Abstract: A power integrated articulated inner spring-mattress having a lower inner spring-like section and an upper articulated mattress section, with the lower section having all the power drive components self-contained on wooden supports surrounded by a resilient safety and appearance portion, and the upper section is easily removably mounted on the lower section wood supports.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a padded and thermally insulated patient carrier/rescue stretcher, with an outer surface of fairly stiff plastic or similar with good sliding and wear properties. The stretcher has transverse grooves (4) and longitudinal grooves (2) acting as hinges permitting the stretcher and its sides to be folded. In the sides there are carrying openings (7) and tubular carrying handles (8). The sides are supported by tubes (6) of metal or reinforced plastic, supporting the grooves (5) along the edge, and pushed into the tubular carrying handles (8).

Abstract: An adjustable pillow assembly for supporting objects on a wearer's lap. The height of the pillow assembly is adjusted by inserting different combinations of lap cushions into a cover member as appropriate for a given individual. The lap cushions may be of equal thickness, in which case three lap cushions would provide three different heights of the pillow assembly. As one alternative, a surface contour of an upper surface of the pillow assembly can be contoured by placing one or more elbow cushions within the cover member on top of the uppermost lap cushion. As another alternative, the lap cushions may be provided in different thicknesses, in which case three lap cushions would provide seven different possible heights to the pillow assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is a patient support system. The system includes a mattress unit, an inflatable bladder, a manifold plate and a quick release plate. The mattress unit contains the inflatable bladder. The manifold plate allows air to enter into and be released from the bladder. The manifold plate has a set of female receptacles open to the exterior surface of the mattress unit. The quick release plate has a set of male connectors that correspond to the female receptacles. Each male connector has a slidable variance, permitting it to be removably received from the corresponding female receptacle. Thus, when any pulling force is applied to the quick release plate, the quick release plate disengages from the manifold plate resulting in the bladder deflating within a predetermined time frame.

Abstract: A mattress or mattress core is provided, and comprises a base member that is provided with at least two approximately cylindrical cavities that extend in a transverse direction of the mattress or mattress core. Approximately cylindrical inserts are adapted to be placed into the cavities. The inserts at least in part have different degrees of hardness.

Abstract: This invention, the hugging mattress, consists of addition of two holes to any of the otherwise conventional mattress designs. Said holes go all the way through the mattress and are rectangular or oblong and situated near each end of the mattress at the approximate shoulder and thigh positions. The function of the holes is to extend the normal pleasures of a mattress to allow hugging ones bedmate for extended periods of time or even all night long without the crushing weight one now feels on his arm. The hugging mattress will come with insertable plugs to make it a conventional mattress when the owner doesn't feel like hugging or when for safety such as when children may jump on a bed. It will also be accompanied by a bottom fitted sheet with pockets to fit the said holes.

Abstract: A fishing device including a pair of opposed first and second arms pivotally connected at a pivot to move between an open position and a closed position. The first arm has a first jaw head at one end and the second arm has a second jaw head at one end. The first and second jaw heads have opposed inside gripping surfaces and further having opposed cutting blade portions that cut in said closed position. A latch is connected to the arms for holding the arms in the closed position and releasing the arms for pivotal movement away from one another to an open position. A first pair of opposed first and second transverse grooves along the inside of the first and second jaw heads forms a line tie hole usable in tying a knot in a fishing line. A second pair of opposed transverse grooves along the inside of said first and second jaw heads at the front end forms an eyelet threading hole through which a line will pass to thread an eyelet held in said grooves by the first and second jaw heads in the closed position.

Abstract: A self releasing hold-down device for a dock leveler having a ramp mounted for pivotal movement about a hinge axis between a stored position and a working position includes an elongates ratchet bar engageable with a pawl mounted on a body connected to a rod which is anchored at one end to the leveler frame. One end of the rod includes a retainer and release pin member mounted thereon and whose position is adjustable by a nut threadedly engaged with the rod. A coil spring is sleeved over the rod and engageable with the retainer and release pin member. The body includes an elongated tube journalling the coil spring and a portion forming a recess for supporting the pawl. A release actuator is pivotally mounted on the body and is engageable by release pins on the retainer and release pin member in response to forces acting on the ramp to effect momentary release of the hold-down device. A manual release lever is operable, at will, to also effect release of the pawl from the ratchet bar.

