Abstract: A controlled atmosphere machining process which involves a work station for machining a workpiece with an inert gas in an enclosed environment which will not support combustion. The process further includes a vacuum system which removes particulate matter occurring during the machining process and transports the matter to a collecting tank. The inert fluid is recycled through a filter and cooling system and continues to be drawn by the vacuum system into the enclosed machining area of each work station.

Abstract: Automated system for trimming and inspecting complex composite aircraft parts. A straight firing abrasive water jet head with integral catcher mounted on a first Z axis slide is numerically controlled on a six axis gantry/water jet manipulator (X, Y, Z, C, A, B axes). A touch probe mounted on a second Z axis slide is used to gauge three part points which establish part orientation in the X, Y, Z gantry/robot cell; also to adjust CNC and CMM part trim/inspection programs to actual part orientation and for peripheral dimensional inspection.

Abstract: An anti-backlash rack and pinion drive system comprising a pair of spur gears on parallel shafts engaging a rack with countertorque preload imposed by a positive timing belt engaging a pair of pulleys respectively coupled to the shafts. Slack on one side and a resilient transverse load applied to the other side of the belt provides counterspur gear tooth pressure on the rack equal to the maximum drive load effected through reversible rotation of one of the shafts.

Abstract: A closed horizontal path nonsynchronous manufacturing system employing dual conveyor chains supporting and transporting fixurized workpiece pallets in single file to a plurality of sequential work stations located at straight segments of the path connected by polygonal obtuse angle corners. Accurate registration and clamping means engaging a straight pallet side with single register pin actuation utilizes straight conveyor segments for inside and/or outside operating stations with minimum lost space for polygonal obtuse angle corner transition.

Abstract: Shoe manufacturing system to rough and cement lasted uppers and outsoles including subsequent operations to load shank and bottom filler, dry, spot and sole lay, scour, and ink "cement construction" shoes. The system combines non-synchronous carrousel transport with roughing and cement application stations where preprogrammed selective shoe model and size numerically controlled roughing and cementing application operations are performed.

Abstract: Automatic backfeed deburring system for holes drilled through non-planar hole end surfaces wherein axially resilient float in the deburring tools accommodate axial variations in the hole burr edges.

Abstract: A circular path non-synchronous manufacturing system wherein a continuously rotating horizontal plate or ring driven by a motor reducer combination carries pallets, each with an integral fixture for holding a workpiece, having means for precise location and clamping at automatic work stations. The pallets proceed independently from station to station where they are stopped, located, clamped for the duration of the work operation and released for frictional drive to the next station independent of other pallets which may queue up behind any pallet during its operation in the work station.

Abstract: A planetary production workpiece processing machine having a rotatable annular drum with circumferentially extending planetary workpiece engaging tooling and opposed fixed reaction tooling providing a progressively variable relative radial tooling spacing for rolling and variably stressing the planetary workpiece beyond elastic limit as it progresses from an entrance to an exit portion of the machine. Processing operations may include straightening of linear workpieces with rapid and gradually reduced deflection or progressive reduction forming of the workpiece. Multiple diameters in a linear workpiece are accommodated through the use of free floating as well as power driven drum elements.