Abstract: A nut member 5 for moving forward and rearward by rotating a feed screw 4 by a stepping motor 28 and a transfer table 7 for transferring a workpiece W are elastically connected by a spring means 24 in transferring of the workpiece to thereby allow the nut member 5 to overrun by flection of the spring means 24, to allow the stepping motor 28 to rotate excessively in a cushioned manner, and to obtain a thrust for pushing the workpiece against an object after the transfer table 7 reaches the transfer end of the workpiece.

Abstract: A workpiece changing system capable of automatically changing a heavy workpiece using a robot. A jig for attaching a workpiece thereto is mounted on a jig mounting device. The jig mounting device comprises a jig mounting unit having a rotary member and a swing member. The rotary member rotates the jig and the workpiece on the jig and hold them at a desired rotary position. The tilting member swings around an axis to tilt the jig and the workpiece on the jig and hold them at a desired tilting position. As the jig and the workpiece on the jig can take a suitable orientation or posture for being handled by the handling robot, the handling robot can hold a heavy workpiece without exerting excessive load on the robot wrist.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for producing a one-part vehicle wheel are provided, in which a substantially disk-shaped, undercut-free pre-form is cast. Immediately after casting the pre-form is conveyed to a flow-forming machine, while maintaining a residual heat and is fixed therein. The circumferential area of the fixed pre-form is split and, by subsequent spinning and flow-forming, is constructed as an intermediate form with a rim, which already substantially has the wall thickness of the rim of the finished vehicle wheel. The intermediate form is cooled, sized, and undergoes a final end-working.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machining center comprising a pallet changing station in combination with a machining station. The pallet changing station includes a rotating column assembly supporting a platform on which multiple fixtures are supported and moved. A portion of the column assembly defines part of a hydraulic conduit for supplying hydraulic fluid from a fluid source to the fixture for use in clamping parts to the fixture. The integration of a portion of the hydraulic conduit with the rotating column reduces the tendency for the hydraulic conduit to become twisted during rotation of the column or for the various threaded connections of the hydraulic conduit from loosening.

Abstract: A method of machining a plurality of workpieces in an unmanned manner, including the steps of holding, with a jig, a first one of the workpieces, attaching the jig holding the first workpiece, to a workpiece holding device of at least one machining device, so that the first workpiece is machined by the machining device, detaching, after the machining of the first workpiece, the jig holding the first workpiece, from the workpiece holding device, removing the first workpiece from the jig, and holding, with the jig, a second one of the workpieces, and repeating the attaching step, the detaching step, and removing step.

Abstract: A hose preparation apparatus and method therefor including a supporting device for supporting at least one hose. A printing device is positioned adjacent to the supporting device for printing a symbol on a hose supported by the supporting device. A trimming device is positioned adjacent to the supporting device for trimming a hose supported by the supporting device. The apparatus and method can also include a clipping apparatus, a capping apparatus and an inspecting apparatus.

Abstract: An automatic hard diskdrive read/write arm fabrication system, which includes a plurality of rotary tables arranged in a line, conveyer means arranged at one side of the rotary tables for carrying shaped material blocks to the rotary tables for processing into finished hard diskdrive read/write arm, a set of processing implement respectively disposed adjacent to the rotary tables and controlled to process shaped material blocks into finished hard diskdrive read/write arm, and a plurality of transferring tool means, for example, mechanical arms controlled to transfer shaped material blocks from the conveyer means to the rotary tables for processing by the processing implement respectively, and to transfer processed shaped material blocks from the rotary tables to the conveyer means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for machining workpieces (W1 to W4) by stock removal, in particular the main (a1 to a5) and/or connecting rod bearing journals (b1 to b4) of crankshafts. For this purpose the apparatus is equipped with at least two guideways (7, 8) which are distanced from one another and are arranged parallel with respect to one another and on which at least one workpiece fixture (9, 10) holding a workpiece (W1to W4) each can be moved from a transfer position (P1, P2) to a working position (A1 to A6), and with two discoid cutters (17, 18, 21) of which each can be moved on a cutter guideway (13, 14, 19), which is arranged between the guideways (7, 8), from a first working position (A1, A2, A5) in which it works on the workpiece (W1, W3) held by the first workpiece fixture (9) to a second working position (A3, A4) in which it works on the workpiece (W2, W4) held by the second workpiece fixture (10).