Abstract: A compact assembly (40) with a turbine (20) fixed to a rotating drive shaft (22) with an extensible joint connected to small brush (38) by a shaft on the brush (36). The assembly (40) is inserted into a standard pool vacuum head (50) suction cavity (52) to provide a localized scrubbing action. The brush (38) is powered by the water pulled through the suction cavity (52) in the vacuum head (50) driving the turbine (20) causing rotation of the drive shaft (22) and brush shaft (36). The brush (38) is mounted to the end of the brush shaft (36). A spring (34) that is placed coaxial about the brush shaft (36) holds the brush (38) in contact with the surface (70) being scrubbed clean.

Abstract: This invention relates to (1) the equipment for removing easily a resin joint from the pipe having the resin joint adhered and fitted thereto at or near its one end or for removing a resin joint from the pipe having the resin joint adhered and fitted thereto at the middle point of the pipe; and (2) the equipment for removing easily a resin joint or resin ribs from the pipe having the resin joint adhered and fitted thereto and covered with resin ribs, in a manner capable of recovering each of the pipe and the resin separately.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus (10, 10', 10") includes a hand shield (14, 16, 16') with an attachment device (64, 68, 68') thereon for selectively attaching the hand shield to a cleaning tool (12, 12') for protecting a hand gripping a grip portion (32) of an elongated handle of the cleaning tool when the cleaning tool is manipulated to clean a surface such as a hot grill.

Abstract: A mop is composed of a rod, a head fastened with one end of the rod, two first press bars fastened with the head, a pull rod fastened pivotally with the rod, two connection rods fastened pivotally at one end thereof with the pull rod such that other end thereof is extended into the head, a colloidal cotton having a top edge which is disposed between the two first press bars and connected with free ends of the connection rods, and at least two second press bars fastened with the head such that the second press bars are parallel to the first press bars and that the second press bars and the first press bars are located side by side to rid the soaked colloidal cotton of water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mop frame (5) for cleaning equipment, comprising an elongated plate (10) provided on the upper side with a handle fastener (20). The invention is characterized in that at least the underside of the frame is provided with attachment means (50-64) for the detachable fitting of holder bars (70) to the underside of which Velcro.RTM. strips (84) are affixed.

Abstract: A dust collector assembly for a toolhead assembly of a machine tool, having a base unit, a bracket supported on the base unit and pivotal relative thereto about a first axis and a tool unit supported on the bracket and pivotal relative thereto about a second axis, generally consisting of a first duct member supported on the base unit, having an inlet and an outlet communicable with a vacuum producing source; a second duct member supported on the bracket, having an inlet and an outlet communicating with the inlet of the first duct member through a first slip ring connection disposed coaxially with the first axis; and third duct supported on the bracket, having an inlet disposed adjacent a tool of the tool unit and an outlet communicating with the inlet of the second duct through a second slip ring connection disposed coaxially with the second axis.

Abstract: A cleaning and waste management system comprises a cleaning chamber substantially isolatable from the ambient and including at least one openable closure for accomplishing said isolation, the cleaning chamber for accommodating objects to be cleaned being connected to a collector for waste and contaminants from cleaning, and a cleaning member insertable into the chamber without substantially affecting the isolation of the interior of the cleaning chamber from the ambient. The cleaning member generates superheated vapor such as steam and to dispense such superheated vapor directed to an object to be cleaned so that the object may be hand-held in the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: A method and a device for eliminating peeled-off surface portions of an ink-repellent layer of an offset printing plate. With known plate-cylinder washing devices such peeled-off surface portions of an ink-repellent layer cannot be eliminated from the offset printing plate completely. The method and device according to the present invention enables the complete elimination of said peeled-off surface portions. Using the surface of non-woven fabric mounted on a shaft in spiral-like manner, the ink-repellent layer is brushed off without any fluid added. The method and device are used in connection with the direct imaging of offset printing plates in the dry-offset process.

