Abstract: A method of removing floating foreign substances that may interfere with a normal operation of an electromechanical mechanism of a control rod drive mechanism and a device for executing the same are provided.

Abstract: A coverlay processing system includes a processing device and a conveyance device. The conveyance device is configured for moving the coverlay to the process device. The conveyance device includes a pulling member, a first securing member, a detector and a controller. The pulling member is configured for driving the coverlay. The first securing member is configured for stopping moving the coverlay. The detector is configured for detecting a moving state of the coverlay and is connected to the controller. The controller is connected to the processing device for managing the operation of the processing device.

Abstract: A cable pulling machine of the invention includes a frame, a mechanical linkage including first and second links having first and second cable gripping shoes disposed thereon respectively in opposed positions, a latching cylinder actuable to cause the mechanical linkage to pivot on multiple axes to bring the shoes into engagement with a cable disposed therebetween, a main cylinder having one end mounted on the frame and actuable to move the linkage in a manner effective to pull the cable in a pulling stroke once the latching cylinder has brought the shoes into engagement with the cable, and a mechanism for extending and retracting the main and latching cylinders. The machine may also include a mechanism for holding the cable in tension between pulling strokes, such as a pivoting wedge mechanism as described hereafter.

Abstract: Two intermittently and oscillating driven feeding rollers (2; 3) are adapted to feed a strip-shaped workpiece (63). The bottom feeding roller (2) is supported in the frame (1) of the feeding device. The upper feeding roller (3) is supported in a rocker (30). The movement of the rocker (30) is controlled by a control disk (64) through a lever and a rod arrangement (40). The rocker (30) rests at one end (33) via a pressure spring (39) against the frame (1). At the opposite end (34) the rocker (30) rest against the frame (1) via a further pressure spring (36). The rocker (30) is supported in an overhung state on a cantilever which consists of a sleeve (70), a arm (71) projecting laterally from the sleeve (70) and a shaft (72) held clamped in the arm (71). The clamping bar (46) is firmly mounted to the shaft (72).

Abstract: A suitable tension is applied to a film-like printing body to be processed in a printing step or a parts mounting step. Further, the processed film-like printing body is automatically fed out by a predetermined stroke. In a state of a film-like printing body (9) being clamped by all the fixing clamps (19, 19, 29, 29), a tension clamp (12) in a rear side of a parts mounting apparatus (33) in a moving direction of the film-like printing body (9) is moved forward by a cylinder (17) while being kept open. Then, tension clamp (12) is pulled back by an operation of a tension coil spring (18) while the film-like printing body (9) being kept clamped. After mounting of the parts, the tension clamp (12) is opened. Next, the film-like printing body (9) is clamped by feeding clamps (20, 20), and at the same time, all of the fixing clamps (19, 19, 29, 29) are opened.

Abstract: The invention concerns an annular clamping ring in particular for laying oil ducts including a rigid annular base (2) supporting with support apparatus a coaxial ring-shaped assembly of vertical jaws (4) mobile in the diametral planes; said apparatus includes long connecting rods (14) articulated on the base (2) and on the outside of the jaws (4) in an almost vertical position, and the rigid annular body (3) enclosing the jaw (4) assembly, mobile in vertical translation by means of controllable cylinder actuators (6) linking it to the base (2); the jaws (4) are linked with the annular body (3) by at least two connecting rods (5) forming an articulated parallelogram, such that the annular body (3) vertical displacement relative to the base (2) causes a substantially radial and synchronized displacement of the jaw assembly (4).

Abstract: A feeding device for strips including a stationary gripper (3) and a movable gripper (4) that is linearly movable with an alternating motion with respect to the stationary gripper (3) along longitudinal sliding guides (1). The feeding step of the strip is determined by the position of a stop crosspiece (8) provided with a pair of end blocks (13) having respective substantially hemispherical protrusions (18) suitable for engaging with a positive coupling in corresponding substantially hemispherical recesses (19) in the longitudinal sliding guides (1).

