said mortises, and a screw driving assembly for holding the hinge to be applied with the butts thereof opposed to said mortises, and for holding the screws for securing said butts in said holes in alignment with the latter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making plug-in fuse assemblies utilizing a strip of fuse metal having longitudinally spaced blank portions from which individual plug-in fuse elements are to be formed, each blank portion having corresponding portions spaced transversely of the length of the strip from which said fuse link portions, on the one hand, and at least said terminal blade portions, on the other hand, of a plug-in fuse element is to be formed. The strip of fuse metal is advanced past punch and die assemblies which form in each blank portion of the strip a pair of parallel confronting terminal blade portions and current-carrying extensions interconnected by a fuse link portion.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing circular section helical wave-guides and providing simultaneous calibration of the bore of the helix and snug fitting of the screen around the helix. The helix is loosely fitted in an enveloping tube and both tube and helix are drawn through a reducing die for drawing the tube down onto the helix. The bore of the helix is established by a mandrel and the outer surface of the helix is softened just before entering the die whereby the helix is welded to the inner surface of the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for preparing framed diapositive assemblies by automatically coupling together a diapositive, an integrally formed frame and a transparent plate. The apparatus comprises three partially overlapping horizontal discs, each formed with the same number of openings, symmetrically positioned around a central vertical pivot. The discs are mounted on their pivots at a short mutual distance and the pivots, one of which is driven to rotate, are synchronized in motion. A magazine is positioned over and in correspondence with the upper disc and another magazine over and in correspondence with the lower disc, respectively for feeding into the openings the transparent plates and the frames. The opening on the intermediate disc for the diapositive, is formed at the periphery of the disc itself and comprises an elastic support means, such as two side brushes.

Abstract: Apparatus is supported by one end of a line of rails for feeding metal bars from a coil lengthwise into parallel longitudinal slots in the rails to form continuous straight electrical conductors. The feeding apparatus includes a plurality of staggered straightening rolls for straightening the conductor bar as it is pulled from the reel for feeding it into the slot in line with the apparatus, the apparatus being adjustable transversely of the rails to locate it in line with the different slots.

Abstract: The invention comprises bending longitudinal edges of coiled ribbons toward the board elements of girders and drawing the ribbons over these elements with subsequent fixing of bent edges thereto. Then the ribbons are tensioned lengthwise, and the bent edges are crimped around the board elements of the girders.The arrangement for effecting this method of installation comprises a coiled ribbon mounted in an uncoiling means a bending mechanism for shaping the ribbon to obtain a profile corresponding to the board elements of the girders, and means for crimping the bent edges of the ribbon. The bending mechanism receiving the ribbon from the coil comprises a rigid frame disposed beneath the ribbon drawn between two adjacent girders which are rigidly connected to a pair of bilaterally symmetrical bending heads mounted to both end faces of the frame.

Abstract: A machine for blanking an integrated circuit chip from a segment of a film strip held in a fixture, forming its leads, and placing the chip on a multilayer substrate. The fixtures are stacked in a magazine which is mounted on the machine. A transfer mechanism transfers one fixture at a time from the magazine to a punch press where the IC chip is blanked from its film segment, and its leads are formed. The punch is retracted, and a multilayer substrate, which is mounted on an X-Y table, is positioned by the table under the punch so that the excised chip is directly above a chip pad and the chip leads are above the chip lead pads of a predetermined chip pad. The punch is lowered to position the chip on its chip pad. The substrate is coated with an adhesive flux to retain the chips and their leads in place. The punch is retracted and the X-Y table is moved to clear the punch press. A microcomputer controls the machine.

Abstract: A method of connecting an isolated electric conductor to terminals of an apparatus where the electric conductor is drawn onto a fixture provided with holes arranged in correspondence with the terminals of the apparatus, from hole to hole and formed into loops through at least some of the holes. Then the terminals of the apparatus are inserted through the holes of the fixture and brought to contact against the inside of the loops where they are then attached.

