US3059844A

US3059844A - Electromechanical coupling

Info

Publication number: US3059844A
Application number: US838605A
Authority: US
Inventors: Gosta R Englund
Original assignee: Svenska Dataregister AB
Current assignee: Svenska Dataregister AB
Priority date: 1958-09-09
Filing date: 1959-09-08
Publication date: 1962-10-23
Anticipated expiration: 1979-10-23
Also published as: FR1235020A; DE1099077B; GB929412A; CH379813A

Description

Oct. 23, 1962 G. R. ENGLUND ELECTROMECHANICAL COUPLING 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed sept. e, -1959 V TOR. 255% BY wamlemm, fdwmmd Wy,

Arran/EVS.

Oct. 23, 1962 Filed Sept. 8. 1959 4 Sheets-$heet 2 Z2 i n A: 26a ZZ E Z8 l ,s 60 l50 't 4a l so I I e 46 l "f8 E E 46 f6 t 44 i 44 i l x l l l s l l F/(i 5 F/G. 6

INVENTOR. 94@

Oct. 23, 1962 G. R. ENGLUND ELECTROMECHANICAL CUPLING 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Sept. 8, 1959 i alcvhu V TOR 6,5665 f BY 4 {MM2/MW ATTORA/ess Oct. 23, 1962 Filed Sept. 8, 1959 OOOOO OOOOO ooooo G. R. ENGLUND ELECTROMECHANICAL COUPLING 4 Sheets-Sheet 4,V

United States Patent 3,059,844 ELECTRMECHANICAL COUPLENG Gusta R. England, Stockholm, Sweden, assignor to Svenska Dataregister AE, Stockholm, Sweden, a corporation of Sweden Filed Sept. 8, 1959, Ser. No. 838,605 Claims priority, application Sweden Sept. 9, 1958 19 Claims. (Ci. 234-115) This invention relates to a controllable force transmitting means and, more particularly, to a new yand improved punching means.

In the construction of many types of machines, such as data handling equipment, it is necessary to provide small assemblies `for controlling the selective transfer of operating forces. Since each machine can require a large number of these assemblies, it is desirable for the force transmitting units to be -both small in size and easily and economically constructed. As an example, in apparatus used in data handling systems, it is common to provide a punching or perforating assembly comprising die means and a plurality of punch elements that are movable relative to each other. In these assemblies, the effectiveness of the punch element to punch a card or tape is controlled by an interposer assembly which, in some arrangements, blocks movement of the punch element relative to the die means and, in other arrangements, couples the punch element to an actuating means therefor.

Y Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved controllable force coupling assembly.

Another object is to provide a force coupling device using the relative polarities of spaced magnetic elements to control the effectiveness of the coupling device.

A further object is to provide -a Iforce coupling means including a pair of spaced magnetic elements which are alternately moved out of or held in an aligned force transmitting relationship by controlling their relative magnetic polarities.

A further object is to provide new and improved punching means.

A still further object is to provide a punch element assembly whose effectiveness is controlled by the relative magnetic polarities of `a pair of magnetic elements in the assembly.

A further object is to provide a punching apparatus in which punching instructions are stored in the apparatus by the selective magnetization of an element of a structure 'for transmitting force to a punch element.

Another object is t-o provide a punching apparatus including a plurality of plural part punch means that are selectively actuated under the control of magnetic patterns established in the component parts of the punch means.

In accordance lwith these and many other objects, an embodiment of the present invention comprises first and second force transmitting means including a pair of axially aligned and relatively movable sleeves. One of the sleeves movably supports a first 4magnetic element, and the other of the sleeves supports a second magnetic element which is spaced from and axially aligned with the first magnetic element. To control the effectiveness of the force transmitting or coupling device, control means are provided for controlling the relative polarities of the adjacent ends of the rst and second magnetic elements. lf the force coupling device is to be rendered effective, the adjacent ends of the first and second magnetic elements are provided with opposite magnetic polarities, and these end portions are provided with like magnetic polarities if the force coupling device is to be rendered ineffective.