Abstract: A strap driving device for looping machines has with a strap guiding channel for a looping strap and two pairs of drive rollers engaging in the strap guiding channel. Each pair of drive rollers has a driving roller driven in rotation and a pressing roller to be set to the latter for free running. For being set to the driving roller, the pressing roller is mounted on a rocker.

Abstract: Press rollers for being pressed respectively against wires are provided on an upper side of the wires while length-measuring rollers for respectively contacting the wires are provided on a lower side of the wires. A number of revolutions of each length-measuring roller is detected by an encoder, and an amount of actual feed of each wire is detected in accordance with its revolution number, and a pulse signal, representing its detection value, is sent to a comparison processing portion of a controller. In this comparison processing portion, the amount of actual feed of each wire, detected by the encoder, is compared with a predetermined feed amount of a feed roller beforehand given as an instruction to the processing portion, and if there is any difference between the two, an instruction is given to a servo amplifier, and the servo amplifier sends an instruction to a servo motor for driving the feed roller so as to rotate the servo motor in a normal or a reverse direction in accordance with this difference.

Abstract: A weft feeding device which alleviates an excessive tension acting on the weft upon feeding of the weft and inhibits breakage of the weft includes a gripper to grip the weft at prescribed times, a length measuring roller located downstream of the gripper, and a pinch roller to hold the weft against the roller at prescribed times. Opening and closing of the gripper is linked with movement of the pinch roller into and out of contact with the length measuring roller. A linear or a rotary solenoid is provided to operate the pinch roller and the gripper by a pulse width modulation method or a linear method.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding and optionally drawing wire to a forging machine or the like. The apparatus is a compact unit that conserves floor space and offers manufacturing economies by permitting the use of common components whether or not the optional drawing feature is selected. Large hydraulic clamping forces for wire drawing operation are developed by a relatively large piston and cylinder that operates mechanically through a relatively small piston and cylinder. The relatively small piston and cylinder enables the apparatus to quickly grip and release wire stock to achieve high machine speeds. When the draw option is not selected, the relatively large piston and cylinder are not supplied, but otherwise most of the same components including the small high speed piston and cylinder are retained to reduce the number of different parts used in the manufacture of the apparatus.

Abstract: A feed mechanism for advancing an elongate strip of material including a pilot mechanism for locating the strip such that flexure regions of the strip are disposed at a predetermined position relative to the feed mechanism. The mechanism advances the strip a distance corresponding to the spacing between flexure regions. A control device is included for operating the pilot mechanism and the advancing device alternately such that before each advancement the strip is located with its flexure regions in the predetermined position relative to the feed mechanism.

Abstract: A terminal band feeding apparatus has a feeding reel on which spirally wound are (i) a terminal band having terminal blanks in a chain manner and (ii) a partitioning tape for preventing the terminal blanks from becoming entangled with one another. By pulling out the partitioning tape from the feeding reel, the terminal band is reeled out and fed to the terminal crimping position of a continuous terminal crimping machine. When a limit switch detects the fact that predetermined tension is applied to the terminal band, the tape is clamped and sent downward by a predetermined amount. The tape thus sent is thrown away in a dust box.

Abstract: A feeding device for web material has a pneumatic actuator assembly incorporating a three-way pneumatically piloted control valve which controls communication between the pneumatic actuator assembly and a source of air under pressure and a discharge port, respectively. The control valve includes a spool having a plunger disposed in a first chamber connected to a pilot passage, a cylindrical obturator located in a second passage having an air inlet passage located in an end of the chamber surrounded by a flat face seal seat and a radial air outlet passage leading to the feeding device. An intermediate chamber is disposed in communication with the second chamber and is connected to a discharge passage. A flat annular face seal seat is formed between the second chamber and the intermediate chamber whereby the two flat face seal seats are engageable by flat opposite faces of the cylindrical obturator.

