Thomas E Orendorf

US Patent:

46843094, Aug 4, 1987

Filed:

Aug 29, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/527038

Inventors:

Charles Horn - Dayton OH
Rickey L. Kelly - Dayton OH
Thomas E. Orendorf - Dayton OH
Terry L. Kiger - Dayton OH

Assignee:

Vulcan Tool Company - Dayton OH

International Classification:

B65H 2900

US Classification:

414224

Abstract:

A system, apparatus and procedure for processing tubular or cylindrical stock, particularly short lengths thereof, into precision formed end products includes a chute, preferably formed of a pair of parallel wall surfaces mounting opposed guide plates at least a portion of which are adjustable. The orientation of the chute and its cross section are made such that in the delivery thereof the longitudinal axis of the stock is maintained substantially parallel to the position in which such axis must be set for the working thereof. A transfer device cycled to and from the delivery end of the chute successively receives elements of the stock discharged therefrom and carries them to a work station without change of their orientation. Upon reaching said working station, said transfer device first holds the stock loosely against a complementary abutment surface, essentially in the attitude required for the working thereof. As it moves said stock into said working station, said transfer device triggers the operation of mechanical fingers which then function to precisely set the stock, whereupon the transfer device is pressured to clamp the stock in a fixed relation to said abutment surface and the fingers are displaced to enable the working of the stock by applied tooling.