When the first and second lforce transmitting means are moved toward each other and opposite magnetic polarities 3,059,844 Patented Oct. 23, 1962 are induced in the first and second magnetic element, the adjacent ends of the first and second magnetic elements are heldin alignment so that these two elements move into engagement 'with each other and transmit force between the first and second force transmitting means. Alternatively, if like polarities are induced in the adjacent ends of the magnetic elements during movement of the force transmitting means towards each other, the first movably mounted magnetic element is deflected out of alignment with the second magnetic element, and these two elements do not move into mating engagement to provide means for -coupling force between the first and second force transmitting means. Thus, the relative polarities of the first and second magnetic elements in the force coupling device determine the effectiveness thereof.

In order to provide means for controlling these relative polarities, the first and second magnetic elements can be formed of soft iron, for instance, and coaxially extending windings can be disposed on the first and second sleeves adjacent the first and second magnetic elements. Thus, by the selective energization of the two coils, the relative polarities of the first and second magnetic elements can be controlled. Alternatively, it is possible to form either of the first or second magnetic elements of a permanent magnet and to provide only a single operating winding for the other of `these two elements. In another embodiment, the first and second magnetic elements are of permanent magnetic material and an operating winding is provided for either one of the first and second elements for changing the residual field of the permanent magnet. In this arrangement, the force coupling unit effectively stores or remembers the previous signal or instruction so that, during repeated cycles of operation, the coupling unit remains effective or ineffective in accordance with the previously supplied instruction.

In a punching apparatus embodying the present invention, either the first or second sleeve is secured to a punch element having a `free end which is disposed adjacent a cooperating die means. When a punching operation is to be performed, the control 4means establishes the desired relative polarities -between the first and second magnetic elements so that the movement of the punch elements relative to the die means is controlled in accordance with the engaged or displaced positions of the first and second magnetic elements. When the magnetic elements are both formed of permanent magnetic material; it is possible to store a punching instruction in a plurality of punch element assemblies and to cause the stored item of information to be repetitively recorded until such time as a second instruction, which alters the pattern of magnetism in the first and second magnetic elements, is received.

Many other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered' in conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIG. l is a sectional View of a force coupling unit embodying the present invention which is shown in normal position;

FIG. 2 illustrates the unit shown in FIG. l in an ineffective condition;

FIG. 3 illustrates the unit shown in FIG. 1 in an effective condition;

FIG. 4 is a sectional View of a second embodiment of a force coupling unit shown in normal position;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the unit in FIG. 4 in an effective condition;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating the unit in FIG. 4 in an ineffective condition;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view in partial section illustrating a punching apparatus embodying the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an elevational view in partial section illus-l aosaeta trating a second punching apparatus embodying the invention;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of another punching apparatus embodying the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of another punching apparatus or assembly embodying the present invention.

Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings, therein is shown an improved force coupling device, indicated generally as 2d, which embodies the present invention. The device or unit comprises a pair of

sleeves

22 and 24 lforming a pair of force transmitting members. The upper end of the sleeve 22 is secured to a shouldered force applying element, such as a punching element 26. The lower end of the sleeve 22 is slidably connected to a reduced diameter portion 24a on the lower sleeve 24.

To provide means for controlling the effectiveness of the force coupling unit 20, a pair of

magnetic elements

28 and 30 are provided. The magnetic element 2d is movably mounted on the sleeve 22 by an enlarged head portion 28a which rests on the upper Surface of an annular ilange 22a defining a centrally disposed opening 32 through which the shank portion of the magnetic element 28 extends. The lower end of the magnetic element 28 is formed with a tapered portion 23]?. The magnetic element 30 is mounted within the opening in the sleeve 24 and is secured thereto lby an element 34 which closes the lower end ot the sleeve 24. The upper end of the magnetic element 30 is provided' with a tapered and recessed portion 36a which is adapted to receive the tapered end 28h of the magnetic element 28. The

elements

28 and 30 are so mounted in the

sleeves

22 and 24 as to be axially aligned with and normally spaced from each other.