Abstract: A feeding device for feeding thin and delicate web material towards a work station, particularly a forming press, includes a longitudinal support and guide member for the web and a step-feed assembly for feeding the web onto the support and guide member along a longitudinal direction. The feed assembly includes a stationary gripper and a movable gripper, and the longitudinal support and guide member for the web is a single endless belt having an upper bearing run situated under the web and above the movable jaws of the two grippers.

Abstract: A web engagement system for an off-reel printing press comprising a guide piece, a guide channel and drive stations for the displacement of the guide piece. The guide channel accommodates and guides the guide piece and is located on the frame of the press between the drive stations. The guide piece is slightly longer than the distance separating the various drive stations. The advance of the guide piece is caused as a result of the displacement of a slide equipped with wedging rollers which alternately grip and release the guide piece. A pair of wedging rollers prevents the return movement of the guide piece. The invention is used for introducing paper webs unwinding continuously in an off-reel printing press.

Abstract: A pneumatic device for intermittently advancing stock into the work station of a punch press and having a dual cylinder arrangement on the feed slide block for moving a lower stock gripping jaw into engagement with the stock to be fed, and a dual cylinder arrangement in the main block for actuation the feed slide in a stock feed direction; the piston rods of the latter dual cylinders affording separate fluid conduits for respectively supplying pressure fluid first to the cylinders on the feed slide block and secondly to a buffer unit on the feed slide that is adapted to cushion the terminal portion of the movement of the feed slide in a non-feed direction. Also an arrangement is provided for removably securing to the main block to the feeder a bridge block which houses a substantial portion of the feeder control valving and also a stock clamper whereby the control valving and the stock clamper controls for the feeder may be readily removed for replacement of repair purposes.

Abstract: A fluid operated stock feed apparatus for intermittently advancing stock along a feed path. The feed apparatus includes a stationary body having fluid operated stock holding clamps mounted thereon. A stock feed head is mounted for reciprocation relative to the body and has fluid operated stock feed clamps mounted thereon and a feed piston is mounted in the body for extending and retracting the stock feed head. A main control valve is provided in the body for controlling the application of fluid pressure to the fluid pressure operated stock holding and stock feed clamps and a pressure operated auxiliary valve is provided in the body and is responsive to the pressure from the main control valve for controlling the application of fluid pressure to the feed piston.

Abstract: A pneumatic feeder is disclosed having twin feed slides axially reciprocable in side by side relation along parallel axes for intermittently advancing strip stock to a downstream machine for further processing. Each feed slide has clamps which serve to advance the stock with the traveling slide clamps activated and the clamps of the other slide being deactivated during its idle return movement. Each feed slide additionally has a rotatable crank mechanism and a single acting power cylinder associated therewith for providing a primary motive force in a stock advancing direction in cooperation with the associated crank mechanism. The crank mechanism serves both to trigger actuation of the driving force of the power cylinder to advance its feed slide and additionally provide harmonic deceleration of its feed slide under high rates of feed to ensure precision termination of the advancing feed slide to positively limit its feed stroke.

Abstract: A fluid operated stock feed apparatus for intermittently advancing stock along a feed path. The feed apparatus includes a stationary body having fluid operated stock holding clamps mounted thereon. A stock feed head is mounted for reciprocation relative to the body and has fluid operated stock feed clamps mounted thereon and a feed piston is mounted in the body for extending and retracting the stock feed head. A main control valve is provided in the body for controlling the application of fluid pressure to the fluid pressure operated stock holding and stock feed clamps and a pressure operated auxiliary valve is provided in the body and is responsive to the pressure from the main control valve for controlling the application of fluid pressure to the feed piston. The main body is formed with a bore therethrough and the feed cylinder is provided in one portion of the bore.

