Abstract: A work piece holding mechanism which provides multi position part holding capability to automatically sequentially hold and present a work pieces in multiple orientations for work thereon. The work piece holding mechanism includes two rotatable clamp means for clamping the work piece therebetween. Rotation of at least one of the rotary clamps is driven by a rotary drive mechanism, preferably a rotary air cylinder. The rotary air cylinder is provided with at least one fixed rotational stop. In addition, the rotary air cylinder may be provided with one or more actuatable intermediate stops. Rotation of the work piece can be accomplished by driving the rotary air cylinder to a predetermined position against either a fixed stop or an actuatable stop. Each of such stop positions results in a different orientation of the work piece and thus a different work plane on which the robot can operate.

Abstract: A method of log sawmilling capable of producing quartersawn boards, backsawn boards, trapezoidal sections and radial sector wedges for direct use and further processing, comprising the steps of: (a) sawing a log or logs into radial sector wedges with predetermined angles between the radial face, (b) separating wedges or batches of wedges for processing by separate or integrated means into backsawn boards, quartersawn boards, trapezoidal sections or further divided sector wedges.

Abstract: To manufacture orifice disks, polygonal workpieces are prefabricated and oblique holes are punched successively by positioning the polygonal workpieces in different angular positions between lateral stops on an inclined bearing surface of a fixed punch die. The workpiece is removed after punching a hole, arranged in the following angular position and positioned between the lateral stops in order to punch the following hole. The removal and positioning of the workpiece in different angular positions is repeated to provide the required arrangement of punched holes. A device for manufacturing orifice disks includes a punch, lateral stops, and an inclined bearing surface of a fixed die. Accordingly, the series production of orifice disks of multiple-orifice nozzles for fuel-injection engines is accomplished.

Abstract: A router guide apparatus for use in forming rosette designs in a work piece includes a frame having a work surface with a wheel rotatably mounted upon the work surface. The wheel has a plurality of position stops. The frame includes an adjustable guide for holding and a tracking a router with a cutting blade. The frame includes stops for limiting movement of the router during use. The guide and stops are configured to enable the cutting blade to cut two petals of a rosette design in a single pass. The wheel is affixable into multiple angular positions relative to the guide so that multiple cuts can be made at different angular orientations relative to one another.

Abstract: A lightweight component holding system which is simple to use, and in which an irregularly component may be readily positioned and repositioned for light assembly or inspection is disclosed. The system comprises: a side assembly having an elongated base having opposite ends and having; a carriage laterally slidable and lockable on the base, said carriage having; an upright column rotatably and lockably mounted on the carriage, said column having; a slide vertically and lockably slidable on the column, said slide having; an advancing shaft having a front projecting end having a component holding means attached thereto. At least three, and preferably four side assemblies have their opposite end portions interconnected so that they together form a stable planar component holding system, having a base center opening. In a preferred embodiment the advancing shaft comprises a holding means screw having a turning wheel on a rear end portion thereof.

Abstract: An indexing apparatus for indexing an article about an axis. The indexing apparatus is adapted to be removably attached to the article and is constructed to axially displace the article along the axis to a disengaged position upon the initial application of a rotary force to an indexing assembly housed within the indexing apparatus. When in the disengaged position, the article can be selectively rotated about the axis by the further application of rotary force to the indexing assembly so that the article may be positioned in a predetermined angular position. The indexing apparatus further includes locking pins for locking the article in a plurality of predetermined angular positions when the application of rotational force to the indexing assembly is discontinued.

Abstract: A mandrel for use in processing a workpiece having an internal spline. The mandrel includes an expandable collet having an upper expandable spline-shaped portion and a lower portion with a groove adapted to receive two half-keys. Inside the expandable collet are a series of sleeves and steel balls. A bolt having a conical head and a nut hold the mandrel together. As the nut is tightened, the sleeves and balls cause the upper spline-shaped portion of the collet to expand to hold a workpiece having an internal spline. At the same time, the half-keys are forced apart in the key-way of an indexing rotary table to accurately position the mandrel on the table.

