With Means To Orient Or Position Work Carrier Relative To Tool Station Patents (Class 83/412)
  • Patent number: 5819622
    Abstract: An apparatus and related method for automatically infeeding workpieces to a saw includes a first workpiece that is selected at an input station. A servo-driven friction belt system is connected to the input station, and advances the workpiece under a pattern projection system. The pattern projection system causes a pattern to be projected onto the first workpiece. The pattern is one of a plurality of patterns corresponding to the blade configuration of a fixed arbor gang rip saw. An operator may select alternate patterns, and/or may skew the board to select the desired cut. A pinch roller system is provided for removing the workpiece from the friction belt system and moving the workpiece into the saw, while maintaining the desired skew, if any. Also provided is a sensor for measuring the board width while moving on the friction belt system, where the width is input to a computer controlling the infeed system and which determines the optimum pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Bradley S. Quick
  • Patent number: 5752425
    Abstract: A microtome particularly suitable for sectioning specimen to be observed on a transmission type electron microscope. Mounted on top of and located to one side of a machine base (2) are an X-Y axis stage and a tilting stage (4) which in turn supports thereon a cutter holder block (5) with a cutting knife (6). Located to the other side of the machine base (2) is a micro-feed mechanism (7) which supports thereon a specimen holder support arm (12) with specimen (14) and a Z-axis stage (11). The micro-feed mechanism (7) has first and second linear motor stages (8) and (9) to be displaced inversely in intersecting directions crossed each other with a predetermined intersection angle (28) across Y-axis. As the first and second linear motor stages (8) and (9) are displaced at the intersection angle (20) with each other, the specimen (14) is displaced over a small distance of nanometrically fine level in the direction of X-axis, thereby permitting to produce an ultra-thin specimen piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Chuo Precision Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kentaro Asakura, Yasuhisa Hirohata, Nobuyoshi Kataoka
  • Patent number: 5701791
    Abstract: A workpiece being processed on a machine tool is moved by control devices to the tool head or work station of the machine mechanically or automatically. A stop defines an area around the work station from which the holding devices must be kept to prevent damage. As soon as a holding device reaches the limit of the danger zone around the tool head, it is switched into a setting releasing the workpiece and moves into a position away from the work station. The machine has a switching element connected to each holding device to be so movable, and the switching element has a switching slide which is acted on by an applied force and is supported in a first position until it abuts the stop when one slide position connects the energy source to the drive of the holding device to move it away from the stop. In another slide position, the connection to the energy source is broken and the holding device returns to the workpiece holding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Trumpf GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Eckehart Schulze, Peter Bytow
  • Patent number: 5561912
    Abstract: A goniometer arm for use in conjunction with a precision cutting apparatus comprising an arm for supporting a rotating adaptor arm which in turn supports and secures a rotating disc and a specimen holder. The goniometer arm allows a specimen to be cut along a specific plane about a specific axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Buehler Ltd.
    Inventor: Horst Stange, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5461953
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting tissue sections from an organic tissue specimen to generate multiple tissue ribbons having any desired section sequencing. A three-dimensional microtome which allows relative movement between the tissue specimen and the cutting blade in three dimensions is used to generate the tissue ribbons. Preferably, the three-dimensional microtome also includes an advanceable cutting blade capable of being conveniently advanced in the direction along its length to provide a fresh cutting edge to the cutting area of the microtome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: James B. McCormick
  • Patent number: 5456147
    Abstract: An automatic saw is provided having a rotatable saw blade for cutting through a workpiece which is carried on a movable arm, which permits the workpiece to be moved into engagement with the saw blade. The saw blade is mounted on a first shaft while the workpiece and arm are mounted on a second, rotary shaft. Typically, a load cell is carried on the second shaft to sense torsional stress created by the pressure of the saw against the workpiece. This torsional stress is a direct measurement of the pressure of the saw against the load cell, and may be used in a feedback system for automatic adjustment of the sawing conditions. Also, it is preferred for the second shaft to be longitudinally movable in an automatic manner by means of a threaded, rotary arrangement for longitudinally advancing and retracting the second shaft between predetermined positions. A rotary encoder may be used to monitor the rotary position of the second shaft and arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Buehler, Ltd.
