Abstract: The invention relates to an advancing apparatus for the intermittent supply of a semi-finished material (22) in the form of a band to a press. The apparatus comprises a pair of displacement grippers (4, 7) which run forwards and backwards and by which the material (22) is advanced in an advancing phase, a stationary pair of clamping grippers (24, 27) by which the material (22) is held in a fixed manner in a non-advancing phase, and a control rocker (12) with a control drive (40, 42) which is coupled to one control end of the latter and to which the pair of displacement grippers (4, 7) and the pair of clamping grippers (24, 27) are coupled mechanically and their interaction is controlled.

Abstract: A wire winding machine includes two mandrels for winding wire alternately thereon. A traverse positions wire axially along each mandrel, and moves in an arcuate path to position wire adjacent one or the other mandrel. A single transfer arm transfers wire from a wound to an unwound mandrel by extending a wire guide adjacent the wound mandrel, retracting the wire guide to engage the wire, rotating to position the wire adjacent the wound mandrel, and extending to guide the wire into a clamping and cutting mechanism. The mechanism clamps and cuts the wire in response to the mandrel end cap being placed into position. The wire winding machine includes a portable operator console, and a network interface. A wire tension control unit includes a radiated signal source and detector to detect movement of a moveable pulley assembly relative to a fixed pulley assembly to control the supply of wire.

Abstract: A supply module for feeding electrical components to an automatic component-mounting machine has a locking element which is a piezoceramic bending transducer that extends in the longitudinal direction of the supply module along a supply path for the components. A free end of the locking element projects into a window of the supply module to an extent such that the locking element is located slightly above the component which has been conveyed there and is ready for removal. By applying an operating voltage to the locking element, the locking element can be deflected laterally to an extent such that it is moved out of the coverage region over the component transversely with respect to the component advancing direction.

Abstract: A device that advances and holds wire as the wire is fed through the device and prevents any movement in the opposite or reverse direction by instantly locking on the wire when movement in the reverse or opposite direction is attempted includes a main barrel having a bore through which the wire passes and one or more inserts disposed at the feed end of the main barrel for maintaining the longitudinal orientation of the wire as the wire exits the main barrel. Disposed within the bore is a one-way wire locking or clutch assembly that includes a tapered chamber and a plurality of radially arranged locking balls mounted on a circular head of a stem wherein the locking balls allow wire to freely travel therethrough in the feed direction but interact with the tapered chamber to lock on the wire for preventing any movement in the reverse direction.

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: An automatic tape feeder for use in component placement machines includes a novel sprocket wheel for driving component carrier tapes to a gross position by an electric drive motor. Before the electric drive motor reaches the final position desired, it is deactivated or turned off. A novel indexing cam is connected to the sprocket drive wheel. A spring loaded pawl or positioning cam is moved into a vee-shaped groove on the indexing cam so as to achieve an actual fine position of the indexing cam as well as the teeth on the sprocket wheel. By first achieving a gross position with the drive motor and then a fine position with an indexing cam and pawl, it is possible to achieve a positioning accuracy in a pick up station which is as accurate as the sprocket holes and component pockets in the carrier tape. The present invention has achieved accuracies of ± one 1,000th of one inch which exceeds positioning accuracies of devices known heretofore.

Abstract: A first clamping member allocated to the feeding of the web co-operates with a second clamping member allocated to the feeding of the web in order to clamp the web for a feeding thereof. The first clamping member is controlled by a cam disk via lever arm members. A first arresting member co-operates with a second arresting member in order to clamp the web for an arresting thereof. The first arresting member is controlled from the same cam disk via lever control members.

Abstract: A tape feeder of a chip mounter including a frame, a transfer wheel rotatably installed on the frame, for intermittently transferring a chip tape by a predetermined length, a wheel member rotatably installed on the frame, a reel installed coaxially with the wheel member, for winding a cover tape separated from the chip tape, driving means for intermittently rotating the transfer wheel and the wheel member a predetermined amount in one direction, and a reverse rotation prevention member for preventing reverse rotation of the wheel member or the reel by frictionally contacting either the wheel member or the reel.

Abstract: A carrier tape for carrying electronic components thereon forward to a sucking position is formed therein with a plurality of recesses for accommodating the electronic components, respectively, and advanced intermittently with the electronic components contained in the recesses. A suppressor is arranged at a location backward of the sucking position for preventing the electronic components from jumping out of the recesses. A shutter is arranged for sliding contact with the carrier tape such that the shutter is capable of being moved forward and backward along length of the carrier tape to open and close each of the recesses in the sucking position. The shutter has a forward end portion larger in width than a width of the each of the recesses and is formed by a plate spring extending obliquely toward the carrier tape for suppressing the carrier tape.

