Abstract: A tool condition monitoring system monitors the power consumption of a tool during performance of a cyclical task. The system monitors a plurality of characteristics of the power consumption and diagnoses the condition of the tool based upon the plurality of characteristics. A rule base of the plurality of characteristics is generated in a learning mode by monitoring a tool of known condition for a plurality of cycles. In monitor mode, the system monitors the power consumption of a tool and diagnosis the condition of the tool by indexing the rule base based upon the plurality of characteristics monitored.

Abstract: A tool condition monitoring system monitors the power consumption of a tool during performance of a cyclical task. The system monitors a plurality of characteristics of the power consumption and diagnoses the condition of the tool based upon the plurality of characteristics. A rule base of the plurality of characteristics is generated in a learning mode by acquiring a tool of known condition for a plurality of cycles. In monitor mode, the system monitors the power consumption of a tool and diagnosis the condition of the tool by indexing the rule base based upon the plurality of characteristics monitored. In addition, a method is disclosed wherein the band may be modified for accommodating tool wear and avoiding nuisance detection such that the system can keep monitoring in tool's lifetime.

Abstract: A tool monitoring system monitors the condition of an electrically powered tool performing a cyclical operation. The tool monitoring system operates generally in two modes: learning mode and monitor mode. In learning mode, the tool monitoring system gathers statistical data on the power consumption of tools of the selected tool type during learning cycles. A power threshold is generated based upon the statistical data. The tool monitoring system then counts the number of crossings by each of the learning cycles of the power threshold and generates statistical data regarding the number of crossings. Preferably, the mathematical operation of wavelet packet transform is used to calculate the power threshold. Feature wavelet packets of the power consumption signal of the tool are calculated. The power consumption signal is then reconstructed from the feature wavelet packets and used to determine the power threshold.

Abstract: Apparatus for fracturing, into a bearing cap and a connecting rod, an integral preform which defines a cylindrical aperture and two spaced-apart bolt seat shoulders includes a guide member that defines a first guideway along which moves a first slide member, the latter in turn definlng a second guideway parallel to the first, along which a second slide member moves. A split mandrel has an upper part fixed with respect to the first slide member and a lower part fixed with respect to the guide member. The split mandrel halves define an internal tapered passageway for receiving a wedge capable of forcing the mandrel halves apart. Projections on the second slide member contact the bolt seat shoulders when the cylindrical aperture of the preform receives the split mandrel, and a camming member urges the second slide member toward the mandrel.

Abstract: An improved workpiece carrier for transfer machines includes a frame, a plurality of upright support members, and a rack and pinion arrangement for adjusting the vertical position of the support members simultaneously with respect to the frame. A horizontally extending transfer bar is provided, and a plurality of carrier brackets are secured to the support member and in turn receive and support the transfer bar such as to permit free horizontal movement of the transfer bar in its long direction, while restraining movement of the transfer bar in directions perpendicular to its long direction. Affixed to the transfer bar are housing elements which include gripping devices for locating and retaining workpieces.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving workpieces from a relatively close spacing to a relatively distant spacing includes a block supporting a gear shaft for rotation, the gear shaft defining at least one pinion gear and at least two elongated rack elements which engage the pinion gear at diametrically opposed locations, so that rotation of the gear shaft causes the racks to slide in opposite directions. The racks are connected to gripping devices which can grip the workpieces for movement therewith.

Abstract: A fracturing tool for connecting rods has a first and second body prepared from material with a grain direction, each body having a semi-cylindrical protuberance with an axis substantially parallel with the grain of the material. The two protuberances together define a substantially cylindrical mandrel which can be placed within the large bore of a connecting rod which is to be cracked. The bodies are mounted so that one of them is slidable toward and away from the other in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the mandrel. The method of making the tool includes mounting the bodies on a rotary table having an axis of rotation coaxial with that of the mandrel. The rotary table rotates while a grinding wheel finish grinds the mandrel surface.

Abstract: A precision depth spindle is mounted to rotate within a cartridge but is restrained against axial movement with respect to the cartridge. The cartridge is mounted for axial sliding movement within a housing, but cannot rotate with respect to the housing. A tool chuck is fixed to one end of the spindle for movement with the spindle, the tool chuck supporting a cutting tool. A spindle stop is mounted to the tool chuck and can rotate with respect to the chuck. This allows the spindle stop to be maintained stationary while the tool chuck and the cutting tool rotate. The spindle stop is finely adjustable axially with respect to the tool chuck, thus determining the depth to which the cutting tool will enter a workpiece. The cartridge has a limited axial motion range with respect to the housing, and both the spindle and cartridge are urged toward the workpiece with respect to the housing by a suitable spring or pressure means.

Abstract: A combination of a workpiece support means and a workstation allow a workpiece to be positioned for machining. The support includes a precision way and a transfer fixture slidable along the way. The transfer fixture has precision ground datum markers for locating a workpiece in the vertical sense, and supports means providing an upright surface against which the workpiece can be urged, thus establishing for the workpiece a limit position in one horizontal direction. Locator devices are provided to clamp the workpiece into a predetermined position in the horizontal direction at right angles to the direction established by the upright surface, and a transfer bar or the like moves the transfer fixture. At the workstation there is provided a clamping device for urging the workpiece downwardly against the datum markers, a further clamping device for urging the workpiece firmly against the upright surface, and a third clamping device for clamping the transfer fixture against the precision way.

Abstract: In an automated machine tool assembly where a plurality of work stations are interconnected by slide rails on which pallets can slide, the pallets having workpieces affixed to them, with at least one transfer bar for engaging a pallet and sliding the pallet longitudinally along the slide rails, a hydraulic lift and monitoring system includes a plurality of hydraulic cylinders in the transfer bar, a plunger in each cylinder, and a first source of pressurized fluid which urges each plunger upwardly against a pallet. The first source of pressurized fluid is adjustable so as to pre-set the pressure with which the plungers are urged upwardly. A second source of fluid under pressure is linked through the cylindrical chambers in series to a pressure-sensitive switch such that, if a plunger fails to rise to its uppermost position when not loaded with a pallet, the operator is given a signal from the switch that a malfunction exists.

Abstract: A two-stage lift arm for raising a transfer bar used in a multi-station machining assembly includes a central pivot at which it is mounted for rotation in a vertical plane about a horizontal axis, a primary lift roller spaced a first distance from the central pivot location, a secondary lift roller spaced a second distance from the central pivot location, the second distance being greater than the first distance, and means for positively rotating the lift arm between a first position in which only the primary lift roller contacts the transfer bar, a second position in which both rollers contact the transfer bar, and a third position in which only the second lift roller contacts the transfer bar.

Abstract: An automated machine tool assembly has a plurality of work stations between which pallets with workpieces mounted on them can be moved for the performing of various machine tool operations on the workpieces. The pallets slide on slide rails, and during their movement an upward force is exerted on the pallets which is sufficient to reduce the frictional drag between the pallets and the slide rails, but is insufficient to lift the pallets off the slide rails.