Abstract: A fully automatic cutting metal-working machine, which includes a material feed unit, a cutting metal-working main unit controlled to process metal rod material delivered from the material feed unit into finished products, and a waste material conveyer controlled to collect and carry waste material out of the cutting metal-working main unit, wherein the cutting metal-working main unit includes a machine base, a casing mounted on the machine base, a material cut-off shaft assembly controlled to cut metal rod material from the material feed unit into individual workpieces, a plurality of processing shaft assemblies mounted around the casing, a rotary center fixture holder mounted within the casing at the center and controlled to carry workpiece to each of the processing shaft assemblies in proper order to receive a respective processing procedure, and a steering shaft assembly controlled to reverse the position of workpiece at each fixture.

Abstract: An automated machine tool is provided and includes a frame having a first workpiece transfer station at a first location on the frame; at least two self-contained processing units, each of the units including structure for holding the workpiece for processing and structure for performing a process on the workpiece; and structure for sequentially indexing the processing units to the first workpiece transfer station for transferring workpieces to and from each of the processing units.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a series of operations upon a workpiece that include at least one modular mechanical unit having a worktable for supporting workpieces thereon. The worktable is periodically indexed by a Geneva wheel so that a workpiece on the worktable is intermittently moved through a plurality of work stations positioned about the worktable. A gear drive unit is employed to power the Geneva wheel as well as a movable tool support unit mounted in each of the work stations to move a tool mounted upon said support into and out of contact with a workpiece moved by the worktable into the work station. A number of modular units can be cojoined and arranged to be driven from a common prime mover.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for processing a plurality of small work-pieces which each weighs under five pounds using a robot gripping a rotatable pallet for holding an array of small parts. The robot has a removable tooling plate mounted on its head for mounting an array of processing tools operating on the rotatable pallet such as pick-and-place tools, work-piece ejection tools, vertical and horizontal video cameras, reflective photocell sensors, and laser distance ranging sensors. The tools operate under control of the robot and in conjunction with rotation and elevation of the rotatable pallet with respect to the tool array. The tools are mounted by an interchangeable, standard bracket to permit quick installation or removal of the tool mounting plate and addition or placement of individual devices and sensors appropriate to particular robotic tasks.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in the multiple spindle rotary indexing machine tool systems of the prior art. Traditionally, such machine tool systems include a base and an upstanding vertical column which houses a plurality of machining stations each equipped with two-axis tool slides. In addition, the base supports a rotatable worktable, which carries a number of work-holding spindles. As the worktable rotates, these spindles are indexed through successive machining stations where a variety of operations are performed. In accordance with the invention, a spindle position measurement unit is provided to dynamically measure the exact location of each spindle indexed to position at a modified machining station. A computerized numerical control system calculates spindle position errors based on the position information provided by the measurement unit and offsets tool slide position commands to compensate for those errors.

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: A workstock forming apparatus and method for forming both ends of workstock blanks without the necessity of reversing the ends of the workstock blanks. The apparatus and method include a loading servo or cylinder for successively loading individual workstock blanks such as pipe nipple blanks onto a turntable which initially receives and positions a first nipple blank to be threaded on one end by a first threading spindle. The turntable then sequentially rotates back into alignment with the loading cylinder and successively receives additional nipple blanks, which are rotated in sequence with the turntable and first nipple blank for threading on one end by the first threading spindle, while the first and succeeding nipple blanks are sequentially linearly displaced in a guide on the turntable and the unthreaded ends of the first and succeeding nipple blanks are simultaneously threaded by a second threading spindle.

Abstract: A modular multi-fixturing system for a machine tool comprises an elongate core (22) for mounting on a rotary axis of the machine with its longitudinal axis aligned with the rotary axis, and a plurality of workpiece-providing cassettes (24) mounted on the periphery of the core. The core has three flat surfaces on its periphery onto which the cassettes are clamped by fixed and moveable clamping plates (36, 34) which extend along the whole length of the core. The clamping plates define with the flat surfaces axial vee grooves with which corresponding vee surfaces on the cassettes can be engaged by axial movement of the cassettes. The cassettes may carry workpieces and be re-used or may themselves constitute workpieces and be sacrificial.

