Apparatus for converting oscillatory motion to reciprocating motion

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Accordingly, the subject invention provides a driving system whereby oscillatory motion can be selectively converted to reciprocating motion as enabled by the selection of individual intermediate members which serve as driving members for driven work elements.
Each of the intermediate driving members comprises a thin flexible (when unrestrained) but not permanently deformable, band-like ribbon member, preferably constructed of steel.
Each of these band-like members is engageable by an oscillatory shaft.
The band-like member extends tangentially from the shaft and must be restrained in track-like structure so that once leaving the shaft, the path of the band is kept straight.
At an end removed from said shaft, the band is secured to a work element which becomes reciprocable upon operation of the apparatus and will carry out any number of desired functions.
While the work element may be used to impact against a work object, uses are not necessary limited to this type of function since the work element may be a knife or other element used for severing a work piece.
The band-like member is driven or guided into engagement with a shaft or oscillatory member and accordingly, the band terminates at its one end in a latching means which is to be driven into engagement with the oscillatory member by solenoid means.
A small electric solenoid is sufficient since very little force is necessary for the selection process, i.
e.
, causing the band-like member to latch with receiving structure of the oscillatory shaft.
Control signals for selective operation of the solenoids may be provided by any of various known readout devices suited to convert information, such as pattern information as recorded on tapes, cards, drums or other medium, into electrical signals.
These are supplied in synchronism with operation of the machine.
A plunger connected to the solenoid may be utilized to effect the latching function and once the solenoid has been actuated the band-like member and its work element may continue to reciprocate until the solenoid is de-energized