US1975756A - Coil sticking machine - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 2, 1934. D. L. suMMEY 1,975,756

COIL STICKING MACHINE Filed Jan. 4-, 1930 8 Sheets-Sheet l 0a. 2, 1934, D. 1.. SUMMEY COIL STICKING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 4, 1930 W b T v b0 Mm HIS ATTOR N EYS Oct. 2, 1934.

D. 1.. SUMMEY COIL STICKING MACHINE Filed Jan. 4, 1930 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 9n o nwmm M lNVENT (0040.

I Q. HIS ATTORN s Oct. 2, 1934.

D. L. SUMMEY COIL STICKING MACHINE Filed Jan. 4, 1930 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 114 115 114 112 i 114 0 15614 if-a 116 155 117 =41 421 7 415' IEJVIiN71pR HIS ATT RNEYS.

1934- D. L. SUMMEY COIL STICKING MACHINE Filed Jan. 4, 1930 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 a 7% HIS ATTORNEYS.

Oct. 2, 1934. SUMMEY 1,975,756-

COIL STICKING MACHINE I Filed Jan. 4, 1950 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 HIS A ORNEYS.

Oct. 2, 1934. SUMMEY 1,975,756

I c oIL STICKING MACHINE Filed Jan. 4, 1930 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Patented Get. 2, 1934 Ten STATES PATENT OFFICE con. s'ncxnvc mom deceased Application January 4, 1930, Serial No. 418,622

59 Claims. (01. 242-78) This invention relates to a coil sticking machine.

Considerable difiiculty has hitherto been experienced in sticking or thrusting the ends of 5 coils, as forexample, between the rolls of arolling mill. The coils are usually of stiiI, springy sheet material, troublesome and dangerous for workmen to handle.

It is the general object of this invention to provide an organized machine for opening the coil ends and for sticking said ends'properly. It isa further object of the invention to provide -a coil sticking machine in which the coils are subjected to successive operations and pass through the machine one after another in uninterrupted sequence.

With these general objects in view, the invention consists in the features, combinations, ar-

rangementsand details of construction which will I0 first be described in connectionwith the accompanying drawings and then more particularly pointed out in the appended claims. In the drawings,

Figure 1 is a plan view of a coil sticking machine constructed in accordance with the invention Figure 2 is a view in side elevation looking in the direction of line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

t Figure 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 0 H .of Fig. 1;

. Figure 4 is a sectional view taken on the line Figure 5 is a sectional view taken on the line -55 of Fig.1; v Figure 6 is a sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 1; I

Figure 7 is a view in side elevation looking in a the direction of line 7-7 of Fig. 1; v Figures isasectional view taken on the line 8-8 of Fig 7; a v

. Figure 9 is a sectional view taken on the-line ...99 of Fig. 5;

Figure 10 is a partial plan view, on the line 10-10 of Fig. 3 of the apparatus of Fig. 1 with parts omitted; v

Figure 11 is a sectional view on the line 11-11 of Fig. 7; I v

Figure .12 is a plan view showing the method 0 of transmitting motive power to the machine of Figure 13 is a sectional view taken .on the line 13-13 of Fig. 5; t

Figure 14 is a sectional view taken, on the line 5 14-1 1 of Fig. 5;

Figure 15 is a schematic piping diagram of the fluid pressure system;

Figure 16 is an explanatory sectional view showing one type of air-controlled valve; and

Figures 17 and 18 are wiring diagrams.

The machine chosen to illustrate the invention has a general frame and mechanisms attached or otherwise associated with said frame. It has been found advantageous to have the machine adjustable on its foundation. The machine il- 66 lustrated in the drawings will first be described with reference to the manner of mounting and adjusting it on itsfoundation. Then, the various mechanisms acting on the coil will be explained in detail in the order of their operation on the coil. Finally, the means and-systems for obtaining'operations of the mechanisms will be discussed.

The machine exemplified includes a general frame having a base 20 on which the various parts and mechanisms are mounted. This base is, in turn, supported on rails 21 assembled in the floor 22 and provided with hearing portions 23 which fit nicely and may slide smoothly on said rails. The machine may thus be moved on said rails and adjusted to any desired position thereon and the coil end caused to be projected at a desired point.

Provision is made for fastening the apparatus in its adjusted position and maintaining it stationary. To this end, the bearing portions '23 may be equipped with bolts 24, the heads of which fit in T-shaped grooves 25 in the rails. The bolts, when tightened, fasten the apparatus to the rails and, when loosened, allow the apparatus to be moved and adjusted on the rails.

To move the machine and adjust it on the rails,

in the embodiment herein illustrated, Figure 2, gears 26'are carried on verticalshafts 27 in bearlugs 28 attached to the frame of the apparatus. These gears depend below the apparatus and into a rimway 29 in the floor between the rails. The gears mesh with racks 30, which are rigidly at-. tached to the inside walls of the rails. Rotation of the gears causes them to ride on the racks and impart movementtothe machine on the rails.

Means are provided for rotating the gears, at

will. The gears are adapted to be rotated simultaneously at the same speed but in opposite directions, and to be reversed in direction so as to move the apparatus either way on the rails. In

.the' machine shown as an example, the shafts 2'7 1 5 and journalled in bearings 34 attached to side of the apparatus. Shaft 33 also carries a beveled gear 35 which is normally loose on said shaft but may be connected thereto so as to drive said shaft. To this end a sliding clutch 36 may be disposed on shaft 33 and designed so as to connect gear 35 to shaft 33 when in clutching position and allow said gear to run loosely on said shaft when out of clutching position. The clutch may-be slid back and forth on shaft 33 into and out of clutching position, and, for this purpose, ahand-operated lever 37 may be provided. The exemplification shows the lever shaped to embrace the clutch member and pinned as at 38 or otherwise fastened thereto. The lower end of the lever is pivoted as at 39 to the apparatus so as to swing in a plane through the axis of shaft 33. The lever extends upwardly a substantial amount and may be grasped conveniently and mainpulated. Gear 35 is driven from a similar beveled gear 40 on a shaft 41 which is "journaled in the apparatus and extends transversely therethrough. This latter shaft is power driven, as will hereinafter appear.

The invention in its entirety includes means for spotting coils placed in the apparatus. By spotting is meant the proper positioning of the coil and its peripheral or outside end.

The embodiment chosen to illustrate a mechanism for spotting the coils has a frame, which may conveniently be a part of the general frame of the apparatus and carries means for supporting the sides of the coils and insuring their proper lateral or axial positions. The side supporting means are advantageously adjustable to accommodate coils of different widths. In the construction chosen for illustration, Figure 1,1, side coil supports are provided, one, 46, being stationary, the other, 4.7, adjustable. To this end, the side support, 47, may have extensions 48 which are pivoted on a shaft 49, the latter, as here shown, being arranged along the side of the machine and journaled in bearing members 50 attached to the frame. The extensions 48 and adjustable side support 47 are adapted to be swung as a unit around the shaft 49 as a pivot and to be tightened in adjusted position. In this embodiment, one of the extensions carries an arm 51 having a bolt 52 at its free end and the bolt extends through a slot 53 in an arm associated with one of the bearing members. When the bolt is loosened, it \rides freely in the slot permitting the extensions and adjustable side support to be rotated around shaft 49. The side support may thus be adjusted within the limits of the length of the slot. The side support is fastened in its adjusted position by tightening the bolt. r

The spotting mechanism herein illustrated has a plurality of stages. In this exemplification, two spotting or positioning stages are used and the structure for each stage is similar. Each stage includes means for rotating the coils. The illustrated rotating means (Figs. 4, 12, 11) include two horizontal rollers 55 arranged in parallelism and spaced apart to support and accommodate the bottoms of coils set between them. The rollers are mounted on horizontal shafts 57 journaled in the machine. Between the rollers of each spotting stage, a kicker 56 (Fig. 4) is dis-,

nosed which. as here sho n, is pivoted on a horizontal shaft 85 suitably mounted in the frame and in parallelism with the rollers. The kickers are adapted to be operated or rocked upwardly on their pivots at certain synchronized periods and to kick the coils from stage to stage into the apparatus to a flnai spotted position-'- as here shown, onto a trough-like platform 59, the bottom of which is concave and curved to accommodate the bottom of the coil deposited thereon.

