Abstract: A detector plate for an overload clutch, the detector plate having at its peripheral edge a flat metal spiral retaining ring for providing improved detection by an adjacent proximity switch device. The spiral retaining ring provides an appropriate metal motion detection surface, for the customary plastic detector plate, any movement of which can be detected by the proximity switch. As an alternate embodiment, a metal surface coating can be formed onto the plastic detector plate to permit proximity switch detection of any movement of the detector plate.

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 adjustable, precision overload clutch device is disclosed as comprising a rotating driving member drivingly coupled by spring-urged detent plunger members to a driven member, in which bearings are provided for journalably mounting the head of each plunger member to the driving member, and spring adjusting members which permit pre-loading by the spring of each detent plunger and associated bearings. This combination allows the overload clutch to achieve a high locational accuracy upon each resetting after clearance of an obstruction. Elastomeric springs are preferably used for the detent plunger springs, so that by use of the adjusting member, the overload torque range for the precision overload clutch can be substantially adjusted (within limits) as desired for a given application. The clutch also includes structure to make it moisture resistant, including when coupled to an intermittent drive unit, such as a motor-driven indexer, for example.

Abstract: A compact intermittent, linear motion transfer drive mechanism for a pick and place material handling apparatus incorporating a pair of oscillating crank arms for imparting motion along mutually perpendicular axes to linearly movable shaft members capable of imparting a desired motion sequence and positioning to work pieces coupled thereto in response to rotational movements of plate cam members mounted for rotation about a common, fixed-axis input shaft and wherein the cam members are arranged in parallel cooperating pairs, each cam being engaged by an associated follower roller rotatably carried on a follower crank shaft supported on an eccentrically adjustable axis to regulate follower-to-cam engagement. With this arrangement, the peripheral path of each plate cam intersects the rotational axis of its associated follower supporting crank shaft.

Abstract: A cam-driven, rotary-type, pick-and-place assembly apparatus for providing linear translation as well as rotary movement to a support member carrying a gripping mechanism, including a housing, motor-driven input shaft carrying two drive cams, a follower wheel assembly rotatably journaled on said housing and drivably oscillated by one of the drive cams, a main guide shaft and a secondary guide shaft slidably received within the follower wheel, the support member mounted stop the guide shafts, a connector plate joining the lower ends of the guide shafts, a follower wheel lift shaft assembly drivably oscillated by the other of the drive cams, the oscillated lift shaft assembly operatively connected to the connector plate and guide shafts by a toggle linkage assembly, which assembly permits simultaneous rotational and linear oscillation of the guide shafts.