Machine operation detection apparatus

Claim 2

In a forming apparatus having a plurality of forming means for cyclically forming individual parts and automatically discharging of said parts along a predetermined path from the forming means, said forming means being simultaneously actuated, a plurality of similar chutes located adjacent to the corresponding forming means and extending therefrom to a common discharge location, a plurality of detection means mounted one each to each of said chutes and generating a beam across the corresponding chute to be positively interrupted by movement of a formed part through the chute, cycle means for each forming means and generating an operational signal per forming cycle of said apparatus, signal processing and combining means activated by said operational signal and responsive to said detection signal to continuously monitor the operation of each forming means on a per cycle basis, said detection means being spaced from the corresponding forming means by different lengths and generating time spaced detection signals as the result of the synchronous simultaneous operation of the plurality of forming means, and said cycle means producing corresponding signals in timed relation to said detection signals.

Claim 3

In a forming apparatus having means for cyclically forming individual parts and automatically discharging of said parts along a predetermined path from the forming apparatus, detection means for establishing an energy beam across said path and interrupted by movement of a formed part along said path to form a detection signal, cycle means generating an operational signal per forming cycle of said apparatus, signal processing and combining means activated by said operational signal and responsive to said detection signal to continuously monitor the operation of the machine on a per cycle basis, said cycle means generates a pair of timed spaced operational signal pulses for each cycle of said apparatus, said detection means generates a pulse for each interruption of the beam, and said processing and combining means includes logic circuit means to respond to the sequence of said pulses and providing a sealed output signal in response to a failure to receive any one of said pulses.

Claim 4

In a forming apparatus having means for cyclically forming individual parts and automatically discharging of said parts along a predetermined path from the forming apparatus, detection means for establishing an energy beam across said path and interrupted by movement of a formed part along said path to form a detection signal, cycle means generating an operational signal per forming cycle of said apparatus, signal processing and combining means activated by said operational signal and responsive to said detection signal to continuously monitor the operation of the machine on a per cycle basis, said cycle means generates a pair of timed spaced operational signal pulses for each cycle of said apparatus, said detection means generates a pulse for each interruption of the beam, and said processing and combining means includes logic circuit means to respond to the sequence of said pulses and providing a sealed output signal in response to a failure to receive any one of said pulses.

Claim 5

In a forming apparatus having means for cyclically forming individual parts and automatically discharging of said parts along a predetermined path from the forming apparatus, detection means for establishing an energy beam across said path and interrupted by movement of a formed part along said path to form a detection signal, cycle means generating an operational signal per forming cycle of said apparatus, signal processing and combining means activated by said operational signal and responsive to said detection signal to continuously monitor the operation of the machine on a per cycle basis, said processing and combining means includes a memory unit having a set input and a reset input, said detection means and said cycle means being connected one each to the set input and reset input to cyclically set and reset the memory unit during each complete cycle, a first logic circuit means connected to the memory unit to produce a signal in accordance with the cycling of the memory unit, and a second logic circuit means having a plurality of inputs including first and second inputs connected respectively to the cycle means, and to the memory unit said second logic circuit having a third input, complementary logic circuit connected to said third input and having an input connected to said cycle means, and a jam fault responsive means connected to the output of the second logic circuit.

Claim 6

In a forming apparatus having means for cyclically forming individual parts and automatically discharging of said parts along a predetermined path from the forming apparatus, detection means for establishing an energy beam across said path and interrupted by movement of a formed part along said path to form a detection signal, cycle means generating an operational signal per forming cycle of said apparatus, signal processing and combining means activated by said operational signal and responsive to said detection signal to continuously monitor the operation of the machine on a per cycle basis, said processing and combining means includes a memory unit having a set input and a reset input, said detection means and said cycle means being connected one each to the set input and reset input to cyclically set and reset the memory unit during each complete cycle, a first logic circuit means connected to the memory unit to produce a signal in accordance with the cycling of the memory unit, and a second logic circuit means having a plurality of inputs including first and second inputs connected respectively to the cycle means, and to the memory unit said second logic circuit having a third input, complementary logic circuit connected to said third input and having an input connected to said cycle means, and a jam fault responsive means connected to the output of the second logic circuit.

