US3875810A

US3875810A - Mechanism for intermittently controlling operation of a machine

Info

Publication number: US3875810A
Authority: US
Inventors: Elpidifor Paramonoff
Original assignee: Standun Inc
Current assignee: Sequa Corp; Standun Inc
Priority date: 1973-07-05
Filing date: 1973-07-05
Publication date: 1975-04-08
Anticipated expiration: 1992-04-08
Also published as: FR2236225A1; IT1014474B; NL7408242A; FR2236225B1; GB1476372A; DE2429617A1; CA1008319A; AU466283B2; SE7408821L; AU6942674A; JPS5036881A; DE2429617C3; CH577707A5; DE2429617B2

Abstract

A machine has an actuating member constantly exactly moved on a repeat cycle coincident with the machine operating cycle. A switching device is positioned movable by predetermined signal means from a retracted position not contacting nor influenced by the actuating member and an extended position contacting and moving under control of the actuating member. Thereby, for instance, the switching device in the extended position as controlled by the actuating member may stop operation of the machine at a particular phase of the machine operating cycle and despite the time of the signal means, yet the switching device may be retained out of contact with the actuating member during normal machine operation.

Description

United States Patent n91 Paramonoff 1 1 MECHANISM FOR INTERMITTENTLY CONTROLLING OPERATION OF A MACHINE [75] Inventor: Elpidifor Paramonol'f. Los Angeles,

Calif [73] Assignee: Standun, lnc., Compton. Calif.

[22] Filed: July 5, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 376,555

[451 Apr. 8, 1975 3.222396 12/1965 Thieme et a1 1. 91/382 Primary Examiner-Wesley S. Ratliff, Jr. Attorney. Agent, or Firm-Mahoney, Schick & Cislo 157] ABSTRACT A machine has an actuating member constantly ex actly moved on a repeat cycle coincident with the machine operating cycle. A switching device is positioned movable by predetermined signal means from a retracted position not contacting nor influenced by the actuating member and an extended position contacting and moving under control of the actuating member. Thereby, for instance, the switching device in the extended position as controlled by the actuating member may stop operation of the machine at a particular phase of the machine operating cycle and despite the time of the signal means, yet the switching device may be retained out of contact with the actuating member during normal machine operation.

PATENTED 855 3, 875.810

MECHANISM FOR INTERMITTENTLY CONTROLLING OPERATION OF A MACHINE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a control or switching device for intermittently controlling operation of a machine and more particularly. to such a device which may be maintained free of operational contact or any movement during normal operation of the machine. yet may be repositioned in full operational contact and full exact control by the machine operation through the application of a predetermined initial movement thereof. In this manner. during the normal operation of the machine. the control or switching device is free of operational contact therewith so as to be immovable and not subject to wear and abuse. However, upon the predetermined need for regulation of the operational cycle of the machine by the control or switching device. the same is moved into full contact and control for providing such required regulation on a predetermined cycle basis exactly coordinated with the cycle of the machine operation.

There are many occasions in use and control of modern production machines wherein many control functions are only very occasionally required either during each machine cycle or during a machine cycle following a multiplicity of machine cycles. Equally important. these occasionally required control functions. when required. must be exactly coordinated with the particular machine cycle so as to be accomplished at a predetermined moment or time interval during the machine cycle or cycles. Prior to the present invention. the procedure has been to provide control or switching devices on the machines constantly operable on a predetermined cycling basis coordinated with the machine cycle of operation with the control of switching device being placed in a non-operable condition. despite the coordinated constant movement thereof. until required. at which time the control or switching device is altered to a controlling condition for performing its coordinated control function or functions.

Although. as stated. there are many instances where this occasional. but coordinated control is required. a prime example thereof is operational cycle end stop controls for machines which. except in an extreme emergency. require stopping only during a particular portion of the machine operational cycle. For instance. in metallic can making machinery for forming onepiece metallic can bodies. whether the blanking and initial drawing of shallow metallic cups or the further drawing and wall ironing of the shallow cups to finally form the deep. one-piece. metallic can bodies. a reciprocal ram is used moving from a retracted position through one or more dies and then back to the retracted position during the complete operational cycle of the particular machine. Obviously. if the motion of the reciprocal ram is stopped intermediate the forming of the metal within the dies. die damage and other diffculties can be created. Thus. except in extreme emergencies. it is most desirable to stop the particular machine only when the ram is in fully retracted or nearly fully retracted position free of the dies.

For this purpose. an operational cycle end stop control is provided. The general functioning of such an end stop control is such that regardless of when the same is actuated during a machine operational cycle, the end stop control will only effectively stop the machine during a particular segment of the particular machine operational cycle. in this case. during the short period of time when the ram is in a retracted position free of the dies. Prior to the present invention. therefore. such end stop controls have been constructed constantly moving and carrying through an ineffective operating cycle fully coordinated with the machine operational cycle until required. at which time. the control is activated. continues to move monitoring the machine operational cycle and functions to stop the machine at the appropriate moment of ram retraction.