The kicker operating or rocking means herein shown by way of example embody a movable reciprocable member 60 to which the respective kickers. are pivoted as at 61. Member 60 is adapted to be moved back and forth and thus rock the kickers. Such movement may be conveniently derived through a lever which is pivoted to the movable member 60 and fixed on a shaft 66 journaled in the frame of the apparatus. Shaft ,66 is designed to be rotated in either direction, so as to oscillate lever 65 and impart back and forth movement to member 60. I this end, another lever 67 (Fig. 7) may be fixed to shaft 66 and acted upon by power means such as a fluid pressure unit embodying a cylinder 68, a piston 69 adapted to work within the cylinder, and a piston rod 70 pivoted to the free end of lever 67 as at 71. The cylinder is pivotally mounted by a bolt 72 which passes through an extension member 73 at the rear end of the cylinder into the frame. The pivoted support of the cylinder enables it to pivot and adjust itself as the piston works back and forth and oscillates lever 67 which rotates its shaft. The construction permits direct connection of the piston rod to the lever and the, omission of a connecting rod.

The spotting mechanism also includes stopping means for the peripheral ends of the coils. In the exemplification, the stopping means are stop bars 75 which extend lengthwise of the coils parallel to their axes. (Figure 4) and in the path of their ends. The stop bars are positioned so as to spot or position the coil ends properly prior to the "kicking of the coils into the apparatus.

Provision is made for rotating the rollers 55 and in a direction such that they revolve the coils forward and cause the peripheral ends of the coiled metal to strike the stop bars. In an arrangement embodying the invention to whatis now considered the best advantage,'the rollers are driven from a single shaft so as to be rotated simultaneously thereby. This is conveniently accomplished by connecting the roller shafts of each stage by chains 76 passing around suitable sprockets 77 on said shafts and driven from a shaft 78 through a gear 79 thereon meshing with gears 80 on the adjacent rollers of the-different spotting stages. The gears are thus arranged in a triangular fashion and the driving shaft 78 extends between the spotting stages, being mounted and journaled in the apparatus, and driven as later described. In this way, the rollers are caused to rotate simultaneously in the same direction. Since the gears 36 may be and are preferably of the same size, the speeds of the rollers may be and are preferably identical.

The coils of metal aredeposited successively in the first spotting stage either by hand or from a conveyor. The coil in the first stage rests on the rollers of the stage which are rotating so as to proper position with its end against the stop of the last Stage and this despite the fact that the the spotted coilaxially to move it into the machine. In the practice of the invention according to What is now considered the'best advantage,- the coil is displaced axially in a plurality of stepsin this case, two steps.

' To displace the coil axially, a coil pushing member 81 (Figs/7, 8) is adaptedto engage the end of the coil and pushitLiAshere' exemplified, the pushing member is sha'ped as a partial disk cut away at the bottom"82' and provided'with an exterior notch or recess 83 so as to clear certain parts of the machine when moved axially. 'Ihe pushing'member is advantageously equipped with means for insuring engagement with the exterior I and interior convolutions' of the coils. The means exemplified involve spring-pressed pawls 84-pivoted as at 85 between axially extending brackets 86 of the pushing member. Ce'rtairipawls project somewhat from the exterior of the pushing mem"- ber others extend inwardly from saidmember to engage respectively the oute'r'and inner coil convolutions. P

Provision is madewherebv'the coil pushing member may be moved in an axial direction to exert a pushing action on the coil. This'is advantageously accomplished by 'carryingthe coil pushing member on a'reciprocable slide. As here shown as an example; the coil pushingmember has an associated boss 88 which is fastened as by bolts 89 to a projection 90 on a slide 91' and the pushingmember is thus carried by the latter.

S1ide'91 is guided for rectilinear movement in its spotted position'and slid on a mandrel. At

parallelism with the axis of'thecoil. Tothis end, the slide has tongue-and-groove sliding connections 92 with portions of the frame of the machine.

Power-operated means are provided for moving the slide.- The'power-operatedmeans may advantageously take the form of fluid pressure units, embodying pistons working in cylinders and operated by fluid under pressure therein. In

order to obtain the axial displacement of the coil in two steps, in this example, two power units are employed. One unit acts to move the slide. The other unit serves as a stop when under pressure to limit movement of, the first unit. When not under pressure, .it allows further movement of the fi st unit. In the constructional exemplification here shown, the slide is connected to the first power unit by an associated yoke member 95 (Figs. 7-, 3), herein disclosed as integrally formed with the slide. The yoke has a central hub, 96, which is fixed on the piston rod 97 of,

the first power unit near the end of said rod. Provision is made for adjusting the position of the yoke on the piston rod. In the example, this is accomplished by the use of a plurality of washers or collars 98 between the yoke and an end' or stage of the pusher.

stopping power unit is positioned below the first cylinder and has a piston 103 with a projecting piston rod 104. The yoke also carries a projection 105 which'strikes theend of the rod 104 after the yoke has'been displaced by piston- 100 a'distance corresponding to the-first displacement Riston 1031s" under a fluid pressure sufilcient to overcome the pressure on piston100 and as a result the yoke'and pusher- I carried thereby are stopped bythe rod 104. uThis stoppage happens at the'end of the first--displacement of the pusher and occurs for. a: suflithe coil. After such period, the-pressure on :pis-

ton 103 is released and the pressure on piston 100 again functions to move the yoke a d pusher cient perio'dto permit the-required operations on and also piston 103 and its red, and the pusher displaces the coil to the second stage which occurs at the end of the "movements of pistons 100 and 104. The 'fluid'pressure acting on piston 100 is now released and a'dmittedt'o the opposite side of said piston and again to the corresponding the pusher carried by -the yoke into positiom to act on another spotted coil.-

Cylind'er'101 may be termed'a' pu'shi ng cylin-v 'side of piston103 and these pistons, arev consee, nuently moved back to their initial positions and der since the pusher is movedby its piston. Sim-'- ilarly, cylinder 102 may be designated the stopping cylinder since it functions to stop the pusher:

at the end of its first displacement. will be more fully explained later, both cylinders are the end of the first step of displacement, its end is opened up or unrolled. This is the opening.

or unrolling stage. 'Unrolling is advantageously accomplished by revolving the coil while maintaining the shape of the coil substantially undistorted and guiding the unrollling end in a given path. I

While various constructions'may be utilized to practice the invention, the example chosen for the purpose of illustration, Figure 1e, embodies a mandrel having a cylindrical body 110 and a blunt nose 111 of generally tapering character on which the coil may be conveniently pushed. The mandrel is stationary and supported in substantially horizontal position at its end opposite the nose.

In the exemplification, thecoil revolving means include rotatable rolls 112, 116 (Figs. 5, 14, 2, 6'). As here shown, roll 112 is arranged to engage the coil interiorly and roll 116 to engage the coil exteriorly. When moved toward each other, they nch the coil convolutions to revolve the coil. In the example, roll 112 is located in a recess in the mandrel on an axis in parallelism with the axis of the mandrel and in a manner such that a portion of the periphery of the roll is internally tangent to the'periphery of the mandrel. As here shown, the roll 112 is mounted on a shaft 113 which extends through a bore in the body of the mandrel, the bore being parallel tobut oiT-set from the axis of the mandrel. Theshaft has a bearing 11% at each end of the roll. one in the body portion and one in the nose of the mandrel at the end of the shaft. Thg other end of the shaft p'rojects iromthe mandrel and is journaled pinched between said rolls.

in a bearing 115, attached to the machine. Roll 116 is arranged on an axis in parallelism with the first roll but spaced therefrom. The coil, when slid on the mandrel and displaced its first axial step to the unrolling stage, moves into the space between rolls 112 and 116 with its convolutions located in said space.

