Abstract: A jig table apparatus for a machine tool is provided. The apparatus comprises first and second jig tables for holding workpieces thereon. A base for positioning adjacent a machine tool and elevating table are provided at a work station for supporting and raising and lowering one of the jig tables at the work station. Also provided is a turntable, a work attaching and detaching station for supporting one of the jig tables and for moving the jig tables to a position for removing a workpiece therefrom and for placing a workpiece thereon, and a transfer device is mounted on the base for moving the first and second jig tables between the working station and the work attaching and detaching stations. The transfer device includes claw members which are coupled to the elevating table and are responsive to the movement thereof, such that the claw members are moved to an engaging position when the elevating table is raised and to a disengaging position when the table is lowered.

Abstract: Clamping cylinders (8) are built into a pallet (1) for clamping on a machine tool table (2). Tongues (14) are connected to the pistons (10) of the clamping cylinders (8), which tongues project over the bottom surface (6) of the pallet (1) and fit into normal T-slots (15) of a machine tool table (2). The tongues (14) are clamped in the clamping position by cup spring sets (11) in the T-slots (15). To release the pallets the clamping cylinders (8) are loaded with pressure fluid, which is supplied through a hydraulic coupling (18, 27), which is automatically coupled together when a moving rod (3b) engages the pallet (1). The novel system permits the use of pallets (1) for clamping of workpieces to be worked, without need for significant changes in the machine tool table (2) (FIG. 2).

Abstract: An edging optimizer apparatus is described including scanner means for scanning lumber with light beams to determine a reference axis which may be the optimum yield axis for cutting boards therefrom and improved clamp means for clamping the lumber after scanning, skewing the lumber in response to the output of the scanner means until its reference axis is parallel with the cutting axis of the edger, and transferring the clamped and skewed lumber to an aligned position where its reference axis is in alignment with such cutting axis. The lumber is discharged from the clamp means at the aligned position and is fed to the edger cutting means longitudinally along the cutting axis to cut the opposite side edges of the lumber and produce boards of the proper size for optimum yield in volume or selling price.

Abstract: A machine tool is provided with a double actuation hydraulic cylinder incorporated into a pallet clamp member, which is vertically movable for clamping and unclamping a work pallet onto and releasing it from a work table of the machine tool. The cylinder, in an extension operation, outwardly extends a first hollow rod and further extends a second rod telescopically from the first rod so as to present a first engaging member secured to the outer end of the second rod under a second engaging member of a work pallet on a pallet support. The pallet clamp member, when upwardly moved, establishes engagement of the first engaging member with the second engaging member, so that the subsequent retraction operation of the cylinder causes the work pallet to be transferred from the pallet support onto the work table.

Abstract: A precision stop assembly is provided for causing a driverless vehicle to stop at a predetermined location with an accuracy .+-.0.005 inches in three planes. The assembly includes structure for slowing a vehicle down and then elevating the vehicle so that its support wheels lose contact with tracks while simultaneously guiding the vehicle to a precise orientation.

Abstract: A manually operable mechanism for attachment to the adjustable stage of an inspection microscope for lifting a selected printed circuit wafer from its slot in a conventional disc holder and positioning it under the microscope lens for inspection. After inspection the mechanism is operated to lift the wafer from its inspection position, to transport it back into the disc holder, and carefully lower it into its correct slot. There is no manual handling of the wafers and therefore the normal losses resulting from breakage and contamination is eliminated.

Abstract: A printed circuit board assembly fixture capable of securing the circuit board in a fixed relation to the inserting element of an electrical component inserting machine relies on the staking anvil of the assembly to precisely locate the circuit board and electromagnets to lock the circuit board in position for insertion of electrical components.

Abstract: A mechanism for quickly and precisely positioning one body relative to another body, which relies upon three support points between the two bodies. At a first point a hemispherical surface is received in an opening having the form of a trihedral pyramid. At a second support point a hemispherical surface is received in an opening having the form of a diahedral prism. At the third support point a rigid sphere held in loose confinement engages a flat surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for working on limp sheet material has a support surface with a high coefficient of static friction relative to the limp sheet material. A sheet of low friction material is attached at one end to a carriage supported to move longitudinally of the support surface and is spread on the support surface by advancing the carriage. The limp sheet material is spread on the support material and shifted relative to the support material to align the sheet material in predetermined position relative to the apparatus. The carriage is retracted and the support material simultaneously withdrawn from between the limp sheet material and the support surface by winding the support material onto a pay-off/take-up roll. A brush and a roller carried by the carriage smooth wrinkles from the limp sheet material and press the material into engagement with the support surface as the carriage retracts.

Abstract: A coded key cutting device for cutting key blanks using the manufacturer's code is comprised of a pair of movable carriage assemblies that index a key blank secured to one of the carriage assemblies under a punch cutter. Each of the assemblies is movably indexed according to an interchangeable cam depending on the manufacturer's code. The key blank is positioned for longitudinal and transverse movement under the punch so that a series of spaced notches can be made in the key blank.

