Abstract: There are provided workpiece rotatably holding means for rotatably holding a pallet at a position opposite to a spindle, a pallet changer provided with a main body rotatably holded and formed with a plurality of wings arranged in a windmill shape, and workpiece supporting means for loading the pallet on each one of the wings, and an intermediate station for transferring a workpiece between the workpiece rotatably holding means and the pallet changer. The workpiece to be machined is loaded on each wing of the pallet changer, transferred to the workpiece rotatably holding means through the intermediate station and subjected to the machining there. After being machined, the workpiece is transferred back to the pallet changer through the intermediate station.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving a plurality of loose electrical components comprises a receiver having at least one end for receiving and holding the loose components. A conveyor is provided proximate the one end of the receiver for conveying the components one by one from the receiver to provide an output flow. The conveyor means includes a generally continuous arcuate conveyor member having an axis extending generally parallel to the one end of the receiver, the conveyor member being rotatable about the axis and being axially separate into two grooved axial end sections, with one grooved axial center section therebetween. The center section is adjustable with respect to the two end sections to permit registry of center section grooves with the end section grooves. The center section grooves are of different sizes with the number of center section grooves of each size corresponding to the number of end section grooves.

Abstract: Wire harnesses are automatically fabricated with pre-cut and preconfigured ends in a robotic wire harness assembly system including a wire preparation subsystem, a wire reeling subsystem, a wire terminating subsystem, a wire queuing subsystem, a layup subsystem, associated robots, and a logic controller.

Abstract: In a machine tool having a palette change-over device protected by a movable U-shaped hood, to prevent injury to the operator or accidental damage during movement of the hood the hood is provided with a probe and an automatic circuit breaker arranged to shut down at least the driving mechanism of the hood on contact with the operator or another foreign body in the path of movement of the hood.

Abstract: A device for a woodworking machine (13) adapted at a number of consecutive working stations (14) for processing workpieces which are fed through the machine. The required working of the workpieces can be effected with at least one working station out of operation. The working stations are separated from each other by partitions (20) which extend between external walls (11), a roof (12) and a base and which are closely associated with the machine on either side of the working stations (14) and, like the external walls and the roof, are sound-proof. The tool or tools at each working station can be driven independently of the tools at the other working stations, and each compartment (22) defined by the partitions has a door (21) in the external wall (11). The path of travel of the workpieces through the machine is laterally limited by vertical walls and at the working stations the walls can be provided with covers for forming tunnel portions at these locations.

Abstract: Process for assembling bodies, particularly for vehicle production lines, of the type adapted to a plurality of models of vehicles and their variants, in which a perfect geometry of a body at a work station is assured by means of a machine module and a structure module; a complete work cycle incorporates a feeding of a body, a distribution and a presentation of geometry tools, an intervention of robots or operators, and an evacuation of the assembled body.

Abstract: A clamping system is provided for securing a part to be machined to a fixture so that the fixture and part can be transported as an entity from work station to work station and the part subjected to successive machining operations safely and efficiently. The fixture incorporates a hydraulic system comprising hydraulically actuated means for quickly positioning the part and clamping it securely to the fixture without a high degree of dependence on human judgement. Fluid under pressure actuates the hydraulic means, each element of which is isolated by check valves from the rest of the system so that failure of any one element of the system does not jeopardize the safety of the part being machined or of personnel supervising the machining operations.

Abstract: A system for positioning and holding workpieces for successive machining at several work stations or machining by several machines at a multi-tool cell incorporating a workpiece holding and transporting project plate and a self-centering support chuck at every machine for holding and automatically positioning the project plate and its workpiece with a repeatably high degree of accuracy using the axial centerline of the support chuck as the reference of concentricity by which the tool and workpiece are addressed to each other.

Abstract: A multiple station drilling apparatus is used for performing a large number of repetitive but variable machining operations, and includes a turntable having a plurality of workpiece holding fixtures distributed in spaced relation around its periphery, a plurality of tool supports mounted around and outward of the periphery to provide a sequence of machining stations, a load/unload station for the mounting of workpieces on the fixtures and their removal therefrom, and a motor for driving the turntable in an indexing fashion to bring workpieces held in the fixtures successively into registry with the machining stations. Each tool support includes at least one X-Y positioner which in turn supports a machining tool such as a reciprocating drill.