Abstract: A spindle apparatus for holding a workpiece for machining includes a stationary support structure and preferably multiple rotary spindle members for holding individual workpieces. Each rotary spindle member is mounted in a spindle carriage that is rotatably mounted to the stationary support structure. As the spindle carriage is rotated on the support structure, the spindle members move in an orbital path. A rotary indexing apparatus is provided for rotatably driving the spindle members and the spindle carriage. The indexing apparatus is connected to a transmission including a fixed center gear as well as planetary gears and spindle member drive gears for each spindle member. A piston assembly received in each spindle member engages and holds a distal end of the workpiece and allows for the axial advancing of any selected incremental length of the workpiece through the rotary spindle member for machining.

Abstract: An intermittently rotary workpiece-holding table has operating units that move vertically relative to the table. The operating units are controlled by vertically swinging levers that are driven vertically at one end and at their other ends control the operating units. The levers pivot about fulcrums, each lever having two fulcrums spaced apart along its length. During a first portion of movement of the lever, that fulcrum is operative which gives the most rapid vertical movement to the operating unit. Then the first fulcrum becomes inoperative and the second fulcrum becomes operative, whereupon the speed of vertical movement of the operating unit slows, as for example for the performance of a work operation.

Abstract: Machine with intermittently rotary workpiece-holding table makes it possible to perform with great rapidity the working and assembly of pieces requiring great precision. It comprises work units placed above (8), below (8') and laterally (8") to rotary table (14) and respective control elements (7a, 15, 7b, FIGS. 1a and 1b) to determine the advance and return movements of the work units. The control units comprise, for each of the work units placed above (8, FIG. 1), a linear cam (7a) and a reversed linear cam (7b), angularly out of phase, controlling a lever system (15) carrying the corresponding tappet. The cams are placed in the axial direction on a rotating body (6). With respect to known machines that exhibit an active travel and an empty return travel, the hourly production theoretically is doubled.

Abstract: To so improve a machine tool comprising a machine frame, a rotary table mounted on the machine frame for rotation about a center axis, machining stations arranged around the rotary table, at least one holding device mounted on the rotary table for rotation about an axis of rotation, and a rotary drive, that during rotation of the rotary table from machining station to machining station, rotation of the holding device through optionally small or optionally large angles is possible, it is proposed that the rotary drive comprise a first and a second cam track held stationarily on the machine frame and a first and a second cam element mounted on the rotary table so as to move along the cam track as the rotary table rotates, that the first cam track be located in a first surface and the second cam track in a second surface, and that the first and second cam elements be coupled for rotating the holding device and in each of their positions along the cam tracks hold the holding device in a clearly defined rotary pos

Abstract: A multi-process simultaneous processing apparatus for plain bearings, comprises a rotatable table unit for index delivery. A plurality of bearing supports are mounted to the table unit in circumferentially spaced relation to one other, for accommodating respectively the plain bearings. A plurality of working units are mounted to a stationary frame at locations facing respectively the bearing supports.

Abstract: These as well as other objects are accomplished by an improvement to a computer numerically controlled apparatus wherein there is provided a vertically oriented workholder including means for guiding the workholder into and out of the enclosure of a computer numerically controlled apparatus. The workholder includes means for holding a plurality of shafts in a vertical orientation to permit the plurality of shafts to be machined within the computer numerically controlled apparatus with only one loading and unloading of the apparatus.

Abstract: Machine with a table with intermittent rotation makes it possible to perform with great rapidity the working and assembly of parts requiring great precision. It comprises operating units (49, 49') placed above, below and at the side of rotating table (28), and cylindrical bodies (2, 2') to which are fastened linear cams (1, 1'), said bodies during a work cycle perform an axial movement transmitting the advance and return movement to the operating units by radial linear cams (1, 1'), and during an idle time, bodies (2, 2') are rotated angularly so that the return to their initial position takes place without influencing said operating units (always during idle time). Linear cams (1, 1') are fastened to bodies (2, 2') mutually movable in opposite directions, both axially and angularly, to balance the forces due to the various masses in very rapid movement and their notable accelerations.

