Abstract: An arrangement for adaptively driving the flag element of a document handling device, such as a document sorter. The invention uses a force generating mechanism to produce torque at the periphery of a cam. A flexible connector that is wrapped around the cam is used to pull the flag element. The cam is shaped such that the force exerted on the flag element produced by constant torque varies in accordance with the size of the document stack in the hopper of the document handling device.

Abstract: A pulse width modulation control circuit utilizes a retriggerable monostable multivibrator as a high speed comparator which compares a reference waveform with a control signal level to effect variable termination of modulated output pulses. The control circuit finds particular applicability to pulse width modulated switched mode power supplies.

Abstract: A touch probe for detecting contact with a workpiece or other object is disclosed and features a highly accurate repositioning system for returning the moveable portion of the touch probe to a predetermined rest position in the absence of contact force acting on the moveable portion.

Abstract: A motion conversion apparatus is disclosed having particular utility as a tool carrier actuator in a rotating taper thread generating tool head, wherein a plurality of tool carriers are moved axially of the workpiece and simultaneously transversly of the axis to form a tapered thread at the end of the workpiece. A portion of the actuating apparatus is mounted coaxially with a housing for the tool head and includes an inner and an outer actuating bar coupled together by helical keys and mating keyways such that relative axial motion between the inner and outer bars produces rotating movement of the outer bar. Rotation of the outer actuating bar is transferred to an actuating drum which has an outer surface having at least one helical keyway formed therein. In one embodiment, the actuating drum is a separate component rotating with the outer actuating bar via key-keyway pairs.

Abstract: An optically coupled in-process gaging system is disclosed for use with numerically controlled machine tools wherein a battery-powered gage unit is enclosed in a housing adapted for retention in an automatic NC program controlled selection from the NC tool magazine. The gage unit can be placed in a machine tool device, such as a spindle, whose movement is directed by the NC program to place a gage transducer of the gage unit in contact with a workpiece to perform dimensional gaging. The gage unit converts an electrical transducer signal into an infra-red optical FM signal for wireless transmission to a receiver unit coupled to a microcomputer-based control unit.

Abstract: A threading tool is disclosed featuring the combined utilization of a multi-toothed thread chaser insert with a single point indexable thread chaser insert. In generating a desired thread form, successive teeth of the multi-toothed chaser perform the initial cutting passes on a workpiece, while the tooth of the single tooth chaser performs the final finishing cutting operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the position of a probe relative to a workpiece, for example probe contact with the workpiece, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a transducer for converting probe contact to an electrical signal and a plurality of light emitting semiconductors for wirelessly transmitting an indication of the occurrence of the signal via infrared radiation. The apparatus is capable of operation with either a mechanical switch type probe transducer or a current measuring transformer type probe transducer. The apparatus is easily adapted to transmit the occurrence of probe contact by either amplitude modulation or frequency modulation of the emitted infrared radiation.

Abstract: Improved apparatus is disclosed for positively locating and retaining disposable inserts of a slotting cutter. The apparatus is arranged such that inserts normally used in non-rotating cut-off, parting or grooving tools can be mounted in a relatively narrow substantially circular rotating cutter body, thereby permitting narrower slot formations than heretofore possible with such tools.

Abstract: A power measuring device is disclosed featuring the capability of converting resistively coupled load current and voltage signals to a digital pulse train whose frequency is proportional to the instantaneous power drawn. The digital pulse train can be optically coupled to a microcomputer-based display or process controller for conversion of the pulse train frequency to a power consumption indicating signal.

Abstract: A support blade for a cutting tool insert is disclosed featuring a unitary clamping arrangement for the insert actuated by a camming member permanently positioned in the blade.

Abstract: A face milling cutter is disclosed having on-edge indexable inserts located at the periphery of the cutting face of the cutter body positioned to provide principal cutting edges exhibiting relatively small true rake angle and relatively small inclination, or effective shear, angle. Each principal cutting edge is joined at its point of maximum cutting depth by a supplemental wiping edge lying substantially in the cutting plane of rotation.

Abstract: An optically coupled in-process gaging system is disclosed for use with numerically controlled machine tools wherein a battery-powered gage unit is enclosed in a housing adapted for retention in an automatic NC program controlled selection from the NC tool magazine. The gage unit can be placed in a machine tool device, such as a spindle, whose movement is directed by the NC program to place a gage transducer of the gage unit in contact with a workpiece to perform dimensional gaging. The gage unit converts an electrical transducer signal into an infra-red optical FM signal for wireless transmission to a receiver unit coupled to a microcomputer-based control unit.