Abstract: A tool for performing work on a workpiece, such as a pipe, includes a mandrel assembly configured to secure to an interior portion of the pipe. The mandrel assembly includes an arm assembly configured to retain a cutting apparatus so as to be positioned at an outside portion of the pipe and to allow the cutting apparatus to revolve around the circumference of the pipe to perform work on the pipe. The mandrel assembly includes a hub and a plurality of jaws that allow it to secure to the interior of the pipe while the arm assembly props the cutting apparatus in a position to facilitate performing work on the pipe around the entire circumference of a section of the pipe. The engagement between the mandrel assembly and the pipe supports the weight of the tool, providing ease of use and improved control for pipe cutting operations.

Abstract: Embodiments can include a self-reacting friction stir weld (“FSW”) tool. The device can be configured to be portable and produce full penetration welds in situ. The FSW tool can include a system that cuts out a portion of the structure surrounding a defective portion of the structure. A work-piece can be inserted within the removed portion and friction stir welded to the structure via the FSW tool. A superior repair as compared to merely welding the defect can be achieved by replacing a portion of the structure surrounding the defect as opposed to merely welding the defect (e.g., the crack). A controlled geometric shaped weld beam can be generated for the interface between the work-piece and the structure, which may led to a stronger, more reliable weld.

Abstract: A tool for performing work on a workpiece, such as a pipe, includes a mandrel assembly configured to secure to an interior portion of the pipe. The mandrel assembly includes an arm assembly configured to retain a cutting apparatus so as to be positioned at an outside portion of the pipe and to allow the cutting apparatus to revolve around the circumference of the pipe to perform work on the pipe. The mandrel assembly includes a hub and a plurality of jaws that allow it to secure to the interior of the pipe while the arm assembly props the cutting apparatus in a position to facilitate performing work on the pipe around the entire circumference of a section of the pipe. The engagement between the mandrel assembly and the pipe supports the weight of the tool, providing ease of use and improved control for pipe cutting operations.

Abstract: Embodiments can include a self-reacting friction stir weld (“FSW”) tool. The device can be configured to be portable and produce full penetration welds in situ. The FSW tool can include a system that cuts out a portion of the structure surrounding a defective portion of the structure. A work-piece can be inserted within the removed portion and friction stir welded to the structure via the FSW tool. A superior repair as compared to merely welding the defect can be achieved by replacing a portion of the structure surrounding the defect as opposed to merely welding the defect (e.g., the crack). A controlled geometric shaped weld beam can be generated for the interface between the work-piece and the structure, which may led to a stronger, more reliable weld.

Abstract: A base excited vibratory trough conveyor includes a trough mounted on leaf springs to a base which is excited by a linear vibratory drive. The vibratory drive produces a linear force which is oriented to be perpendicular to the springs, and the linear force is adjusted to equal the reaction force of the springs on the base during the desired stroke. Such balancing results in no stroke or movement of the base. A more lightweight base can thus be used without requiring that the base center of gravity be aligned along the center of gravity of the conveyor and the trough, or that the base be excessively heavy.

Abstract: A spring system for a vibration driver provides a non-linear stiffening reaction force as the deflection of the spring system increases. In a vibration driver, particularly an electromagnetic vibration driver, a reciprocating plate provides opposing bumpers which engage opposing elastomer blocks alternately during the stroke of the plate. Elastomer blocks include on three or four sides an elastomer impregnated fabric. The fabric controls the bulging of the elastomer block during impact by the bumper, substantially changing the spring rate of the elastomer block, to increase the resonant frequency of the spring system as the machine stroke increases. Increasing resonant frequency controls the stroke amplitude of the plate for a consistent feed rate of resonant tuned vibratory material handling equipment.

Abstract: An isolation component for vibratory equipment such as a vibratory trough or feeder includes an isolation spring for supporting the dynamic load of the equipment, and a damper element, preferably an elastomeric ring, arranged against an end of the isolation spring. The damper element prevents excessive motion of the isolation spring due to the vibratory equipment's operating frequency being close to any of the natural frequencies of the bending mode of the isolation spring by applying an opposing load to any such motion. The damper element is preferably an elastomer ring and is arranged along an axis of the support spring. A connector extends from a first end of the isolation spring, adjacent the damper element, toward and past a second end of the isolation spring and is connected to the vibratory equipment.

Abstract: A vibratory apparatus for use with associated vibratory conveyance equipment includes a pair of counter-rotating shafts respectively carrying counter-rotating eccentrically mounted weights for generating vibratory forces attendant to counter-rotation of the shafts. Economical manufacture of the apparatus is promoted by providing a toothed belt drive for effecting counter-shaft rotation, with externally-mounted bearing assemblies provided to facilitate periodic bearing maintenance. A housing of the apparatus is configured as a fabricated composite beam assembly to promote economical manufacture, and mounting and integration of the vibratory apparatus with associated vibratory feed equipment.

Abstract: A bucket elevator system capable of being driven bi-directionally. The system having a plurality of pivoted buckets supported between two endless chains. Each bucket having a primary guide boss with an upper surface and a guide surface thereon. Guides arranged to contact the upper surface of the primary guide boll to restrain the pivotal movement of the buckets.

Abstract: An electromagnetic exciter for use in powering vibratory equipment includes a plurality of deflectable elastomeric springs in a configuration that allows the spring system to achieve a vertical non-linear spring rate increase beneficial in dual mass electromagnetic feeder and conveyor systems.

Abstract: An electromechanical exciter for use in driving a vibratory conveyor includes a non-linear spring system which provides an increase in spring force as the stroke of the electromagnet increases.

Abstract: An isolator for use on a vibratory parts feeder incorporates a locating plate rotatable through three hundred sixty degrees in a horizontal plain to allow mounting adjustment and parts feeder micro alignment.