Abstract: In order to construct a traveling floor cleaning appliance, which has a cleaning tool engaging on a floor surface, a cleaning liquid tank as well as a dirty liquid container and a suction unit for taking up a cleaning liquid sprayed on the floor surface and transferring it into the dirty liquid container, in such a manner that its design is simplified and its weight reduced it is suggested that the cleaning liquid tank be constructed as a one-piece, closed hollow body consisting of plastic and that the dirty liquid container be designed in the form of a double-walled receptacle of the hollow body.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a suction nozzle which is coupled to a handle on which a user of the vacuum cleaner can exert a pushing or pulling force for moving the suction nozzle over a surface to be cleaned. The suction nozzle is provided with an electrical drive for exerting a driving force on the suction nozzle, such that the pushing or pulling force to be exerted by the user is limited.According to the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises a detector capable of measuring the pushing or pulling force, exerted on the handle and an electrical controller for controlling the driving force as a function of the measured pushing or pulling force. The controller controls the driving force in such a manner, for example, that the measured pushing or pulling force remains substantially zero. It is thus possible for the user to move the suction nozzle effortlessly over the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A bushing system for isolating movement of a rotatable member from a releasable fastener used to secure the member to a support structure. The rotatable member may be a strap and the support structure may include a wall of a boot or a binding. The bushing may include a shaft having, at one end, a network of rotation resistant radially extending teeth or interlocks that cooperates with a complementary network of interlocks provided in the support structure about a mounting hole. The interlocks may have rounded or angled sidewalls that converge at a tip to encourage the bushing and support structure to mesh together. The tip is preferably substantially pointed with a fine edge, a rounded edge or a substantially narrow flat edge. A bore through the shaft is adapted to receive a screw or other fastener for securing the bushing to the support structure at the mounting hole. The bushing extends through an opening in the strap mounting the strap for rotation relative to the support structure.

Abstract: A handle release assembly includes a supporting bracket having two end portions each formed with a leg containing a first passage, a cover fixedly mounted on the supporting bracket and having two end portions and a mediate portion containing a second passage, two drawing bars each having one end portion extending through the first passage of the supporting bracket to be fixedly attached to the respective end portion of the cover and containing an elongate guiding slot, a pressing block slidably mounted in the second passage and having two end portions, and two pivot blocks each pivotally mounted in the cover and each having a first end portion formed with an ear pivotally connected with the respective end portion of the pressing block and a second end portion formed with a rod received in the guiding slot of the first end portion of the respective drawing bar.

Abstract: The invention is a cabinet hinge that has a hinge arm or hinge fastened on a hinge cup; the hinge arm, that can be adjusted by means of an adjusting plate, can be connected to a fastening baseplate on the cabinet/furniture, and has a catch connection provided in order to make this connection.According to the invention the adjusting plate is a one piece, partially resilient snap-on component that on one side has hook-shaped shanks that link with the baseplate and on the other side has shanks that engage into corresponding catch nose projections of the baseplate when pressure is placed on the adjusting plate by a suitable means forces sliding motion of the adjusting plate relative to the baseplate. Then the resilient component of the adjusting plate is secured against further shifting.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a platform having a flank panel connected pivotally to a lateral margin of the seat or platform by means of a hinge device, wherein the hinge device comprises at least two mountings and a moulding comprising an elongate flexible web bridging mounting formation which are releasable securable on the mountings; wherein one of the mountings is provided on or secured to the lateral margin of the platform and the other of the mounting is provided on or secured to a margin of the flank panel; so that the web of the moulding provides a flexible bridge between the platform and flank panel.

Abstract: A lightweight piano-type hinge is comprised of a pair of conventional leafs with knuckles which are in mating meshing relation. The hinge employs a unique hinge pine which comprises a pair of different length hinge pins with an attached coil spring between them for resisting relative rotation of the leafs to spring load the hinge. A pair of large headed machine screw are at each end of the leafs to threadably engage the hinge pins which are selectively secured to the two leafs.

Abstract: An improved gin saw stand for ginning seed cotton or reginning cotton seed is disclosed. The gin stand of this invention includes an inlet in the roll box allowing seed cotton or seed to be fed directly therein without the need for a huller front or its associated picker roller and huller ribs. A power driven paddle roller having a plurality of outwardly extending elongated paddles rotating in the opposite direction from the first gin saw cylinder is also placed within this roll box. The elongated paddles of this paddle roller are effective for independently turning the seed cotton and/or seeds accumulated in the roll box, consequently bringing them into contact with the gin saw cylinder where the lint may be gripped by the teeth of the saw. To control the rate of seed passage between the blades of the gin saw cylinder and their subsequent discharge from the gin stand, a power driven, seed metering roller is positioned adjacent to the saw cylinder and on the same side thereof as the ginning ribs.

Abstract: A textile fiber recycling machine for reprocessing hard thread waste, woven and non-woven fabrics, carpets, rugs, and the like. Material to be recycled is fed in pieces, or in roll form, into the machine. The machine includes a plurality of wire wound rolls positioned adjacent to one another and operating at successively higher rotational speeds from the inlet side to the outlet side of the machine. Closely spaced adjacent the rollers are carding segments. The rollers downstream of the entry roller include pairs of carding segments, with the leading carding segment being wire clothed, and the trailing carding segment being covered with a granular covering, such as sandpaper. The machine outputs open, usable fibers which can be used in subsequent conventional textile processes. A method of attaching sandpaper to a carding segment is also disclosed.