Means are provided for movably mounting roll 116 so that its axis may be displaced toward the axis of roll 112 and the convolutions of the coil In the construction here shown as an'example, the roll shaft 117 is joumaled at each end of the roll in bearings 118 of a cradle 119. Idle'rolls- 120 are also advantageously journaled in the cradle and mounted one on each side of roll 116 with their axes in par allelism with said roll. The cradle, in turn, is rockingly mounted on a carrier 121. To this end, a pivot pin 129 is passed between parts of the cradle and carrier. The carrier may be moved and, for this purpose, in theexample shown, has a yoke 122 (Fig. 1) which is con veniently pivoted on a shaft 128.. To oscillate the yoke, the free end is pivoted as at 123 to the piston rod 124 of a power unit comprising the piston 125 and cylinder 126 in which it works. As here shown, the cylinder is pivotally mounted between standards 127 attached to the frame of the machine. I

The carrier and cradle supported thereon are moved at proper intervals under the action of the power unit operating through the connecting yoke. Roll 116 and idle rolls 120 are thus forced into engagement with the periphery of the coil and the coil convolution thus pinched between said rolls and the 011 112. The pivoted connection of the cradle to the carrier allows the rolls of the cradle to adjust and adapt themselves to pinched between them and in opposite direc'' tions so as to rotate the coil and unroll the end of the cofl. In the example here shown, rotation of the rolls is caused by a fluid pressure power unit embodying a cylinder 130 and a reciprocable unit working within the cylinder. The reciprocable unit exemplified comprises pistons 131 connected by a rod 132 having rack teeth 133. In this embodiment, one of the pistons 131 is largerin diameter than the other and the cylinder bore is non-uniform'so as to accommodate the pistons. This feature causes the unrolling unit to move in one direction, in this case, to retracted position, when pressure fluid is admitted to both sides of thecylinder. The rack teeth mesh with a pinion 134 on power shaft 41 and the shaft is thus driven by the reciprocable unit.

As here shown, the shaft extends transversely through the cylinder and carries the bevel gear 40 for adjusting the position of the machine on its foundation. The shaft 41 drives shaft 113 of roll 112 through gears 135, 136, and drives shaft 117 of roll 116 through shaft 128 as a countershaft. To this end, gears 137, 138, connect shaft 41 to shaft 128 and gears 139, '140, connect shaft 128 to roll shaft 117.

As the reciprocable unit reciprocates, it causes rotation of the rolls in opposite directions, first one way and then the other way. During pinching of the coil, the rolls are rotated in a direction. to unroll the coil.

Gear 40 is also rotated first in one direction and then in the other. When clutch 36 is out, this rotation does not effect movement of the machine. By manipulating the clutch, desired adjustment of the machine on its foundation can be obtained.

The operating shaft 78, for rollers 55, is also driven from the power shaft 41. In the example, said drive is through a chain 141 passing over sprockets 142, 143, on shafts 41 and 78, respectively.

Provision is made for deflecting the coil end' during opening or unrolling and directing and guiding the opening end in a given path. In the construction shown as an example, curved deflecting means-are mounted in spaced relation from the periphery of the coil and deflect the opening end into a substantially horizontal path. As here shown, Figure 5, the deflecting means embody a plurality of rolls 150 arranged to form a deflecting shield and mounted in a suitably curved frame I 151. The deflected unrolling end passes into a guideway which, in the exemplification, is formed by a lower vane 152 and upper rolls 153 and 154 mounted respectively in suitable frames 155 and 156. The guideway is advantageously made converging toward the end roll 154. The convergingwalls of the guideway 00 act gradually on the unrolling end to direct it gradually under said end roll. The end roll acts as a press for the metal and isadvantageously adjustable in order to vary the space through which the metal passes and provide for different 05 thicknesses in' the me ls of the coils. To this end, the frame 156, in w ch the end roll is journaled and supported, is adjustable. Adjustment of frame 156 is achieved by means of threaded adjusting bolts 157 which pass through and carry said frame and are supported on portions 158 of the machine frame. The coil end is picked up by vane 152, directed into a horizontal guide chute 159 in the frame of the machine, and travels to the end of this chute. When the coil end reaches the end ofthe chute, the pinching cylinder is exhausted, the pinch on the coil re--v leased, and unrolling of thecoil ceases.

Means are provided for preventing buckling of the coil during unrolling. Thisis advantageously accomplished by causing the guideway to narrow up automatically when the unrolling end begins to buckle and force said end to flatten and straighten out. To this end, the vane 152 may be movably mounted so as to be raised to narrow the guideway. As here shown, the vane is freely pivoted at its rear end 160 on the lower surface of guide chute 159' within or beneath a suitable shielding or flattening element. 161; The vane is held elevated when the pusher is at the spotting stage so as to allow the coil to be pushed beneath the vane when moving to the unrolling stage. When one coil is at the unrolling stage, the vane is let down so as to rest on the outer surface of the coil to pick up and guide the unrolling end. The vane moves to elevated and lowered positions on its pivot 160 and its movement is limited to these extreme positions. To this end, the under side of the vane has a yoke 167 with a limiting slot 168 through which extends a stationary pin 169 carried in the machine frame. In the illustrated example (Fig. 9), the vane rests on an adjustable roller 162 which rides on the top of the slide 91 carrying the pusher, which roller is supported by the slide and supports the vane. The slide has a depression 163 in its top edge near its forward end and when the roller enters this depression, the vane is lowered. When the slide is in retracted position, and the pusher about to act on a freshw spotted coil, the roller is on the high 5 to rise and the guideway to narrow up and straighten the end of the metal. The pusher and slide are now returned, the vane lowered, and

the operation can proceed.

in order to cause the automatic return of the slide upon possible buckling of the coil, this buckling is utilized to operate a controlling element. As here shown, the controlling element is a switch S11 (Figs. 1, 5, 13) which controls an electric circuit governing the operation of the pusher cylinder as later described. To effect operation of said switch by the buckling coil, in the example illustrated, one of the rollers 150 is movably mounted to be actuated by the buckling coil and to actuate the switch. Although capable of various constructions, the movable roll, as exemplifled, is movably journalled in bearings 165, and is urged to the inwardly projecting position of Fig. 5 by spring-pressed plungers 166 set in recessesin the bearings, and bearing on the journalled parts of the roll. The coil in buckling pushes the roll outwardly against the action of said spring-pressed plungers and causes it to actuate the switch with the results noted. In the exemplification, the other rolls 159 are idly journalled and act as guides only.

Mechanism is present to hold the opened coil end and prevent its retraction. In this particular form of the invention, a spring actuated mechanism is utilized to holdgthe end when opened at the unrolling stage. The spring actuated mechanism here shown as an example embodies a transverse member 1'10 (Fig. 5) within the guide chute 159 and adapted to bear against the opened coil end to hold it against retraction. Said member is equipped with operating lever arms 171 (Figs. 1, 5) which extend outside the machine frame and are ,pivoted on a shaft 172 on the top of said frame. Shaft 1'72 is journalled in bearings 1'73 attached to the top of the frame. The shaft carries lever 174 and a spring 1'15 is tensioned between the lever and astationary post 176 on the top of the machine frame. The spring acts on the lever in a manner to cause the shaft to be turned so as to urge the transverse member 1'10 downward against the opened end of the coil. I

The coil is moved axially on the mandrel (as the "stopping cylinder exhausts) and is displaced to the third stage. -During this movement, the opened end is held against retraction by the spring-actuated mechanism. At the third stage, theopened end is acted on by a holding mechanism which is positively actuated to pre-, vent retraction of the opened end. The positive-v ly actuated mechanism here shown as an example is similar in construction to the spring-actuated mechanism but is acted on by a positive force, not

a spring force. In the exempliflcation, the posi tive force is derived from a power unit which may advantageously be a fluid pressure unit 1'77 (Figs. 1,- 5) including a cylinder, a piston, and a piston rod'which operates lever 1740 of the holding mechanism 170a.

