US2120966A - Material handling apparatus for machine operations - Google Patents

Description

June 21, 1938. M. J. CLARK MATERIAL HANDLING APPARATUS FOR MACHINE OPERATIONS Original Filed Feb. 4, 1952 8 Sheets-"Sheet l INVENTOR Max J Clark v ATTORNEY 7 June 21, 1938. O M. J. CLARK 2,120,966

MATERIAL HANDLING APPARATUS FOR MACHINE OPERATIONS Original Fziled Feb. 4, 1952 a sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Mar J CZdr/Y BY M, mm wj- ATTORNEY June 21, 1938. J CLARK 2,120,966

v MATERIAL HANDLING APPARATUS FOR MACHINE OPERATIONS Original Filed Feb. 4, 1952 8 sheat s-Sheet 3 INVENTOR Mar J. Clark BY M,

ATTORNEY June 21,1938. M. J. CLARK 2,120,966

MATERIAL HANDLING APPARATUS FOR MACHINE. OPERATIONS Original Filed Feb. 4, 1952 8 Sheets Sheet 4 gm mx 35c Fiy.

INVENTOR Max J. Clark,

BY g I a Q *3 ATTORNEY M. J. CLARK I June 21, 19 38.

MATERIAL HANDLING APPARATUS FOR MACHINE OPERATIONS 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed Feb. 4,;1952

v BY 4 M QQM$W ATTORNEYS v June 21,1938. J CLARK I w I 2,120,966

MATERIAL HANDLING APPARATUS FOR MACHINE OPERATIONS Original Filed Feb. 4, 1932 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR Max J. CZar/ June 21, 193 M J, LAR 2,120,966

MATERIAL HANDLING APPARATUS FOR MACHINE OPERATIONS Original Filed Feb. 4, 1952 a Sheets-Sheet v INVENTQR Mar J. Clark ATTQRNE 5. v

M. J. CLARK j MATERIAL HANDLINGAPPARATUS FO R MACHINE OPERATIONS 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Original Filed Feb. 4, 1932 WM K , V v N I llllllnlllll .J 4l Q h o M J w k MN R \n? 3 m3 QMQ . NMQY M E m m w m M A Patented June 1938 UNITED sTATcS PATENT. OFFICE MATERIAL HANDLING APPARATUS For.

- MACHINE orsaa'rrons i Max J. Clark, Pontiac, Mich.

Application rem-u 4, 1932, seriai No. 590,939;

- Renewed February 1, 1986 p i 30 Claims. 29-33) This invention relates to a new method and apparatus for automatically handling metallic work pieces,- parts or articles for the purpose of en- "abling a series of machine operations to be performed successively on eachpiece or part, the

invention being especially adapted for application in connection with the machining of metal parts where mass production is conducted,-51,1ch as cylinder blocks, cylinder heads, transmission housings, flywheel housings, etc., in the auto-' mobile industry. I

v An object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus in which the work pieces may be conveyed in succession from one} metal working machine or machine tool to another and the separate work holders handled in a continuous cycle, in which these work holders may be located and held at successive stations for machine. oper-.

ations on the work, in which the method of conveying and handling the work and work holders and the improved construction "of the apparatus is such as to require no substantial. increase in floor space while permitting ample 'fleinbility to U meet changes in machining requirements particularly in connection with'line production; and v in which full automatic handling is possible thus saving labor expense and speeding up production to a greater degree.

Other objects of this invention will appear in the following description and appended claims,

reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification. wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views; I

Figs. 1 and 2 are plan views which takent'b- 'gether illustrate the entire apparatus which may be utilized for carrying out the present invention.

Figs. 3 and 4 are side elevations of the construction shown in Figs. 1 and 2,- which taken v together illustrate the complete apparatus.

Fig. 3A is a left hand elevation of the front end of the machine shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is an end elevation taken through line 5-5 of Fig.'2 illustrating a. section of the apparatus. I Fig. '6 is an end elevation-"taken through line B- -B of Fig. 1 illustrating another section orthe machine.

v Fig. '7 is an end elevation-taken through line |--'I of Fig. 2 illustrating another, section -of the machine. 1 w

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary top plan view, partly broken away, illustrating the mechanism for propelling the work holder slides.

'. 5 Fig.'9'is a longitudinaliragmentttry section shown in Fig. 10.

taken through line 9- -9 of. Fig. 8 in the direction 01 the arrows.

Fig. 10 is a detail side view of the abutment members for propelling iihe slides.

Fig. 11 is a detail rear Fig. 12 is a plan view of one of the table sections.

Fig. 13 is a side elevation of the construction shown in Fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is a detail section taken through line iiid of Fig. 12 in the direction-of the arrows.

Fig. 15 isapartial sectional elevation taken substantially through line i5 -i5 of Fig. 13.-

Figs. 16 and 17 are detail views of the sliding 15 cam bar.

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary plan view illustrating the return chain conveyor.

Fig. 19 is-a section through line lit-i9 of Fig.

' 18 in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 20 is an end elevation illustratin a modiiied form .of elevator mechanism for the work holder slides.

