Abstract: An apparatus for crimping edges of workpieces comprises a workpiece supplying device for consecutively supplying the workpieces, a rotary support member situated under the workpiece supplying device for supporting the workpiece one by one, a crimping device for crimping the workpieces, and a driving mechanism for operating the rotary support member and the crimping device. The crimping device includes a base member immovably situated under the workpiece supplying device, a first frame pivotally connected to the base member, a crimping member rotationally connected to the first frame, a roller connected to the crimping member, and a frame moving device for pivotally moving the frame relative to the base member. The driving mechanism comprises a first driving device for rotating the rotary support member, a second driving device for reciprocally moving the rotary support member toward the workpiece supplying device, and a third driving device for operating the frame moving device.

Abstract: The robotic assembly of a keyboard using a multiplicity of keys of a plurality of distinct types, such As key caps on a sculptured keyboard, can be substantially increased in speed by the use of a multifacted rotatable turret for picking up and installing the key caps onto the keyboard. A programmable robot, having a robotic arm is provided with a rotatable multifaceted turret. Each facet of the turret includes a key handling member which is molded to accept a distinct type of sculptured key. The types of sculptured keys are segregated in a pick-up position. The turret is manipulated by the robotic arm in the pick-up position to pick up a multiplicity of keys of one given type on each of the facets of the turret. Thus, each turret picks up one type of keys. The turret is then translated by the robotic arm to an assembly position. The turret is once again rotated and advanced to assemble the key caps on to key stem projected from the keyboard.

Abstract: Apparatus for the transfer of a module, the module including an outer casing in which is held the stator stage and a turbine rotor constituted by disks supporting blade rows, the disks being held by tie bolts, the apparatus having a holding device of the outer casing on the balancing machine, a temporary interconnection means of the disks of the turbine, and a transport device ensuring the securing of the turbine disks after withdrawal of the holding device.

Abstract: A die-assisted squeeze-forming apparatus, for bending hooks of a plate against a container e.g. a tank, is able to be used with various shapes of the plate and container without replacement of the die structure. To that end, the apparatus is provided with a calking die structure which has a plurality of divided, relatively movable dies, each movable die being subject to being individually actuated by an actuator. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus also includes a controlling means which controls the movement of the actuators and a detecting means which detects a feature of the tank which is symbolic of the size and shape of that tank. The electric signal which indicates the feature of the container is applied to the controlling means. Then the controlling means sends a respective controlling signal for controlling the movement of the actuators in order to cause an adequate rearrangement of the shape of the calking die structure should the tank be different in size or shape then the preceeding one.

Abstract: Apparatus for exchanging a billet-guiding roller for another in a plant for continuous casting comprises a handling head, and two pivoted arms, each of which is pivoted to said handling head on an axis that is parallel or identical to the pivotal axis of the other of said pivoted arms. Each of said arms carries a holder for holding a billet-guiding roller. Said handling head also carries arm-driving means for pivotally moving each of said arms about its pivotal axis. In order to minimize the dimensions of said handling head, said pivoted arms have two inner ends, which are adjacent to each other and at which said arms are pivoted to said handling head, and outer ends, which are remote from each other and provided with said holders.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for inserting a plastic cap into the open end of a roll. Spaced rolls are moved downstream along a continuously moving conveyor and are lifted from the conveyor for capping. A cap gravity falls down a chute to a loading position where it is picked up by a plunger and seated in the end of the lifted, aligned roll. The capped roll is then returned to the conveyor.

Abstract: Apparatus for force fitting components into a workpiece comprises a gantry supporting two insertion heads above an indexable support for the workpiece, a workpiece pick-up station on each side of the workpiece, and rods by which the insertion heads are suspended from the gantry and which are rotatable to translate the insertion heads between positions over the pick-up stations and positions over the workpiece and to operate tooling of the insertion heads to pick-up components from the pick-up station and to force fit them into the workpiece. The apparatus is programmed so that when one of the insertion heads is located over a pick-up station the other is located over the workpiece.

Abstract: Apparatus for installing connectors onto flat conductor cables including an improved transport station for transporting connectors from a magazine to an installing station supporting a flat conductor cable. The transport means includes rotatable reorientation means to reorient connector portions at the magazines from vertical orientation to horizontal orientations at an intermediate location. The transport station also includes apparatus to retain connector portions on the reorientation means during transportation and also includes pushers to move the connector portions from the intermediate locations to the installation stations.

