The Whitaker Corporation

Paul E Hollis

Michael G Kiapokas

Edward N Meyers

A fixture for handling an article comprises a body which defines a track having a length which extends between upstream and downstream ends. The track is configured for confining the article to sliding movement along the length of the track. The track is open to an outside of the body along at least a portion of its length so as to provide access for performing an operation of the article. The body has a first finger mechanism disposed relatively upstream along the track for permitting the article to pass along the track in a downstream direction and for preventing the article to pass the first finger mechanism in an upstream direction. A second finger mechanism is disposed downstream from the first finger mechanism for preventing inadvertent downstream movement of the article.

Fixture for handling articles

A machine (10) for inserting metal hold down clips into a connector housing (26) is disclosed. An improved positioning mechanism (14) is provided for accurately positioning the housing (26) with respect to the parts to be inserted. The positioning mechanism (14) includes a track (64) for receiving and guiding the connector housing along a feed path and through an insertion workstation (60) where the hold down clips are inserted. The track (64) is vertically movable by a servo motor (100) while an adjacent feed mechanism (160) positions the connector housing along the track. The adjacent feed mechanism (160) is coupled to the track so that it moves vertically with movement of the track but moves horizontally by means of a second servo motor (190) independent of movement of the track. Both servo motors are mounted to the frame (12) structure and, therefore, do not contribute to the mass of the moving mechanisms.

Orthogonal positioning mechanism for an automated machine

A mechanism for rotating a machine element and in particular for rotating a mandrel which holds a workpiecein a machine comprises a first frame member having a substantially linear road surface. A machine element is rotatably secured to a carrier on an axis extending transverse to the road surface. The machine element includes a wheel member having a substantially circular wheel surface adapted to engage the road surface, and may include a mandrel adapted to hold a workpiece. A first drive mechanism is operable for moving the carrier and the first frame member relatively together for engagement of the wheel surface with the road surface, and for moving or at least permitting movement of the carrier and the first frame member relatively apart for disengagement of the wheel surface from the road surface. A second drive mechanism is operable to produce relative movement of the carrier parallel to the road surface. Actuation of the second drive mechanism when the road surface is engaged with the wheel surface causes rotation of the machine element, and thereby rotates a workpiece held in a mandrel of the machine element. A method of rotating a workpiece in a machine is also disclosed.

Growing community of inventors

Harrisburg, PA, United States of America

Paul E Hollis