Fig. 21 is a side elevation of theconstruction shown in Fig. 20.

. A p v 25 Fig. 22 is a plan view of the automatic control means for the several mechanisms of the apparatus. i I

Fig; 23 is a vertical sectionthrough line 23- -2li of Fig. 22 (in the direction of the arrows.

' Fig. 24 is a side elevation. .1 Before explaining in detail the present invention it is to be understood that the invention 1 is not limited in its application to the'details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated as in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of be ing practiced or carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose 4 of description and not of'limitation, and it is not intended to limit the invention claimed herein beyond, the requirements of the prior art.

The apparatus is designed for. use in rectory production where a series or succession of ma- 45 chining operations are performed on similar metal parts or pieces. tion a series of machining operations may be per: formed on a piece of work such as an automobile cylinder block. and where the same operations so are carried out on each one of many thousand identical pieces, the present invention provides a.

- method and means by which this can-.be accomplished automatically with the .elimination of time and labor heretofore necessary in handling 5'5 view of the construction 5 For example, in mass produc parts from one operation to another. The apparatus however, is susceptible of wide flexibility and may be adapted readily to various machining operations in line production. The invention is particmarlyapplicable in connection with machines known as the unit type automatic cycle machines for performing certain typical machining operations,.such as drilling, reaming, tapping, threading, boring, counterboring, counter-sinking, facing, milling, broaching, spinning, knurling, swaging, keyway cutting,- etc. A 4

In the 'drawings there is shown an apparatus representative of one way in which the invention may be carried out. Standard types of metal working machines of the unit type are employed, four such machines being illustrated by way of example, although-a greater or less number will Lbe used depending upon the work to be done. A duplexmilling machine is shown at A, a multiple drilling machine at B, a vertical drilling or tapping machine at C, andi a duplex drilling or tapping machine at D. these machines being arranged in line fora sequence of operations on 25. each work piece.

The work is conveyedwith relation to the machines from -one operating station to another by means of work holders mounted on slides adapted to travel in a horizontal guideway formed on the 30 top of a sectional table. Each section E of the table may be similar and any number may be bolted together end to end to provide a continuous conveyor way past the machines.

Referring particularly to Figs. 5- to '7 inclusive 35 and 12 to 14 inclusive, each table section E compfises in the present instance a base 25 adapted to be bolted to the floor at 25a. Mounted. on the base at each longitudinal side of the section are upright side frames 26 and 26b terminating at '4o'their upperends in inwardly over-hanging top supporting portions 2.1. The frame members 26 and 26?) are bolted to the base at 28c. Bolted at 28a to the upper fiat surtacesof the portions 21 is a table top 28. This table proper is formed cen- 45.tral1y and longitudinally thereof with guideway portions 29. Also carried thereby is a v-shaped guide member 30 and a flat guide strip 3|, these parts together with the ways 28 providing guide means for a series of slides F. As hereinafter de- 50 scribed, each slide F of the series carries a work holder which in turn supports the workin position for operation by the machine tools. Each slide F is formed with projecting guide portions 32 extending into the ways 29 andalso has on its f55 under side a V-shaped groove into which the wedge member 30 fits and alines the slide. The slides Fare thus held fi rmly in position within the alined guideways of the table sections and are-capable of sliding longitudinally through the 60 guicleways from one machine to the next.

In the present instance the construction is lpreferably such'that the slides! are arranged in pairs in abutting relation.- each pair of slides having a total length corresponding to the length 6d of each table section, and mechanism is provided. in the present instance for shifting all of the Y slides sfinultaneously in pairs. This mec anism may be arranged to shift the slides singly where machine operations require-a diflerentdwell of 70 work holders at diflerent stations. Such mechanism may be operated hydraulically, electrically,

" pneumatically, or through other suitable automatic mechanical means. In the'p'resen't instance this is accomplished by. means of rams 76 operated from hydraulic cylinders.

Referring particularly to Figs. 8, 9, 14 and 15, each table member 231s provided witha central recess 28b within which is mounted an hydraulic cylinder 33 provided with a ram or piston rod 34 carrying at its forward end an abutment or head 35 having a flat base 356 adapted to slidefreely, during reciprocationof the ram 34, on the list bottom 280 of the recess 28b. Pivoted at 31 within a recess in the upper end of the member 35 is a dog or latch 36 which is weighted at 38 so as normally to hold the dog in the position shown in Figs. 9 and so as to engage a transverse abutment bar 39 bolted to the under side of each slide F. The dog 38 is provided with a cam surface 36a so that when the "ram is retracted the dog can pass the abutment bar of-the slide into position behind it. In the present instance the cylinders 33 of the several table sec- 'tions are arranged in staggered relation, one

cylinder and ram being mounted within each table section 28, and all of the cylinders operated in timed relation by control mechanism hereinafter described.

