Abstract: A punching/perforation machine creates a predefined punching/perforation pattern in a material that is supplied in a direction of travel. The machine comprises a punching/perforation tool that includes an upper tool part which can be moved in a direction of stroke and which is equipped with a plurality of punching dies/perforation needles that are arranged in a predefined grid in a transverse direction and can be moved by a pressure beam that is operatively connected to a drive unit via a control device in order to produce a punching/perforation stroke. The material is supplied between the upper tool part and a lower tool part. The material is placed or clamped in a frame mechanism. The punching/perforation machine includes a frame accommodation/connection device for accommodating/connecting the frame mechanism, and the frame mechanism containing the material is supplied between the upper tool part and the lower tool part.

Abstract: A punching/perforation machine for creating a punching/perforation pattern in a material unit/web comprises a punching/perforation tool that includes an upper tool part which can be moved in a direction of stroke and which includes a plurality of punching dies/perforation needles arranged in a predefined grid in a transverse direction. It can be moved by a pressure beam that is operatively connected to a drive unit via a control device in order to produce a punching/perforation stroke. The material unit/web being supplied between the upper tool part and a stationary lower tool part/female die. Means are provided for generating a simultaneous movement of the material unit/web relative to the punching/perforation tool by a predefinable distance both in the direction of travel and in the transverse direction such that the material unit/web can be placed in a different predefinable position relative to the punching/perforation tool prior to each punching/perforation stroke.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of assemblies each configured to support a dental mold and a material, a heating system configured to heat the material, a forming system configured to form a chamber encompassing the dental mold and at least a portion of the heated material, and to cause the heated material to form over the dental mold, and a conveyor system configured to move the plurality of assemblies from a loading area to the heating system, from the heating system to the forming system, and from the forming system to an unloading area.

Abstract: A system includes a heating system, a forming system, a conveyor system, and a plurality of thermoforming assemblies for supporting a dental mold and a thermoforming material. The heating system includes a first heater to heat the thermoforming material when proximate the first heater, a second heater configured to heat the thermoforming material when proximate the second heater, and a temperature sensor to detect a temperature of the thermoforming material when the thermoforming material is proximate either of the first heater and the second heater. The forming system includes an actuator and a pressure system to compress the heated thermoforming material to the dental mold. The conveyor system moves the plurality of thermoforming assemblies in a stepwise movement sequence from a loading area to the heating system, from the heating system to the forming system, and from the forming system to an unloading area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveying device for conveying electrical or optical lines (8) such as wires, cables, line bundles, optical fibres etc. comprising a gripper (3) for gripping a line (8), wherein the gripper (3) is displaceable along a guide (1) between a first position (5) and a second position (6), characterised in that in the region of the first position (5) and in the region of the second position (6), respectively one active interface is provided which is configured to come into operative communication with the gripper (3) and bring this into a closed position or open position when the gripper (3) is located in one of the two positions (5, 6).

Abstract: The present embodiments are directed towards the transfer, retrieval and storage of flexible materials. In one embodiment, a system is provided that generally includes a hose retrieval system having a first hose gripper assembly. The first hose gripper assembly includes a pair of first grippers configured to move between a first open position and a first closed position in opposite crosswise directions relative to a longitudinal axis of a hose. Each first gripper includes a first L-shaped structure, and the first L-shaped structures are configured to overlap one another to define a first bending gap in the first closed position.

Abstract: A gripper type material feeding apparatus for the intermittent feeding of a workpiece. The apparatus includes a first linearly guided gripper mechanism which is movable in a first direction of workpiece feeding and in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first gripper mechanism includes a first gripping member and a second gripping member wherein the second gripping member is movable relative to the first gripping member for gripping the workpiece. The apparatus includes a first release actuator for moving the second gripping member of the first gripper mechanism in a direction relative to the first gripping member of the first gripper mechanism. The apparatus includes a first release connecting link with a first end pivotally connected at a first pivot axis to the first release actuator and with a second end pivotally connected at a second pivot axis to the second gripping member of the first gripper mechanism.

