Abstract: The invention provides an automatic machine for closing flip-top caps of a type which is used on toothpaste tubes, for example. The machine has a pair of superimposed turntables separated by a star wheel, the turntables and star wheel turning as a unit about a common axis. The star wheel has a plurality of pockets distributed around the periphery thereof to receive the flip-top caps after they are molded and while the covers are still in the open position in which they were molded. Each of the turntables has an actuator positioned over a corresponding pocket on the star wheel. Cams surround the turntables to raise and lower the actuators at selected locations. As they raise and lower, the covers are flipped over to close the caps.

Abstract: To assure proper seating of the beads of a tubeless tire upon its wheel, after the tire has been mounted upon its wheel and inflated, the inflated tire is compressed by concave, tread-engaging members pressed against diametrically opposed, circumferential portions of the tire tread to induce a flexing sliding motion of the beads relative to the wheel and at the same time increases the internal air pressure to enable the beads to shift as required into proper seating engagement with the wheel and return the internal air pressure to design pressure when the compressive force is released.

Abstract: A system for electronically storing revisions or modifications to documents which are already electronically stored in unrevised or unmodified form. The system compares, at the pixel-by-pixel level, a modified document bit map with a stored document bit map and determines from the differences between the two bit maps, at the pixel-by-pixel level, which differences are significant and which are insignificant. A revised document bit map is then formed from the portions of the stored-document bit map exhibiting no significant bit map differences and the significant differences bit map. The result is a revised document bit map in which no unnecessary changes have been introduced into the initial stored-document bit map. The system also includes steps for defining, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, a significant region bit map from the significant difference bit map and for forming the revised document bit map using the significant region bit map.

Abstract: A part feeder (29) for moving individual parts (34) held on rolls (21) of tape (37) to a pickup point, as for handling by a robot arm (25) inserting parts (34) into PC boards (26) at a work station, the part feeder (29) including a cassette (30) having a housing portion (30a) to hold the roll (21) and side walls (85) having guide members (48,33,104) affixed to position the parts (34) for capture by a parts advancing mechanism (52) to be transferred into a part dressing assembly (43) where the parts (34) have their leads (35,36) straightened and cut to a desired length preparatory to presentation for pickup. (FIG. 7).

Abstract: A parts manipulator formed by a head and a robot (10) for attachment to a robot arm and rotatable therewith, the head including a rotatable mount (26) attached to the robot arm (19) and a plurality of gripper mechanisms (21) secured about the mount (26). Each gripper mechanism includes a set of finger portions (51), each selectively and independently of each other shiftable between first and second orientations on the mount to extend either parallel to and downwardly from, or outwardly from the mount (26), allowing flexibly programmed handling of a part.

Abstract: A horizontally disposed vehicle wheel having a tubeless tire resting upon the wheel in a forwardly offset inclined position is located beneath a work head which is then lowered to an operating position at a fixed distance above the wheel. A radially extensible arm is mounted for rotary oscillation below the head about an axis coaxial with that of the located wheel and carries at its outer end a set of rollers which, upon rotation of the arm in one direction will engage the lowermost bead of the tire where located above the upper rim of the wheel and progressively face the engaged bead radially outwardly beyond the rim and downwardly below the rim to mount the lower bead only on the wheel.The apparatus self adjusts itself to wheels of different diameters and axial widths.

Abstract: The mounting plate for a proximity switch for sensing the position of a piston within a fluid operated, expansible chamber cylinder. The mounting plate comprises a flat portion with two notches formed therein adjacent opposite sides thereof and an arcuate flange adjoining the flat portion having means forming an aperture therein. The proximity switch is mounted onto the tie rod of the expansible chamber cylinder, with the mounting plate interposed therebetween with the arcuate flange thereof positioned to be concentric with and spaced apart from the surface of the expansible chamber cylinder. A threaded fastening device is inserted through the aperture and turned until the proximity switch is correctly positioned.