Abstract: A workholding system comprising dissimilar support members, each adapted to interchangeably operably support at least one vise-like clamping assembly in a plurality of workholding orientations relative to a support member. One support member arrangement can non-movably support a plurality of vise-like clamping assemblies relative to the support member. Another support member can indexably support a plurality of vise-like clamping assemblies such that they can be selectively indexed about a common axis.

Abstract: An indexable workholding apparatus. The apparatus has a column member with at least one pair of workholding jaws operably attached thereto. The column member is rotatably and axially supported on a shaft member that is operably attached to an indexing assembly. The indexing assembly is constructed to axially displace the column along a longitudinal axis to a disengaged position upon the initial application of a rotary force to the shaft member. When in the disengaged position, the column can be selectively rotated about the axis by the further application of rotary force to the shaft member so that the column may be positioned in a predetermined angular position. A damping apparatus is attached to the shaft member and column for damping the return axial and rotary motion of the column and shaft member when the application of rotary force is discontinued.

Abstract: An indexing apparatus for indexing an article about an axis. The indexing apparatus is adapted to be removably attached to the article and is constructed to axially displace the article along the axis to a disengaged position upon the initial application of a rotary force to an indexing assembly housed within the indexing apparatus. When in the disengaged position, the article can be selectively rotated about the axis by the further application of rotary force to the indexing assembly so that the article may be positioned in a predetermined angular position. The indexing apparatus further includes a device for locking the article in a plurality of predetermined angular positions when the application of rotational force to the indexing assembly is discontinued.

Abstract: A tombstone style machine tool fixture for machining valve castings having hexagonal flanges on each end and a bonnet intermediate the ends of the castings, the fixture including a column having a number of work stations mounted on the column, each work station including a main support plate, a number of hydraulic cylinder assemblies mounted on said support plate, a clamp plate supported by said hydraulic cylinder assembly for movement between open and closed positions with respect to the main support plate, a locating plate removably mounted on said clamp plate and having a hexagonal notched block mounted on each end of the locating plate for engaging the flanges on the casting and an alignment block mounted on said locating plate intermediate said notched blocks to align the casting in the notched block and a clamp bar mounted on said column for seating the flanges in said notched blocks.

Abstract: An automatic machine for performing framing operations on a power pole. The machine is controlled by a programmable logic control and interchangeable programs are provided to control the operation of the machine according to a pole frame specification. Poles to be framed are received on a primary conveyor. The poles are sequentially scanned for length and position and are transferred in sequence to a longitudinal feed station where the poles are oriented on a first set of supports. An end of the pole is clamped to a movable carriage to maintain the pole orientation. The pole is fed through a movable rotatable tool ring either by movement of the pole clamp carriage or movement of the tool ring. The tool ring supports tooling to perform the framing operation on the pole. The programmable logic control coordinates the movement of the pole clamp carriage, the movement of the tool ring and the rotation of the tool ring to position the tools in the proper relation to the pole.

Abstract: An adjustable elastic band inspecting apparatus comprising a supporting frame attached to a bench by a C-clamp, and an inspection holder connected to the support frame by a pivoting axle that enables the height and inclination of the inspection holder to be adjusted. The inspection holder further contains adjustable brackets symmetrically disposed and adaptable for elastic bands of various sizes. The brackets can be rotated by manipulating a locating bar to facilitate the inspection of two sides of elastic bands.

Abstract: A mount plate has a disc-shaped body having a wafer-mounting surface on which semiconductor wafers are to be mounted for polishing. The mount plate is carried by a rotary support which is rotatably indexed to different angular positions which correspond to angularly spaced locations on the wafer-mounting surface where the wafers are to be mounted. An indicator is embedded in the mount plate, preferably at the peripheral side edge thereof, and coacts with a sensor for indicating when the mount plate is indexed to a predetermined initial start position, thereby enabling automatic mounting of the wafers at the same locations on the wafer-mounting surface during each use of the mount plate. The indicator is preferably inserted in a recessed portion of the mount plate body and is covered by a transparent material so that the indicator is visible through the transparent material.

