Abstract: Downfeed apparatus in a grinder controlling the grinding wheel down in fast, medium and slow speeds, and up in fast speed. It is fed down continuously in successive passes throughout the grinding operation, and at the end of the grinding, the grinding wheel continues through a spark-out mode at a constant level. A previous control program is held in a memory for later use in an identical operation on an identical workpiece. A monitor presents all steps taken in every mode and every step, and shows progress of movements enabling the operator to manually set and adjust the control apparatus simply and accurately by watching the monitor while making the adjustments. The monitor also continuously presents all movements in an automatic operation.

Abstract: A power circuit has an AC portion connected with a main AC source and a DC source portion including a magnet and battery constantly connected in parallel. Back-to-back SCRs control a rectifier between the AC and DC portions. A DC control circuit includes a pulse transformer controlled by a capacitor charged by DC pulses at a rate controlled by a manual setting. Upon discharge, the capacitor energizes the pulse transformer and thus turns ON the magnet and battery. Upon disconnecting the load, the battery is automatically charged at about 4 amperes. Safe and unsafe indicators are connected across the battery, and upon drop of battery charge, digital control elements in the control circuit control those indicators to correspondingly indicate safe or unsafe conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus for demagnetizing and magnetizing a chuck, having circuitry for connection with a 3-phase 4-line AC source, and including a power circuit and a control circuit. The power circuit leads directly from the source to the chuck, without transformers and capacitors. The three phases of the AC are individually impressed on the chuck, at corresponding angles, and rectifiers rectify the current at each phase. The circuitry will accommodate a single chuck, or selective ones of multiple chucks (e.g., nine). The voltage provided by the source is of a predetermined value (e.g., 230 V) and voltage of a greater value (e.g., 290 V) can be applied for demagnetizing. Solid state controls are provided, the individual phases of the current, for controlling greater and lesser voltages, and for putting a single chuck, or selected ones of multiple chucks, in circuit.

Abstract: A reciprocating member has a series of LED's arranged in a signal line corresponding to the main line of movement of the reciprocating member. Associated with the LED's are dot-bar drivers, controlled by voltage for energizing the LED's serially, along the signal line according to the position of the reciprocating member along its main line. Traverse potentiometers are provided for actuation by the reciprocating member for controlling voltage applied to the LED's, and manually adjustable remote potentiometers oppose the voltage controlled by the traverse potentiometers.

Abstract: An electronic encoder is driven by the cross shaft in the grinder that moves the grinder. The encoder includes a rotary disc constantly driven by the cross shaft, forwardly and rearwardly. Associated with the encoder is an electronic counter in which counting functions are performed in response to the rotation of the disc. An electrical circuit incorporates the encoder and counter, and the electronic circuits of the latter, and includes terminals in common with the encoder and counter. Control signals are entered so that functions are performed according to the position of the grinding wheel, and to move the grinding wheel. The encoder is mechanically connected with the cross shaft in an add-on arrangement. A hydraulic motor drives the cross shaft through a motion transmitting component that includes a hydraulic unit and a mechanical unit in tandem. The entire apparatus is retrofitted, and has mechanical driving connection with the grinder only through the cross shaft.

Abstract: In a grinder having a reciprocating table, a pair of oppositely arranged traverse potentiometers are actuated by the table, and in each direction, the respective potentiometer produces an increasing voltage to reverse the table. A pair of remote potentiometers are arranged respectively opposed to the traverse potentiometers, and are manually set to thereby determine the points of reversing of the table. Signal LED's indicate the position of the table, and these are controlled by signal potentiometer that is driven with the traverse potentiometers. Manual switch means enables the operator to selectively run the table past the normal points of reversal set by the remote potentiometers. Means is provided for slowing the speed of movement of the table at the end of its travel to minimize inertial shock.