Abstract: A shaft bushing for an actuator cylinder includes a removeable, non-cylindrical lined sleeve bearing configured to a flat sided shaft. Interlocking inserts are captured in windows in the outer bushing wall. These engage flat outer sides of the bearing and keep it and the shaft from rotating. A shaft wiper secures the sleeve bearing but is removable for replacement of the bearing.

Abstract: A pneumatic cylinder, especially for a spot-welding machine, has a sleeve valve mounted on the piston rod. The sleeve valve provides a venting valve for dumping pressure from a return chamber at the end of the forward stroke, and a progressive restrictor to close off a forward chamber and provide cushioning at the end of the return stroke.

Abstract: A weld force limiting apparatus for use in bench and press type welding units which is capable of advancing a first electrode into contact with production pieces to be welded together. The weld force limiter has a high pressure air source connected thereto for supplying high pressure air to the circuit. When an initiation switch is depressed to begin the welding sequence, provided all conditions are met, the high pressure air is ported through a regulator to regulate the pressure of the air to a very low pressure such that the first electrode advances toward the production pieces under very low pressure, in particular, at a pressure which is non-injurious to the human body.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to form a workpiece to a net position and pierce a hole in the workpiece. The apparatus includes a base having an inner and outer slide assembly mounted thereon for reciprocal movement. Both the inner and outer slides include a cylinder and a rod extending therefrom. The apparatus includes a compressed spring attached between the inner slide and base, and coupled to the rod of the outer slide as to operate to equalize the inner slide about the workpiece. The rod of the outer slide impacts the base to drive a form against the workpiece to form the workpiece to a net position. The rod of the inner slide actuates to drive a punch through the workpiece to pierce the workpiece.

Abstract: A flow control system which is capable of selectively operating at least one pneumatic cylinder between high and low pressures. The flow control system allows the cylinder to engage a workpiece while under the influence of the lower pressure so as to minimize the impact on the workpiece, and thereafter subjects the cylinder to the higher pressure so as to increase the clamping load on the workpiece. Flow control is achieved by controlling the flow of high pressure air from a suitable source with a pilot-operated five ported four-way two-position control valve, a pressure regulator and a unidirectional flow control valve having an adjustable orifice. The pressure regulator is connected to one outlet port of the control valve such that the cylinder is initially supplied with air at the lower pressure when the control valve is in its normal operating position.

Abstract: A mechanical force enhancement device which both amplified an input force to produce a larger output force while also reducing the speed of an output member during the latter part of the output stroke. The device employs a sequential pivoting operation which is capable of providing the above results while being uncomplicated in its design and construction. The device includes a housing having a pair of spaced-apart camming plates. Each camming plate has a pair of opposing camming contours formed therein so as to define two sets of spaced-apart camming contours. At one end of each camming contour is a recess so as to define two sets of spaced-apart recesses. A linkage member is disposed between the camming plates and includes a driven end adjacent one of the sets of spaced-apart camming contours and a driving end adjacent the other set of spaced-apart camming contours.

Abstract: A die for use with a conventional punch to mechanically join, or clinch, two or more sheets of metal or other suitably formable material. The die is specially formed with a cavity having one or more lateral passages extending from the periphery of the cavity. When the sheets are positioned against the die and impacted by a suitable punch, the lateral passages permit the lateral extrusion of a quantity of sheet material which serves to mechanically interlock the sheets. The die has no moving parts itself, providing an economical design which is adaptable to various types of presses and applications. Moreover, the lateral passages can accommodate sheet material of various thicknesses and yet create a sufficient clinching effect without the need to closely calibrate the punch or press used with the die.

Abstract: A load measuring device for an oleopneumatic load intensifier apparatus which causes a rapid advance of a tool carrying piston rod followed by slow advance of the piston rod at an increased load. the oleopneumatic apparatus has a master cylinder and an actuating cylinder that can assume different positions with respect to the master cylinder while maintaining fluid communication therewith. An enclosed hydraulic system is shared by the master and actuating cylinders. Pneumatic pressure actuates a piston within the master cylinder that causes a rapid advancement of a hydraulic fed piston withihn the actuating cylinder, causing a piston rod and a tool associated therewith to contact a workpiece. The load measuring device monitors the load associated with the pneumatic pressure applied to the piston and associated piston rod, located in the master cylinder and the resultant force applied to the hydraulic fed piston located within the actuating cylinder to precisely determine the load delivered to the workpiece.

Abstract: An oleopneumatic load intensifier apparatus for creating a rapid advance of a tool carrying rod followed by slow advance of the piston rod at an increased load. The apparatus has a master cylinder and an actuating cylinder that can assume different positions with respect to the master cylinder while maintaining fluid communication therewith. An enclosed hydraulic system is shared by the master and actuating cylinders. Pneumatic pressure actuates a piston within the master cylinder that causes a rapid advancement of a hydraulically fed piston within the actuating cylinder, causing a piston rod and a tool associated therewith to contact a workpiece. Pneumatic pressure then causes a piston and associated piston rod, located in the master cylinder, to increase the hydraulic pressure in the line to the hydraulically fed piston located within the actuating cylinder, thus, increasing the load delivered to the workpiece.

Abstract: A compact electrically driven linear actuator having an electric motor in a housing. The electric motor has a cylindrically-shaped rotor assembly which is attached to and circumscribes a threaded spindle. A portion of the threaded spindle is received in an axial bore of a non-rotatable extendable arm. A nut attached to one end of the non-rotatable extendable arm is threadably received on the threaded spindle. Rotation of the threaded spindle by the electric motor linearly displaces the nut and the non-rotatable extendable arm along the length of the threaded spindle. In the preferred embodiment, the threaded spindle has a helical ball groove and the nut is a mating ball nut.

Abstract: An oleopneumatic load intensifier apparatus for creating a rapid advance of a tool carrying piston rod followed by slow advance of the piston rod at an increased load. The apparatus has a master cylinder and an actuating cylinder that can assume different positions with respect to the master cylidner while maintaining fluid communication therewith. An enclosed hydraulic system is shared by the master and actuating cylinders. Pneumatic pressure actuates a piston within the master cylinder that causes a rapid advancement of a hydraulic fed piston within the actuating cylinder, causing a piston rod and a tool associated therewith to contact a workpiece. Pneumatic pressure then causes a piston and associated piston rod, located in the master cylinder, to increase the hydraulic pressure in the line to the hydraulic fed piston located within the actuating cylinder, thus, increasing the load delivered to the workpiece.