Abstract: A roll for advancing fiber material has a roll surface provided with a sawtooth clothing which includes a plurality of teeth separated from one another by respective tooth gaps each having a gap bottom. Each tooth has a frontal flank oriented in a direction of roll rotation and a tooth point. Each tooth having a tooth height h.sub.2 measured from the roll surface to the tooth point and a tooth gap height h.sub.3 measured from the tooth gap bottom to the tooth point. The tooth height h.sub.2 and the tooth gap height h.sub.3 are small for defining a small fill volume between teeth. Each tooth has a back angle .gamma. having a magnitude of at least approximately 90.degree. and further has a large tooth division t and a large pitch P for defining a large open space about the teeth.

Abstract: Flat carder in which the main carding drum receives the fibers from a multiple number of briseurs operating in parallel to feed the main carding drum at different points. Each briseur or opening cylinder is equipped and actuated independently from the other.

Abstract: A termination method and apparatus for a flexible flat rope having a plurality of load bearing cords therein wherein an individual cords are substantially equally tensioned and potted in epoxy around an insert instructed to increase the holding strength of the termination.

Abstract: A fastener is provided for securing one or more water supply lines to a pipe, such as a drain or vent pipe. The fastener includes a first resilient clamping element for engaging the pipe and a second resilient clamping element for engaging the water line. The second resilient clamping elements may be unitary with the first resilient clamping elements or selectively connected together by means of a connector.

Abstract: There is provided a male engaging member of a surface fastener comprising novel engaging elements that are flexible to a certain extent and highly durable and, at the same time, ensure a certain level of peeling resistance. The engaging elements of such an engaging member stably remain in engagement with piles of a female engaging member coupled with it without unintentionally becoming disengaged from the piles caught by them. The engaging miember comprises a flat substrate sheet, first engaging elements having a stem and an engaging portion disposed at the top thereof and second engaging elements having a column portion and a tilted hitch portion also disposed at the top thereof, the first engaging elements and the second engaging elements being arranged in linear rows independently relative to each other.

Abstract: The invention concerns a clamping device for sheet products and an associated holding device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a buckle having a simple structure to increase efficiency of an assembling operation and desirable operability wherein engagements of plugs with a socket are reliably carried out. The buckle comprises a pair of plugs and a socket. Each the plug has a strap attaching portion, a tongue formed to project from the strap attaching portion to be inserted into the socket, and an engaging portion. The socket is formed with inserting portions into which the tongues are inserted respectively, and fixed engaged portions with which the engaging portions are engaged. An operating portion is formed separately from the socket between the engaged portions for displacing the engaging portions to-disengage engagements of the engaging portions with the engaged portions.

Abstract: A tray section is constructed of longitudinal and transverse wire members. The tray sections may be configured or joined by interlocking clips, each of which features two pairs of opposing tabs separated by a pair of opposing notches. The opposing notches feature an arcuate portion and each is sized to receive a single longitudinal wire member. Each interlocking clip also features a back portion that is integral with the opposing tabs and notches. The back portion and opposing tabs are sized so that they surround a pair of adjacent transverse wire members when the opposing tabs are crimped. A crimping tool is used to install the interlocking clips and features pivotally connected opposing jaw portions with arcuate indentations. The arcuate indentations are sized to cooperatively surround the back and opposing tabs of the interlocking clip with the pair of adjacent transverse wire members received therein. Wire mesh floor pans that do not obstruct air flow may be used to support the tray sections.

Abstract: A press roll system employed in connection with a web finishing assembly is provided. The press roll system includes a press roll, which cooperates with a head roll to provide a uniform nip area and pressing load; a support substrate, arranged between the ground and the press roll; at least one backup roller mounted to a first surface of the support substrate along a continuous axis for substantially the length of the press roll, and arranged to provide a uniform load to the press roll and uniform area between the press roll and head roll during operation to impart a uniform caliper to the web; and a retractable force actuator, mounted on a second surface of the support substrate, opposite the surface to which the backup rollers are mounted, to provide an even distribution of loads toward the press roll. A channel is attached to one end of the support substrate for receiving and channeling working fluid away from the rest of the press roll system.

