Abstract: A dragline is constructed in the manufacturing plant with a segmented guide rail shimmed and secured to the plates of a tub concentric with the pintle for the deck. The guide rail is then machined so that a rolling surface is created on the rail that is within .+-.0.002 inches of a planar surface. Tub gear segments have mounting portions accurately machined and accurately drilled as are tub rail segments and deck rail segments accurately machined. The dragline is then disassembled, shipped to the site and re-erected with the guide rail shimmed and installed on the plates of the tub so that the rolling surface is within .+-.0.002 inches of a plane. The deck is mounted on the pintle and supported on columns to space the deck rail girder from the tub rail girder. A tram or boom is mounted on the deck pintle and has a machine tool carriage riding on the guide rail so that a milling head on the carriage can mill the upper and lower rail girders to within .+-.0.0025 inches of planar.

Abstract: A system comprising a plurality of complementary numerically controlled machine tools in which different workpieces are each subjected to appropriate selected machining operations on selected machine tools in a selected order by appropriate delivery of common form pallets loaded with the workpieces. Transporters deliver pallets between the machine tools, a storage rack, and work-setting stations where workpieces, automatically delivered in bins from a bin store, are loaded on pallets. Tool magazines are delivered between a rack and the machine tools by transporter. Transport and machining operations are computer controlled, and monitors feed back signals indicative of location of pallets, tool magazines, and bins in the system.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of machining a long wooden rod of square cross-section, of selected dimension, so as to provide a multi-link chain of separate inter-linked oval links. In its simplest form, the machine involves a single rotating cutter assembly, which includes two thin rectangular blades spaced apart, and contiguous with a central smaller radius portion, which has a concave contour. In the preferred arrangement four cutters are applied with the plane of each cutter coincident with a diagonal plane of the square rod and positioned over one corner, so as to provide a wooden cross with each arm rounded on its outer edge. By applying the cutters in such a way each of the links in one arm of the cross are cut to a selected length and rounded. By applying the cutters to each corner of the rod, a plurality of links lying in perpendicular planes are provided, which links are attached to each other at their ends.

Abstract: An automatic transfer machine having a plurality of machining units on a common table top with tool carriers above and a common drive below the table top connected through openings in the table top by distributor gears connecting the common drive with intermediate shafts, which shafts are arranged at approximately at right angles relative to the plane of the table top. Universal joint shafts which are telescopically extensible extend through each of the table top openings connecting intermediate shafts from below the table top to step down gears and control elements above the table top.

Abstract: A machine for removing flashing, burrs and the like from castings includes a base having a swivelable workpiece supporting table and inclined surfaces supporting a milling assembly on a saddle such that the saddle is movable, with the milling assembly, in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the spindle sleeve, and the assembly is swivelable on the saddle such that the sleeve axis remains parallel to itself. The spindle is also movable axially. An impact cutting tool is supported on the spindle sleeve and is driven by a piston and cylinder assembly to reciprocate rapidly in an operating position in which the impact tool axis is parallel to the spindle axis. The impact tool assembly is movable from the operating position to a rest position, either by retraction or by a pivoting mechanism. The apparatus can be automatically operated by using a pattern-following arrangement in which the workpiece itself is used as the pattern and the impact tool as the pattern follower.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for machining the bolster bowl surface, the bolster pocket surfaces, the fulcrum pin hole surface and the bolster gib surfaces of railroad truck bolsters. The apparatus includes a base, a fixture mounted for rotation on the base and clamps on the fixture for clamping the bolster rigidly to the fixture. A locating template is utilized to properly position the bolster on the fixture, and once properly positioned and clamped, the fixture can be rotated and locked in a plurality of different positions to permit machining of the various surfaces. To machine the bolster pocket surfaces, the fulcrum pin hole surface, and the bolster gibs, a first machining (milling) head is provided that is movable along three perpendicular axes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and improved apparatus for the high speed and continuous forming of parts requiring a protective plastic coating to be deposited over a portion of such parts.

Abstract: A workpiece is shifted forwardly and rearwardly beneath a punch and a transversely spaced cutting torch by a work table formed with a comparatively wide fore-and-aft extending throat for accommodating a die and a duct which underlie the punch and the torch, respectively. The throat is partially filled by platforms which normally support the overlying portions of the workpiece to reduce deflection thereof but which are adapted to be automatically moved out of the way of the rear of the table when the table is shifted forwardly.

Abstract: An automatic article working system particularly suitable for limited production of a variety of articles. The system comprises a plurality of pallets for loading articles to be worked, each of the pallets being used as a member for conveying the articles to be worked between machine, tools, pallet conveyor means, pallet storing means located on both sides of the pallet conveyor means, and pallet transfer means adapted to move a pallet in and out of the pallet storing means. A plurality of machine tools are adapted to work the articles, and manipulators are provided to convey the articles to be worked from a pallet which has been removed from the storage means to the machine tools and to return worked articles back to the pallet. A computer is operatively connected to all of the means to effect control thereof.

Abstract: A three-dimensional sign character is formed with improved circumscribing opaque metal sheet strip siding. The sign, typically having an interior light source, includes a translucent plastic face circumscribed by opaque sheet metal strip siding. The sheet metal strip siding includes a plastic strip bonded directly by gluing to a freshly abraded band on the sheet metal strip. Convolute folds are formed on either side of the sheet metal strip. One convolute fold is formed adjacent an edge of the plastic strip so as to extend angularly above and abut the plastic stripping to function as a light stop. The secured plastic strip serves as the bonding point to the translucent face of the sign.

Abstract: A multiple-purpose machine tool wherein two spaced-apart upright frame members support three horizontal guide members which are disposed one above the other. The uppermost and lowermost guide members support two disks which are adjustable lengthwise thereof and flank an indexible drum for a group of equally spaced work clamping devices. The disks support the drum for indexing movement about a horizontal axis but prevent the drum from moving axially. Each guide member supports, at each side of the drum, several carriages each having a main slide which is movable lengthwise and a cross slide which is movable transversely of the respective guide member. At least some cross slides carry discrete motors which can rotate the respective tools and at least some clamping devices can be rotated by a drive which derives motion from the main prime mover of the machine tool.

Abstract: A plant for the manufacture of pipes of different diameters and lengths in which the pipe is manufactured to order and then shipped to a customer. The plant comprises a pipe-forming machine for each desired pipe diameter which forms pipe from elongate strip of sheet metal. Each such machine is fitted with a cutoff mechanism which shears the manufactured pipe to the desired length. The pipe forming machines are positioned so that the respective pipes are parallel and closely adjacent to each other. Severed pipe is discharged by a retractable pipe holding device onto a sloping pipe receiving apron which gravitationally rolls the pipe towards a collection point. At the collection point the pipe is discharged onto a stacking cage and/or a suitable transport vehicle such as a railroad car.