Abstract: An indexing and transporting mechanism having a plurality of work-holding spindles spaced around a carousel, the carousel being journaled on a machine frame provided with work-performing stations and being indexable to carry the spindles sequentially from station to station, the work-holding spindles being arranged to be indexed through one complete revolution at some stations and not at others by a work-holding spindle orienting and indexing mechanism which consists of a track carried by the machine frame concentric with the carousel journals, projections extending from the work-holding spindles which engage the track to prevent rotation of the work-holding spindles relative to the carousel over part of a revolution of the carousel, the track being interrupted at the stations where indexing occurs, each interrupted portion of the track being mounted on indexable spindles carried by the machine frame, each interrupted portion of the track being arranged to be indexed through one complete revolution while the

Abstract: Diametrically opposed studs are formed from a flange on the unfinished portion of a tubular threaded connector by first milling the flange to leave diametrically disposed portions of a cross sectional area such that a stud may be formed from each such portion. Apparatus for use in thus forming the studs enables each connector to be held with its unfinished portion exposed by means of a selected one of the four collets mounted on a turntable and spaced 90.degree. apart. The turntable is indexed from a loading and unloading station to a second station where the major part of the flange at one side of a connector is removed when a collet reaches that station. When the turntable is again indexed, the connector held by that collet is held at a third station where a like portion of the flange is removed from the opposite side to establish the wanted, diametrically opposed portions.

Abstract: Brush-manufacturing machine of the type equipped with a drum (1) for the transportation of the brush bodies (2) along the various processing stations, having the characteristic that the drum (1) is equipped with brush body holders (12-13-14-15) which at least at their clamping sides facing the brush bodies (2) can be revolved and/or removed from their respective sides with which they work in concert with the drum (1).

Abstract: A hydraulic driving arrangement for circular indexing tables for the precise positioning of workpieces, with the exact position of the workpieces being determined by an index. A hydraulic motor is provided with an electro-hydraulic follow-up governor using a stepping motor for setting the desired values and a mechanical actual value indication arrangement. A monitoring arrangement positively coupled with the circular indexing table and/or a driving gear of the hydraulic motor indicates whether or not the circular indexing table is in a position suitable for bringing the indexing gear into engagement and, if so, emits a signal triggering the indexing process or, if the circular indexing table is not in the desired position, deactivates the indexing mechanism. The monitoring arrangement comprises a cam disk coupled with the circular indexing table via a gearing so that it performs exactly one rotation by 360.degree. between two desired positions.

Abstract: An indexing plate (9) is mounted on a shaft (7) which is supported against axial displacement on a machine frame (1) and is stepwise rotatably drivable, said plate carrying clamping devices (10) arranged around the shaft and each intended for one workpiece (11). On either side of the indexing plate (9) a unit carrier (20) is arranged axially displaceably with respect to the shaft (7). For displacement of the unit carriers (20) towards the indexing plate (9) into a stop position and for displacement of the unit carriers (20) away from the indexing plate a displacement drive (31) is associated with each of said carriers. The two unit carriers (20) are guided solely on the shaft (7) and are supported on the machine frame (1) only against rotation.

Abstract: The combination of an index table journaled upon a support upon a vertical axis and a computer controlled hydraulic drive including a hydraulic motor connected to the index table. A manifold is mounted upon the support and has a pressurized hydraulic chamber with a hydraulic accumulator mounted upon the manifold in communication with its chamber. A hydraulic power supply is connected to the manifold for pressurizing the accumulator at a pre-set level. An electro-hydraulic proportional valve having a power connector and a hydraulic directional control valve has an intake connected to the accumulator and a pair of outlet feed conduits connected to the hydraulic motor for selectively receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid from the proportional valve for feeding the motor at a predetermined flow, rate and duration for controlled rotational speed, acceleration and duration of incremental rotation of the motor and index table.

