Abstract: A telescoping die for use in place of a conventional fixed die in a multi-axis tube bender. The telescoping die provides a means of automatically varying the distance to the moveable die thereby increasing the range of possible bend radii that can be formed while maintaining a close positioning between the feed mechanism and the telescoping die.

Abstract: A ring expander and assembly machine, having a loading station, a spreading station and assembly station, is operable to expand a spiral retaining ring in place on a workpiece. Spiral retaining rings with locking tabs and slots are transported on a shuttle from the loading station to the spreading station, at which location, scraper blades and fulcrum cams cooperate to spread the ring and remove the tabs from the slots so that an expansible collar assembly can be used to expand the ring. A transporter moves the collar assembly with the ring to the assembly station where a stripper sleeve removes the ring from the collar assembly to the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of utilization of the same of a quick change tool coupling for a rotational metal working or like machine. The present invention provides a tool holding coupling for use with machines with an automatic tool exchanger. Use of the present invention allows the elimination of the drawbar mechanism commonly used in standard metal working machines, while providing axial bending rigidity for the tool.

Abstract: A connecting rod fracture machine for fracture separating the caps and bodies of integrally formed connecting rod workpieces includes a cryogenic cooling station for embrittling the large ends, a fracture station for fracture separation of the embrittled cap and body portions, a warming station for returning fractured assemblies to ambient temperature and transfer mechanism for moving the workpieces between stations. The fracture station includes separable pilots for receiving the large end bores of the pieces to be fractured, an impact separation ram for rapidly separating the pilots to effect fracture separation and anti-rotation clamp means movable with the respective pilots and requiring linear separating motions of the caps from the connecting rod bodies.

Abstract: A three-axis wrist mechanism has three independent rotational axes with a point of mutual intersection. A stationary housing contains one of the axes while another axis is disposed in a tool support member. An intermediate axis is disposed in an intermediate housing. A plurality of gear trains provide the independent rotation of components about the three axes to permit selective positioning of a tool mounting surface within a substantially hemispherical envelope. The gear trains are arranged so that an unobstructed gear passage is maintained between the stationary base and the tool support member for accommodating hoses and/or wires which are used to transmit fluid and power to a tool mounted on the mounting surface of the tool support member.

Abstract: An electromagnetic fuel injector includes an electromagnet actuated flexible disc valve that is biased toward a closed position in seating engagement with an associate valve seat by a spring associated with the armature of a solenoid and is biased toward an open position relative to the valve seat by an opposed spring upon energization of the electromagnet.

Abstract: A guide device for the supply lines that lead to the work tool at the work end of a multi-axis manipulator's boom. The guide device includes a slidable block positioned to the rear of the wrist assembly of the boom and connected by a flexible cable to the work tool for controlling bending of the supply lines so as to minimize twisting thereof as the work tool is moved about a pair of intersecting axes.

Abstract: A support device for a long rotating cylindrical bar that includes three hydraulic cylinders located in a common vertical plane and each having a roller for supporting the bar. The hydraulic cylinders are located in a hydraulic circuit which includes an assembly for cushioning and dampening vibratory movement of the bar during high speed rotation thereof.