Oscillating About Axis Or Axes Patents (Class 198/742)
  • Patent number: 10427203
    Abstract: A split idle station assembly, a transfer press assembly including a split idle station assembly and a method of operating an idle station for a transfer press assembly. The split idle station includes numerous workpiece mounting brackets that are insertable into corresponding parts of a multi-component movable base assembly such that upon moving from a split configuration into a support configuration, a locking mechanism cooperates with base assembly parts and mounting brackets to form a locking interference fit or engagement for each mounting bracket in order to securely support a workpiece on the brackets. Likewise, the cooperative movement of the first and second base assembly sections away from one another causes a release the interference fit from the notch to effect disengagement of the locking mechanism. The construction of the locking mechanism is such that both the engagement and disengagement may be performed as part of a one-handed operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Thoney R. Charles
  • Patent number: 10167141
    Abstract: A device for transporting molds for chocolate or confectionery is provided with at least one rod that extends below, above or next to the molds, whereby this rod is movable back and forth in its longitudinal direction and is provided with a number of catches for the molds that are placed along its longitudinal direction, whereby the rod is rotatable around its axis so that the catches can rotate from a first position, whereby they can take along the molds, to a second position whereby they are situated below or above the plane of the molds or next to the molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: HACOS, NAAMLOZE VENNOOTSCHAP
    Inventor: Pierre Van Meulenbeke
  • Patent number: 8196734
    Abstract: An automatic convey device adapted for pushing and grouping a plurality of connectors includes a frame assembly, a holding module and a feeding module disposed on the frame assembly respectively. The holding module has a plurality of positioning units for positioning the connectors. The feeding module includes a power unit, a sliding unit disposed on the frame assembly, a plurality of pushing units and a grouping unit mounted to the sliding unit respectively. The pushing units are capable of repeatedly pushing the respective connectors move forward until the connectors are positioned by the positioning units and then move backward for repeating the last action to push the next connectors forward. The grouping unit is capable of repeating the action of pushing forward the connector positioned by the forward positioning unit and capable of being controlled by the power unit to disconnect with or connect with and push the corresponding connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-Lin Chen, Xiao-Lin Wu, Shao-Bo Zhang, Zai-Wei Zou, Jun Ma
  • Patent number: 7886893
    Abstract: A method of operating a transfer station in a container filling plant. The transfer station comprises a plurality of spaced apart webs between which containers are to be conveyed. A plurality of vertical directing elements are disposed upstream of and adjacent to the webs. The directing elements contact and deflect containers into the receiving spaces in between the webs to minimize backing up or jams of the containers, to thus minimize interruptions in the container handling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Wiedemann, Klaus Jendrichowski
  • Patent number: 6012567
    Abstract: A transmission assembly capable of driving a dishwasher conveyor at different speeds to accommodate different needs, without requiring a multiple speed motor. Moreover, speed adjustments can be made without stopping the conveyor and without any risk of damage to the motor. Adjustments are effected by varying the radial distance between a driven member and an axis about which the drive assembly pivots. A detent arrangement provides a positive indication that the speed is set at a particular setting corresponding to a particular radial distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Allen Ferguson, Dwayne Becknell
  • Patent number: 5667057
    Abstract: An automated assembly that can be retroactively added to a bank of machines in order to advance an object across the bank of machines in an automated fashion. The automation assembly includes a plurality of elongated elements that can be rotated from a first orientation, capable of engaging an object to be moved across the bank of machines, to a second orientation that is clear of the object to be moved. Each of the elongated elements are equidistantly spaced on a common support along a line matching the linear path along which the object on the bank of machines will be moved.A reciprocating device joins the common support of the elongated elements to a stationary point. As a result, the reciprocating device causes the common support and the various elongated elements to reciprocate back and forth between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Randall Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Frederick Randall, Alfred J. Raven, III
  • Patent number: 5475965
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine for sealing containers by applying a covering film, which comprises a framework for supporting a container sealing unit which is located between a unit for feeding the containers to be sealed and a conveyor for removing the sealed containers. There are also pusher arms which are detachably associable with multiple containers to transfer them from the feeder unit to the sealing unit and from the sealing unit to the removal conveyor. The particularity of the invention resides in the fact that the feeder unit comprises an accumulation conveyor which is located upstream of the sealing unit and downstream of at least one buffer conveyor which is interposed between the accumulation conveyor and an external feeder conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: G. Mondini S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Mondini
