Abstract: A collator device for receiving finished ammunition cartridges in a non-oriented condition and orienting them into a stream of aligned ammunition cartridges for downstream manufacturing or packaging processes. The device incorporates a flat, circular collator plate which rotates inside a collator can with an upstanding circular sidewall. The collator plate upper surface forms a series of radially orienting vanes. Ammunition apertures are formed around the perimeter of the collator plate interleaved between the vanes. As the collator plate is rotated, the apertures receive ammunition cartridges aligned in either a radially inward or radially outward position. Features of the apertures cause the cartridges to drop in an aligned condition as the apertures pass over a slot in the collator can backing plate. Numerous features are provided to enhance throughput and reduce damage to the components as they are handled and processed in the device.

Abstract: A workpiece handling system for inspection of workpieces having an elongated cylindrical segment with an enlarged feature such as a threaded fastener. A pair of rollers is inclined with respect to horizontal, and having cylindrical surfaces separated by a gap and rotated about parallel axes, with upwardly presented end surfaces. A drive arrangement rotates the rollers. A slide mechanism enables the rollers to be set at a first and second separation gaps. A workpiece transfer mechanism loads the workpiece onto the rollers, rotation of the rollers set at the first separation gap causes the workpieces to rotate. A sensor probe is positioned in close proximity to the workpiece head as the workpiece is rotated. A workpiece receiving system is provided for handling the workpieces when the rollers are set to the separation second gap, allowing the workpiece to fall under gravity between the rollers.

Abstract: A workpiece handling system for inspection of workpieces having an elongated cylindrical segment with an enlarged feature such as a threaded fastener. A pair of rollers is inclined with respect to horizontal, and having cylindrical surfaces separated by a gap and rotated about parallel axes, with upwardly presented end surfaces. A drive arrangement rotates the rollers. A slide mechanism enables the rollers to be set at a first and second separation gaps. A workpiece transfer mechanism loads the workpiece onto the rollers, rotation of the rollers set at the first separation gap causes the workpieces to rotate. A sensor probe is positioned in close proximity to the workpiece head as the workpiece is rotated. A workpiece receiving system is provided for handling the workpieces when the rollers are set to the separation second gap, allowing the workpiece to fall under gravity between the rollers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inspection device and particularly to a device using an array of light sources and photo-detection devices to evaluate threaded workpieces for conformance to spatial form criteria. The invention provides for improved identification of flaws in threaded components to identify the conformance of parts.

Abstract: An optical device for discriminating threaded workpiece by the handedness by their screw thread profiles. The device presents a pair of light beams which pass generally tangent to the workpiece at angularly displaced positions. The light beams are inclined to follow the helix direction of a given handedness of a workpiece. Upon axial advancement of a workpiece through the device, a chopped output from the photodetectors indicates that the handedness of the threads matches the inclination of the light beams. The oppositely threaded workpiece, however, provides a generally constant DC output. With appropriate signal processing electronics, an automatic system for discriminating workpieces by thread handedness is provided.