Abstract: A process and apparatus for protecting a confinement chute from slag build-up caused by accumulation of spatter particles generated by cutting a workpiece by a hot discharge such as a plasma arc or laser, including a high velocity flow of gas such as air directed over the chute internal surface to deflect and cool the spatter particles. The surface is chrome plated to reduce the tendency for adhesion of the particles to the surface.

Abstract: A multitool punch holder is disclosed in which a tool carrier (22) holds a circumferential array of punches (76) in a corresponding series of bores. Each punch (76) is attached to a stem rod (50) having an upper end protruding above the tool carrier (22). The tool carrier (22) is rotated by an index drive (102, 104, 106, 108) so as to bring a selected one of the stem rods (50) beneath a ram drive features (100) protruding radially outward to lie above the stem rod ends (52). The tool carrier (22) is coupled to the ram (14) by a head member (20) which is telescopically received therein allowing the ram (14) to continue its descent after contact of the tool carrier (22) with the workpiece, the ram (14) having a feature (100) engaging a selected stem rod end (52) lying beneath the ram drive feature (100) to cause advance of the attached punch (76) against the resistance of an encircling stripper spring (62).

Abstract: A punch holder (10) including a punch holder member (20) with a stripper arrangement including a sleeve (36) axially movable with repsect to the holder member (20) each of the holder members (20) and sleeve (36) fit end to end within a bore (79) in an outer member (78), and stripper spring (38) interposed between the holder member (20) and sleeve (56) combined with a resilient cup piece (58) fit to the end of the sleeve (36) enclosing the lower end face (56) of the sleeve (36).

Abstract: A multitool punch holder (12) having a head member (26) coupled to a punch press ram (16) as the press upper turret plate (22) rotates to bring the punch holder (12) into alignment with the ram (16). The punch holder (12) includes a rotary tool carrier (56) carrying a series of punches (80), each able to be selectively rotated into alignment beneath a striker rod (100) slidably mounted in a non rotating body member (30). Stroking of the ram (16) causes an engagement feature (108) to engage the striker rod (100) when the head member (26) telescopes into the body member (30) after axial movement of the holder (12) is arrested by contact with the workpiece (120). The striker rod (100) is then driven to force the coupled individual punch (80) into the workpiece (120). The striker rod (100) is urged to a raised position by an encircling stripper spring (110).

Abstract: In a disc brake assembly, one braking pad is associated operatively with a piston, which moves in a cylinder, and another braking pad is associated with a caliper, which is movable together with the cylinder. A first biasing means retracts the braking pads from opposite faces of a disc upon release of hydraulic pressure from a piston. A second biasing means retracts the caliper upon release of such pressure. A drag part, which grips a shaft frictionally, is able to move axially along the shaft, if the force being transmitted by the caliper upon application of such pressure exceeds the force required to energize the second biasing means, so as to compensate for wear of the second braking pad. A limiting means, which cooperates with the drag part so as to limit retraction of the caliper to a fixed distance.

Abstract: A system for effecting the gradual engagement and disengagement of the clutches of a fluid power shifted transmission for industrial lift trucks. The system includes a selector valve for porting fluid from an engine driven pump to the clutches of the transmission and from the clutches to a system reservoir; the selector valve includes damping means for limiting the rate of change in flow through the valve. The system further includes a control valve which operates to limit the pump outlet pressure at engine speeds above a predetermined maximum and to decrease the pump outlet pressure and therefore the clutch actuation force in response to increases in the force applied by the truck brakes.