  • Patent number: 5449061
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the transport of products in the course of a packaging process, where at least two pushers, pivotably mounted along a guide rod, are driven by a traction mechanism alternately back and forth in opposite directions along a product track. The pivotable mountings allow their respective pushers to swing between active and passive positions so that in the active position the pusher moves a product in one direction along the track, while a pusher in the passive position is pivoted away from the track while being driven in the opposite direction to return to a starting point. Upon reaching the starting point, the pusher in the passive position is pivoted back to the active position for moving the next product. The traction mechanism is preferably a toothed belt which is driven by a servomotor with a programmable speed profile, and the pushers are preferably connected to the traction mechanism by overload couplings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Paper Converting Machine GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Wald
  • Patent number: 5115631
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting sliver cans between a sliver can handling location and a textile spinning machine includes a rod member having a plurality of uniformly spaced engaging members. A pair of preferably plastic, parallel sliding rails each extend parallel to the rod member on a respective side thereof for supporting the sliver cans for sliding movement therealong. The rod member is supported for axial and rotational movement and is operatively connected to a drive device which cyclically axially displaces the rod member by a uniform amount of travel corresponding to a uniform spacing between the sliver cans. The rod member is rotated 90.degree. to move the engaging members between horizontal disengage positions in which they are out of engagement with the sliver cans and vertical engage positions in which the engaging members project vertically for engaging the bottom rim portions of the sliver cans during axial displacement of the rod member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignees: Gregor Gebald, Manfred Langen
    Inventors: Gregor Gebald, Manfred Langen, Helmut Bungter
  • Patent number: 4974392
    Abstract: The apparatus for closing containers with a sealing lamina comprises a framework for supporting a first conveyor belt for feeding containers to be closed, which is connected to a heat-welding unit and to a second conveyor belt for removing the closed containers. The apparatus has a pusher element which can engage a plurality of containers. First actuation means act on the pusher to move it from a position of engagement of the containers to a position of disengagement therefrom, and second means move it along an axis which is parallel to the direction of advancement of the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: G. Mondini S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Mondini
  • Patent number: 4972936
    Abstract: In a system for conveying metal coils or other heavy articles using multiple conveyors, the articles are conveyed on carriers which pass from one conveyor to another and thereby remain associated with the conveyed articles throughout the conveying process. The conveying system comprises an entry conveyor, a lateral feed conveyor and an exit conveyor. Each of the entry and exit conveyors comprises a storage conveyor section for loaded carriers, a return conveyor section for empty carriers, and a traversing section. The storage conveyor section utilizes a set of reciprocating drive frames having pins for selectively engaging and disengaging the carriers to effect stepwise movement of the carriers along the conveyor section. The lateral feed conveyor is a high speed, electrically driven car having the capability of taking on a loaded carrier and discharging an unloaded carrier and vice-versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Tetsuzo Kura
  • Patent number: 4825770
    Abstract: A transfer apparatus for transferring a plurality of workpieces has a pair of transfer rails along which a plurality of jig pallets each carrying a work run. A transfer bar is disposed between the pair of transfer rails so as to reciprocatingly move in the longitudinal direction of the rails. A plurality of engaging claws are disposed on the transfer bar so as to be able to pivot in planes which are perpendicular to the direction of the transfer so as to be brought into and out of engagement with the respective jig pallets by the operation of a pair of cylinder devices arranged on both sides of the transfer bar. In consequence, the jig pallets are transferred solely by linear motion of the transfer bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuo Naruse, Hideaki Tobita, Yoichi Shibata
  • Patent number: 4749079
    Abstract: A conveyor for textile machines such as open-end spinning frames, winding machines, two-for-one twisting machines, and the like, which comprises a static conveyor channel, supply levers that cooperate momentarily with the conveyor channel and are provided with a to-and-fro movement, actuators for causing the supply leaves to cooperate momentarily with the conveyor channel, and positioners for the tubes. The conveyor may be installed parallel to the working side of the machine, and apparatus to gear-up and increase the to-and-fro travel distance of some of the supply leavers may be advantageously included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Officine Savio SpA
