Abstract: A linear pick-and-place drive mechanism for relocating articles with finite adjustable maximum translation stroke range and finite adjustable lift stroke range, using selective placement of a translation cam follower into one of several spaced adjustment holes along the length of a translation arm, and selective placement of a lift cam follower into one of several spaced adjustment holes along the length of a lift arm. Pivoting motion of both the translation arm and the lift arm is driven by a single plate-type drive cam having a translation cam track on one side thereof and a lift cam track on the opposite side thereof, resulting in minimal housing size and reduced power requirements.

Abstract: A fully enclosed cam-actuated drive device for providing both lift and translational movements, incorporating protection against damage in either horizontal or vertical overload situations, achieved by providing optional spring protection along the vertical and/or horizontal axes, a roller gear cam for lift motion, a barrel cam for translational motion, translation guide rods, a translational carriage assembly slidably received on the translation guide rods, an input drive shaft, and vertical lift rods. The device may be configured as a walking beam device to impart a U-shaped output motion, or alternatively a closed box-shaped motion, as desired. A split carriage assembly reduces backlash of the device and a sliding dust cover prevents foreign objects from entering the drivers cam-actuated internal operating structure.

Abstract: An improved drive apparatus for use with linear pick-and-place assembly devices is disclosed, which drive apparatus includes a movable carriage having an improved guide track assembly. The guide track assembly comprises a series of V-rollers and mating V-tracks to provide the vertical and horizontal translational movements for a linear pick-and-place assembly device's output member. The guide track assembly includes V-roller elements which can be eccentrically adjusted to create a tight, pre-loaded sliding engagement with the mating V-tracks, all so as to substantially eliminate any undesired end play movement within the movable carriage.

Abstract: An improved cam-actuated drive apparatus is disclosed for use with walking beam transfer devices. The improved drive apparatus includes a sngle drive unit having two cams keyed to a common drive shaft and with an output dial mounting member providing both rotary and lifting motions, a lift carriage assembly operatively raised and lowered by the output dial mounting member to which the lift carriage assembly is rotatably mounted by a bearing member, a horizontal slide carriage assembly which is supported on the lift carriage assembly for sliding movement relative thereto, and a crank arm mounted to an extended hub of the output dial mounting member and rotatably connected to the horizontal slide carriage assembly, which arm translates rotational motion of the output dial mounting member into linear sliding motion of the horizontal slide carriage assembly relative to the lift carriage assembly.

Abstract: A lock assembly for a transmission gear shift lever that uses a detent latch-type lock pivotably mounted to a support structure adjacent to the transmission gear shift lever. Upon rotation of the latch, a locking arm is mated with the gear shift lever thereby securing it in the neutral position. The lock functions primarily as a safety device to hold the gear shift lever of the vehicle's transmission in a neutral position thereby preventing damage or bodily injury that could occur if the shift lever is accidentally or unintentionally jarred thereby placing the transmission into gear.

Abstract: An engine compartment enclosure for reducing sound emission from the engine while providing adequate air flow through the engine compartment for cooling and accessibility to the interior thereof for servicing. An upwardly swingable hood panel, a downwardly swingable service panel and an outwardly swingable sound barrier panel are operatively connected such that the sound barrier panel, when closed, secures both the hood and service panels in their closed position allowing a single latch to function as a security lock for controlling access to the engine compartment. Upon unlatching and swinging the sound barrier panel outwardly, the hood panel may be raised and the service panel lowered providing complete access to the interior of the engine compartment.