Abstract: A pneumatic feeder for punch presses and the like wherein a novel circuit and arrangement is incorporated in the feeder control system for causing the stock gripping means on the reciprocating feed slide to be released in response to the completion of each intermittent stock feeding stroke of the slide. This circuit and control arrangement includes a fluid motor means that is controlled by a pilot operated supplementary valve means which in turn is controlled by an air jet means that is arranged and adapted to sense the arrival of the feed slide at a predetermined position.

Abstract: A stock feeder for repetitively feeding uniform segments of a continuous web of stock material from a roll to a production machine. The feeder comprises a frame, a pair of hold clamps located on the front portion of the frame, and a movable feed block which carries a pair of feed clamps that grips and pulls the stock material to a position which is held by the hold clamps. To obviate the necessity to reposition the clamps when changing the width of stock material, the frame includes first and second pairs of laterally adjustable stock roller guides located, respectively, on its front and rear portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gripper or clamp feed advance mechanism for sheet metal bands or profiled forms on presses, having two feed advance clamps or grippers on the feed-side of the press and having a spacing therebetween in the direction of adjustment, whereby the feed advance and return stroke may be carried out between two press strokes. The purpose of the invention is a feed advance mechanism which makes possible the easiest adjustment of the feed advance path and the direction as well as of the spacing between the feed advance clamps or grippers, with a minimal feed advance force and practically any desired material dimension. It is intended that the spacing between the feed advance clamps or grippers (5) which determines the advance and return stroke, is achieved synchroneously through the adjustment of the crank radii (13) of the crank drive (10, 21, 23) by a common adjustment member (12).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for moving material such as metal sheets or strip in production machines. The apparatus includes two spaced-apart, double-acting jacks disposed in parallel relation to the direction of movement for the strip. Each jack comprises two piston rods extending out of opposite ends of the cylinders from a common piston. The piston rods are secured at their free ends to standing columns arranged at the four corners of a rectangular base. A cross member rigidly interconnects the cylinders of the jacks and is provided with two transport grippers having jaws, one of which is moved by a jack to grip the strip at opposite sides thereof. The grippers are disposed in a plane containing the strip and longitudinal axes of the piston rods so that applied forces to the strip coincide with the driving plane of the cylinders.

Abstract: A stock feeder for repetitively feeding uniform segments of a continuous web of stock material from a roll to a production machine. The feeder comprises a frame, a pair of hold clamps located on the front portion of the frame, and a movable feed block which carries a pair of feed clamps that grips and pulls the stock material to a position which is held by the hold clamps. To obviate the necessity to reposition the clamps when changing the width of stock material, the frame includes first and second pairs of laterally adjustable stock roller guides located, respectively, on its front and rear portions.

Abstract: An improved sheet forming machine and method of making same are provided wherein such machine employs a first set of clamp assemblies and associated moving devices for serially moving the sheet or sheet material along fixed parallel rails through a succession of working stations and a second set of clamp assemblies which cooperate with the first set of clamp assemblies in a non-interfering manner and grasp and hold opposite side edge portions of the sheet material the full extent of the stations along the rails, and the second set of clamp assemblies are adapted to provide precise grasping and holding of such opposite side edge portions of the sheet material along such full extent to enable modification of the sheet material at each successive station with optimum precision. The machine also has improved apparatus for adjusting and holding the distance between the parallel rails.

Abstract: A high speed article feeding apparatus for successively feeding articles in sheet or strip form to a work station for the performance thereon of a shaping or forming operation. A reciprocable shuttle includes a pneumatic feed clamp for clamping the work during a feed stroke and a pneumatic hold clamp for holding the work at the work station. The shuttle is operated by a pneumatic cylinder. A pneumatic circuit includes two interconnected pneumatic values to control the operation and sequencing of the elements of the feeder for fast operation without misfeeds.