Claim 7

In a forming apparatus having means for cyclically forming individual parts and automatically discharging of said parts along a predetermined path from the forming apparatus, detection means for establishing an energy beam across said path and interrupted by movement of a formed part along said path to form a detection signal, cycle means generating an operational signal per forming cycle of said apparatus, signal processing and combining means activated by said operational signal and responsive to said detection signal to continuously monitor the operation of the machine on a per cycle basis, said processing and combining means includes a memory unit having a set input and a reset input, said detection means and said cycle means being connected one each to the set input and reset input to cyclically set and reset the memory unit during each complete cycle, a first logic circuit means connected to the memory unit to produce a signal in accordance with the cycling of the memory unit, and a second logic circuit means having a plurality of inputs including first and second inputs connected respectively to the cycle means, and to the memory unit said second logic circuit having a third input, complementary logic circuit connected to said third input and having an input connected to said cycle means, and a jam fault responsive means connected to the output of the second logic circuit.

Claim 8

In a forming apparatus having means for cyclically forming individual parts and automatically discharging of said parts along a predetermined path from the forming apparatus, detection means for establishing an energy beam across said path and interrupted by movement of a formed part along said path to form a detection signal, cycle means generating an operational signal per forming cycle of said apparatus, signal processing and combining means activated by said operational signal and responsive to said detection signal to continuously monitor the operation of the machine on a per cycle basis, said processing and combining means includes a memory unit having a set input and a reset input, said detection means and said cycle means being connected one each to the set input and reset input to cyclically set and reset the memory unit during each complete cycle, a first logic circuit means connected to the memory unit to produce a signal in accordance with the cycling of the memory unit, and a second logic circuit means having a plurality of inputs including first and second inputs connected respectively to the cycle means, and to the memory unit said second logic circuit having a third input, complementary logic circuit connected to said third input and having an input connected to said cycle means, and a jam fault responsive means connected to the output of the second logic circuit.

Claim 9

The forming apparatus of claim 3 wherein said detection means includes a pulse forming means for establishing a pulse signal for each beam interruption connected to set the memory unit, said cycle means including a pulse forming means having a first pulse output means connected to the second logic circuit, and having a second pulse output means producing a delayed pulse, said second pulse output means being connected to the memory unit and to the complementary logic circuit.

Claim 10

The forming apparatus of claim 3 wherein said second logic circuit is a ''''Sealed AND'''' gate wherein said first and second and third inputs are sealed, said gate having a positive output connected to the jam fault responsive means and a NOT input connected to a stop control.

Claim 11

The forming apparatus of claim 3 wherein said fault responsive means includes an indicating means and a stop control means, said second logic circuit is a ''''Sealed AND'''' logic gate wherein said first, second and third inputs are sealed, said gate having a positive output connected to the indicating means and the NOT output connected to the stop control means.

Claim 12

In a forming apparatus having a plurality of forming means for cyclically forming individual parts and automatically discharging of said parts along a predetermined path from the forming means, said forming means being simultaneously actuated, a plurality of similar chutes located adjacent to the corresponding forming means and extending therefrom to a common discharge location, a plurality of detection means mounted on each to each of said chutes and generating a beam across the corresponding chute to be positively interrupteD by movement of a formed part through the chute, cycle means for each forming means and generating an operational signal per forming cycle of said apparatus, signal processing and combining means activated by said opertional signal and responsive to said detection signal to continuously monitor the operation of each forming means on a per cycle basis, a common support plate secured in spaced relation to said forming units, a chute mounting bracket secured to each of said chutes and forming a common mounting for all of said chutes, said plurality of detection means including a beam source and a separate beam receiver, a first cover including a plate member having one of said sources and receives of all of said detection means secured thereto and spaced in accordance with the spacing of said chutes on said common support bracket, a second channel shaped cover adapted to telescope over said chutes and having end mounting flanges, the second of each of said sources and receivers of all of said detection means being secured to said second cover and spaced in accordance with the detection means carried by the first cover, a mounting plate secured to said apparatus having attachment means, said chute mounting bracket and said first and second detection means covers having means releasably coupled to said attachment means to provide automatic interrelated alignment of the beam sources and receivers with each other and with a corresponding chute.

