Multiple Part Feed System for Tecumseh Products

Tecumseh Products Company, a well-known manufacturer of small engines for everything from lawnmowers to mini-bikes, has received and approved a multiple part feed and escapement system from Action Feed Systems.
The feed system provided is for plastic ‘keys’ which serve as the engine kill switch for quick shutdown when needed. This system will be used on engines sold under the Tecumseh brand as well as those marketed through Sears under the Craftsman label. Two styles of ‘key’ were fed in a vibratory feeder bowl with minor adjustments in tooling needed for change-over. A quick release part removal chute, typical for multiple part feeders, was integrated into the tooling features. A vibratory hopper with a paddle switch (which monitors bowl part level) was included to provide hours of bulk storage and unassisted operation. The electrical controls included fiber optic sensors for intermittent operation as parts are bagged. Escapement of two ‘keys’ at a time, 15 cycles per minute, will be integrated into an automatic bagging system for shipment with newly manufactured engines.	Multiple Part Feed System
By taking advantage of Action Feed Systems capabilities, companies like Tecumseh have weathered the general softening of the manufacturing economy. Wisely, they have used some of the time and resources typically focused on production to improve both the efficiency and overall quality of their manufacturing environment.