Abstract: An assembly machine having a high accuracy positive positioning mechanism, which engages the assembly table when the indexing system is in a dwell portion of the cycle, not moving the assembly table. A positioning pin, which is mechanically connected to operate in synchronism with the indexer for the assembly table, positively engages and positions, if necessary, the assembly table. The positive positioning mechanism engages the assembly table between indexing steps. An overload clutch is provided between the indexer and the assembly table, to relieve mechanical overloads which may occur and to prevent damage to the assembly machine. The positive positioning mechanism is not driven by the indexer output thus it is unaffected by wear or defects in the indexer, the indexer drive, or the overload clutch mechanism.

Abstract: An assembly machine is provided having tooling mounting and surfaces and tooling actuator drivers above and below a rotatable assembly table. The annular assembly table is disposed around a main center support column within which is disposed the main driver shaft. An indexing unit rotates the annular assembly table in discrete spaced apart steps around the main support column. A lower tooling plate mounting surface and a tooling actuator driver, which is driven from the main drive shaft, is provided beneath the annular assembly table. The mounting surface is fixed longitudinally with respect to the annular assembly table while the tooling driver reciprocates with respect to the assembly table. An upper tooling mount is provided above the annular assembly table. The upper annular tooling mount is disposed around the main center support column and moves in a reciprocating up/down motion with respect to the annular assembly table.

Abstract: An assembly machine is provided having an actuator which transmits power from a driver reciprocating along a first axis to appropriate assembly machine tooling wherein spring loaded overload protection can be provided for all movement of the output shaft of the actuator. Overload protection in either or neither direction of movement of the actuator can be provided. The disclosed actuator can be used on an assembly machine having a rotatable assembly table which moves in indexed steps around a main center support column. A tooling mount is provided for supporting various tooling which performs operations on devices to be assembled which are mounted on the rotatable assembly table. A reciprocating drive is provided around the main center support column. The disclosed actuator is utilized to transmit power from the reciprocating driver to appropriate tooling.

Abstract: Nozzle means are disclosed that are particularly suited for use in combination with tuyeres of metallurgical reducing or refining vessels. The nozzle means is axially positionable within the tuyere to maintain a supersonic jet as the tuyere is consumed. Both axially divergent-convergent and convergent-divergent nozzle means are disclosed. Also disclosed is a combination of nozzle means to effect rapid shut-off of the tuyere by positioning a conforming convergent first portion into the convergent second portion of the nozzle means.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle having independently steerable and suspended wheel assemblies for use in underground excavations. The vehicle includes means for temporarily supporting the roof of an excavation, drilling holes in the roof, and inserting bolts therein. The vehicle also includes scoops mounted at each end with a conveyor joining the scoops, thus giving the machine a self-loading capacity. The application also discloses a method for systematically installing roof bolts.