Abstract: A laminated plate-like workpiece of the type wherein the outer layers extend laterally beyond the edge faces of a median layer is trimmed in an apparatus wherein a reciprocable carriage supports several elongated abutment members which can enter between the outer layers of a workpiece to move into contact with an edge face of the concealed median layer. The workpiece is thereupon coupled to the carriage by several pairs of jaws and the carriage is moved to one or more preselected positions in each of which a different portion of the workpiece is located in the cutting plane of a rotary circular saw.

Abstract: A monorail driverless vehicle for use on an assembly line includes a vertically disposed frame having a drive wheel on the upper end of the frame and biased downwardly for contact with a drive shaft. Aligned support wheels on the frame are adapted for contact with a track therebelow. A fixture may be mounted on either side face of the vehicle for removably supporting the workpiece to be worked on by persons or apparatus along the assembly line.

Abstract: A fixture for providing positive control over a workpiece as it is being acted upon by a cutting or finishing tool. A base having a flat working surface is provided with a fixed guide member having a contoured control surface formed along the periphery thereof. A workholder is slidably supported upon the working surface of the base and is arranged to move in abutting contact against the control surface of the guide whereby a prescribed motion is imparted to a workpiece supported in the holder. In one form of the invention, the workholder is mounted upon a turntable that is rotatably supported in a circular guide whereby the work is caused to rotate about a fixed axis.

Abstract: Objects to be labelled with, for example, heat transfer labels, are initially stabilized by being positioned on freely movable platforms and conveyed to a station where the platforms are stabilized and the objects labelled.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting and notching beams to predetermined specification comprising spaced parallel loading and discharge stations for receiving and discharging beams to be treated, transfer jaws operable to seize a beam at the receiving station and move it therefrom to the discharge station in a direction at right angles to its length, operating instrumentalities for performing one or more cutting operations on the beams at different places longitudinally thereof, trolleys supporting the operating instrumentalities intermediate the loading and discharge station at a level above the path of travel of the beams from the loading station to the discharge station such that the transfer jaws move the beams into engagement with all of the operating instrumentalities as they move the beams from the loading station to the discharge station and drive means for effecting reciprocation of the transfer jaws and operating instrumentalities.

Abstract: A device for supporting and guiding a master sheet in relation to an item of artwork comprises a carrier in the form of a rectangular frame having means for locating a master sheet on the frame, an intermediate guide which cooperates with the carrier to restrain the carrier to reciprocate in its own plane relatively to the intermediate guide solely in a first direction, which is parallel to two sides of the carrier, and means for supporting the intermediate guide upon a drawing board while restraining the intermediate guide to reciprocate parallel to the plane of the carrier relatively to the drawing board solely in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A pallet positioning apparatus including a bed having guide members mounted thereon which define a pallet transfer path. A pallet traveling along the guide members includes a positioning pin on the lower surface of the pallet. A positioning lever rotatably mounted on the bed includes a roller and a member having a base surface opposite the roller mounted at an end of the positioning lever. The lever is biased to engage the pallet positioning pin for positioning the pallet on the guide members. The positioning lever is rotatable for releasing the pallet positioning pin. A clamping device clamps the pallet in position after the positioning pin has been engaged to fix the pallet in position.

Abstract: A machine for cutting tenon ends on logs to be used as floor joists, the machine including transfer devices for depositing each log on a pair of conveyor belts, cut-off saws for cutting the log ends to a fixed length, sets of parallel and angled saws for cutting tenons on both ends of the log, and delivery devices for removing the sawed logs from the conveyors.

Abstract: A table assembly of a stand having rods on which collars affixed to a base may slide with a modular vacuum supporting surface rotatably related to the base to permit sideward relocation of the surface and rotation of same to drop articles held thereon as required.

Abstract: An incrementally positionable reciprocating conveyor mounted tray serially positions each of a plurality of containers beneath a dispensing unit for dispensing a predetermined material and quantity thereof into each of the containers.

Abstract: A low inertia drive mechanism is disclosed for imparting translational movement to a sewing machine fabric clamp. The drive mechanism comprises a first and second rigid tables mounted on guide rods for independent translational movements in mutually perpendicular straight paths. The second table carries a pair of transverse rods on which a third rigid table is slidably mounted which may move in any direction in a plane parallel to the planes of said first and second tables. The drive mechanism also comprises stationary motors not carried by any of the tables for imparting reciprocatory motion to the first and second rigid tables. The mechanism further includes means for connecting the fabric clamp to the third rigid table.Also disclosed is a fabric clamp for supporting and guiding fabric for use with a variable translation fabric feeding mechanism.

Abstract: A pallet assembly is disclosed for use in simultaneous transfer of four preheated plastic preforms from an oven, through a blow mold where they are blown into bottles to a location where the bottles are discharged. The pallet has a base (shuttle) on which is mounted a plurality of pilot bushings for locating the pallet relative to the blow mold and other locations; four (one for each preform) preform registering means (stop rings), each to vertically locate and horizontally center each preform; a sliding pair of opposed V-jaws mounted adjacent each stop ring to hold the preform thereagainst; and V-jaw actuating means (in the form of cranks secured on shafts) to open and close the jaws in timed relation to the other loading, blowing, and discharge operations. The shuttle has guides and latches for coaction with adjacent equipment to guide it through the cycle of events.

