Abstract: An apparatus is made of a tube for containing a number of thin parts in a stack arrangement, having a loading end and a dispensing end, a device for feeding parts to the separating device, from the loading end to the dispensing end of the tube, and a device positioned at the dispensing end of the tube for separating at least one of the parts from the remainder of the parts and positioning the part at the dispensing of the tube for pick-up. A method for feeding and positioning a thin part to be grasped by a pick-up device includes stacking thin parts in a tube, separating one of the parts from the stack, positioning the part at the end of the tube for pick-up, and feeding more parts to the separating step.

Abstract: An assembly machine which has a plurality of work stations for performing operations on articles is disclosed. The machines includes means for conveying articles between work stations, a tool plate adapted to support tooling to perform operations at a plurality of work stations, and means for reciprocating the tool plate in synchronism with the movement of the conveying means wherein the reciprocating means are mechanically independent from the conveying means.

Abstract: An in-line assembly machine is disclosed which is capable of commonly actuating tooling associated with the machine at a plurality of work stations. The machine includes a camshaft with a plurality of cams fixed thereto. Upper and lower elongated tool plates are also included. These elongated tool plates are reciprocated by first and second lifting rods, respectively, which are driven by the cams via followers. The rotation of the camshaft thus causes the upper and lower elongated tool plates to reciprocate, thereby commonly actuating tooling to perform operations on parts to be assembled.

Abstract: A coupling head suitable to be supported on a transporting means for coupling an object to be evacuated to a vacuum line. The coupling has a ball valve and a poppet valve for connecting and disconnecting the vacuum and gas pressure to the object. Leaks in the object can be detected by a sensing device actuated by a bellows on the coupling head.