Abstract: A system having improved cycle time for removing PC boards from a connected panel. In accordance with the present invention, a pair of walking clamps are used to receive a panel from a subsequent processing system, and a movable receiving nest is used to provide the PC boards to a subsequent processing station. The processes of receiving a panel, depaneling the PC board, and delivering the PC boards do not use common components and are able to operate independently and concurrently to reduce idle time in the system and improve the cycle time. The present invention also provides a secondary vacuums which removes debris from the PC boards as the PC boards are being transporting to a subsequent processing system to improve the removal of debris.

Abstract: A circulating type milling apparatus for milling a lock core keyway includes a frame with a rotating disc that is intermittently rotated through a pre-determined angle. Lock core seats are equidistantly provided on the rotating disc. A milling disc is mounted to a top plate of the frame and includes cutters, ejecting plate, and detectors mounted thereon. The cutters are lowered to mill a keyway in each lock core. When the cutters are further moved downward and thus disengaged from the lock cores, the rotating disc is rotated by a distance that is equal to a half distance between two adjacent lock core seats such that each lock core seat is in a positioning in alignment with an associated detector yet not in alignment with an associated cutter. When the milling disc is moved upward, the detector checks whether the milled keyway of the lock core meets the required standard. The ejecting plate ejects the finished milled lock core, and a new lock core is fed by a lock core supplying device.

Abstract: A rotary transfer machine or rotary index table having an outer carriage ring subject to rotation about a central support frame. The rotary transfer machine includes a plurality of machining stations spaced at radial intervals about the carriage ring. The machining stations can provide outside machining stations on the outside of the carriage ring and inside machining stations mounted to the support frame inside of the carriage ring. The rotary transfer machine includes a plurality of pallets mounted around the carriage ring. Each pallet includes a clamp for holding workpieces to be machined therebetween. Each pallet includes a clearance opening which allows for cutting tools to extend through the pallets to machine the back side of the work piece and to allow for machining the work piece from all six sides.

Abstract: A workpiece inversion system for orienting a workpiece in a conventional milling machine or the like. The workpiece is securely attached to a pallet. The pallet is of uniform design to provide a standard interface for presenting the workpiece to the milling machine. The pallets are transported to the milling machine where a combination of parts senses the pallet orientation. Upon arrival to the input station the pallet mates with an inverting receptor adjacent the input station. An actuator rotates the pallet 180 degrees thereby inverting the pallet and the attached workpiece. The inverted pallet is moved onto an inverted linear actuator disposed within the volume above the milling head. The inverting receptor returns to it original position to receive another workpiece. The inverted workpiece is moved through the machining area. As machining occurs, debris dislodged by the force of forced oil lubrication and gravity will fall away from the workpiece.

Abstract: A fully automatic cutting metal-working machine, which includes a material feed unit, a cutting metal-working main unit controlled to process metal rod material delivered from the material feed unit into finished products, and a waste material conveyer controlled to collect and carry waste material out of the cutting metal-working main unit, wherein the cutting metal-working main unit includes a machine base, a casing mounted on the machine base, a material cut-off shaft assembly controlled to cut metal rod material from the material feed unit into individual workpieces, a plurality of processing shaft assemblies mounted around the casing, a rotary center fixture holder mounted within the casing at the center and controlled to carry workpiece to each of the processing shaft assemblies in proper order to receive a respective processing procedure, and a steering shaft assembly controlled to reverse the position of workpiece at each fixture.

Abstract: In a lens body, there are provided a plurality of lens groups which are divided in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle body the lens groups are so arranged to be able to illuminate a license display surface substantially uniformly, and when the position relationship between the license plate lamp and license display surfaces varies, the license display surfaces are illuminated respectively by different lens groups each time the position relationship varies.

Abstract: A transfer line with devices for conveying work pieces along the central bases, lateral bases set up along the sides of the central bases on which the processing units are mounted so as to be capable of displacement, and supply devices for the processing stations. In order to improve access to the transfer line and simplify component units, the following features are proposed: a) the supply devices along the direction of travel of the work pieces are arranged exclusively within or in the region of and/or above the central bases; b) the supply devices are connected to each processing station via short detachable connecting pieces; c) shut-off devices are provided at least in the main lines for hydraulics, lubrication, pneumatics etc.; and d) at least one control block with valves is provided between the shut-off devices and the processing station.

Abstract: An assembly workshop for assembling together sheet metal parts, the workshop including preparation stations for putting parts in place relative to one another, assembly stations for fixing the prepared parts together, and finishing stations serving to finish off fixing the parts together.