Automatic means is also provided for locating and clamping each work holder slide F in exact position opposite each machine for the machining operation on. the work piece carried by the slide.

sive, there is mounted in a vertical recess in the top of .each table section 28 a spring pressed locating pin 40 which is adapted to mate with a recess in the under side of the slide F. This loeating pin orplunger is pivoted at its lower end to one end of a pivoted lever 4| mounted within a recess 42a in a block 42 bolted to the under side of the table top 28. This block has a central opening through which extends a bar 43 held inposition by a bottom retaining plate 44. The central part of this bar at its underside is provided with rack teeth and at its upper face with a cam recess 45 cooperating with the free end of the lever 4|. 7 45 the bar 43 ,is alsomachined at its upper face to provide angular cam slots 46 within whichextend pins and rollers 41, secured to a laterally At the right and left of the recessreceding Referring particularlytn Figs. 12 to 1'1 inclushiftable plate 48. Yieldably attached to opposite sides of this plate by springs (not shown) area pair of-wedge blocks 43 and ill which extend I through openings in the lower ends of pull rods .5l to the upper ends of which are secured clamps 52. The teeth of the cam bar=43 mesh with a pinion 53 cut into the end of a.- shaft 54 which at its outer end is provided with a pinion 55 meshing with teeth out. in a vertical piston rod operated from an hydraulic cylinder 51. 'A single the length of-the tablesections'l The length ofthe stroke of the ram 34 of each cylinder 33 is such as to moveeach slide one half the length of a table section and a distance corresponding closely to the required travel necessary to position any one of the slides at a given machine operation. When a slide reaches a position corresponding to the end of the stroke of the ram 34 the cylinder 51 will be automatically operated shifting the cam bar '43, causing the lever end 4| to drop into the recess 48 whereby the locating pin 48 will be pressed upwardly and will lodge in the locating hole in the slide F thus locating the slide in proper position. Thereupon the wedge cession out of the guideway onto a table 58 having an alined guideway into which the guide portions 82 of the slide will fit. The table 58 is carried by an upright back plate provided with guideways 58 cooperating with mating guides I58 carried by a column 8|, the base 82'of which is bolted to the baseof the apparatus. The table 58 is thus carriediby a vertically movable slide attached to a vertically reciprocating ram 64 operated from an hydraulic cylinder 88.

After 'the slide has been propelled onto the table 58 the latter is lowered by the ram to the dotted line position shown in Fig. 4 and at this point the slide with its work holder is. propelled onto rollerways 85 (see Figs. 4 and 15). This latter operation is carried out by means of an hydraulic cylinder 88 carrying a horizontally re-' ciprocating ram 81. The cylinders 63 and 88are cohtrolledfrom an hydraulic pump (it-operated byan electric motor,,88. This ram mechanism be operated from an electric motor-85.

f 86, 91,, 98 and 89.

. In the preferred form a i v 3 the base of which is bolted to the base of chine. Attached to the table is aram 88 operated from an hydraulic cylinder 88. It will be .understood that each slide F will be elevated -on the-table 84 into the horizontal plane of the horizontal guideway in the table sections E and will be propelled from the platen or table 84 onto the table section E at the entrance of the -'ma-.

chineby'mea'ns of an hydraulic cylinder al car- 'rying a reciprocating ram 92. The cylinders 9| and 88 are supplied through an hydraulic pump The machines A, B, C and D, are operated in the conventional manner by means of electric motors the slide sections and their'work holders are preferably returned from .the exit end of the apparatus .to the entrance end through a tunnel within the framework of the table sections. If desired these sections may be returned by an overhead conveyor above the table sections and machines, in the manner 1- the malustrated, for example, in Figs. 20 and 21. It is preferred that the return conveyor operate either above or through a tunnel below the-'table sec- 88 and 81 is automatically operated and timed by Frame members iii! are bolted to the side frames the control mechanism hereinafter described. 1 The rollerways 85 comprise spaced longitudinally aligned rolls carried by angle brackets i8- standard construction, traveling over sprockets will be provided at each end offthe apparatus,

attached to the. hub of the sprocket is aworm I or chain series of operations.

gear 18 operated from-a worm. shaft 18 (Figs. 1, i 3, 18 and 19). The shaft IS-at its inner end carries a sprocket which is operated by a belt 8lfrom the driveshaft 82' of an electric motor '83 It will in succession from the exit end of the table guide-,

way to the entrance end thereof for a succeeding The slides are transferred from the level of the'conveyor ro'llerways 85 to the level of the table giiideway at the entrance end H' (Figs. 1 and 3) by means of elevator mechanism similar to that previously described. Each I ,slidewill be pushed by a dog 12 of the conveyor chain onto a table 84.

g This table has an upright back plate carrying guideways 85 cooperating with verticalguldes 86 carried by a column 81 i I I l i be seen that the slides F are returned tions since this method has the advantage of conserving floor space in the plant'and facilitatingaccess to the machines.

Referring to Figs. 20 and elevator mechanism is provided for transferring the slides and work holders from the level of the table 28 to a higher level. This elevator mechanism comprises a transfer table iili, similar to the tables 88 and M. having an upright back plate Hi2 provided with guides W8 .coopefating with guides 1188 carried by a column Hi5 bolted to the base W8.