Abstract: A machine tool having an indexable workpiece support and a tool holder which is moveable to enable the machine tool to operate on different parts of a workpiece while the latter is held stationary by the workpiece support, indexing of the workpiece support enabling a part thereof to be turned from a first position in which a workpiece can be mounted on that part, to a second position to present such a workpiece to the tool holder, whereby one workpiece can be loaded on one part of the workpiece support while another workpiece on another part of the workpiece support is being simultaneously machined by the machine tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for changing drill heads or other tool heads in machine tools arranged along a workpiece transfer line. Tool changing devices 5,6 are movable with respect to the transfer line 13 on tracks 3,4 which basically consist of a lifting mechanism 9, a turning mechanism 10 and gripping mechanisms 7,8. It is possible by means of this changing device to grip the boring heads 11,14, lift, turn and deposit these again. The same changing device can be used for a multiplicity of machine tools.

Abstract: In a pallet (31) for the seating of interchangeable clamping jaws (21) lockable to base jaws (4) of a chuck (1) the clamping jaws are inserted, for their retention in radially oriented, open-faced recesses (32) of the pallet (13). In the pallet, on both sides of each recess (32) one or more clamping bolts (33) are provided, each of which is arranged so as to be movable within limits and to which a pressure can be applied. By means of the bolts, the interchangeable clamping jaws (21) can be locked in a defined position in the pallet (31) and unlocked for their removal. This makes it possible to insert the interchangeable clamping jaws (21) without problems into the recesses (32) of the pallet (31) and also to remove them from the pallet without having to guide the interchangeable clamping jaws (21) laterally and without their jamming between guide surfaces. Rather, centering and fixing of the interchangeable clamping jaws (21) takes place automatically, when they are in a predetermined end position.

Abstract: A pallet changer including an arcuate clamp rail adapted to engage and support a pallet slidably, the arcuate clamp rail being provided in a work table in a machining center, and a plurality of arcuate support rails adapted to engage and support pallets slidably, the arcuate support rails being provided on a pallet pool so that they can be indexed to a pallet changing position. The support rail indexed to the pallet changing position completes a circular track for pallet conveyance conjointly with the clamp rail. Further, a swivel arm is disposed for rotation between the work table and the pallet changing position, the swivel arm being provided at both ends thereof with engaging hooks each capable of engaging an engaging block of each pallet disengageably. By the rotation of the swivel arm, two pallets are exchanged simultaneously along the above circular track between the work table and the pallet changing position.

Abstract: A machine well suited for the creation holes in printed circuit boards (PCBs). A work supply magazine containing a stack of PCBs to be drilled is disposed on one side of the machine, and a work recovery magazine for receiving the drilled PCBs is disposed on the other side, with a table mounted therebetween, preferably for displacement in one horizontal direction. One or more saddles, each carrying one or more toolheads and driven by a common saddle motor, are disposed over the table for reciprocating movement in a direction at right angles with the direction of table displacement. Also disposed over the table and reciprocably movable in the same direction as the saddles is a carriage carrying a set of work transfer fingers movable up and down into and out of work transfer engagement with the PCBs in the work supply magazine and on the table. The saddles and the carriage can be connected and disconnected as required.

Abstract: This invention relates to metal cutting and more particularly to method for manufacturing constant velocity universal joints. A construction is disclosed wherein spherical turning, milling and grinding of the races and grooves of the joint members of a universal joint are performed on common machines without removing the workpieces and the workpieces are held in common workheads. During the machining operations, relative movements between the tools and workpieces are referenced to common axes thereby duplicating the relative positions and movements between the workpieces during actual service. The inventive concept provides a means for achieving consistent product quality and is adaptable to the automated manufacturing of constant velocity universal joints.

Abstract: A system comprising a plurality of complementary numerically controlled machine tools in which different work-pieces are each subjected to appropriate selected machining operations on selected machine tools in a selected order by appropriate delivery of common form pallets loaded with the workpieces. Transporters deliver pallets between the machine tools, a storage rack, and work-setting stations where work-pieces, automatically delivered in bins from a bin store, are loaded on pallets. Tool magazines are delivered between a rack and the machine tools by a transporter. Transport and machining operations are computer controled, and monitors feed back signals indicative of location of pallets, tool magazines, and bins in the system.