This has resulted in the fact that the prior operational cycle end stop controls have been required to constantly move throughout each machine operational cycle for relatively long periods of production time even though these end stop controls are rendered ineffective except during the last of that series of machine operational cycles for then stopping operation of the machine. The result is that these prior end stop controls are subject to wear and abuse throughout operation of the particular machine being controlled even though they are only required during a short interval of the overall machine operation. Consequently. expensive replacements and troublesome failures have been incurred and it is the solution of these problems which is solved according to the principles of the present inven tion.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is. therefore. an object of this invention to provide a mechanism for controlling operation of a machine wherein a control device and an actuating member. the major components of the mechanism. are mounted normally free of contact throughout a portion of the machine operational cycling and are only relatively repositioned into a contacting relationship at a time dur ing which it is desired that the control device will be under the regulation of the actuating member to control the machine operation as determined by the movement of the actuating member as exactly coordinated with the cycle of the machine operation. In this manner. the control device may be operably connected to the machine for exerting predetermined regulation of the machine operation at desired intervals but will remain virtually dormant and not subject to moving wear or abuse until such intervals arrive. and at that time. the control device may be brought into operation to provide the desired regulation. Furthermore. the desired regulation ofthe control device despite the fact that the control device has only been at that instant activated may still be exactly and precisely coordinated with the timed cycling of the machine operation through the control device required actuation by the actuating member which necessarily must be continuously con trolled and coordinated with the cycling of the machine.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a mechanism for controlling operation of a machine having the foregoing characteristics which is adaptable for an automatic signal control, whether further automatically generated or manually generated. and without affecting the required perfectly coordinated regulation of the machine. The mechanism may be constructed and arranged so that the relative repositioning of the control device and actuating member from a noncontacting position in which the control device is dormant and a contacting position in which the control device is movably controlled by the actuating member in coordination with the cycle of the machine is through the automatic signal. This thereby adapts the mechanism to initial control for the commencement of its coordinated regulation of the machine to remote control necessarily required for many modern production machine applications.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a mechanism for controlling operation of a machine having the foregoing operational and adaptability characteristics which is further readily adaptable to fluid flow control for, in turn. fluid flow regulating of the operation of the machine, including the adaptability to remote signal control by fluid flow if such remote signal control is desirable. In case of fluid flow control by the control device, the control device may include a reciprocal fluid flow controlling valve secured to a protruding reciprocal plunger terminating outwardly in a cam follower end. The control device may be normally retained in a non-contacting relative position and may be brought into a contacting relative position wherein the cam follower is contacting an actuating member in the form of a cam constantly moving in perfect coordination with the cycling of the machine. The actuating member cam is formed to shift the control device reciprocal valve at the appropriate coordinated interval during the machine cycle so that regardless of the moment of the control device and the actuating member cam assuming their contacting relative position, the control device valve will still be properly regulated on the desired coordinated basis.

If the additional remote signal control is to be incorporated, this likewise may be included as a fluid flow signal merely by the arrangement of the control device and actuating member relative repositioning between the non-contacting and contacting positions on a fluid flow actuated basis, whether originally manually or automatically generated. For instance, a fluid flow signal may be easily applied directly operably connected to the control device and particularly when the control device incorporates the reciprocal fluid flow control valve. The fluid flow signal is merely applied against the reciprocal valve to place the valve connected plunger and cam follower extended toward and the cam follower engaging the actuating means cam in the contact ing relative position. The fluid flow signal may be further used to constantly urge the valve and plunger positioned for the cam follower to properly remain in contact with the actuating member cam at all times during this contacting relative position so that the actuating means cam fully controls at this time the position ofthe valve and shifts the valve according to the predetermined desired regulation of the machine.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification and the accompanying drawings which are for the purpose of illustration only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a fragmentary, top plan view. part in sec tion, illustrating a mechanism for controlling operation ofa machine incorporating the principles ofthe present invention, the mechanism shown having a primary use as an operational cycle end stop control for a machine as hereinbefore discussed;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, vertical sectional view looking in the direction of the arrows 22 in FIG. 1 and with the components of the mechanism positioned in a IlOI'PCOflIZJClIflg relative position;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but with the components positioned in a contacting relative position;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a typical machine control system incorporating the mechanism of FIGS. 1 through 3, the system being in an initial machine starting condition;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 4 but with the system in a machine operating condition;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 4 but with the system in an initial machine stop condition; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 4 but with the system in a final machine stop condition.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST EMBODIMENT CONTEMPLATED Referring to the drawings. in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 is illustrated an embodiment of the basic mechanism for intermittently controlling operation of a machine incorporating the principles of the present invention, in this case, a mechanism being adapted for use as a machine operational cycle end stop controlv In FIGS. 4 through 7, an overall machine operational cycle end stop control is schematically illustrated including the specific embodiment of the mechanism of the present invention therein. In all cases, the various components are formed of usual materials and by usual procedures appropriate for the particular uses described.

Solely referring for the moment to FIGS. 1 through 3 and the embodiment of the basic mechanism. the same includes a control device generally indicated at 10 and actuating means in the form of a constantly rotating cam plate generally indicated at 12. As stated, this illustrated form of the mechanism is adapted for use as a machine operational cycle end stop control wherein the machine being controlled, except in an extreme emergency, must be stopped during a particular segmental phase of its overall operational cycle in order to prevent damage and other problems. The cam plate 12, therefore, is secured constantly rotated through appropriate gearing l4 and drive shafts I6 in predetermined exact coordination with the machine operational cycle rotating one revolution for each such operating cycle as will be hereinafter further explained.

