Abstract: A plurality of modules of sufficiently light weight (<80 lbs) are assembled end-to-end to construct an assembly machine for performing desired operations on a series of workpieces. A supporting spine underlies the interconnected modules and supports them and associated equipment in the desired array. The modular construction permits the assembly machine to be reconfigured as needed should operational alterations require it, including, but not limited to, the cannibalization of the machine with the modules being usable in constructing a machine having entirely different characteristics.

Abstract: A mounting fixture for a reconfigurable assembly machine having a plurality of modules with slots formed in their upper surfaces includes a square or rectangular solid block having a plurality of threaded openings. The openings receive fasteners adapted to secure various and diverse assembly machine components and devices to the mounting fixture. One surface of the block includes a channel or keyway having a width equal to the width of the throat of the slots formed in the upper surface of the assembly machine module. A locating key is received in the keyway in the block and the throat of the T-slot. The locating key includes through openings which receive threaded fasteners having heads held captive and the T-slot which, with suitable nuts, secure the block to the upper surface of the module.

Abstract: A mounting fixture for a reconfigurable assembly machine having a plurality of modules with slots formed in their upper surfaces includes a hollow brick or cube having a plurality of intersecting keyways on the faces or surfaces of the cube. One of the keyways receives a first, locating key which is also received in the throat of the slots formed in the upper surface of the assembly machine module. The locating key includes a through opening which receives a threaded fastener having a head held captive in the T-slot. The key accurately positions the cube relative to the slot on the assembly machine module and the threaded fastener secures the cube thereto. The parallelism and perpendicularity of the various faces of the cube are highly accurate. Various assembly and testing components of the assembly machine are attached to the various remaining perpendicular and parallel (vertical and horizontal) faces or surfaces of the cube.

Abstract: A reconfigurable assembly machine includes a rigid platform, a plurality of identical modular supports which are arranged in an aligned, adjacent, longitudinally extending configuration, a plurality of links which form a continuous, recirculating chain and receive product fixtures, a chain drive module and idle module disposed at opposite ends of the longitudinally extending configuration of modular supports for translating the plurality of links and product fixtures and a plurality of work stations disposed on respective ones of the plurality of modular supports. The chain drive module also provides drive energy to the work stations in order that fabrication and assembly steps performed by such work stations occur in proper timed relationship to other steps and to movement of the chain and product fixtures.

Abstract: A reconfigurable assembly machine includes a rigid platform, a plurality of identical modular supports which are arranged in an aligned, adjacent, longitudinally extending configuration, a plurality of links which form a continuous, recirculating chain and receive product fixtures, a chain drive module and idle module disposed at opposite ends of the longitudinally extending configuration of modular supports for translating the plurality of links and product fixtures and a plurality of work stations disposed on respective ones of the plurality of modular supports. The chain drive module also provides drive energy to the work stations in order that fabrication and assembly steps performed by such work stations occur in proper timed relationship to other steps and to movement of the chain and product fixtures.

Abstract: The invention is a machine for processing tubes. Preferably the machine is adapted to create glass flares by flaring an end of each tube and then cutting a length off the flared end. The machine includes several holding devices, each of which is adapted to hold a tube, preferably in a generally horizontal position. Each holding device is pivotally connected to two adjacent holding devices to thereby form an endless loop. The endless loop of holding devices is adapted to travel in a first endless path, preferably obround. The machine includes devices for continuously moving the endless loop of holding devices in the first endless path. The machine also includes a plurality of tube processing devices, such as flaring heads, which are also adapted to travel in a smaller endless path, preferably circular.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electronically controlled movement and positioning. The method includes encoding absolute position signals, reading out digital velocity signals from a memory responsive to the absolute position signals in accordance with a velocity-position profile, converting the digital velocity signals to analog signals and scaling the analog signals so that they may be used to drive a motor. The apparatus is a programmable electronic controller which performs the method.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning and feeding the elongated objects comprising a vibrating bowl for receiving elongated objects, the bowl having a base portion, a side wall, and a ramp spiralling around the inner perimeter of the side wall such that the elongated objects are conveyed from the bottom end of the ramp adjacent the base portion along the upper surface of the ramp to the top end of the ramp, first and second sorting stations positioned along the ramp within the bowl for removing bent objects and limiting the number of elongated objects conveying along the ramp in side-by-side relationship and an escape chute for feeding the elongated objects sequentially from the top end of the ramp. The bent objects are removed and the number of objects passing along the ramp reduced by the first and second sorting station having narrowed ramp widths and associated inclines.

Abstract: A multiple position programmable movement machine including movable transfer means; means for producing signals indicating the actual position of the transfer means; drive means coupled to the transfer means for moving the transfer means; and programmable electronic control means for the drive means to position the transfer means at a plurality of selected positions. The control includes segmented velocity-position profile means to produce velocity profile outputs in response to actual position signals and modification signal generation means for producing a modification signal at about the final velocity-position segment to correct differences between the actual and selected positions of the transfer means.