Abstract: A sequential phase convertible machine comprising at least one machining unit, but preferably two machining units placed opposite each other, a machining table which is provided with an undexable rotary plate and means for fixing the work pieces to be machined and which is disposed opposite the machining unit or between two machining units, conveyors adapted for moving supports on which the work pieces to be machined are fixed a magazine of machining boxes or heads adaptable to the machining units, and transport means adapted for taking said cases from the magazine and bringing them close to the machining unit or units as well as to return them then to the magazine, which machine further comprises means for effecting cyclic sequential or batch machining.

Abstract: There is disclosed in the present application an apparatus for staking to a leader block the trailing end of a length of magnetic tape wound on a reel of a substantially closed cartridge. The leader block is sized and shaped to fit into and close an opening in the wall of the cartridge and later when the cartridge is in use to provide a means by which the tape may be grasped to be withdrawn from the cartridge. The present apparatus is mounted on a movable platform which permits its withdrawal to a retracted loading position out of the way of a cartridge loading or winding operation. In its retracted position, the apparatus is provided with a short length of rod to be used later for securing the trailing end to the block by staking the rod length with the tape end into an appropriately sized slot in the leader block.

Abstract: There is provided by this invention an automated machine tool having a workpiece transfer apparatus that allows the machine tool to automatically load and unload a workpiece during machining. The automated machine tool has the capacity to select a workpiece from a stack of raw material, transfer the workpiece to a machining station, and select a new workpiece from the stack of raw material without human intervention.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a multiple spindle machine tool wherein a plurality of substantially parallel spindles transversely disposed to a workpiece transfer path permit sequential operations upon a workpiece transferred from spindle to spindle. Spindles may be mounted upon opposite sides of the transfer path permitting machining on opposite sides of a workpiece, and the machine tool permits successive operations to be performed sequentially, rapidly and economically.

Abstract: Machining equipment for a production line using pallet type jigs, which includes a plurality of pallet type jigs, a conveyance line capable of conveying the jigs, a work bench provided on the conveyance line, a spindle head capable of being fed back and forth with respect to the work bench, and a control system for controlling the conveyance line, the work bench, and the spindle head. On the work bench are provided a horizontal rotary table which is capable of turning and indexing at a desired angle and has a constant turning position, and two rails which are rotatable coaxially and integrally with the horizontal rotary table and disposed side by side in the vertical direction to extend in the horizontal direction, in order to follow the alterations of the machining angle of a workpiece held by the pallet type jig and further to carry the pallet type jig in and out of the work bench conveniently.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming hinges from strip stock and for applying the hinges to cards and pockets. Hinge blanks including a pair of hinge legs are stamped from the strip stock and the barrel of the hinge partly formed at a first station. The blank then moves laterally to a second station where the legs are bent at a right angle to the hinge body and the barrel further shaped. Thereafter, the hinge continues in the same lateral path to a third station. Here, the formation of the barrel is completed; the hinge legs are driven through a pocket or card theretofore brought to the station; and the hinge legs are then bent over and against the pocket or card to secure the hinge to it.

Abstract: An integrated and automated multistation machine is provided for placement and attachment of electrically conductive interconnectors onto solar cells and the like. The machine comprises a rotatable turntable for supporting a plurality of solar cells in respective association with a corresponding plurality of operating stations and then for indexing the solar cells to the next operating stations in sequence. More particularly, the machine includes a cell loading station for transfer of a solar cell from a loading magazine and for precision placement onto one of a plurality of cell-supporting fixtures carried by the turntable. The turntable indexes the solar cells one at a time on the fixtures from the cell loading station first to a flux station whereat a liquid flux material is applied to predetermined points on the cell.