88 and 2Bband to the upper ends of these frame members are bolted spaced horizontal supporting bars i88forming an upper frame I88 carrying 'to the dogs i2 which engage the ends of the slides.

Itwillbe understood from this construction that the elevator mechanism-shown in Figs. 20 and 21 andat the. exit end-the slides will,be transferred from the level of the guideway to the upper level of the gravity rolls .ilfl; and at the entrance end the slides F will be transferred from the upper level to the lower level of the guideway.

The motor 88 for driving the return chain conveyor is controlled by a suitable switch 88a (Fig. 3) whichhas an operating part projecting into the path of the table 84 so that when the latter'is loweredit will operate the switch and thereby the motor 83 to start the conveyor. At the opposite end of the apparatusat the entrance of the tunnel there is also a' switch (not shown) which isactuated by a slide when propelled onto the conveypr rollsso as to start the'motor 88. Another switch (not shown) is preferablylocated within the tunnel adjacent the first machine A which is operated by a slide so as to stop the motor 88.

A control'lever 9: may be provided (see Figs. 3

and 30) for starting and stopping the hydraulic punfp 84, and another lever "for starting and stopping the ram 89. These levers may be pro-- vided for emergencylpurposes, and-similar hand control'levers may also beprovided at the exit end oftheapparatus for the samev purpose.

throughout one complete cycle of operation, the I machine having a return limit switch operated when the spindle or tools back away from the i work to stop the-machine. The machines may be located on the line by accurately positioning'the drill or other tools in proper relation to the work holder locating'pin of the table section. The machine usually has a bushing plate or guide memher for the drills so as to exactly center them relative to the work, such as the member I I3 carried by the frame of the machine C, Fig. 7, or the member H6 attached to the table section as shown in Fig. 5.

It will be understood thateach slide has attached thereto a removable work holder which will be of a kind adapted for the particuiar work. In the present case, by way of example, the work holders J (Fig. 4) aredesignedfor holding automobile cylinder blocks K (Figs. 5-7 inclusive).

In Figs. 1, and 22 -24..inclusive, I have illustrated a unit L for automatically controlling the various operating mechanisms of the apparatus in timed relation. This unit comprises a base I20 and a suitable housing (not shown) to enclose the mechanism of the unit. A cam shaft I2I is carried in suitable hearings in upright frame members I22, this shaft being driven through gearing of a'reduction unit. I23 from the drive shaft I24 of an electric motor I25. This motor is started or st pped by means of two push button switches forming part of a control box unit I25a. The cam shaft I2I carries a series of cams of required number for automatically operating any or all of the mechanisms. In the present instance the shaft carries six cams, I 23 I2'I, I23, I29, I30 and I3I. Each cam cooperates with a camroller I32 carried by an upright swinging lever I33 piv oted at its lower' end' at I34 and at its up r end pivoted to a link I35 which in turnisconnected to a rod I33 for operating a valve or switch, as i the case may be, carried by a casing I31. The cams I26--I3310perate, through -the mechanism described, a series of valves M, NfO, P and Q mounted on a table I33 bolted oh the supports I22. At R is shown an electric switch suitably connected to the control boxes of the motors 93,

91, 93 and 99 for starting these motors, this switch being actuated through the medium of the cam I and intermediate parts. Each of the valves M-Q is'conneTcted in any well known manner to the particular-mechanism which each valve controls for the-purposeof starting and stopping such mechanism. The valve M operates the hydraulic cylinder -andrarn33, 39 The valve N operates the hydraulic cylinders 31 for controlling thelocating pins or plungers 43' and the clamping members 32 for the slides. The valve 0,0perates all "of the hydraulic cylinders andrams 33, 34 and; the cylinder and ram 9i, 92,

for propelling the slides at the :upper conveyor level The valve P operates or controls the'h y draulic cylinder and ram 33, 84 at the exit end of the apparatus. The'valve'Q controls the hy draulic cylinder-and ram 33; 31, at the exit end of the apparatus to propelthe slides successively onto the conveyor rolls.

The f cams I23-I3I .are designed and -con-' Istructed wiiiifelatipnto'one another 'soas to op-'--.

erate the v es M -Q and electric switch It in proper timed relatibn. One of the cams I23 is illustrated, for example, in Fig. 2a. rms cam ai'a'aaeo The cam also has an operating surface I23b which in cooperation with the roller I32 permits a return spring I33 to reverse the valve and I shift the rain in a rearward direction. The cam also has a cam surface I231: which in cooperation with the roller I32 causes a dwell and holds the ram inactive during a predetermined time.

In the present apparatus, herein shown for the purpose of illustrating one embodiment of the invention, the control mechanism for actuating the various parts of the apparatus as well as the line of metal working machines inproper timed relation preferably operates as follows. Assuming that the table 34 is in its upper position as shown in Figs. 3 and 3A on a level with the ways I 29 in table section E, Figs. 5 to 7 inclusive, and

that table 34 carries a workholding slide memher F/that has suitably mounted thereon a metallic work piece; also assuming that each of the table supports E, Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4, are carrying two of the work slides F that likewise have metallic work pieces suitably mounted thereon,

it will-.be seen that there will be a continuous line of work holder slide s- F in succession from entrance end H to exit end (3- of the main guideway 29 and also a work holder slideon table 34.

