Abstract: Health management of machines and/or equipment, such as gas turbine engines, airplanes, and industrial equipment using a model centric method.

Abstract: Health management of machines and/or equipment, such as gas turbine engines, airplanes, and industrial equipment using a model centric method.

Abstract: An article selection apparatus includes a housing with a hollow internal cavity in which is mounted a rotatable base. A peripheral, annular groove is formed in the base for aligning articles loosely disposed in the hollow cavity in the housing in single file. An inclined chute is mounted within the housing with a first end disposed in proximity with the groove in the base such that articles disposed in the groove are urged upward along the chute under centrifugal force imparted to the articles by rotation of the base and the momentum of succeeding, abutting articles in the groove. A discharge sleeve is mounted in the housing with one end disposed externally of the housing and another end located internally within cavity and spaced from the discharge end of the chute. Articles having a predetermined amount of momentum traverse the distance between the spaced ends of the chute and the sleeve for collection in the discharge sleeve.

Abstract: An improved device for offering high speed transfer of articles between first, second and third stations. The device includes a pair of gripping devices each of which is movable along a first path with the first gripping device being operative to pick up an article at the first station and deposit it at the second station. The other gripping means is effective to grip the article at the second station and move it to the third station for release.

Abstract: A material handling device including gripping means for gripping and moving a workpiece along linear and angular paths from a first location to a second location. First and second cam and follower arrangements generate defined amplitudes of movement in particular degrees of freedom, and linear and angular movement mechanisms are operative to transfer movement in these degrees of freedom into movement of the gripping means and the workpiece along the linear and angular paths. A sector gear transmission is interposed in the operative connection between the linear movement mechanism and its associated cam and follower arrangement for amplifying the amplitude of movement generated by the cam and follower for transfer by the linear movement mechanism into an enlarged amplitude of movement of the gripping means and the workpiece along the linear path.

Abstract: A material handling device for moving work pieces successively between adjacent work stations. The device includes a plurality of grippers, each supported on a common member. Each gripper is operative between a gripping position for gripping a work piece and a released position for depositing the work piece. A motion transfer device is incorporated for moving the grippers and their supporting member from a home position to a position where the grippers are each juxtaposed to a work station whereby the work piece in that station may be grasped. Once the work pieces are gripped, the motion transfer device moves the grippers and the supporting member to another position wherein each work piece will be positioned at to the next adjacent work station. The grippers are then released so that the work piece will be deposited and the grippers and their supporting member are returned to the home position.

Abstract: Several embodiments of material handling devices for moving a workpiece through a predetermined path. Each embodiment includes a gripping device for holding the workpiece and a supporting structure for permitting movement of the gripping device along two separate paths. A cam arrangement is also provided that includes at least one barrel cam and a second cam, both of which are fixed to a common shaft. Separate follower arrangements cooperate with each cam and operate to move the gripping device along each path of movement. In two embodiments, two barrel cams are employed. As a safety feature, an overload device is incorporated so that the mechanism will not be damaged in the event of jamming.

Abstract: An improved, low cost material handling apparatus adapated to grip a workpiece and move it from one place to another. The apparatus includes a pair of motion transfer devices, each of which is adapted to move a gripper in a respective direction between first and second extreme positions. One of the motion transfer devices moves the gripper in a pivotal directon. A timing mechanism is included that operates the motion transfer devices in sequence so as to move the workpiece from a home position to a work position. The mechanism also includes means for automatically moving the gripper between its gripping position and its released position when the workpiece is so transferred. By a relatively simple adjustment the sequence of operation may be reversed.

Abstract: A fastening device for affixing trim pieces to a backing piece. The fastening device comprises head forming tools for upsetting projections of the trim piece to secure them to the backing piece. In addition, a compression member is associated with the forming tool and is adapted to put a desired degree of precompression on the backing piece during the upsetting operation.

Abstract: An improved, low cost material handling apparatus adapted to grip a workpiece and move it from one place to another. The apparatus includes a pair of motion transfer device, each of which is adapted to move a gripping device in a respective direction between first and second extreme positions. A timing mechanism is included that operates the motion transfer device so as to move the workpiece from a home position to a work position. The mechanism also includes device for automatically moving the gripping device between its gripping position and its released position when the workpiece is so transferred. By the addition of certain elements the path of movement of the gripping means may be altered and by a relatively simple adjustment the sequence of operation may be reversed.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus adapted to grip a workpiece and move it from one position to another position where it is released. The apparatus includes gripping fingers that are pivotal between a released position and a gripping position and a carrier for the gripping fingers that is movable from a first position to a second position. Actuating means moves the gripping fingers to their gripping position when the positioning means move the carrier to a first position and for moving the gripping fingers to a released position when the positioning means moves the carrier to its second position.

Abstract: An improved, low cost material handling apparatus adapted to grip a workpiece and move it from one place to another. The apparatus includes a pair of motion transfer device, each of which is adapted to move a gripping device in a respective direction between first and second extreme positions. A timing mechanism is included that operates the motion transfer device so as to move the workpiece from a home position to a work position. The mechanism also includes device for automatically moving the gripping device between its gripping position and its released position when the workpiece is so transferred. By the addition of certain elements the path of movement of the gripping means may be altered and by a relatively simple adjustment the sequence of operation may be reversed.