Abstract: In a system for coding a pallet on which a plurality of parts are assembled to form a workpiece in an assembly line, a drive for moving the pallet in a conveying path along the assembly line to successive work stations where the parts are processed or assembled, a plurality of signal carriers on the pallet for generating a signal indicating a defect in the workpiece on the pallet in a respective work station, signal read-out and encoding devices arranged along the conveying path for receiving the generated signals and emitting corresponding control signals, the drive being responsive to the emitted control signals whereby the defective workpiece may be excluded from work in work stations subsequent thereto, the signal carriers being arranged on the pallet in an array in adjacent rows extending in the conveying direction and spaced from each other in this direction, and respective signal carriers in rows spaced from each other in this direction and extending perpendicularly to the adjacent rows for enabling th

Abstract: A series of steps are performed at a plurality of stations on a component as it is automatically transferred from one station to the next during a manufacturing operation. Means and methods for measuring and recording the time cycles for each of the steps are provided. The recorded times cycles may then be compared with predetermined standards to determine the location of any faulty operation.

Abstract: A kinescope envelope which rests on a fixture is positioned at a location where the envelope size is determined. The envelope is removed from the fixture and positioned at a preselected position where the panel-funnel offset is determined. The size and offset of the envelope are provided to a controller and the offset is compared to a stored designed offset to determine an offset difference. The offset difference is compared to an offset tolerance and a reject signal is provided when the offset tolerance is exceeded. The reject signal is used to place a reject mark on the envelope and to dispense an identification article onto the potentially defective fixture.

Abstract: A composite machine tool for metal working, provided with a pair of vertical columns. On the front and rear sides of the vertical columns, there are provided a vertical lathe and a milling machine, respectively, able to be driven and operated independently of each other. Machining by these machine tools is effected on a workpiece rested on a pallet. A pallet transfer apparatus for conveying a succession of pallets with workpieces is provided between the vertical lathe and the milling machine and between the vertical columns. When each turning operation in the vertical lathe is finished, the corresponding pallet with the workpiece rested thereon is immediately conveyed into the milling machine by the pallet transfer apparatus. The composite machine tool is particularly useful in reducing the time for conveying comparatively heavy workpieces.

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.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an automatic tool exchanging system for an NC machining tool, in which a tool column stored with tools to be fed to the spindle head of the NC machining tool is adapted to move in accordance with the movement of the spindle head. The tools are transferred between a tool magazine and the tool column while the spindle head continues its machining operation.

Abstract: A first succession of workpieces is displaced along a first conveyor path past a work station in steps and a second succession of workpieces is displaced past the work station in steps synchronously with the first succession along a second conveyor path crossing the first path at an intersection adjacent the work station. The workpieces of the first and second successions are alternately arrested adjacent the work station so that as a workpiece of one succession is arrested adjacent the station the workpieces of the other succession are moving and vice versa. A tool at the station works alternately on the arrested workpieces. Thus as a workpiece of one succession is being held stationary and worked on a workpiece of the other succession is being removed from adjacent the station and replaced with the following workpiece of the other succession. The workpieces are transported horizontally generally at the same level and the paths cross at the intersection generally at a right angle.

Abstract: Positional information about movable components in a machine system relative to the workpiece is wirelessly transmitted by infrared radiation to a remote receiver. The receiver is operative to convert the infrared signals into electrical signals for controlling operational cycles of the machine system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic machine tool for machining workpieces, including a number n of workpiece receivers that can be adjusted in angular and/or spatial position and including an equal number n of work stations, one of said work stations being an exchange station, said receivers or stations being disposed at mutual angular separations of 360.degree./n on a rotatable index table, said stations or said receivers being locally fixed thereon and said index table being advanceable in such a manner that each workpiece traverses all stations in the same sequence. By applying the invention reliable and precise machining, coupled with simple construction should be achieved. This is made possible by the fact that the drive of the index table is controllable so that a sequence of (n-1) rotary steps by 360.degree./n in one direction is followed by a rotary step of 360.degree. (n-1)/n in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A semi-automated plant for threading pipe, including oil and gas well casing and tubing, is disclosed. A particular sequencing of equipment activation and movement is utilized in order to have normal operations of the plant, from loading of unthreaded pipe to the unloading of pipe having threads on each end, and a coupling applied to at least one of the ends, performed without requiring manual handling of the pipe. One particularly important portion of the apparatus in the plant is the lifting device for raising the pipe to the height which is proper for the threading machine, or lathe, and a clamping device for clamping the pipe during the threading operation. By use of the disclosed apparatus, the pipe is accurately raised to the proper height, and pipe over a considerable range of size can be securely clamped during the threading operation.

