Patents Assigned to Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
  • Article gripper
    Patent number: 4858980
    Abstract: An article gripper with a fixed jaw has a movable jaw mounted on reed springs. Deflection of the movable jaw permits the article to enter and exit the gripper. The movable jaw has an inlet cam surface and an outlet cam surface, configured so that a low-level inlet force deflects the jaw and reeds laterally, while a higher-level outlet, or removal, force is directed parallel to the reed springs causing the jaw to behave stiffly and thus resist pullout of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Dreisig, David I. McDonald
  • Anti-backflow valve for injection molding machines
    Patent number: 4850851
    Abstract: An anti-backflow valve for mounting on the forward end of a plasticating screw of an injection molding machine. The valve includes a rod-like member that extends forwardly of the plasticating screw, and is relatively rotatable therewith. The rod-like member is axially retined in position relative to the screw by a retaining ring that engages with the forward end of the screw and that includes a valve seat. The outwardly extending end of the rod terminates in a stop that is spaced forwardly of the valve seat. An annular sealing ring includes an outer surface that engages the inner surface of the barrel and an inner surface that is radially spaced from the rod-like member to provide a flow passage therebetween. The ring is positioned between the forward stop and the valve seat and is freely axially movable therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron, Inc.
    Inventor: Alex Dinerman
  • Alignment tool for laser beam delivery systems and method of alignment
    Patent number: 4840483
    Abstract: There is provided an improved tool for use in aligning both angular and translational position of a laser beam at a rotating joint of a laser beam delivery system having one or more rotatable laser optics. The tool includes a tool chassis which receives a laser beam directed along a laser beam axis to the rotating joint of the delivery system and the tool chassis. The tool further includes structure for mounting the tool chassis on the rotatable part of a rotating joint of a laser beam delivery system to be aligned, a position monitor for monitoring the laser beam received relative to a two dimensional coordinate system during rotation of the tool, and a laser beam focusing lens which focuses at least a portion of the laser beam received such that translational deviations of the received beam are eliminated from that focused portion of the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Haffner
  • Method of moving and orienting a tool along a curved path
    Patent number: 4835710
    Abstract: A method of positioning a tool along a circular arc. The tool is carried by an automaton which is moved through a teaching phase during which it is taught coordinates and wrist orientation angles for three reference points. The method then proceeds into a work phase in which calculations are performed to determine coordinates and wrist angles for a series of work points spaced along the circular arc defined by the three reference points. Thereafter the automaton is direction to position the tool at the calculated coordinates and orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Schnelle, Gregory Webb, Ronald L. Tarvin, James V. Brown
  • Preloaded antibacklash gear assembly
    Patent number: 4827786
    Abstract: There is provided a backlash control rotation gear assembly for robotic applications, with such assembly comprising an input device to provide rotational force of a predetermined maximum torque. The system further includes a first drive gear which is connected to the rotational input device and a second drive gear which is connected to the first drive gear by an elastic torsion spring preloaded with a predetermined spring torque force. An output driven gear is connected to a moveable robotic part to be rotated, with such driven gear being connected to the first and second drive gears, wherein the first drive gear is driven by the rotational input device and the second drive gear is driven indirectly by the input device through the preloaded elastic torsion spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventor: Edward J. Bailey
  • Alkali metal aluminum silicate containing metal working fluid compositions and processes for machining metal employing such compositions
    Patent number: 4828730
    Abstract: Use is made of crystalline alkali metal aluminum silicates of the zeolite type, having the formula (A.sub.2 O).sub.x.sup..multidot. Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.sup..multidot. (SiO.sub.2).sub.y wherein A=alkali metal, x has a value of 0.7-1.5 and y has a value of 0.8-4 and having a particle size between 0.1 and 100 .mu.m in an aqueous metal working fluid composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventor: Albertus M. H. Molmans
  • Cutting tool wheel having a removable abrasive belt
    Patent number: 4823516
    Abstract: A grinder has an abrasive belt removably mounted on a wheel for grinding a workpiece. The belt has its ends extend through a transverse slot in the wheel into a recess within the wheel. One end of the belt is attached to a first slider and the other end of the belt is attached to a second slider with the sliders increasing the tension on the ends of the belt through outward movement of the sliders by centrifugal force as the wheel rotates with the tension increasing as the angular velocity of the wheel increases. The sliders may move parallel to each other or along two separate radii extending from the axis of rotation of the wheel. Pivotally mounted pendulums may be employed instead of the sliders to apply tension to each end of the belt with the pendulums increasing the tension on the ends of the belt through outward movement of the pendulums by centrifugal force created by rotation of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventor: Charles B. Matson
