Abstract: A wire cutter apparatus includes a first rotatable wire guiding tube for receiving the leading end of a wire. The first tube has a wire entrance and a wire exit and is rotatable around the wire entrance whereby the wire exit is movable between a first wire exit position coinciding with a longitudinal feeding axis and a second wire exit position spaced away from the longitudinal feeding axis. The apparatus includes a similar, second rotatable wire guiding tube. A first crimping press receives the leading end of the wire when the wire exit is in the second wire exit position. The first crimping press and the second crimping press are both at least partially located between the longitudinal feeding axis and a first side wall.

Abstract: A consumable filler metal delivery system includes a reciprocating wire feeding gear assembly configured to move a wire forward and backward with a net forward motion and a motor configured to drive the reciprocating wire feeding gear assembly, wherein the motor is configured to rotate only in one direction during operation of the consumable filler metal delivery system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a machine and method for moving and cutting a continuous web of material. In a preferred embodiment, the machine is a high speed snack bag handling machine operable to move and cut individual filled bags from a continuous web of filled and connected snack bags. Web movement through the machine is achieved by a hand-over-hand movement of a pair of bag grippers which each further include an extendable cutting blade to cut and separate individual bags from the web.

Abstract: A variable tape feeder is provided. The variable tape feeder includes a frame having an accommodating section and a component feeding section on a transfer path that transfers a carrier tape having components packaged with a cover tape. Width adjusters for the transfer path, the accommodating section, and the component feeding section are installed respectively on the transfer path, accommodating section, and component feeding section to adjust widths thereof according to widths of the carrier tape, the accommodating section, and the component feeding section, respectively. Width sensors for the transfer path, the accommodating section, and the component feeding section detect widths adjustment of the transfer path, the accommodating section, and the component feeding section width adjusters, respectively. A controller outputs a response signal in response to signals detected by the respective sensors installed in the component feeding section and the accommodating section.

Abstract: Rectilinear drawing machine for drawing material, especially bars, pipes or sections, with at least two movable drawing cars which are driven on a path, one run being assigned to each drawing car, and the runs can be fixed in a variable manner.

Abstract: A cutting installation for a fabric web comprising an unwinding unit, a downstream dancer unit serving as a buffer, and a downstream cutting frame with a cutting unit disposed thereon. At least two gripper beams extending parallel to the cutting unit and guided along a lateral rail arrangement are displaceable across the longitudinal extension of the cutting frame, and each gripper beam on one side is carried by a first support tower which is displaceable along the rails, and on its opposite end is provided with a telescopically extendable extension piece. The extension piece can be docked with a second support tower arranged on the opposite side and traveling along. The support towers are adapted for adjusting the height of the respectively carried gripper beam, such that each gripper beam, as it moves along the cutting frame, can travel over the other gripper beam.

Abstract: A punching machine includes a body frame having a table to support a workpiece. First and second work movement positioning apparatuses are mounted at both sides to move and position the workpiece in a direction of axis X. A work head is mounted on the body frame and has a ram and a tool. The work head moves on the body frame in a direction of axis Y, which is perpendicular to axis X. The first and second work movement positioning apparatuses are arranged in series in the direction of axis X. The workpiece is clamped by the first positioning apparatus, moved in the direction of axis X, punched, clamped by the second positioning apparatus, unclamped by the first positioning apparatus, and moved further in the direction of axis X.

Abstract: A drawing apparatus for drawing metal and articles has at last one drawing carriage and a linear motor complex which determines the pattern of movement of that carriage and hence of the drawing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for drawing a strand has a frame extending in a longitudinal direction, a pair of substantially identical linear motors each having a primary fixed on the frame, and a movable secondary slidable along the respective primary in the direction. The primaries extend parallel to the direction and are transversely spaced on a plane extending in the direction. A strand clamp capable of gripping the strand is fixed between the secondaries. Electricity is supplied to the primaries to longitudinally displace the secondaries and clamp in the frame so that the clamp and any strand held by it are advanced longitudinally through the frame.