Abstract: A pallet receiver for a machine tool is disclosed utilizing a pin and socket for registration and alignment. A pallet clamp piston is employed to clamp the pallet to the receiver base for subsequent machining operations. A registration pin is rigidly secured to the receiver base, and a cooperating pin socket is mounted to the pallet underface by means of a compliant diaphragm spring so that as the socket and pin are engaged during the first portion of clamp piston movement the pallet will be registered and aligned with respect to the receiver base, and during the second and final portion of piston movement the axially compliant pin socket will permit the pallet to engage a rigid clamp down surface on the receiver base, thus insuring a positive final resting position for the pallet on the receiver base.

Abstract: A transfer type working system including a transfer line for intermittently conveying workpieces thereon. The transfer line has plural stages of working stations disposed in front and rear relationship. Each of the working stations has at least one machine tool for working on one of the workpieces on that station. Each of the machine tools comprises a ganghead replaceable machine tool having plural gangheads arranged to be selectively operable. Each of the working stations has, at a preceding position thereof, a front sensor for reading the kind of workpiece on a preceding position so that, in the course of conveying any of the workpieces to each of the working stations, one of the gangheads that corresponds to the kind of workpiece read is previously selected for operation by a signal obtained at the front sensor.

Abstract: An automatic assembling apparatus includes a pair of parallel conveyers for transferring carriers, each carrier having four chassis and parts to be assembled on the chassis; a plurality of assembly stations, each having a movable table on which various assembling operations can be performed with respect to the carriers; a carrier loader associated with each assembly station and movable between a first position in opposing relation to the movable table thereof and a second position in opposing relation to the conveyers, and having a pair of chucking stations in opposing relation to the pair of parallel conveyors, respectively, when the carrier loader is at the second position for simultaneously feeding and discharging the carriers to and from the conveyers and in opposing relation to the respective assembly station when the carrier loader is at the first position for feeding and discharging the carriers to and from the respective assembly station; a plurality of stopping members associated with respective ones

Abstract: A body assembly system for accurately locating and welding multiple component parts of different vehicle bodies and to interfix their assembled relation at a framing station wherein more than three pairs of interchangeable gates can be employed at a single framing station having programmable welding means adapted to accommodate different body styles associated with the various sets of gates. Means are provided for retrieving, storing and exchanging either pair of end gates of a three pair system while the other end pair is in use at the framing station thereby expanding the versatility of the previous system to accommodate five or more pairs of gates.

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: An improved workpiece storage and shuttle apparatus is fabricated of a base into which a carousel is journaled for indexable movement. Located about the periphery of the carousel are a plurality of workpiece storage pedestals, each pedestal having a pair of spaced apart guides thereon, each of the guides being parallel to a carousel radii. Affixed on the carousel is at least one and preferably two pairs of spaced apart guides, each of the guides of each pair of carousel guides extending from the center of the carousel beyond the carousel periphery so as to be parallel to a carousel radii. Between each pair of carousel guides is a pallet shuttle arm which is extendable out from and retractable into the guides by a hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A machine for mechanically treating components, such as metallic hollow members having a body and a bottom. The machine has a stationary frame bearing a plurality of work stations each of which has a tool pair including a first fixed tool coaxial with a movable second tool. The first and second tools are arranged on two coaxial circular paths with the first tool of each pair on a bolster. The second tool of each pair is on one end of a ram member having a tool bearing end and an actuated end. The ram member is slidably supported in guiding means. The actuated end of the ram member is connected to a cylindrical actuating cam having a free end in contact with the actuated ram member end. At least one pair of the tools are different than another pair. The tool bolster is immovable, the cam is rotated and transfer mechanisms are associated with the machine so that each component is treated by at least two different pairs of tools.

Abstract: A multiple station drilling apparatus is used for performing a large number of repetitive but variable machining operations, and includes a turntable having a plurality of workpiece holding fixtures distributed in spaced relation around its periphery, a plurality of tool supports mounted around and outward of the periphery to provide a sequence of machining stations, a load/unload station for the mounting of workpieces on the fixtures and their removal therefrom, and a motor for driving the turntable in an indexing fashion to bring workpieces held in the fixtures successively into registry with the machining stations. Each tool support includes at least one X-Y positioner which in turn supports a machining tool such as a reciprocating drill.

