Abstract: A device for driving a part, including a parts driver having a drive axis and a nosepiece including three jaws arranged uniformly about the drive axis and defining an axial drive passage therebetween. The jaws are resiliently biased toward one another and are transitionable between a first configuration to retain the part within the drive passage and a second configuration to allow the part to be discharged from the drive passage by the parts driver. An adjacent pair of the jaws defines a transverse parts feed passage intersecting the drive passage and being oriented at an oblique angle relative to the drive axis. Each of the adjacent pair of jaws defines a substantially symmetrical portion of the feed passage.

Abstract: The present invention includes a parts feeder system capable of being used in either a first mode without an auxiliary hopper or in a second mode with and auxiliary hopper. The parts feeder system includes an enclosure having an opening therein. In the first or manual-feed mode, the parts feeder system is replenished my manual filling thereof, and in the second or auxiliary hopper-feed mode the opening in the enclosure accommodates an auxiliary hopper. When the auxiliary hopper is used, the dispensing chute of the auxiliary hopper is positioned over the supply of the parts feeder. Additionally, the enclosure of the parts feeder system is configured with grooves so that it can be secured by a minimal number of fixation elements and can therefore be easily attached and removed.

Abstract: A vibratory bowl defines a number of predetermined attachment locations in one side thereof adjacent to a parts discharge port defined by the bowl. One or more support plates are detachably mounted to the bowl side in a vertical position via the number of predetermined attachment locations, and each of the one or more support plates defines a horizontal support edge having a parts receiving unit detachably mounted thereto. The parts receiving unit is supported by the one or more support plates and has one end thereof positioned adjacent to the parts discharge port of the bowl and an opposite end extending away from the discharge port. The parts receiving unit may be configured to orient parts supplied by the vibratory bowl according to a desired orientation. A parts confining member is detachably mounted to one of the one or more support plates and is operable to confine parts within the parts receiving unit.

Abstract: A vibratory bowl defines a number of predetermined attachment locations in one side thereof adjacent to a parts discharge port defined by the bowl. One or more support plates are detachably mounted to the bowl side in a vertical position via the number of predetermined attachment locations, and each of the one or more support plates defines a horizontal support edge having a parts receiving unit detachably mounted thereto. The parts receiving unit is supported by the one or more support plates and has one end thereof positioned adjacent to the parts discharge port of the bowl and an opposite end extending away from the discharge port. The parts receiving unit may be configured to orient parts supplied by the vibratory bowl according to a desired orientation. A parts confining member is detachably mounted to one of the one or more support plates and is operable to confine parts within the parts receiving unit.

Abstract: A vibratory drive unit is modular in construction and includes a base member, a top member, a number of lower spring mounting members detachably mounted to the base member, a corresponding number of upper spring mounting members detachably mounted to the top member, a corresponding number of spring members connected between the number of upper and lower spring mounting members and means for vibrating the top member relative to the base member. The various components of the vibratory drive unit are configured provide for either clockwise or counter-clockwise operation using identical drive unit components to thereby minimize component complexity and component inventory required therefore. A vibratory bowl is further provided and includes a number of locator pins extending from a bottom surface thereof.

Abstract: A vibratory bowl is provided having a number of predetermined attachment locations defined therein. A number of parts orientation units define an equal number of attachment locations which align with the attachment locations of the vibratory bowl. Any of the number of parts orientation units can thus be detachably mounted to a single vibratory bowl having a common configuration. An air supply unit is further provided for directing pressurized air across a parts orientation channel of a parts orientation unit attached to the vibratory bowl. The angle of air supply relative to the parts orientation channel, as well as the height above the parts orientation channel at which the air is supplied, are each adjustable.

Abstract: The present invention includes a parts feeder system capable of being used in either a first mode without an auxiliary hopper or in a second mode with and auxiliary hopper. The parts feeder system includes an enclosure having an opening therein. In the first or manual-feed mode, the parts feeder system is replenished my manual filling thereof, and in the second or auxiliary hopper-feed mode the opening in the enclosure accommodates an auxiliary hopper. When the auxiliary hopper is used, the dispensing chute of the auxiliary hopper is positioned over the supply of the parts feeder. Additionally, the enclosure of the parts feeder system is configured with grooves so that it can be secured by a minimal number of fixation elements and can therefore be easily attached and removed.