Abstract: A shifting device for fixing and conveying a tape comprises a first head having a first surface to contact with a top of the tape, and a second head having a second surface to contact with a bottom of the tape. The first surface has a plurality of first strip-shaped projections thereon, and the second surface has a plurality of second strip-shaped projections thereon, such that the top surface of first striped-shaped projection is parallel to the first surface and the top surface of the second strip-shaped projection is parallel to the second surface. When the first head and the second head come into contact with the tape, the first strip-shaped projection is perpendicular to the second strip-shaped projection such that pressed regions of the tape which are pressed by both the first head and the second head are distributed in an array.

Abstract: The invention concerns an annular clamping ring in particular for laying oil ducts including a rigid annular base (2) supporting with support apparatus a coaxial ring-shaped assembly of vertical jaws (4) mobile in the diametral planes; said apparatus includes long connecting rods (14) articulated on the base (2) and on the outside of the jaws (4) in an almost vertical position, and the rigid annular body (3) enclosing the jaw (4) assembly, mobile in vertical translation by means of controllable cylinder actuators (6) linking it to the base (2); the jaws (4) are linked with the annular body (3) by at least two connecting rods (5) forming an articulated parallelogram, such that the annular body (3) vertical displacement relative to the base (2) causes a substantially radial and synchronized displacement of the jaw assembly (4).

Abstract: An apparatus for advancing one or more lengths of wire in consistent successive increments includes a pair of cooperating gripper members. A first gripper and a second gripper are provided for advancing the length of wire, and are slideably located within a slot. A reciprocating press assembly having inclined surfaces is used to motivate the grippers. The inclined surfaces are inserted between the grippers and force the grippers to move away from each other during the downstroke of the plunger. Springs force the grippers back toward each other, and aid in repositioning the grippers and moving the wire. While one gripper grips and advances the wire, the second gripper is repositioning and not gripping the wire. The press assembly activates and advances one gripper during a downstroke, and activates and advances the other gripper during an upstroke. Also, during the downstroke, one inactive gripper is repositioned, while on the upstroke, the other inactive gripper is repositioned.

Abstract: Adhesive bandages are prepared from an elastic backing material by decreasing the tension in the backing material just prior to attachment of the adhesive pad.

Abstract: A punching machine includes a body frame having a table to support a workpiece. First and second work movement positioning apparatuses are mounted at both sides to move and position the workpiece in a direction of axis X. A work head is mounted on the body frame and has a ram and a tool. The work head moves on the body frame in a direction of axis Y, which is perpendicular to axis X. The first and second work movement positioning apparatuses are arranged in series in the direction of axis X. The workpiece is clamped by the first positioning apparatus, moved in the direction of axis X, punched, clamped by the second positioning apparatus, unclamped by the first positioning apparatus, and moved further in the direction of axis X.

Abstract: A machine for advancing a strip of sheet metal in measured increments includes a main frame and subframes supported on transverse ways on the main frame so that the subframes may be moved toward and away from each other to vary the spacing between them. The subframes lie along a path that accommodates the sheet metal strip, and at their forward ends have fixed gripping units which clamp down on the strip to prevent it from moving in the path. The subframes have tracks along which movable gripping units move to and fro. The movable gripping units also have the capacity to clamp down on the strip. Each subframe also carries an endless chain which is driven by a hydraulic motor on the subframe to move the movable gripping unit for the subframe along its track. Basically, the movable gripping units alternately grip the strip and advance it, so that while one gripping unit is propelling the strip forwardly, the other is returning to its initial position to thereafter grip the strip and propel it.

Abstract: An unwind machine has three tension free loops between the paper roll that is unwinding and the utilization device that must be fed paper at a rate that varies widely. One loop is conventionally controlled, and the other loops act in sequence to accommodate progressively larger ranges of web speed at the utilization device while maintaining rotational speed changes at the paper roll within reasonable limits.

Abstract: A gripper feeder for metal strip including on a base one pair of grippers for an engagement of a metal strip to be advanced; members for moving said grippers in a direction parallel to an axis of the strip and in the opposite direction; and means for independently operating the grippers such that the gripper which moves in the direction of advancement of the strip is activated, whereas that which moves in an opposite direction is deactivated.