The control device 10 is basically a fluid controlling, preferably air controlling, reciprocal valve formed by a cylindrical casing 18 and a three-part valve member 20. The valve member 20 is secured to and reciprocally moveable with a rod-like plunger 22 which projects through the casing I8 to the right as shown in FIG. 2, terminating in a cam follower or roller 24 adjacent the cam plate 12 and outward of the casing. The plunger 22 extends through the valve member 20 and to the left through a partition 26 thereby isolating the valve member reciprocally movable in a valve chamber 28.

To the left as shown in FIG. 2, the plunger 22 projects into a signal chamber 30 and terminates in a piston 32 reciprocally movable in the signal chamber. A compression spring 34 is mounted within the signal chamber 30 between the partition 26 and the piston 32 so as to normally resiliently urge the piston to the left carrying the valve member 20, plunger 22 and cam follower 24. The valve member 20, plunger 22 and cam follower 24 may be urged to the right by the admission of signal means in the form of fluid, preferably air, under constant pressure into the signal chamber 30 against the piston 32 through a signal fluid port 36 at the left end of the casing 18.

The valve chamber 28 is provided with a fluid inlet port 38 to the left and a fluid outlet port 40 to the right as viewed in FIG. 2. The valve chamber 28 is also provided with an intermediate fluid common port 42 communicating with the fluid inlet port 38 when the valve member 20 is to the left and communicating with the fluid outlet port 40 when the valve member is to the right. The fluid controlled is preferably constant pressure air and all of said ports communicate through the casing 18 into the valve chamber 28.

The cam plate 12 is formed with a continuous peripheral cam surface 44 basically segregated into a high profile part 46 and a low profile part 48.

Further, the cycle of rotation of the cam plate 12 is exactly coordinated with the operational cycle of the particular machine being controlled through the gearing and drive shafts l4 and 16 so that the high profile part 46 of the cam surface 44 is rotatably moving past the cam follower 24 of the control device I0 during that portion of the machine operational cycle during which the machine must not be stopped except for an extreme emergency, and the low profile part 48 is moving past the cam follower during that portion of the machine operational cycle during which the machine may be safely stopped.

In operation of the mechanism, therefore, when the particular machine being controlled is started and is running through its normal operational cycles, the cam plate 12 will be constantly rotating exactly coordinated with the machine operational cycles, but there will be no signal fluid applied through the signal fluid port 36 into the signal chamber 30 so that the spring 34 will urge the valve member 20, plunger 22 and cam follower 24 fully to the left as shown in FIG. 2 so that the cam follower, as shown in full lines in FIG. 2, will be slightly spaced from the cam plate 12 in a noncontacting relative position, that is, relative to the cam plate. In such position of the control device 10, pressurized fluid is directed through the fluid inlet port 38, through the valve member 20 and from the fluid common port 42 for use in maintaining the machine running in its normal operational cycling.

Assuming it is then desired to stop the machine, and assuming that the machine is then in that portion ofits operational cycle during which it should not be immediately stopped as would be the case shown by the cam plate 12 positioning in FIG. 2, signal fluid is applied through the signal fluid port 36 into the signal chamber 30 against the piston 32. This urges the valve member 20, plunger 22 and cam follower 24 to the right until the cam follower contacts the high profile part 46 of the cam plate cam surface 44 as shown in broken lines 'in FIG. 2. The spring 34 is now slightly compressed, but more important, the valve member 20 has only been shifted to the right a short distance while the cam follower 24 has assumed this contacting relative position with the cam plate I2 and fluid continues to be directed through the fluid inlet port 38 and from the fluid common port 42 thereby continuing to maintain the machine running in its normal operational cycle except that the control device is now being regulated by the cam plate 12.

The signal fluid being directed into the signal chamber 30 continues the urging of the cam follower 24 against the cam plate cam surface 44 and as the cam plate I2 continues to rotate coordinated with the machine operational cycle, as the machine operational cycle enters the phase thereof during which the ma chine may be safely stopped, the low profile part 48 of the cam plate cam surface is brought into regulating contact with the cam follower 24. This permits shifting of the cam follower 24, the valve member 20 and plunger 22 to the right from the position shown in FIG. 2 to the position shown in FIG. 3 as urged by the signal fluid in the signal chamber 30 against the piston 32 and by further compression of the spring 34. Such movement of the cam follower 24, valve member 20 and plunger 22 from a first position shown in broken lines in FIG. 2 to a second position shown in FIG. 3 and while in the contacting relative position seals off the direction of fluid into the fluid inlet port 38 and redirects fluid reversely into the fluid common port 42 and from the fluid outlet port 40, thereby permitting that fluid which had been maintaining the machine running to exhaust and stopping the machine.