    Inventor: Luigi Minto
  • Patent number: 4722295
    Abstract: There is disclosed an article treating apparatus particularly apparatus for pressure-impregnating or vacuum impregnating porous articles such as metal castings. A holder for the articles or a metal basket containing them is disposed in an autoclave and can be rotated about a horizontal axis. It has a horizontal through-passageway so that articles to be treated can be simultaneously loaded at one end of the passageway and unloaded at the other end of the passageway by an indexing mechanism. The indexing mechanism has a plurality of pusher arms which can be moved laterally into the path of the articles and then moved horizontally to push the articles along rails into and out of the passageway. The holder is stopped at a predetermined rotary position in which a longitudinal slot is opposite the pusher arms so that unloading and loading may be effected simultaneously with a single movement of the indexing mechanism, a pusher arm passing completely through the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Assignee: Ultraseal International Limited
    Inventor: Peter D. Young
  • Patent number: 4644857
    Abstract: A processing chamber for processing products and having different processing conditions in different chamber zones, a single continuous conveyor extending through the chamber from one end to the other, unit supports supportable on the conveyor for moving units from one end to the other, a first unit movement system to move units through the chamber at a predetermined first speed, a second unit movement system for moving units through the chamber at a predetermined second speed, engagement devices interengageable between the unit supports and the first movement system, or the second movement system, selectively, and a control to control the first and second movement system for selective timed operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Inventor: Guy E. Buller-Colthurst
  • Patent number: 4567822
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for decorating articles is provided with article carriers which are advanced with a stepwise motion along a guide track on a circulatory conveyor path whereby each article is passed, on the same carrier, through successive treatment stations. The article carriers are releasably connectible to a reciprocally movable conveyor means which, upon movement thereof in the conveying direction, is engageable with the article carriers, while upon movement thereof in the opposite direction to the conveying direction, it is out of engagement with the article carriers. The conveying stepping motions and the residence times of the articles in the various stations are adaptable to the respective conditions obtaining. The guide track may be subdivided into two portions which are disposed at a spacing from each other, and the spacing between the two portions can be bridged across by reciprocal movable sections carrying the article carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Assignee: Werner Kammann Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Heidenreich, Knut Kammann
  • Patent number: 4474284
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for an automatic transfer machine has a mechanical transfer drive including a motor driven gear box with an output shaft connected to a single, rotatable drive arm with cam follower means thereon selectively engageable with one or the other of a pair of spaced cam slots on a transfer buggy to define a linear geneva index for producing a harmonic motion, two stroke, transfer of the transfer buggy so as to produce improved start-stop-start-stop sequences of movement of pallets in a linear geneva operated transfer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1984
    Assignee: Ex-Cell-O Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Powell, Kenneth O. Kolnes
  • Patent number: 4469214
    Abstract: In a can changer device, empty cans are fed to a reserve position A and full cans are transported from a collection position C into a delivery position G by means of an apparatus for moving spinning cans. The can moving apparatus comprises drive means containing rails and a carriage movable thereon and having pivotably mounted arms. The arms are pivotable from a substantially vertical position, and specifically, to one side into a substantially horizontal position for entraining and moving the empty cans and, as to one arm of such arms, into the opposite substantially horizontal position for entraining and moving the full can. The carriage is movable to-and-fro by means of a toothed belt between a deflection or reversing head and a drive head, respectively between the locations or positions H and L. During operation, the can changer device itself moves the filled can from the position B towards the position C and the empty can from the position A into the position B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1984
    Assignee: Rieter Machine Works Limited
    Inventors: Andreas Maurer, Gerhard Mandl, Hanspeter Meile
  • Patent number: 4433775