Abstract: A mechanism, for intermittently feeding a tape-like article along a longitudinal path, comprises a slide having a first clamping jaw and reciprocably movable parallel to the longitudinal path, and a second clamping jaw carried by the slide and movable relatively thereto toward and away from the first jaw to clamp and release the tape-like article. At the end of the slide's forward movement, the second jaw is moved away from the first jaw and is locked in such "releasing" position. At the end of the slide's backward movement, the second jaw is unlocked and thereby returned to its "clamping" position.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated stock feeder for intermittently advancing stock into the work station of a punch press or the like and having an improved pneumatic control arrangement which incorporates three interconnected valves, namely a main three-way valve, an inlet pressure responsive valve means and a fluid pressure controlled exhaust valve means, for controlling the proper sequencing of the fluid motors that respectively produce the stock gripping, clamping and feeding actions of the feeder. The combination of the two pressure responsive sequence valve means control the operation of the main feed motor and are in turn controlled by the output of the main control valve; this control arrangement affording a high level of feed accuracy yet tolerating a relatively wide range of operator set-up inaccuracies and speed changes without significantly adversely affecting such feed accuracy.

Abstract: A novel arrangement for the air circuit conduit lines of a pneumatically operated feeder for punch presses and the like. In order to insure that the stock gripping action of the feeder occurs before the initiation of the feed motion of the feed slide of the feeder a physically circuitous or roundabout path is provided for the air flowing between the control valve and the head end of the main feed cylinder. In this arrangement the main cylinder is located in the control circuit so as to be effectively disposed downstream of the stock grip cylinders when pressure air is directed to the main cylinder and so as to be effectively disposed upstream of said grip cylinders when pressure air is exhausted from said main cylinder. This arrangement will facilitate the establishment of the short but necessary time delay needed to enable the completion of the stock grip and release actions before movement of the feed slide commences.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for periodically feeding a rod-like workpiece into a severing machine for severing predetermined lengths in a cutting plane during cutting steps alternating with feeding steps. There are provided openable and closable clamping jaws for grasping the workpiece adjacent the cutting plane during each cutting step and openable and closable feed jaws for grasping the workpiece at a predetermined distance upstream of the cutting plane as viewed in the direction of feed and advancing the workpiece through the cutting plane by a distance corresponding to the desired length to be cut. The feed jaws are, subsequent to the feeding step and the closing of the clamping jaws, but prior to the completion of the cutting step, opened and moved away from the cutting plane by an extent that corresponds to the subsequent feed stroke and are thereafter closed again to grasp the workpiece anew.

Abstract: An improved semi-automatic control system for a punch press feeder, having a novel combination of three control components including a new main sequencing valve arrangement, a trigger valve and a reverser valve.

Abstract: A device for feeding an elongated band or strip of material in a step-by-step manner toward a material processing station, such as a punch or the like. The device includes a housing having a chamber therein in which is located a reciprocal piston. The piston rod connected to the piston extends out through an opening in the housing and is at the free end thereof connected to a clamping jaw. An adjustable stop is provided in the chamber for controlling the length of the stroke of the piston. Structure for facilitating a deceleration of the piston as it approaches its limits of movements are provided at opposite ends of the chamber. Fluid connections are provided in one of the guide rods supporting the clamping jaw and facilitate a fluid supply to the clamping jaw without the use of external hoses. The control valve structure for the feeding device is mounted on a rotatable valve block structure to facilitate a reversal of the sequence of the feeding stroke.

Abstract: There is provided a measuring apparatus for successively and intermittently feeding one or more elongate workpieces (A) to a working machine. Between an attachment means (2) and a fixed clamping element (4) there is arranged a further clamping element (7) which is reciprocatingly movable along a pair of guides (6). As the movable clamping element (7) makes a working stroke, the workpiece (A) is able to pass freely through the fixed clamping element (4). Upon return movement of the movable clamping element (7), however, the workpiece is held by the fixed clamping element, with the movable clamping element (7) returning to its rearward limit position out of engagement with the workpiece. The movable clamping element (7) is connected, via a piston rod (10), to the piston (9) of a pneumatic cylinder (8) of variable volume, said cylinder having an end plate (11) which is displaceable therein.