At this time it is assumed that table 53 is empty and in' its upper position as shown in Figs. 2

and 4 on a-level with guideway 29. Cam I21 thereupon operates to open valve N, whereby the hydraulic cylinder 31 and rack ram 33,

, through connecting mechanisms, withdraw the locating pins 43 and release the clamping members 52- from the slides. Immediately following this in predetermined timed relation the cam I23 operates to open valve 0, whereby the hydraulic cylinders and rams 33, 34 function to shift the slides in the main guideway simultaneously from one station to another, and the hydraulic cylinder and ram 9|, 92 function to shift a work slide from the idle orloading station, represented by table 34, onto the main guideway 29, it being understood-that one of the rams 34 shifts awork slide from the main guideway 29 to the idle or" unloading station represented by table 53. At this time cam I23 has suitably revolved to reverse valve 0, thereby retracting ram"92 into cylinder 9i and rams 34 into their respective cylinders 33. At the com pletion of this retraction of the rams cam -I23 has suitably revolved to placevalve O in a dwell position.

- Simultaneously with the reversal of valve b by cam I23; cam I'2I reverses valve N which in turn reverses the action of cylinder 3,1 and rack 53 whereby the locating .pins are released for movement into their operative positions in slides F and clamping members 32 are drawn into eration cycle on the work. carried bythe work slides located opposite the machines. -At the completion of the work cycle, cam "I has openedswitch R and machines A, B, C, D, have returned to starting position and remain or dwell timed relation, by cam '13! and switch R. r

During the time of the foregoing machine operation cycle cam' I23 has actuated valve M causin this position until again actuated,,in proper ing hydraulic cylinder and ram 88, 89 to lower empty table 84 to the level of the returnconveyor rollerways 85. The table 84 during its downward travel actuates the swit h 83a which starts motor 83 and conveyor chain |l, causing the latter to shift a work slide onto the empty table 84 at this elevation until'the proper time to repeat its cycle, and during this dwell the work slide in the.line. At this time cam I29 operates valve;

is loaded with another metallic work piece.

During the aforesaid machine operation cycle,

table 58 at the exit end of the line is also completing its cycle. Immediately after receiving a work slide F which was previously shifted from the exit end ofvguideway 2.9 onto table 58 by hydraulic cylinder" and ram 3-3, 34, this slide .is relieved of its metallic work piece which has proceeded through the various machine operations P wherebyhydraulic cylinder and ram '53, 84 lower table 58 with its work slide to-the level of the return conveyor as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 4. Cam, I38 thereupon operates valve Q which causes hydraulic cylinder and ramBB, 61 to push or shift work slide F onto the return rollei ways B5. Cam I30 then reverses valve Q which retractsram 61 into cylinder 66. At this time cam I29 reverses valve P which. causes hydraulic cylinder and ram 63, 84 to elevate empty table 58 to the level of guideway 29 at the exit end of the main guideway. Table 58 dwells or remains at this elevation until it has again received a work slide F and then repeats its operating cycle in proper predetermined timed relation. Work slide F sholftly after being shifted from table 58 onto'roller guideways 65 is picked up by endless chain"l I through the medium oi one of the dogs of and just 12 and is conveyed to thelopposite end of conveyor where slide F, at a suitable point, engages and actuates, an electric switch (not shown) which .causes motor 83 and conveyorchain H to stop just before slide Freaches the exit endure the return conveyor. Slide-Fremains at the end withinthe' tunnel ,of the frame until table 84 during its descent again actuates switch 1. appara us for handling metallic work piecesfor successive machiningoperation's, comprisinga series of metal working machinesf arjrangedin line, a supporting table having a top horizontal guideway extending continuously from the first machine to .the last-in said line, said table comprising independently removable sections each having separate floor supporting means, a

series of work holding members having portions flttingsaid'guid eway for predetermined travel on said table, power operated means for shifting said members to station-them in succession opposite said machines, a' conveyor for returning said: meinbersi'rom the exit end of the guideway to the entrance end, and'mechanism for clamping said movable'sectionsi work holdingmembersin succession to said rea 1m apparatusgfor handling metallic work wherein'ja line of machines arearranged to operpieces for successive machining operations prising a frame having an open ended horizontal guideway'extendifig continuously past each mat 5 chine, a series of separate work holders guided in said guideway, longitudinally reciprocable members-engageable successively with certain of the work holders beneath the same for shifting the work holders in a line through the guideway, and 5 means for locating each work holder opposite a machine for an operation.

3. An apparatus for handling metallic work pieces for successive operations by a series of metal workingmachines arranged in line, comprising two horizontal conveyors, one lying in a vertical plane above the other; two vertical conveyors, one located at the end of each horizontal conveyor; one of said horizontal conveyors comprising a supporting table provided with a horizontal guideway and a series of work holding slides adaptedto traveli n the guideway; each vertical conveyor comprising an elevator between the ends of the horizontal conveyorsfor transferring each slide from one horizontal conveyor to the other without inverting the slide; and power operated means for operating allpf said conveyors in timed relation.