Once the machine is stopped, the signal fluid through the signal fluid port 36 into the signal chamber 30 is terminated and the spring 34 will then return the control device 10 to the position shown in full lines in FIG. 2. This places the control device 10 ready for restarting the machine and the normal operational cycle running thereof.

Furthermore, it will be noted that if, when the signal fluid is applied to the control device 10 for stopping the machine, the particular phase of the operational cycle of the machine is then being carried out during which it is safe for the machine to be stopped, the cam plate 12 will be positioned with the low profile part 48 of the cam surface 44 exposed toward the cam follower 24. In this case, the signal fluid will then merely urge the valve member 20, plunger 22 and cam follower 24 from the non-contacting relative position through the first position of the contacting relative position and directly into the second position of the contacting relative position. The machine, therefore, will be immediately stopped.

A representative system incorporating the embodiment of the mechanism hereinbefore described for intermittently controlling the operation of a machine of the type described is shown schematically in various control phases in FIGS. 4 through 7. Such system includes a stop valve 50, a start valve 52, a shifting valve 54, a flow direction valve 56, a drive clutch actuator 58 the previously described control device 10 and actuating means in the form of the cam plate 12. The stop valve 50 and the start valve 52 are manually actuated valves between two positions with spring returns to the non-actuated position, while the shifting valve 54 is similar but fluid, in this case air, actuated. The flow direction valve 56 is a two position valve fluid or air actuated in both directions so as to remain in one of its positions once air actuated into that position until air actuated into the other position. The drive clutch actuator 58 is fluid or air actuated into the machine driving clutch engaged position indicated to on" causing the machine to operate and is spring returned to nonactuated position releasing or disengaging the drive clutch indicated as "off" stopping the machine operation.

All of the valve ports during operation of the system indicated as inlet," including the fluid inlet port 38 of the valve chamber 28 in the control device 10 as previously described, have a constant supply of fluid air under pressure applied thereto. including a flow supply of air under pressure when necessary. All of the valve ports indicated exhausf including the fluid outlet port 40 for the valve chamber 28 of the control device 10. freely exhaust fluid or air from the system when such air is directed therethrough. The various air flow lines interconnecting the various valves have direction flow arrows indicated therein for a more complete understanding of the directional air llow in the system during the various operational phases thereof.

Referring to FIG. 4, on the previous termination or stopping of the operational cycle of the machine being controlled. the cam follower 24 was in the position against the low profile part 48 ofthe cam plate cam surface 44 as shown in broken lines in FIG. 4 with the various valves of the system positioned such that upon the applying of air under pressure to the system for restart ing of the machine. air will be directed through the sig nal fluid port 36 into the signal chamber 30 so as to temporarily actuate the valve member ofthe control device 10 placing this valve member 20, plunger member 22 and cam follower 24 in the second position of the contacting relative position. again the broken line position of the cam follower 24 shown in FIG. 4. In starting. with the air under pressure applied to all of thc inlets of the system. the start valve 52 is manually actuated moving it from the broken line to the full line position shown in FIG. 4. This directs air through the lower inlet of the stop valve 50 through the start valve 52. through the shifting valve 54 and to the left end of the flow direction valve 56 moving the flow direction valve to the right. Movement of the flow direction valve to the right into the position shown in FIG. 4. immediately exhausts the air from the signal chamber of the control device 10 moving the control device valve member 20. plunger 22 and cam follower 24 fully to the left into their non contacting relative position. the full line posi tion shown in FIG. 4 for the cam follower 24.

At the same time. the shifting of the Ilow direction valve 56 to the right is permitted by the exhaust of air from the right end thereof through the exhaust of the stop valve 50. More important. air is directed from the left inlet of the flow direction valve 56 through the flow direction valve to the drive clutch actuator 58 shifting this drive clutch actuator to actuated positon and starting the operational cycle of the machine. At the same time that the air is directed to the drive clutch actuator 58. it is directed to the left end of the shifting valve 54 so that this shifting valve is actuated and moved to the right from the position shown in FIG. 4 to the position shown in FIG. 5 exhausting air therethrough from the left end of the flow direction valve 56 but since the stop valve is still positioned for exhaust of air from the right end of this flow direction valve. the flow direction valve remains shifted to the right.

Referring to FIG. 5, the start valve 52 has been released shifting it to connection of its exhaust to the shifting valve 54 but since the shifting valve has been actuated to the right. there is no effect on the system. Furthermore, although the air flow from the lower inlet ofthe stop valve 50 to the start valve 52 has been interrupted at the start valve by it moving to non-actuated position. this was the air to the left end of the flow direction valve 56 and is not needed. again not affecting the system. Finally. with the flow direction valve 56 remaining shifted to the right. air is being continued to be directed to the drive clutch actuator 58 and the shifting valve 54 retaining the shifting valve actuated. no air is applied to the signal chamber 30 of the control device [0 and the air from the tluid inlet port 38 through the alve member 20 of the control dcvic. I0 is blocked at he flow direction valve 56.