Abstract: A system and method for incorporating, in the production of a continuous stream of images, by an image transfer device upon a moving web, post-production operations upon the web at various locations. Locations of a web, having a plurality of images placed thereon, output from an image transfer device are tracked. Specific operations at various locations upon the web are performed by a post-production device as the web passes through it. The web is directed from the image transfer device to the post-production device. In response to the tracking of locations upon the web, the point when a location has entered the post-production device is determined. In response to this determination, the post-production device is commanded to perform its specific operation at a connect location.

Abstract: A media transport bridge is an integral media transport device within an internal drum laser imagesetter that transports media from an imaging area in the drum to an external processor or intermediate buffer. Five pairs of rollers transport the film over the drum. A first stage of the bridge includes a first pair of rollers driven independently so that the first stage is removable and replaceable with a take-up cassette if desired. A friction drive within the imagesetter is adaptable to drive either the first stage or the take-up cassette when installed. Upon removal of the first stage, an automatic adjustment of the bridge is performed to balance the pivotally mounted bridge. The media is moved into the bridge by a pair of drum rollers while the first stage is synchronized with the other four pairs of rollers in the bridge and monitored to keep a slack loop of media at the first stage rollers to eliminate perturbations in the media.

Abstract: A pulling or lifting apparatus for a flat, flexible strap connected to a load operates with two pairs of reciprocating jaws. The pairs of jaws have flat gripping surfaces corresponding to the flat faces of the flexible flat-profiled strap. Two guide members are disposed along each of the two broad faces of the strap and follow its longitudinal direction in order to prevent the strap from moving to form a fold or loop between the two pairs of jaws when these approach one another.

Abstract: Method and device for feeding a band or web into a downstream machine, including two grips that serve for the stepwise advancing of the band, the grips moving in synchronism to and fro in opposing directions. The grips are alternately coupled with the band or web each during its course in a determined direction in order to impart to the latter a zigzag advancing motion. The driving frequency of the advancing device is in this case half as high as the cadence of the following tool and very high cadences can be achieved.

Abstract: A feed arrangement for a rotating bar includes a rotary drive carrying a series of axially spaced clamping devices comprising collets through which the bar passes. The clamping devices are axially reciprocated in phased sequence and the collet of each device closes upon the bar while the device is moving forwards. The sequence is so controlled that at all times the bar is clamped by the collet of at least one forwardly moving device and is thereby continuously fed forwards while being rotated by the active clamping device.

Abstract: A large-size elongate cable is continuously drawn from a container with a plurality of spaced cable drawing machines associated with respective slave controllers controlled by a master controller. A control signal is supplied from the master controller to the slave controllers to actuate the cable drawing machines at substantially the same variable speed for thereby drawing the electric cable from the container along a predetermined cable laying route. The speed at which the cable drawing machines are actuated may selectively be varied. A slack may be formed in the electric cable between two of the cable drawing machines which are closer to the container than the other cable drawing machines.

Abstract: A web conveyor drive system, for example of the suction box type, employs independent motor drives for each of the plurality of drive rollers in the suction drive. Web tension drive loads are equalized across the drive rollers by controlling the individual motor drive current to a value substantially equal to the average of all the motor drive currents in the conveyor drive.

Abstract: In a printing device such as a laser beam printer utilizing a continuous-form recording sheet, a forming member is provided for forming an image on a continuous-form recording sheet. A feeding mechanism feeds the continuous-form recording sheet along a predetermined feeding path, and a fixing mechanism fixes the image onto the continuous-form recording sheet. A detecting device, located at the upstream side of the fixing member along the predetermined feeding path, detects a leading edge of the continuous-form recording sheet, and a controlling device controls the feeding member so as not to feed the continuous-form recording sheet when the leading edge of the continuous-form recording sheet is detected by the detecting member. Thus, it becomes possible to prevent more than one page of recording sheet from being wasted.

Abstract: A system for incorporating, in the production of a continuous stream of images, by an image transfer device upon a moving web, post-production operations upon the web at various locations. Locations of a web, having a plurality of images placed thereon, output from an image transfer device are tracked. Specific operations at various locations upon the web are performed by a post-production device as the web passes through it. The web is directed from the image transfer device to the post-production device. In response to the tracking of locations upon the web, the point when a location has entered the post-production device is determined. In response to this determination, the post-production device is commanded to perform its specific operation at a connect location.