Abstract: A cam mechanism includes a continuous rotary shaft connected to a drive source, a cam fixed on the rotary shaft to convert each continuous rotation motion of the rotary shaft to a compound horizontal and vertical motion, and an output member coupled with the cam. The cam comprises a single piece, disc-shaped compound cam having in its upper surface an endless groove formed of continuously-arranged arcuate and non-arcuate groove portions and an endless guide the depth of which from the upper surface of the compound cam varies continuously. The output member is supported displaceably in the horizontal and vertical directions relative to the compound cam and includes at least one roller engaged with the groove and the guide of the compound cam.

Abstract: A machine for contouring a workpiece, and more particularly the periphery of the workpiece, includes an oscillating table with two workpiece holding fixtures mounted to the table at two locations spaced from each other by a distance corresponding to the distance through which the table oscillates. The workpiece holding fixtures rotates the workpieces about a fixed position axis. A single workpiece cutting tool is located next to the oscillating table for contouring the periphery of the workpieces in each of the workpiece holding fixtures as the oscillating table moves each workpiece holding fixture into position adjacent to the workpiece cutting table.

Abstract: A machine for attaching wire leads to cans for housing electrical components. The machine includes a plurality of split dies mounted on the spokes of a rotatable spindle for receiving and holding wire leads, and an index drive for rotatably indexing the spindle and split dies to a plurality of work stations, including a wire feed station, a wire upsetting station, a can staking station and a discharge station. At the wire feed station, a plurality of reciprocating plungers feed wire leads of predetermined length to the split dies so that one end of the wires project from the face of the split dies. At the wire upsetting station, a plurality of reciprocating punches upset and head the wire leads at a location spaced from their ends while at the can staking station a plurality of reciprocating punches feed cans having bottom holes over the headed ends of the wire leads as far as the heads and stake the ends of the wire leads to attach the leads to the cans.

Abstract: A work turret is rotated by steps around a central axis with a first group of a multiplicity of clamping devices formed to clamp one side of a workpiece each facing a charging device for feeding in workpieces, and a second group of clamping devices on the side of the work turret averted from the charging device formed to clamp the machined end of a workpiece each. A gripper can be moved to and fro between the two sides of the work turret by which partially machined workpieces are removed from the clamping device of the first group and turned to be clamped in the clamping devices of the second group.

Abstract: A table (1) revolving intermittently and carrying on its periphery piece-holder grips, has central openings (11), which make possible the discharge of working shavings and wastes at the center of the table itself (arrow 12) and not at the periphery (arrows 7, 7') as now is done. This makes possible direct discharge of the working shavings and wastes in the collection container underneath and avoids clogging and stopping of the machine for cleaning which requires the presence of additional labor and limits production. Nozzles (13, 13') direct fluid radially inwardly to assist in this central discharge of shavings and wastes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic machine tool for machining workpieces, including a number n of workpiece receivers that can be adjusted in angular and/or spatial position and including an equal number n of work stations, one of said work stations being an exchange station, said receivers or stations being disposed at mutual angular separations of 360.degree./n on a rotatable index table, said stations or said receivers being locally fixed thereon and said index table being advanceable in such a manner that each workpiece traverses all stations in the same sequence. By applying the invention reliable and precise machining, coupled with simple construction should be achieved. This is made possible by the fact that the drive of the index table is controllable so that a sequence of (n-1) rotary steps by 360.degree./n in one direction is followed by a rotary step of 360.degree. (n-1)/n in the opposite direction.

Abstract: In an automatic transfer machine tool with circular supply movement for workpieces to be sequentially worked on in respectively separate working stations (I-V), a stepwise indexable workpiece holder (10) is journalled on a center post (8), the workpiece holder (10) having clamping devices (11) arranged thereon for the workpieces.

Abstract: A structure for the rigidification of multiple station machine tools to increase accuracy of machining operations on workpieces moved intermittently on pallets to registry stations where machine tools move toward and away from the work. The machine tools and registry stations are mounted on a common base well below the axis of the machine tool movement. Means are interposed directly between the registry stations and the tool mounts on an axis in close proximity to the axis of the machine tool movement to rigidify the relationship between the tool mount and the registry stations and thus reduce the interfaces joining the two and the possibility of motion when tool pressure is applied to the work.