.Provision is made for pushing the end of the coil which has been'opened up in the second stage. To this end, the yoke hasa radial arnY 93 arranged opposite the pusher. To the free end.

wedge. I

grips the unrolled coil end; when it moves upend of this arm is fastened a running element 94 having sliding tongued connection with a stationary part of the machine. The running element acts on the opened coil end and pushes said an inclined upper surface 183 and guided in inclined surfaces 184 of the carrier. The inclined surface of the wedge has gear teeth 185 with which the teeth of a pinion 186 mesh. Said pinion is arranged on a stationary horizontal shaft of the carrier between the wedge and a rack 187. The rack teeth mesh with the pinion. Movement of the rack in one direction causes rotation of the pinion in a direction toimpart downward movement to the wedge. Movement of the rack in the other direction rotates the pinion to raise the When the wedge moves downward, it

ward, it releases said end. To move the rack so as to cause downward or gripping movement of the wedge, power'means are provided. In the example, the power means embody a fluid pressure unit 189 having cylinder 209, pistons 210 and piston rod 211 connecting said pistons. The rack teeth are formed on the piston rod. The fluid pressure unit is supported by and associated with the carrier so as to move therewith during stick ing of the coil. 1 i

In the sticking of the coil; the carrier and associated parts with the gripped end are fed forward to stick or thrust the end into the mill. To feed the carrier and gripped coil end, there are provided power means which, in the example, comprise a fluid pressure unit 191 (Figs. 1, 3, 10) having a cylinder, piston and piston rod. As here shown, the power unit 191 is attached to the top is connected to the carrier. To this end; a connectingelement 193 is arranged parallel to the piston rod, is connected to the carrier in order to move the same, and is attached at its end to the end of the rod by a bridging member 194. The power unit thus moves the carrier and gripped coil end in a rectilinear direction parallel to the stroke of the piston. The carrier is guided in suitable rectilinear guiding means in which it slides. The gripping power unit is carried by the sagging during its passage to the mill, supporting? means are provided. Although capable of various constructions, in the example shown (Fig. 6) the supporting means are cushioned. As

'vided with a movable wedge member 182 having of the frame of the machine. The piston rod 192 here shown, said means embody a supporting platform 200 over which the coil end is fed and which supports the metal of the coil passing on it. In the particular construction illustrated, the platform is pivoted at 201 and is inclined upwardly from said pivot in the direction of movement of the metal of the coil. The platform is supported by a cushion. The cushion shown comprises a da'shpot having a cylinder 202, a piston 203, and a piston rod 204. The piston rod is pivoted at its upper end 205 to the platform and supports the same. The cylinder is pivoted to the machine frame at its lower end 206 so as to adapt itself to movement of the platform and its piston and rod. A constant pressure fluid oi. appropriate compressible character such for example as air, is within the cylinder to resist downward movement of piston and depression of the platform;

. the power units operating the various mechanisms acting on the coil are fluid pressureunits embodying cylinders and pistons. The fluid pressure, in this case, is compressed air. There are provided means for effecting 'the operation and control of the various fluid pressure units. As hereshown, this is accomplished by afluid pressure system comprising conduits or pipes for conveying pressure fluid to the units and valves controlling flow through the pipes and the admittance to and exhaust of the fluid from the units.

A system, typical of a practical system for practising the invention, is here shown diagrammatically inFigure 15. In this'system, controlling valves providing for both admittance and exhaust of the fluid are utilized. Pressure fluid, such as compressedair, is admitted or conveyed to the system and to the various power ,units through an inlet main P1 and is exhausted or conveyed from the system'and power units through an outlet or exhaust main P2. Thepressure fluid from the inlet main is admitted to one side of the "kicking cylinder 68 through a branch pipe P3 haying valve V1 and is exhausted from the "kicking cylinder through said valve and an exhaust branch pipe P4 *discharging into the exhaust V,

main. Pressure fluid from the inlet main is admitted to one side of the pushing cylinder 101 through a branch pipe P5 and valve V2 and is exhausted through said valve and pipe P6 into the,

exhaust main. Pressure fluid from the inlet main is admitted to the other side of the pushing" cylinder 101 through pipe P7 and valve V3 and is exhausted through pipes P8, P6 and the exhaust main. Pressure fluid is admitted into the stopping cylinder 102 from the inlet main via pipe P9 and valve V4 and exhausted through said valve and pipe P24 into exhaust pipe P10 which discharges into the exhaust mainh Pressure fluid is admitted into one side of th e pinching cylinder'126 from pipe P3 through pipe P11 and valve V5 and is exhausted through valve fV5, pipes P12, P13, and P14 into the exhaust main. Pressure fluid enters into one side of the unrolling cylinder 130 from pipe P3 via pipe P15 and valve V6 and exhausts through saidvalve, pipe P12, P13 and P14 into the exhaust main. The other side of the unrolling cylinder is supplied'with pressure fluid from the inlet main through pipe P16 and valve V7 and exhausts through valve V7, pipe P17, into the pipe P10. Pressure fluid is admitted from the inlet main into one end 01' the gripping" cylinder 209 via a pipe P18 and valve V8 and exhausts through said valve and pipe P19 into pipe P14 connected to the exhaust main. One end of the sticking" cylinder .191 is. supplied from pipe P3, connected to the inlet main, via pipe P20 and valve V9 and is exhausted through said valve, pipe P21 into pipe P19 connected to the exhaust main. The other side of the cylinder is supplied through pipe P22 and valve V10 and exhausted through said valve and pipe P23 into pipe P19 connected to the exhaust. v

The system here" shown includes means for pushing the coil oil the mill. The means involve a fluid pressure unit having cylinder 220 (Fig. 15) piston 221, piston rod 222, and pushing member 223 carried at the end of the rod. Pressure fluid is admitted into one end of the cylinder from the inlet main through pipe P24 including valve V11 and exhausted through said'valve into pipe P10 connected to'the exhaust main.

There are provided means for efiecting the operation of the various valves. To this end, the valves may have electrical operating mechanisms, for 4 example, electromagnets, associated with them. While such valve units may vary in construction and design, a suitable form of valve unit is disclosed in a copending application filed March 12, 1926, Serial No. 94,334 now Patent No. 1,849,044 issued March 8, 1932. For convenience, an example of one of these'valve units is shown in Figure 16. The valve comprises a valve chamber 411 having an inlet 412 connected with the pressure line. The valve chamber has two cylindrical extensions 413, 414 of different di-.

ameter, the smaller one being opened to atmosphere and the larger one closed. In these extensions work pistons 415, 416 carried on a piston rod 417. Mounted on this rod is a D-slide valve 418'. Opening out of the valve chamber 411 is an exhaust passage 419 leading to atmosphere and a passage 420 adapted for connection with the variable pressure end of an air-operated pow: er cylinder. Under what may be termed normal conditions, the pressure in the valve chamber holds the D-slide valve moved to the left, as viewed in Figure 16. In this position, passage 420 connects the controlled cylinder with the pressure line to advance the piston of the controlled unit.

'The D-slide valveis moved in the opposite direction by admitting air pressure, as by a bypass, through a passage 421, into the closed extension 413. When this takes place, the D-valve is moved to the right due to the piston diiferential, and the D-valve spans passages 419, 420.