    Inventor: Horst Stange, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5381712
    Abstract: An infeed system for a gang saw includes at least one loading station laterally displaced from the infeed station of the gang saw, a pivotable skewing tube arrangement operable at the loading station for orienting a two-sided cant to a given orientation relative to a line parallel with the longitudinal horizontal infeed line of the gang saw, thereby to obtain maximum yield from the cant, a lateral transport device operable to transport the skewing tube and the cant from the loading station to a position adjacent the infeed line while maintaining the cant in the desired orientation, and a longitudinal transport device for transporting the properly orientated cant to the gang saw. Preferably, a second loading station is laterally spaced on the opposite side of the infeed line from the first loading station, whereby cants may be selectively supplied to the in-feed station from the large-log and small-log sides of the mill, thus producing maximum production from a single gang saw means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Forest Products Machinery, Inc.
    Inventors: George W. Head, Jr., Reginald R. Landers, James L. Smith
  • Patent number: 5315905
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for shaping a solid antiperspirant stick composition. The antiperspirant composition is produced in a generally cylindrical form having an oval or elliptical cross-section and the method and apparatus disclosed herein form the exposed end of the stick into a domed shape. A shaping mechanism comprises three shaped and heated cutting edges, each of which is arcuately oscillated with respect to the end of the stick within the plane of the major axis of the oval or ellipse. One pre-cut cutting edge is oscillated in one direction and makes a cut partially into one side of the exposed end of the stick. Rough cut and finish cut cutting edges are then arcuately passed through the end of the stick in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
    Inventor: Jiva R. Karavadra
  • Patent number: 5305671
    Abstract: A universal coil cutter for reclaiming dynamo electric machines. Specifically to cut-off the end turns of the coils of stators, rotors or armatures. The coil cutter consisting of a direct drive cutter(16), spindle and motor(15) and motor driven carriages for the x-axis(22) and the y-axis(12). The above are controlled with a joystick(10) and operate in a third plane on the z-axis(21). The table (17) is used to support the stators which are being reclaimed. Adjacent to the table(17) is a carriage with base(25) and journal (27) and rotor drive motor (23). Attached thereto a rotor drive pulley(24). The rotor belt tensioner(26) takes up slack in the drive belt which loops over and around the rotor and the drive pulley(24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Theodore C. Wachs
  • Patent number: 5195417
    Abstract: In the registration of artwork panels for the manufacture of printed circuit boards, each panel is located, in turn, above two target location areas. Targets are provided upon the panel and these targets are positioned over the target location areas. With light projected from the target location areas and through the panel around the targets, the positions of the location areas and targets are monitored, and the artwork panel is moved to dispose the targets in specific locations relative to datums. The panel is then registered in position prior to a processing step, e.g. the punching-out of registration holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventors: Stephen H. Hancock, Aaron L. Arnold, Daniel R. Leiwe
  • Patent number: 5186090
    Abstract: Apparatus for cutting a strip of paper along transverse cut lines spaced along the strip of paper. The apparatus permits ready access to adjustable paper cutting blades utilized in the apparatus and enables ready adjustment of the direction of travel of the strip of paper with respect to the cutting blades to compensate for skewing of the cut lines wiht respect to the longitudinal axis of the strip of paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: B. Bunch Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Earnest B. Bunch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5127294
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cutting stacked product (25) in sheet form having a table (12), the surface of which has an operating area, above which there is a cutting blade (2) and a pressing beam (3), behind it a feed area to receive the product to be cut and in front of it an output area to receive the cut product, and having a forward feed apparatus for the product to be cut.In order to avoid strenuous mechanical and ergonomically harmful work when turning the product to be cut, in particular in conjunction with the edge trimming of the product, it is proposed according to the invention to provide in the region of the feed area a gripper system (29) for turning the product to be cut in the plane of the table surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Inventor: Wolfgang Mohr
  • Patent number: 5096108
