Abstract: A jaw assembly for use with a work arm to move workpieces from one station to another is disclosed. The jaw assembly is operable to grip and release workpieces and comprises jaw elements arranged in a uniform pattern about the axis of the jaw assembly which are displaced radially to grip and release workpieces. The actuator comprises a fluid power operated rod coaxial with the axis of the jaw assembly. The rod is operatively coupled with each jaw element by means of a corresponding crank. A pair of flat yieldably resilient strips are cooperative with the crank and the jaw element so as to maintain the jaw element in a predetermined relationship as it moves radially. In the preferred embodiment, this predetermined relationship is a vertical orientation of the work gripping surface of the jaw element, the same as the axis of the jaw assembly which is also vertical.

Abstract: An improved arrangement for mounting the lift bar of a humper type conveyor in which the lift bar is mounted on the conveyor frame structure by means of support arm structure. The support arm structure is disposed generally parallel to the path of travel of conveyed articles and a mount is provided for mounting one end of the support arm structure on the conveyor frame and another mount for mounting the lift bar on the other end of the support arm structure. The preferred construction for the support arm structure comprises a pair of spaced apart fiberglass elements which are separated at their ends by spacers. An eccentric is disposed to operate through the second-mentioned mount to impart displacement to the lift bar, the fiberglass support arm elements resiliently flexing in the process.

Abstract: A work transfer device for vertically transferring workpieces by means of a vertically disposed transfer bar. The transfer bar executes a motion which is somewhat in the shape of an hourglass for transferring articles one station at a time between vertically spaced stations. The articles may be transferred either upwardly or downwardly by simply reversing the direction of the drive. The drive for the transfer bar comprises a mechanism including cams and linkages for developing the hourglass type motion.

Abstract: A bearing assembly machine for assembling a double row of needles separated by a spacer ring into a pinion. The assembly elements of the machine are urged by pneumatic cylinders in the direction of assembly. Each assembly element is cam controlled via a crank having one arm operatively connected between the corresponding pheumatic cylinder and the assembly element and the other arm biased against and riding on the perimeter of a cam disc. Each cam disc has a falling segment which allows the advance and a rising segment which overrides the bias of the pneumatic cylinder to cause the assembly element to retract. The pinion and spacer ring are conveyed by a shuttle from respective loading stations to the assembly station where assembly operations take place, and the shuttle is controlled in an analogous manner to the assembly elements.

Abstract: A work transfer device executes a generally rectilinear path of movement for progressively transferring articles between successive stations. Transverse vertical motion is imparted via a track which is bodily transversely displaced while maintained parallel with the longitudinal travel of the carriage. A roller rides in the track with longitudinal motion of the carriage. The track is displaced by a double bellcrank mechanism to shift the roller vertically and in turn impart vertical transverse motion to the device.

Abstract: A work transfer device executes a generally rectilinear path of movement for progressively transferring articles between successive stations. Transverse vertical motion is imparted via a guide rod which is bodily transversely displaced while maintained parallel with the longitudinal travel of the carriage members. Slides are shiftable longitudinally on the guide rod. Vertical rods project from the slides through the carriage members to support a walking beam type transfer bar. The guide rod is displaced by a double bellcrank mechanism thereby imparting vertical transverse motion to the walking beam.