Abstract: An arrow fletcher for use in supporting an arrow shaft having a nock and holding a fletching proximate the shaft is provided which includes a frame, an shaft support and an indexing head including a nock receiver. The shaft support may include a plurality of discretely sized openings therein for receiving any one of a plurality of differently sized arrow shafts in alignment with the nock receiver. Preferably, the shaft support is rotatably mounted to the frame so that differently sized openings may be brought into position by rotating the shaft support. The indexing head includes a plurality of selectively positionable pointers and indicia located on the body of the indexing head for identifying the angular relationship between the nock of the arrow and the fletching placements. The nock receiver is preferably adjustable relative to the indexing head body whereby the angular relationship between the nock and the fletchings may be changed.

Abstract: A workpiece holding device is used to retain a workpiece that is to be provided on a rotatable workbench of a machining equipment and includes a clamping assembly that is formed as a hollow sphere having six inner sides which confine a cubic receiving space. The hollow sphere is divided into a plurality of curved pieces by cutting the hollow sphere along six cutting planes which are coplanar with the six inner sides. Each of the six inner sides is provided with a plurality of clamping pins which are biased so as to extend into the cubic receiving space and contact the workpiece. A clamping seat assembly is to be provided on top of the rotatable workbench and confines an accessible spherical receiving space. The clamping assembly is rotatably provided in the spherical receiving space. The curved pieces are selectively assembled and disassembled so as to expose the side of the workpiece that is to be machined.

Abstract: For positioning and milling halving-joints of arched frame portions a clamping rail is rotatably and movably mounted on a workable. Arresting means associated to the clamping rail engage counter elements of a gauge. Clamping means determine the position of the workpiece for milling trapezoidal bevels. The milling operation is performed by means of a milling tool unit, which is arranged at the working table and is adjustable relative to the workpiece onto different shapes of arches. By means of a separate clamping rail recesses are milled into frame components resp. struts to be inserted into the arches, which are rotatable over a predetermined angle so that the recesses can be adapted to the required shape of bevels within the arched frame portions without requiring different tools for different angles.

Abstract: The holder comprises a base adapted to be fixed to a part of the machine tool facing the tool holder, a work-piece backing plate rotatably carried by said base, a brake system carried by said base and by said backing plate and normally biased to a breaking position locking the backing plate against rotation in either direction. The backing plate has a hole through which a pin can be inserted, the pin causing release of the brake, so that the pin can rotate the backing plate to another indexed position. Upon withdrawal of the pin from the hole, the brake automatically blocks backing plate rotation. By fixing the pin to the tool holder of a numerically-controlled machine tool, the latter is converted into a machine tool with an additional axis of movement, namely indexing rotation of the backing plate under the control of the tool holder.

Abstract: A rotational positioning device of this invention comprises a rotary table for supporting a work, a servo motor including a rotor which secures the rotary table, a rotational angle detecting means for detecting the rotational position of the rotary table, and a brake mechamism for braking the rotation of the rotary table. The servo motor, rotational angle detecting means, and brake mechanism are accommodated in a casing. The rotary table is directly driven by the servo motor without intervention of a speed reducer. Accordingly, the device is small in size and easy to handle, is capable of high-speed rotational positioning and very accurate positioning, and provides a high degree of safety because the brake mechanism is built in.

Abstract: A log (10) to be sawn into boards is supported by a support assembly (26) which supports the log with its longitudinal axis aligned with the direction of carriage movement of a carriage (22) reciprocating along a defined pathway. A side trimming head (12) is mounted adjacent the path followed by the log and includes first (94) and second (96) spaced-apart circular saw blades oriented so as to make two blind cuts to a predetermined depth into a supported log. An intermediate rotary cutter (104) may be provided between the blades to shape the portion of the log between the first and second blades. A third circular saw blade (14; 107), oriented transversely to the first two blades, cuts the completed board from the log.

Abstract: A gearless indexing device for positioning and repositioning a workpiece to be machined in accordance with a desired system or predetermined program has a housing means, a bore end to end therethrough in which an actuating shaft is rotatably mounted. The workpiece is fixedly connected to one end of the actuating shaft and fixedly connected about the actuating shaft a spaced distance from the workpiece is an actuating assembly disposed for operative connection with the actuating shaft; the actuating assembly having, a suitable measuring device for establishing the predetermined measured distance for positioning and repositioning the workpiece, and a unique gearless transfer assembly for transmitting this measured distance to the actuating shaft and for rotating the actuating shaft serially in step by step arcuate distances each equivalent to the predetermined measured distance.