4. In an apparatus for handling metallic work which a series of metalworking machines are arranged in line, the combination of a series of work holders, four independently operated conveyors for moving said work hol ers successively '-pieces for successive machining operations in in a continuous cycle,'each con eyor having a path of movement at right angles to thenext admechanism for operating each conveyor.

5. Work holding and conveying apparatus for a series'of machines adapted for machining operations on metal parts, comprising a series of work holders, means for-moving said work holders 40 in succession from each machine to the next, a continuous guideway for guid-ing the work holders in a predetermined path with respect'to said machines, power actuated devices. for clamping the work holders at opposite sidesof the guide- I way opposite the machines for simultaneousm'achining operations and for vunclan'iping-the work holders after the completion of said operations, a separate conveyor for returning the work holders from the last operation to the flrstloperation 5o and extending on a diiierent levelfrom said guideway, means for transferring the work holders from the lvel of theguideway to the level 61' said conveyor without changing the angular position of said work holders, and means for trans ferring the work holders 'fromthe level of said conveyor-to the level F of said guideway adjacent the first operation;

6. The combination of a line of machines, a

reciprocating devices beneath the slidesfor in 'termittently shifting said slides in succession in a predetermined path past said machines, 'mchanisni for locating and releasably clamping the slides successively at operating stations opposite 5 i the machines, mechanism for operating-said ma:

thereof inrecurrent cycles.

series of work holder-slides, mechanism including 3 7.11: an apparatus for'handli'ng metallic work ,piecestfor successive machining-operations, the

combination of a plurality of metal working machine unitsarranged in line, meansrorming a" continuous main guideway from the first machine" to the last machine-a series of work holder slides 7 6' I a a adapted to travel in the guideway. means for eating and clamping a' plurality of slides in' fixed positions at operating stations opposite the machines, a support forming a loading station in advance of'the first machine and a support forming an unloading station beyond the last machine,

said supports having guideways extending in con-' tin'uation of said main guideway, it return conveyor, and reciprocating devices for shifting the slides from said supports to the return conveyor v anibvice versa.

8." In an apparatus for handling metallic work pieces for successive machiningoperations, the combination of a plurality of metal working machines arranged in line, means forming a continuous main guideway from the first machine to the'last machine, a series'of work holder slides adapted to travel in the guideway, means for loeating and relcasably. clamping a plurality of said slides .in fixed positions at operating stations opposite the machines,a supp r in advance of the first machine and a support beyond the last machine, said supports having guideways adapted to extend in continuation of said main guideway to form idle stations for said slides and being shiftable from said stations to the return conveyor and vice versa, power driven mechanism carried by said guideway means for shifting said slides,

(l the power driven means carried by said guideway means for operating said locating and clam means, and means for starting said machines.

9. In an apparatus for handling work pieces for successive operations at a series of stations opposite aseries of machines arranged in succession,

,the combination of means forming a continuous suideway from the first machine to the last 'machine, a series of work holder slides adapted to travel in theguideway, means for locking-a plurality of slides'in fixed'positions in the guideway at operating stations opposite said machines, a support located in advance of the first machine and a support'located beyond the last machine. each of said supports being releasably secured in nxed position to said guideway means and adapted to form, a continuation of said auideway to receive a'slide and forming idle stations, 'and mechanism beneath the guideway for intermittentlyshi ting the slides in the guideway.

cession. the combination'of means forming a continuous guideway from the first-machine to the last machine, a series of work holder slides adapted to travel in the guideway, means for ,lo'ckingaplurality of slides in fixedpositions in ,1 the.- guideway at operating stations opposite said machines, a support lofcatedin advance pf the first machine and asupport located beyond the last each of said supports being removably secured in fixed position to the guideway means' and adapted to'form a continuation of said guldeway to receive a slide and forming idle stations, -the,slides in the guideway, and separate mechanismf shiftingaslidefromthefirstnamedm the suideinv d fury shitting a slide support.

iromtheguidewayontothelastnamed 11;"1heoomhinatiohofaseri'esoiworkholder slides designeif'to carry work adapted to beopes-a'ted upon successivelrby alineofmaa single level main guidewayextending pastsa'ld machines, a single levelretum'guidewane plurality oireciprocating'deviee beneath apparatus for handling work pieces for successive operations at a series of stations; opposite aseries of machines arranged in sun forintermittently shifting slides in siiccession on .the suldeway, aflstraight line operating means for transferring the slides in succession from the exit end of the main guideway to one end of'the return-guideway, and

straight line'operating means ior transferring the slidesin succession from the opposite end of the return guideway to the. starting end of the mainv guideway.

12. The combination, with saline of'machines,

of a series of work holders, mechanism for nitermittentlyshitting said work holders in a predetermined path past said machines and for intermittently clamping said workvholders in position at fixed operating stations opposite the machines during'operation of the machines on 15 the work, mechanism for transferring said work holders in succession from the last machine to the first machine, mechanism forcontroiling the operation of said machines, and power driven means for controlling all of said mechanisms'to flect the operation thereof in recurrent cycles and to coordinate the operations thereof in timed relation.