    Abstract: An apparatus has a base plate having a plurality of penetrating holes, a vertically movable plate slidably mounted on guide posts, and a stripper plate slidably mounted on the guide posts and hung from the movable plate. A plurality of stripper pins are vertically slidably mounted in the stripper plate. Each stripper pin is arranged to be inserted in corresponding one of the penetrating holes of the base plate. A sheet holding plate for mounting a product sheet is provided to be detachably mounted on the base plate. The stripper pins are arranged to push each molded rubber product on the product sheet in the corresponding penetrating hole so as to strip it from the product sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Kuze
  • Patent number: 5046389
    Abstract: An inspection station punch block apparatus for removing a portion of an integrated circuit die lead from a lead frame. The missing lead is used to mark a defective die and is lataer monitored by a scanning means which causes rejection of the die from the lead frame. A method of carrying out this operation is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ted L. Thompson, David R. Hembree
  • Patent number: 4986152
    Abstract: A fixture for use with a cutting tool, such as a saw or sander, and adapted to cut perfect circles in a workpiece. The fixture has a base which is adapted to be positioned on a work table in a predetermined relationship with respect to the cutting tool. A pivot arm is supported on the base at a first pivot point such that the pivot arm pivots on the base toward or away from the cutting tool in an arc centered at the first pivot point. A second pivot point is formed on the pivot arm and is adapted to provide a center point about which the workpiece is rotated. Stop means defines a working position for the pivot arm in which the workpiece center and the cutting tool are displaced by a distance corresponding to the radius to be cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Inventor: Marvin L. Sammons
  • Patent number: 4942795
    Abstract: A saw apparatus comprises an operatable saw blade and a holding arm for gripping an object to be sawed, plus means for moving the saw blade and holding arm together to cause the saw blade to engage the object for sawing under controlled-pressure conditions. The saw blade is carried by strain gauge means, the strain gauge means being part of electronic means for sensing the load of the operatable saw blade on the strain gauge means. Thus, pressure of the object for sawing against the top of the saw blade causes an increase in the load sensed by the strain gauge. The electronic signal generated thereby may be used in a feedback system to control the pressure of the workpiece against the saw blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: Buehler Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Linke, Alan W. Wilkerson, Ashok K. Parida
  • Patent number: 4879894
    Abstract: A press having a work positioning carriage for moving a workpiece horizontally along relatively transverse X and Y axes to position different areas of a workpiece at a work station. Lower forming tools are fixed at the work station and a lower stripper is mounted for vertical movement relative to the lower forming tools. Upper press tools are mounted on the press ram and operative when the ram is moved downwardly to force the workpiece downwardly over the lower forming tools and depress the lower stripper. The lower stripper is yieldably biased upwardly to raise the workpiece off the lower press tools when the upper press tools are raised. A work carrier is mounted for horizontal movement by the work positioning carriage and the work carrier has a workpiece support that is vertically movable relative to the work carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignee: Roper Whitney Company
    Inventors: Roger J. Benedict, John K. Forlow
  • Patent number: 4811640
    Abstract: Two shearing blades disposed along two lines which intersect each other are carried on the bottom edges of two adjacent walls of a four-sided ram structure. The ram is supported at four points whereby to provide greater stability. The workpiece is carried on the aligned top surfaces of a fixed bed and a movable carriage. The movable carriages is movable in a first direction. Finger grippers, joined by a connecting bar, are movable in slots along the top surface of the movable carriage in a second direction. Thus, the workpiece is moved in the first direction by movement of the movable carriage and in the second direction by movement of the finger grippers. The workpiece may be precisely and accurately positioned under the shearing blades making use of sensors in each of the finger grippers and a lateral sensor at the end of the movable carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Inventor: Rudy Fritsch
  • Patent number: 4805503
