Abstract: An assembly for feeding objects downstream into an automated machine includes a track, a tamping location on the track, a stop disposed at the tamping location, and a forward path through the track. A spring proximate to the tamping location moves between a first position and a second position. In the first position of the spring, the spring cooperates with the stop to interrupt the forward path. In the second position of the spring, the spring cooperates with the stop to open the forward path to allow objects to move downstream in the track.

Abstract: A device for cyclically operating a trigger of a firearm includes a glove having a finger stall, a pull mounted at the finger stall, and a drive mechanism coupled to the pull to move the finger stall from a bent configuration toward a straight configuration. The drive mechanism actuates in response to an activation signal.

Abstract: A device for cyclically operating a trigger of a firearm includes biasing means for biasing a finger applied to a trigger away from the trigger, and a contact switch coupled to the biasing means and configured to be disposed between the finger and the trigger. In response to the contact switch detecting contact between the finger and the trigger, the biasing means actuates to cyclically bias the finger away from the trigger.

Abstract: A device for cyclically operating a trigger of a firearm includes biasing means for biasing a finger applied to a trigger away from the trigger, and a contact switch coupled to the biasing means and configured to be disposed between the finger and the trigger. In response to the contact switch detecting contact between the finger and the trigger, the biasing means actuates to cyclically bias the finger away from the trigger.

Abstract: A device for holding and carrying a vise includes a block, a handle rigidly coupled to the block, and an engagement element on the block which is configured to be engaged by a vise so as to form an engagement assembly, which in response to the vise being clamped onto the device, prevents the block from slipping from the vise.

Abstract: An assembly for moving caps through a cap-lining machine includes a track for the downstream movement of the caps to a cap-lining location in the cap-lining machine. A first gate is mounted downstream from the cap-lining location for movement between first and second positions preventing and allowing downstream movement of the caps, respectively. A sensing location is formed in the track downstream from the cap-lining location. A second gate is mounted downstream from the sensing location for movement between first and second positions preventing and allowing downstream movement of the caps, respectively. The first gate moves to the first position in response to a sensor sensing the arrival of one of the caps at the sensing location, and the second gate moves to the second position in response to the first gate moving to the first position.

Abstract: An assembly for moving caps through a cap-lining machine includes a track for the downstream movement of the caps to a cap-lining location in the cap-lining machine. A first gate is mounted downstream from the cap-lining location for movement between first and second positions preventing and allowing downstream movement of the caps, respectively. A sensing location is formed in the track downstream from the cap-lining location. A second gate is mounted downstream from the sensing location for movement between first and second positions preventing and allowing downstream movement of the caps, respectively. The first gate moves to the first position in response to a sensor sensing the arrival of one of the caps at the sensing location, and the second gate moves to the second position in response to the first gate moving to the first position.

Abstract: A system for removing from a molding tool a runner assembly having a plurality of molded parts that are connected to a runner via gates and subsequently degating the plurality of molded parts from the runner is provided. The system includes a source of ultrasonic energy and a robot arm assembly. The robot arm assembly is configured to remove the runner assembly from the molding tool and to position the runner assembly proximate the source of ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: A system for removing from a molding tool a runner assembly having a plurality of molded parts that are connected to a runner via gates and subsequently degating the plurality of molded parts from the runner is provided. The system includes a source of ultrasonic energy and a robot arm assembly. The robot arm assembly is configured to remove the runner assembly from the molding tool and to position the runner assembly proximate the source of ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: A system for removing from a molding tool a runner assembly having a plurality of molded parts that are connected to a runner via gates and subsequently degating the plurality of molded parts from the runner is provided. The system includes a source of ultrasonic energy and a robot arm assembly. The robot arm assembly is configured to remove the runner assembly from the molding tool and to position the runner assembly proximate the source of ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: A PET bottle forming machine used to mold clear plastic bottles of the type now widely used for mayonaise jars, cosmetic jars, perfume jars and the like, is modified to reduce the potential damage to such jars or containers at the time they are released from the machine. The machine includes an ejector pad, which enters into the open end of the container to center the container at the time a lip spreader operates to part the lip forming portion to release the container. The ejector pad is mounted on the end of a hollow rod, which extends through the pad. When the ejector pad is inserted into the open end of the container at the time of release, a vacuum is applied through the hollow rod to cause the container to be secured to the ejector pad. The hollow rod, with the ejector pad and container releaseably secured to it, then is lowered to place the bottom of the container on a support surface, at which time the vacuum is removed to release the container from the ejector pad.

Abstract: A cap lining machine constructed with a minimal number of mechanical parts includes a spring-biased shuttle feed for moving the caps into the punching and insert position. A cam pulls the shuttle back against the bias of the spring; so that upon release by the cam, the shuttle pushes the caps to the insert position. If a cap becomes jammed, the spring-biased shuttle simply is held back against the spring bias to prevent breaking of caps or parts of the machine. A tamper also is concentrically mounted within a hollow punch and is controlled by a rocker arm assembly to press punched inserts out of the lower end of the punch and seat them into the caps. The tamper may be cleaned by removing it completely from the top of the punch.

Abstract: A cap-lining machine is constructed with a minimal number of mechanical parts and is provided with a modular and quickly replaceable liner punch and insert station, which readily may be changed to accommodate caps of different diameters with a minimum amount of down time. In addition, sensing switches are employed with an electronic control system in lieu of conventional mechanical connections to prevent the machine from moving on to the next step in its operation unless all previous steps of operation have been completed in proper sequence. Operation interruption is accomplished in a jam-proof manner.