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: An apparatus is provided for joining two metal members together with a lancing and staking operation that comprises the lancing and forming of a part of one of the members through an unblanked part of the other of the members and thereafter the staking of the formed part of the one member to an adjacent surface of the other member to secure the members together in abutting relation, the apparatus having a punch and a reciprocating head that cooperate together to form the lancing and staking operation on the members and having an indexible carrier for indexing the members to the head for the lancing and staking operation thereon and then away from the head after the lancing and staking operation, the carrier supporting and carrying the punch therewith. A method of making such apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An automatic unit for hot molding, e.g., forging or stamping, and subsequent trimming of metal parts. A molding press and a trimming press are served by two robot pairs. One robot of one pair delivers hot ingots to the molding press, the other pair of robots moves the part being molded step-by-step through successive stampings, and the other robot of the first pair delivers the fully molded part to the trimming press. The robots of the second pair move in mirror-image relation. The ends of the robot arms of the second pair are accommodated by depressions in the molds during the various stamping operations.

Abstract: A machining system for oil well sucker rods wherein the rod end to be machined is held in a non-rotating fixture rigidly without release throughout rough machining, finish machining and roll threading operations including a conveyor system for transporting fixtures with rods to successive stations for performing successive operations.

Abstract: A machine tool including a base having a work zone including a drive gear, a work shuttle having a pair of work stations each having at least one work spindle and an idler gear, the work shuttle assembly is mounted on the base and is displaced to alternately locate each of the work stations at the work zone and at a load/unload zone, and each of the work spindles is presented at a predetermined orientation at the work and load/unload zones by means of a gear rack mounted on the base for engaging each of the idler gears as the shuttle is displaced from one to another of the positions, the gear rack having at least a portion of the teeth thereof removed proximate the drive gear whereby the idler gear of the station located at the work zone will be operatively associated with the drive gear but will not be operatively associated with the gear rack, rotation of the drive gear is prevented as the work shuttle assembly is displaced and rotation of the drive gear is allowed when the work shuttle assembly is located

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for performing conditioning operations including cutting operations such as beveling for welding, chamfering to aid in starting thread cutting, thread cutting and lead cutting and inspecting operations such as bevel or chamfer inspection and threads inspection on the ends of seamless steel pipes or round bars transferred from the preceding forming stage such as the rolling stage. The apparatus comprises a plurality of end processing multifunction machines each capable of performing by itself the above-mentioned processing operations and a plurality of end inspecting multifunction machines each capable of performing by itself the above-mentioned inspecting operations and these machines are arranged on one side or both sides of a single-line transverse transfer system. Each steel pipe or round bar to be processed is subjected to the end processing operations at a single fixed position and to the end inspecting operations also at a single fixed position.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for automatically assembling end shield assemblies of sub-assemblies for electric motors. In a preferred form, a system and methods are provided that utilize a non-palletized, non-synchronous concept to convey end shields through a number of assembly stations. At process stations situated along a conveyor, operations are performed on components. One method includes controlling traffic of sub-assemblies by toggle type escapements. A stop or latch of unique design stops end shield components in midstream, and "lifts" of unique design disengage parts from the conveyor and also support such parts during various operations. Photo-optic devices and proximity and reed switch mechanisms are utilized for control purposes. The work stations involved in one system include a unique assembly and pressing station involving oil well covers; a unique feed wick seating system; a unique lubricant adding operation; and unique "building block" mechanisms and methods.

Abstract: An automatic machine tool for sequentially machining a plurality of parallel surfaces on a plurality of work pieces, in which the work pieces are locked in position on an index table, and the surfaces machined in one operation are angularly disposed to the surfaces machined in a contiguous operation as a result of revolving the work pieces about the axis of the table.

Abstract: A recirculating strip processing apparatus is described comprising a recirculating stripper chain, a recirculating tool chain, a recirculating carrier follower chain and a recirculating die chain in a removable cassette for continuous processing of integrated circuit packages and leadframes. The processes described include deflashing an integrated circuit package, removal of the dam bar from the leadframe and cutting and bending the leads of the individual integrated circuit packages. When repair or replacement is required, the cassette involved is simply removed from the apparatus and replaced by another cassette thereby minimizing "down time" of the apparatus.