Abstract: A laminating system includes a pair of pull rollers (18) for drawing laminating film (12) from supply rolls, over preheat rollers (30) and through a pair of heated laminating rollers (14). A motor (124) connected to a driver sprocket (128) drives a driven sprocket (132) connected to one of the pull rollers (18). A second sprocket (214) is connected to the pull roller (18) by a one-way bearing (220) and is coupled to a sprocket (210) attached to one of the lamination rollers (14). The ratios of the sprockets are set such that if the lamination roller (14) are rotating properly, the laminate product (112) drives them and the coupled pull roller sprocket (214) free-wheels. And, if the lamination rollers (14) slow down their rotational speed, the bearing (220) and the abutting second pull roller sprocket (214) engage, lock and drive the lamination roller sprocket (210) and lamination rollers (14).

Abstract: For converting a stepwise translation movement into a continuous translation movement and arrangement and a method is provided which have at least two fluid-operated cylinder-piston units with cylinders are rigidly mechanically connected with one another and pistons movable in the cylinders between end positions and having piston rods, removably arranging clamping mechanisms on the pistons of the cylinder-piston units, arranging end position sensors in the regions of the end positions of the piston of a respective one of the cylinder-piston units, arranging end position pre-signal sensors so that they are axially spaced relative to the end position sensors, connecting the sensors with electronic a control unit, and producing by the electronic control unit signals for supplying a working fluid to the cylinders of the cylinder-piston units in an alternating manner.

Abstract: A high speed wire handling and cutting apparatus having particular application for efficiently providing a continuous supply of uniform dimension wire leads which are to be electrically connected (e.g. welded) to an electronic component, or the like, so that such component can be connected into an electrical circuit. The apparatus includes a wire feeding crank and an associated cross head assembly, a wire receiving crank and an associated cross head assembly, and a wire cutter disposed therebetween. The wire feeding crank and its associated cross head assembly continuously feed an accurately metered length of wire from a wire supply to the cutter, so that wire sections of precise and uniform dimension can be cut therefrom. The wire receiving crank and its associated cross head assembly embrace the sections of wire that are cut from the supply and transfer the sections from the cutter to a suitable storage facility or to the next stage in an electronic component packaging and/or manufacturing assembly line.

Abstract: A cable mover has a generally stationary support, a tube centered on an axis and having a pair of axially opposite ends, a swivel joint carrying the tube on the support and permitting the tube to move only nonaxially thereon, and respective axially double-acting actuators carried on the tube ends. Respective double-acting grippers are carried on the actuators. The cable axially traverses the grippers, actuators, and tube. The grippers each have two sets of wedge jaws engageable with the cable, one of the sets of each gripper being effective to wedge in one axial direction with the cable and to slide in the other direction, and the other set of each gripper being oppositely effective. Each gripper also has a disabling body displaceable between end positions and through a central position with the body disabling one of the respective sets of jaws in one end position, the other set of jaws in the other end position, and neither set of jaws in the central position.

Abstract: A spur gear assembly for axially mounting and supporting an end of a feed screw for each carriage and is driven from the main drive, since these feed screws of each carriage are arranged coaxially along a line parallel to a passline of the pilger mill. This spur gear allows relative rotation of the feed screws in this gear assembly mounting and a similar mounting is provided for the other screws of the pair of screws for each carriage. A first gear unit connected to the main drive causes a reciprocation of the stand along with the two feed carriages, and a second gear unit including a shaft clutch assembly is selectively brought into engagement and disengagement with the spur gear assemblies and the first gear unit to impart rotation to the screws to separately and independently advance and return the feed carriages to their starting position while one of the feed carriages continues to advance the shell through the mill.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for feeding elongated products, such as feeding large sausage chubs or loafs to a slicer, which apparatus includes a transport for engaging such elongated products during the feed mode. At the end of the feeding mode, the transport is disengaged from its feed mechanism and is rapidly retracted by a drive assembly to a location for re-engagement with the transport feed assembly. The transport drive assembly may include dual drive members such as ball screws and ball screw nuts which are synchronized such that as one ball screw nut moves toward the front of the apparatus, the other moves toward the rear of the apparatus.