Abstract: Apparatus for placing a sheath on a vertically oriented elongated member, the sheath having an open end for receiving the elongated member, comprises an upright magazine for containing a stacked plurality of the sheaths with the openings thereof oriented downwardly, a downwardly extending passage having an upper end communicating with the magazine and a lower end having a discharge opening arranged on a vertical axis with which the elongated member is to be aligned for being received in a respective said sheath discharged from the discharge opening onto the elongated member, a first gate defining the boundary between the magazine and the passage and for blocking transit of the sheath from the magazine into the passage and a second gate below the first gate a distance about equal to the length of a respective said sheath for blocking transit of the sheaths to the discharge opening of the passage, whereby the sheaths may be individually discharged by gravity onto respective said elongated members consecutively

Abstract: Containers such as tanks, bins, cylinders, and the like, are constructed from a plurality of arcuate sections. The sections are formed on the ground, or other support surface, and lifted therefrom in a suitable manner to cooperate with other like sections during erection of the containers. Each section is formed by a plurality of strips laid on a concave jig so as to conform thereto. Beams reinforce the strips, which are tied together as by welds, and the like, to form a sheet. Shapers are advantageously removably attached to the sections for holding same to a required shape until the sections are connected together, and for holding adjacent sections in position relative to one another until suitable connection between the sections is made.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling an aerosol valve which are intended to assemble a valve made up of a valve body, a spring, a stem, a sealing disk and valve cap. In assembling the valve, two vertically disposed sets formed in sequence are indicated by a first "sealing disk-valve cap" set and a second "valve body-spring-stem" set. The sets are disposed one above the other so that their original orientation is retained, and are brought together so as to place the components into a specified position relative to each other in the valve, then the sets are interlocked by deforming the valve cap. In the apparatus employing the method, namely in a mechanism for bringing the sets together, a tip adapted to grip, transfer and dispose the first set above the second one is provided. By virtue of such an arrangement, the assembling of valves involves a minimum of operations and a high-capacity apparatus has been developed.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing resistors wherein substantially round heads are heat-formed on the ends of the leads and molded, under a predetermined pressure, into electrical and mechanical contact with a quantity of resistive material to form an integral body.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic apparatus and method for coupling a workpiece to a specified position along a continuous length of line and then cutting the line to a predetermined length. A length of the line is clamped adjacent a leading section thereof and tensioned over the workpiece to which it is to be fastened. The tension is then regulated for providing slack in the line. Loop sections are then folded into the line and stuffed through one or more one way apertures in the workpiece. Additional tension is provided for unfolding the line within the apertures, thereby coupling the line to the workpiece. The length of line is then moved to another work area for being cut to the predetermined length. An apparatus in accordance with this method is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for shaping a generally elongate strip of lubricant wicking material and placing it into a component for a dynamoelectric machine. In this apparatus, means is provided for receiving the strip when it is introduced thereinto, and means associated with the receiving means is operable generally for moving the strip therefrom and converting the shape of the strip into a predetermined configuration. Means is provided for predeterminately locating the dynamoelectric machine component on the apparatus with respect to the moving and converting means, and means is operable for displacing the strip generally in its predetermined configuration from the moving and converting means into place within the dynamoelectric machine component.

Abstract: An automatic machine is described for completing a metal frame such as a bicycle frame by brazing the principal portions of the frame together. The machine comprises a large rotatably mounted turret which is stepped about a vertical axis. A number of brazing fixtures are mounted on the edge of the turret so that they are carried by the turret to a number of work stations. Operators at adjacent stations load several metal frame parts onto clamps on the fixtures. Spaced work stations positioned beyond the loading stations next successively and automatically apply brazing flux to the frame portions and braze the frame parts together. The brazed frames are finally carried by the turret to a cooling station and then to a final unloading station.

Abstract: To prepare insulated conductors of a cable for termination to a connector of the type including a planar member through which a plurality of conductor receiving passageways extend in a predetermined multiplanar array, the conductors are gripped, at a point spaced from the ends thereof, between a pair of conductor holders. The conductor holders each have a plurality of teeth which intermesh when urged together to grip the conductors in an array which spatially corresponds with the predetermined array of the conductor receiving passageways. The conductor holders position the ends of the conductors between a pair of stripping blades each of which has a plurality of insulation cutting teeth which intermesh when urged together to sever the insulation on the conductors at a point between the ends thereof and the conductor holders, and to capture the conductors in the predetermined array.