13. In an apparatus of the class described, the

combination with a plurality of automatic machines having separate electric power units, of

a series 'of work holders; means for supporting said work holders for movement in a predetermined path past said machines, mechanism for tions opposite the machines during predetermined periods of time, and means for automaticaliy starting and. stopping said power units whereby the machines will complete their cycles 5 i of operation on/ the time. I

'14. An apparatus for handling metallic work pieces for successive machining operations whereworkduring said periods of 9 118 intermittently shifting said work holders and -for maintaining the same atfixed. operating stain a line-oi. machines is arranged to operate one 40 after the other on each work piece, comprising a frame having an open ended horizontal guideway extending continuously' past each machine, said frame comprising a succession of tablesections releasably secured together and provided with spaced vertical side supports forming a horizontal tunnel extending throughthe frame beneath the guideway, a series of' separate work, holders guided in said guideway, power means-for shifting'th'e work holders in a line through the guide- 5 wayfmeans for locating and clamping each work holder opposite each "machine for operation, a return conveyor extending horizonta ly through said tunnel; means for independently transferring way to the conveyor, and means for independ- 'ently ,transferring each work holder from the conveyor to the entrance end of the guideway.

15. In an apparatus for handling metallic each work-holder from the exit end'of'the guidcwork pieces for successive machining operations,

.the combination of means forming a continuous horisontaiguideway, a plurality of work-holding slides slidable in succession in said guideway, a plurality of metal working z'machines mounted n line along said guideway, said machines having and including means for posite sides of at each operating tools shittable transversely of the guideway said slides through station, and power driven means for actuating each of said mechanisms.

r 16. In an apparatus for handling metallic-work pieces for successive machining operations, thereleasable mechanism for clamping each slide at opposite sides of said guideway at each operating station, and power driven means for actuatand releasably secured together ing each of said mechanisms.

17. In an apparatus of the classdescribed, in combination, a series of table sections having horizontal top portions in .line to form a continuous straight line slideway,

- tions including upright supports, a series of workholding slide's having means fitting into said slideway, a plurality of automatic cycle metal working machine units arranged in line and mounted to said table sections for operating on the work on said slides from the top and opposite lateral sides thereof, mechanism for intermitte'ntly shifting said slides through the slideway,

sides of the slideway at successive fixed stations opposite the machines.

18. In an apparatus for handling metallic work pieces-for successive machining operations, the combination of means forming a continuous horizontal slideway, said means comprising a series of table sections releasably 'secured together'end to end, a plurality of work slides slidable in succession through said slideway. a plurality of metal working machines mounted in line along said slidewayand releasably mounted to different table sections, said machines having tools shiftable transversely of the slideway into and out of position to perform operations on work pieces carried by said'slides,

a plurality of mechanisms cooperating siiccessively with diflere'nt slides for intermittently shifting said slides in. said slide way, and means p on ng the slides at fixed operating ;sta'- oi posite the machines.

i 19. In an apparatus for handling metallic work 'piecesior successive machining operations, the combination ofmeans jorming a continuous straight line horizontal slideway, said means comprising a series of table sections releasably sea plurality of workr ,holding slides slidable in succession .through said cured together end to end,

slideway. a plurality 0t metal working machines mounted in line along said slideway and releasably mounted to different tablejsectionasaid ma- .chines having tools shlftable transversely o! the slideway into and out erations simultaneously-one plurality oi sides of way and including'means of position torpertorm opwork pieces carried by said slides, mechanism for intermittently shifting said ,slidesin said slidei'or positioning the slides at fixed operation stations opposite the ma.-

.chin' s.

20. In an "apparatus for handling metallic work pieces for successive machining operations, I the'combinatlon of means provided with guideways said table secmechanism for clamping the slides at opposite holding each table section and slidable in said ,a plurality .of

the guideway,

torminga continuous straight line horizontal slideway, said means comprising a series of table sections releasably secured together end to end, a plurality of work. holding slides/slidable in succession through said slideway, a plurality of metal working machines mounted in line along said slideway and, mounted todifferent table sections, said machines having tools shlftable transversely of the slideway into and out of position to perform operations on work pieces carried by said slides, mechanism for intermittently shifting said slides in said slideway and including means for positioning the slides at fixed operating stations opposite the machines, each of said machines including power mechfor clamping said slides to the table sections, and means for automatically operating said clamping means-and for starting said machines at prede-' termined times.