Abstract: The method and apparatus relates to the production of turned workpieces on multi-station machine tools. In such machines rod stock is introduced into a clamping device (collet chuck) of the machine and is clamped thereby. A rod section is severed at a distance from the clamping device and the free end protruding from the clamping device is turned. In such a process a section from the rod stock is introduced into the clamping device, clamped fast there and severed, which section comprises a multiple of the machining length and in addition a clamping section sufficing for the clamping of one single machining length section. This multiple section is moved by sections corresponding in each case to the machining length section out of the clamping device. The rod stock is clamped fast during turning over a following machining length section in each case, the last machining length section being clamped fast by means of the provided additional clamping section.

Abstract: A rotary transfer press apparatus wherein a plurality of workpieces are simultaneously and progressively moved over a circular path through a series of working stations which themselves are arranged in a circular path whereby successive operations are performed on each workpiece to obtain a finished product for each cycle of the press.

Abstract: A machine tool has a support with a gear movable thereon and connected to a plurality of spaced workpiece supporting pallets with rollers movably mounted between a plurality of work stations upon a pair of rails, one rail having a cam surface. A plurality of abutments are mounted on the support at each work station and supportably engage a pallet when at such station, the pallet being anchored to the abutments for machining of a workpiece. The pallet is lifted off the rails when at a work station and solely supported by the abutments. As the pallet leaves a work station, on advancing of the gear, the cam rail lifts one side of the pallet upwardly to a transfer position above the abutments, with the other side of the pallet lowered for engagement with the other rail.

Abstract: A machine tool wherein an annular gear is rotatable in a horizontal plane to carry a plurality of pallets between adjacent peripherally arranged machine stations. The gear is lowered as each machine station is attained by the entry of gear support bearings into recesses in the underside of the gear. The pallets are supported on the gear for limited vertical and horizontal movement, and lowering of the gear positions the pallet on an abutment surface in alignment with the machining station. As the gear is further lowered, it is spaced from the pallet so as not to interfere with independent positioning of the pallet by any power actuated positioning means located at each machining station. Thus, the pallet can be adjusted independently of the gear when the gear is in its lowered position, yet is carried by the gear when the gear is in its elevated position.

Abstract: A machine tool wherein an annular gear is rotatable in a horizontal plane to carry a plurality of pallets between adjacent peripherally arranged machine stations. The gear is lowered as each machine station is attained by the entry of gear support bearings into recesses in the underside of the gear. The pallets are supported on the gear for limited vertical and horizontal movement, and lowering of the gear positions the pallet on an abutment surface in rough alignment with the machining station. As the gear is further lowered, it is spaced from the pallet so as not to interfere with independent positioning of the pallet by power actuated positioning means located at each machining station. Thus, the pallet can be adjusted independently of the gear when the gear is in its lowered position, yet is carried by the gear when the gear is in its elevated position.

Abstract: An apparatus re-forms the axial lead of an axial-lead type electronic component into the shape of a U and affixes the electronic components with U-shaped leads to a support tape so as to form a continuous web-carrier carrying a series of electronic components each with a U-shaped lead. The apparatus feeds the electronic component one-by-one to a transfer assembly which transfers the components to a re-forming position and an affixing position in sequence. Means for forming a kink in a lead of each component and for removing excess lead wire are also provided.

Abstract: This disclosure includes a die for forming metal piece parts and includes two progressive die sections which partially form metal piece parts and transfer same to a rotary die section which nest the parts and rotates same through a series of work stations for finishing operations.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting helical springs into annular safety catches including a revolving table, four pliers units positioned on the periphery of the table, a first station for feeding catches, a second station where a helical spring is inserted in a catch, a third station where the ends of the catch are brought into coplanar position, and a fourth station with a sensing head where the end product is checked with provision to separate out faulty products.

