Abstract: An apparatus and method according to which a piece part is inspected and sorted. In several exemplary embodiments, the piece part is a post-tension concrete anchor. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a reference component configured to engage the piece part by extending within an opening defined the piece part. The reference component extends within the opening by a first distance, the first distance being based on at least one dimension defined by the opening. A depth measurement device is configured to measure a second distance, which is a function of the first distance. A controller is configured to determine whether the second distance is within a predetermined range. If not, a bracket disengages the piece part from the reference component at a first location. If the second distance is within the predetermined range, the bracket disengages the piece part from the reference component at a second location.

Abstract: A method sorts out defect-free elements blanked out of a metal sheet for a belt for use in a continuously variable transmission. Each of the elements has a body and a head joined to the body with a pair of recesses defined therebetween. The elements are stacked in a transverse direction thereof into an annular form and bundled together by an assembly of stacked endless metal rings inserted in the recesses into a belt for use in a continuously variable transmission. The elements are inserted into a passage having a predetermined width to sort out and deliver those elements which have passed through the passage to a feed path. Respective images of the elements which have been delivered to the feed path are analyzed while in the feed path to compare the images with a reference element image. Elements which have entrapped foreign matter, outer profile deformations, and defects are rejected from the feed path, and other elements are fed through the feed path.

Abstract: A transporting and escapement device includes an internal guide member extending along the conveying path and extending through an aperture in each conveyed article. The guide member will serve to guide the article along the conveying path. The guide member is supported by at least one escapement assembly. Each escapement assembly includes at least two independently operated guide member engaging supports which can selectively engage the guide member at spaced locations along the guide member. At least one support of at least one escapement assembly will be engaged with the guide member at any given time.

Abstract: A workpiece identifying method is provided, being characterized in that a plurality of identification areas of plural columns and rows are plotted in an identification mark providing region provided in the area of the unused portion of a workpiece or a product, identification holes are formed in the proper number of identification areas, whereby an identification mark is provided to the workpiece or the product. A workpiece is produced with identification holes formed in the proper number of identification areas. An identifying method for detecting the identification holes formed in the proper number of identification areas of the workpiece and workpiece identification apparatus are also provided. Sheet metal machining apparatus is further provided, having the workpiece identification apparatus placed in a workpiece feed device side or a carry-away device side for a sheet metal work machine. Thus, an identification mark is easily and surely provided to the workpiece, making it easy to identify the same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and sorting component parts of an assembly includes a single station wherein parts are continuously fed, precisely measured, sorted by measurement, and then transported. For measuring the parts a contact member is mounted for extremely precise and controlled movements by a voice coil motor. The contact member is initially referenced with respect to a datum and is then placed into contact with the part. An optical encoder senses the position of the contact member to enable a determination of the critical dimension. The contact member includes a removable portion that is shaped to measure a desired critical dimension. This may include the height, inside diameter, outside diameter, roundness, or location of a feature of the part.

Abstract: An apparatus mechanically actuates GO ring gauges and NOGO ring gauges to check whether inner and outer diameters of hollow, cylindrical-shaped products such as bushes B/G are within fit tolerances, thus automatically distinguishing between acceptable and unacceptable products.

Abstract: There is disclosed a preform handling apparatus for orienting and testing a plurality of preforms. The preform handling apparatus of this invention comprises an orienter, an inverter and a tester. The orienter of the preform handling apparatus comprises a base driving mechanism, a rotatable circular disc carried by the base driving mechanism and a retaining wall which extends substantially around the circumference of the disc. An inverter of the present invention comprises two juxtaposed semicircular plates adapted to receive a preform in an upright position and to rotate the preform 180.degree. such that the preform is discharged from the inverter in an inverted position. A tester of the present invention comprises a hub subassembly and a star wheel subassembly for moving preforms along an arcuate path and further comprises a gage subassembly, a cam and a bridge subassembly for detecting defective preforms and preventing defective preforms from being processed into a final product.

Abstract: An elongate metal needle 23 is used to detect blockage in a throughbore in a nuclear fuel pellet 20 or other article. The pellets are fed along a tube 11 having a reject slot 30 and horseshoe magnets 14, 15. 14a, 15a support the needle so that the pellets pass along the tube with the needle in the pellet bores. When a blockage is sensed, feed is interrupted and a switch 41 is operated to energize magnets 35 to rotate the tube 11 so that the defective pellet passes through slot 30 assisted by gravity operated reject element 33. Visual indicators 39, 40 are operated by flap 50, responsive to discharge of satisfactory pellets, to indicate a blockage has occurred.