    Abstract: A loaf slicing machine includes a cutting blade arranged to rotate about a center axis thereof while moving around an orbital axis to thereby cut the loaf cyclically, a feed member for intermittently advancing the loaf toward the cutting blade and extending perpendicularly to the cutting blade, and a guide member disposed between the feed member and a path of the cutting blade for guiding the loaf. In order to hold the loaf, an abutment plate is provided which has a surface spaced from the edge of the cutting blade toward a direction of advance of the loaf for permitting the end of the loaf to abut on that surface during each cutting cycle and of which rotational center is aligned with the orbital axis, the abutment plate being arranged to rotate sychronously with the cutting blade. An opening is formed through the abutment plate at a position adjacent the cutting blade for permitting slices as cut to be transferred through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Omori Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Yokokawa
  • Patent number: 4709605
    Abstract: An automatic material loading, positioning and unloading system is disclosed in connection with a machine tool turret punch. The device includes a loader which receives a stack of sheets to be fed to the punch machine. The loader includes means for lifting the sheets one at a time from a storage area, means for transporting the sheets to a loading area of the punch worktable and means for unloading the sheets at the worktable area. The punch machine includes automatically controlled workpiece grippers which receive the sheets from the loader, properly position them with respect to the machine tool, move them in a predesired sequence through the machine and transport them to an unload area of the worktable. The unload area of the worktable is effective to discharge the punched sheets from the machine to an unload stacker. The unload stacker receives and stacks completed sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Assignee: Strippit/Di-Acro-Houdaille, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen C. Clark
  • Patent number: 4699370
    Abstract: A single sheet is transported from a tray where sheets are stored to the table of a coordinate plotter by a movable device which lifts the sheet by suction from the tray and moves the attached sheet part way to a final position on the table. The sheet is released; the device retreats and then again lifts the same sheet by suction and transports the sheet to a final position on the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Seizo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeji Hashimoto, Minoru Murayama
  • Patent number: 4690021
    Abstract: An automatic material loading, positioning and unloading system is disclosed in connection with a machine tool turret punch. The device includes a loader which receives a stack of sheets to be fed to the punch machine. The loader includes means for lifting the sheets one at a time from a storage area, means for transporting the sheets to a loading area of the punch worktable and means for unloading the sheets at the worktable area. The punch machine includes automatically controlled workpiece grippers which receive the sheets from the loader, properly position them with respect to the machine tool, move them in a predesired sequence through the machine and transport them to an unload area of the worktable. The unload area of the worktable is effective to discharge the punched sheets from the machine to an unload stacker. The unload stacker receives and stacks completed sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Assignee: Strippit/Di-Acro-Houdaille, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen C. Clark
  • Patent number: 4669346
    Abstract: A machine for operating on sheet stock workpieces having stock grippers mounted on a work positioning carriage for moving the sheet stock workpiece along first and second relatively transverse paths in the plane of the stock to position the workpiece at predetermined positions relative to the machine tools. Work grippers are mounted on the work positioning carriage for adjustment relative to the carriage when the work grippers are released and the work grippers are automatically clamped against movement relative to the carriage when the work grippers are actuated to grip the stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Roper Whitney Co., division of Roper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger J. Benedict
  • Patent number: 4651604
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for duplicative notching of the serration edge on a key blank according to the serration edge of an existing key serving as a templet. An axially movable key edge notching punch is controlled by the templet for punching a notch in the serration edge of the key blank corresponding to a notch in the serration edge of the templet when the punch is driven toward the key blank. The key blank and the templet key may be supported in a cassette which is indexible relative to the punch. The cassette and the notching mechanism are especially advantageous for notching the serration edges of key blanks carried by wallet size plastic cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Assignee: Donald F. Almblad
    Inventors: Donald F. Almblad, Michael A. Mueller, Thomas L. Drehobl
  • Patent number: 4641828