Abstract: A pair of substantially identical shuttle tables are mounted on the bed of a vertical spindle machine tool on opposite sides of the worktable thereof. A first pallet is mounted on the worktable and a second pallet is mounted on one of the shuttle tables. Both pallets have a tunnel therein that extends all the way through the pallet. A hydraulic ram with an elongated piston rod is mounted on each shuttle table. Each piston rod is long enough to pass completely through the tunnel in an adjacent pallet and to bear against a pallet on the worktable while the base of the piston rod bears against the adjacent pallet. When the piston rod is extended, both pallets are simultaneously pushed in the same direction so that the pallet on the worktable is shifted to the empty shuttle table while the pallet on the other shuttle table is shifted onto the worktable. When the piston rod is subsequently retracted, both pallets remain in their shifted position.

Abstract: A method for automatically varying the feed rate of a moving workpiece carriage in the proximity of permissible terminal positions for the carriage in a machine tool. The machine tool includes a numerical control means for controlling the position of the workpiece carriage and means for determining the position of the workpiece carriage in the machine tool. The improvement comprises storing signals corresponding to a plurality of safety positions of the workpiece carriage located within the terminal positions of the carriage in a memory device provided in the numerical control means. The safety position signals are then compared with measured position signals generated by the position determining means which correspond to the position of the workpiece carriage in the machine tool. The feed rate of the workpiece carriage is automatically reduced by the numerical control means when the safety positions are passed by the workpiece carriage as the carriage moves in a direction towards the terminal positions.

Abstract: A plural slide machine is disclosed for machining a first and a second workpiece comprising a first and a second slide for respectively receiving the first and the second workpiece. The first and second slides are mounted on ways for movement in a substantially horizontal plane. A toolholder for holding a workpiece tool is mounted through a third and a fourth slide for enabling movement of the workpiece tool in a substantially vertical plane. Control means is connected to the slides for enabling machining of the first workpiece through movement of the first, third and fourth slide and for enabling machining of the second workpiece through movement of the second, third, and fourth slide. The foregoing abstract is merely a resume of one general application, is not a complete discussion of all principles of operation or applications, and is not to be construed as a limitation on the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Abstract: An elongated base is provided including elongated guide structure extending therealong. A router assembly is supported from the guide structure for guided movement therealong in a predetermined path and the base includes support structure for supporting an elongated log in position extending along a center axis generally paralleling and adjacent the aforementioned predetermined path. The router assembly includes cutting blade structure operative to form a convex generally semi-cylindrical surface on the adjacent side of a log supported from the support structure and the latter is operative to engage and support the log from the semi-cylindrical surface formed thereon after the surface is formed and the log is rotated 180.degree.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transport car for the transportation of motor parts or complete motors along an assembly path consisting of sequential working stations. The transport car has a fixture for the motor parts or the motor, which can be adjusted between an assembly position in which it maintains a rigid connection between the motor and the car and a testing position in which it maintains a resilient connection between the motor and the car.

Abstract: Apparatus for stripping from a dynamoelectric machine stator a plurality of windings thereof with one of a pair of opposite generally annular groupings of end turns severed therefrom. The apparatus has means movable between a mounting position and a displaced position for generally loosely seating the stator and supporting it in the mounting and displaced positions and also means for gripping engagement with the other of the end turns when the stator is in the mounting position to generally maintain the windings against displacement from the mounting position. The seating and supporting means is movable from the mounting position in response to a force applied thereto to conjointly move the stator relative to the windings to the displaced position thereby to effect the stripping of the windings from the stator when the gripping means is engaged with the other end turns.A method for stripping windings from a stator for dynamoelectric machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly table for precision mechanisms having a removable table top provided with a plurality of supporting blocks for the parts of such mechanisms, said blocks being mounted for stepwise movement in an endless path in said table top, the latter being so supported by a base frame provided with the main driving means for said blocks, as to permit its easy removal from and mounting on said frame together with said blocks.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting work pieces by means of work piece pickups engageable with a chain type conveyor to a plurality of work stations located along the path of the conveyor. Work piece pickups located between parallel spaced guide rails which are disposed above two parallel spaced endless link type chains are provided with guide rolls which engage the undersides of the guide rails and with pivotally mounted carrier arms provided with toe portions adapted to engage the links in the conveyor chains. Means are provided at each work station to stop one, or a group, of work piece pickups while the conveyor chains continue to move and to actuate a gripping device for releasing the work piece so that it can be worked on.

Abstract: A staging apparatus for positioning articles to be serviced along a limited work path relative to an associated work station such as a cutting apparatus. Articles to be cut are staged on support arms of a carrier. The apparatus is structured such that rotation and translation of the carrier will result in each article being sequentially moved into the work path, moved along the work path and cut, and then moved out of the work path. The carrier is rotated and translated along paths defined by channels in a guide and followed by a follower connected to the carrier.