Claim 13

In a forming apparatus having a plurality of forming means for cyclically forming individual parts and automatically discharging of said parts along a predetermined path from the forming means, said forming means being simultaneously actuated, a plurality of similar chutes located adjacent to the corresponding forming means and extending therefrom to a common discharge location, a plurality of detection means mounted on each to each of said chutes and generating a beam across the corresponding chute to be positively interrupteD by movement of a formed part through the chute, cycle means for each forming means and generating an operational signal per forming cycle of said apparatus, signal processing and combining means activated by said opertional signal and responsive to said detection signal to continuously monitor the operation of each forming means on a per cycle basis, a common support plate secured in spaced relation to said forming units, a chute mounting bracket secured to each of said chutes and forming a common mounting for all of said chutes, said plurality of detection means including a beam source and a separate beam receiver, a first cover including a plate member having one of said sources and receives of all of said detection means secured thereto and spaced in accordance with the spacing of said chutes on said common support bracket, a second channel shaped cover adapted to telescope over said chutes and having end mounting flanges, the second of each of said sources and receivers of all of said detection means being secured to said second cover and spaced in accordance with the detection means carried by the first cover, a mounting plate secured to said apparatus having attachment means, said chute mounting bracket and said first and second detection means covers having means releasably coupled to said attachment means to provide automatic interrelated alignment of the beam sources and receivers with each other and with a corresponding chute.

Claim 14

The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said chutes are each elongated tubular members having a generally rectangular cross section with the discharge ends located in a generally common plane, the length of said chutes varying, said detection means being located in alignment with each other laterally across the chutes, said forming means being laterally offset with respect to the corresponding detection means, said chutes being of a corresponding different length to locate the entrance end of the chute immediately adjacent the corresponding forming means, and said cycle means producing corresponding signals in timed relation to said detection signals.

Claim 15

The forming apparatus of claim 7 wherein said attachment means includes pins projecting from the mounting plate, said covers and chute mounting bracket having openings spaced in accordance with said pins, and releasable clamping means on the outer ends of the pins to fixedly clamp the covers and bracket to the mounting plate.

Claim 16

The forming apparatus of claim 9, wherein said mounting bracket is a plate-like strip, said first cover is a plate-like element having a width greater than that of said strip, and said second cover is a plate-like element having flat end flanges, said mounting pins having lateral openings adjacent said flanges and said releasable clamping means being pins extending through said mounting pins in abutting relation to said flanges.

Claim 17

In a forming apparatus having a plurality of forming means for cyclically forming individual parts and automatically discharging of said parts along a predetermined path from the forming means, said forming means being simultaneously actuated, a plurality of similar chutes located adjacent to the corresponding forming means and extending therefrom to a common discharge location, a plurality of detection means mounted one each to each of said chutes and generating a beam across the corresponding chute to be positively interrupted by movement of a formed part through the chute, cycle means for each forming means and generating an operational signal per forming cycle of said apparatus, signal processing and combining means activated by said operational signal and responsve to said detection signal to continuously monitor the operation of each forming means on a per cycle basis, said processing and combining means includes a plurality of signal processing channels, one for each of said detection means, each of said channels including a memory unit connected to a corresponding detection means and a separate sequence logic gate, said Cycle means and said detection means being connected to the memory units to cyclically set and reset each memory unit during each complete cycle, said sequence logic gate including first and second inputs connected to corresponding memory units and to the cycle means having a third input, a complementing logic circuit connected to the cycle means and to the third input to establish an interlocking sequence signal such that all inputs are in a common state if the detection means fails to generate a signal, and output signal combining means having a plurality of signal inputs connected one each to each of said channels.