Abstract: A linear vibratory parts feeder is formed from modular components detachably mounted to one another. A counterweight is detachably mounted to a reversible mounting plate and a plurality of lower spring anchors are detachably mounted to the counterweight. A corresponding plurality of upper spring anchors are detachably mounted to a linear parts transport track, and a drive springs are detachably mounted to corresponding pairs of upper and lower spring anchors. The counterweight may be detachably mounted to either one of opposite mounting surfaces of the mounting plate, which is configured to permit complete access to all feeder components and further to permit placement of upstream and downstream feeder units in close proximity to the feeder of the present invention. The counterweight and spring anchors are configured to maximize the vibratory drive efficiency of this feeder.

Abstract: A vibratory bowl is provided having a number of predetermined attachment locations defined therein. A number of parts orientation units define an equal number of attachment locations which align with the attachment locations of the vibratory bowl. Any of the number of parts orientation units can thus be detachably mounted to a single vibratory bowl having a common configuration. An air supply unit is further provided for directing pressurized air across a parts orientation channel of a parts orientation unit attached to the vibratory bowl. The angle of air supply relative to the parts orientation channel, as well as the height above the parts orientation channel at which the air is supplied, are each adjustable.

Abstract: A vibratory bowl for fragile parts is externally dimensioned to a standard height for a particular type of fragile parts to be oriented. The vibratory bowl is configured to reduce, if not eliminate, impact damage as well as wear and tear on fragile parts. The vibratory bowl includes a base and an annular wall having a helical parts track coupled to the base. The helical parts track extends along an inner surface of the annular wall from the base to a parts discharge port of the annular wall. In a preferred embodiment, the helical parts track makes approximately one and a quarter turns or less along the inner surface of the annular wall, and the height of the base is equal to or greater than the height of the annular wall.

Abstract: A vibratory drive unit is modular in construction and includes a base member, a top member, a number of lower spring mounting members detachably mounted to the base member, a corresponding number of upper spring mounting members detachably mounted to the top member, a corresponding number of spring members connected between the number of upper and lower spring mounting members and means for vibrating the top member relative to the base member. The various components of the vibratory drive unit are configured provide for either clockwise or counter-clockwise operation using identical drive unit components to thereby minimize component complexity and component inventory required therefore. A vibratory bowl is further provided and includes a number of locator pins extending from a bottom surface thereof.

Abstract: A vibratory bowl is provided having a number of predetermined attachment locations defined therein. A number of parts orientation units define an equal number of attachment locations which align with the attachment locations of the vibratory bowl. Any of the number of parts orientation units can thus be detachably mounted to a single vibratory bowl having a common configuration. An air supply unit is further provided for directing pressurized air across a parts orientation channel of a parts orientation unit attached to the vibratory bowl. The angle of air supply relative to the parts orientation channel, as well as the height above the parts orientation channel at which the air is supplied, are each adjustable.

Abstract: A vibratory bowl defines a number of predetermined attachment locations in one side thereof adjacent to a parts discharge port defined by the bowl. One or more support plates are detachably mounted to the bowl side in a vertical position via the number of predetermined attachment locations, and each of the one or more support plates defines a horizontal support edge having a parts receiving unit detachably mounted thereto. The parts receiving unit is supported by the one or more support plates and has one end thereof positioned adjacent to the parts discharge port of the bowl and an opposite end extending away from the discharge port. The parts receiving unit may be configured to orient parts supplied by the vibratory bowl according to a desired orientation. A parts confining member is detachably mounted to one of the one or more support plates and is operable to confine parts within the parts receiving unit.

Abstract: A vibratory drive unit of modular construction includes a bottom plate, a first side plate attached to one side of the bottom plate, a second side plate attached to an opposite side of the bottom plate, a front plate attached to the bottom plate, first side plate and second side plate, and a rear plate structure attached to the bottom plate and each of the side plates. The plates define a cavity therebetween, which cavity is configured to receive a mass therein and a vibratory drive means positioned between the mass and the front plate. The modular construction provides for easy replacement of any of the modular components. The vibratory drive unit is further configured to permit maximum air flow about the vibratory drive means, and to provide for accurate positioning of the vibratory drive means relative to a drive plate of an attached parts bin.

