Abstract: A transfer drive mechanism (10, 62, 81, 116, 136, 166) for use in conjunction with work transfer apparatus is disclosed which is operative to provide extremely smooth rapid acceleration/deceleration while substantially eliminating the high stresses and potential workpiece dislocating jerk often associated with such drive systems. The drive mechanism comprises a planetary gear (26, 52, 76, 93, 128, 160, 178) having an eccentric follower means (30, 56, 80, 97, 162, 176) which is adapted to be revolved around a stationary sun gear (28, 54, 70, 88, 130, 138, 180) which imparts a rotating motion thereto.

Abstract: An improved dual cam indexing drive assembly (10) is disclosed which is well suited for use in driving various types of rotational, linear, and/or reciprocating work transfer apparatus (12). The drive system (10) utilizes primary and secondary rotatable cams (32, 34) supported on and driven by a common shaft (36) coupled to a power source (24) via suitable gear reduction (30), clutch and/or brake means. Aligned primary and secondary cam followers (54, 56, 58 and 64, 66, 68) are provided on the moving transfer apparatus (14), the primary cam followers (54, 56, 58) being designed to operatively engage cam grooves (46, 48) provided on both primary and secondary cams (32, 34) whereas the secondary cam followers (64, 66, 68) cooperate only with cam grooves (48, 50, 52) provided on the secondary cam (34) to drive the work transfer apparatus (12) between successive work stations.

Abstract: An indexing apparatus (10) is disclosed which is designed for use with various types of work transfer equipment and is operative to provide smooth rapid jerk-free acceleration and deceleration whereby workpieces may be smoothly and rapidly transferred between operating stations. The indexing apparatus (10) includes suitably arranged cams (90, 90', 106, 124, 130, 132, 150, 162, 180) and cam followers (38, 52, 114, 116, 166, 168, 174) which operate to convert a driving input motion which is typically rotary in nature to a desired output motion which may be either linear or rotary but which is characterized by substantially jerk-free, smooth acceleration and deceleration at the beginning and end of the respective indexing movements. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a crank arm (22) having cam followers (38, 52) provided thereon which control pivotal movement of transfer arm (58) which is in turn connected to a linearly reciprocable apparatus which may include a work supporting surface for example.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a mechanical motion control mechanism which in one form may comprise an input shaft drivingly connected to an output shaft in such a manner that continuous rotation of the input shaft produces varying rotational movement of the output shaft characterized by an initial dwell period, an acceleration period, a constant velocity period, a deceleration period and another dwell period. The input and output shafts may be drivingly connected by means of a gear secured to the input shaft which is in meshing engagement with a second gear supported at one end of a pivot arm, the other end of which is secured to the output shaft. Rotational and revolving movement of this second gear is controlled by the interaction of a plurality of cam followers engaging a cam surface so as to allow rotational, revolving, and various desired combinations of such movements in response to rotational movement of the first gear.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a mechanical motion control mechanism which in one form may comprise an input shaft drivingly connected to an output shaft in such a manner that continuous rotation of the input shaft produces varying rotational movement of the output shaft characterized by an initial dwell period, an acceleration period, a constant velocity period, a deceleration period and another dwell period. The input and output shafts may be drivingly connected by means of a gear secured to the input shaft which is in meshing engagement with a second gear supported at one end of a pivot arm, the other end of which is secured to the output shaft. Rotational and revolving movement of this second gear is controlled by the interaction of a plurality of cam followers engaging a cam surface so as to allow rotational, revolving, and various desired combinations of such movements in response to rotational movement of the first gear.