Abstract: A motor control circuit for disconnecting the motor's power supply when the motor is stalled but maintaining it connected when it is running comprising a power loop and control loop, the former including a signal sensing means which provides an output sensing signal whose magnitude is a function of the motor's state in series with an ON, OFF switching means' input-output terminals which is responsive to the magnitude of a control signal applied to its control terminal to control its state. The control loop comprises a counter which provides a control output signal in response to a predetermined count and whose input is fed by the output of a voltage controlled oscillator whose frequency is a function of the magnitude of the output sensing signal of the signal sensing means to which it is connected. A resetting means is coupled to the reset terminal of the counter for periodically resetting the counter. The output control signal from the counter is fed to the control terminal of the switching means.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring articles such as cans from a receiving station to a stacking platform to form a preselected article array on the platform. The apparatus includes a transfer carriage shiftable along a horizontal path between positions overlying the station and the platform, and a subcarriage mounted on the carriage for vertical shifting relative thereto. Mounted on the subcarriage for shifting in a substantially horizontal path extending transversely of the transfer carriage path are a plurality of carriers, each carrying an article-gripping device which includes a powered assembly mounted for limited vertical displacement relative to the subcarriage, and gripping members operatively connected to the assembly for movement, under the control thereof, between gripping and release positions. A sensor associated with at least one of the assemblies is operable to sense relative vertical movement between the assembly and the subcarriage, to signal a desired can loading or unloading operation.

Abstract: The actuator assembly is a unitary structure comprising a self-braking rotary power unit and a spring clutch mounted on a frame and interconnected so that the spring clutch transmits the rotary driving force of the power unit to a load to thereby effect its movement in one direction, the power unit and spring clutch co-acting when the power unit is inoperative to hold the load in a selected position. An electro-magnetic device coacts with the spring clutch to cause the spring to disengage and allow the load to move in a direction opposite of the one direction.

Abstract: The unitary spring clutch and actuator assembly has a spring clutch subassembly comprising a shaft for supporting two axially spaced input and output drums which are surrounded by a helically wound spring, one end of which is connected to a control sleeve or collar surrounding the spring. The collar has a stop element which coacts with the actuator subassembly to control rotation of the collar and hence engagement or disengagement of the spring from the input and output drums. The actuator subassembly includes a fixed frame for supporting an electro-magnetic control device which is adapted to engage and disengage from the stop element. The spring clutch and actuator subassemblies are secured together at one end portion of the shaft, which projects through an opening in the frame, and by a retaining member constructed and arranged to engage the tubular shaft and frame. A bearing is interposed between the shaft and frame to facilitate rotation of the shaft relative to the fixed frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support means for an actuating arm which is pivotally movable into and out of engagement with a stop element of a spring control element of a spring clutch. The support means includes a frame having a suitable opening for slidably receiving the actuating arm and a retaining member resiliently gripping the frame to retain the actuating arm in the opening in the frame.