Abstract: An assembly for automatically feeding workpieces to and from a numerically controlled turret punch. A loader magazine having an adjustable volume for receiving a stack of workpieces is disposed on one side of a turret punch, and an unloader magazine having a similar adjustable volume for receiving a stack of workpieces is disposed on the opposite side of the turret punch. An ejector associated with a loader magazine ejects the top workpiece from the loader magazine to horizontally feed it into operative association with clamps of the turret punch. The turret punch clamps are moveable with respect to the punching tools, and the punching tools are moveable and operated to effect punching of the workpiece until it has a desired finished configuration.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for locking first and second relatively movable members together to prevent relative movement therebetween. A first set of spaced tubular members having aligned bores is mounted on the first member, and a second set of spaced tubular members having aligned bores is mounted on the second member. The tubular members of the second set are spaced apart in a manner to receive the first set therebetween with the bores of the first and second sets aligned. A removable hardened metal latching bolt having cross-sectional dimensions, generally corresponding in shape to the shape of the bores in the tubular members, is passed through such bores, and received by the tubular members to hold the first and second sets in alignment, A locking structure holds the latching bolt in place, the locking structure including a key-release lock, and a locking bolt extending generally perpendicular to the latching bolt and in interfering engagement therewith.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for formation of duct from preformed pieces. A number of ductwork pieces are formed out of sheet material, the pieces having edge configurations adapted to interlock with each other to form a seam of a completed duct. The individual pieces are fed into an edge interlocking machine and are acted upon by the machine to form a duct having a predetermined length. The machine includes a stationary frame member, guide rails elongated in the direction of ductwork movement through the machine, rollers associated with at least some of the guide rails for effecting interlocking of the edge configurations of the duct work pieces to form duct seams, and structure for mounting the guide rails to the frame member. The guide rails are relatively movable with respect to the frame member and to each other to form ducts of different sizes and so that transition ducts can be formed as well as straight duct.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acting on angle irons or the like. A vertical stack of angle irons is provided and the angle irons are fed one at a time to a punching position. At the punching position a hole of selected size is punched in the angle iron, and the angle iron is fed from the punching position in a linear direction of movement to a cutting position. The length of the angle iron to be cut is determined by measuring the length of angle iron in the direction of movement past the cutting position, and the angle iron is cut at the cutting position. Each cut angle iron is removed from the cutting position in a direction normal to the linear direction of movement of the angle iron to the cutting position. A computer may be provided for controlling operation of all motors to affect selection of punch sizes and cutting blades, and to affect operation of all the power mechanisms.

Abstract: An automated label applicator includes an elongated arm which is rotatable between a first position, in which the label applicator receives an adhesive-backed label as it is being separated from an elongated strip of label stock backing, and a second position, in which the label is removed from the label applicator by progressive engagement of the adhesive backing with a moving surface. In the label-receiving position, the label is directed between a first pin upstanding from the elongated arm, and a second pin supported for rotation about the first pin, by a spring arm which extends transversly from the first pin. The spring arm is normally biased against the second pin, but is deflected therefrom only when the elongated arm is in the label-receiving position. Upon initial rotation of the elongated arm toward the label-applying position, the spring arm is released to press the label against the second pin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically cutting wrappers or the like from metal sheets. A metal sheet is conveyed in the x-direction to a cutting position wherein a pair of cutting blade (i.e., shears) assemblies cut edge portions from the metal sheet to form a cut wrapper or the like having longitudinal edges. The cutting assemblies are movable in the y-dimension--transverse to the x-direction--and are also angularly movable. From the cutting position the cut wrapper is continuously conveyed to a notching position wherein notching assemblies also movable in the y-dimension may form notches in the longitudinal edges of the cut wrapper. At a further point in the x-direction, an edge deforming position may be provided including edge deforming apparatus that also is movable in the y-dimension. Flexible elongated members or the like support the metal sheet spaced from its conveyor during conveying to prevent damage to the conveyor by the cutting or notching assemblies.

Abstract: A shearing cutting tool that may be either hand or machine operated. The tool includes an upper blade, a lower blade, a device for moving at least one of the blades with respect to the other blade, an arm mounting the lower blade below a sheet of material to be cut, and a ball bearing mounted on the arm. The ball bearing has a portion thereof extending upwardly from the arm, and is mounted adjacent the trailing edge of the lower blade for engaging the bottom surface of a sheet to be cut. The ball bearing allows easier pivoting of the cutting tool during cutting to change the direction of cutting.