Abstract: A cable pulling/feeding apparatus comprises a fixed base, a cable pulling/feeding unit having a drive/brake unit for pulling or feeding a cable, a sensor supported on the fixed base so as to be movable in both directions in which the cable is pulled and fed for detecting a load imposed between the cable pulling/feeding unit and the fixed base and for generating an electric signal dependent on the load as detected, and structure for determining a load applied to the drive/brake unit in response to the electric signal when the cable is pulled or fed.

Abstract: The tractive apparatus has two clamping grippers each comprising a pair of jaws actuated by clamping links connected to an operating lever through connecting links pivotably mounted on this lever on each side of a pivot pin of the lever situated in the extension of a guide bar on which one of the two jaws of each gripper slides, the two grippers moving in opposite directions while being clamped in one of the two directions of movement. The guide jaw of each gripper is formed by a hollow body which serves as housing and bearing point for one of the ends of a pre-clamping spring whose other end exerts its action on a clamping link actuating the other jaw of the same gripper.

Abstract: A traction device for causing stepwise relative displacement between the device and an elongate member in the form of a cable (6) comprises a stationary clamp (5) and a movable clamp (3) which is displaced by a cylinder and piston unit (1, 2). Both clamps (3, 5) are self-closing, but are provided with pressure-operated opening devices (8, 9). The opening devices (8, 9) are controlled by a first control valve (12) which is changed over at the stroke ends of the piston (2) by dogs (13, 14). A second control valve (15) which controls the travel direction of the piston (2) is governed by the pressure medium fed to the opening devices (8, 9).To lift a load suspended from the cable (6), the piston (2) is raised, with the movable clamp (3) closed to grip the cable and the stationary clamp (5) open. At the top of the piston stroke, the stationary clamp (5) closes, the movable clamp (3) opens, and the piston (2) falls to enable the movable clamp (3) to grip the cable (6) again at a lower position.

Abstract: A continuous wire feed arrangement for feeding wire to a stapling apparatus or the like comprises two nozzles respectively located along paths along which wires may be fed to a device for cutting and transmitting cut wire portions to the stapling apparatus. The wire feed is carried out at any time only to one of the nozzles. Each of the wires is withdrawn over a guide roll and a wire feed device from a wire reel. The respective fed wire closes thereby over the guide roll an electric circuit. When this circuit is interrupted due to running out of wire on one of the wire reels, or due to interruption of the feed of the one wire, the transport of the other wire is automatically initiated. The changeover of the wire transport from one to the other wire reel is carried out by electromechanical elements. In this way a continuous uninterrupted wire supply to the cutting and transmitting device is assured.

Abstract: This invention includes apparatus providing for continuous motion and constant velocity to a traveling web usually including at least one film. A pair of grippers are arranged to grasp the film and are alternately actuated to advance the web. Each of the grippers are carried on the distal end of a reciprocated member. A motor is connected to a first shaft to turn four sprockets carried thereon. Each sprocket engages a roller chain assembly arranged in an endless manner and disposed to be moved in an oblong path. The roller chains are moved in a reciprocable path by one of a pair of crank arms driving and moving Pitman arms connected thereto. The oblong roller chains are operatively connected to and move lever arms pivotally connected to drag links which in turn move the reciprocated members. The apparatus includes a crank arm, a Pitman arm, drag links and reciprocable member with each as an assembly moved one hundred eighty degrees out-of-phase with a like assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for manufacturing a finned tube, said apparatus comprising a tube feed assembly which has absolute control over the rotational speed of the bare tube being processed as well as the linear feed rate thereof, a grooved roller assembly (when forming an applied fin "G" tube) to materially improve the material flow distribution of the tube during groove formation, a fin forming assembly which deforms the finning material to permit the use of thinner finning material and which compensates for fluctuations between feed rates of the finning material and rotational speed of the tube or presentation rate of the grooved tube to the deforming finning material during fin swageing, and a fin swageing assembly.

Abstract: Packing machines for the manufacture of packing containers frequently produce these from web-like material, which is supplied to the machine in the form of a roll. During the production the material web is advanced through the machine along a path defined by guiding rollers, guiding rails and similar elements. These guiding elements obstruct in an undesirable manner the movement of the material web through the machine. This difficulty is eliminated in accordance with the invention in that a front and a back part of the material web are advanced alternately. In accordance with the invention, moreover, an arrangement is proposed with first and second web-advancing elements, which operate with alternating working strokes.