Abstract: A clutch and lock mechanism adapted for use with a double shuttle table utilizing two individual drive shafts wherein a first shaft ring assembly is fixedly coupled to a first shaft and a second shaft ring assembly is coupled to the second shaft. The first and second shafts and shaft ring assemblies are spaced from one another along the common axis of rotation of the first and second shafts and an engaging mechanism is positioned between the two shaft ring assemblies and movable therebetween. When the engaging mechanism, at least a portion of which is rotationally locked to the second shaft, is moved to a first position, it is rotationally locked to the first shaft and rotation of the first shaft thereby results in the rotation of the second shaft. When the engaging mechanism is moved to a second position, opposed to the first position, it is disengaged from the first shaft and prevents the rotation of the second shaft.

Abstract: A turnover device for turning over articles as they are conveyed along a production path. The turnover device comprises a frame, two spaced apart and parallel axis, first and second carrier arms mounted respectively on the axes for rotational movement, first and second meshing gears mounted on the axes respectively, and a drive motor and lever. The first and second meshing gears have pitch diameters such that, as the two carrier arms counter-rotate from a start position to a finish position, the first carrier arm will rotate through an arc of approximtely 108.degree. and the second carrier arm will rotate through an arc of approximately 72.degree.. The arms are then rotated to their start position. An article placed on a first carrier arm will drop off onto the second carrier arm and be carried back down to a horizontal orientation which is flipped end to end with respect to its starting orientation.

Abstract: Apparatus for assuring that an uninflated mini tire mounted on a wheel is coaxially centered relative to the wheel prior to the arrival of the mini tire-wheel unit at the inflation station of a tire-wheel assembly line is disclosed which the mini-tire wheel unit is being conveyed in a horizontal position from the mounter to the inflator it is subjected to a hammer blow against the tire tread and subsequently apparatus mounted along opposite sides of the conveyor vertically press against an adjacent portion of one side wall of the tire. These actions jar the tire beads loose from a partially wedged engagement within the drop well of the wheel which tends to occur during the mounting of the mini tire on the wheel and to seat one bead of the tire upon the associated bead seat of the wheel.

Abstract: A multiple spindle machine includes a plurality of spindles mounted in a spindle assembly which sequentially indexes workpieces through a plurality of spindle stations by rotating the spindle assembly around its axis. The control and drive system for the multiple spindle machine includes a first variable speed motor for driving the spindles and a second variable speed motor for driving a camshaft. The camshaft drives the indexing mechanism and a main cam which reciprocates a tool slide and a first set of tools mounted on the tool slide relative to the spindle assembly. A second set of tools is mounted around the spindle assembly and independent NC motors drive the second set of tools. A microprocessor independently controls the speed of the first and second variable speed motors and the NC motors to provide flexible control of the multiple spindle machine.

Abstract: An article handling system, particularly for baggage routing, has a tag affixed to each article of baggage, each tag bearing human and machine readable destination data disposed immediately adjacent to a uniquely configured target symbol of predetermined and known characteristics. Video cameras disposed adjacent to the baggage transport assembly are effective, in combination with control networks, to detect the target symbol and electronically read the destination data on the tags, so that the baggage can be routed along transport paths respectively corresponding to the intended destination of each article of baggage. The control network is also effective to transform the video image of the target to a desired orientation and configuration, as well as to select for processing the destination data viewed by the camera having the best image of the target.

Abstract: A workpiece elevator for moving plural workpieces from an intake station vertically to an elevated discharge station. The workpiece elevator includes a bucket assembly which is pivotable in response to engagement with cam bars such that in one rotated position, the bucket engages the workpieces and carries them to the discharge station where the bucket is rotated to a discharging position. The bucket assembly includes a pair of cam followers disposed on opposite sides of a plate which engage elongated cam bars affixed to the elevator frame. Means are also provided for limiting the angular range of motion of the bucket assemblies. The elevator in accordance with the second embodiment includes means for enabling the elevator to be easily modified to accommodate different configurations and sizes of workpieces. A pair of separated channels are mounted to the frame amd extend between the intake and discharge stations to laterally support the workpiece.

