Abstract: Machine for measuring by coordinates having 1 to n measuring axes comprising a piece support and at least one carriage moving on a measuring axis, a sensing device equipping a carriage, characterized by the fact that each axis comprises a carrying structure (1, 2) and a metrological reference structure (11, 21) associated with position sensors (23, 24, 33), these two structures being connected by a connection member, said sensors determining the position of the reference structure of row n in relation to the reference structure of the measuring axis of row n-1.

Abstract: An automatic unit for distributing and installing rings, particularly composite rings, on engine pistons, and which includes a first device for separating elastic expanders (b 1a) consisting of two pairs of helical ramps (26, 27) and (28, 29) having opposite winding directions driven simultaneously by a ring gear (30), and of an escapement mechanism (32) controlled by a cylinder (34) able to cause the turn portion corresponding to one helical ramp turn to be performed on this ring.

Abstract: Process for assembling bodies, particularly for vehicle production lines, of the type adapted to a plurality of models of vehicles and their variants, in which a perfect geometry of a body at a work station is assured by means of a machine module and a structure module; a complete work cycle incorporates a feeding of a body, a distribution and a presentation of geometry tools, an intervention of robots or operators, and an evacuation of the assembled body.

Abstract: A unit for assembly of an approximately plane, large-sized motor vehicle body element of the type including a plurality of work stations (P1-P6) between which the element is successively transferred by a lengthwise transfer device (12), wherein at each work station the body element is located in a plane (PC) forming a predetermined angle (.alpha.) in relation to the horizontal plane on which the assembly unit rests. The lengthwise transfer device (12) includes a transfer mechanism with drive bars located in a plane (PT) forming a predetermined angle (.alpha.') in relation to the horizontal plane equal to the predetermined angle.