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 system and method for creating fiber optic terminations includes a fiber optic connector tooling device and an improved hot plate termination plate or oven. The device cooperates with the oven to produce a fiber optic termination end with optimal light diffusion qualities. The device properly aligns a plastic fiber optic cable and connector with each other and perpendicularly aligns both with the oven. The device provides gradual forward pressure to seat the plastic cable in the connector to melt the second end of the cable and form an optical lens with optimal light diffusion qualities. A method of creating optically clear lens at a termination end of the plastic fiber optic cable uses the fiber optic connector tooling device to assist in holding and guiding the fiber optical cable to the improved oven in proper axial alignment to create a defect free lens.

Abstract: A feed mechanism includes a feed slide movable between a retracted position and an advanced position. The feed slide is configured to feed a product strip during a feed stroke as the feed slide is moved from the retracted position to the advanced position and the feed slide is movable with respect to the product strip during a return stroke as the feed slide is moved from the advanced position to the retracted position. The feed mechanism also includes feed fingers pivotally coupled to the feed slide at corresponding attachment points. The feed fingers are movable between an engaged position and a released position, wherein the feed fingers are configured to contact the product strip in the engaged position and the feed fingers are configured to be positioned away from the product strip in the released position. The feed fingers are moved to the released position prior to the feed slide moving along the return stroke.

Abstract: Provided are a tape feeder for use in chip mounters that can reduce a chip feeding duration and prevent chips from being turned over or assuming wrong postures to feed the chips stably, and a chip mounting method. The tape feeder includes a second link having one end linked to a link shaft through which a first link and a pivot lever are combined and the other end in which a slot curved at a predetermined inclination is formed. The velocity at which a carrier tape is fed changes according to the inclination of the curve of the slot with respect to the moving direction of the first link, the curve contacting the contact unit upon the movement of the first link in a direction helping to rotate a ratchet gear.

Abstract: Rectilinear drawing machine for drawing material, especially bars, pipes or sections, with at least two movable drawing cars which are driven on a path, one run being assigned to each drawing car, and the runs can be fixed in a variable manner.

Abstract: A power transmission device is capable of correctly adjusting relative positions of two shafts in a direction of rotation even when the shafts are rotationally driven, and comprises a hollow, outer shaft, to one end of which a drive gear is fixed, an inner shaft, to one end of which a carrier is fixed, and a planetary gear mechanism. The planetary gear mechanism comprises a sun gear, planetary gears supported on a carrier, and a ring gear having internal teeth and external teeth, the internal teeth engaging with the planetary gears. A first gear and a second gear on an input shaft, respectively, engage with outer teeth of the drive gear and the ring gear. When the sun gear is made stationary and the input shaft is rotationally driven, the outer shaft and the inner shaft are rotated with the same number of revolutions in the same direction. When the sun gear is rotated, a position of the inner shaft in the direction of rotation is adjusted relative to the outer shaft.

Abstract: An elongated truss boom structure is adapted to be flattened and coiled to a stowed configuration. The truss boom includes longerons, battens, and diagonals A fixed ladder shaped structure is formed by a plurality of fixedly coupled battens which interconnect two adjacent longerons. The truss boom is flattened for stowage by arranging all of the longerons coplanar to the plane of the fixed ladder shaped structure. The longerons preferably have a corrugated cross section. For stowage the longeron is heated and compressed into a ribbon shaped cross section, and upon deployment the longeron is heated to restore its corrugated cross section. A mechanical assembly machine includes a drum, a stowed flattened truss boom rolled into a coil around the drum, a device for unrolling the coil, an actuating and locking mechanism, and a control arm which connects the actuating and locking mechanism to the drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for drawing a strand has a frame extending in a longitudinal direction, a pair of substantially identical linear motors each having a primary fixed on the frame, and a movable secondary slidable along the respective primary in the direction. The primaries extend parallel to the direction and are transversely spaced on a plane extending in the direction. A strand clamp capable of gripping the strand is fixed between the secondaries. Electricity is supplied to the primaries to longitudinally displace the secondaries and clamp in the frame so that the clamp and any strand held by it are advanced longitudinally through the frame.