Ihus. in the position shown Ill FIG 5 of the system. the machine being controlled remains running carrying out repeated operational cycle At the same time. the control deuce valve member 21). plunger 22 and cam follower 24 remain in their non-contacting relative position free of contact with the cam plate 12 so as to not in any way control the operational cycling of the machine nor being in any position to do so Thus. at this time. the control device 10 is in a dormant position not exerting an) control Referring to Flti. 6. assume that it is desired to stop operatlon of the machine and further assume that at that particular moment. the cam plate 12 which has continued to rotate exactly coordinated with the opera tional cycles of the machine is positioned with the cam surface high profile part 46 exposed toward the control device It) and the cam follow cr 24 thereof although the cam follower is not contacting l'his would mean that the machine \lttlttltl not be stopped immediately at that exact instant in the operational cycle thereof. Despite this. however. the stop vabc 50 can be manually actuated from the broken line position to the full line position shown in FIG. 6 which will llltl\t the valve from the position shown in l*l(i 5 to the position shown in HG 6.

Upon the stop valve 5" assuming the actuated position shown in FIG. 6. air is directed from the stop valve inlet to the right end of the flow direction valve 56 shifting this flow direction valve to the left into the position shown in Fl(i'. 6 as permitted by the continued exhaust from the left end of this How direction valve through the shifting valve 54. This shifting of the flow direction valve 56 to the left immediately replaces the air from the left inlet thereof to the drive clutch actuator 58 and to the left end of the shifting valve 54 with air from the fluid inlet port 38 through the valve member 20. through the fluid common port 42. all of the control device It) and through this How direction valve 56. Also. this directs air from the right inlet through the How direction vabc 56 and into the signal chamber 30 of the control device 10 shifting the control device valve member 20. plunger 22 and cam follower 24 slightly to the right until the cam follower contacts the cam plate high profile part 46 placing these elements in the contacting relative position.

In view of the fact that the cam follower 24 of the control device 10 in this contacting relative position is against the high profile part 46 of the cam plate 12, this slight shifting of the valve member 20 to the right does not affect the flow of air therethrough from the inlet 38 to the drive clutch actuator 58 and the continued operation of the machine is unaffected. At this time. however. with the control 10 now in the contacting relative position guided by the cam plate 12, the control device. although not affecting continuing operation of the machine. is monitoring such operation. In other words. in the first position of the contacting relative position. the control device 10 through the exactly coordinated cam plate 12, is monitoring the machine operational cycle and. in effect, knows that at this particular moment the machine should not be stopped due to the high profile part 46 of the cam plate.

As soon as the momentary shifting of the flow direction valve 56 to the left takes place as described. the stop valve 50 can be released and will automatically shift back to the non-actuated position shown in FIG. 7. This. however. likewise does not affect continued operation of the machine since it merely shifts the right end of the flow direction valve 56 to the exhaust of the stop valve and with the shifting of the flow direction valve. air under pressure here is not needed. The machine will. therefore. continue to run until the cam follower 24 of the control device 10 arrives at the lowest point in the low profile part 48 of the cam plate 12 by continued rotation of this cam plate as shown in PK]. 7. This thereby moves the valve member 20. plunger 22 and cam follower 24 to the second position in their contacting relative position shifting the valve member 20 of the control device 10 to the right as constantly urged by the air under pressure in the signal chamber 30.

As shown in FIG. 7, shifting of the valve member 20 of the control device 10 to the right exhausts air from the drive clutch actuator 58 through the flow direction valve 56. through the fluid common port 42 and from the fluid outlet port 40 or exhaust of the control device 10. Air is also exhausted in the same manner from the left end of the shifting valve 54 permitting it to move back to the left but this only readies it for the next start. More important. exhausting of air from the drive clutch actuator 58 deactivates this actuator placing it in the off position which deactivates the main drive clutch of the machine and stops operation of the machine ready for the next starting thereof.

According to the present invention, therefore. an unique mechanism for intermittently controlling operating of a machine is provided which is adapted for controlling the machine only during certain portions of the operation thereof and during the remaining por tions. the mechanism remains dormant. not subject to wear or abuse. As specifically applied and described herein. the principles of the mechanism of the present invention are applied to a machine operational cycle end stop control. the mechanism uniquely remaining dormant during normal operational cycling of the machine. becoming active when actuated to monitor the machine operational cycling and actually stopping the machine only during a predetermined safe portion of a particular machine operational cycle. Although such illustration is a prime use of the mechanism, it should be kept in mind that the broader principles of the present invention are applicable to many machine controlling functions having similar requirements so that such broader principles should be broadly construed within the limits of the appended claims.

I claim:

I. In a mechanism for intermittently controlling a machine operating in a series of repeated operational cycles. the combination of: a control device. including operating means movable between different positions and operably connected to an operationally cycling machine, for variably controlling said machine in certain of said different positions; actuating means driven in synchronism with said machine for moving said operating means of said control device between said different positions when in contact with said operating means; at least one of said control device and said actuating means being constructed and arranged for varying relative positioning of said operating means of said control device and said actuating means between noncontacting relative positions wherein said operating means remains stationary and is completely free of contact and movement by said actuating means throughout successive complete machine operational cycles and contacting relative positions wherein said operating means is aligned to be contacted by said actuating means and moved between different positions during that and any following machine operational cycles as long as in said contacting relative positions; in dependent signal means operable at any time during a machine cycle for varying said relative positioning of said operating means of said control device and said actuating means from non-contacting relative positions to contacting relative positions said machine. control device and actuating means being coordinated so as to stop operation of the machine at a predetermined phase of the machine cycle.