  • Method and apparatus for sequential control of analogue signals
    Patent number: 4821167
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for managing a plurality of analogue signals for digital control. Analogue input signals received from a process are periodically sampled and converted to digital input signals for access by a digital control. Digital output signals produced by the digital control are converted to analogue output signals and stored for continuous availability to a controlled process. The sampling and conversion of analogue input signals as well as the conversion and storage of analogue output signals is conducted asynchronously relative to the activity of the digital control by a predetermined program of control signals repetitively produced in response to a clock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventor: Harold D. Wiebe
  • Blow molding apparatus
    Patent number: 4818212
    Abstract: A reheat blow molding machine has an improved article handling system that carries heated preforms by a carriage assembly from an oven to a roller chain conveyor which moves them to a blow mold from whence the blown product is moved to an eject station. The motions are linear and cyclical or periodic, drive means for such intermittent motions being provided. Preforms are handled in groups of four, each one being supported by its capping ring in a locating notch on the carriage and by the finish groove in a holder notch above it when it is transferred to the conveyor. All notches are open on the side facing the oven and have self-centering features to get and keep alignment for transfer and positioning at the blow mold. The carriage which moves preforms horizontally toward the conveyor and raises them to the elevation for transfer to the holder notches of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph F. Gibbemeyer
  • Method and apparatus for automatic servo gain adjustment for machine control
    Patent number: 4808899
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for controlling a motor of a machine to move a member at a predetermined velocity. Specifically, a gain factor included in generating a velocity command signal to the motor is dynamically adjustable in accordance with a relationship between the actual following error of the member and the desired following error at the commanded velocity to thereby compensate for drifts in the drive system electronics. The gain factor for a plurality of members may be similarly dynamically adjusted whereby the path of an application point coupled to all the members is accurately controlled. The invention is also suitable for controlling movement of distal ends of a gantry to eliminate or reduce skewing of the gantry member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Swope
  • Counterbalance mechanism for vertically movable means
    Patent number: 4807518
    Abstract: A spindle carrier, which is movable vertically by an electric servo motor through a relatively long ball screw, has a substantially constant counterbalance force maintained on it irrespective of whether it is moving up or down. This prevents compression or tension of the ball screw. The counterbalance force is maintained substantially constant through sensing the load on the spindle carrier and using the sensed load to vary the hydraulic pressure applied to a piston within a hydraulic cylinder and connected through a chain to the spindle carrier to apply the counterbalance force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventors: Merrill E. Berchtold, John R. Witzel
  • Cutting tool having positioning means
    Patent number: 4807501
    Abstract: A tailstock body of a numerically controlled lathe is positioned by a hydraulic rotary motor at a desired position to have a quill center of the tailstock body engage one end of a part or workpiece. The positioning of the tailstock body is by a programmable controller of a numerical control receiving signals for an encoder attached to the hydraulic rotary motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventors: Gary G. Leigh, James F. Schwab
  • Counterbalance assembly for rotatable robotic arm and the like
    Patent number: 4804170
    Abstract: There is provided a counterbalance assembly for use in combination with a rotatable robotic arm and the like in a robotic manipulator, where the robotic arm is rotated about an axis by a torque-producing device having a relatively stationary base. The assembly further includes a torsional spring comprising a pair of concentric tubes connected to each other by rubber, with one tube connected to the arm and the other tube connected to the base. In general, any torque created by the influence of gravity acting on the robotic arm, as it is rotated, is counterpoised by torsional wind-up in the spring due to proportional resistance of the rubber to torsional shear. This spring/arm combination thereby reduces the load on the torque-producing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick C. Young, Walter Binder
  • Blow molding apparatus
    Patent number: 4801001