The effectiveness of the force coupling unit 2t) is controlled by controlling the relative polarities of the adjacent ends of the

magnetic elements

28 and 30. It the polarities of the adjacent ends of the elements 2S and 30 are the same, the element 28 is deliected to the position shown in FIG. 2 when the

sleeves

22 and 24 are moved toward each other and the coupling unit 20 is ineffective. Alternatively, if the polarities of the adjacent ends of the

elements

28 and 30 are opposite, these elements are moved to the engaged position illustrated in FIG. 3 in which the

sleeves

22 and 24 are in a force coupling relation. To provide one means for controlling the relative polarities of the magnetic elements 28 and 3d, a coil 36 is mounted within the sleeve 22 encircling the shank portion of the magnetic element 23. If the element 28 is formed of soft iron, for instance, the lower` end thereof can 'be lbiased to assume any polarity 'by energizing the coil 36 with a signal of proper polarity. Similarly, if the magnetic element 30' is also formed of soft iron, for instance, a coil or winding 38 that is mounted within the sleeve 24 can be energized by signals of suitable polarity to cause the upper end of the element 30 to assume either polarity.

`In operation and when the coupling unit 20 is to -be rendered inelective to transmit forces, suitable energizing signals are applied to the

coils

36 and 38 so that the lower end of the element 28 and the upper end of the element 30 assume like magnetic polarities. Relative inwardly directed movement between the

sleeves

22 and 24 is then provided by moving one or both of these sleeves. The like magnetic polarities of the adjacent portions of the

elements

28 and 30 displace the element 28 by pivoting the enlarged head portion 28a thereof on the upper surface of the liange 22a so that the element 28 is displaced to the position shown in FIG. 2 and passes by the recessed upper portion 30a of the element 30 during the relative movement. Thus, the

Sleeves

22 and 24 are not interconnected through the

elements

28 and 30, and the force coupling unit 20 is ineffective.

Alternatively, if the force coupling unit 20y is to be rendered eiective to transmit forces between the

sleeves

22 and 24, suitable energizing signals are supplied to the

coils

36 and 38 so that the lower end of the element 28 and the upper end or" the element 30 have opposite magnetic polarities. The sleeves 22 and 2d are moved inwardly relative to each other so that the magnetic eld between the lower end of the element 28 and the upper end of the element 30 holds these elements in alignment and causes the tapered lower end portion 231i of the element 28 to be received within the recessed portion Zilla of the member 3U. During continuing movement of the

sleeves

22 and 24, the enlarged head portion 2da of the member 2S is lifted from engagement with the tlange 22a and engages a tapered lower end portion 26a of the punch element 26. This tapered lower end portion 26a serves to deflect the member 28 to the position shown in FIG. 2 unless the lower end thereof is properly positioned within the recessed portion 30a of the member 3i). Thus, during continuing movement, the

sleeves

22 and 24 are positively coupled in a force transmitting relationship through the

elements

30 and 28. The

sleeves

22 and 24 are restored to the normal position illustrated in FIG. l at the end of the power transmitting stroke. When the energization of the coils 36 and 2S is removed, the elements 2S and 30 restore to their previous condition if these elements are formed of a soft iron that has a low magnetic retention characteristic.

Since the operability of the force coupling unit 20 is determined by the relative polarities of the adjacent ends of the magnetic elements 2d and 3i?, a number of different means can be provided for controlling this factor. In a second embodiment of the invention, one or the other of the elements 28 and 3d is formed of permanent magnetic material, and only the other of these two elements is provided with an energizing coil, such as the coils 36 and 33. As an example, if the element 28 is formed as a perma-nent magnet, the coil or winding 36 is removed and only the magnetic element 30 is provided with the winding 33. Thus, by energizing ythe winding 38, the upper end of the magnetic element 30 can be made to assume a polarity that is either the same as or opposite to the polarity of the lower end of the permanent magnetic element 23. Similarly, the element 30 can be formed of permanent magnetic material so that only the coil 36 for controlling the polarity of the lower .end of the magnetic element 28 is required.