Abstract: A turbine blade fitting apparatus for fitting multiple turbine blades radially to a disc having multiple disc grooves formed in its periphery. A blade preassembly is made by preassembling multiple turbine blades into a ring by connecting together their tips. The fitting apparatus has a second pedestal for temporarily placing the blade preassembly so that the upper face of the blade preassembly is higher than the upper face of a disc supported horizontally on a first pedestal. The second pedestal is lowerably supported by compression springs. Base parts of the blades are completely fitted into the disc grooves by the blade preassembly being pushed downward by a pushing mechanism while being vibrated.

Abstract: In an assembly line in which at least two kinds of workpieces are transported by mixture and in which each of the workpieces is transported by a self-propelling transporting member, a transporting pitch for each kind of workpiece is set in advance based on a difference in the number of assembling man-hours required for each of them. The timing for starting the transporting member off a starting end of the assembly line is controlled according to the transporting pitch such that a pitch between a preceding transporting member and a succeeding transporting member becomes equal to that which is set for a workpiece to be transported by the preceding transporting member.

Abstract: A device and automated method for inserting spacers into grooves of frames. The device and method are particularly useful in the woodworking industry. Resilient substances are severed into sections to form the spacers which are thereafter pneumatically inserted into the groove. The apparatus can be provided with a positioner for advancing the resilient substance. A timer may also be utilized to calibrate actuation of the device.

Abstract: A device for removing a heatspreader from an integrated circuit package (ICP) according to the present invention. The device includes a base piece that is preferably made of a suitably rigid and thermally conductive base material such as tool steel. The base piece defines a base cavity that is adapted to receive and engage the heatspreader. The depth of the base cavity is approximately equal to a thickness of the heatspreader. The device further includes a top piece comprised of a suitable top material such as tool steel. The top piece includes a body portion from which an elongated member or handle extends. The body portion of the top piece defines a top cavity adapted to receive and engage the integrated circuit package. The elongated member is suitable for manipulating the body portion of the top piece to apply a torquing force to the ICP package when it is engaged in the top cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for setting a door glass of a vehicle door to a vehicle body includes a frame for attachment to an inner panel of a vehicle door, at least one slide assembly to engage a vehicle body and to move a door glass of the vehicle door, and at least one locator on the slide assembly to locate and set the door glass relative to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A rocking and reclining chair comprises: a base having a pair of generally horizontal planar bearing surfaces; a generally horizontally-disposed seat positioned above the base; a generally upright backrest positioned above the base rearward of the seat; a reclining assembly for moving the seat and backrest between upright and reclined positions relative to the base; a pair of rocker cams; and a pair of rocker spring assemblies. The reclining assembly is attached to the seat and the backrest and includes a pair of mechanisms and front and rear stabilizing members. Each reclining mechanism includes a plurality of pivotally interconnected links, two of which are a seat mounting plate attached to the seat and a cam mounting plate. The cam mounting plate includes first and second sets of spring assembly mounting holes and first and second sets of rocker cam mounting holes, and further includes front and rear cross-member mounting locations (preferably inwardly-directed flanges).

Abstract: A method for joining two or more metal parts (1, 2) together. According to the invention, the joining is carried out by using roll forming techniques by placing the metal parts (1, 2) on top of each other on the form face (7) of a tool (4) which is made to rotate, and by arranging the topmost part (1) in linear roll contact with a forming tool (6) which is also in rotational movement, whereby the malleable deformation of the metal in the slot between the tools integrates the parts together. A mesh or perforated plate (2) of harder metal in particular can be joined to the sheet-like part (1) of a softer metal by using roll forming, by making the metal ingredient of the latter to penetrate the apertures (12) in the former.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a leg of a chair includes step 1 for preparing a metal ingot; step 2 for bending the metal ingot to be a V-shaped member; step 3 for forging the V-shaped member to have recesses defined therein; step 4 for removing the flash from the V-shaped member; step 5 for applying a first heat treatment process; step 6 for adjusting the V-shaped member precisely and step 7 for applying a second heat treatment process to the V-shaped member in step 6.

Abstract: An method and apparatus for the assembly of motors utilizing curable adhesives. The method includes stations for: treating motor components with adhesive, assembling the motor components piece by piece, holding assembled motor components under compressive tension, overgramming components as needed, and an operational and life testing station. Integral to using the method are multi-position preload/cure fixtures. These fixtures include frame and base pieces. The frame holds assembled and adhesive treated motor components under compressive tension with spring loaded guide shafts during the curing process. The frame rests on the base. The base features nests which align the motor components for engagement with the guide shafts. The base also features a retractor bar to facilitate the insertion and removal of motor components. The base also features an overgramming means which supplies a brief overgramming pressure on the motor components to fully seat motor components.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an inexpensive rotation sensor having excellent performance, high workability, and high reliability is provided. In the method, the rotation sensor is manufactured by providing an insert conductor having a predetermined shape and insert-molding the insert conductor in a resin base such that at least a connector terminal and an conversion device terminal of the insert conductor remains exposed from the resin base. Also, a resin connector part is molded after the resin base is molded such that the resin connector part encircles the connector terminal.

