Abstract: An automatic accumulating transfer mechanism is provided comprising a frame having a pair of spaced and substantially parallel support rails secured near the top of the frame and upon which a series of workpieces are slidably mounted. Each workpiece is positioned at a work station defined along the support rails at evenly spaced intervals from each other. A plurality of pusher dogs are longitudinally slidably mounted to the frame at spaced intervals from each other and so that one pusher dog is associated with each work station. Moreover, each pusher dog is pivotal between an upper workpiece engaging position and a lower workpiece clearing position. A reciprocal drive device longitudinally moves the pusher dogs in unison with each other from its associated work station and to the next forward work station while a knockdown bar moves all of the pusher dogs to their lower position at or near the forwardmost travel of the pusher dogs.

Abstract: An automatic accumulating lift and carry mechanism is provided and comprises an elongated frame having a plurality of work support members secured to and spaced longitudinally along the frame on each lateral side thereof which form work stations adapted to receive and support a workpiece. A main carriage assembly is longitudinally slidably mounted to the frame and a drive mechanism longitudinally reciprocally moves the carriage assembly between a forward and a retracted position. A pair of lifting members are pivotally secured to the main carriage assembly for each work station and are pivotal between an upper and a lower position. In their upper position, the lifting members engage and elevate a workpiece above the work support members at that work station while, in their lower position, the lifting members release the work onto the work support members.

Abstract: An automatic accumulating lift and carry transfer mechanism is provided comprising an elongated frame having a plurality of work support members secured to and spaced longitudinally along the frame. Each lateral pair of work support members forms a work station adapted to receive and support a workpiece thereon. A carriage assembly is longitudinally slidably mounted to the frame and, in addition, is vertically slidable between an upper and lower position. A drive mechanism is mechanically coupled to the carriage assembly for longitudinally reciprocally moving the carriage assembly in a forward direction with the carriage assembly in its upper position for a distance equal to the interval between adjacent work stations and for subsequently retracting the carriage assembly in its lowered position.

Abstract: A torque limiting coupling for transmitting torque to a tubular member from a driving shaft extending axially throughout the tubular member, and more particularly for driving a conveyor roller from a power shaft, the torque limiting coupling comprising the driving shaft having a polygonal peripheral shape about its portion projecting through the tubular member, and a plurality of resilient spherical members disposed loosely in the tubular member between the peripheral surface of the polygonal portions of the shaft and the inner bore surface of the tubular member, the diameter of the resilient members being larger than the widest distance between the peripheral surface of the polygonal shaft portion and the inner bore surface of the tubular member.

Abstract: A work piece conveyor particularly suitable for moving piston connecting rods. The conveyor comprises at least two stands secured to base in a spaced apart relationship from each other. A pair of spaced and parallel rail members are secured to and between the stands in a generally horizontal elevation. A rough assembly having an elongated base portion is positioned beneath and parallel to the rail members so that the base of the trough assembly is spaced apart from the rail members at a predetermined distance. An oscillating mechanism is utilized to vertically oscillate the trough assembly relative to the rail members.The piston connecting rods are placed on the conveyor so that the ring portion of the piston rod connector is supported by the rail members and the elongated rod portion of the piston rod connector depends downwardly and abuts against the rough assembly base portion.

Abstract: A torque limiting coupling for transmitting torque to a tubular member from a driving shaft extending axially throughout the tubular member, and more particularly for driving a conveyor roller from a power shaft, the torque limiting coupling comprising the driving shaft having a polygonal peripheral shape about its portion projecting through the tubular member, and an elongated resilient cylindrical member disposed loosely in the tubular member between the peripheral surface of the polygonal portion of the shaft and the inner bore surface of the tubular member, the diameter of the resilient member being larger than the widest distance between the peripheral surface of the polygonal shaft portion and the inner bore surface of the tubular member.