Abstract: A vibratory parts feeder includes a pivotal top confinement member rigidly securable to the parts feeder. The parts feeder includes an adjustable width parts channels for orienting parts having a variety of sizes. One embodiment is intended for orienting headed parts having elongated shafts and includes an air block adjacent a parts orienting unit which provides a pressurized air stream against the flow of parts, and at an acute angle relative to an axis perpendicular to the parts flow path, for directing misoriented parts back into the parts feeder. An alternate embodiment is intended for orienting non-headed parts such as nuts and washers. The vibratory parts feeder of either embodiment is configured to minimize parts jams therein.

Abstract: A vibratory drive unit includes a base member, a top member and a plurality of drive springs connected therebetween. A plurality of channels are defined within a top surface of the top member for non-rotatingly receiving a corresponding plurality of clamp nuts therein. Each of the channels includes a threaded bore axially aligned with a similar bore through a corresponding clamp nut for receiving a threaded fastener therein. A circumferential flange extending downwardly from the parts feeder bowl is clamped between the top member and the plurality of clamp nuts as the fasteners are threadingly advanced. The clamp nuts are positioned relative to the drive unit to thereby transfer maximum vibratory action to the parts feeder bowl. Extension blocks are further provided for receipt within the channels and are configured to permit a parts feeder bowl having a larger diameter flange to be mounted to the vibratory drive unit.

Abstract: A vibratory parts feeder includes a feeder bowl having a plurality of lugs affixed between the bottom wall and the cylindrical outside wall of the feeder bowl. Corresponding to each lug is a fastener that engages the lug through a corresponding opening in a top member, thereby securing the feeder bowl to the top member of the parts feeder. The top member is, in turn, supported by a plurality of drive springs connected between the top member and a base member. The drive springs attach to spring mounting pads incorporated within the top member that are radially outboard of the attached feeder bowl, A plurality of electromagnetic devices are mounted on the base member in cooperating relation with a corresponding plurality of ferrous striker plates attached to the top member for causing the rotation of the top member relative to the base member.

Abstract: A bidirectional vibratory drive unit is disclosed for use with vibratory driven feeder bowls and parts separators, including a base member having first and second pluralities of lower spring mount pads and a top member having corresponding first and second pluralities of upper spring mount pads. A plurality of springs alternatively attach between the first plurality of upper spring mount pads and the first plurality of lower spring mount pads or between the second plurality of upper spring mount pads and the second plurality of lower spring mount pads to change the bias of the top member relative to the base member. Electromagnetic coils are alternatively attachable to the base member and are operable in cooperation with the springs to vibrate the top member in alternative first or second driven directions relative to the base member.

Abstract: An orbital cap selection and feeding device is disclosed having a disk rotating within a circular frame so that caps disposed on the disk tend to move by centrifugal force to the perimeter of the disk. Caps lying flat on the disk move into a collector chute, which blends into a guide chute that is adapted to retain and protect a procession of caps within the guide chute about 180 degrees to a discharge chute. Part way along the length of the guide chute is a primary cap selecting station having an optical sensor that senses the orientation of caps in the procession and generates a signal when an improperly oriented cap is encountered. The signal activates an ejection airjet downstream of the optical sensor to displace the improperly oriented cap from the guide chute and back into the interior of the rotating on disk.

Abstract: An orbital cap selection and feeding device is disclosed having a disk rotating within a circular frame so that caps disposed on the disk tend to move by centrifugal force to the perimeter of the disk. Caps lying flat on the disk move into a collector chute, which blends into a guide chute that is adapted to retain and protect a procession of caps within the guide chute about 180 degrees to a discharge chute. Part way along the length of the guide chute is a primary cap selecting station having an optical sensor that senses the orientation of caps in the procession and generates a signal when an improperly oriented cap is encountered. The signal activates an ejection airjet downstream of the optical sensor to displace the improperly oriented cap from the guide chute and back into the interior of the rotating disk.