2. In a mechanism as defined in claim I in which said control device is constructed and arranged for varying relative positioning of said operating means by said signal means between said stationary non-contacting and movable contacting positions.

3. In a mechanism as defined in claim 1 in which said operating means of said control device includes an operating member movable in said control device between said stationary non-contacting and movable contacting positions and between different contacting positions. said operating member extending from said operating means into a path of contact with said actuating means in said movable contacting positions.

4. In a mechanism as defined in claim 1 in which said actuating means includes a cam synchronously driven by said machine; and in which said operating means of said control device includes a cam follower in constant contact with said actuating means cam in said movable contacting relative positions, said cam follower being aligned to be moved by said actuating means cam in said contacting relative positions between said operating means different positions.

5. In a mechanism as defined in claim 1 in which said operating means of said control device includes a plunger reciprocally movable in said control device and projecting therefrom. said operating means plunger being reciprocally movable between a stationary noncontacting retracted position and an extended contacting position and being biased toward non-contacting position. said operating means plunger in said movable contacting position being aligned to be reciprocally movable by said actuating means between different positions; and in which said signal means is operably connected to said control device to control movement of said operating means plunger between said stationary non-contacting and movable contacting positions and to maintain said operating means plunger in said movable contacting relative position movable by said actuating means between said different positions. said sig nal means including pressurized gaseous fluid operably connected into said control device reacting against the bias of said operating means plunger.

6.1n a mechanism as defined in claim 5 in which said operating means of said control device includes a valve connected to and reciprocated by a plunger in said control device with said plunger extending therefrom. said plunger terminating spaced from said control device in a cam follower. said plunger being reciprocal to a retracted position constituting said stationary noncontacting relative position and being reciprocal to an extended position constituting said movable contacting relative position. said valve and plunger in said plunger movable extended position being reciprocally movable between first and second positions. said valve being op erably connected to said machine controlling said machine differently in said first and second positions and the same between said first position and said plunger stationary retracted position, said actuating means including a cam connected constantly driven by said machine, said cam being free of contact by said plunger cam follower in said plunger stationary retracted position. and being in constant contact with said cam follower in said plunger movable extended position for exactly moving said valve between said first and second positions; and in which said signal means includes a pressurized gaseous fluid supply operably connected to said control device actionable against said operating means plunger and valve for moving said plunger and valve between said stationary non-contacting and movable contacting positions and maintaining said plunger cam follower against said actuating means cam in said movable contacting position.

7. In a mechanism as defined in claim 1 in which said operating means of said control device includes a reciprocal valve in said control device secured to a reciprocal plunger within said control device and projecting therefrom means for retaining said valve and plunger in a retracted position during said non-contacting relative positions and means for moving them to an extended position during said movable contacting relative positions said valve and plunger in said movabe contacting relative positions being aligned with said actuating means so as to be movable between different first and second positions, said valve being operably connected to said machine for differently controlling said machine in said valve and plunger first and second posilionsv 8. In a mechanism as defined in claim 1 in which said operating means of said control device in said movable contacting relative position is aligned to be movable by said actuating means between first and second positions. said operating means being operably connected to said machine for monitoring operation of said machine in such manner as not to alter operation of said machine upon movement to said second position, said operating means being adapted to assume either of said first and second positions depending on the particular position of said actuating means.

9. ln a mechanism as defined in claim 1 in which said signal means is operably connected to said control device for moving said operating means of said control device from said stationary non-contacting to said movable contacting relative positions and for constantly maintaining contact between said operating means and said actuating means throughout said movable contacting positions; and in which said operating means of said control device in said movable contacting positions is movable by said actuating means as maintained thereagainst by said signal means between first and second positions, said operating means being operably connected to said machine for monitoring operation of said machine in such manner as not to alter operation of said machine in said first position. and to alter operation of said machine upon movement to said second position, said operating means upon movement to said second position. said operating means upon initiation of said movable contacting position by said signal means being adapted to assume either of said first and second positions depending on the particular position of said actuating means.

It). In a mechanism as defined in claim 1 in which said actuating means includes a cam driven in synchronism with said machine; in which said operating means of said control device and terminating in a cam follower spaced outwardly of said control device; in which said signal means is operably connected to said control device actionable for moving said plunger of said operating means reciprocally from said stationary noncontacting relative positions to said movable contacting relative positions. sand signal means upon move ment of said plunger of said operating means to said movable contacting position constantly maintaining said plunger cam follower against said actuating means cam to follow said cam; in which said actuating means cam includes cam surface means capable of moving said cam follower and plunger of said control device operating means at least between first and second positions; and in which said operating means is operably connected to said machine for monitoring operation of said machine in such manner as not to alter operation of said machine when said plunger is in said first position and to alter operation of said machine upon movement of said plunger to said second position. said plunger upon initiation of said contacting relative positions by said signal means being adapted to assume either of said first and second positions depending on the particular position of said actuating means cam.