Abstract: An actuator assembly having a plurality of head suspensions removably secured to a plurality of arm regions of the actuator assembly. Each arm region of the actuator assembly includes a spring mount which can be compressed or expanded from a neutral state to a stressed state to engage an engagement structure on the head suspension for removably securing the head suspension to the arm region. In one embodiment, the spring mount is comprised of a pair of spring arms having holes formed in the spring mount that engage a plurality of vertical pins formed in a mounting region of the head suspension. The spring arms are urged from the neutral state, the pins are inserted through the holes in the spring arms, and the spring arms are released to engage the pins, and thereby hold the suspension in place. In a second embodiment, the spring mount includes a boss mount having a pair of members extending in a transverse direction from the spring arms.

Abstract: A first resist mask is formed on a rail, covering an area where none of a shallow surface and a deep surface are formed. A first etching process is performed to etch the rail not covered with the first resist mask to a depth corresponding to the shallow surface. Next, without removing the first resist mask, a second resist mask is formed covering an area where the shallow surface is formed. A second etching process is performed to etch the rail not covered with the first and second resist masks, to a depth corresponding to the deep surface. After the first and second etching processes, the first and second resist masks are removed from the rail.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a photo film unit has a dark box, which has supply openings into which parts are supplied, and an exit opening from which the body loaded with the photo film is exited. Intermediate cells of the dark box shield ambient light and include interlocked outer shutter plates and inner shutter plates which are disposed in the supply openings and the exit opening. A cassette supplying loader and a robot hand transfer the cassette into the dark box, while a leading tongue of the photo film is protruded from the cassette shell, with a remaining portion of the photo film contained as a roll. A roll forming fork device winds the photo film to a predetermined length from the cassette and forms the photo film into the roll. A photo film mounting mechanism swings the roll and the cassette shell together to change orientation thereof, and loads the roll and the cassette shell into the body.

Abstract: Stators having wave wound coil for electric motors or other dynamo-electric machines are manufactured by a production line having a series of interconnecting conveyors running to various processing workstations. The workstations are of three primary types: wave coil forming and insertion stations, prefinishing stations and a final finishing stations. Every workstation of a given type may process any or all phases of a given stator. The stators are transported along the conveyor by pallets which are encoded with information denoting the production status of the stator on the pallet. By providing the workstations with the capability to read the encoded information and adapt themselves for processing based on that information, efficiency is increased because the first available workstation may be selected and individual workstations may be bypassed if other than normal operating conditions are occurring in a workstation without impacting the entire production line.

Abstract: There is provided a lift cam mechanism for an electronic parts-mounting apparatus including a vertical shaft and at least one mounting head arranged around the vertical shaft. The lift cam mechanism operates to lift and lower an associated one of the at least one mounting head as each mounting head is moved about the vertical shaft. A cylindrical cam is concentrically disposed with respect to the vertical shaft. The cylindrical cam has a protruding portion formed on a peripheral surface thereof in a manner such that the protruding portion has a generally annular shape and provides upper and lower cam surfaces. A pair of upper and lower cam followers are arranged respectively on the upper and lower cam surfaces of the protruding portion in a manner such that the pair of upper and lower cam followers sandwich the protruding portion therebetween in a manner rollable thereon.

Abstract: To facilitate maintenance, a pneumatic punching machine of this invention includes a poppet portion 44 at the top of a piston 28 of an air cylinder 23 and a piston catch 43 is disposed inside a head cap 24. The piston 28 is fixed as the poppet portion 44 fits into the piston catch 43 under a standby state. A retaining ring 40 is fitted into the head cap 24 to prevent fall-off of a head valve 39. A circumferential groove 41 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the front part of the head cap 24 and a ring-like seal 42 is fitted into the groove 41. When a driver bit 29 is exchanged, fitting bolts are removed and a housing 22 and the head cap 24 are separated. Then, the head cap 24, the head valve 39, the seal 42, the piston 28 and the driver bit 29 can be removed integrally from the housing 22.