Abstract: An optical fiber with a bare end portion is faced-off precisely at 90 degrees. With an unsecured ferrule loosely located on the fiber, the fiber is passed through oversize openings in a fiber holder and a crimping station. The bare fiber portion is located in the interstice of three rods having identical diameters and the assembly is releasably held by jaws in a holding station. The faced-off fiber end is positioned slightly inwardly from the end faces of the rods by a limit pin. The fiber holder is tightened onto the fiber to maintain it in straightened condition and the ferrule is then slid into place over the three rods and included fiber. The crimping station is moved along a track toward the holding station until crimping jaws are positioned about the ferrule, three rods and fiber. Crimping jaws deform the ferrule at several different places firmly securing it in place on the rods.

Abstract: A turbine rotor disassembly, handling and reassembly apparatus employs a feedback-controlled electric heating oven to rapidly heat a turbine wheel while the rotor shaft is in the horizontal position. An adapter interfaces the wheel to a handling spool whose outboard end is adjusted to slide on the rotor shaft and to provide a fulcrum for supporting the wheel. A handling trolley includes a soft hydraulic system for supporting the weight of the wheel to avoid damaging the precision machined surfaces of the shrink-fit area while the wheel is being withdrawn. The handling apparatus also provides means for upending, or rotating, the removed wheel through 90 degrees to place its axis vertical for facilitating handling. A sensor system senses a radial motion of the wheel to detect clearance and to establish an appropriate fluid pressure to just balance the weight of the wheel and attached parts. The handling system includes means for rotating the wheel slightly during reassembly to align keyways or the like.

Abstract: This invention has as its object a six-axis head for correction of movements equipping a mobile tool (12) for mating assembly of an element on a support. The head comprises an upper frame (10) fastened to the mobile assembly tool defining a first geometric plane P.sub.1, an intermediate frame (16) defining a second geometric plane P.sub.2 and connected to the upper frame (10) by first drive means (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3) making it possible to perform two translations and a rotation of plane P.sub.2 in relation to plane P.sub.1, a lower frame (18) defining a third geometric plane P.sub.3 and connected to the intermediate frame (16) by second drive means (M.sub.4, M.sub.5, M.sub.6) making it possible to perform a translation and two rotations of plane P.sub.3 in relation to plane P.sub.2, means (20) for holding the element being fastened to the lower frame (18). It has application in automated placing of glazing elements (windscreens) on a motor vehicle body.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately aligning an information-containing-disc stylus and assembling the stylus to a stylus holder. The apparatus transfers the stylus from a magazine holding a plurality of such styli into a rotary collet which is then rotated by an operator until a laser beam of light is reflected off a known surface of the stylus and impinges on a fixed target. The apparatus then causes the point of the stylus to pierce the stylus holder to a specific depth whereby the stylus is held firmly by the stylus holder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring workpieces to successive work devices. The apparatus comprises concentric turntables mounted for rotation about a common central axis. A series of work devices are mounted on the inner turntable and a series of workpiece holder devices are mounted on the outer turntable. The turntables are rotated in the same direction and in synchronism while the various work devices respectively perform work operations on the various workpieces held in the various workpiece holder devices, whereafter the inner turntable is accelerated and the outer turntable is decelerated until the various workpieces reach a position midway between successive work devices, whereafter the inner turntable is decelerated and the outer turntable is accelerated until the workpieces arrive at positions of alignment with the next successive work devices.

Abstract: A machine for connecting successive rows of coil springs together into a coil spring assembly. The machine, in preferred form, initially picks up a row of coil springs by inserting a pick up finger into the barrel of each coil and moving the springs onto a support platen. In the course of transporting the coils between pick up and the support platen, the pick up fingers change the spacing of the coils. The springs are then compressed against the support platen to a desired height through use of a reciprocable compression bar. Thereafter, and through use of rotatable transfer fingers on a transfer shaft, the springs are removed from under the compression bar, and are moved into clamping dies. Leading rotary transfer fingers on the transfer shaft first pull the row of springs out from under the compression bar, and trailing rotary fingers then push the springs into the downstream one of upper and lower clamping dies.