in a third embodiment of the coupling unit 20` that is particularly useful in storing operating instructions in the unit 2t), both of the

elements

28 and 30 are formed of permanent magnetic material and a selected one of the coils 36 and 3S is provided. Assuming that the elements 23 and 3@ are formed of permanent magnetic material and that the coil 38 is removed, the coil 36 can be momentarily energized by a signal of a selected polarity so that the residual field in the permanent m-agnetic element -28 biases its lower end to assume either polarity. This magnetic polarity remains until such time as the coil 36 is next energized. `In the interval between subsequent energizations of the coil 36, the coupling unit 20 remains conditioned for being rendered either eiective or ineffective in accordance with the relative polarities of the adjacent ends of the elements ZS and 30. Thus, the coupling unit 20 effectively stores the preceding instruction supplied thereto in the form of the magnetic pattern established in the

elements

28 and 30. It is also possible to form both of the elements 2S and 30 of a permanent magnetic material and to retain only the coil 38. In this modiiication, the coupling nnit 2t) operates in the same manner as described above except that the residual magnetism of the element 30 rather than that of the element 28 is controlled.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 6 of the drawings, therein is shown a force coupling unit 42 which is fundamentally the same as the unit 2t) except that the force transmitting means including the sleeve 24 and the magnetic element 36 is replaced by a magnetic element or plunger 44 th-at is slidably mounted within the lower end of the sleeve 22. The magnetic element 44 serves the functions of both the sleeve 24 and the magnetic element 30. The upper end of the magnetic element 44, which includes a first stepped portion 46 and a second stepped portion 48, is bi-ased to provide a particular magnetic polarity either by the provision of a coil corresponding to the winding 38 and/or by forming the element 44 of permanent magnetic material. A nonmagnetic element 50, carried on the upper end of the member 44, serves to space the lower end of the element 28 from the upper end of the element 44 in the normal position of the unit 42.

When the sleeve 22 and the element 44 are moved inwardly relative to each other, the lower end of the element 28 engages the shoulder of the stepped portion 48 (FIG. 5) if the lower end of the element 28 and the upper end of the element 44 are of opposite polarities. Thus, force is transmitted directly from the magnetic element 44 through the element 28 to the sleeve 22 and the force applying means secured thereto. Alternatively, if the polarities of the lower end of the element 28 and the upper end of the element 44 are the same, the element 28 is deected into the stepped portion 46 (FIG. 6), and the sleeve 22 is not placed in the force transmitting relationship with the magnetic element 44.

Referring now more specically to FIG. 7 of the drawings, therein is shown a punch assembly 68 which embodies the force coupling unit 20 and which is selectively rendered effective in accordance with the magnetic pattern established in the

elements

28 and 30. The punching apparatus 60 includes a `die means comprising a female die plate 62 having an opening 64 therein that is aligned with the upper end of the punch element 26 carried on the sleeve 22. A workpiece 66, such as a card or tape, is interposed between the lower surface of the die plate 62 and the upper end of the punch element 26.

To adapt the force coupling unit 2t] for use in the punching appara-tus 6i?, the lower end of the element 34 carried on the sleeve 24 is secured -to a supporting frame so that the sleeve 24 is positively secured against movement. The sleeve 22, which is slidably connected to the sleeve 24- is also slidably mounted within an opening 68 in a frame member 70. In the modification shown in FIG. 7, only the magnetic element 30 is provided with the operating coil or Winding 38 and the elements 28 and 30l are formed of permanent magnetic material.