Abstract: A theft-preventing container for an appliance such as a CB radio. A metal box receives the appliance therein, the box having one wall with an access opening to allow access to controls of the appliance within the box, and one of the box walls is movable to allow removal of the appliance from within the box. A latching structure is provided to latch the movable box wall to the rest of the box to prevent unauthorized movement of the movable box wall. The latching structure includes interfitting groups of tubular members having aligned bores formed on the movable wall and a stationary wall of the box, a removable hardened metal latching bolt for receipt by the tubular members, and a locking device, including a key release structure, for holding the latching bolt in place when it is received by the tubular members and prevents relative movement between the tubular members.

Abstract: A band saw and a saber saw are both provided on the same table top working surface, and both are operable at the same time so that a pair of parallel cuts (either arcuate or straight) may be made in a workpiece at the same time. The saber saw blade has a vertical position thereof which is parallel to the vertical plane of the band saw blade, and the saber saw is adjustable with respect to the band saw to provide for cutting pieces of material of different widths. The saber saw blade is also pivotal from the vertical position thereof to a horizontal position wherein it is below the table top working surface, so that the band saw alone may be used. A workpiece resting member associated with the saber saw allows for pivoting of a workpiece with respect thereto to have an arcuate cut made therein by the band saw when the saber saw blade is in its horizontal position.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting pieces of insulation used to line specially-shaped ductwork, such as radius elbows and O. G. sets. A pair of telescoping trammel tubes are pivotal about a pivot post, and radially movable with respect to the post to assume any desired, graduated, relative position. A cutter wheel is disposed on the end of each of the trammel tubes, and the cutter wheels may be movable from one position wherein they are in line with the trammel tubes, and thus can make a radial cut, to a second position wherein they are disposed substantially 90.degree. with respect to the trammel tubes, and thus can make an arcuate cut with the pivot post generally at the center of the arc. The tubes can be manipulated with respect to the pivot post and with respect to each other, and the cutter wheels may be manipulated with respect to the tubes, so that both radial and true arcuate cuts can be made in insulation to produce an insulation piece of the desired dimensions quickly and accurately.

Abstract: A continuous welder automatically moves from one joint to the next along a pipeline of pipes to be welded together, and automatically adapts to pipes of different diameter. At each joint, a wire-fed welding nozzle revolves around the pipes to weld the pipes together, the welding nozzle making a root pass, an overlap pass, and a wash pass, to complete a permanent weld at the joint. During each pass the welding nozzle is oscillated in a different path by selectable oscillating apparatus therefor, the particular oscillating apparatus utilized being automatically changed on each pass. The welding nozzle revolves around the pipes under the power of rotating planetary gear sets which are engaged with mounting rings for the gear sets.

Abstract: Pattern cutting of sheet metal is effected automatically. Conveyors move a metal sheet into a pattern cutting position, the sheet being guided exactly into position. The sheet is clamped securely in pattern cutting position and a cutting tool begins cutting the pattern from the sheet. The cutting tool is movable in x, y, and .alpha. directions so that any type of pattern may be cut thereby. The tool may comprise a scissors-like shearer, one blade being provided above the horizontal sheet being cut, and another blade being disposed below the sheet. Supporting tips are mounted on the conveyor to support the metal sheet in cutting position while preventing damage to the conveyor during cutting. A notcher is also provided movable along each side edge of the metal sheet the notchers being adjustable with respect to each other to accommodate sheets of different widths. The x, y, .alpha., and notcher motors are all controlled by a computer.

Abstract: Device for cushioning the impact of an approaching article comprises a lever arm adapted to be attached to shock absorbing means and extend across the path of travel of the article, said arm having a surface on the side nearest the article so curved that the distance between the point of impact of the article against the lever and the point of attachment of the lever to the shock-absorber decreases as the article advances after first contacting said lever.

Abstract: A brick handling system is disclosed for automatically unloading grids of bricks from a kiln car and for forming such bricks in a stack suitable for easy handling, storage, and shipment. A first transfer grips a plurality of grids and transfers such grids to a spreader table. The spreader table operates to insure alignment of the bricks in rows and to separate the rows by a predetermined distance. A puller slides the bricks across a transfer table onto a marshaling table which positions the rows of bricks for stacking. The system is operable to form voids in selected rows of bricks so that voids are provided in the finished stack. A storage system is provided for temporarily supporting a void layer until it is required in a subsequent stack.

