Abstract: An endless accumulating conveyor with upper and lower runs and curved sections at the ends with a plurality of pallet trains each with at least two pallets releasably connected together by a latch at least while the pallet train is advanced over the upper run. The pallets are disconnected as each pallet is advanced around a curved section without being connected to any of the other pallets. The pallets may be held stationary and accumulated while the conveyor continues to run.

Abstract: An endless loop accumulating conveyor of the over/under type adapted to slidably support pallets and to frictionally transport them over both the upper and lower conveyor runs. The conveyor including a coupling to couple the pallet to the endless loop including a pin inserted into the endless loop to couple the pallet to the endless loop when the pallet is in the proximity of the curvilinear ends of the conveyor.

Abstract: An endless accumulating conveyor has upper and lower guide rails for supporting pallets. An endless roller chain has an upper run extending along the upper guide rails and a lower run extending along the lower guide rails. A dogging device on each pallet is engageable between the rollers of the chain to move the pallet with the chain along the upper and lower runs. A friction clutch for the dogging device of each pallet causes the dogging device to release and slip past the rollers of the chain when the pallet encounters a predetermined resistance to movement, as when it is desired to accumulate pallets. Mechanism is provided for positively propelling each pallet over the curved section at both ends of the conveyor from one run to the other without slipping.

Abstract: A rotary index table assembly including an annular positioning mechanism (22) that cooperates with an air bearing (30) to accurately position a rotary index table (14) on a base (12). The annular positioning mechanism (22) includes a base mounted crown gear (24), a table mounted crown gear (26) and a movable crown gear (28) that is moved out of engagement with the base and table mounted crown gears to permit the indexing rotation and that is thereafter moved into engagement with the base and table mounted crown gears to locate the table with respect to the base while the air bearing supports the table on the base to permit the accurate positioning. A rotary drive (18) of the table assembly is preferably constructed to include a double enveloping worm gear set (32) and a polygonal drive coupling (34) that are capable of transmitting relatively large torque to the table while still having a compact construction.

Abstract: A rotary index table assembly including an annular positioning mechanism (22) that cooperates with an air bearing (30) to accurately position a rotary index table (14) on a base (12). The annular positioning mechanism (22) includes a base mounted crown gear (24), a table mounted crown gear (26) and a movable crown gear (28) that is moved out of engagement with the base and table mounted crown gears to permit the indexing rotation and that is thereafter moved into engagement with the base and table mounted crown gears to locate the table with respect to the base while the air bearing supports the table on the base to permit the accurate positioning. A rotary drive (18) of the table assembly is preferably constructed to include a double enveloping worm gear set (32) and a polygonal drive coupling (34) that are capable of transmitting relatively large torque to the table while still having a compact construction.

Abstract: A variable speed drive mechanism for transferring a workpiece in an accelerated and decelerated motion comprising a pair of spaced carrier arms driven by a main shaft that rotates through a fixed stationary gear. A set of pulleys is mounted between the carrier arms and a flexible drive member drivingly connects the stationary gear and the pulleys. One of the set of pulleys drives a pair of bellcranks each of which is operatively connected to a transfer arm through a roller and cam slot arrangement. The connection between the bellcrank and the transfer arm provides a more desirable acceleration and deceleration movement of the transfer arms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for severing a workpiece wherein the workpiece is clamped at two axially spaced apart locations, and heated to reduce the tensile strength of the material, after which the axial spacing between the clamps is increased to pull the workpiece apart in the heated area. This apparatus and method may also be used in a flying environment; i.e., the severing apparatus travels with the workpiece to sever sections of a workpiece continuously emanating from a fabrication mill.

Abstract: A cut-off die set of the double cut type, in which sections of tubing are successively severed from a length of tubing, utilizing a notching cut followed by a severing cut. A rack and pinion assembly is used to transform the vertical reciprocating motion of the upper and lower platen into the horizintal reciprocating motion used for the notching stroke. The rack and pinion assembly comprises a rack mounted to the upper platen and a gear sector mounted to the lower platen, the gear sector includes a drive roller which engages a cam track on the cross slide. As the upper platen and lower platen are vertically reciprocated, the rack member causes the gear sector to rotate, sliding the drive roller through an arcuate path. Movement of the drive roller through the arcuate path causes the cross slide to move in a reciprocating manner in relation to the reciprocating motion of the upper and lower platens.