When the opening is to be punched in the workpiece 66, an energizing signal is supplied to the coil 38 so that the upper end of the element 30 lassumes a polarity opposite to that of the lower end of the permanent magnetic element 28. The die plate 62 is then moved downwardly by suitable means (not shown) so that this plate presses the workpiece 66 against the upper end of the punch element 26. This forces the punch element 26 and the sleeve 22 downwardly so that the lower end of the element 28 moves toward the upper end of the element 30; Since the adjacent portions of the

elements

28 and 30 are biased to opposite polarities, the tapered portion 28b of the element 28 enters the recessed portion 30a of the element 30. Continuing downward movement lifts the .element 28 within the sleeve 22 until the enlarged head por-tion 28a thereof engages Ithe lower tapered end 26a of the punch element 26. At this time, downward movement of the punch element 26 and the sleeve 22 is arrested so that the upper end of this element cooperates with the opening 64 in the die plate 62 to punch an opening in the workpiece 66. In the event that the adjacent portions of the elements 28 and 3l) are set to like magnetic polarities, the lower end of the elemen-t 28 passes by the upper end ofthe element 30, and the workpiece 66 is not punched because of the ability of the punch element 26 to move downwardly with the die plate 62. At the completion of the punching operation,

the die plate 62 and the punch element 26 are returned to the position illustrated in FIG. 7 by suitable means (not shown).

Although the relative polarities of the

elements

28 and 36 are shown in FlG. 7 as being controlled by providing the coil 38 and by forming both of the

elements

28 and 30 of permanent magnetic material, the force coupling structure embodied in the punch apparatus 68 can-obviously be of any of the types described above.

FIG. 8 of the drawings illustrates a punching apparatus 72 that is generally the same as the punching apparatus 68. In the punching assembly 72, the die plate 62 is secured in a Xed position and the sleeve 22 of the force coupling unit is again slidably mou-nted within the opening 68 in the frame supporting structure 782. However, the sleeve 24, rather than being rigidly secured to a xed supporting frame, is secured to a reciprocable frame element 74. When the punching apparatus 72 is to be operated, the relative polarities of the

elements

28 and 30 are controlled by the application of a signal to the coil 38 and the iframe structure 74 is moved upwardly. lf the polarities of the adjacent portions of the elements 28 and 3@ are similar, the lower end of the element 28 passes by the upper end or" the element 38 and the punch element 26 is not actuated. Alternatively, if the ad jacent portions of the

elements

28 and 38 have opposite polarities, the upper end of the element 30 moves upwardly into engagement with the lower end of the element 28, and the head portion 28a is subsequently moved into engagement with the tapered lower portion 26a of the punch element 26. This causes the punch element 26 and the sleeve 22 to slide upwardly Within the opening 68 so that the workpiece 66 is punched. The frame element 74 then moves downwardly to the position illustrated in FIG. 8 to restore the punching apparatus 72 to its normal condition. Although the punching apparatus 72 is shown as including a force coupling unit in which the

elements

28 and 38 are formed of permanent magnetic material and only the single coil 33 is provided, this yforce coupling unit can take the -form of any of the embodiments or modifications described above.

FIG. 9 of the drawings illustrates an additional punching apparatus 80 which is similar to the

punching assemblies

68 and 72 and which embodies a force coupling unit similar to the unit 20. In general, the punching apparatus includes a fixed frame member 82 having an upper opening 84 in which is slidably mounted the sleeve 22 on which the magnetic element 28 and the punch element 26 are carried. A llower portion of the frame 82 defines an opening 86 which is axially aligned with the opening or bore 84 and in which is disposed a coil 88. The portions of the frame 82 adjacent the upper and lower ends of the opening 86 are provided with two reduced

diameter openings

90 and 92 in which intermediate portions of a magnetic element 94 are slidably mounted. The element 94 corresponds to the element 30 in the `force coupling unit 20. The

magnetic elements

28 and 94 are formed of permanent magnetic material so that-the energization of the coil 88 establishes either like or opposite relative polarities between the upper end of lthe element 94 and `the lower end of the element 28.