    Abstract: A pusher assembly is disclosed for a scrap metal conveyor of the type having an elongated trough in which the pusher assembly is supported for longitudinal reciprocation to advance scrap metal along the trough in the direction from one end thereof toward the other. The pusher assembly includes an elongate circular push rod carrying a plurality of scrap metal pusher elements axially spaced apart on the rod and supported thereon for reciprocation therewith and for pivotal movement about the rod axis. The pusher elements slidably engage a longitudinally extending wear plate on the bottom wall of the trough and are restrained against lateral displacement relative to the wear plate by a longitudinally extending upright guide bar thereon received in guide slots in the undersides of the pusher elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1984
    Assignee: Mayfran, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry S. Hollowell
  • Patent number: 4346650
    Abstract: Continuous-processing type sterilizer and cooker for providing packaged foods completely sterilized with a small heat-energy consumption and retaining the color, fragrance, taste, texture and quality similar to unprepared foods by taking the steps of immersing a product cage, wherein contains the packaged foods, in pressurized hot-water in a sterilization tank, moving the cage within the hot water by means of a drive means for a given period of time, transferring it through a transfer tank from the hot water to a pressurized cooling water in a cooling tank, and moving it within the cooling water by means of a drive means for a given period of time. Both the sterilization tank and the cooling tank are connected to the transfer tank at their one end, the sterilization tank having a preparatory chamber at its other end and the cooling tank having an off-loading chamber at its other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1982
    Assignee: Shinagawa Machinery Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eizo Zaitsu
  • Patent number: 4271958
    Abstract: A bale wagon for picking up bales of crop material from the field and forming them into a generally symmetrical pyramidal stack for deposit at a selected location is provided. The bale wagon includes a mobile frame pivotally supporting a stack forming load bed, a bale support and transfer mechanism for depositing the bales at a predetermined position on the load bed, a pickup mechanism for moving the bales from the field to the support and transfer mechanism, and a pusher mechanism for moving the bales along the load bed from the predetermined position. A control mechanism coordinates the functioning of the components so as to form a multi-layered stack of bales with each succeeding layer centered on and containing one less row of bales than the previous layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1981
    Assignee: Sperry Corporation
    Inventor: H. Berton Stringfellow
  • Patent number: 4271957
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for advancing workpieces through a plurality of spaced-apart work stations which are arranged so that the distances between certain adjacent work stations are greater than the distances between other adjacent work stations. During an advancing stroke, the drive mechanism moves each workpiece from one work station the entire distance to the next work station so that no workpiece occupies any space between adjacent work stations after the completion of the advancing stroke. The drive mechanism includes a rotary drive crank to which a plurality of drive links are pivotally mounted. Each drive link is connected to a transfer bar which is guidably supported for straight line reciprocal movement to engage and advance the workpieces. A predetermined half-cycle movement of the drive crank imparts contemporaneous movement to the transfer bars which are moved through different distances during the half cycle movement of the drive crank to advance all workpieces to the next work stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1981
    Assignee: LaSalle Machine Tool, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Osborne
  • Patent number: 4194614
    Abstract: A conveyor system formed by a main steel belt conveyor which carries items from a receiving station to any one of a number of discharge conveyors which extend to different destinations. A mechanism is provided in each of the discharge conveyors which pushes items from the main conveyor onto the discharge conveyor. The mechanism has a pusher arm which is supported by a rod assembly so as to be moved across the main conveyor downstream from the unloading zone while extending upwardly away from the main conveyor. It is then swung down on the far side of the item and pushes the item onto the discharge conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1980
    Assignee: Sandvik Conveyor GmbH
    Inventor: John G. Hrivnak
  • Patent number: 4173294
    Abstract: An apparatus in which particles are advanced from a storage container through a tube having a plurality of apertures therein. The particles are moved along the tube by paddles secured to a shaft so as to be discharged through the apertures in the tube. The shaft is mounted reciprocably and rotatably within the tube. In this manner, the paddles engage the particles during its forward movement while being spaced therefrom during the return to its initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1979
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Robert C. Savage
  • Patent number: 4172517