Abstract: An automated machine tool is provided and includes a frame having a first workpiece transfer station at a first location on the frame; at least two self-contained processing units, each of the units including structure for holding the workpiece for processing and structure for performing a process on the workpiece; and structure for sequentially indexing the processing units to the first workpiece transfer station for transferring workpieces to and from each of the processing units.

Abstract: A system for making printing plates for newspaper, which can make, with great efficiency, replacement printing plates to be used when a printing face of the printing plate mounted on the plate cylinder of the rotary press is to be changed in part. The plate-making system is built by linearly arranging in series a plate feeder 2, an exposure unit 3, and a developer 5 so that the exposure unit 3 may directly form images on the printing faces of a plate material 12 in accordance with image drawing signals from a computer to make a printing plate P large enough for at least several pages.

Abstract: An automated assembly line is controlled by a computer system. The assembly line is comprised of a plurality of machines which are each segmented into its basic unit operations providing work stations. The work stations are then controlled by the computer system and operated asynchronously with respect to the other work stations of the assembly line.

Abstract: Each of plural workpiece transfer units 10 input from on end of a machining line 100 in turn is fed toward the other end thereof in a first horizontal direction by a linear motor. In this transfer process, the workpiece transfer unit 100 is indexed to the front of predetermined some of plural spindle heads 60 arranged along the machining line 100, in turn. At an indexed position of the workpiece transfer unit 10, a workpiece supporting device movably mounted on the workpiece transfer unit 10 in two direction mutually perpendicular to the first horizontal direction, performs the machining operation on a workpiece in accordance with an NC program with respect to a tool T attached to a tool spindle 66 of the spindle head 60. At generally the same time when the workpiece transfer unit 10 starts a transfer feed toward the next spindle head 60 after finishing the machining operation by one of the spindle heads 60, the tool spindle 66 of the next spindle head 60 is started to rotate.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing wire or needles having a taper point and mechanically drilled suture mounting holes in the proximal ends. Needle or wire blanks are cut from a roll of wire and mounted to a carrier strip. The carrier strip and needles are moved through a succession of forming and trimming and grinding stations. The blanks are coined in a coining die to produce lateral wings of constant thickness. The blanks are preferably rotated in the strip while being ground. The strip and needle blanks are then moved to a bank of at least two drills wherein the proximal suture mounting ends of the needles are drilled.

Abstract: In a transfer line for the metal-cutting machining of workpieces, the transfer line including a plurality of machining stations arranged one after the other substantially in one plane. The workpieces are arranged in hanging fashion in such a way that clamping devices are arranged above the workpieces, thereby providing a falling and collecting space for the cuttings under the workpieces. Removal of cuttings is thereby facilitated and it is not necessary to flush the cuttings away using large amounts of coolant.

Abstract: A machine for processing a workpiece is provided wherein the machine has a movable continuous belt rotatably mounted around a slider bed mounted on a frame, wherein the movable belt feeds the workpiece into and through the machine and allows for the processing of the workpiece at high precision and high accuracy, particularly when the processing involves making various cutting operations in the preparation of high pressure decorative laminate surfaced moldings.

Abstract: A milling machine having a horizontal slide and a vertical slide. The horizontal slide is mounted for movement between a loading station and a milling area. The vertical slide is mounted on the horizontal slide for vertical movement. A chuck is mounted on the vertical slide and has jaws for gripping a workpiece at the loading station. Milling tools in the milling area mill a workpiece held by the chuck when the horizontal slide is moved to the milling area. The milling tools include a face mill, a semi-finish end mill and a finish end mill which are arranged in a straight line along the path of movement of the chuck when the horizontal slide is moved from the loading station to the milling area. All of the milling tools are mounted in a receptacle which is capable of positioning the milling tools offset from the center line of the workpiece.

Abstract: A long length product is conveyed by a conveyor to a propulsion mechanism into contact therewith. The product is gripped by a first conveyor line vise and cut at its tailing end side into a specified dimension. The product is advanced by the propulsion mechanism against the conveying force of the conveyor and then gripped by the first conveyor line vise and machined. A series of these operations are iterated. Finally, the product is advanced to a second conveyor line side, where it is gripped by a second conveyor line vise and subjected to final machining with the propulsion mechanism retreated. Instead of using a process of cutting to cut the leading end side of the product to a specified dimension, the leading end side of the product may be put into contact with the stopper and fed by referencing the leading end of the product.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing a sequence of machine operations on connecting rod blanks to convert the blanks from an original casting to a finished product includes loading parts at a beginning of a process stream for performing various machining operations on the parts as the parts travel along the process stream. The process stream is defined at least in part by a first path portion extending between opposing work stations for partially machining the parts, and recirculating the partially machined parts along the process stream into a second path portion. The second path portion extends parallel with the first path portion of the process stream in order to provide generally symmetrically opposing machining operations at the opposing work stations along a portion of the process stream. Lift and carry devices engage and move the raw parts and recirculating parts simultaneously between adjacent opposing work stations in step fashion.

