Abstract: An axially compliant tool assembly for a programmable position controller is disclosed. Various construction details have been developed which provide a responsive means to make the tool axially compliant to deviations between the programmed path of the tool and the surface being worked upon by the tool. In one particular embodiment, the axially compliant means includes a base, a sleeve axially movable relative to the base, a tool disposed on an internally splined shaft, and a radial bearing disposed between the shaft and the sleeve. The sleeve includes a flange which defines in part two sealed cavities wherein the differential pressure between the two sealed cavities provides a working force for the tool and wherein the flange may move axially within the limits of the sealed cavities.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 and method for providing a surface finish to articles 12 is disclosed. Various constructions and details are developed which promote the adaptability of the device and method to use in automated facilities employing flow lines to process articles. In one particular embodiment, articles 12 are disposed in predetermined volumes of finishing media 30 which are separated from each other, the finishing media being vibrated as the media is urged along a surface 58 from one location to another by a helicoid-type blade 66. In one embodiment, a media vibrator vibrates the surface 58 to vibrate the media. Any suitable device may be used to provide vibrational energy to the surface.

Abstract: A seal assembly 74 used between two members 42, 45 which are capable of relative movement is disclosed. Various construction details are developed which enable the seal assembly to accommodate other movement in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement while accommodating movement in the direction of movement. In one embodiment, the seal assembly extends between two circumferentially extending surfaces which face each other. The seal assembly is formed of a plurality of circumferentially spaced seal elements 74 having flaps 116 which are radially and circumferentially flexible but relatively stiff in the axial direction in comparison to the radial and circumferential flexibility.

Abstract: A lightweight tool coupling device for coupling a tool shank to a drive spindle is disclosed. A tool coupling housing is rigidly secured to the drive spindle and includes spring biased plungers which cooperate with axial grooves on the tool shank to prevent rotational movement of the shank relative to the drive spindle.

Abstract: A manipulator for a workpiece, useful in conjuction with a robot, is especially designed for handling forging preforms in a hot furnace. A fluidic type sensor is used to position the structure above a furnace surface on which the preform rests. Air continuously flows through the sensor to cool the sensor and parts of the manipulator, discharging toward the furnace floor near the workpiece. Thus, even though the absolute position and texture of the furnace surface may vary, the manipulator will always grip the workpiece at the same location relative to the surface.

Abstract: In an apparatus for manipulating workpieces in an electron beam drilling machine, workpieces are mounted on rotatable disks which in turn are mounted on a housing which is rotatable and translatable. Each disk, as a fixture holding the workpiece, is unlocked, rotated, and locked in a new position by the motion of a single driving member and associated elements. The single driving members associated with each workpiece indexing assembly are driven through a system of gears from a single central shaft which passes through the vacuum chamber wall to externally mounted actuators and controls.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electron beam drilling system wherein an optical fiber link is used to prevent deviant drilling. The position of fixtures within a vacuum chamber is monitored by alignable fiber segments. The junctions of the segments form couples which transmit light from a source to detectors when the fixtures are properly positioned. The alignable fiber segments are mounted on and under the fixtures in a manner which integrally provides protection of the junctions from metal spatter. The light source and detectors are mounted external to the chamber; seals are provided where the fiber segments pass through the chamber wall. The detectors signal a control system to only allow beam output when the fixtures and parts thereon are properly positioned.