Abstract: Copper sheets are fed singly in one direction to a stop. A pair of flat straps are placed in nested positions spaced from the sheet. A suspension bar is fed transversely into position over the mid-portions of these straps. The straps are bent around the bar so that their ends extend toward the sheet. The subassembly comprising the bar and straps are fed toward the sheet until the strap end portions overlap the sheet. Punching and clinching dies then secure the straps to the sheet. The assembly is removed in a transverse direction. A machine is disclosed for performing this process including a carriage for the subassembly, hinge assemblies which convert straight-line piston motion into successive movements to bend the straps, and ramps for permitting the straps to clear a conveyor chain and the die section.

Abstract: A process and machine are provided for handling lipsticks and similar stishaped materials in containers of the kind comprising a body and base which are rotated relatively--to project and retract the stick. The container is transported between stations at which successively the stick is caused to project, a mold enveloping the stick is removed, the stick is then caused to project further and is polished by flaming or dipping, then the stick is retracted into the container and the container is ejected.

Abstract: A machine for assembling blower rotors comprises a fixture with a cylindrical interior surface in which there are shallow, axially spaced, radially inwardly opening circumferential grooves. The grooves receive marginal portions of flat sheet metal discs that have blade slots opening to their peripheries, thus holding the discs in spaced, coaxial relationship and allowing them to be indexingly rotated, ratchet-fashion, by pawls that engage circumferentially facing edges on the discs. Indexing rotation brings a slot in each disc into alignment with a blade guiding surface on the fixture, and a pusher moving along that surface forces individual blades edgewise along it and into the discs.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein comprises a pallet construction and method of forming the same. A support member has a plurality of apertures arranged in rows and columns. The struck-out portions obtained when forming the apertures are gathered and secured together for use as legs on the support member. The corner portions and central marginal portions as well as the center of the support member are free of apertures and the support legs are secured in these areas to form the pallet structure. These support legs are secured to the planar member in alignment with the rows and columns of apertures so that stacking of the pallets can be accomplished by inserting the legs of one pallet into the holes of an adjacent pallet. Removable stand offs can be formed from the struck-out portion to provide additional legs or removable main support legs.

Abstract: A machine is provided, for continuously making drainage conduit of two pieces, with various mechanisms for performing forming, punching, joining, sawing and ejecting functions, as material is carried through the machine.

Abstract: An assembly machine having a high accuracy positive positioning mechanism, which engages the assembly table when the indexing system is in a dwell portion of the cycle, not moving the assembly table. A positioning pin, which is mechanically connected to operate in synchronism with the indexer for the assembly table, positively engages and positions, if necessary, the assembly table. The positive positioning mechanism engages the assembly table between indexing steps. An overload clutch is provided between the indexer and the assembly table, to relieve mechanical overloads which may occur and to prevent damage to the assembly machine. The positive positioning mechanism is not driven by the indexer output thus it is unaffected by wear or defects in the indexer, the indexer drive, or the overload clutch mechanism.

Abstract: An assembly machine is provided having an actuator which transmits power from a driver reciprocating along a first axis to appropriate assembly machine tooling wherein spring loaded overload protection can be provided for all movement of the output shaft of the actuator. Overload protection in either or neither direction of movement of the actuator can be provided. The disclosed actuator can be used on an assembly machine having a rotatable assembly table which moves in indexed steps around a main center support column. A tooling mount is provided for supporting various tooling which performs operations on devices to be assembled which are mounted on the rotatable assembly table. A reciprocating drive is provided around the main center support column. The disclosed actuator is utilized to transmit power from the reciprocating driver to appropriate tooling.

Abstract: An assembly machine is provided having tooling mounting and surfaces and tooling actuator drivers above and below a rotatable assembly table. The annular assembly table is disposed around a main center support column within which is disposed the main driver shaft. An indexing unit rotates the annular assembly table in discrete spaced apart steps around the main support column. A lower tooling plate mounting surface and a tooling actuator driver, which is driven from the main drive shaft, is provided beneath the annular assembly table. The mounting surface is fixed longitudinally with respect to the annular assembly table while the tooling driver reciprocates with respect to the assembly table. An upper tooling mount is provided above the annular assembly table. The upper annular tooling mount is disposed around the main center support column and moves in a reciprocating up/down motion with respect to the annular assembly table.