Abstract: A feed apparatus for feeding material to a metalworking machine comprises two alternately operating gripping units; the first unit comprising a reciprocating transport gripper element which moves the material forward by steps; the second unit comprises a stationary non-return gripper element which retains the material during the return stroke of the transport gripper element. At least one of the elements can be operated in opposition to spring force by means of a pressure medium which can be displaced by a displacing means acting as an operating mechanism. At least one of the gripper elements is connected to a displacing means by a closed container which stores the pressure medium, the container having extensible wall sections to which the gripper element and the displacing means is connected.

Abstract: A pneumatic control system for a semi-automatically operating feeder for punch presses and the like. A pair of interconnected main three-way valves control the operation of the fluid motors that respectively actuate the reciprocally mounted feed slide and the stock gripping means carried by the feed slide. These two three-way valves are adapted to be controlled by a trigger means that includes a pair of serially coupled two-way valves that are sequentially mechanically actuated by a control plunger, and by a stroke reverse means that includes a safety valve feature that will operationally accommodate small leaks that may be present in the associated portions of the control circuit so as to prevent the inadvertent initiation of an undesired feed-index cycle of movement of the feed slide.

Abstract: An improved multi-stroke control system for a pneumatically operated feeder for punch presses and the like; such system including means to charge and discharge a pneumatic capacitance. The pneumatic capacitance is adapted to be charged in response to the initiation of a first operative cycle of the feeder and to be discharged in response to the completion of said first cycle; said discharge being adapted to initiate a second operative cycle of said feeder. Once triggered the feeder may execute a number of successive operative cycles, the particular number being dependent on the effective volume of said pneumatic capacitance.

Abstract: A manual stock feeder apparatus for feeding stock to a machine for processing said stock, said manual stock feeder having a moveable carriage capable of engaging a length of linear stock and capable of sliding along a plurality of parallel linear guide members toward said machine while engaging such length of linear stock and thereby feeding such linear stock into the machine for processing said stock. The apparatus further includes a second stock engagement means for engaging and securing the stock while the carriage 4 is being repositioned to its initial starting place to resume the feeding of stock to the machine for processing said stock.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated feeder for punch presses and the like and having a feed slide that is adapted to be moved automatically through successive feed and index strokes. Instead of using a limit switch type device for sensing for the physical presence of the feed slide when the latter has reached the end of an operative stroke thereof, an improved control means is provided to identify the completion of such an operative stroke and to thereby cause said feed slide automatically to initiate its next operative stroke. When pressure fluid is applied to the main fluid motor of the feeder in order to produce say an index stroke of the feed slide the effective fluid pressure in said motor will not normally reach line pressure until after completion of said index stroke.

Abstract: A press-feed unit is operative to feed a length of stock material to a press. The unit comprises a body for fixing adjacent the press and a transport section reciprocable relative to the body by a pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly, the stock being clamped to the transport section during forward feed strokes of the latter. The unit further comprises a control valve, and a transport feed valve which is controlled by a pilot pressure signal from the control valve and operable to feed the transport cylinder. A pilot signal connection is provided which can be blanked off to enable the unit to operate independently, or connected through a pilot pressure pipe to a basically similar unit to provide a duplex arrangement of two units, one of which is directly controlled in dependence on press ram position and provides a pilot signal through said pipe to operate the transport feed valve of the other unit.

Abstract: An improved control circuit for the pneumatically operated punch press feeder illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,038,645; the use of which circuit permits a simplification of the construction of the feeder by enabling the stock clamping as well as the stock gripping motors of feeder to be single acting. This improved circuit and the resultant simplification of structure will allow benefits of the sequencing action of the dual valve system to be retained while reducing the cost of manufacture and maintenance of such a feeder.