11. In a mechanism as defined in claim 1 in which said actuating means includes a cam driven in a synchronism with said machine; in which said operating means of said control device includes a reciprocal plunger extending from said control device and terminating in a cam follower spaced outwardly of said control device; in which said signal means is operably connected to said control device actionable for moving said plunger to said operating means reciprocally from said stationary non-contacting relative positions to said movable contacting relative positions, said signal means upon movement of said plunger of said operating means to said movable contacting positions constantly maintaining said plunger cam follower against said actuating means cam to follow said cam; in which said actuating means cam includes cam surface means capable of moving said cam follower and plunger of said control device operating means at least between first and second positions; and in which said operating means of said control device includes a fluid control ling valve operably connected to said machine and secured to said plunger for reciprocal movement with said plunger between said stationary non-contacting and movable contacting positions and between first and second positons said operating means valve in said stationary non-contacting position and in said first position being adapted to direct fluid therethrough to said machine and to change the flow of fluid therethrougb thereby altering operation of said machine. upon movement of said second position, said operating means valve upon initiation of said movable contacting position by said signal means being adapted to assume either of said first and second positions depending upon the particular position of said actuating means cam.

12. In a mechanism as defined in claim 1 in which said actuating means includes a cam driven in synchronism with said machine. said cam having a first profile part adapted to be contacted by said operating means when said machine is in that portion of its operating cycle during which it cannot be safely stopped, said cam having a second profile part adapted to be contacted by said operating means during that portion of said machine operating cycle during which said machine can be safely stopped; in which said operating means of said control device includes a reciprocal plunger extending from said control device and terminating in a cam follower spaced outwardly of said control device; in which said signal means is operably connected to said control device actionable for applying gaseous fluid to move said plunger of said operating means reciprocally from said stationary non-contacting relative position to said movable contacting relative positions, said signal means gaseous fluid upon movement of said plunger of said operating means to said movable contacting positions constantly urging said plunger cam follower against said actuating means cam to at all times follow said first and second profiles of said cam. said operating means valve in said stationary noncontacting position and in said first position being adapted to direct fluid therethrough to said machine and to change the flow of fluid therethrough, thereby stopping operation of said machine. upon movement of said second position, said operating means valve. upon initiation of said movable contacting positions assum ing either of said first and second positions depending upon the particular position of said actuating means cam and the profile thereof in contact with said operat-

Claims

1. In a mechanism for intermittently controlling a machine operating in a series of repeated operational cycles, the combination of: a control device, including operating means movable between different positions and operably connected to an operationally cycling machine, for variably controlling said machine in certain of said different positions; actuating means driven in synchronism with said machine for moving said operating means of said control device between said different positions when in contact with said operating means; at least one of said control device and said actuating means being constructed and arranged for varying relative positioning of said operating means of said control device and said actuating means between noncontacting relative positions wherein said operating means remains stationary and is completely free of contact and movement by said actuating means throughout successive complete machine operational cycles and contacting relative positions wherein said operating means is aligned to be contacted by said actuating means and moved between different positions during that and any following machine operational cycles as long as in said contacting relative positions; independent signal means operable at any time during a machine cycle for varying said relative positioning of said operating means of said control device and said actuating means from non-contacting relative positions to contacting relative positions said machine, control device and actuating means being coordinated so as to stop operation of the machine at a predetermined phase of the machine cycle.

2. In a mechanism as defined in claim 1 in which said control device is constructed and arranged for varying relative positioning of said operating means by said signal means between said stationary non-contacting and movable contacting positions.

3. In a mechanism as defined in claim 1 in which said operating means of said control device includes an operating member movable in said control device between said stationary non-contacting and movable contacting positions and between different contacting positions, said operating member extending from said operating means into a path of contact with said actuating means in said movable contacting positions.

5. In a mechanism as defined in claim 1 in which said operating means of said control device includes a plunger reciprocally movable in said control device and projecting therefrom, said operating means plunger being reciprocally movable between a stationary non-contacting retracted position and an extended contacting position and being biased toward non-contacting position, said operating means plunger in said movable contacting position being aligned to be reciprocally movable by said actuating means between different positions; and in which said signal means is operably connected to said control device to control movement of said operating means plunger between said stationary non-contacting and movable contacting positions and to maintain said operating means plunger in said movable contacting relative position movable by said actuating means between said different positions, said signal means including pressurized gaseous fluid operably connected into said control device reacting against the bias of said operating means plunger.

6. In a mechanism as defined in claim 5 in which said operating means of said control device includes a valve connected to and reciprocated by a plunger in said control device with said plunger extending therefrom, said plunger terminating spaced from said control device in a cam follower, said plunger being reciprocal to a retracted position constituting said stationary non-contacting relative position and being reciprocal to an extended position constituting said movable contacting relative position, said valve and plunger in said plunger movable extended position being reciprocally movable between first and second positions, said valve being operably connected to said machine controlling said machine differently in said first and second positions and the same between said first position and said plunger stationary retracted position, said actuating means including a cam connected constantly driven by said machine, said cam being free of contact by said plunger cam follower in said plunger stationary retracted position, and being in constant contact with said cam follower in said plunger movable extended position for exactly moving said valve between said first and second positions; and in which said signal means includes a pressurized gaseous fluid supply operably connected to said control device actionable against said operating means plunger and valve for moving said plunger and valve between said stationary non-contacting and movable contacting positions and maintaining said plunger cam follower against said actuating means cam in said movable contacting position.