Abstract: A die cart adapted to be used for the removal and installation of a cut-off die set from the carriage of a cut-off press. Whereby a slide member operating on a set of guide rails mounted to an independent frame and driven by a drive screw assembly is coupled to the die set. The drive screw assembly is then rotated to pull the die set off the carriage of the cut-off press onto the die cart and the die cart is then removed. Further, the guide rails are pivotal about a point on the frame to enable the die cart to install and remove cut-off die sets secured from the inclined carriage of a cut-off press.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus allowing an operator to securely position and clamp a cut-off die set to the carriage of a cut-off press. The clamping arrangement includes outwardly beveled sides on the die set coacting with an inwardly beveled stop and an inwardly beveled eccentric clamping member. The clamping member being rotatable to allow the die set to be placed in the proper position on the carriage. After positioning the die set on the carriage, the eccentric clamping members are rotated to contact the outwardly beveled edge of the platen thereby wedging the platen between the stop and the eccentric clamping members.

Abstract: A shearing blade assembly specifically for use in a double cut die set of the type used to cut tubing continuously emanating from a tube mill. The present invention is directed toward the shearing blade assembly used in conjunction with the notching blade of the cut-off die set. The subject device includes a mounting block fixed to the upper platen of a die set, a shearing blade mounted to a shearing blade cartridge. The shearing blade cartridge is then inserted into the mounting block and is retained in position by a cam lock assembly. The cam lock assembly and cartridge system allows the shearing blade to be quickly and efficiently removed and replaced as needed.

Abstract: A shearing blade assembly specifically for use in a double cut die set of the type used to cut tubing continuously emanating from a tube mill. The present invention is directed toward the shearing blade assembly used in conjunction with the notching blade of the cut-off die set. The subject device includes a mounting block fixed to the upper platen of a die set, a shearing blade mounted to a shearing blade cartridge. The shearing blade cartridge is then inserted into the mounting block and is retained in position by a cam lock assembly. The cam lock assembly and cartridge system allows the shearing blade to be quickly and efficiently removed and replaced as needed.

Abstract: A cut-off machine especially suitable for handling tubing and including a machine frame defining a work treatment area, a ram on the frame adjacent the work treatment area mounted for movement through a power stroke by at least two drive members engaging the ram at spaced points, a motor system mounted on the frame, and a drive system interconnecting the motor system and the drive members on the ram. The drive system comprises a pair of flywheels driven by the motor system, a pair of crank shafts driven by the flywheels through a clutch associated with each flywheel, and a crank portion on each crank shaft journalled in the ram so that the ram is moved through an orbital path in response to rotation of the crank shafts. A gear train is positioned between the crank shafts to synchronize the rotation of the crank shafts to ensure that the ram moves in a translatory manner through its orbital path.

Abstract: A notching blade assembly specifically for use in a double-cut die set of the type used to cut tubing continuously emanating from the tube mill. The present invention is directed toward the notching blade assembly used in conjunction with the vertical guillotine blade of the cut-off die set to notch the upper surface of the tubing prior to the shearing cut.The subject device includes a guide member mounted to a cross slide assembly affixed to a double cut die set, having a notching blade holder displaceably mounted to the guide member allowing the holder to be positioned at any point along the guide member. The invention further includes an adjustment screw mounted in a base and threadedly; coupled to the notching blade holder, whereby rotation of the adjustment screw can be used to vary the position of the notching blade holder on said guideway.

Abstract: There is disclosed a reset mechanism particularly adapted for use within a magnet valve in which the reset mechanism comprises a passageway within the valve housing connecting the inlet and outlet passages in which a reset valve normally interrupts a communication between the inlet and outlet side of the said reset passage to permit normal operation of the magnetic valve and to permit normal fluid flow through the inlet and outlet passages thereof prior to movement of said magnetic valve from its normally open to its normally closed position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid control device including housing, a fluid flow passage therein, and a fluid outlet passage communicating with said fluid inlet passage. Within the housing is a reciprocating valve capable of permitting or precluding communication between the inlet and outlet passages, the valve constituting a ferromagnetic armature susceptible to receiving an electromagnetic induction of a magnetic axis along its axis of reciprocation, such a magnetic axis generally corresponding to the longitudinal center of a fluid-tight chamber within said housing within which the valve may reciprocate. The valve is provided with a flow-responsive first radial end face disposed within a region of communication between the inlet and outlet passages. A fluid control device also includes a magnetic stator wound about the housing in the region of the reciprocating valve when the valve is in its open position.

Abstract: A closure device for closing a tubular opening and releasably securing articles therein is disclosed. The device includes axially movable latching and actuator members which, respectively, engage the tubular opening and actuate or deactivate the latching means. Locking means are provided for releasably locking these members to prevent axial movements.