    Abstract: A reheat blow molding machine has an improved article handling system that carries heated preforms by a carriage assembly from an oven to a roller chain conveyor which moves them to a blow mold from when the blown product is moved to an eject station. The motions are linear and cyclical or periodic, drive means for such intermittent motions being provided. Preforms are handled in groups of four, each one being supported by its capping ring in a locating notch on the carriage and by the finish groove in a holder notch above it when it is transferred to the conveyor. All notches are open on the side facing the oven and have self-centering features to get and keep alignment for transfer and positioning at the blow mold. The carriage which moves preforms horizontally toward the conveyor and raises them to the elevation for transfer to the holder notches of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph F. Gibbemeyer
  • Modal coupling tailstock
    Patent number: 4800790
    Abstract: A tailstock for a turning machine has a housing portion adapted to be moved and clamped on the machine base, and the housing portion supports a beam portion which extends outwardly from the housing portion. The beam portion is nonsymmetrical, and of generally rectangular cross-section wherein its neutral axis is coincident with the center axis. Thus, the nonsymmetry of the center support has principle modes of compliance which are dissimilar and these modes, when added to the compliance of a cylindrical workpiece, tend to increase the dynamic stability of the tailstock end of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Hasz
  • Spool servo control for tape web positioning
    Patent number: 4799981
    Abstract: Servo spool control for tape web positioning is disclosed wherein the position of the web between two spools may be accurately known and controlled and the tension on the web maintained. To accomplish such control, the motors driving the respective spools are driven by dynamic torque signals in response to change in position commands from a computer controller wherein the dynamic torque signals are correlated to the inertial torque and frictional torque of the spools and their drives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventors: Kirby L. Stone, R. W. Kneifel, II, John P. Brockman
  • Grease seal for a power screw system
    Patent number: 4795172
    Abstract: A distortable diaphragm seal, which is preferably formed of felt, seals each end of a nut through which a screw extends. Grease, which is introduced into the interior of the nut to function as a lubricant, is sealed therein by the seal. The seal has an opening of substantially the cross sectional shape of the screw normal to the axial centerline of the screw to permit part of the seal to extend circumferentially along the unthreaded O.D., and to permit another portion of the diaphragm seal to run into, and out of, a helical groove in the ball screw, thus forming a continuous seal on the screw surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventor: David Brande
  • Blow molding apparatus
    Patent number: 4795023
    Abstract: A reheat blow molding machine has an improved article handling system that carries heated preforms by a carriage assembly from an oven to a roller chain conveyor which moves them to a blow mold from when the blown product is moved to an eject station. The motions are linear and cyclical or periodic, drive means for such intermittent motions being provided. Preforms are handled in groups of four, each one being supported by its capping ring in a locating notch on the carriage and by the finish groove in a holder notch above it when it is transferred to the conveyor. All notches are open on the side facing the oven and have self-centering features to get and keep alignment for transfer and positioning at the blow mold. The carriage which moves preforms horizontally toward the conveyor and raises them to the elevation for transfer to the holder notches of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph F. Gibbemeyer
  • Method for machining with improved accuracy
    Patent number: 4796195
    Abstract: A method is provided for effecting numerically controlled machining operations at a predetermined location. A reference feature is fixed proximate to the predetermined location and the location of a reference surface thereon is measured prior to machining to produce reference surface signals representing the coordinates of the reference surface. Location correction signals are produced in response to the reference surface signals, the location correction signals representing the difference between the measured location of the reference surface and the actual location thereof. The machining operation is performed in response to the location correction signals to effect the machining operation at the predetermined location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Haggerty
  • Position error sensing and feedback apparatus and method
    Patent number: 4792228
    Abstract: There is provided a position error sensing and feedback apparatus and method for a positioning device having a working piece which is moved along a rectilinear triordinate system. The apparatus comprises a laser source for providing a highly polarized laser beam which is directed substantially parallel to a first of the axes of the triordinate system. In a preferred embodiment, a first laser beam processing package is located along such first axis for receiving the laser beam and splitting such beam into a first portion which is directed outwardly along a path substantially parallel to a second axis of the triordinate system, with the remaining portion directed to at least one error detector means for measuring positional and orientational errors of the first processing package relative the laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Haffner