When the punching apparatus 80 is placed in operation, the element 94 is moved upwardly by suitable means (-not shown) so that the element 28 is deflected out of alignment therewith if the adjacent portions of the

elements

28 and 94 are of like polarities. If the adjacent portions of these elements are biased to opposite polarities, the upper end of the element 94 engages the lower end of the element 28 and these two elements move upwardly so that the head portion 28a of the element 28 engages the tapered lower portion 26a of the punch element 26. Thereafter, the sleeve 22 and the punch element 26 move upwardly to punch an opening in the workpiece 66 which is interposed between the upper accessi 7 end of the punch element 26 and the lower surface of the fixed `die plate `62. At the completion of the punching operation, 'the apparatus 80 is restored to the norma-l position illustrated in FIG. 9. The relative polarities of the

elements

28 and 94 can be controlled by any of the means described above.

FIG. l of the drawings illustrates a typical punching assembly, indicated generally as 100, in which the punching means described above are useful. The punching assembly 100 includes a plurality of similar punch element units 102 which, for instance, can comprise the units `60 shown in FIG. 7. The lower ends of the units 102, which are arranged transversely of a record medium 104, such as a card or tape, are fixedly secured to a supporting structure so that the punch elements 26 at the upper ends thereof are disposed beneath the lower surface of the workpiece 104. A die plate 106 having a plurality of apertures S therein aligned with the punch elements 26 is disposed above the workpiece 104.

To provide means `for selectively energizing the coils or windings 38 in the punch units 102 so that the punch elements 26 are selectively rendered effective and ineffective to perforate the workpiece 104, a control circuit 110 is provided, the output of which is connected to the coils 38 in the punch units 102 by a cable 112. The control circuit 110, which can include any of the many well known circuits for supplying suitably shaped signals of proper polarity, is provided with a pair of signal inputs. One of these inputs is connected to a sensing head 114 that senses and reproduces information recorded on a record medium 116. The other input of the control circuit 110 is connected to a keyboard assembly 110. When the record medium 116 is moved relative to the sensing head 114, parallel or sequential signals representing the data stored on the record medium 116 are reproduced and supplied through the circuit 110 and the cable `112 to the windings 38 in the punch units 102. These signals selectively magnetize the elements 30' in the units -102 in accordance with whether the related unit 102 is to perform a punching operation. Thus, the punch units 102 are selectively rendered effective and ineffective in accordance with the pattern of magnetization established in the permanent magnetic members 30. Similarly, if the information to be recorded on the workpiece 104 is to be manually entered, the keyboard assembly 118 is actuated to supply signals over the circuit 110 and the cable 112 to the windings 30 in the punch units 102. Although the units 102 in the system, illus* trated in FIG. l0 are similar to the unit 60 shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings lin which the

elements

20 and 30 are formed of permanent magnetic material so as to be capable of storing received information, it is obvious that the units 102 can be of any of the other types described above.

The die plate 106 is connected to a cam follower rod 120 by a pair of supporting

elements

122 and 124, and the cam follower rod 120 is biased into engagement with a pair of

cams

126 and 128 by a pair of compression springs 130 and 132 interposed between the `frame and the plate 106. The

cams

126 and 128 are secured to a shaft 134 which extends to a drive means 136. When a start signal is received from the control circuit 110, the drive means 136 is placed in operation so that the shaft 134 is rotated through a single cycle of revolution. During this cycle of rotation, the cam follower rod 120 and the die plate 106 are moved downwardly towards the plurality of punch units 102. During this downward movement, the punch units 102 selectively block or permit movement of the punch elements 26 in the manner set forth above in the description of the operation of the unit 60 so that the information stored in the punch units 102 is recorded in the workpiece 104. A drive roller or sprocket 138, which is connected to the drive means 136 by a shaft 140, advances the workpiece 104 relative to the punch units 102 incident to each cycle of punching operation.

If the same information previously stored in the punch units 102 is to be repetitively recorded in the workpiece 104, it is not necessary to repetitively enter the desired information inasmuch as the previously entered signals remain stored in the selective magnetization of the permanent magnetic elements 30. Thus, continuing operation of the drive means 136 causes the previously entered items `of information to be recorded until such time as the next punching instruction or control signal is supplied from the circuit 110.