Abstract: A device for supplying a work station with a strip flexible material unwound from a reel including a transfer plate, driven in a translation motion with a longitudinal horizontal axis, by displacing between a first position for loading the material strip and a second so-called working position. The transfer plate including a first device for immobilising the strip on the plate when the latter is moving from the loading position to the working position. The transfer plate is capable of supporting on its surface the material strip, and the work station including a second blocking device for retaining the free end of the strip, such that the transfer plate return travel from the work position to the loading position generates, by the friction of the strip on the plate, forces tending to spread the part of the strip associated with the work station.

Abstract: A handling apparatus for forging machines, especially for advancing a wire intended for the manufacture of screws, rivets and the like includes a first cam, keyed on a first motor-driven rotary shaft, cooperating with a first angularly orientable lever, associated with a roller and formed by a branch having a rectilinear portion, oriented parallel with respect to a screw, guided by a support and caused to rotate alternatively clockwise and counter-clockwise either by an electric motor or by hand; a sliding carriage, associated with the screw, provided with a transversal tying pin for an oscillating bar having on its free end a needle that strikes the rectilinear portion of the first lever; a second angularly orientable lever, cooperating with a carriage that is movable in a direction parallel to the direction of advance of the wire; wire grasping means for grasping the wire; a second cam, alternatively mounted on a second shaft or a rotary side shaft of the forging machine, which cooperates with a needle fixe

Abstract: A machine (70) for receiving a continuous strip (10) of elongated products (12) mutually attached end to end includes a frame (82) and is arranged for incrementally feeding the strip of products and performing a manufacturing operation therewith. Each two adjacent products (12) are attached at an indentation (14). The machine include a feed mechanism (90) for incrementally feeding the strip of products. The feed mechanism includes first and second feed fingers (216, 218) mutually opposed on opposite sides of a feed track (108). The first and second feed fingers are movable toward the strip of product until in feeding engagement therewith without gripping the strip of products. The feed mechanism includes a drive carriage (94) and a follower carriage (96) arranged for independent sliding movement along the direction of feed and return. The feed track extends through both the drive carriage and follower carriage to guide the strip of product.

Abstract: A material feeding apparatus has gripper apparatuses which perform clamping and unclamping operations of a material by means of a stationary gripper and a movable gripper, and a sliding block which can support the first gripper apparatus and oscillate in a transfer direction of the material. These members are respectively driven by first, second and third cams which are fixed to an input shaft. In order to closely attach transfer members interposed between the first cam performing a forwarding operation of the material and the sliding block to each other, a spring which always urges the sliding block in a returning direction is provided. Accordingly, it is possible to remove a play between the transfer members and perform a feeding operation at a high speed and a high accuracy. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a material feeding apparatus which can transfer and supply the material at a high speed and a high accuracy.

Abstract: A tape feeder 200 includes a sprocket 201 having a plurality of teeth 202 for engaging holes of a tape. A pawl 205 engages selected teeth of sprocket 201. A first lever 203 is coupled to pawl 205 and a second lever 204 is coupled to first lever 203 and a source 208 of a driving force. First lever 203 and second lever 204 operate by a toggle action to selectively engage pawl 205 with ones of teeth 202 and thereby index sprocket 201.

Abstract: A cord (3) which consists of a plurality or a bundle of individual filaments (2), especially individual wires, can be inserted into an opening (4) with a stripped or bare end (1), even if the filaments (2) are spread out at this end (1). The cord is grasped near the free end (14) of the bare filaments (2), and the filaments (2) are pressed together over the total circumference of the cord. The free end of the cord is provided with a contour which corresponds to the receiving opening (4). The compacting occurs for this purpose in such a manner that opposite the pressure position a projection at the free end (14) still remains, which now in this contoured shape fits and is inserted into the opening (4). Thereafter, the bundle of filaments (2) is then pressed together again at a slight distance from the opening (4), and by this aforementioned distance is inserted into the opening (4) or the sheath (5).