Abstract: A press-feed unit is operative to feed a length of stock material to a press. The unit comprises a body for fixing adjacent the press and a transport section reciprocable relative to the body by a pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly, the stock being clamped to the transport section during forward feed strokes of the latter. The unit further comprises a control valve, and a transport feed valve which is controlled by a pilot pressure signal from the control valve and operable to feed the transport cylinder. A pilot signal connection is provided which can be blanked off to enable the unit to operate independently, or connected through a pilot pressure pipe to a basically similar unit to provide a duplex arrangement of two units, one of which is directly controlled in dependence on press ram position and provides a pilot signal through said pipe to operate the transport feed valve of the other unit.

Abstract: For the purpose of advancing a rod, wire or the like, particularly a welding filler wire from a magazine to a welding site, the apparatus of the invention comprises at least two tappets, reciprocated by a rotary swash plate, the tappets being arranged with their axes parallel to the axis of the wire or the like and each carrying a transverse member defined by an engagement element and a clamping element between which the wire or the like is clamped when the member moves in one direction (whereby the wire or the like is advanced in that direction) whilst the member on the other tappet, moving in the opposite direction, slides over the wire or the like without the latter being clamped between the engagement element and the clamping element of that other member.

Abstract: A gripping arrangement for longitudinally advancing elongated workpieces, particularly for use in a drawing bench, a stripping machine and the like, comprises a pair of supports which are mounted on guide rails for movement in paths which are parallel to one another and to the direction of advancement of the workpiece, and co-extensive. Jaw elements are mounted on the supports for movement therewith and for displacement between closed positions in which they engage, and open positions in which they are disengaged from, the workpiece. The gripping arrangement is located downstream of a die and operates in such a manner that always at least one pair of the jaw elements associated with one of the supports engages the workpiece and advances the same in a given direction, thus drawing the workpiece through the die.

Abstract: Apparatus for pulling elongated workpieces and which apparatus includes a pair of reciprocating clamping devices disposed in a side-by-side relationship and movable in towing and return directions. Elongated rotatable drive shafts extending parallel to the pulling and return directions include helical pulling and return drive paths. Drive path followers on each clamping device switch between the pulling drive path and return drive path for reciprocating the clamping devices.

Abstract: A gripping arrangement for longitudinally advancing elongated workpieces, particularly for use in a drawing bench, a stripping machine and the like, comprises a pair of supports which are mounted on guide rails for movement in paths which are parallel to one another and to the direction of advancement of the workpiece, and coextensive. Jaw elements are mounted on the supports for movement therewith and for displacement between closed positions in which they engage, and open positions in which they are disengaged from, the workpiece. The gripping arrangement is located downstream of a die and operates in such a manner that always at least one pair of jaw elements associated with one of the supports engages the workpiece and advances the same in a given direction, thus drawing the workpiece through the die.

Abstract: The invention concerns a feed device for feeding rod or striplike material, the device having two or more feed members which are arranged to lie behind one another along a feed path of the material. Each of the feed members carries a plurality of grippers arranged at equal angular intervals around a central axis of the feed member and is connected with a gearing which imposes on the feed member a rotational motion about its axis and, simultaneously, a circular motion about a fixed axis parallel with its own axis. The arrangement is such that said rotational and circular motions are coordinated so that the grippers of each of said feed members describe a trochoidal path which includes a substantially straight-line section along the feed path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to: process and apparatus for feeding continuous filaments to a continuous multifilament structure utilizing tangentially converging fluid streams to forward the filaments; process and apparatus for detecting breakage of filaments utilizing a rotatable cylinder, or a gap in a three dimensional body, wherein breakage of the filament causes a measurable change in the pressure of fluid flowing to the cylinder or the gap; process and apparatus for the production of continuous multifilament structures wherein, upon breakage of a continuous filament, the breakage detector automatically activates a filament feeder to temporarily insert a substitute filament.

Abstract: A textile processing system in which a textile material to be treated is led and conveyed through a predetermined path for processing by the provision of a material guidance device on both side-walls of the processing system. The system provides open-width processing, low liquor-ratio processing and continuous processing, and contributes to a solution of the problems in regard to industrial waste-water control.