Although the above invention has been described with reference to a number of embodiments thereof, it is obvious that those skilled in the art can make many modifications and embodiments which will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this inventtion.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

l. A mechanical signal storage unit comprising a pair of magnetically susceptible elements, a first one of said elements being magnetized so that a first portion thereof has a. given polarity, Winding means disposed adjacent a second one of said elements, a signal source connected to said Winding means for magnetizing said second element so that a first portion thereof assumes a polarity that is the same as or opposite to the polarity of said first portion of said first element, and means for producing relative movement between said first and second elements toward and away from each other so that said first por tions selectively are moved into and out of engagement with each other in accordance with their previously established relative polarities.

2. A force coupling assembly comprising a first force coupling means including a first magnetic element, a second force coupling means including a second defiectable magnetic element, means for moving said first and second force coupling means toward each other so that said first and Second magnetic elements are moved adjacent each other, and means for controlling the polarity of at least one of said first and second magnetic elements so that as said first and second elements are moved toward each other said second element is selectively moved into force coupling engagement with said first magnetic element or deflected out of force coupling engagement with said first magnetic element.

3. A force coupling device comprising a first force transmitting means, a second force transmitting means, means mounting at least one of said first and second force transmitting means for rectilinear movement relative to the other of said force transmitting means, a first magnetic element movably mounted on said first force transmitting means, a second magnetic element mounted on said second force transmitting means adjacent but spaced from said first magnetic element, and control means for controlling the movement of said first magnetic element into and out of the path of said rectilinear movement so that said first and second force transmitting means are freed for relative movement or are connected for the transmission of a component of force in the direction of said rectilinear movement, said control means including means for controlling the relative polarities of said first and second magnetic elements so that the position of said movable first element relative to said second element is controlled by the polarities thereof.

4. The force coupling device set forth in claim 3 in which one of said first and second magnetic elements is a permanent magnet and in which said control means includes a winding disposed adjacent the other of said first and second magnetic elements.

5. The force coupling device set forth in claim 3 in which said control means includes a first winding disposed adjacent said first magnetic element and a second winding Adisposed adjacent said second magnetic element.

6. The force coupling device set forth in claim 3 in which both of said magnetic elements are permanent magnets and in which said control means includes a winding disposed adjacent a selected one of said first and second magnetic elements.

7. A force coupling device comprising a first sleeve, a first magnetic element movably mounted on said first sleeve, a second sleeve slidably connected to said first sleeve, a second magnetic element carried on said second sleeve in axial alignment with said first magnetic element, and control means for controlling the relative polarities f said first and second magnetic elements so that said first magnetic element is held in or moved out of axial alignment with said second magnetic element, said first and second elements being moved into engagement to place said first and second sleeves in a force transmitting relation when said first and second elements are held in axial alignment and said first and second sleeves being maintained out of a force transmitting relationship when said first magnetic element is moved out of axial alignment with said second magnetic element.

8. The force coupling device set forth in claim 7 in which said control means includes a winding carried on said second sleeve surrounding at least a portion of said second magnetic element.

9. The force coupling device set forth in claim 7 in which said first and second magnetic elements include oppositely tapered end portions that are movable into and out of mating engagement when said first and second sleeves are moved relatively to each other.

10. A punch assembly comprising die means, a punch element mounted for movement relative to said die means, a first magnetic element mounted on said punch element, a second magnetic element axially aligned with said first magnetic element, means mounting one of said first and second magnetic elements for deflection relative to the other of said rst and second magnetic elements, and control means for controlling the relative polarities of said first and second magnetic elements to hold said first and second magnetic elements in an aligned or displaced relationship so as to selectively control the movement of said punch element relative to said die means.

1l. The punch assembly set forth in claim 10 in which at least one of said first and second magnetic elements comprises a permanent magnet and in which said control means includes a winding disposed adjacent the other of said first and second magnetic elements for controlling the d'polarity thereof.

l2. A force coupling device comprising first and second force transmitting means; means mounting at least one of said Ifirst and second force transmitting means for movement relative to the other of said force transmitting means, at least one of said force transmitting means including a movable magnetic structure disposed in the path of relative movement between said first and second force transmitting means for engaging the other of said force transmitting means to prevent relative movement between said first and second force transmitting means, the other of said force transmitting means including a magnetic portion adapted to be engaged by said movable magnetic structure; and means for selectively moving said structure into and out of said path of relative movement including means for controlling the relative magnetic polarities of said movable structure and said magnetic portion.

