Abstract:
The present invention relates to a fixture and method for positioning and holding a gear to be machined, as for example in a ring and pinion gear set for vehicle axles. The fixture includes a base, a clamp and a locator. The base has a surface against which the gear is to be held and a bore which extends into the base from the surface of the base. The clamp is connected to the base. The locator is movably disposed in the bore of the base such that the locator is moveable between a first position wherein an end of the locator extends above the surface of the base for positioning the ring gear by aligning with a surface which defines a bore of the gear so that the clamp can be positioned to hold the ring gear and a second position to which the locator is retracted below the surface of the base so that the ring gear can be machined without interference by the locator.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for locating the intersection of the center of the web of a beam with a flat upper surface of an end cap of the beam. The apparatus has an upper portion that contacts the flat upper surface of the end cap and has ends that extend beyond the edges of the end cap. Arms that depend downwardly from the ends of the upper portion extend symmetrically toward one another. The upper portion has a predetermined point that is colocated with the axis of symmetry of the arms and an upper surface of the upper portion. The ends of the arms are separated by a distance that is greater than the thickness of the web. When placed over the end cap of a beam, the apparatus is turned about the axis of symmetry until the two arms contact opposing sides of the web, thereby locating the desired web center. The upper portion of the apparatus is preferably made from a transparent material.
Abstract:
A method is disclosed for the strain-free mounting of a component, such as a mirror, in a manner that allows differential thermal expansion or contraction to take place without distortion of the component. The mounting method makes use of a linear bearing that is rigid in all directions except one. Such a linear bearing is used at two or more points of support on the circumference of a mounting circle or circles. Relative motion in the linear bearings occurs along a line which is an extension of a radius of the mounting circle. The linear bearings each contain two sets of opposed rolamite mechanisms moving in parallel directions in the perpendicular arms of a "Y"-shaped frame. One of the two cylinders in each of the four rolamite clusters in annular and accepts a roller-bearing mounted shaft, and the four shafts are then rigidly attached to a second frame that rides within the first frame; the rolamite bearing motion occurring between the "Y"-shaped first frame and the second frame, the component being mounted on either frame.
Abstract:
An apparatus for placing in location a circular article from a transport pallet and for moving the article to one or more control positions being angularly offset with respect to one another. The apparatus includes a gripping mechanism with grippers mounted on a gantry, a framework supported by a plate which can be raised and lowered, the framework including a mechanism for rotating the article about itself and leaving free an angular sector of 120.degree. at which all the parts of the article can be presented in order to be brought up to or brought into contact with a measurement or inspection mechanism the framework also comprising a mechanism to allow for correct location in any inclined direction or vertical. The apparatus is applicable to automation of control sequences or machining sequences without manual operation or intermediate return of the article between the operations of inspection or of machining.
Abstract:
A method of cutting a cast strand into longitudinal sections is disclosed. The method comprises initially severing said strand transversely to form a slab, transporting said slab to a first longitudinal cutting means where it is longitudinally cut. The strand is cut transversely a second time to form a second slab which is transported to a second longitudinal cutting means where it is longitudinally cut.
Abstract:
A motorized hardware jig that allows for the changing and setting of drill guides in a matter of seconds without the need for any tools. The motorized jig receives a height for the panel on the face of a drawer and a center-to-center measurement for the hardware. The motorized jig automatically moves the drill guides to the desired position for drilling holes for the hardware.
Abstract:
A method and rivet apparatus comprise a rivet block, the rivet block comprising a rivet block, a pin bore, and a rivet feed bore. The rivet block is comprised of a top end and a bottom end. The pin bore includes a top end and a bottom end and is disposed within the rivet block. The pin bore extends from the top end to the bottom end of the rivet block and guides a rivet pin that slides downward within the pin bore to push a head of a rivet into a workpiece. The rivet feed bore includes a top end and a bottom end and is disposed within the rivet block. The rivet feed bore extends from the top end to the bottom end of the rivet block, accepts the rivet at the top end of the rivet feed bore, and guides the rivet to the bottom end of the rivet feed bore. The rivet feed bore intersecting the pin bore between the top end and the bottom end of the pin bore at an oblique angle.
Abstract:
An automated system for manipulating a workpiece includes a machining device, a locating device configured to determine a position of a workpiece, and a positioning system operatively connected to the machining device and being configured to adjust a position of the machining device to align a centerline of the machining device with a longitudinal axis of the workpiece, based upon the determined position of the workpiece. The machining device includes a stabilizing mechanism to engage the workpiece to maintain the workpiece in the determined position, and a cutting element for performing a machining operation on the workpiece.
Abstract:
A centering mechanism for retaining an object, wherein the centering mechanism has a locking mechanism, having at least a first tangential surface. Furthermore, the centering mechanism can be used in conjunction with a mechanism for retaining an electronic device or an electronic device in a case. The structure of the centering mechanism and the locking mechanism allows for the locking mechanism to further actuate and lock the centering mechanism, such that an object retained therein is secured and aligned.
Abstract:
An air bearing slide (20) arranged on a rotational table (11) includes a movable table (40) that has a workpiece placement surface (42a) and that floats due to pressure of compression air to be movable horizontally in any direction. A workpiece auto-centering apparatus includes: a plurality of stopper apparatuses (30) that include an abutment portion (31a) against which a workpiece W can abut to center the workpiece W, and a pressing apparatus that presses the workpiece (W) such that the workpiece (W) abuts against the abutment portion (31a) of the stopper apparatuses (30). Thus, the workpiece auto-centering apparatus and auto-centering method have a simple configuration and can perform a workpiece centering operation in short cycle time.