Abstract: A method to fabricate plastic cards is disclosed. A substrate tape is perforated with evenly spaced holes, and when placed in a working station, positioning pins engage into the holes. The spacing between two sets of pins is then slightly increased thereby tensioning the tape without stretching it thereby providing for highly accurate alignment.

Abstract: A cover-tape feeding apparatus for feeding a peeled portion of a cover tape of a carrier tape which includes an accommodating tape having, at a predetermined pocket pitch, pockets accommodating electric components, respectively, and the cover tape attached to the accommodating tape to close the pockets, and which is fed in a lengthwise direction thereof at a carrier-tape-feed pitch equal to a quotient obtained by dividing the pocket pitch by an integral number, the apparatus including a conveying belt which is endlessly wound on at least two pulleys and at least a portion of which supports the peeled portion of the cover tape; a reciprocative member which is reciprocated forward and backward in opposite directions substantially parallel to the portion of the conveying belt; and a pinching device including a pair of pinching members at least one of which is provided on the reciprocative member, the one pinching member cooperating, when the reciprocative member is moved forward, with the other pinching member t

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 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 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: An intermittent terminal feed mechanism is provide in a machine for attaching terminals to electrical conductors. The terminals are fed, in strip form, along a feed track to a workstation by the intermittent feed mechanism that retracts away from the strip of terminals during the return stroke. The feed mechanism includes a support member that is threaded onto an adjustable coupling that is attached to and carried by the piston rod of a linear actuator. A pawl is pivotally attached at one end to the support member while the other end has a tooth that engages the strip of terminals for feeding. Another linear actuator is attached to the support member and is arranged to pivot the pawl into engagement with the strip of terminals during feeding thereof and out of engagement during the return stroke.

Abstract: A gun-shaped solder-dispensing device dispenses adequate and controlled lengths of solder wire for use in soldering plumbing joints and like tasks. The shape makes it easy to dispense solder and hold it to a heated workpiece all with one hand. The device contains an arcuate toothed drive which comprises about one-quarter of a circle. Thus, it is possible to contain a drive wheel of a large effective diameter in a compact housing. A trigger lever is linked to the drive wheel so that pulling the trigger lever with the fingers of a hand holding the device will dispense a length of solder. The drive wheel acts as a ratchet because it is linked to the trigger lever by pivoting connecting linkages. This allows the toothed wheel to move up into contact with the solder wire before it begins to revolve and move the solder forward. A pressure roller backs the solder to allow a variety of solder diameters to be accommodated.

Abstract: A stock feeder has a housing for supporting both the stock and an advancer which coaxially extends through the housing and is formed as a collet which, when clamped, grips the stock and holds the advancer in a fixed relationship with the stock. At the extreme distal end of the advancer the collet is formed with a radially extending lip, and proximal to the collet the advancer is formed with a radially extending ring. A chuck which is formed with a radial groove slidingly surrounds the collet and is movable relative to the advancer. Specifically, the chuck can be moved on the collet between a first position wherein the chuck clamps the collet onto the stock and a second position wherein the collet is released to allow a sliding movement of the stock through the advancer. In either collet configuration, the stock may be rotated. An actuator is engaged with the groove on the chuck and is manipulable to move the chuck between the first and second positions.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for automatically extracting a grout injection pipe through which grout is injected into fragile ground for improving the same. An extractor for an injection pipe has an extracting main body including a chucking element for chucking the periphery of the injection pipe through a chucking member, a piston cylinder having a rod to which the chucking element is secured, and a rod position detector opposite to the rod of the piston cylinder for detecting movement of the rod. A control device is included for providing an injection pipe chucking and releasing signal to the chucking actuating valve and for providing rod ascending and descending signals to a rod ascending and descending valve. The extracting main body and the control are separately located.