13. A force coupling device comprising first and second force transmitting means; means mounting at least one of said first and second force transmitting means for movement relative to the other of said force transmitting means, at least one of said force transmitting means including a movable structure disposed in the path of relative movement between said first and second force transmitting means for engaging the other of said force transmitting means to prevent relative movement between said first and second force transmitting means; and control means for controlling the movement of said movable structure into 10 and out of said path of movement, said control means including magnetic portions movable with said rst and second force transmitting means into adjacent positions and means for controlling the relative magnetic polarities of said magnetic portions.

14. A force coupling device comprising first and second force transmitting means, means mounting said first and second force transmitting means for substantially rectilinear movement therebetween, a magnetic portion on one of said force transmitting means, a magnetic element on the other of said force transmitting means movable into and out of the path of movement between said first and second force transmitting means for selectively engaging said magnetic portion to arrest rectilinear movement between said rst and second force transmitting means, and means for shifting the position of said magnetic element into and out of alignment with said magnetic portion in the direction of said rectilinear movement including means for controlling the relative magnetic polarities of said magnetic element and said magnetic portion.

l5. A punching apparatus comprising die means, punch means disposed adjacent said die means, said punch means including a punch element and first and second magnetic means, means for moving said first and second magnetic means relative to each other along a generally rectilinear path of movement, and control means for rendering said punch element effective to perform a punching operation in conjunction with said die means including means for controlling the relative magnetic polarities of said first and second magnetic means to move said first and second magnetic means into and out of alignment in said path of rectilinear movement, movement of said first and second magnetic means into alignment in said path of movement arresting relative movement therebetween to render said punch element effective to perform a punching operation.

16. A punching apparatus comprising die means; a plurality of punch means disposed adjacent said die means, each of said punch means including a punch element and rst and second magnetic means; moving means for moving each pair of said first and second magnetic means relative to each other along a generally rectilinear path of movement; and control means for rendering said punch means effective to perform a punching operation in conjunction with said die means, said control means including a source of punching instructions representing data to be recorded by said apparatus, and means controlled by said source for controlling the relative polarities of said pairs of first and second magnetic means to move said first and second magnetic means into and out of alignment in said path of rectilinear movement, movement of said first and second magnetic means into alignment in said path of movement arresting relative movement therebetween to render the related punch element effective to perform a punching operation.

17. The punching apparatus set forth in claim 16 in which said moving means includes means for moving said die means toward said punch means.

18. A punching apparatus comprising die means; a plurality of punch means disposed adjacent said'x die means, each of said punch means including a punch element and first and second magnetic means; means for moving each pair of said first and second magnetic means relative to each other along a generally rectilinear path of movement; and control means for rendering said punch means effective to perform a punching operation in conjunction with said die means, said control means including a source of punching instructions representing data to be recorded by said apparatus, and means controlled by said source for selectively establishing different patterns of retained magnetism in said pairs of first and second magnetic means to move said first and second magnetic means into and out of alignment in said path of rectilinear movement, movement of a pair of said first and second magnetic means into alignment in said path of movement arresting relative movement therebetween 1 "it to render the related punch element etective to perform a punching operation.

19. A punching apparatus comprising die means, punch means disposed adjacent said die means, a pair of elongated magnetic means disposed generally in alignment with each other and with said punch means to control the freedom of movement of said punch means, means for producing axially directed movement of said elongated magnetic means relative to each other, and control means for selectively rendering said punch means effective and ineffective to perform a punching operation in conjunction With said die means, said control means including means References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,646,145 Durston July 2,1, 1953 2,744,578 Mallina May 8, 1956 2,956,740 McGregor Oct. 18, 1960 2,969,434 McGuire Ian, 24, 1961