    Abstract: A method for feeding material sheet to a press comprises steps of transferring a material sheet on which print parts and the corresponding positioning marks are printed for a preset distance at least until the positioning mark comes into the field of view of a viewing device provided in a position related to the working position of the press, detecting misalignment between the centers of the positioning mark and a reference mark of the field of view in the X and Y axis directions by the viewing device, and positioning the print part at the press working position automatically and precisely by using the detected amount of the misalignment as a correction value for positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho
    Inventor: Toshio Yajima
  • Patent number: 4625608
    Abstract: A microtome has a specimen holder which executes a vertical up and down movement relative to a cutting knife and which has a guide mechanism in which a sleeve is arranged so as to be horizontally displaceable. The sleeve is provided at its front end with a specimen clamping mechanism and in its interior with a micrometer nut which is secured against axial displacement and through which extends a micrometer spindle mounted on the guide mechanism. The micrometer nut has on its outer face a toothed ring which is connected operatively to a pinion connected to an electric motor. When the electric motor is activated the sleeve is displaced in the guide mechanism. The micrometer spindle extends, on the side opposite the specimen clamping mechanism, through the guide mechanism as a stub end on which is located a mechanical cutting-thickness advance mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Assignee: Parke, Davis & Company
    Inventors: Werner Behme, Manfred Berleth
  • Patent number: 4594929
    Abstract: A microtome provided with a drive wheel mounted in a stand, to be actuated manually and/or by means of a drive motor for generating a vertical relative movement between a specimen holder and a cutting knife, has a specimen holder, having a specimen clamping mechanism, arranged so as to be horizontally displaceable in a vertically drivable guide mechanism by means of a cutting-thickness adjustment mechanismn. The adjustment mechanism can horizontally displace the specimen holder through a cutting thickness adjustment distance towards the cutting knife. A specimen retraction mechanism serves to displace horizontally the specimen holder from an unretracted position to a retracted position, the retracted position being further from the cutting knife than the unretracted position. The distance between the retracted position and the unretracted position is greater than the maximum cutting thickness adjustment distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Assignee: Parke, Davis & Company
    Inventors: Werner Behme, Manfred Berleth
  • Patent number: 4516459
    Abstract: A microtome, in particular an ultramicrotome, has a drive-control system by which the movement of the specimen arm, relative to the knife, is subdivided into a comparatively slow cutting movement and a more rapid return movement. The drive-control system gradually decelerates the specimen arm at the transition, from the comparatively rapid return movement to the slower cutting movement, so that a jerk, which would generate mechanical vibrations in the drive system, is avoided and the specimen arm is smoothly decelerated from the comparatively high speed to the lower speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Assignee: C. Reichert Optische Werke
    Inventors: Gerhard Kappl, Helmut Kranner, Reinhard Lihl
  • Patent number: 4507995
    Abstract: A cutting press equipped for handling and treating or working plate-shaped workpieces or articles, especially of sheet metal, includes at least one cutting tool which is driven from a main drive of the machine through transmission components and its own driving arrangement. An additional severing arrangement is mounted on the same machine frame and is equipped with its own driving arrangement, the transmission members being selectively coupleable with the cutting tool and with the severing arrangement. The machine further includes a coordinate table for advancing the respective workpiece. An entraining arrangement is provided at the part of the machine frame which is associated with the severing arrangement and at the region of the workpiece which is free from the severing tools. The entraining arrangement is arranged above a support surface for the workpiece which extends in the same plane as the support surface of the coordinate table and is lowerable toward the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1985
    Assignee: C. Behrens AG
    Inventor: Walter Bredow
  • Patent number: 4484503
    Abstract: A microtome, especially an ultramicrotome, is disclosed in which a forward-feed system for the specimen arm and/or knife of the microtome comprises a stepping motor which is controlled by a pulse generator and which shifts the specimen arm, and the knife, relative to each other by an appropriate amount of forward feed in accordance with a forward-feed value which is set at one of a plurality of preselector switches. In order to facilitate quick switching over from one forward-feed amplitude to another, permitting the selection of forward-feed amplitudes which differ by an order of magnitude, for example, if semi-thin sections are to be produced during a run of ultra-thin sections, the forward-feed amplitudes set by the preselector switches can be switched, according to choice, to the pulse generator for the stepping motor by means of a changeover switch. This arrangement enables the operator to alter the forward-feed amplitude by one manual action without disturbing the ongoing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1984