Abstract: In the field of transport paths used typically in postage meters, it is sometimes desired to prevent withdrawal of items in the opposite direction to forward travel along the transport path. The disclosure relates to a one way gate (10) for such a transport path including a transport surface (11). The gate includes a rotatable roller (17) disposed opposite the surface such that an item traveling forwardly along the transport path engages and rotates the roller (17); and a device preventing rotation of the roller (17) in a direction corresponding to withdrawal of an item (22) in a reverse direction along the transport path.

Abstract: A chip feeder for supplying a multiplicity of chip parts retained on a tape from a tape supply section to a parts takeout section of a chip mounter. The chip feeder comprises: a working lever having a first, second and third arm portions; a driving source for applying working force to the first arm portion; a tape feed device interlockingly connected to the second arm portion, for intermittently feeding the tape at a predetermined pitch; a protective tape peel-off device interlockingly connected to the third arm portion, for peeling the protective tape off the tape intermittently fed, and a chip takeout device for taking out the chip parts from the tape. The driving source and the chip takeout device are, respectively, a driving source and a chip takeout device for the chip mounter itself, and the working lever is interlocked in operation with the chip mounter.

Abstract: A pair of rollers receives the stock between them and are movable laterally in unison to advance the stock gripped between them in a feeding movement. A slide block is slidably carried by a disk and is provided with a coupling that is offset from the axis of the disk. The coupling is connected to the pair of rollers so that rotation of the disk will move them in their lateral movement. The length of the feeding movement is adjusted by moving the slide block relative to the disk to adjust the distance between the coupling and the axis of the disk. The slide block is provided with a measuring surface that is located so that the distance from the measuring surface to the reference surface corresponds to one-half the length of the feeding movement. The slide block is clamped in position by a locking plate that is slidably supported by the disk.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for feeding various sizes or formats of strip material to a processing apparatus, such as a computer-printer. The apparatus comprises a frame having a vertical feed slot through which strip material is fed and a roll for gripping and supporting the strip within the feed slot, said roll being supported upon an inclined surface such that gravity and friction holds the rolls against the strip material and retains the strip material within the feed slots.

Abstract: A method and a device for placing edge protecting means (7) at objects in connection with band strapping. The inventive method is distinguished in that blanks for edge protecting means (7) are fed as a continuous band (7a) which when advanced is preliminary bent around a longitudinal line, that the fed-out portion of the band (7a) is cut to form an edge protecting means (7) in correct position, and that the edge protecting means (7) is finally bent in connection with cutting.

Abstract: A hand-held device for advancing a strip of solder or like material includes a body having a receiving end, a nose-like advancing end, and an intermediate pair of upstanding brackets. A swing arm pivotally mounted to the brackets pivotally mounts a spring biased actuating arm. The swing arm and actuating arm have tabs which cooperate to grip and advance a solder strip upon actuation of the actuating arm.

Abstract: A roll feed apparatus for feeding a sheet material successively to different working stations. The apparatus includes an oscillation driving device, a main sector roll integrally carried by a main roll shaft and adapted to be oscillatorily driven by the oscillation driving device, and a sub-sector roll integrally carried by a sub-roll shaft extending in parallel with the main roll shaft. The sub-sector roll is adapted to cooperate with the main sector roll in clamping a sheet material therebetween and feeding the same.

Abstract: A roll feed apparatus for feeding a sheet material successively to different working stations. The apparatus includes an oscillation driving device, a main sector roll integrally carried by a main roll shaft and adapted to be oscillatorily driven by the oscillation driving device, and a sub-sector roll integrally carried by a sub-roll shaft extending in parallel with the main roll shaft. The sub-sector roll is adapted to cooperate with the main sector roll in clamping a sheet material therebetween and feeding the same.

Abstract: A tool for applying banding clamps is provided with means for applying a substantially even amount of force across the transverse direction of a strap to hold the strap in a desired position wherein the force applying means comprises a plurality of superposed levers having means for holding the superposed levers in assembled relationship but permitting relative movement between the levers.