21. In an apparatus for'handling work pieces for successive machine operations, the combination of a plurality of metal working machines, each machine comprising a tool or tools and sepanism for automatically shifting its tool into and 15 out of operation with respect to the work, means arate mechanism including an electric power 25 unit for shifting said tools toward and from the work, means forming a continuous main guideway from the first machine to the last machine, said machines being arranged at a plurality of different sides of said guideway to cause the tools 30 thereof to operate on different sides of the work pieces, a series of workholder slides adapted to travel in succession through the guideway, mechanism for intermittently shifting said slides tions opposite said machines, mechanism for starting said'electric motors, and power driven means timed to control said mechanisms for operation at different times.

through the-guideway into fixed operating sta- 35 22. In an-apparatus for handling metallic work 40 pieces for successive machining operations, the combination of a series of table sections adapted to be positioned end to end and having cooperating means forming a continuous horizontal guideway, a pluralityof workholder slides carried by 45 guideway, metal working machines secured to certain of said table sections at opposite sides oi said machines having tools shittable transverselyof the guideway into and out of position to perform operations on opposite sides of work pieces carriedby said workh'older slides,

mechanism for intermittently shifting said slides in said guideway to position the same at operat ing stations opposite the machines, mechanism for clamping, opposite sides of each slldetothe table at each operating station, and power means for actuating said "clamping mechanism and for re-, leasing the same at predetermined intervals ot time.

23. In an apparatus of the class described 6 wherein a plurality of metal working machinesare arranged in line for successive operation on .work pieces, a-table comprising a series of table sections provided with guideways positioned in alinement to 'iorm a continuous straight line slideway, a series of work holding slides fitting said slideway for successive travel therethrough, some or all of said table sections being releasably secured together in line and removable'independ- 70 ently of one another and also having successive [stations for supporting at one time a plurality of slides, means carried by said table beneath the slides for intermittently. shifting said slides throughthe' slideway? and nieans for intermit- 76 opposite. said machines.

8 g I tently positioning and also fixing successive slides 24. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination or a plurality of metal working machine units, a table comprising a series oi interchangeable table sections provided with guide- I ways positioned in alinement to form a continuous straight line s'lideway, a series of work-hold; ing slides fitting said slideway for successive travel therethrough.\means i'or intermittently shifting said slides through 'the slideway mt? fixed operating stations, and means for interchangeably mounting said inachine units to diflerent table sections'tor operation at a plurality-oi sides or. said slideway.

25. In an apparatus for handling metallic work,

of work pieces carried by said work holder slides,

' ing way, a series of work sliders along said mechanism for intermittently shitting said slides in said guideway to position the same at operatstations opposite the machines, and mechanism for. clamping opposite sides of each slide to the table at each operation station.

'26. In an apparatus or wherein a plurality of met rkingmachines .are arranged in line for successive operation on ,work pieces, a table comprising aseries oi table sections. provided with guldeways positioned in alinement to form a continuous straight line slideholding slides fitting said slideway for successive travel thercthrough, some or all of said table sections being releasably 'se-' cured together in line and removable independ-' ently or one another and also having successive stations for supporting at one time a plurality of and means carried by said table; beneathv the'slides i'or intermittently shifting said slides through the slideway.

27. In an apparatus for handling metallic work pieces ior successive machiningoperations, the

combination oi! means forming a continuous hori-' zontal guideway, slidable in succession in said guideway, a pluralityoi metal working machines mounted in line guideway, said machines having tools shii'table' transversely oi the guideway into'and out oi position to perform operations on a plurality ohsides 01 work pieces carried-:by said slides,

through saidguide'way and including means for at fixed P- d for intermittentlyand 'samein said path relative to said machines and th class escribed. al is q I beig "cause the tools thereof to opera a plurality of work holding-slides determined periods of time 'niatically echanismincluding a succession oireciprocating' members i'or intermittently propellingsaid slides rlods ot time.

c ooses erating stations opposite the machines, and power driven means for actuating each of said mech- 28. In an apparatus of the class described, the

' combination with a plurality of automatic machines, each machine comprising a tool or tools and separate mechanism including an electric power unit-for shitting said tool or tools toward and from the work, work carrying means for supporting a series of work pieces in predetermined spaced relationjand operable to shift said work pieces in succession ina straight line path relatively-to said machines, said machines being ar-. ranged whereby the tools thereof will operate on a plurality oi sides of anism cooperable with said'work carryingmeans for intermittently and, said work pieces irom-one series of operating stav. tions to another series of operating stations opposite said machines, means ior maintaining said work pieces at said stations during predetermined the work pieces, mechsimultaneously shitting periods of time independently of saidmechanism and means for starting and stopping said power units whereby said tools will complete their cycles of operation on 29. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a plurality of automatic machines te electric power units, of a supported for travel in a including means ior positioning said work holders at fixed operating stations opposite the may chines during predetermined periods of time, and

means for automatically s and stopping said power units whereby the machines will complete their cycles oi'operation on the, work during said periods of time. v ,30. In an apparatus for handling work pieces for successive machine operations, the combination -01 a plurality of metal working machines, I

each machine comprising a tool or tools andsep- 4 arate mechanism including an electric power unit .ior shitting said tools toward and from the work, a series oi work carrying members supported for travel in a predetermined straight-line path past' said machines, said machines arranged to on diflerent sides; of the work pieces, mechanism cooperable with said work'carrying members for intermittently and simultaneously shifting the same into for maintaining them at said stations during preand means for auto-- -starting and stopping said powerunlts whereby the machines will complete their cycles of operationon the work pieces during said peiixed operatingstations opposite the'machines and

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