Abstract: Assembly of stick-type cosmetics such as lipsticks is fully automatized by highly coordinated operation of a pair of robots each accompanied with sequential operational units arranged within the ambit of its operational terminal so that sticks and bottles are transferred upside down from unit to unit for application of sequential operations and combined with each other and further with caps to form complete stick-type cosmetics. Simple adjustment in numerical control of the robots and their operational terminals will span a wide variety of quality demands in the market, and will make the system well suited for small scale production with high lot number in which shifting of lots is highly frequent. There is no manual touching of the sticks during assemblage which enables high level of sanitization of the whole system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching mounting plates (12 and 14) to a workpiece such as a strut (16) is disclosed. First and second conveyors (34 and 36) carry the mounting plates with the workpiece positioned above them past first and second rollers (40 and 42) respectively. The rollers have ribs which form circumferential grooves aligned to allow passage of rows of prongs (18) while the ribs extend sufficiently close to the conveyors to make contact with the workpiece and to force rows of holes 24 in the workpiece down over the prongs.

Abstract: An apparatus for fitting spacer frames to panes of glass in the manufacture of insulating glass has a support wall and a frame which is movable towards and away from the support wall and the upper horizontal limb of which can be moved upwardly and downwardly for the purpose of adaptation to the height of a spacer frame, while retractible pins, clamp means and pressure pins for the spacer frame are provided on the frame of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for assembling a uniform-speed joint having an inner rotary body and an outer rotary body which transmits a rotational force from one to the other through a plurality of small spheres disposed in receiving holes in the outer peripheral surface of the inner rotary body. The apparatus comprises a carrying member for carrying the outer rotary bodies such that the inner surface of the rotary body is oriented upward and guide members, including a first guide wall, a second guide wall and a pusher for pushing an inner rotary body along the first guide wall until it contacts the second guide wall.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel apparatus and process for nesting a plurality of drum bodies or shells of deformable material wherein a cylindrically-shaped drum body is subjected to a force in a plane substantially parallel to the axis of the drum body to deform the drum body to the extent necessary to permit the positioning of a second drum body about the initially deformed drum body whereupon the deforming procedure is repeated for the nested first and second drum bodies, and is thereafter again repeated until a desired number of drum shells are contained in the resulting nested assemblage of drum bodies or shells.

Abstract: This invention selectively opens and closes the paired clamping members of a flexible skirt hanger by imparting predetermined forces to predetermined parts of said hanger in a predetermined manner. The hanger is held at a work station in a frame during a predetermined work operation which causes said forces to be applied. A pneumatically extended rod causes one of said paired clamping members to move in a predetermined rotational direction while a portion of said frame limits rotations of the other of said clamping members in said predetermined rotational direction, thereby effectively imparting a force to said other clamping member causing it to move in a direction opposite said predetermined rotational direction. The opposite rotational motion of each of said clamping members causes them to open to receive a garment therebetween. Means are provided to close said clamping members on said garment by removing said forces and enabling said clamping members to tend to resume their equilibrium position.

Abstract: A device for separating shadow masks from a strip of base material includes a conveyor upon which the strip moves. Two loading plates are arranged above the conveyor and press the strip against the conveyor. The loading plates are separated by a space which is angularly disposed with respect to the axis of the conveyor. A tensioned wire is arranged in the space and a magnet raises a fully etched portion of the shadow mask over the tensioned wire as the shadow mask enters the space. The tensioned wire thus shears the partially etched shadow mask from the strip of base material.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus which is particularly useful in the manual assembly of circuit carrier plates with electrical components is formed with an upwardly facing working surface having thereon a support member for the carrier plates, with a plurality of receptacles for holding components to be mounted on the carrier plates being operatively located beneath the working surface. The receptacles are supported for guided movement beneath the working surface through an uppermost and lowermost plane and an opening in the working surface is provided through which an operator seated at the assembly apparatus may grasp components from receptacles located in the upward plane for mounting upon a carrier plate supported on the support member.

Abstract: An inspection station for FIGAL containers which automatically tightens the container valves during movement along a continuous conveyor is described. The containers are clamped in a rotary indexing mechanism which rotates the containers until a discrete opening molded in a top rubber skirt of the container is indexed on a latch mechanism adjacent the conveyor. A pair of pneumatically driven socket wrenches are then lowered onto the container and are rotated to tighten the valves. After a predetermined period of time, the tightening of the valves is discontinued, the next FIGAL container moves into the indexing mechanism, and the valves of that container are tightened by the pneumatically driven socket wrenches.