Abstract: In a centre for machining workpieces, of the type comprising a machine frame, a machining table (6) for workpieces held on pallets (7) and a device (9) for pallet changing, it is proposed that the table (6) be arranged above the pallets (7), and the workpieces or a device (8) carrying the workpiece or workpieces project(s) downwards from the pallet during machining.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically making a laminated electrical or electronic device has a series of processing stations including an inspection station for inspecting the quality of printing at a series of indexed segments on a ceramic coated, continuous tape, a stack and tack station at which sequential segments of the tape are cut and stacked on top of each other to form a stack having a selected number of layers, a lamination station in which the stacked layers are laminated together, and a cutting station at which the stack is cut into a plurality of individual chips, a tape feed mechanism for indexing the tape segments sequentially through the inspection station and stack and tack station, and a drive mechanism for moving a stack from the stack and tack station through the lamination station and cutting station.

Abstract: A glass plate automatic drilling and milling machine, adapted to provide for holes and/or openings having different size, configuration and positioning, comprises a support structure provided with rotating rollers (23, 24) for the sliding of the plates disposed on vertical or slightly inclined direction thereon, as well as comprising a grasping pliers (25) for grasping each plate and transferring it toward a drilling and milling unit (13) with fixed installation, which in turn is provided with two carriages (15, 16) identical and opposite symmetrically to each other. Each carriage is provided with spindles (29, 30, 31, 32) for supporting drills and milling cutters having different size, of which the spindles of each carriage operate alternatively in opposition to each other. At the end of machinings, the plates in case are passed through a glass-cleaning machine (20) for being cleaned and subsequently packed.

Abstract: This device includes a machine tool for cutting and breaking out parts such as a glass template, a positioning shuttle for moving the glass from the cutting station to the different grinders, and multiple grinders for grinding the edgework of the glass. The system uses standard cutting, break out, and grinder machine tools. The special part of the system is the shuttle that transfers the parts to the grinders without relocation. The shuttle maintains the fixed position of the blank with regard to the X, Y axis of the cutting station through the grinding operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a plurality of parts, such as spade-type boring bits, from a continuous stock material. Thus, the various steps of the forming method of the present invention can be performed to predetermined portions of the continuous stock material, prior to separating the continuous stock material into a number of discrete parts. The efficiency of the forming process is enhanced since individual parts need not be individually transported and oriented during the forming operations. By not requiring that the individual parts be separately transported and oriented during the forming operations, the quality of the parts formed by the forming method and apparatus of the present invention will also be enhanced since such separate transportation and orientation of individual parts generally increases the opportunities for misalignment and contributes to poor tolerance control during the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A system for performing machining operations on different portions of workpieces comprising a plurality of workstations including a lathe disposed along a predetermined path, in the present instance, a circular path. A turntable supports a plurality of workpiece chucking devices equi-spaced circumferentially around the turntable. The turntable rotates relative to the workstations to position a workpiece chucking device at each workstation permitting different machining operations to be performed on workpieces simultaneously. The chucking devices are moveable on the turntable in a radial direction to present the workpieces to the various tools at the workstations. The workpiece chucking devices include spindle motors and means for synchronizing the speeds of the spindle motors of the chucking devices with the lathe motor.

Abstract: A machine tool module has a platen supported on a track above a metal-removing tool. A workpiece is placed on the platen at a loading station at one end of the track. A drive is provided to move the platen from the loading station to the metal-removing station where the tool removes material from the workpiece and then to an unloading station at the opposite end of the track. After the workpiece is unloaded, the platen is moved back to the loading station. A workpiece loading elevator is provided at the loading station and a workpiece unloading elevator is provided at the unloading station. Two such machine tool modules may be placed end-to-end so that a workpiece on the platen of one module may be transferred to the platen on the other module for machining by both modules in sequence.

