Abstract: A device for prehemming at least a portion of an upstanding flange of a sheet metal panel which has a tapered roller which is moved into engagement with the flange while moving the roller along the flange with its axis of rotation disposed in a path which is substantially parallel to the fold line of the flange along the periphery of the panel. The roller is journalled for rotation on an arm pivotally carried by a slide which is moved by a drive cylinder along a lineal path generally parallel to the fold line of the portion of the flange to be prehemmed. As the slide moves linearly the arm is pivoted to move the roller transversely by a follower carried by the arm and received in an elongate cam track having a portion contoured to impart pivotal movement of the arm to cause the roller to follow the desired path of travel substantially parallel to the fold line of the flange for prehemming the flange by bending it to an acute included angle relative to an adjoining portion of the panel.

Abstract: Clamping mechanism for clamping a plate to a base comprises an arm having a clamp head on one end and a sleeve slidably receiving the arm. The sleeve is mounted for rotation on an axis perpendicular to the arm. A drive is provided to rotate the sleeve from a first position to a second position in which the arm is disposed with its head in position to clamp the plate to the base and to slide the arm through the sleeve when the sleeve is in the second position to draw the head tightly against the plate and clamp it to the base.

Abstract: An unscrambling conveyor includes two side-by-side sets of rollers arranged in a herringbone pattern on either side of a central axis. The rollers of the two sets are positioned at different angles with respect to the axis and the drive speeds for the rollers are chosen to provide equal and opposite forces in the lateral direction and unequal but similarly directed forces in the axial direction. The sets of rollers are divided into zones having progressively increasing roller speeds in the downstream direction with the zones staggered with respect to one another on either side of the central axis. The lateral and axial forces drive articles on the conveyor toward and away from the center axis depending on the roller speeds in the staggered zones and in the downstream direction while imparting a twist to the articles. The successive zones of increasing speed stretch a randomly arranged mass of articles into a single file line.

Abstract: A method of forming a hydrostatic nut that cooperates with a lead screw for translating a wheel head, or carriage, on a grinding machine, such as a cam grinder. A lead screw, which is externally threaded, is inserted into a cylindrical mold, which is internally threaded. The lead screw is retained therein by pressure plates that seal off opposite ends of the open bore of the mold.A continuous cavity is defined between the internal threads on the nut and the external threads on the lead screw. An epoxy resin or other castable polymer is introduced through an inlet port in the mold into the cavity. The castable polymer is allowed to cure into a rigid mass that adheres to the internal threads on the mold. The lead screw is removed, and the mold may be machined to its final configuration as a hydrostatic nut.At least one helical channel is defined in the outer surface of the rigid mass adhered to the mold.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting a carrier for welding equipment or the like along a predetermined path comprises a latching mechanism capable of releasably latching onto the carrier. The latching mechanism has a pair of latch arms mounted on a latch housing. The latch arms have adjacent ends which are adapted to engage forwardly and rearwardly facing abutment surfaces on the carrier when the latch arms are extended. The latch arms diverge from their adjacent ends in directions away from one another and at their opposite ends have slidable pivotal connections with the latch housing. Linkage interconnects the latch arms so that they move in unison. A drag link is provided to extend the arms into latching engagement with the abutment surfaces on the carrier, and to retract the arms.

Abstract: Magnesium oxychloride cement bonds are improved by incorporation of graphite. The graphite not only contributes to cooler dry grinding with abrasive tools based on the magnesium oxychloride bond, but unexpectedly also improves heat strength of the bond.

Abstract: A press with both prehemming and final hemming tools or steels each driven by the same prime mover. Each steel is mounted on a separate carrier driven through separate toggle joints to advance and retract the steels for prehemming and final hemming of an upturned flange along an edge of a steel panel. To facilitate synchronizing the operation of at least two presses, the prime mover may be a screw and servo motor drive assembly.

Abstract: A variable speed drive mechanism for transferring a workpiece in an accelerated and decelerated motion comprising a pair of spaced carrier arms driven by a main shaft that rotates through a fixed stationary gear. A set of pulleys is mounted between the carrier arms and a flexible drive member drivingly connects the stationary gear and the pulleys. One of the set of pulleys drives a pair of bellcranks each of which is operatively connected to a transfer arm through a roller and cam slot arrangement. The connection between the bellcrank and the transfer arm provides a more desirable acceleration and deceleration movement of the transfer arms.

Abstract: A grinding machine provided with a spindle rotating under the influence of a cantilever mounted rare earth permanent magnet motor. Hydrostatic fluid film bearings are provided between the ends of the spindle and a bronze bearing to support the spindle in such a manner so as to eliminate wear. A single oil reservoir is used to supply oil to the hydrostatic bearings, as well as to the cooling jacket of the motor.

Abstract: An unscrambling conveyor includes two side-by-side sets of rollers arranged in a herringbone pattern on either side of a central axis. The rollers of the two sets are positioned at different angles with respect to the axis and the drive speeds for the rollers are chosen to provide equal and opposite forces in the lateral direction and unequal but similarly directed forces in the axial direction. The sets of rollers are divided into zones having progressively increasing roller speeds in the downstream direction with the zones staggered with respect to one another on either side of the central axis. The lateral and axial forces drive articles on the conveyor toward and away from the center axis depending on the roller speeds in the staggered zones and in the downstream direction while imparting a twist to the articles. The successive zones of increasing speed stretch a randomly arranged mass of articles into a single file line.

Abstract: A grinding machine utilizing multiple, parallel, endless, abrasive belts for simultaneously grinding several surfaces on a workpiece, such as cam lobes on a cam shaft. The grinding machine includes a contouring head assembly comprising a plurality of contour feed units, each contour unit including a curved back-up shoe, a back-up shoe holder, an adaptor for mounting the shoe holder, and a ball-spline mechanism is secured to the adaptor for transmitting power from a drive motor to the back-up shoe to press an abrasive belt, associated with the back-up shoe against a workpiece. A locating lip is defined on each adaptor, and a reference pad is established on the contouring head assembly.The adapters are divided into an upper and lower row, and the locating lips are formed oversized. One row of lips is ground to a desired distance from the reference pad, and the other row of lips is then ground relative to the previously ground row of locating lips.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for the contouring head assembly of a belt grinding machine that employs multiple, parallel, abrasive grinding belts, and back-up shoes for pressing the belts against the surfaces on a workpiece to be ground. The locking mechanism secures the contouring head assembly to the bed of the grinding machine. The locking mechanism includes a protrusion, such as a ball, that is carried by the contouring head assembly and a pivotable arm with a socket defined near its free end. The pivotable arm is secured to a shaft that is driven by a rotary actuator, that is powered by a hydraulic motor. The socket engages the protrusion to securely support one side of the contouring feed assembly. A hydraulic cylinder forces a tapered plunger against the pivotable arm to enhance the locking action.