Abstract: An assembling apparatus is disclosed for straight, directed and cut-to-length wire pieces. A support frame is mounted elastically to a base frame and the support frame is jolted by jolting means. A guiding sheet is at least in part attached to the support frame for transporting and directing the wire pieces. Assembly means include at least one tilting lever which can be controllably lifted up or lowered down. Bundling means includes a belt band to bundle a defined amount of wire pieces.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and method for producing a composite container having a neck label or tubular sleeve mounted temporarily thereon adapted to be shrunken into final surface covering relation. The tubular sleeve is preformed of relatively-stiff material and flat-folded until ready for use when it is fully opened and conveyed into vertical alignment with a container therebeneath. The sleeve preform comprised of heat-shrinkable plastic material is telescopically assembled onto the container while the latter is transported in spaced upright arrangement. The preform is moved downwardly by a pair of gripping vacuum cups moving downwardly and divergently to open the preform and place the same telescopically on the container upper portion. Alternately, the opened preform is placed on a cylindrical mandrel to more fully open the preform prior to its being mounted telescopically on the container neck portion.

Abstract: A conveyor and shoe lifting assembly for tractor tracks of the type having a chain and a plurality of ground engaging shoes or grousers. The shoe lifting assembly includes a pair of spaced rails which are moved from a first position to a second position to engage and lift the shoes off of the chain during disassembly of the track links. Thereafter, the rails are moved from the second position to the first position to replace the shoes after reassembly of the track links.

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 removing bungs from kegs. A walking beam moves the keg sequentially from a receiving station on a feed conveyor to an orienting station, a debunging station, a probe station, a reject station to a discharge conveyor. At the orienting station the keg is rotated to position the bung downwardly, and an auger removes the downwardly facing bung at the debunging station. At the probe station, a probe senses the presence of improperly removed bungs, and kegs with improperly removed bungs are rejected from the line at the reject station. Kegs with properly removed bungs are delivered to the discharge conveyor.

Abstract: A two part shock or vibration mount which comprises an elastomeric member and a metallic member are automatically assembled into an integral one piece unit by feeding the parts on a conveyor in axial juxtaposed relative position into a compressive force device that is mounted above the conveyor at an angle of declination with respect to the conveyed components such that an increasingly progressive compressive force is applied to the juxtaposed components. Upon exiting the force applying device the components are in a force fit engagement one within the other.

Abstract: This invention relates to a high speed machine which can automatically insert radial lead electronic components onto the printed circuit board one-by-one. A combination of such machines installed at a work station can automatically insert many components onto one printed circuit board at the same time. In a similar way, the combination of such machines installed at many work stations can be arranged into a conveyorized assembly line which can automatically insert many components onto many printed circuit boards simultaneously. The apparatus and method for producing this result will significantly save labor in manufacturing electronic equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and a method of conveying, orienting, transferring and debunging empty beverage kegs. The apparatus includes a keg elevator for raising the kegs to the uppermost of a series of superposed endless conveyor belts. The tension of the latter is such that, where they face one another, they engage the periphery of each keg and urge it along the path of travel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for removing an identification disc from one end of an aluminium keg and thereafter transferring the latter to other apparatus (not the subject of the present invention) which will remove a bung from the side of the keg. The apparatus includes a selectively rotatable cradle which carries the keg, drive rollers for rotating the cradle about its central longitudinal axis; a cup for sensing and removing the disc; and means engagable with the other end of the keg to actuate the drive rollers or to rotate the cradle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transport car for the transportation of motor parts or complete motors along an assembly path consisting of sequential working stations. The transport car has a fixture for the motor parts or the motor, which can be adjusted between an assembly position in which it maintains a rigid connection between the motor and the car and a testing position in which it maintains a resilient connection between the motor and the car.

Abstract: A system for fabricating frame structures having wood chords and web components connected by toothed plates on opposite sides of each joint, wherein an elongated rectangular bed is provided on which to assemble and connect the components, longitudinal rows of conveyor rolls bring the chords forwardly and transfer means move them laterally to areas at the ends of the bed, and the web components are delivered to the sides of the bed.