Abstract: The rotary transfer machine for machining a workpiece using fixed-cycle control has a centrally disposed rotary indexing table which is driven according to a fixed cycle, can rotate about a vertical axis and at the outer circumference of which a plurality of clamping means for holding a workpiece are disposed radially at a spacing from one another, and a plurality of machining units for machining the workpieces, which units are disposed around the outer circumference of the rotary table such that they lie substantially opposite corresponding clamping means in an indexed position of the rotary indexing table.

Abstract: A machining center for the machining of workpieces (26). It comprises at least one work unit (22) with a rotary tool (24) for machining a workpiece (26) arranged in a machining zone (28). The workpiece (26) is secured to a workpiece carrier (15), which for this purpose possesses a holding device (25). The workpiece carrier (15) may be moved into a workpiece change station (25), wherein workpiece change may take place. During workpiece change the workpieces (26) are picked up and put down from above by the holding device (25). During machining the workpiece (26) is hangingly held on the workpiece carrier (15). The machining center ensures high productivity and minimum complexity for operation.

Abstract: process is disclosed for disposing of a spent NaS cell, which process comprises the steps of: cutting an opening in the NaS cell for flowing out sodium from the cell and allowing an inner tube to be pulled out from the NaS cell; placing oil on sodium inside the inner tube of the spent NaS cell in a given thickness, while the cut opening is directed upwardly; setting the spent NaS cell in a workpiece-setting vessel outside a heating oil vessel, while the cut opening is directed downwardly, thereby flowing out the oil on the sodium inside the inner tube, said workpiece-setting vessel being provided at a bottom with a hole for allowing an inner tube to be pulled out from the the spent NaS cell, immersing the spent NaS cell set in the workpiece-setting vessel into oil in the heating oil vessel in the state that the cut opening is directed downwardly; sodium is melted in the oil of the heating oil vessel and flown out therein through the cut opening; and then the inner tube is pulled out from the NaS cell.

Abstract: A multistation press has a three-axis transfer provided with transport rails onto which carrier rails are placed. The carrier rails carry grippers for the workpieces. During the tool change, the carrier rails are deposited on corresponding receiving devices of the sliding table. The transport rail is at first moved to deposit a first carrier rail connected therewith on the receiving device. Then the transport rail is separated from the carrier rail and is moved to bring a second carrier rail still connected therewith to the receiving device. The receiving device receives the second carrier rail in the immediate vicinity of the first carrier rail, whereby two carrier rails overlap and are spaced closely side-by-side. The receiving device is then laterally swivelled away. The carrier rails are deposited on the receiving device without the aid of driving devices operating between the transport rail and the carrier rail.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading, chamfering and unloading a ceramic or ceramic/polymer substrate for electronic components. An automatic part loader moves substrates in a row as a unit, using a frangible pin to push the parts. The part loader separates the first of the substrates from the rest, and a load pedestal pushes the first substrate up into a loading/unloading nest. The load pedestal is mounted on rods so that the substrate may move laterally to center itself in the nest. The nest then rotates to load the substrate onto a movable process pedestal. The chamfering apparatus includes a pair of spaced, rotatable cutting spindles for chamfering edges and corners on the substrate.

Abstract: A dragon-gate processing machine having a dragon-gate support structure, at least one lateral girder coupled to the support structure for mounting tool holding members and automatic tool exchange devices, a plurality of working tables mounted below the dragon-gate support structure, driving apparatus for driving the working tables, a mechanical transmission for coupling the drive apparatus to the working tables, an auxiliary rotary arm mounted to the dragon-gate support structure for holding auxiliary processing devices, and control means for controlling operation of the dragon-gate machine. The dragon-gate machine allows processing such as drilling, lathing, and planing to be performed on a workpiece mounted on the working table. The novel allows such processing to be performed at any angle and at any desired direction according to the processing requirements of the workpiece.

Abstract: In a production line both the base frame and also the working area is subdivided into modular assemblable modules, the base unit having three reception positions which can be provided with slide-in working units and receptacles for driving units and a trolley transferring the particular working unit. The working unit, after a control console has moved out of the sliding in path, can be moved in and out parallel to the horizontal separating plane and transversely to the conveying direction and can then be adjusted and locked. Thus, with the same base units a randomly long basic frame can be created for randomly succeeding working stations.

