Abstract: A hose clamp installation tool and a method for installing a hose assembly. A first rod engages the clamp and releases the clamp from an open position to a closed position. A sensor indicates release of the clamp.

Abstract: A hose clamp installation tool and a method for installing a hose assembly. The hose clamp installation tool includes a hook that engages a clamp. A first rod engages the clamp and releases the clamp from an open position to a closed position. A sensor indicates release of the clamp.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle body can be sanded with a robotic sanding (polishing) disk that is carried on a robotic head, such that the sanding disk has a relatively constant unit pressure on the vehicle surface as the head moves the sanding disk along the vehicle surface. An automatic supply mechanism can be employed to periodically remove a worn sanding disk from the head, and replace the worn sanding disk with a new sanding disk.

Abstract: The protruding edge of a plastic sheet in a laminated safety glass panel can be removed, or trimmed, by moving the panel edgewise over a rotating grinding wheel, such that fragments generated by the wheel are directed away from the feed path of the panel. The grinding wheel is resiliently supported by an air cylinder that maintains a desired contact pressure between the edge surface of the wheel and the protruding edge of the plastic sheet.

Abstract: Typically, paint film thickness is measured at a plurality of locations on a vehicle body by a hand-held sensor which is positioned by an operator at a position normal to the respective locations being sensed. This operation may be inaccurate and time-consuming because substantial reliance is placed upon the operator. The invention provides an apparatus for positioning a plurality of sensors in contact with a plurality of locations, respectively, on a non-planar surface such that each sensor is positioned normal to the non-planar surface at the respective location on the surface. The apparatus includes a movable fixture and a plurality of pistons carried by the movable fixture. Each of the pistons is movable independently with respect to the fixture. Each piston includes a distal end, and a sensor is pivotally mounted to each distal end.