Dual-Levers Soften Drive Reversal

A mechanical device that replaces cams, clutches, and gears, simplifies rolling-ring linear-actuator control in slowing, reversing, and speeding up the motion of a housing mounting an application payload. These drives convert the rotary motion of a smooth, threadless shaft into linear output for applications such as spraying, cutting, packaging, slicing, and slitting.

The Uhing H lever option offered by Amacoil is used in place of electronic controls in nonstop applications. Upon contact with an adjustable stop mounted at the end of a horizontal run, the H-lever moves and slightly pivots the rolling ring assembly within the housing. Pivoting the rings slows linear motion before the reversal lever comes in contact with a shorter end stop to reverse housing travel. The trailing edge of the H-lever then catches a second stop, which prevents the ring assembly from assuming its full reverse pitch position. As the trailing end of the H-lever clears its stop, the ring assembly assumes its full pitch, restoring full linear speed.

The H lever action reduces wear on rolling-ring bearing surfaces and the machine itself caused by abrupt stops and starts when only a reversal lever is used.

Available separately for retrofit or as part of a new Uhing rolling-ring assembly, the H-lever is configurable to meet specific application requirements. Applications include preventing whipping of spray nozzles at the end of a travel cycle and avoiding splashing when moving products through cleaning baths.

Contact:Robert J. Eisele, Amacoil, Inc. Tel (800) 252-2645; Fax (610) 485-2357; [email protected]; http://rbi.ims.ca/3852-500

Terminal block needs no tools, is full current rated

A new contact design allows wiring WAGO's TOPJOB(R)S series of DIN rail terminal blocks without tools. This saves 75 percent of the time needed to connect screw clamps, says Jim Bachle, electrical product manager.

Engineers equipped the blocks with the revised CAGE CLAMP(R)S, which features a new spring clamp shape. The clamp arm is now at an angle roughly 30 degrees to an inserted conductor, rather than perpendicular. This alignment permits the inserted wire to push open the spring and lock around the conductor. All but the finest-strand ferruled wire can be inserted without tools. A screwdriver is used to release the conductors.

The engineers also abandoned "split finger" tension-spring contacts, which held the jumpers in place. For fatigue life, these contacts were made from a copper/spring-steel alloy that couldn't carry a full current load. Instead the new design is a U-shaped spring made of copper alloy to carry a rated current load and still retain the jumper.

Contact:Jim Bachle, WAGO Tel (800) DIN-RAIL; [email protected]http://rbi.ims.ca/3852-501