Abstract: Sample extraction or trimming from an end strip of an elongated formed metal that is coiled in layers within a tensioned metal coil resting on driven rollers. A cut channel is formed across the material width. In some embodiments the cut channel is formed between the rollers and by cutting at an angle relative to the coil outer surface. Coil weight and/or a coil tensioner mechanism inhibits coil relaxation along the cut channel by maintaining tension on wrapped layers against each other when the coil is unbanded for sample extraction. The coil is rotated so that the cut channel clears the rollers laterally. Material downstream the cut is then separated from the coil. After trimming and/or sample extraction the coil maintains rolled tautness for ease of rebanding.

Abstract: Apparatus for progressive blind broaching has an indexing table which carries a load station, a unload station and several tool stations. Broaches are mounted on the table at the tool stations. Rams on opposite sides of the table move workpieces up and down to be broached between intermittent indexing of the table. The load station has a workpiece holder to deliver unbroached workpieces to the rams. The unload station has a workpiece holder to receive broached workpieces from the rams. A transfer mechanism moves workpieces from a exchange depot at the rear of the table to the load station and moves workpieces from the unload station to the exchange depot. This transfer mechanism moves across the top of the table and does not occupy or obstruct any space along the sides or front of the table.

Abstract: A blind spline broaching machine for machining splines as well as sprockets, keyways, gears, cams and contours on workpieces, such as shafts. The blind spline broaching machine of the preferred embodiment has dual rams reciprocable relative to a rotary dial. The rams hold a corresponding pair of workpieces, while the rotary dial supports one or more broaching tools. The rotary dial is rotatable to index the workpieces to and from the rams. The blind spline broaching machine also incorporates a part moving unit on its periphery, which enables the use of a single loading/unloading station at which workpieces are alternately loaded onto and unloaded from the rotary table. Because the workpieces are loaded and unloaded from the same location on the periphery of the blind spline broaching machine, the side of the blind spline broaching machine opposite the loading/unloading station remains open to permit ready access to the tooling and the interior structure of the blind spline broaching machine.

Abstract: Apparatus for progressive blind broaching workpieces includes a machine having a table mounted for rotation about a central axis, and a ram reciprocable toward and away from the table. Work holders on the table mount the workpieces in circumferentially spaced relation around the central axis of rotation of the table. Broaching tools are mounted on a pallet which is releasably secured to the ram in proper position for broaching. A pallet load stand is positioned at one side of the machine and a pallet unload stand is positioned at the opposite side of the machine. The ram is operated by a single power cylinder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for progressive machining of blind spline workpieces which includes step-by-step moving of work holding stations on an indexing table with loading and unloading stations located adjacent the table between work stations. Axially in line with the work stations between indexes are multiple tool rams hydraulically powered to drive a broaching tool over or into workpieces to achieve progressive broaching as the work is indexed. The rams can be simultaneously activated or sequentially activated depending on the capacity of the hydraulic system.

Abstract: An improved cutting tooth configuration in which, unlike the conventional, straight line tool pattern with its constant tool rise, each tooth is incrementally advanced relative to the prior tooth by an amount that progressively decreases. This accounts for the variations in reaction force on the cutting teeth caused by workpiece deflections, so that the net thickness of material removed by each cutting tooth remains relatively constant. Instability and variation in the cutting force is thereby avoided, and tool wear is decreased.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a unique method and apparatus for machining a bearing cap assembly of the type typically utilized in a universal joint mechanism. The bearing cap assembly includes an open-ended bearing cap having a closed end wall with an outer surface secured to a mounting plate located generally parallel to the end wall and having spaced apart opposite end portions extending outwardly past the bearing cap. The present invention is specifically concerned with machining the end portions of the mounting plate extending outwardly from the bearing cap to produce spaced apart machined surfaces which can be utilized to attach the bearing cap assembly to an associated yoke arm. In the method of the present invention, the open end of the cap is placed on a support pin having a stop surface adapted to engage the inner surface of the end wall of the bearing cap.

Abstract: Two vertically movable carriages are alternately reciprocated. Each carriage holds two broaches positioned at opposite sides of the ways that guide the carriage. In one embodiment workpieces are moved from a magazine between the carriages alternately to work stations beside each carriage. In another embodiment the workpieces are moved between the two broaches in a series of three steps, the first broach acting on a given workpiece during a dwell before the first step and the second broach acting on that workpiece during a dwell after the third step. In yet another embodiment the workpieces are held by a chuck which, between successive broaching strokes, rotates the workpiece about an axis normal to the broaching strokes.