Abstract: A support assembly includes a pallet table having an upper surface. A plurality of support members are configured to pass through a pallet positioned on the upper surface of the pallet table. Each support member includes a receiving surface that defines a portion of a channel extending across the support members.

Abstract: A door preparation station includes a data processing control system that drives a display for presenting sequential series of menu selections that illicit operator information that is used as control data to configure the station for preparing a door for receipt of predetermined door hardware (e.g., locks, hinges, etc.) of one type or another. Based upon responses received at the menu selections, the processing system positions and operates various door preparation cutting and drilling elements for the door preparation procedure.

Abstract: A system for making aerated concrete blocks produces such blocks having at least one passageway therein. The system may include a molding station for receiving materials for making aerated concrete and for allowing the materials to rise and stiffen into a body, a dividing station downstream from the molding station for dividing the body into an array of blocks, and a curing station downstream from the dividing station for curing the array of blocks. Moreover, the manufacturing system also preferably includes a drilling station downstream from the curing station to drill the at least one passageway extending through each of the blocks. The passageways provide easier grasping by the mason, reduce the weight without significantly compromising strength, and may be aligned in a wall during construction at a building site to facilitate the placement of vertical reinforcing members in the wall. The drilling station may drill a plurality of spaced apart passageways through each block.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying a printed circuit board to a printed circuit board drilling machine and for returning the printed circuit board after the drilling. A stocker stores a plurality of printed circuit boards in a tilted state, and a plurality of conveyor rollers provides a conveying path for the printed circuit boards. A conveyor device which includes conveyor rollers provides a conveying path connected to the first mentioned conveying path. The arrival of the printed circuit board is detected at a predetermined position, and the printed circuit board is then decelerated by braking in response to a signal from the detection. A device is provided on the printed circuit board drilling machine for delivering the printed circuit board to the printed circuit board drilling machine.

Abstract: A rotary drilling machine for forming holes of selected size and spacing in continuous strip material such as elastomeric gasket stock used for the manufacture of gaskets for door openings and the like. This machine has a rotary drum unit which carries the strip material along a portion of its peripheral edges. A plurality of drilling units are mounted on this drum unit so as to move with the strip material. The drilling units are oriented toward the peripheral edge, and these drilling units are moved radially in a proper sequence whereby drill bits thereof move toward the strip material to dril the holes and then retract. Tensioning elements produce friction between the strip material and the periphery of the drum unit to accomplish the movement thereof in unison. The tensioning elements, in a preferred form, have signal generating elements whereby the speed of rotation of the drum unit is controlled to prevent sag in the run of the strip material.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for forming bores in articles, such as lumber studs which includes a conveyor operable for transporting the studs to a work station. Disposed adjacent the work station is a charging mechanism operable for isolating a predetermined course of the studs from the conveyor at the work station and maintaining the course substantially stationary. Drill sets are mounted on the charger and beneath the course and are operable for selectively shifting vertically upwardly for drilling bores in the course. The charger includes a carriage assembly which is disposed beneath the conveyor selectively operable for reciprocal vertical shifting to lift the course from the conveyor and return the course thereto. The drills are rigidly mounted on the carriage assembly and are moveable therewith. Additionally, the carriage assembly is provided with a lift element which is mounted thereon by means of a resilient mounting.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention a wood working machine is provided which facilitates the sequential working of opposite sides of a wooden work piece to form a flange for a cable reel. The work piece is grippingly held against a work piece support while the support moves downwardly to permit working on one side of the work piece with a first set of working elements and then moves upwardly to permit working on the other side of the work piece by a second set of wood working elements after which the support returns to its initial position and the work piece is released for removal from the apparatus.