Abstract: An angle vise includes a body with a curvilinear guide rail having a predetermined number of graduation holes on its outer surface, the holes being arranged in a manner such that a line connecting the centers of the graduation holes is a curve with a same center of curvature as the guide rail and located in equal intervals, a base with a curvilinear guide way having a predetermined number of selector holes located in equal intervals therealong in a manner that a line connecting the centers of these selector holes is coincident with the line connecting the centers of graduation holes. The interval between any two consecutive selector holes is smaller than the interval between any two consecutive graduation holes so that more setting of inclination may be achieved by aligning a graduation hole. Alignment is achieved through the holes with a selector hole by inserting a pin.

Abstract: The method is directed to a method of forming a hermetic flux-sintered ceramic multilayer structure with internal copper conductor comprising:(a) forming at least one green ceramic layer comprised of a thermoplastic organic binder having dispersed therein a finely divided ceramic powder and a low melting flux;(b) forming on the surface of a first green ceramic layer a pattern of copper-based conductor paste comprised of fine copper powder, a non-cellulosic binder, and a solvent for the non-cellulosic binder which is a nonsolvent for the thermoplastic organic binder in the green ceramic layer;(c) laminating a second green ceramic layer on the surface of the first ceramic layer to sandwich the pattern therebetween;(d) heating the composite structure in an ambient gas comprising a dry buffered gas mixture whereby maintaining an oxygen partial pressure sufficient to remove the organics but not to oxidize the copper.

Abstract: Workpieces to be machined are stacked on all but one of a series of uniformly spaced vertical guide bars on a turntable movable along a transfer path. An elevator mechanism moves into engagement with the turntable and lifts a carrier with a stack of workpieces to be machined on one of the guide bars so that the uppermost workpiece is in a position to be grasped and transferred to a machine tool by a robot arm. The elevator also positions a workpiece carrier on an adjacent guide bar so that the carrier is positioned for the stacking of machined workpieces thereon by the robot arm. The workpiece carriers are positioned by the elevators in response to signals from photoelectric detectors. When all of the workpieces on one carrier are machined and stacked on an adjacent carrier and said one carrier is unloaded, the elevator mechanism is temporarily separated from the turntable and the turntable is rotated by the distance of twice the spacing between adjacent guide bars.

Abstract: Pneumatic indexing of a shaped component (127) is attained by adjusting the position of the component until fluid passages (130) therein are aligned with supply and vent passages (100) and (110) in a pneumatic head (15). Such alignment causes the relief of supply passage pressure through the vent passages and a resulting retention of the shaped component in an indexed position thereof.

Abstract: A portable welding jig, for positioning and manipulating a workpiece, configured for pipe-flange welding at remote locations and capable of establishing automatically a two-holed flange configuration, is comprised of a rotatable shaft adjustably secured to a support, wherein the shaft rotates about a longitudinal work axis, and an adjustment member for orienting the shaft in a positioning plane containing the work axis; a flange mounting member depending from the distal end of the shaft, including a flange mounting plate member for receiving a flange and presenting same for rotation about the work axis in a working plane generally normal to the positioning plane; and indexing members for locating a flange borne upon the mounting plate in a two-holed configuration within the plane.

Abstract: A device which enables film cleaners, designed for cleaning strip-film, to also clean disc-film. The device consists of a spindle means, which fits through the center hole of the disc-film and holds it firmly, and a rotational means, which imparts a rotational motion to the spindle, a housing means for enclosing the mechanism, a lever means, which releases the disc-film from the spindle, and an attachment means for holding the device to the film cleaner. In the preferred embodiment, a spring mechanism means is cocked by pivoting the device on the attachment means which moves the disc-film into the jaws of the film cleaner. The spring mechanism means is released as the disc-film reaches its limit within the jaws actuating the cleaning mechanism and rotating the disc-film so that every portion of the disc-film passes through the cleaning jaws many times. Pivoting the device so that the disc-film is moved out of the jaws releases the disc-film from the spindle so that it can be removed.