Abstract: Apparatus for bending hollow profiles 3 into spacer frames for insulating glass panes, the hollow profile 3 being advanced by a gripper 2 displaceable along a conveyor 4. The magnitude of the stepwise advance of the hollow profile 3 corresponds to the lengths of the legs of the spacer frame to be made. A pickup 6 on the gripper 2 measures precisely each stepwise advance.

Abstract: A thin-web frame feeding device for intermittently feeding a thin-web frame at a predetermined pitch along a guide rail has first and second shafts supported by bearing stands for synchronized axial sliding motion in the same direction and for rotation in opposite directions. The first and second shafts are provided with feeding claws rotatable in accordance with the rotation of the shafts into and out of positions where spontaneous portions of the thin-web frame are clamped. The feeding claws are axially moved in accordance with the axial sliding movement of the shafts to feed the thin-web frame.

Abstract: A material loading apparatus for material working machines comprises loading slide elements for stepwise conveying one of a wire and strip material guided in a main guide along a guidance direction. The loading slide elements having a controlled slide-mounted material clamping device, an oscillating drive connected to the loading slide elements and a controlled material holding device. Stopping of the material clamping device at its extreme positions along the main guide is achieved via slide abutments. A resilient transmission system is provided in the driving connection between the oscillating drive and the slide-mounted clamping device. The loading slide elements have, in connection with oscillating drive, a main slide guided in a main guide and a secondary slide provided on the main slide and capable of moving substantially parallel to the main guide.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for linear transport of sheet and web material by piezotranslators, the longitudinal displacement is measured by an optical interferometer and the interferometer output is utilized to control the longitudinally acting piezotranslators.

Abstract: A pair of arms is hingedly connected to a rocker. These arms support the pressing bar. At their opposite ends the arms are pivotably mounted such to the casing of the appratus that in one position thereof the axis of rotation of the lower feeding roller coincides with the pivot axis of the pivotal point of the arms at the casing. By this design it is no longer necessary to adjust the apparatus for the intermittent feeding of a web-shaped workpiece by utilizing auxiliary structures to various respective thicknesses of the web being fed.

Abstract: A hitch feeder for a TAB tape is described which comprises: a stationary jas assembly having opposing jaws for gripping edges of the tape when closed, and not gripping the edges when open; a movable gripping assembly which includes a lower movable gripper positioned below the tape and an upper movable gripper positioned above the tape. The lower and upper movable grippers may be moved both towards and away from the tape, each said movable gripper gripping the tape when moved towards it and releasing the tape when moved away from it. Both grippers are physically clear of any features on the tape when moved away from it. A tape feeder is provided for reciprocally moving the movable gripper assembly along the tape length, both towards and away from the stationary jaw assembly.

Abstract: A roll feed apparatus has first and second rolls for gripping a plate when rotated in first directions and moving from each other when rotated in second directions, and first and second brake pieces for fixing the plate during rotation in the second direction. A pivot body has support portions along its length for rotatably supporting a first roll shaft at opposite ends. A pair of pivot shafts parallel to the first roll shaft are rotatably connected to the pivot body and a housing and eccentric with respect to each other. First and second adjusting arms are fixed to the shafts; third and fourth adjusting arms are pivotally fitted to the support portions and support the first brake piece. A first adjusting device with first and second links coupled to the first and second adjusting arms moves portions of the first roll and first brake piece located next to first and second arms towards or away from the second roll and the second brake piece by pivoting these arms.

Abstract: A material feeding apparatus for intermittently feeding a sheet or rod material in a predetermined length has a first gripper device having a first fixed gripper and a first movable gripper for cooperation with each other in clamping and unclamping a material therebetween, and a second gripper device having a similar construction as the first device and carried by a slide block provided for reciprocatory sliding movement along the path of feed of the material.

