Abstract: A connecting assembly for connecting a multitude of axially extending punches to a rotatable punch drive plate in a rotary press having a die plate supported for rotation in a given plane and forming a multitude of die cavities. Each of the multitude of punches is supported for axial reciprocating movement in an associated respective one of the die cavities, and the drive plate engages the punches and has a generally flat shape extending at an angle to said given plane, and rotation of the die plate and the drive plate reciprocates the punches in the die cavities. The connecting assembly connects each punch to the punch drive plate for limited swinging movement to maintain the punch axially aligned with the associated one of the die cavities as the die plate and the drive plate rotates.

Abstract: A press for compressing a food material includes a support frame, a die plate rotatably supported by the support frame and forming a multitude of die cavities for receiving the food material, and a food supply device conducting the food material to the die cavities from a source of the food material. The press further includes a first punch assembly rotatably supported the support frame, located on a first side of the die plate, and including a multitude of first punches for axial reciprocating movement; and a second punch assembly rotatably supported by the support frame, located on the second side of the die plate, and including a multitude of second punches supported for axial reciprocating. Each of the first and second punches is aligned with one of the die cavities of the die plate.

Abstract: A control assembly to control the rate at which a food material is conducted to die cavities of a rotary press. The control assembly includes a roller subassembly, a first roller rotatably supported by the roller support assembly, and a second roller rotatably supported by the roller support assembly and located adjacent the first roller. The first and second rollers form a feed gap therebetween to receive the food material, and the second roller is also supported for movement toward and away from the first roller. The control assembly further includes an adjusting subassembly connected to the roller support subassembly to move the second roller toward and away from the first roller to vary the size of the feed gap, and a roller drive subassembly connected to the first and second rollers to rotate those rollers to pull the food material through the feed gap and to direct the food material to the die plate.

Abstract: A support assembly for a rotatable punch drive plate in a rotary press having a die plate forming a multitude of die cavities and supported for rotation about a given axis, and a multitude of punches supported for axial reciprocating movement in the die cavities. The punch drive plate engages the punches, and rotation of the die plate and the drive plate reciprocates the punches to force a food material into the die cavities, to mold the food material therein into tablets and then to eject the tablets from the die cavities. The support assembly includes a multitude of support subassemblies spaced around and engaging the punch drive plate. These support subassemblies preferably both support the drive plate for rotation about the given axis and axially flex the drive plate toward and away from the die plate as the drive plate rotates about the given axis.

Abstract: Press with rotary die plate having plural cavities and punches cooperating therewith.Provided are means for sensing the amount of material in the die cavities and sensing means for sensing movement of the die plate.

Abstract: A rotary slicer 20 for comestible products. A stationary magazine 26 supports a product upright as a rotary table 38 carries a rotary knife 40 in an orbit that passes beneath the magazine. A freely rotatable center plate 80 of the blade facilitates movement of the blade through the product. Orbiting movement of the blade is automatically stopped with the blade remote from the magazine and electrical interlocks 109, 112 prevent operation without all protective safety covers 24, 102, 106 in place. A removable sharpener 172 is attachable to the top of table and operates with the blade flush with the table top. A product follower 118 within the magazine holds the product in place and urges it downward during slicing. The follower in part extends outward between the magazine 26 and magazine cover 106 to allow manual movement and release from a latched raised position, after the magazine cover is closed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing tie bars from a die casting machine. The apparatus and method involves utilizing gearing attached to the tie bar nut whereby the nut is held captive, but is capable of being rotated by an auxiliary drive unit. Further, by utilizing the existing die casting machine functions, it is possible to remove the tie bar from the machine so that the die can be removed and a new die inserted into the die casting machine. By reversing the process the tie bar can now be reinserted into its operating position in the machine and the locking nut rotated to its proper position and locked up.

Abstract: A honing machine for honing ball bearing races or other arcuate grooved surfaces that extend around the circumference of cylindrical workpieces comprises a workpiece support assembly for rotatably supporting the workpiece in the machine, a spindle drive mechanism for rotating the workpiece, and an oscillation mechanism for holding and oscillating a honing stone in abrading engagement with the arcuate surface of the workpiece as the workpiece is rotated. The oscillation mechanism includes an oscillating tool holder for holding the honing stone and a mounting mechanism for rotatably supporting the oscillating tool holder. The mounting mechanism is tiltable by means of a lift cylinder and toggle linkage to lift the stone out of engagement with the grooved surface of the workpiece for insertion and removal of successive workpieces into and out of the honing machine.

Abstract: Die casting apparatus for casting parts such as rotors or the like comprises a three tie bar horizontally disposed die casting machine, with an indexing mechanism mounted on one of the tie bars for rotating the parts through six separate radially spaced work stations. The work stations include loading, casting, cooling, skew pin ejection, and unloading stations. The casting station includes a four plate die assembly comprising a runner plate, cover die, carrier plate, and ejector die. The die assembly employs pin-point gating and is formed such that the cast part is removed from the die and the runner system, and the runner system is ejected from the apparatus, while the part is at the casting station. A movable runner ejector plate having ejector pins ejects the runner from the runner plate. A compensating cylinder is provided for adjustment for variance in stack height.

Abstract: A honing machine for honing ball bearing races or other arcuate grooved surfaces that extend around the circumference of cylindrical workpieces comprises a workpiece support assembly for rotatably supporting the workpiece in the machine, a spindle drive mechanism for rotating the workpiece, and an oscillation mechanism for holding and oscillating a honing stone in abrading engagement with the arcuate surface of the workpiece as the workpiece is rotated. The oscillation mechanism includes an oscillating tool holder for holding the honing stone and a mounting mechanism for rotatably supporting the oscillating tool holder. The mounting mechanism is tiltable by means of a lift cylinder and toggle linkage to lift the stone out of engagement with the grooved surface of the workpiece for insertion and removal of successive workpieces into and out of the honing machine.