Claim 18

In a forming apparatus having a plurality of forming means for cyclically forming individual parts and automatically discharging of said parts along a predetermined path from the forming means, said forming means being simultaneously actuated, a plurality of similar chutes located adjacent to the corresponding forming means and extending therefrom to a common discharge location, a plurality of detection means mounted one each to each of said chutes and generating a beam across the corresponding chute to be positively interrupted by movement of a formed part through the chute, cycle means for each forming means and generating an operational signal per forming cycle of said apparatus, signal processing and combining means activated by said operational signal and responsve to said detection signal to continuously monitor the operation of each forming means on a per cycle basis, said processing and combining means includes a plurality of signal processing channels, one for each of said detection means, each of said channels including a memory unit connected to a corresponding detection means and a separate sequence logic gate, said Cycle means and said detection means being connected to the memory units to cyclically set and reset each memory unit during each complete cycle, said sequence logic gate including first and second inputs connected to corresponding memory units and to the cycle means having a third input, a complementing logic circuit connected to the cycle means and to the third input to establish an interlocking sequence signal such that all inputs are in a common state if the detection means fails to generate a signal, and output signal combining means having a plurality of signal inputs connected one each to each of said channels.

Claim 19

The forming apparatus of claim 11 including discharge paths of varying length, and said cycle means includes a plurality of different sensors for establishing corresponding signals related to predetermined detection means, said signal processing channels for said predetermined detection means including separate reset and complementing logic circuits connected to the corresponding memory units and sequence logic gate.

Claim 20

The forming apparatus of claim 11 wherein the sequence logic gate is a ''''Sealed AND'''' logic gate, said memory unit having a standard output and a NOT output connected to the sequence logic gate, said cycle means including a pulse unit having a standard output connected to the sequence logic gate and a NOT output, a second pulse unit connected to the NOT output of the first named pulse unit and having an output connected to reset the memory unit and to the complementing logic circuit.

Claim 21

The forming apparatus of claim 13 having a first AND gate with individual inputs connected one each to each of the NOT outputs of the memory units of the channels, a second AND gate connected to the NOT outputs of the ''''Sealed AND'''' logic gates, and a stop control means forming a part of the fault responsive means connected to said first and second AND gates and controlled thereby.

Claim 22

A forming apparatus having a plurality of individual forming means operated to simultaneously shape members from a metal blank and for simultaneously laterally discharging of such members, a plurality of individual chutes one for each forming means, a chute mounting bracket secured to each of said chutes and forming a common mounting for all of said chutes, a plurality of detection means, one for each of said chutes, each of said detection means including a beam source element and a separate beam receiver element, a first cover having one of said elements of all of said assemblies secured thereto and spaced in accordance with the spacing of said chutes on said chute mounting bracket, a second channel shaped cover adapted to telescope over said chutes and having end mounting flanges, the second of each of said elements of all assemblies being secured to said second cover and spaced in accordance with said first elements carried by the first cover, a mounting plate secured to said forming means and having attachment means, said chute mounting bracket and said first and second covers mounted on said plate and having means releasably coupled to said attachment means to provide automatic interrelated alignment of the elements of the detection means with each other and with a corresponding chute.

Claim 23

A forming apparatus having a plurality of individual forming means operated to simultaneously shape members from a metal blank and for simultaneously laterally discharging of such members, a plurality of individual chutes one for each forming means, a chute mounting bracket secured to each of said chutes and forming a common mounting for all of said chutes, a plurality of detection means, one for each of said chutes, each of said detection means including a beam source element and a separate beam receiver element, a first cover having one of said elements of all of said assemblies secured thereto and spaced in accordance with the spacing of said chutes on said chute mounting bracket, a second channel shaped cover adapted to telescope over said chutes and having end mounting flanges, the second of each of said elements of all assemblies being secured to said second cover and spaced in accordance with said first elements carried by the first cover, a mounting plate secured to said forming means and having attachment means, said chute mounting bracket and said first and second covers mounted on said plate and having means releasably coupled to said attachment means to provide automatic interrelated alignment of the elements of the detection means with each other and with a corresponding chute.

Claim 24

The apparatus of claim 15 wherein each said chute is an elongated tubular member having a generally rectangular cross section with the discharge ends located in a generally common plane, said detection beam assemblies being located in alignment with each other laterally across the chutes.

Claim 25

The forming apparatus of claim 15 wherein said attachment means includes releasable connectors at each end of the mounting plate and clamping of the covers and the chute mounting bracket to the mounting plate.

Claim 26

The forming apparatus of claim 15 wherein said attachment means includes pins projecting from the mounting plates, said covers and support bracket having openings spaced in accordance with said pins, and releasable clamping Means on the outer ends of the pins to fixedly clamp the covers and brackets to the mounting plate.