    Abstract: An apparatus for feeding elongate workpieces intermittently sideways one by one to successively located machining and parts-assembling stations includes a pair of first parallel spaced feed rods supported on a transfer table and extending in a direction in which the workpieces are transferred. Each of the first feed rods has a plurality of workpiece-engaging projections spaced therealong at an interval that corresponds to a distance at which the processing stations are spaced. A second rod extends parallel to the first feed rods and has a plurality of second workpiece-engaging projections spaced therealong at the above-mentioned interval. The first and second rods are coupled together through a lost motion drive, and are axially movable between advanced and retracted positions. Upon engagement of the lost motion drive, the first and second projections jointly provide a plurality of workpiece holders while the first and second rods are being advanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1979
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Susumu Kobayasi
  • Patent number: 4170284
    Abstract: A device to transfer bodies along a path between the work positions on an assembly machine having a table and feed means for delivering bodies in a row, the device comprising a matrix bar extending above and parallel to the table of the machine on one side of the path of the bodies, the bar being carried by a lever mounted on a pivot and the bar having in at least one longitudinal edge and at regular intervals cut-outs whose profile is adapted to the periphery of the bodies; a rake constituted by a shaft extending parallel to the matrix bar on the other side of the path of the bodies and carrying a plurality of teeth spaced along the shaft with the same spacing as the cut-outs in the matrix bar, the shaft being mounted in bearings fixed on the machine for lengthwise translatory movement through advance and return strokes and for rotational movement about its longitudinal axis; a straight edge overlying the shaft, the straight edge being positioned in the same plane as the matrix bar and extending parallel the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1979
    Assignee: Etablissements Lachaussee, Societe Anonyme
    Inventor: Maurice Lachaussee
  • Patent number: 4125365
    Abstract: An apparatus for heating billets and the like prior to hot extrusion is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongated, insulated tunnel having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A conveyor extends through the tunnel from the inlet to the outlet and conveys a plurality of equally spaced, transversely arranged billets in a step-like manner. The conveyor rotates the billets as they are conveyed through the tunnel. A source of high temperature air is connected to a plenum positioned above the conveyor. High temperature air is discharged from the plenum through a plurality of slot-like jets positioned above the billets so that the air directly impinges on the billets. Temperature probes are included for insuring that the billets are biased to one side of the conveyor upon discharge and for sensing the billet temperature to control the air temperature within the tunnel. An unloader is provided for receiving the billets discharged from the tunnel and rotating them through an angle of 90.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1978
    Assignee: Oliver Machinery Company
    Inventor: John W. Nelson
  • Patent number: 4089203
    Abstract: A stamping press having a workpiece transfer mechanism connected thereto. The transfer mechanism includes a reciprocating carriage having a rigid cross arm thereon extending transverse to the path of travel of the carriage. A pair of laterally spaced, parallel finger bars extend lengthwise of the path of travel of the carriage and have one end thereof fixedly mounted on and supported on the opposite ends of the cross arm such as to reciprocate with the carriage. The other ends of the finger bars are slideably supported adjacent the die in the press. The finger bars have fingers thereon which are movable preferably in a vertical plane between work-engaging and work-releasing positions. In one embodiment the fingers are fixedly mounted on the finger bars and the finger bars are rotated to actuate the fingers in a vertical plane between work-engaging and work-releasing position. In another embodiment the fingers are raised and lowered in a vertical plane parallel to the axis of each finger bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1978
    Inventor: Bernard J. Wallis
  • Patent number: 4067436
    Abstract: Packet blanks are fed stepwise along an elongated blank bed by a succession of pawls reciprocating along the length of the bed. Mechanism is provided for lifting the pawls at the end of their working strokes, and for lowering them at the end of their return strokes. In the event that the blank feed is to be interrupted, the mechanism can keep the pawls lifted without stopping reciprocating movement of the pawls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1978
    Assignee: Molins Limited
    Inventors: Robert William Davies, Leonard Thornton
  • Patent number: 4042093
    Abstract: Can changing apparatus for drawing frame having at least one series of a can filling station and one or more empty can ready stations spaced at regular intervals, doffing means reciprocably disposed along the series of the stations to intermittently produce one cycle of reciprocation and having a series of pivoted arms identical in number and identically spaced with the series of stations. The apparatus further comprises means to swing the series of arms all simultaneously upright on retracting stroke of the reciprocation motion while keeping in horizontally swung down position on advancing stroke to thereby advance succeeding cans on the stations all together one stroke ahead of their former locations toward and away from the can filling station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1977
    Assignee: Kabushikikaisha Hara Shokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Masakatsu Fujii, Toshio Yasufuku