Abstract: A label printer is disclosed for imprinting characters in succession on label stock comprising an elongated strip of label stock backing having a front surface and a back surface and further comprising a plurality of labels removably adhering to and spaced along the front surface of the elongated strip. The label printer takes the label stock from a supply position, passes it in a first direction by a print station, then passes the label stock with the imprinted labels through a label stripping apparatus which includes a first pin mounted so as to extend transversely to the first direction of label stock travel and bearing against the back surface of the label stock backing. The label printer draws the label stock from the label stripping apparatus in a second direction which is substantially at right angles to the first direction so as to result in separation of individual imprinted labels as the label stock passes around the first pin.

Abstract: A semi-automatic palletizer is disclosed providing an elevator for positioning pallets below an arranging table to receive layers of arranged articles. As each layer is positioned on a pallet supported by the elevator, the elevator lowers to position the uppermost layer thereon, immediately below the arranging table. A power feed mechanism is provided to automatically position empty pallets on the elevator and for ejecting loaded pallets from the elevator. The feed mechanism includes a fork-type lift which is extended into the pallet, adjacent to the bottommost pallet at the pallet supply position, and which thereafter raises such pallet and all pallets above, clear of the bottom pallet at the supply position. A pusher pushes an empty pallet from the supply position onto the elevator and causes removal of a loaded pallet as the empty pallet is supplied. After retraction of the pusher, the fork lift mechanism lowers the remaining pallets to the supply platform.

Abstract: A novel and improved brick setting machine as disclosed, which is operable to automatically produce stacks of green brick suitable for firing and which have a high degree of stability to permit their being transported from one location to another by fork lift trucks or the like. The stack includes a plurality of grids of brick, some of which consist of lengthwise aligned rows of brick spaced from each other by longitudinal lanes and crosswise rows of aligned brick, extending perpendicular to the lengthwise rows wherein at least some of the brick in the crosswise rows are spaced from each other to form lateral lanes. The patterns within the grids are arranged so that the lateral and lengthwise lanes are superimposed so that the patterns of lengthwise brick and crosswise brick can be consolidated into the desired grids by automatic means including grippers which extend along the longitudinal and lateral lanes.

Abstract: An impact printer is disclosed for imprinting characters in succession on print stock such as that comprising an elongated strip of label stock backing having a lower edge surface, an upper edge surface, a front surface and a back surface and further comprising a plurality of labels removably adhering to and spaced along a front surface of the elongated strip. The impact printer moves the print stock under tension along a predetermined path past a print station including a hammer capable of controllable, reciprocative movement in a predetermined plane to contact the back surface of the print stock. In order to maintain the print stock properly aligned in a vertical direction with respect to the hammer as it moves in its predetermined plane, a first guide includes a planar reference surface normal to the predetermined plane and is located in proximity to the print station and to the predetermined path of print stock movement.

Abstract: An armature winding machine supports a combined armature loading and unloading mechanism which includes a turret supported by a carriage for rotary indexing movement on a horizontal axis. The carriage is supported for horizontal linear movement by a set of guide rods projecting outwardly from the winding machine, and the carriage and turret are moved between inner and outer positions by actuation of a fluid cylinder. The turret includes a set of annularly arranged gripping members which successively grip the unwound armatures supplied from a vertically moveable magazine located above the turret. While each unwound armature is being transferred to the winding station by the turret, a wound armature is simultaneously transferred by the turret to an unloading station where it is released from its gripping member. The turret automatically indexes in response to linear movement of the carriage.

Abstract: An improved hammer assembly is disclosed for use in impact printers having a print station comprising a continuously rotating print wheel and an adjacent hammer mechanism for selectively impacting print stock and an interposed ink ribbon against a raised element on the print wheel to thereby imprint a character on the print stock. The hammer assembly includes an elongated hammer having a hammer surface at one end and an actuating surface at the other end which is engaged by a hammer actuating device in the hammer mechanism having a controllable, substantially reciprocative movement. The elongated hammer is supported for substantially reciprocative, planar movement with respect to a similarly elongated first support member by a pair of linear leaf springs which extend between the elongated hammer and the first support member in a spaced-apart, parallel manner.