7. In a mechanism as defined in claim 1 in which said operating means of said control device includes a reciprocal valve in said control device secured to a reciprocal plunger within said control device and projecting therefrom, means for retaining said valve and plunger in a retracted position during said non-contacting relative positions and means for moving them to an extended position during said movable contacting relative positions, said valve and plunger in said movabe contacting relative positions being aligned with said actuating means so as to be movable between different first and second positions, said valve being operably connected to said machine for differently controlling said machine in said valve and plunger first and second positions.

8. In a mechanism as defined in claim 1 in which said operating means of said control device in said movable contacting relative position is aligned to be movable by said actuating means between first and second positions, said operating means being operably connected to said machine for monitoring operation of said machine in such manner as not to alter operation of said machine upon movement to said second position, said operating means being adapted to assume either of said first and second positions depending on the particular position of said actuating means.

9. In a mechanism as defined in claim 1 in which said signal means is operably connected to said control device for moving said operating means of said control device from said stationary non-contacting to said movable contacting relative positions and for constantly maintaining contact between said operating means and said actuating means throughout said movable contacting positions; and in which said operating means of said control device in said movable contacting positions is movable by said actuating means as maintained thereagainst by said signal means between first and second positions, said operating means being operably connected to said machine for monitoring operation of said machine in such manner as not to alter operation of said machine in said first position, and to alter operation of said machine upon movement to said second position, said operating means upon movement to said second position, said operating means upon initiation of said movable contacting position by said signal means being adapted to assume either of said first and second positions depending on the particular position of said actuating means.

10. In a mechanism as defined in claim 1 in which said actuating means includes a cam driven in synchronism with said machine; in which said operating means of said control device and terminating in a cam follower spaced outwardly of said control device; in which said signal means is operably connected to said control device actionable for moving said plunger of said operating means reciprocally from said stationary non-contacting relative positions to said movable contacting relative positions, sand signal means upon movement of said plunger of said operating means to said movable contacting position constantly maintaining said plunger cam follower against said actuating means cam to follow said cam; in which said actuating means cam includes cam surface means capable of moving said cam follower and plunger of said control device operating means at least between first and second positions; and in which said operating means is operably connected to said machine for monitoring operation of said machine in such manner as not to alter operation of said machine when said plunger is in said first position and to alter operation of said machine upon movement of said plunger to said second position, said plunger upon initiation of said contacting relative positions by said signal means being adapted to assume either of said first and second positions depending on the particular position of said actuating means cam.

11. In a mechanism as defined in claim 1 in which said actuating means includes a cam driven in a synchronism with said machine; in which said operating means of said control device includes a reciprocal plunger extending from said control device and terminating in a cam follower spaced outwardly of said control device; in which said signal means is operably connected to said control device actionable for moving said plunger to said operating means reciprocally from said stationary non-contacting relative positions to said movable contacting relative positions, said signal means upon movement of said plunger of said operating means to said movable contacting positions constantly maintaining said plunger cam follower against said actuating means cam to follow said cam; in which said actuating means cam includes cam surface means capable of moving said cam follower and plunger of said control device operating means at least between first and second positions; and in which said operating means of said control device includes a fluid controlling valve operably connected to said machine and secured to said plunger for reciprocal movement with said plunger between said stationary non-contacting and movable contacting positions and between first and second positons, said operating means valve in said stationary non-contacting position and in said first position being adapted to direct fluid therethrough to said machine and to change the flow of fluid therethrough thereby altering operation of said machine, upon movement of said second position, said operating means valve upon initiation of said movable contacting position by said signal means being adapted to assume either of said first and second positions depending upon the particular position of said actuating means cam.

12. In a mechanism as defined in claim 1 in which said actuating means includes a cam driven in synchronism with said machine, said cam having a first profile part adapted to be contacted by said operating means when said machine is in that portion of its operating cycle during which it cannot be safely stopped, said cam having a second profile part adapted to be contacted by said operating means during that portion of said machine operating cycle during which said machine can be safely stopped; in which said operating means of said control device includes a reciprocal plunger extending from said control device and terminating in a cam follower spaced outwardly of said control device; in which said signal means is operably connected to said control device actionable for applying gaseous fluid to move said plunger of said operating means reciprocally from said stationary non-contacting relative position to said movable contacting relative positions, said signal means gaseous fluid upon movement of said plunger of said operating means to said movable contacting positions constantly urging said plunger cam follower against said actuating means cam to at all times follow said first and second profiles of said cam, said operating means valve in said stationary non-contacting position and in said first position being adapted to direct fluid therethrough to said machine and to change the flow of fluid therethrough, thereby stopping operation of said machine, upon movement of said second position, said operating means valve, upon initiation of said movable contacting positions, assuming either of said first and second positions depending upon the particular position of said actuating means cam and the profile thereof in contact with said operating means.