This connects the controlled cylinder with exhaust so that the piston of the unit moves back under its constant return pressure as previously described. When the passage 421 is again closed, the D-valve moves back to the left under chamber pressure. e

As is more fully described in the application referred to, the admission of air via passage 421 is controlled by a solenoid-operated valve which connects the cylindrical extension either with the pressure line or exhaust. The circuit of the latter is controlled by a switch suitably placed to be actuated by some predetermined operation or at some predetermined time. A closed circuit may result in a closed magnetic valve or vice'versa, according to the desired arrangement. These valve units may be termed, for convenience, magnetic valves.

being at exhaust while the other end is connected,

with the pressure line. I

The invention in its entirety includes meansfor,

energizing and deenergizing the valve magnets,

causing operations of the valves and of the power .units controlled thereby. Provision is made for automatic or manual operation of 1 the valves. This is accomplished by an electrical system comprising circuits including thev magnet coils of the valve'sa'nd switch means for controllingthe cir., cuits. In the manual operation, a controlling hand switch is employed for,=each valve.- vIn the automatic operation, the powerunitsproceed continuously through a .cycle of operations on the coil. "Theautomatic cycle is started by throwing certain hand switcheswhichset the circuits so that, thereafter, the coil is acted on in the, series of steps composing the cycle and the cycle may be repeated continuously. Each step or coil op -eratioh is dependent for its initiation upon the completion of---a preceding step. To this end, switches operated upon the f'unctioningof preceding power units or upon movements of the coils are employedto setcircuits so as to cause func-, tioning of succeeding power units. In the practise of the invention to what is now considered the best advantage, the electromagnetically-operated valves are controlled by D. C. lines in which their coils are placed and the'D. C. lines controlledby.

relays or contactors having their coils in A. C.

1 lines which are controlled by one or more switches the D. C. inlet mains,- 300, 301. This is accomplished, in the example here shown, by a contactor CD, which is pulled to the left or circuit closing position by a coil 303 and to the right or circuit opening position by a coil 304. Energization of coil 303 is caused by completing a preparing circuit including said coil. As here shown, the preparing circuit is closed by a hand switch S3 and is livened from the A. C. inlet mains 306, 307. The circuit is traceable from the A. C. inlet main 306, conductor 303', closed contacts of switch S3, conductor 309, coil 303, conductor 310,

to the other A. C. inlet main 307.

D. C. buses 311, 313, are livened from the D. C. inlet mains. The circuit for bus 311 is traceable from one D. C. main 300 through the upper contact of contactor CD and conductor 312. The circuit for bus 313 is traceable from the other main 301 through the middle contact of contactor CD and conductor 314.

Means are provided for closing the circuit of the A. C. inlet mains 306, 307. This is accomplished, in the example here shown, by a contactor CA which is pulled to the left or'circuit closing position by a coil 316 and to the right or circuit opening position by a coil 317. Energiza tion of coil 316 is caused by completing a preparing circuit including said coil. .As here shown,

the preparing circuit is closed by a hand switch S4 andis traceable from livened conductor 308 .conhecting with A. C. main 306 through conductor 319, closed contacts of switch S4, conductor 320, lower contact of contactor 'CD (pulled left at start), conductor 321, coil 316, conductor 322 to main307. I

A. . C. buses 323, 325, are'livened fromthe A. C.

323 is livened .in .,a circuittraceable from A. C. main 306 throughthe upper contact of contactor vCA and conductor v 3 24. A. C. bus 325 islivened in a circuit traceablefrom A. C. main 307 through lower contact of contactor; CA and conductor 326.-.

The-energication of the D. C. andA. C. feeds and busesl-hasrthe, effect, o'fsetting the circuits and mechanisms to begin the automatic cycle of operations on the coil. Thepushing and stopping cylindersare caused to move ,to' initial'positions' as valves V3 and V4 are made to open when the inlet mains closed.as above described. -A. C. bus

conductor .310, connecting with the otherfAfC.

D. C. buses are livened as above. Valve V2. is at exhaust with its circuit'broken and its coildeenergized. ;iIhe circuit for valve V3 is from the.

positive D. C. bus 311, conductor 327, coil ofvalve V3, conductor 328,,one 'side of closed switch S2, conductor 329, bottom contacts of contactor Cl, bottom contacts of contactor C2, both of which are normally down, conductor 330, bottom con-.

tacts of. the contactor C3, normally down, conductor 331, to negative bus 313. The circuit for valve V4 is from the positive D. C. bus 311, conductor 332, coil of valve V4, conductor 333, one side of closed switch S2, conductor 334, bottom contacts of contactor C4, normally down, contactor 335, to the negative D. C. bus 313. The sticker is also caused to be retracted, asmovement of contactor CA to the left causes contactor C5 to lift. The circuit for lifting contactor C5 .is traceable from A. C. bus 323, conductor 336, closed contacts'of switch S5, conductor 337, magnet coil of contactor C5, conductor 338, to the other A. C. bus 325. The circuit for thesticker is traceable from D. C. bus 311, conductor 339, coil of valve V10, conductor 340, upper contacts of contactor C5, (closed as above), conductor 341 to the other D. C. bus 313. The return 'stroke of the sticker closes the normally open switch S6 and holds it closedpreparing movement.

Means are provided for causing the kickers to operate. This is automatically accomplished when the pusher is returned to initial position. In this example, themovem'ent of the pusher to initial position is utilized to operate a, contactor C6 which, in turn, completes the circuit causing operation of the kickers. As here shown, at the end of its stroke, the pusher closes switch S7, normally open, making a circuit traceable from -A. C. bus 323, conductor 342, closed contacts of switch S7, conductor 343, lower right contacts of contactor C 2 (normally down), conductor 344,v magnet coil of contactor C6, conductor 345, to A. C. bus 325. Contactor C6 is thus caused to lift. At the lifting of contactor C6, another circuit is closed from A. C. bus 325, conductor 345, magnet coil of contactor C6, upper right contacts of said contactor, conductor 346, lower right contacts of contactor C1, conductor 347, to the other A. C. bus 323. Thus contactor C6 is held up independently of switch S7. Lifting of contactor C6 causes operation of the kicker. The circuit is traceable from D. C. bus 311, conductor 348, the coil of the kicking cylinder valve V1, conductor 349, upper left contacts of contactor Provision is made whereby the coil roller is retracted upon operation of the kicker. This is accomplished by utilizing the movement of the kicker to operate a contactor C7, which in turn, controls the circuits for the coil roller. In the example shown, the forward movement of the kicker closes the normally open switch S8 and contactor C7 is lifted. The lifting circuit is traceable from A. C. bus 323, conductor 351, closed contacts of switch S8',-conductor 352, lower left contacts of contactor C3, normally down, conductor 353, coil of contactor C7, conductor 354,

to the other A. C. bus 325. When contactor C7 lifts, a holding circuit is completed for the coil of the contactor. The holding circuit is trace- 'able from A. C. bus 323, conductor 356, lower contacts of contactor C8, conductor 355, upper contacts of contactor C7, lifted as above,- conductor 353, magnet coil of contactor C7, conductor 354, to the other A. C. bus 325. The lifting of the contactor C7 causes both valves V6, V7, to be opened and'the unroller to retract, since piston area facing valve V7 is greater than that facing V6. The circuit for valve V6 is traceable from positive D. C. bus 311, conductor 357, magnet coil of valve V6, conductor 358, upper left contacts of contactor C7, conductor 359 to negative D. C. bus 313. The circuit for valve V7 is traceable fromthe positive 1). C. bus 311, conductor 360, magnet coil of valve V7, conductor 361, upper right contacts of contactor C7,

conductor 362, to the negative D. C. bus 313.

Meansare provided whereby the'pusher is operated when a coil is spotted on platform 59. Although capable of various arrangements, in the example here shown, a switch S9 is caused to be closed when the coil lands in the platform and contactor C3 is lifted to complete the circuit for the valve V2 of the pusher and break circuit for valve V3 of the pusher. The lifting circuit for contactor C3 is traceable from A. C. bus 323, conductor 363, closed contacts of switch S9, conductor 364, closed contacts of switch S10, (held closed by the retracted coil roller), conductor 365, 366, magnet coil of contactor C3, conductor 367, to the other A. C. bus 325. Lifting of contactor C3 establishes a holding circuit therefor which is traceable from A. C. bus 325, conductor 367, magnet coil of contactor C3, conductors'366 and 368, upper contacts of contactor C3, conductor 369, closed contacts of switch S11, normally closed, conductor 370, lower right contacts of contactor C9, normally down, conductor 371, to the other A. C. bus 323. The lifting of contactor C3 breaks circuit for valve V3 (previously traced) and this valve exhausts. Circuit for valve V2 is completed and is traceable from D. C. bus 311, conductor 372, coil of valve V2, conductor 373, upper contacts of contactor C3, conductor 374, to the other D. C. bus 313. The pusher is thus caused to move, forward against the stop of the stopping cylinder to displace the coil to unrolling position.