    Assignee: C. Reichert Optische Werke AG
    Inventors: Helmuth Sitte, Walter Bilek
  • Patent number: 4471676
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for sensing the position of a workpiece clamp on a workpiece positioning assembly of a computer-controlled machine tool such as a turret punch press including an X-axis traverse, a Y-axis traverse and, a workpiece support movable along the X-axis traverse and carrying the workpiece support. The method consists of the steps of providing a datum position on the X-axis for the control, providing a datum position on the Y-axis for the control, providing a datum position on the turret for the control, moving the member to the datum position on the X-axis at the beginning of each operating sequence, registering movement of the member along the X-axis traverse, moving the member passed sensor means to identify for the control the position of the member relative to the datum position on the X-axis. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignee: Joseph Rhodes Limited
    Inventor: Graham A. Mason
  • Patent number: 4463636
    Abstract: The trimming apparatus and fixture for holding a PC board prior to and during trimming of an upper surface of the PC board utilizes a trimming blade rotated by a variable speed motor. This apparatus includes X and Y motion mechanism moved by hand grips that are spaced apart and cooperate with push button switches providing a safety control circuit. The X and Y motion mechanism employs linear ball bushings mounted and movable on hardened steel shafts. Removable holding fixtures are employed to hold and retain the PC boards during trimming. One holding fixture is used for PC boards that are not warped and not likely to warp. This fixture holds the PC board on three sides and a quick acting cam clamp is actuated to retain and release a PC board. Another fixture is adapted to hold and retain a PC board that is warped or likely to warp. Vacuum is used with a plurality of standoffs to establish the desired holding plane of this PC board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Assignee: Martin G. Heller
    Inventors: Martin G. Heller, Edward Pecha, Douglas Smith, Joel Rudder
  • Patent number: 4434693
    Abstract: A plate positioning apparatus for use with a punch machine having a number one workpiece stopper that moves left and right along the direction of the X axis and a number two workpiece stopper that moves to and fro along the direction of the Y axis perpendicular to the X axis, each workpiece stopper having its own motor. The number one workpiece stopper moving left and right relative to the punch along the direction of the X axis structured with a corner cutout on its inner leading edge so as to allow the punch to pass through. The number two workpiece stopper moves to and fro relative to the punch along the direction of the Y axis structured with a cutout section in the middle of its leading edge so as to allow the punch to pass through, the two cutout openings meeting at the forwardmost point of intersection to allow the punch to pass through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1984
    Assignee: Nihon Early Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kinji Hosoi, Hiroyuki Takeda, Hisao Kobayashi, Daijiro Konaka
  • Patent number: 4422628
    Abstract: A workpiece clamping apparatus for machine tools comprises a frame; a rocking sleeve member, rockably fixed to the frame; a cylindrical member, slidably inserted in the rocking sleeve member, so as to move therein; a rod member, inserted in the cylindrical member, so as to project therefrom; a swinging holding member, rockably provided at one end of the rod member; and an upper clamping jaw and a lower clamping jaw, both connected to the swinging holding member, for gripping an end of a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1983
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventor: Shigeo Kasai
  • Patent number: 4391123
    Abstract: The punching machine of this invention comprises a punching head provided with a plurality of punch/die pairs for effecting punching operations of a metal sheet. In the punching head there are defined a plurality of operative positions in each of which there is positioned and actuated a punch/die pair of the said plurality of punch/die pairs. Each punch/die pair is operated independently from the others. The punching machine further includes a numerically controlled programmable manipulator equipped with pincers for gripping a metal sheet and displacing it between the punchs and dies of said plurality of punch/die pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1983
    Assignee: Salvagnini Transferica S.p.A.
