Abstract: An accumulating conveyor formed by a series of self propelled pallets (18) running on a track (20), with non-contacting proximity detectors (24A, 24B) located on the front and rear of each pallet (18), and an on board control circuit (26) causing deenergization of the drive motor (22) when a stopped pallet (18) is detected ahead, or when barrier members (28, 30) are positioned ahead. Slow down, stopping and reversing of the drive may be controlled by side mounted photo detector switches (40A, 40B, 52A, 52B) activated by photo emitter devices (42A, 42B, 54A, 54B) mounted along the path of the pallets (18). A bilevel feed and return track (20A, 20B) may be traversed by the pallets (18), reversed to be driven in either direction, and either the forward or rear proximity switch (24A or 24B) activated by the control circuit (26) depending on the direction of travel of the car.

Abstract: A tool coupling arrangement is disclosed for a tooling assembly (10) adapted for automatic tool insertion into a spindle assembly (12), the tooling assembly (10) having an axially moveable element (20) for causing movement independently of the spindle assembly (12). In the particular disclosed applications, a pair of cutting tools (14, 16) are provided to simultaneously machine concentric features on a workpiece (8), disclosed as a valve stem guide bore (9) and valve seat (7) of an engine cylinder head. A first coupling arrangement secures this tooling assembly (10) after it is inserted within the spindle assembly (12), while a second coupling arrangement automatically couples the separately moveable element (20) to an inner draw bar (84) of the spindle assembly (12).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for tool condition and failure monitoring system for predicting imminent tool failure by sensing acoustic emissions from a cutting operation converting the emissions into an electrical signal filtering the electrical signal and using a "count rate" technique on the filtered signal to generate a signal indicative of imminent failure. To improve the prediction, the filtering includes removal of low frequency and d.c. signals and the imminent failure is indicated only after several successive periods of a triggering level of count rate.

Abstract: This invention relates to electrical connectors of the type having insertable contacts. The invention is more particularly related to the molded contact retaining insert (10) of the connector that is characterized by a plurality of triangularly shaped passages (15) each having a retention finger (1, 2, 3) in each corner of the triangle to maximize the density of the passages (15) within a given area. At least one side (11) of each passage (15) is parallel to one side (13) of an adjacent passage.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrical connector that has insertable and removable contacts (20) retained and sealed against moisture by a one piece molded rubber insert (30). The invention is characterized by a contact (20) having two annular grooves (24, 25) formed by acutely angled flat surfaces (26, 27) that are adapted to mate with flat surfaces (36, 37) from corresponding wall portions (32, 33) of a complementary shaped bore (31) in a molded rubber insert (30).

Abstract: This invention is an electrical contct that includes an inner sleeve (10) that is stamped and formed from a single sheet of metal and is characterized by a plurality of apertures (11) in the sleeve (10) that have an axis of symmetry (11a) or a straight side (13) that is at an acute angle with the central axis (10a) of the sleeve.

Abstract: An easily assembled and disassembled rectangular connector assembly wherein contacts (30) are retained in a connector housing (10) by a plurality of segments (20) that are releasably mounted to the connector housing (10). The segments (20) are releasably mounted to the housing (10) by a plurality of resiliently deflectable fingers (13) having a flange (14) thereon that engages a shoulder (24) on each of the segments (20). A window (25) provides access to the flanges (14) so that the flanges (14) may be deflected and disengaged from the shoulder (24) on the segment (20).

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine (CMM) of the type including a bridge (26) supported for horizontal movement on a base (20) that has a table portion (18). The bridge includes cross members (28, 32) that extend above and below the table (18). The bridge (26) supports a probe (12) for vertical movement on a carriage (24) which, in turn, is supported for horizontal movement transversely to the horizontal motion of the bridge (26). The bridge (26) is guided laterally during its movement on the base by means of a rail guide (44) mounted centrally beneath the table (18), and air bearings (48) acting on the guide rail (44). This establishes accurate control over the movement of the bridge (26) on the base (20). Both the table (18) and guide rail (44) are constructed of granite, while the bridge (26) is of aluminum. This arrangement minimizes the effects of thermal expansion between on the components and increases the measuring accuracy of the CMM.

Abstract: A linear position indicating system utilizing a fixed chain (20) which engages a pinion (32) connected to a mechanical input of an encoder (26) for providing position information. Encoder (26), supported on a relatively movable cross slide (14), provides an output signal indicative of the position of crosslide (14) relative to member (12) from which it is supported. Idlers (34, 36) are provided to guide the chain (20) around pinion (32) to ensure a large contact of approximately 180.degree.. Proximity switches (50, 52) are disposed for detecting when crosslide (14) is near its travel limits. The distance between switches (50, 52) is adjustable so they can be set at a precise separation. A counter (72) is provided for counting pulses as crosslide (14) moves between switches (50, 52). The output of counter (72) is used along with the know separation between switches (50 52) for calibrating the output of encoder (26).

Abstract: A turning machine (10) having a tool changer (70) capable of automatically changing O.D. and I.D. tools. A tool block system which supports the various tools is utilized. The tool changer (70) has a pair of fingers (74) disposed at the end of a cross arm (72). Fingers (74) are independently movable for engaging O.D. tooling blocks (32) and I.D. tooling blocks (33). Cross arm (72) is indexable to positions for installing the gripped tooling blocks (32,33) onto tool turret (16) or a tool storage magazine (60). A gauge mechanism (80) which pivots a touch probe (82) into the machine tool cutting plane is provided for accurately locating the position of various cutting tools. Offset of the tool cutting point from denominal position is compensated for software of the machine tool controller (22). Probe (82) can also be used in conjunction with another probe supported from turrets (16) for inprocess part gauging.