Provision is made for causing return of the kicker when the coil is displaced by the pusher to unrolling position. In this embodiment, the pusher in its movement to the coil unrolling position closes a switch S12 which completes a circuit causing contactor C1 to close its upper contacts and contactor C6. to drop and valve VI of the kicking cylinder to deenergize and exhaust. Contactor C1 is caused to close its upper contacts in a circuit traceable from A. C. bus 323, conductor 375, closed contacts of switch S12,

' (normally down), conductor 382 to the other A. C.

bus 323. Lifting of contactor C1 breaks the holding circuit of contactor C6 (previously traced) and contactor C6 drops. The dropping of contactor C6 breaks the circuit through valve V1 (previously traced) and the kicker returns.

Means are provided whereby the coil is pinched and unrolled when displaced by the pusher to unrolling position. As here shown, the lifting of contactor Cl causes the pinch cylinder to operate and the coil to be pinched. The circuit is traceable .from D. C. bus 311, conductors 348, 383, magnet coil of valve V5, conductor 384, upper contacts of contactor C1, conductor 385 to the other D. C. bus 313. The movement of the pinching unit is utilized to cause the operation of the unroller. In the example the pinching unit closes a switch S13 at the end of its pinching movement. The closing of switch S13 causes contactor C8 to' lift. The circuit is traceable from A. C. bus 323, conductor 386, switch S13, conductor 387, time element 388 on left of contactor C8, coil of contactor C8, conductor 389 to the other A. C. bus 325. The lifting of contactor C8, which has a delayed action through element 388, breaks the holding circuit (previously' traced) of contactor C7 and the latter drops. The dropping of contactor C7 breaks the circuits (previously traced) through valves V6 and V7, causing the unroller to advance and revolve and unroll the coil.

Provision is made for limiting the amount of unrolling of the coil, by causing the pinching unit to release its grip on the unrolling coil material after a predetermined amount of unrolling. As

here shown, this is accomplished by a switch S14 at the end or limit of the unrolling. Switch S14 is closed by the unrolling metal at the limit of its unrolling. The closing of switch S14 causes contactor C10 to be raised. The circuit is traceable from A. C. bus 323, conductor 390, closed contacts of switch S14, conductor 391, coil of contactor C10, conductors 392, 393 to, the other A; C. bus 325. The contactor C10 is held up in a circuit from A. C. bus 325, conductors 393, 392, coil of contactor C10, conductor 394, upper contacts of contactor C10, conductor 395, lower contacts of contactor C9 (normally down), conductors 396, 371 tothe other A. C. bus 323. The lifting of contactor C10 breaks the holding circuit (previously traced). of contactor C1 and the latter falls. The dropping of contactor C1 breaks the circuit (previously traced) through valve V5 of the pinch cylinder, the pinching unit retracts, releases the pinch on the coil and the unrolling of the coil ceases.

Means are provided for displacing the partly opened or unrolled coil from the second or unrolling stage to the third or gripping stage. This is accomplished by openirigthe valve V4 of the .conductor 376, upper contacts of contactor C3;

stop cylinder and allowing the pusher to con- C8 is thus broken and the contactor falls.

dropping of contactor C8 results in raising contactor C4. The circuit is traceable from A. C.

bus 323,' conductors 397, 398, contacts of switch S6 (closed when the sticker is retracted), conductor 399, upper contacts of contactor C5 (lifted as previously explained), conductor 500', lower contacts ofcontactor C8, conductor 501, upper contacts of contactor C10, conductor 502, coil-of contactor C4, conductor 503, to the other A. C. bus 325. Contactor C4 is held up by a circuit from A. C. bus 325, conductor 503, coil of contactor C4, conductor 502, upper contacts of contactor C4,

' conductor 504, upper contacts of contactor C3, conductor 505, to the other A. C. bus 323. The

lifting of contactor C4 breaks the circuit (previously traced) of valve V4 of the stop cylinder and the stop retractsagainst the action of the pusher which displaces the partly opened coil to the third stage in line with the rolls of the rolling mill. Meansare provided for causing the gripper to act on partly opened coil when moved into the third stage and preparingfor sticking. As here shown, the pusher upon movement to the third stage closes a switch S15 and contactor C9 is lifted. The lifting circuit is traceable from A. C. bus 323, conductor 506, closed contacts of "switch S15, conductor 507, magnet coil of contactor C9, conductor 508 to the other A. C..bus 325. Contactor C9 is held up by a circuit traceable from A. C. bus 325, conductor 508, coil of contactor C9, conductor 507', upper contacts of contactor C9, conductor510, lower contacts of a contactor C11, (normally down) conductor 511, to the other A. C. bus 323. The partly opened coil when pushed to the third stage opens switch S5. This breaks the holding circuit (previously traced) for contactor C5 which thereupon falls. The falling of contactor C5 breaks the circuit (previously traced) of valve V10, setting the sticker in readiness to function. Simultaneously the gripper is caused to act. Lifting of contactor C9 results in the lifting of a contactor C12. The lifting circuit for contactor C12 is traceable from A. C. bus 323, conductor 512,- upper contacts of contactor C9, conductor 513, magnet coil of contactor C12, conductors 514, 393 to A. C. bus 325. Contactor C12 is held up in a circuit traceable from A. C. bus 325, conductors 393, 514, magnet coil of contactor C12, conductor 513, upper contacts of contactor C12, conductor 515', closed contacts of switch S16, conductor 397 to A. C. bus 323. The lifting of contactor C12 causes operation of gripper by closing the circuit of valve V8 of the gripper cylinder. The circuit for the valve is traceable from D. C. bus 311, conductor 516, valve V8, conductor 517, upper contacts of contactor Cl2,to D. C. bus 313.

Means are provided for'operating the coil kickoff cylinder 220. It will be understood that the uncoiled material goes through the rolling mill and may then, if desired, go to any suitable form of coiler, not shown. In such case, the coil kickofi cylinder 220 may be used to cause removal of the coiled material that has passed through the rolling mill. As herein shown, this is accomplished as the pusher moves to the third stage. In its movement, it closes switch S12 momentarily. Switch S17 completes a circuit raising contactor C13. The lifting circuit is traceable from A. C. bus 323, conductor 519, closed con- The tacts of switch S17, conductor 520, upper right contacts of contactor C3, conductor'521, magnet coil of contactor C13, conductor 522 to A. C. bus 325. ContactorC13 is held up in a circuit traceable from A. C. bus 325, conductor 522, magnet coil of contactor C13, conductor 523, upper left contacts of contactor C13, conductor 524, right contacts of contactor C14 (normally in the right hand position), conductor 525 to A. C. bus 323. The lifting of contactor C13 completes a. circuit for the valve V11 of the coiler kick-ofi cylinder, causing the coil to be kicked ofl? the coiler onto a truck or suitable conveyor. The circuit for the valve is traceable from positive D. C. bus 311, conductor 526, valve V11, conductor 527, upper righugontacts of contactor C13, conductor 528, to D. C. bus 313. 'The stroke forward of the kickofi closes switch S18, causing contactor C14 to'be pulled to the left. The circuit is traceable from A. C. bus 323, conductors 336, 529, closed contacts of switch S18, conductor 530, left coil of contactor C14, conductor 531 to A. C. bus 325. This breaks circuit of contactor C13 which assumes its normal down position, breaking the circuit through valve V11, whereupon the coiler kick-0E returns to retracted position.

Means are provided for causing return to initial position of the stopping unit and pusher.

As here shown, lifting of contactor C9, described above, breaks the holding circuits (previously traced) of contactors C3 and C10, which fall. The falling of contactor C3 breaks the holding circuit (previously traced) 1 of contactor C4 which falls and causes the energization of valve V4 and return of the stopping unit. The falling of con- 1m tactor C3 breaks the circuit of valve V2 and completes. the circuit of valve V3, causing the pusher to return to initial position. Circuits of valves V2, V3 and V4 have'already been traced.