    Inventor: Guido Salvagnini
  • Patent number: 4377958
    Abstract: A miniature microtome assembly with a bellows-operated blade on an arm swingably mounted on a flexible hinge. The specimen is secured in a chuck on a support arm pivoted on a flexible hinge. The specimen is fed toward the cutting path of the blade by a suitably supported feed screw operatively driven by a nut gear actuated by a bellows for coarse advancement steps, and has a fine advance provided by a piezoelectric crystal mounted between the specimen stage and the top end of the feed screw, thereby providing coarse and fine feed of the specimen. The assembly may be contained in a vacuum chamber and the active parts are operated by remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventor: Stephen B. Leighton
  • Patent number: 4348924
    Abstract: A laminated plate-like workpiece of the type wherein the outer layers extend laterally beyond the edge faces of a median layer is trimmed in an apparatus wherein a reciprocable carriage supports several elongated abutment members which can enter between the outer layers of a workpiece to move into contact with an edge face of the concealed median layer. The workpiece is thereupon coupled to the carriage by several pairs of jaws and the carriage is moved to one or more preselected positions in each of which a different portion of the workpiece is located in the cutting plane of a rotary circular saw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1982
    Inventor: Erwin Jenkner
  • Patent number: 4297927
    Abstract: A sheet metal workpiece is held by holders as the workpiece is cut and moved relative to a device such as a shearing machine or punch press. An improved apparatus and method is provided to precisely position the sheet metal workpiece relative to the holders. This apparatus includes a first gripper assembly which is disposed at an opening in a support structure for the sheet metal workpiece. The first gripper assembly moves the workpiece to position it along a first axis. A second gripper assembly is disposed at another opening in the support structure and moves the workpiece to position it along a second axis which extends transversely to the first axis. The two gripper assemblies can be moved between extended positions projecting upwardly from the support structure and retracted positions in which the gripper assemblies are disposed within the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1981
    Assignee: The Warner & Swasey Company
    Inventor: Naoki Kuroda
  • Patent number: 4287798
    Abstract: Opposed parallel supporting rollers of a log receiving and turning assembly are rotated in order to rotate the log received thereon. The rollers are carried by a frame which is lifted or lowered, as desired, and a bar between the rollers is tiltable so as to lift selectively one end of the log or the other. By such an arrangement, the log is oriented so that a pair of dogs engage the log from opposite ends. These dogs are carried by an overhead carriage assemblies which ride on tracks and are movable with respect to each other by means of a hydraulic cylinder. One dog is rotatable by a motor through 90.degree. so as to orient the log. The carriage assemblies are movable in a longitudinal direction so that a pair of saws, driven by motors, will simultaneously cut the logs on opposite sides so as to deposit the boards, when cut from the log, on respective conveyors which carry the boards longitudinally away from the saws. The saws are adjustable laterally for different widths of log.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Inventors: Hill M. Cooper, Jr., William B. Cooper, Robert M. Cooper
  • Patent number: 4271736
    Abstract: A sawmill apparatus includes first and second carriages for supporting first and second logging dogs therebeneath, with the second carriage being movable upon the first whereby to engage the ends of a log between the dogs. The carriages support the dogs at the end of steel blades which are moved in a vertical direction by a combination of air cylinders and ball screws to provide accurate positioning of the log at a predetermined distance above a lower saw guide and at a predetermined distance above an outfeed conveyor. Side braces are mounted on each carriage and extend downwardly on each side of the blades carrying the log engaging dogs, the side braces supporting bearing members disposed in slidable relation to the blades for maintaining alignment thereof in the direction of carriage movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1981
    Inventor: Aaron U. Jones
  • Patent number: 4224853
    Abstract: A device for trimming a diapositive with trimming angles and punching pins so the diapositive can be exactly positioned within a frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1980
    Inventor: Matti K. Ruotsalainen
  • Patent number: 4213733
    Abstract: A machine tool is illustrated having a workpiece support table on which a workpiece is moved by an automatically controlled workpiece gripper movable in the X and Y directions. Movement of the gripper in at least the X direction is controlled in reference to a base line which is set within the automatic control in response to abutment of the workpiece edge against a table supported stop, the stop being movable against a spring from a rest position through a first or base line set in position in response to abutment by the moving edge of the workpiece carried by the gripper. Movement of the stop through the first position automatically sets the base line within the automatic control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1980
    Assignee: Houdaille Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. De George, Paul R. Brown, Victor T. Carbone
  • Patent number: 4165667
    Abstract: A workpiece is shifted forwardly and rearwardly beneath a punch and a transversely spaced cutting torch by a work table formed with a comparatively wide fore-and-aft extending throat for accommodating a die and a duct which underlie the punch and the torch, respectively. The throat is partially filled by platforms which normally support the overlying portions of the workpiece to reduce deflection thereof but which are adapted to be automatically moved out of the way of the rear of the table when the table is shifted forwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1979
    Assignee: W. A. Whitney Corp.
