Cam-controlled indexing device

Claim 2

In combination with an indexing device of the type wherein a workpiece is moved through a sequence of positions by a driven rotor having a plurality of cam bearing means fixed at a constant distance from the rotor''s axis, each being equispaced from its neighbor, the improvement which comprises: a. an oscillatable sector cam having a camming surface and pivotably mounted for serial engagement with said cam-bearing means; and b. means for oscillating said sector cam through an angle mounted on said sector cam, each oscillation causing an engaged follower to move in such manner as to index said rotor.

Claim 3

The indexing device of claim 1 wherein the camming surface is a continuous groove and the means for oscillating the sector cam is an air cylinder.

Claim 4

The indexing device of claim 2 wherein the camming groove has at least one dwell point having a means for biasing an engaged cam-bearing means forwardly along the path of said groove.

Claim 5

The indexing device of claim 3 wherein the biasing means is a spring-loaded groove bottom which comprises: a. at least one bearing slidably mounted in the camming groove; b. a tapered section mounted on said bearing and biased downwardly in substantial alignment with said camming groove for engagement with an engaged cam-bearing means moving forwardly through said camming groove, said cam-bearing means urging said tapered section means upwardly for continued free passage through said groove the surface of said tapered section adjacent said dwell point projecting downwardly to prevent said cam-bearing means from retracing its path over said tapered section; and c. a helical spring engaging and encompassing each bearing for biasing said tapered section downwardly.

Claim 6

In combination with an indexing device of the type wherein a workpiece is moved irreversibly through a sequence of positions by a driven rotor having a plurality of cam-bearing means fixed at a constant distance from the rotor''s axis, each being equispaced from its neighbor, the improvement which comprises: a. an oscillatable sector cam having a camming surface and a straight surface, said camming surface having at least one dwell point including a continuous groove for engaging said cam-bearing means, and said straight surface having thereon two lateral grooves for slidable movement of an auxiliary cam laterally across said straight surface and said sector cam being pivotably mounted for serial engagement with said cam-bearing means; b. an oscillatable auxiliary cam having two lateral flanges thereon engaging and complementary with said lateral grooves and said auxiliary cam being pivotably mounted on said sector cam and about the same axis of oscillation as said sector cam; c. two shoulders mounted interiorly of said straight surface and limiting the angle of oscillation of said auxiliary cam on said straight surface; and d. means for oscillating said sector cam and said auxiliary cam about their common axis of oscillation, said oscillating means being mounted on said auxiliary cam.

Claim 7

In combination with an indexing device of the type wherein a workpiece is moved irreversibly through a sequence of positions by a driven rotor having a plurality of cam-bearing means fixed at a constant distance from the rotor''s axis, each being equispaced from its neighbor, the improvement which comprises: a. an oscillatable sector cam having a camming surface and a straight surface, said camming surface having at least one dwell point including a continuous groove for engaging said cam-bearing means, and said straight surface having thereon two lateral grooves for slidable movement of an auxiliary cam laterally across said straight surface and said sector cam being pivotably mounted for serial engagement with said cam-bearing means; b. an oscillatable auxiliary cam having two lateral flanges thereon engaging and complementary with said lateral grooves and said auxiliary cam being pivotably mounted on said sector cam and about the same axis of oscillation as said sector cam; c. two shoulders mounted interiorly of said straight surface and limiting the angle of oscillation of said auxiliary cam on said straight surface; and d. means for oscillating said sector cam and said auxiliary cam about their common axis of oscillation, said oscillating means being mounted on said auxiliary cam.

Claim 8

The indexing device of claim 5 wherein the means for oscillating said auxiliary cam is an air cylinder.