GB1399357A - Semi-automatic sequencing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

1399357 Attaching articles to strips; conveyers ROWE INTERNATIONAL Inc 17 Aug 1972 [17 Aug 1971] 38342/72 Headings B8C and B8A A semi-automated machine for forming a string 10 of components 12 in a predetermined sequence with a set spacing therebetween, comprises means for supporting the components in sequence means for driving the support means to move the components successively opposite a work station, means for receiving components from the support means with the set spacing therebetween, means for transferring the components from the receiving means to a means for interconnecting the components to form a string thereof, wherein the transfer means maintains the set spacing between the components. As shown, components 12 are placed in sequence in compartments 48, 50 of bins 46 arranged on a motor driven annular table 36. Pins 52 spaced around the table receive a lower cam 54 for actuating a switch 58 to open position and an upper cam 56 for actuating a switch 62 to closed position, a cam 54 being placed on each pin 52 adjacent a bin 46 and a cam 56 being placed on a pin 52 associated with the last bin of each sequence. Two components are removed from the first bin (adjacent a pincher 66) and positioned on a pair of toothed belts 86, 88 by guides 92, 94. A foot switch 160 is then operated to energize the table motor 40 which closes switch 58 to move the table by a distance equal to the distance between successive bins. At the same time a pair of toothed transfer wheels 118, 120 is driven by a motor 123 to advance the belts 86, 88 and a notched or apertured wheel 152 is stepped two steps and stops the motor 123. Switch 160 is again operated and ultimately components 12 are advanced along guide slots 104, 106 formed between pairs of guide plates 108, 110 and 112, 114, until leads 14, 16 on the components 12 come between two pairs of pressure wheels 124, 126 and 130, 132. Pressuresensitive tapes 24, 20 are trained around the wheels 124, 126 and between the pairs of wheels 124, 130 and 126, 132 and similar tapes 52, 18 are trained around wheels 130, 132 and between pairs of wheels 124, 130 and 126, 132, the arrangement being such that leads 14, 16 of the components 12 enter into the nip between tapes 22, 24 and 18, 20. The completed string is wound on to a motor-driven reel 144. The machine is semi-automatically controlled by electrical circuitry described with reference to Fig. 8 (not shown).