Abstract: A high speed tape machine for applying tape to carton assemblies is disclosed. The tape machine includes spaced sidewalls and a tape assembly for supporting a roll of tape depending from the sidewalls. A stripper cylinder having a reciprocating stripper roller pulls tape from the roll. A tape head is pivoted to the sidewalls and directs tape from the roll to a carton assembly moving along a predetermined path. A trigger retards rotation of the tape head. A knife cuts the tape after the tape is applied to a carton. A wipe down assembly including pressing rollers engages the tape after its application to the carton assembly and presses the tape against the carton assembly.

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 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: Clamps mounted on a reciprocal frame grip a web of connected molded fibrous articles and move toward a cutter a distance equal to one article length, thereby presenting to the cutter the connecting portion between adjacent articles and also pulling the next portion of uncured fibrous material into the mold press for shaping and curing. After the cutting operation the clamps open and move toward the mold into position to again grip and feed the web toward the cutter. Connected rows of webs can also be handled by slitting the rows as they move toward the cutter. The articles, which can be quite deep compared to the thickness of the connecting portions between articles, are supported during travel and while stationary by support plates separate from the reciprocal frame. The various components which contact or cause movement or cycling of the apparatus can be adjusted to permit handling of articles and webs of different dimensions.

Abstract: A wrinkle-preventing mechanism for a high-speed printer, in which the web constituting the printing medium passes between skewed image and pressure cylinders while being subjected thereby to a high pressure, includes a flat-surfaced, rigid pressure pad underlying the web path toward the nip of the cylinders, a skewed, freely rotatable, elastomer-surfaced drag-inducing roller for pressing the web over its entire width against the pressure pad, and a loading system for applying forces to the roller to provide the requisite loading across the entire width of the web. A skew angle for the drag-inducing roller of about 2.degree.-5.degree. relative to the perpendicular to the direction of movement of the web toward the nip is preferred.

Abstract: A gripper mechanism having at least two vacuum grippers which are horizontally displaceable and fixable along a cross strut of the gripper mechanism. The gripper mechanism is vertically movable up and down and includes a blow pipe which extends over the width of the cross strut and from which an air stream is expelled. The air stream presses the photoresist-free reverse side of the photoresist film to be held and transported against the vacuum grippers. As soon as the vacuum grippers are subjected to a vacuum, the photoresist film is held and transported downwardly. On the upper side of the blow pipe are arranged stop screws which come into contact upon elevation of the gripper mechanism with the underside of vertically displaceable fastening elements, to which a cutting bar with a cutting groove is fastened. Upon elevation of the gripper mechanism, the cutting bar is taken up with it, the photoresist film being raised by the taper of the cutting bar from the suction plate which is under a vacuum.

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 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 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 roll feed apparatus having a first roll and a second roll for oscillatory rotation in opposite directions such as to intermittently feed a sheet clamped therebetween. The roll feed apparatus comprises a pivot member having one end fitting on a pivot shaft extending from the housing of the apparatus substantially in parallel with the first roll shaft and the other which is free, the pivoting member being mounted at its portion between the one and the free ends on a first roll shaft, the pivot member being adapted to cause, when it pivots, the first roll shaft and the first roll to move towards and away from said second roll, a first adjusting device for adjusting the force by which the first roll is urged towards the second roll is adjusted, and a second adjusting device for adjusting the gap between the rolls in accordance with the thickness of the sheet to be fed. The first and second adjusting devices are operable independently of each other.

Abstract: A roll feed apparatus having a first roll and a second roll for intermittently clamping therebetween and feeding sheet material. An adjusting device is provided for adjusting the gap between the first and second rolls and includes a pivot member adapted to cause, when it pivots, the first roll to more towards and away from the second roll. First and second braking members temporarily fix the sheet when it is unclamped from the rolls. The second braking member is carried by a braking position adjusting arm disposed between the pivot member and the path of feed of the sheet. The adjusting arm is pivotally carried by the pivot member and arranged such that an imaginary plane connecting the portions of the first roll and the second braking member closest to the path of feed of the sheet is moved, when the pivot member pivots over a predetermined angle, substantially in parallel with the path of feed of the sheet.

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.