    Inventors: Theodore F. Brolund, William B. Scott, Merle R. Pauley
  • Patent number: 4162641
    Abstract: An assembly for automatically feeding workpieces to and from a numerically controlled turret punch. A loader magazine having an adjustable volume for receiving a stack of workpieces is disposed on one side of a turret punch, and an unloader magazine having a similar adjustable volume for receiving a stack of workpieces is disposed on the opposite side of the turret punch. An ejector associated with a loader magazine ejects the top workpiece from the loader magazine to horizontally feed it into operative association with clamps of the turret punch. The turret punch clamps are moveable with respect to the punching tools, and the punching tools are moveable and operated to effect punching of the workpiece until it has a desired finished configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1979
    Assignee: Potomac Applied Mechanics, Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Stubbings
  • Patent number: 4150593
    Abstract: An apparatus for selective attachment to a rotary microtome in order to permit separation of the specimen from a cutting knife during the return stroke of the specimen. A small frame is adapted to fit within the conventional specimen holder or chuck of the microtome; and the frame carries a solenoid with a movable core. Attached to the forward end of the movable core is an auxiliary specimen holder; attached to the other end of the core is a plate against which a compression spring constantly presses. The preferred power supply for the solenoid is a filtered 30 volt DC power supply. The solenoid is energized only during the downward, cutting stroke of the microtome, and it is de-energized before the arm starts its return stroke. The spring urges the specimen holder away from the knife when the solenoid is de-energized. The apparatus may be readily installed on any conventional rotary microtome with minimal skilled labor; and it may be removed at will to restore the microtome to its original condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1979
    Inventor: James K. Butler
  • Patent number: 4143571
    Abstract: A workpiece positioning assembly for a machine tool has first and second traverses mounted perpendicular to one another. The second traverse is unsupported at its ends and mounted intermediate its ends upon the first traverse for horizontal movement in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the second traverse. The second traverse has a carriage movable therealong for supporting a workpiece and effecting movement in a direction parallel to the axis of the second traverse. The workpiece positioning assembly is preferably applied to a punch press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1979
    Assignee: Blackman Martin Group Limited
    Inventor: John Oxenham
  • Patent number: 3979983
    Abstract: An ironworker is provided with a powered set of opposed workpiece clamps for accurately locating a workpiece beneath a punch or the like. The preferred form employs a rotary powered, numerically controlled means for moving the clamps.A unique timing-belt drive is provided for moving long workpieces, such as elongated channels or the like, from a rotary powered input.A workpiece clamp is provided with a stationary first workpiece-engaging member and a movable second workpiece-engaging member which is slidable along its longitudinal axis from an extended position where it is closely spaced and aligned above the first workpiece-engaging member to a retracted position where it is moved upwardly away from the first workpiece-engaging member and slid longitudinally rearwardly of the first workpiece-engaging member for lifting or placing a workpiece in position for clamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1974
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1976
    Assignee: U.S. Amada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Dennis Daniels
  • Patent number: 3948124
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1976
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Frank R. Dombrowski, Frank R. Kuzan, Raymond L. Larson