Abstract: Continuous, elongated material is fed lengthwise in steps by clamping devices of which one is stationary on supporting structure, the other is reciprocated. Each device includes clamping jaws backed by a fluid-operated jack and return springs in such a manner that the stationary jack is spring-biased toward the clamping position, and the reciprocating jack is spring-biased toward the material-releasing position, both jacks being operated intermittently, against the restraint of the return springs by the simultaneously supplied pressure fluid. The return spring in the reciprocating jack is weaker than that in the stationary jack. The springs may be replaced by equivalent pneumatic devices.

Abstract: A feeding mechanism for the continuous feeding of printed carrier material such as printed packing material from an intermittent printer to a continuous storage reel or the like is disclosed. The printed material is fed between spaced alternating fixed and movable guide rollers. The movable rollers are spring biased and can be raised to a threading position above the fixed rollers. A backstop positioned between the printer and the feeding mechanism prevents return of the printed material from the feeding mechanism to the printer.

Abstract: A machine for the manufacture of objects of sheet shape being removed from the output end of said machine by means of a taking-off device. Said device is connected with a feeding device for said objects. The feeding device is arranged to perform a reciprocating movement and the taking-off device is arranged to follow the same in its motion.

Abstract: A stock feeder particularly adopted for feeding narrow, prepunched strip, and featuring a positive locator/stock holder assembly. The stock feeder positively pilots and feeds the stock with more force, and is more compact and less expensive to build, than comparable feeders. Operation is entirely pneumatic. Holding pilots and feed pilots assure positive and accurate feeding.

Abstract: A device for cutting lengths of tubing from a longer tube utilizes an external pair of cutting dies and an internal pair of punches. An eccentric relative motion ("shimmy") of the cutting dies results in the desired cutting of the tube. The punches are inserted into the tube from the end of the tube from which the length of tubing is to be cut. A restraining arrangement prevents the punches from moving farther along the tube than is desired, while a punch positioning mechanism prevents movement of the punches toward the open end of the tube. Thus, the internal punches are accurately positioned with respect to the external cutting dies. A centering arrangement is utilized to insure coaxiality of the punches.

Abstract: A pipe snubbing apparatus and method which may utilize either the draw works of a conventional rig or a pump to provide power for raising the movable gripping assembly.The movable gripper is moved downwardly by stored power, such as pressure stored in an accumulator. The rate of movement of the movable gripping assembly may be controlled by controlling flow of fluid to and from a piston and cylinder assembly associated with the movable gripping assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for feeding length stock into a work tool such as a punch press. The feed apparatus includes a pneumatically operated traveling clamp and a pneumatically operated fixed position clamp. The traveling clamp is linearly reciprocated between two positions by a pneumatically operated lever and linkage which varies the velocity of the traveling clamp proportionately with distance from the fixed position clamp to decelerate the traveling clamp as the feed stock reaches the desired position in the work tool. Interdependent pneumatic control systems for sequencing the advancement of the stock with the cyclic operation of the work tool and for sequencing the clamps with the feed advancing mechanism are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a control rod of a nuclear reactor adapted for rapid refueling is disclosed which electromechanically grips and moves a control rod in a step-by-step manner. Locking apparatus is included with the drive mechanism which locks the control rod in position when it is fully withdrawn from the core. The locking apparatus prevents the drive mechanism from inadvertently dropping the control rod. Therefore, during rapid refueling of a core, when the control rods are withdrawn and stored within an upper core supporting structure, there is no possibility of a control rod being accidentally dropped so as to interface with the rapid refueling operations.

Abstract: A sealing device for hot fluid curing units comprising a pair of telescopically slidable tubular bodies provided with means for originating a relative movement of said bodies with respect to each other and to the curing unit, the material travelling in said unit passing through said tubular bodies.Each tubular body incorporates an expansible and collapsible ring ensuring tightness between the tubular body and the material to be treated, so that a continuous movement of the material travelling in the curing unit can be obtained.