Abstract: A fusing machine utilizes a fusing electrode assembly and a ground electrode assembly suspended from the fusing electrode assembly. The fusing electrode assembly includes a lower fusing electrode shaft and an upper fusing electrode shaft. The lower fusing electrode shaft has an open end adapted to receive the upper fusing electrode shaft and a compression spring interposed between the shafts. An adjustable stop is threaded onto the upper fusing electrode shaft to limit the downward movement of the upper fusing electrode shaft. The lower fusing electrode shaft is keyed to a fusing electrode holder formed from a plurality of keyed members. The ground electrode assembly includes an adjusting mechanism, whereby the position of a ground electrode carried by the ground electrode assembly can be adjusted relative to a fusing electrode carried by the fusing electrode assembly. The fusing electrode assembly and the ground electrode assembly are mounted to a frame which is adjustably attached to a supporting structure.

Abstract: An indexing machine utilizes a rotating assembly for incrementally rotating a workpiece which is releasably held by a gripping mechanism adapted to rotate conjointly with the rotating assembly. The gripping mechanism is movable between a first position in which the gripping mechanism grips the workpiece and a second position in which the gripping mechanism releases the workpiece. The gripping mechanism is automatically and constantly urged towards its second position so as to facilitate the release of the workpiece from the gripping mechanism. Indexing plates, which determine the increments of rotation of the rotating assembly, are positioned at one end of the rotating assembly so that they may be quickly and easily removed. The rotating assembly includes a first member and a second member, which is mounted for reciprocating movement relative to the first member. A locking device releasably locks the second member to the first member so that the second member can rotate conjointly with the first member.

Abstract: A fusing machine utilizes a fusing electrode assembly and a ground electrode assembly suspended from the fusing electrode assembly. The fusing electrode assembly includes a lower fusing electrode shaft and an upper fusing electrode shaft. The lower fusing electrode shaft has an open end adapted to receive the upper fusing electrode shaft and a compression spring interposed between the shafts. An adjustable stop is threaded onto the upper fusing electrode shaft to limit the downward movement of the upper fusing electrode shaft. The lower fusing electrode shaft is keyed to a fusing electrode holder formed from a plurality of keyed members. The ground electrode assembly includes an adjusting mechanism, whereby the position of a ground electrode carried by the ground electrode assembly can be adjusted relative to a fusing electrode carried by the fusing electrode assembly. The fusing electrode assembly and the ground electrode assembly are mounted to a frame which is adjustably attached to a supporting structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the amount of heat energy supplied by a bonding transformer to coil windings to heat the windings to a predetermined temperature level for fusing the windings into an integral mass. This is accomplished by continuously monitoring the current level in the secondary windings of the bonding transformer and comparing the signal produced with a signal preset in a comparator, which preset signal corresponds to the heat energy required by the coil windings to heat them to the predetermined temperature level. The comparator then operates to deactivate the bonding transformer when the monitored signal corresponds to the predetermined temperature level desired in the coil windings.

Abstract: A novel control arrangement is provided for controlling the operation of the heating electrodes of a brazing machine for forming a joint between an armature wire and a commutator bar. The heating electrodes are brought into contact with the armature wire and commutator bar at the point where they are to be joined, and fiber-optic means are provided for collecting radiant energy emitted from a point at or adjacent to the joint area as the joint is being heated. The collected radiant energy is converted into a usable electronic signal representative of the temperature at the joint area, and the heating electrodes are actuated on and off in response to the electronic signal when the temperature at the joint reaches predetermined upper and lower temperature levels. As a result, the temperature of the heating electrodes and joint area is maintained within a desired temperature range while the joint is being formed.