Means are provided for causing the operation 5 of the sticker. This is accomplished when. the kick-off retracts. The retraction of the kick-off closes a switch S19. Closing of switch S19 lifts contactor C11. The lifting circuit is traceable from A. C. bus 325, conductor 532, coil of con- 129 tactor C11, conductor 533, closed contacts of switch S19, conductor 534, left contact of contactor C14, conductor 535 to A. C. bus 323. A holding circuit for contactor C11 is established traceable from A. C. bus 325, conductor 532, coil of 12 contactor C11, conductor 536, upper contacts of contactor C11, conductor 537, lower contacts of contactor C5, conductor 538 to the other A. C. bus 323. Lifting of contactor C11 closes a circuit through valve V9 of the sticking cylinder 130 and the gripped metal is moved forward into the rolling mill. The valve circuit is traceable from D. C. bus 311, conductor 539,coil of valve V9, conductor 540, upper left contacts of contactor C11, conductor 541 to D. C. bus 313. Since the current is now on valve V9 and off valve V10,-the sticker operates as described above.

Lifting of contactor C11 also pulls contactor C14 to the right, preparing the circuits for movement of the kick-off. This circuit is traceable from A. C. bus 323, conductor 542, upper right contacts of contactor C11, conductor 543, right magnet coil of contactor C14, conductor 531, to the other A. 'C. bus 325. Lifting of contactor C11 also breaks the holding circuit for contactor C9 which M falls.

Means are provided for causing the gripper to release the metal at the end of the sticker stroke.

As here shown, when the sticker has completed its forward stroke, it opens switch S16 included traced; Lifting of contactor C5 breaks the holdin the holding circuit for contactor C12 which thereupon falls. The falling of the contactor C12 breaks the circuit through valve V8 of the gripping cylinder relasing the grip on the metal.

Means are provided for causing the retraction of the sticker when the metal is'passed into the mill. As here shown, switch S5, which is open when metal is passing it, closes when the end of the metal goes by. Closing of switch S5 causes oontactor C5 to lift by the circuit previously ing circuit (previously traced) of contactor C11, which now falls. Lifting of contactor C5 and falling of contactor C11 completes and breaks,

respectively, the circuits (previously traced) ,,of valves V10 and V9 causing the sticker to retract.

The pusher at the end of the return movement, closes switch S7 and restores the circuit arrangements to initial positions. From this point, the operation continues in the step by step cycle described.

It will benoted that the operations proceed automatically in a continuous cycle with a subsequent operation depending for its initiation upon the completion of a preceding operation. Although several operations take place simultaneously, the coils are acted on in a progressive manner, one coil being spotted while another is being opened and fed. The result is a relatively rapid process without stops or delays in the operation.

Means are provided for causing the coil guideway to narrow up if the coil buckles while opening. As here shown, buckling of the coil causes switch S11, normally closed, to open. Opening of switch'Sll causes contactor C3,to drop, completing the energizing circuit for valve Y3 and breaking the circuit for valve V2. The pusher is thus caused to move back and the guideway narrows up:as already explained. Upon its return movement, the pusher closes switch S20, which;

upon closing causes contactor C2 tolift. Lifting circuit for contactor C2 is trageable from A. C. bus 323,conductor 545, closed contacts of switch S20, conductor 546, coil of contactor C2, conductor 547,130 A. C. bus 325. Contactor C2 is held up by a circuit (previously traced) includin contactor C1 in the raised position. Lifting of contactor C2 breaks the circuit (previously traced) through valve V3, causing the pusher conductor 551 to A. C. bus 325. Thus light L. D.

will light when the D. C. buses are alive, andlight L. A. when the A. C. buses are alive.

Means are present for shutting off the currents from the buses. As here shown; switch 530 shuts off the A. C. current from the buses. Closure of this switch completes a circuit pulling contactor C. A. to the right into open position. The circuit is traceable from the A. C. inlet main 306, conductors 308, 552, closed contacts of switch 530, conductor 553, right coil 31"! of contactor C. A. conductors 322, 310, to A. C. inlet main 307.

Switch S31 shuts off the D. C. current from the' tactor'C. D. conductor 310 to A. C. inlet main 307.

The invention includes provision for hand operation of the apparatus. As here shown, means are provided for operating each valve individually by hand. This is accomplished bya plurality of hand switches S40 to S50,*one for each valve. In hand operation, switch S1 is closed and S2 is open. This connects a common D. C. conductor 560 from D. C. inlet 301 to a 'terminal of each switch, S40-S50. 'The other terminal of each switch S40S'50 connects through an appropriate conductor to its respective valve. The return from each valve is connected through a common conductor 561 to D. C. inlet main 300. Closure of the proper switch S40S50 completes a circuit through the valve it is desired to operate. 7 i

As already explained, in automatic operation, the switches which serve to set the'circuits to cause the actions of succeeding power units are operated upon the functioning of preceding power units or upon movements of the coils. For example, the coil in its movement may strike a switch lever to operate the switch. Switch S9 is so operated (Fig. 4). The coil, when de-' posited in platform 59, depresses a lever 230 which, in turn, operates switchg'S9. So also switch S14 (Fig. 5) is, actuated wh n the end of the coil 'strikes spring-pressed lver 231. Power units or mechanisms may also be provided with projections which strike switch levers and cause operations of the .switches. For example, the pusher has associated with it a sliding rod-232 (Fig; 3) equipped with cam proiections 233 which, as the rod moves with the pusher, hit and operate the switch levers of switches S7, S15, S17, etc. The other switches are operated in some one of these general ways.

What is claimed is:

1. A coil handling machine including coil positioning devices, means for'opening the end of a positioned "coil, and a feeding grip movable with the opened coll end, in coil unrolling direction.

2."A machine comprising means for positioning a coil, means fordisplacing the coil axially in steps, means for opening the coil at the end of one'step of axial displacement, and means for feeding theopened coil end at the end of another step of displacement.

32 A machine comprising vmeans for position- 1ing coils, means for opening the ends of the coils, and means for operating the positioning and opening means to subject the coils successively to positioning and opening whereby one coil may be positioned while another coil is being opened.

4. A machine comprising means forming positioning and opening mechanisms for coils and means for causing coils to pass from the positioning to the opening mechanism successively whereby'one coil may be positioned while another coil is being opened. 5. A machine comprising means for positioning coils, means for axially displacing the positioned coils, and means for opening the positioned 'coils after displacement.

6. A machine comprising means forlpositioning coils, a pusher arranged to act on the positioned coils and displace them axially, and means for opening the positioned coils after displacement. i:

7. A machine comprising means for positioning coils, a pusher arranged to act on the positioned coils and displace them axially, and means to revolve the coils after displacement to unroll the coil ends.

8. A machine comprising means for positioning coils, a pusher arranged to act on the coils and displace them axially, a mandrel on which the coils are pushed when displaced, and means to revolve the coils on the mandrel to coil ends.

9. A machine comprising means for positioning a coil, 2. pusher arranged to act on the positioned coil and displace it axially, means to revolve the coil to unroll the coil end, means forming a guideway for the coil end, means actuated by buckling of the coil and-causing return of the pusher, and means actuated by return of the pusher for narrowing the guideway.

10. A machine comprising means for positioning a coil, a pusher arranged to act on the positionedcoil and displace it axially, means to revolve the coil after displacement to unroll the coil end, means including a movable lower guide member forming a guideway for the coil end, a slide associated with the pusher and having high and low portions on which the guide member rests, the guide member being on the low portion with the guideway widened when the pusher'is at unrolling position, means called into action by buckling of the unrolling coil for causing the unroll the pusher to return, the guide member to ride on the high portion of the slide, and the guideway to narrow. m k

11. A machine comprising a rotatable roll arranged to engage a coil interiorly, a rotatable roll arranged to engage the coil exteriorly, means for decreasing the space between said rolls and thereby causing the coil convolutions to be pinched in said space, and means to rotate at least one roll to revolve and unroll the coil.

