Abstract: An accumulating conveyor of the walking beam type is presented in which a walking shuttle mechanism selectively lifts articles from a stationary portion of a conveyor only when downstream positions of the stationary portion of the conveyor are free to receive them. Sensors at each holding station along the shuttle mechanism are used to detect the absence or presence of an article at each holding station to supply a detection signal to the conveyor controller.

Abstract: A conveyor system is provided and comprises an elongated frame having a plurality of rollers mounted to the frame in a spaced and parallel relationship so that the rollers define an elongated conveyor track along which a series of workpieces are transported. A plurality of work stations are defined at predetermined longitudinally spaced positions along the track while work stops associated with the frame selectively engage and hold the workpieces at the individual work stations. The rollers between the work stations are continuously rotatably driven at a constant speed while, conversely, a friction drive arrangement is used to rotatably drive the rollers at the work station. The friction drive permits the work station rollers to remain stationary when a workpiece is held at the work station.

Abstract: A universal joint is provided and comprises a male and female member which are rotatably coupled together even when the members are not in axial alignment with each other. The female member includes a socket with a polygonal cross-sectional shape while the male member includes a spherical portion having polygonal faces circumscribed diametrically therearound. The spherical portion is insertable into the socket whereby the polygonal faces on the spherical portion mesh with the polygonal socket in the female member so that the two members are rotatably drivingly coupled together.

Abstract: An improved clamp is provided for clamping a pair of crossing elongated members together wherein the members cross each other at a predetermined angle. The clamp comprises a base which is disposed between the elongated members at their intersection and includes a channel formed on each side of the base for receiving the elongated members therein. The free ends of a U-bolt are disposed through registering apertures in the base so that one of the elongated members is entrapped in one of the channels and between the U-bolt and the base. A bar having apertures which register with the free ends of the U-bolt is placed over the free ends so that the other elongated member is entrapped in the other channel between the bar and the base. Nut members threadably engage the free ends of the U-bolt to secure the bar to the U-bolt and to thereby clamp the elongated members together at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A transfer shuttle is alternately moved in a forward motion and then a rearward motion by a rotary power drive. As the rotary power drive is rotated through an arc of 180.degree., a dog, coupled to the power drive, is accelerated and then decelerated before engaging the work piece transfer member, and then accelerated and decelerated after engaging the transfer member to complete its forward motion.