Abstract: A stuffing attachment for a continuously operating crinkling unit for continuous material, has a stuffing ring which can be moved forwards and backwards in a straight line with an aperture through which a strip of the continuous material passes. The stuffing ring is pushed through a clamping device into the starting zone of a compression tube of the crinkling unit and thereafter withdrawn. As the stuffing ring is withdrawn, the clamping device closes, so that it grips the strip, holds it fast, and pulls it through the aperture of the stuffing ring as the latter travels further back.

Abstract: The ticket dispenser includes lower and upper overlying support plates which define a ticket material passageway therebetween. A reel support is mounted on one end and cutting apparatus are mounted on the other end of the support plates. A feed slot is formed in the upper support plate and a feed pawl reciprocates in the feed slot. A feed pawl cam urges the feed pawl downwardly into engagement with the ticket material in the passageway as the feed pawl moves toward the cutting apparatus, and urges the feed pawl upwardly away from the ticket material as the feed pawl moves away from the cutting apparatus. As the feed pawl reaches the end of its feeding stroke, the cutting apparatus cuts off the portion of the ticket material that has been pushed beyond the cutting means, and feed out apparatus pulls additional ticket material from the reel.

Abstract: A low cost pneumatic stock feeder for punch presses and the like wherein a one-piece U-shaped main frame is provided for supporting and guiding a reciprocating feed slide. One end of a stock gripper bar is pivotally secured to the feed slide while the other end thereof is adapted to be actuated by a fluid motor carried by said feed slide whereby an efficient mechanical advantage is afforded for the stock gripping action. A continuously acting friction braking means is provided for engaging just the longitudinal side corners of the stock material so that the latter may be yieldably held during the time when the gripper bar is released and so that there is a minimum of marring or scratching of that portion of the stock material from which parts are to be stamped.

Abstract: A dual slide pneumatic feeder for intermittently advancing stock into the work station of a punch press or the like wherein the fluid motors of the feeder are controlled by a fluid valve means that is adapted to be intermittently driven by a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism is adapted to be actuated from two different control points; first from a trigger means that is operable in response to the movement of the press ram, and secondly from a means operable in response to the completion of a feed stroke of one or both of the two feed slides. In this control environment the two feed slides may be made to execute a plurality of consecutive feed strokes in response to each cycle of operation of said press.

Abstract: The disclosed method consists in that the electrode wire has the portion thereof intermediate the supply coil and the welding arc alternatingly retained at one of two points, with an effort applied to the wire in the respective retaining point, causing transverse oscillation of the wire. The effort is applied at an angle substantially short of 90.degree. relative to the direction of feeding the wire toward the welding zone. The apparatus of performing the disclosed method comprises a plurality of gripping means for retaining the wire, each including a plate apertured for passage of the wire and a spring accommodated between a housing and the plate, the plate of one of the gripping means being mounted for reciprocation in the direction of feeding the wire toward the welding zone and having its side surface adapted to cooperate with an actuator mounted on the output shaft of the drive effecting the feed and transverse oscillations of the wire advanced toward the welding zone.

Abstract: An applicator device comprises two casing parts pivotally connected for movement between a longitudinally aligned closed position and a folded open position, one of said casing parts providing a tape supply chamber and the other providing a chamber for receiving and accumulating the tape after use. A flexible member anchored on the one casing part extends between the casing parts for forming a backing for the exposed material when the casing parts are relatively pivoted to said open position, and the flexible member at the same time acts to advance material out of the supply chamber and toward the other casing part. Unidirectional pawls in the other casing part are effective when the casing parts are relatively pivoted to closed position for preventing retraction of the tape.

Abstract: This relates to the handling of thin soft temper material during the feeding thereof and in formation of such material into individual components in a punch press. Most particularly, a pull tab formed of a plastics material-aluminum foil laminate is being formed. In order to control the movement of the stock through the punch press, the stock is longitudinally stiffened by the formation of longitudinal ribs therein. The ribs are preferably formed by the stock feeding mechanism. The work product is blanked and formed substantially in its entirety in regions of the stock outside of the stiffening rib areas and prior to the final severing of the work product from the stock, the stiffening ribs are flattened. In the separation of the work product from the stock, there is material removal in a punching operation along the areas previously containing the stiffening ribs.

Abstract: An improved pneumatic feeder for a punch press or the like wherein the operation of the feeder is adapted to be slaved in a semi-automatic manner to the operation of the punch press. The feeder is provided with a stock advancing feed slide and a control valve therefor whereby the stock advancing slide is normally positioned in a rearward or indexed position, and is adapted, when the feeder is triggered in response to the operation of the press, to execute a feed stroke and immediately thereafter automatically execute a non-feed stroke so as to return to said normal indexed position where it will remain until said feeder is again triggered in response to the next operation of said press.