Abstract: A circular fluorescent lamp manufacturing apparatus is constructed such that it can accomplish both the basing process and the seasoning process with the use of a single machinery according to the present invention. The lamp manufacturing apparatus is characterized in its head construction. The circular glass tube is based and seasoned by the two rotations of a turntable and by the four turns of 90 degrees of a paired circular glass tube supporters to be effected in that meanwhile so that the circular fluorescent lamps can be finished.

Abstract: A rotary rock bit is formed from at least two individual segments. The individual segments are positioned together and aligned in the proper position for the final assembled bit. The seams between the individual segments are in the form of square-butt type joints and the adjoining segments have surface areas that are in abutting relationship to each other. A beam of energy such as an electron beam or a laser beam is directed into the seams. Relative movement between the beam and segments of the bit causes the beam to traverse the seams and join said individual segments together throughout substantially all of said abutting surface areas.

Abstract: A hydrostatic bearing support for a work tool has an inner stationary member with circumferentially disposed hydrostatic bearing areas which when pressurized, radially support an outer constant thickness cylindrical sleeve. Axial bearing support for the outer sleeve is provided by annular hydrostatic thrust bearing areas disposed at each end of the stationary member and cooperating with end caps which are secured to the outer sleeve. All of the liquid passages for directing pressurized liquid to the bearing members are formed within the stationary member.

Abstract: A platen control mechanism includes a cam member which urges a cam following platen into three positions during a printing cycle. Two separate solenoids are connected to the cam member for moving the member to three distinct positions. In a first position both solenoids are de-energized thereby causing the platen to assume a wide gap position with respect to a printer head. This permits the insertion of a document. In a second condition, both solenoids are energized thereby forcing the platen into pressing relationship with a printer head. A third condition exists when one solenoid is energized and the other is de-energized thereby causing the platen to assume a narrow gap position with respect to the printer head which allows indexing motion of the document. At the end of a printing operation, both solenoids are de-energized so that the platen may return to a wide gap position permitting removal of the document.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is shown for cutting logs into lumber by first cutting the logs into elongated wedge-shaped segments and then cutting the segments into boards. A pair of opposed spaced-apart chucks grip the ends of the log, and a saw mounted on a carriage makes longitudinal and radial cuts approximately to the center line of the log. The log is rotated incrementally by the chucks between cuts to produce the wedge-shaped segments. After all cuts have been made, the chucks release the segments and the segments are then resawn into boards.

Abstract: A positioning system is provided for clamping individual segments of a rock bit together in position for an assembled bit and aligning the seams between the segments with a beam of energy from a welding gun. The segments are moved until the plane of a first seam between segments is coincident with the plane of the beam. Relative movement between the segments and the beam causes the beam to traverse the first seam throughout the plane of the seam and fuse the segments together. The segments are indexed by the fixture to bring the second seam into a position coincident with the plane of the beam. Relative movement between the segments and the beam causes the beam to traverse the second seam throughout the plane of the seam and fuse the segments together. The steps are repeated until the bit is completed.

Abstract: A positioning fixture is provided for clamping individual segments of a rock bit together in position for an assembled bit with an accurate gage diameter and aligning the seams between the segments with a beam of energy from a welding gun. Relative movement between the segments and the beam causes the beam to traverse the seam in the plane of the seam and fuse the segments together. The segments are indexed by the fixture to sequentially bring the additional seams into alignment with the beam. Relative movement between the segments and the beam causes the beam to traverse the seams in the plane of the seams and fuse the segments together.

Abstract: Apparatus for severing from a plurality of windings in a dynamoelectric machine stator a generally annular grouping of winding end turns extending from an end face of the stator. The apparatus has means movable generally in a predetermined plane for severing at least a portion of the winding end turns from the stator windings. Means for mounting the stator includes means for positioning the end face generally adjacent the predetermined plane and also means for supporting the winding end turns portion adjacent the end face and the plane upon the severance of the winding end turns portion in response to the movement of the severing means into severing engagement therewith.A method for severing the end turns from the stator winding, a method of mounting the stator having end turns adapted to be severed, and means for mounting a stator in apparatus for severing end turns from windings of the stator are also disclosed.