Abstract: An improved machine tool (10) utilizing force transmitting joints for securing a way block (32) to a one-piece cast bed (12). The way block (32) and one-piece bed (12) have interlocking projections (70) and recesses (72) for transmitting the load between the two joined surfaces. A hardenable, castable filler (84, 86, 88) is provided between the interlocking projections (70) and recesses (72) and between other selected portions (100, 104) of the way block (32) and cast bed (12) to provide for accurate positioning of the way block (32) with respect to the driven spindle assembly (18). Securing means such as bolts (76) or an adhesive is provided for holding the way block (32) in place. During operation, the shearing loads generated by the metal cutting process are directly transmitted from the way block (32) through filler (86) to the cast bed (12). This reduces the size and sophistication required of the securing means which holds down the way block (32).

Abstract: A mechanical quill having selective braking capability, achieved by a pneumatic cylinder (110) mounted to one motor (80) for selectively driving a braking member (120) into a braking material (104) coupled to a motor armature (84). This braking member (120) interrupts a clutch-type drive path through the motor as desired, to prevent advance of a quill.

Abstract: The invention is a method for mounting tubular electrical conductors (10, 20) of a triaxial connector to the connector housing and the connector thus formed (1) and is characterized by a plurality of electrically conducting terminals (40) that have an annular groove (41) therein that mate with a respective notch (13) in the respective tubular conductors (20, 30). The other end of each terminal (40) is connected to the housing (1) by a plastic potting compound (50).

Abstract: The invention is an anti-decoupling mechanism for a connector assembly characterized by an axially extending portion (42) at the free end of a spring (40) which engages an axially extending shoulder (12) at the start of a thread (11) on one of the housings (10) during a portion of the final coupling rotation of the coupling ring (30) around the first housing (10). During the final portion of coupling rotation of the coupling ring (30) the projection (41) is moved inwardly to increase the pressure between the projection (41) and the teeth (21) thereby resisting decoupling of the housings (10, 20) when the coupled connector assembly is subjected to vibration.

Abstract: A method of crimping contact wires (24) into a holder (26) of a brush contact (24) in which a converging series of indentors (16) each having a Vee-shaped tip (72) are advanced into the holder by a cam sleeve (30) engaging cam surfaces (18) on each indentor, to form valley-shaped crimp recess (78) forcing the holder material between adjacent pairs of contact wires (24), which arrange themselves in a symmetrical pattern during the crimping. A series of flats (70) are also formed on the holder (26) end to tightly bundle the contact wires (24) projecting from the holder (26). The indentors (16) and holder (26) are mounted in a nest (14) during the crimping process.

Abstract: This invention is an anti-decoupling mechanism for an electrical connector assembly of the type having two housings (20, 50) connected together by a coupling ring (30). The invention is characterized by an annular member (10) that has a plurality of slots (11) around the periphery thereof that engages the projection (41) on each spring (40) mounted within a coupling ring (30). The annular member (10) is radially expandable to increase its diameter in response to opposing axial forces applied by the housings (20, 50) as they are drawn together by the coupling ring (30). This anti-decoupling arrangement provides a first lower pressure against the spring (40) during the initial stage of the coupling cycle and a second higher pressure against the spring during the final stage of the coupling cycle thereby reducing the wear on the anti-decoupling mechanism an increasing its effectiveness.

Abstract: A one-piece molded unitary plastic member (10) having a planar portion (15) with a plurality of apertures (16) that is integrally hinged (17) to a base (11) having a plurality of passages (14) for receiving contacts (50). When contacts (50) are placed in the passages (14) in the base (11) with the terminal portion (52) of each contact (50) extending through a respective aperture (16) in the planar portion (15), and the planar portion (15) is moved to a position perpendicular to the base (11), the terminal portions (52) of all the contacts (50) are bent in one operation at a 90 degree angle.

Abstract: A socket contact for electrical connectors consisting of a contact liner sleeve (16) with a rear sleeve (14) and inner and outer front sleeves (12, 10) assembled to the front and to the contact liner sleeve (16) with the outer sleeve (10) rear portion thereof formed over the rear face (40) of the inner front sleeve (12) to form a well defined retention shoulder (48).

Abstract: A filter connector incorporates a capacitor formed in the connector with dielectric material consisting of discrete particles maintained in electrical contact with the live and ground electrodes. Since the dielectric material is handled in non-rigid bulk form, no breakage is encountered during assembly and handling. Disassembly of the connector for repair is feasible. Both method and apparatus are described.

Abstract: A turning machine is characterized by a new and improved control and mechanism for positioning the turning tool on the head. A CNC control issues command signals for selectively positioning the tool on the head. These signals are developed from an encoder which provides the instantaneous position of the rotating part being turned and from a program in the CNC containing information about the part. A closed loop control system receives these command signals and converts same into a control current for a linear motor which is the prime mover controlling the positioning of the tool on the head. The linear motor operates a carriage on the head and the cutting tool mounts on the carriage opposite the connection of the linear motor to the carriage. The carriage is a hollow bar guided on the head by sets of rollers which are cooperatively arranged to provide yieldably forceful constraint of the bar.