Abstract: A part feeder capable of moving individual parts to a receiver from a storage tube having an internal track therein generally conforming to at least a portion of the vertical cross-section of parts stored within the tube to permit the parts to freely slide along the track within the tube. The part feeder comprises a base; a horizontally movable support member slidably mounted on the base; a tiltable arm member pivotally mounted on the support member; and a receiver on the tiltable arm member. An air cylinder is provided for releasably securing one end of the tube on the arm member against the receiver. Another actuator is provided for tilting the arm member so that the end of the tube adjacent the receiver is sufficiently lower than the remainder of the tube to permit one part to slide out of the tube onto the receiver. The tube is then returned to a horizontal position.

Abstract: An auto-changer for optical discs. At least one carousel rotatable about a horizontal axis stores a large number of discs. A picker moves into the carousel to grasp a disc in a horizontal position in the carousel and then move the disc to a position outside of the carousel. A transfer arm grabs the disc from the picker and swings the disc in an arcuate path over to a disc player, where it is deposited for playing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an inclining consecutive alternating direction track storage conveyor system including at least one or more axles having at least two or more discs positioned on the axle for changing direction of a belt from one inclining track to the next inclining consecutive alternating direction track. Also, a staggered roller body configuration track is disclosed.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a proximity switch for sensing the position of a piston within a fluid operated, expandable chamber cylinder. The mounting device comprises a block shaped member with at least a first depressed, arcuate surface, the degree of curvature of which is adapted to fit the surface of the cylinder. By first attaching the mounting apparatus to the proximity switch and then positioning the proximity switch with respect to the fluid cylinder, tightening down of fastening devices provided for the proximity switch will cause the arcuate surface to firmly engage the surface of the cylinder, thereby providing a secure, vibration resistant mounting of the proximity switch to the cylinder.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a high production tire inflator apparatus for rapidly inflating tubeless tires wherein sealing between the tires and the wheels occurs at the tire beads. A tandem expansible chamber motor unit utilizing compressed air and hydraulic pressurized fluid vertically translates a carriage upon which an annular tire seal is mounted for displacement between tire indexing, sidewall displacement and bead seating positions, compressed air being used to displace the tire seal during rapid transverse movement, and the hydraulic fluid motor being employed to lock the tire seal to resist inflation pressures during pressurization of the apparatus. The wheel and tire are mounted upon a conveyor pallet which is of such configuration to directly sealingly engage the lower tire sidewall, and during inflation all sealing occurs between the tire sidewalls and the inflation apparatus, and no sealing of the wheel rim is required.

Abstract: This invention relates to a workpiece loader which loads workpieces onto a continuously moving conveyor of a type frequently used in manufacturing factory environments. The workpiece loader is comprised of a short length endless belt which is intermittently moved to stack workpieces against a movable fence. Movement of the movable fence is coordinated with motion of the loader belt to enable groups of workpieces to be placed on the conveyor as desired. A first embodiment discloses the workpiece loader belt travelling in a direction perpendicular to the continuously moving conveyor, whereas the second embodiment discloses such belts moving in parallel directions.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning the central opening or bore of a vehicle wheel and an adjacent annular radial surface includes a power driven shaft mounted for rotation about and axial movement along a fixed vertical axis. A cleaning head includes a horizontal plate axially slidable upon and rotatively fixed to the upper end of the shaft. A horizontal cleaning disc is mounted upon the plate by a pair of parallel links, one of which is pivotally coupled to the upper end of the shaft to cause the disc to shift horizontally relative to the plate upon vertical movement of the disc relative to the plate and shaft. Upon upward movement of the disc into engagement with a downwardly facing radial surface of a wheel centered over the shaft in a horizontal position, further upward movement of the shaft will shift the disc horizontally until a vertical cleaning surface on the disc engages the bore of the wheel. Rotation of the cleaning head will clean the wheel surfaces of the wheel engaged by the disc and vertical surface.