Abstract: In a method of inserting motor coils and slot insulators, a coil inserting jig is moved between a layer insulator inserter and a wedge inserter, and a core holder is moved between a predetermined location and the wedge inserter, so that a stator core is fitted onto the coil inserting jig when the coil inserting jig is located at the wedge inserter. The coil inserting jig receives layer insulators from the layer insulator inserter. The layer insulators are inserted into slots of the core with lower coils. Wedges are inserted into the core slots with upper coils when the coil inserting jig is located at the wedge inserter.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing wire or needles having a taper point. Needle or wire blanks are cut from a roll of wire and mounted to a carrier strip. The carrier strip and needles are moved through a succession of forming and trimming and grinding stations. The blanks are preferably rotated in the strip while being ground.

Abstract: An automated continuous manufacturing system which includes a rotatable work table having a plurality of work piece supports for maintaining work pieces during operation of said system, and a plurality of work stations for performing cleaning, pretreatment, treatment or assembly tasks on work pieces secured to said work piece supports. Each of the tasks performed at the work table is performed at a respective work station. Certain of the work stations comprise a removable station subassembly for performing a specific task. The removable station subassemblies are removably engagable with the rotatable work table and may be replaced with an alternate removable station subassembly for performing a desired alternate task. One of the work stations is an assembly station engaged with the rotatable work table for receiving work pieces from their individual work piece supports. The assembly station further includes a removing subassembly for removing the work pieces from the work piece supports for further assembly.

Abstract: The invention describes a machine tool with a turntable, which has an upper part with a mounting plate which is arranged so as to pivot with respect to a stationary lower part, and is connected to at least one line to deliver fluids or electrical or mechanical energy to the upper part. The lines are brought in from below through the lower part and can be connected by means of coupling means to the upper part, from where they are connected with connection modules that are arranged on the mounting plate. Serration gear is preferably provided to position the upper part on the lower part, so that each pivoting operation is preceded by a lifting operation and ends with a lowering operation. Preferably, lifting and lowering simultaneously open and close, respectively, the coupling modules.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a series of operations upon a workpiece that include at least one modular mechanical unit having a worktable for supporting workpieces thereon. The worktable is periodically indexed by a Geneva wheel so that a workpiece on the worktable is intermittently moved through a plurality of work stations positioned about the worktable. A gear drive unit is employed to power the Geneva wheel as well as a movable tool support unit mounted in each of the work stations to move a tool mounted upon said support into and out of contact with a workpiece moved by the worktable into the work station. A number of modular units can be cojoined and arranged to be driven from a common prime mover.

Abstract: An apparatus for disposing of a plurality of sodium sulfur cells is disclosed, which comprises: a work-setting pipe unit including a plurality of cell-holding pipes, a work-setting station for setting the cells into the work-setting pipe unit, a heating oil vessel, a sodium-extracting station, an inner tube-extracting station, an unloading station where the remaining sodium sulfur cells are unloading from the work-setting pipe unit, and a transferring unit for transferring said work-setting pipe unit among said stations.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing wire or needles having a taper point. Needle or wire blanks are cut from a roll of wire and mounted to a carrier strip. The carrier strip and needles are moved through a succession of forming and trimming and grinding stations. The blanks are preferably rotated in the strip while being ground.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing wire or needles having a taper point. Needle or wire blanks are cut from a roll of wire and mounted to a carrier strip. The carrier strip and needles are moved through a succession of forming and trimming and grinding stations. The blanks are preferably rotated in the strip while being ground.

Abstract: A method and multiple station flexible boring machine for transferring and locating a pallet carrying a workpiece to be machined. The machine has at least two machining stations and a part loading and unloading station adjacent a transfer table carried by a base for carrying, generally locating and transferring a pallet and a workpiece to each station. The pallet has a curvic coupling locator ring with a plurality of circumferentially spaced and generally radially extending teeth for complementary mating engagement with a locator ring on an independent base of each station to accurately radially, axially and circumferentially locate the pallet on the station base. At the load station, the locator ring on the pallet is received in complementary mating engagement with the locator ring on the load base accurately locating the pallet with respect to the base and a workpiece is loaded, accurately located with respect to the load base and clamped to the pallet.

Abstract: A plurality of machine tools are disposed along a circulating conveyor transporting materials to be processed by the machine tools, and material selector subsystems associated with the respective machine tools are provided together with a load/unload command subsystem. The material selector subsystems exchange information therebetween to track materials loaded on the conveyor under command of the load/unload command subsystem so as to reserve materials requested by the individual machine tools. Each of the reserved materials is unloaded from the conveyor under command of the load/unload command subsystem as soon as it arrives at the position of the corresponding machine tool.