12. A machine comprising a mandrel for a coil,

' a rotatable roll associated with the mandrel and arranged to engage the coil interiorly, a rotatable roll arranged to engage the coil exteriorly, means for moving the rolls relatively toward eachother to pinch the coil convolutions between said rolls, and means to rotate at least one roll to revolve and unroll the coil.

13. A machine comprising means for unrolling a coil while maintaining its shape undistorted, a plurality of rolls arranged to form a deflecting shield for the coil end, and a guideway in which the deflected end passes.

14. A machine comprising means for unrolling a coil, means forming a guideway for the unrolling material of the coil, and means for narrowing up the guideway to eliminate buckling of the coil end.

1.5. A coil handling machine comprising mechanism for unrolling a coil, a guideway for the unelement, when operated, causes the guideway to narrow up.

17. A machine comprising means for unrolling a coil, a plurality of rolls arranged to form a de; fleeting shield for the coil end, one of said rolls being movable and operated by the unrolling ma terial as it begins to buckle, and means whereby said movable roll eliminates the buckling.

18. A machine comprising means for unrolling a coil, members forming a guideway for the unrolling materialof the coil, one of said members being movable to narrow up or widen up the with said mechanism for receiving between them the material unrolled thereby for holding the unrolled material against retraction and means for moving the coil axially out of engagement with said elements.

20. A coil handling machine comprising mechanism for unrolling a coil, spring-actuated elements for holding the unrolled material against retraction, means for feeding the unrolled coil end away from the coil, and a coil mover for bringing the coil into operative relation therewith. 21. A coil handling machine comprising mechanism for unrolling a coil, gripping means for the unrolled end, said gripping means embodying a wedge element and mechanism for moving the wedge to cause it to grip the unrolled end, and actuating means for moving said gripping means into and out of gripping position.

22. A machine comprising means for unrolling a coil, relatively movable opposite gripping elements, one of which has an inclined surface with rack teeth on said surface, a pinion having teeth meshing with the rack teeth, means for rotating the pinion to cause the unrolled end to be gripped between the gripping elements, and means for feeding the gripping elements.

23. A coil unrolling machine comprising coil opener, a coil pushing member shaped to act on the end of the coil, means carried by said memher for engagement with the inner and outer convolutions of the coil, means for moving said pushing member in the direction of the coil axis, toward said coil opener, and means for gripping the opened end of said coil.

24. A machine comprising a coil pushing member shaped to act on the end side of the coil, spring pressed pawls associated with said member and uranged to engage the inner and outer convolutions of the coil, and means for moving said member axially of the coil.

25. A machine comprising means for receiving a coil, and means for displacing the coil in steps, comprising a fluid pressure unit, a second fluid pressure unit, said second unit, when under pres- .sure, acting as a stop to limit movement of the first unit, and, when not. under pressure, permit ting further movement of the first unit.

26. A machine comprising coil unrolling means.

mechanism for displacing a coil into operative association with the unrolling means, and means whereby operation of the displacing mechanism initiates the operation of the unrolling means.

27. A machine comprising coil unrolling means, and means operated by the coil end during unrolling for stopping said unrolling after a predetermined amount thereof.

28. A machine comprising coil positioning and unrolling means, power units for operating said means, and electrical means for controlling the power units, the'operation of a preceding power unit initiating operation of the controlling means for a subsequent power unit.

29. A machine comprising coil unrolling and feeding means, power units for operating said 'means, electrical means for controlling the power units, and means whereby operation of a preceding power unit initiates. operation of the controlling means for a subsequent power unit.

30. A machine comprising coil unrolling means and feeding means, means for displacing a coil from one to the other, power units for operating the unrolling, feeding and displacing means, electrical means for controlling the power units including means operated by the coil end during unrolling for controlling the unrolling power unit to stop unrolling after a predetermined amount thereof, means whereby operation of the stopping controlling means initiates operation of the controlling means for the displacing power unit,

and means'whereby operation of the displacing power unit, initiates operation of the controllin means for the feeding power unit. 1

31. A machine comprising coil positioning, unrolling and feeding means, means for displacing a coil from one to the next, power units for operating the positioning, unrolling, feeding and displacing means, electrical means for controlling the power units, and means whereby functioning of a preceding power unit initiates operation of the controlling means for a subsequent power unit.

32. A machine comprising coil positioning, unrolling and feeding means, means for displacing a coil from one to the next, fluid pressure power units for operating said means, valves for the power units, electromagnets for operating the valves, circuits for the electromagnets, contactors controlling the circuits, circuits controlling the contactors, and switches controlling the contactor circuits, said switches being operated in predetermined sequence upon the functioning of predetermined power units.

33. A coil unrolling machine including a mandrel for a coil, coil end opening means, a coil pusher for moving the coil axially onsaid mandrel into cooperative relation with said coil end opening means, a coil grip movable toward and away from said mandrel, said pusher being movable axially of said mandrel to bring the opened end of said coil into cooperative relation with said coil grip.

34. A coil handling machine including coil opening devices and coil-end feeding elements, a coil mover for moving a coil into operative relation with said coil opening devices, and stop-.

- sitioners, coil opening devices and coil-end feeding elements, a coil mover for moving a positioned coil into operative relation with said coil opening devices, and stopping means for bringing said mover to a halt when said operative relation has been established, said stopping means and said coil mover being thereafter movable to bring a coil opened by said devices into operative relation with said coil-end feeding elements.

36. A coil handling machine including coil positioners, coil opening mechanism, and a coil mover for moving a positioned coil into operative relation with said coil opening mechanism.

3'7. A coil handling machine including coil opening devices, a coil mover for moving a coil into predetermined relation to said devices, and a feeder associated ,with said devices for receiv-, ing the end of a coil opened thereby and movable away from-said coil with said opened end.

38. A coil handling machine including coil positioning devices and unrolling mechanism, a coil displacer for moving a positioned coil to said unrolling means, said coil displacer being called into action by positioning of a coil by said devices, and said unrolling mechanism being set in operation by movement of said coil displacer.

39. A coil handling machine including coil unrolling devices and coil-end feeding elements, means for stopping coil unrolling after a predetermined amount thereof, a coil mover for moving a partly unrolled coil from said unrolling devices to said coil-end feeding elements, operation of said stopping means calling said coil mover into action, and said coil mover setting in operation said coil-end feeding devices.

40. A coil handling machine including coil positioners, coil unrolling devices, a coil mover for moving a positioned coil into operative relation with said coil unrolling devices, said coil mover being set in motion by positioning of a coil with respect thereto by said coil positioners, said coil unrolling devices being called into action by operation of said coil mover, means for stopping the action of said unrolling devices after a predetermined amount of unrolling, coil-end feeding elements, the stopping of said unrolling devices calling said coil mover into further action to move said coil to said coil-end feeding elements, and the latter being set in operation by said last named action of said coil mover.

41. A coil handling machine including coil positioners, coil unrollers and a coil displacer for moving a positioned'coil into operative rela tion with said coil unrollers, a power unit for said coil positioners, another for said coil unrollers, and another for said coil displacer, electrical devices for controlling-said power units, operation of the displacer power unit calling into action the electrical controlling device for the coil un'roller power unit.

42. A coil handling machine including a mandrel for a coil, a coil end deflector, a roll mounted in a recess of the mandrel with a portion of its periphery forming a portion of the peripheral surface of. the mandrel, means for ,urging said roll and a coil on the mandrel into contact with each other, and means for rotating said roll on' its own axis to open the end of said coil by rotating said coil and thereby bringing the coil end into engagement with said coil-end deflector.

.43. A coil handling machine comprising mechanism for unrolling a coil, means for gripping the unrolled material, actuating elements for moving said gripping means into and out of gripping position, and means formoving the gripping means away from the rolled material of the coil.

44. A coil handling machine comprising mechanism for unrolling a coil and for feeding the unrolled end, a receiving and directing support cooperating therewith over which the unrolled

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