Abstract: The disclosure relates to a portable device adapted to handle objects which are not to be touched by hand. A piston and bore wall form a vacuum chamber communicating with an adaptor sealably engageable with an object to be lifted. The piston is manually moved and set to establish vacuum. A valve is manually actuatable to apply the vacuum to lift the object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the time cycle of a vibratory finishing machine by providing a workpiece finishing media transfer device for transferring finishing media from a suitable source thereof to inlet and outlet zones of the finishing chamber and providing a ratioing mechanism for selectively proportioning the media supplied from the source thereof to the first and second transfer means.

Abstract: A workpiece separating and unloading device is disclosed for use with vibratory finishing machines of the type comprising a generally circular or annular finishing bowl; the device comprises a generally horizontally disposed workpiece separating screening assembly and a dam or weir which is movably supported so as to be positionable above the level of the finishing media and workpieces within the bowl during a normal finishing operation and being selectively movable to a downward or lower position extending generally transversely of the path of movement of the workpieces and media within the bowl to cause the media-workpiece mixture to be moved onto the upper surface of the separator screen whereby the workpieces are conveyed to some predetermined destination and the finishing media drops downwardly through the separator screen back into the interior of the finishing bowl; the dam or weir is mounted upon a pivot arm which is secured within the central enclosure or dome of the finishing bowl and is pivotable a

Abstract: A vibratory finishing machine comprising a tub-like container having a substantially open upper side and defining a peripheral rim portion, the container adapted to receive workpieces and finishing media, means for imparting vibratory movement to the container and thereby causing the media to perform a finishing operation on the workpieces, a support structure for the container and including a base adapted to rest upon a support surface, the support structure also including a bin support section projecting upwardly from the base to a position subjacent the rim portion of the container, spring connected between the uppermost part of the support section and the container rim for resiliently supporting the container thereon, a vibratory mechanism including an eccentrically weighted vibratory shaft arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container at a position located below the container and offset asymmetrically from the center of the container.

Abstract: A workpiece holding apparatus for spindle finishing machines and the like, the apparatus including a plurality of radially arranged workpiece holders mounted for rotation about a first axis and including cooperating gear elements for rotating each of the holders about its respective longitudinal axis in response to rotation of the entire assemblage of holders about the first mentioned axis; a cam arrangement is provided whereby each of the holders may be actuated between a first condition securing workpieces on the holders and a second condition permitting workpieces to be removed, such as after a finishing operation has been completed.

Abstract: A coupling for tubular members in mechanically flexible fluid tight relation, and providing cooperative means permitting limited axial, angular, and radial misalignment, while maintaining fluid tight connection. The unique design of this coupling allows for accommodating the various misalignments with assurance of fluid tight connection in a straight forward, inexpensive manner. Optional features which provide for damping of vibrations from the fluid lines to the coupling and means opposing axial forces tending to separate the fluid lines connected by the coupling are also disclosed.