Abstract: Advancing mechanism for a series of fixtures having collets for workpieces are actuated by a fluid actuated double-acting cylinder to lock and unlock the collet. A driven rotatable table has a plurality of equally spaced fixtures mounted thereon which are advanced seriatim to a plurality of machining stations where work is performed thereon. Each advancement moves a fixture to the unloading and loading station where the collet is released, the finished workpiece removed and a workpiece to be machined placed within the collet. The double-acting cylinder was actuated by the fluid to release the collet and after a workpiece was placed therein a reversal of the fluid clamped the collet in secured position. The collet is locked and unlocked by the operation of a transverse pin in a sloping slot in a sleeve which is advanced over the collet to move the sections of the head into clamped position to hold the workpiece.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic precision apparatus which includes an elongated rotatable central shaft concentric with and encased by a fixed outer cylinder. A rotary workpiece table is fixed to the central shaft adjacent one end of the central shaft, and a round tool holder table is fixed to the cylinder adjacent one end of the cylinder and disposed in spaced relationship with the rotary table and in parallel arrangement with the rotary table. A plurality of spaced tool holders are disposed around the round table, and a plurality of equally spaced workpiece holders are disposed on one surface of the rotary table facing the round table. Each tool holder is precisely aligned with a respective one of the workpiece holders and is alignable with every other one of the workpiece holders.

Abstract: A rotary turret numerically controlled punch press is provided with a discharge station at 90.degree. from a punching station. A part is clamped in the turret, separated from a larger workpiece and then rotated with the turret to the discharge station. A transfer arm is slaved to the NC punch press and engages the part at an exact attitude and position relative to a reference point on the part and transfers the part to a rotary chuck. The part is placed in the chuck at an exact attitude and with the reference point at the axis of rotation of the chuck.Four rotary chucks are provided on a rotary turret contouring apparatus. The turret is rotated 90.degree. to position the part at a cutting station.A band saw is provided with rotary guides for changing the angle of the saw. While the part is rotated and linearly translated toward and away from the saw by the contouring apparatus, the saw cuts a peripheral shape on the part with the blade changing its angular attitude where necessary.

Abstract: A multi-station machine tool wherein the bed of the frame supports two spaced-apart upright columns and the columns support an indexible shaft for a turret which is disposed between the columns. The turret has several sets of clamping jaws for elongated rod-shaped workpieces which are introduced and removed at a first station or which are introduced at a first station and removed at a second station. The number of stations may greatly exceed two, and each column supports several spindles including at least one rotary and axially movable tool spindle and at least one axially movable and preferably rotary work spindle. Each spindle in one of the carriers is coaxial with a spindle in the other carrier, and the turret indexes the workpieces in such a way that they come to rest between successive or selected pairs of coaxial spindles.

Abstract: A rotary turret, numerically controlled punch press is provided with a discharge station at 90.degree. from a punching station. A part is clamped in the turret, separated from a larger workpiece and then rotated with the turret to the discharge station. A transfer arm having a part clamping mechanism is slaved to the NC punch press, engages the part at an exact attitude and position relative to a reference point on the part and transfers the part to a rotary chuck or part holder. The part is placed in the chuck at an exact attitude and with the reference point at the axis of rotation of the chuck.

Abstract: Automatic machinery for performing multiple operations on different parts of workpieces includes an incrementally rotating, workpiece supporting turret provided with three workpiece supports. Upon rotating of the turret, a workpiece loaded on a support located at a first position is indexed about the axis of the turret to a second position at which a first operation is performed thereon, then to a third, idle position. Continued rotation of the turret results in an index of the workpiece to the first position, then again to the second position at which a second operation is performed thereon. After the next index to the third position, the workpiece is unloaded from the support. As the turret is indexed, the workpiece is rotated relative to the turret whereupon the workpiece is oriented differently each time it reaches the second position causing the operations to take place on different parts of the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring and finishing items cast several at a time in a chill mold which comprises a conveyor for cooling the items connected at its upper end to a means of transfer of the items from the output of a casting machine and below to a means of transfer which feeds a turntable on which the items are selectively mounted for their machining while passing before a turning unit and a broaching unit. In a preferred embodiment the present invention is utilized for transferring and finishing pistons.