Abstract: The feeding mechanism serves to intermittently feed stock to a processing machine and comprises a rocker lever having at its outer end an arcuate surface shaped according to an arc of a circle, crank drive comprising a crank which is operatively connected to said rocker lever, said crank drive being operable to impart an oscillation to said rocker lever, a clamping roller adapted to cooperate with said arcuate surface and forming a feeding clamp therewith, a retaining clamp for holding said stock in position, and control means for cyclically opening and closing said feeding clamp and retaining clamp in alternation.

Abstract: A plurality of clamping members are disposed along a recording line against the record media, and a cable, secured at the ends thereof, is trained in a path engaged with the clamping members and with movable bearing members spaced between the clamping members. Actuation of a solenoid causes a rocker arm to pivot and through a cable tension control member carried thereby cause tightening of the cables on the clamping members and on the bearing elements thereby changing the force on the clamping members and against the record media for holding the media in precise position while recording thereon.

Abstract: The paper advance mechanism disclosed herein comprises two essentially identical paper-engaging devices, one fixed, one driven, which cooperate to incrementally advance the paper in a hand-held printing calculator. Each device includes a tapered cavity enclosing a roller which engages the paper as it passes therethrough. The position of the roller in the cavity determines whether that device slidably or non-slidably engages the paper and the position of the roller is determined by the movement of the paper itself. The paper-engaging devices alternately non-slidably engage the paper; when the driven device moves in one direction, it non-slidably engages and thus advances the paper as it moves, and the paper slides through the fixed device; when the driven device reverses direction, it slidably engages the paper as it returns to the start of its travel and the fixed device non-slidably engages the paper to hold the advanced paper in position.

Abstract: A device for stepwise pulling in with great force and stowing a belt or strap, comprising a stepwise feeding mechanism which pulls in the strap through a locking means allowing passage of the strap towards the mechanism but locking the movement of the strap in the opposite direction, and a storage or winding-in device for collecting the fed-in strap. The step feeding mechanism comprises two elements, which are pivotable about a common axis, together as well as relatively to each other. The strap passes between the elements which co-act with each other and with the strap so that when they are swung together in one direction they grip and coil the strap while simultaneously pulling in the strap. When the elements are swung back in the opposite direction they move somewhat relatively to each other, thereby releasing the strap.

Abstract: A high speed dual-slide type pneumatic feeder for intermittently advancing strip stock into the work station of a punch press or the like characterized by a novel asynchronous type fluid control system which includes a rotary control valve that is intermittently stepped to a plurality of predetermined operative angular positions by means of a ratchet mechanism that is adapted to be operated in response to the ram motion of the punch press. The feeder is also characterized by an improved, compact, flexible and more efficient structural arrangement, and by a novel stock grip releasing system and valving arrangement therefor that automatically causes the stock to be released immediately after completion of each feed stroke of the feeder.

Abstract: The feeding mechanism serves to intermittently feed stock to a processing machine and comprises a rocker lever having at its outer end a gear segment, a crank drive comprising a crank which is operatively connected to said rocker lever, said crank drive being operable to impart an oscillation to said rocker lever, a feeding clamp comprising first and second, reversibly rotatable, toothed feed rollers arranged to mesh with each other when said feeding clamp is closed, said first feed roller being in mesh with said gear segment, a retaining clamp for holding said stock in position, and a cam operated control linkage for cyclically opening and closing said feeding clamp and retaining clamp in alternation.

Abstract: A back-up brake assembly for a partition feeder mechanism for preventing back-up movement of a partition strip fed therepast. The assembly comprises a partition guide having a guide surface for movement of a partition strip therealong from a receiving end to a forward end. A pivot arm is mounted for pivotal movement about a generally vertical axis and has an end adapted for engagement with a partition strip as it moves therepast. Means are provided for biasing the engaging end of the arm toward the guide surface for engagement with a partition strip as it moves past.

Abstract: A loop surrounds the user's index finger, and a movable feeder moves back and forth as the user's finger and thumb are squeezed together and released. A fixed feeder is mounted at the vertex of two springs that bias the loops outwardly, the fixed feeder being located behind the movable feeder. The feeders are so designed that when wire is passed through the feeders, the wire will be advanced forwardly as the fingers are squeezed together and released.