Abstract: A novel control arrangement is provided for controlling the operation of the heating electrodes of a brazing machine for forming a joint between an armature wire and a commutator bar. The heating electrodes are brought into contact with the armature wire and commutator bar at the point where they are to be joined, and fiber-optic means are provided for collecting radiant energy emitted from a point at or adjacent to the joint area as the joint is being heated. The collected radiant energy is converted into a usable electronic signal representative of the temperature at the joint area, and the heating electrodes are actuated on and off in response to the electronic signal when the temperature at the joint reaches predetermined upper and lower temperature levels. As a result, the temperature of the heating electrodes and joint area is maintained within a desired temperature range while the joint is being formed.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in continuously assembling joinable ring shanks and ring settings into a corresponding unitary jewelry type ring comprising supporting means; advancing means operatively connected to the supporting means including at least one work holding means which removably receives a ring setting and ring shank for successively and incrementally advancing the work holding means, as well as ring shank and setting, from at least a loading station to a plurality of discrete working stations, including at least a ring shank testing station, and a bonding station, ring shank testing means located at the ring shank testing station for accurately testing for the presence and correct alignment of the ring shank with respect to the corresponding ring setting in the work holding means; and bonding means situated at the bonding station for selectively bonding the aligned jewelry ring.

Abstract: Apparatus for joining a first workpiece from a supply station to a second workpiece at a work station which accurately positions the first workpiece in engagement with the second workpiece at a predetermined location spaced from the periphery of the second workpiece. Positioning means are provided for transferring the first workpiece from the supply station to the work station in a manner such that the first workpiece is spaced from the second workpiece during such transfer until it is moved to the predetermined location in engagement with the second workpiece. The positioning means includes a transfer guide and a transfer device for transferring the first workpiece along the transfer guide to the work station.