Abstract: An apparatus for fastening a mounting rail includes a retaining element comprising a supporting surface for a contact side of the mounting rail, a gripping extension projecting from the supporting surface which engages behind the retaining edge, a first elongated hole disposed transversely to the mounting rail configured to have a threaded shaft pass therethrough, and bracing slopes. A clamping element comprises a second elongated hole disposed transversely to the mounting rail configured to have the threaded shaft pass therethrough, and mating slopes. Nuts engage the threaded shaft. The retaining element and the clamping element are arranged axially between, and are braced together by, the nuts, so that the clamping element and the mounting rail advance toward each another and the mating slopes slide downward on the bracing slopes. The mounting rail is thereby clamped against the gripping extension by the clamping element and is held down on the supporting surface.

Abstract: A sputtering bracket includes a curved plate body, a plurality of frames, and a plurality of fastening members. The body defines a plurality of through holes and has an inner concave side. The frames are pivotally connected with the curved plate body and received in the respective through holes. Each frame is rotatable relative to the curved plate body such that either one of opposite sides thereof can be exposed at the inner concave side. The fastening members are mounted on the curved plate body body, and are spring-loaded for resilient engagement with the respective frames.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, a suction side, and a pressure side. At least one integrated attachment bore is configured in each of the suction side and pressure side between the leading edge and trailing edge. The attachment bores are structurally configured for receipt of a handling mechanism therein for supporting the blade during a transportation, installation, or maintenance procedure.

Abstract: A rotary device for a cutting tool assembling and disassembling apparatus comprises: an engaging seat with an engaging block, on the engaging block is defined an engaging hole and a threaded hole. A support seat is formed with a receiving cavity and a plurality of positioning grooves around a peripheral edge of the receiving cavity for engaging with the engaging block. The connecting member is inserted through a positioning hole of the support seat and into the engaging hole of the engaging seat, then a fastener is screwed in the threaded hole of the engaging seat to fix the connecting member, so that the engaging seat can be elastically abutted against the support seat, and the engaging block is selectively engaged in and disengaged from the positioning grooves. Therefore, the angle of the engaging seat can be easily adjusted to facilitate assembling and disassembling of cutting tools.

Abstract: An assembly machine for disposable syringe-driven filter, which comprises a rack and an automatic controller arranged on the rack, the automatic controller is electrically connected with a rotating table, a first automatic loading mechanism, an automatic filter disc-sucking mechanism, a second automatic loading mechanism, and an automatic unloading mechanism. By means of the first automatic loading mechanism, the automatic filter disc-sucking mechanism, the second automatic loading mechanism and the automatic unloading mechanism, as well as the automatic controller adapted thereto, the present invention can realize the automatic loading of the upper cover of disposable syringe-driven filter, the automatic placing of filter disc, the automatic loading and assembling of the lower cover of filter and the automatic unloading of the disposable syringe-driven filter, so that the automatic production of the disposable syringe-driven filter can be realized.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus is presented. The manufacturing apparatus comprises a tool support movable along multiple axes; a tool mounted on the tool support for performing a manufacturing operation on a workpiece; and an ancillary device releasably mounted on the tool support and used in conjunction with the tool, the ancillary device moveable along at least a first axis independent of the movement of the tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving a structure. The structure is supported on a carrier. The carrier comprises a platform having a first side and a second side, a movement system associated with the first side and configured to move the platform on a surface, a support system associated with the second side of the platform and configured to support the structure on the platform, and a leveling system configured to substantially maintain the structure in a desired orientation during movement of the platform on the surface. The carrier is moved with the structure over the surface. At least one of the movement system and the support system is adjusted to substantially maintain the structure in the desired orientation.

Abstract: An automated clamping system for securing a work piece to the table of a machine tool. The clamping system automatically retracts away from the work piece as the material manipulating device moves into the area of each clamp. This allows manipulation of the work piece without stopping to move the clamp to a new location so that the clamp does not interfere with the metal manipulating device. A typical embodiment is the use of the system on a milling machine. The clamping system could be used with milling machines (both manual and computer controlled), routers, water jet cutters, laser cutters, flame cutters, and many other types of cutting machines.

Abstract: An insertion/extraction system and method for a compressor casing and a compressor bundle. The system includes a cradle extending from a first axial end of the compressor casing and configured to provide support for the compressor bundle during insertion, and an extension assembly coupled to a first axial end of the compressor bundle and extending therefrom into the compressor casing during insertion of the compressor bundle into the compressor casing, during extraction of the compressor bundle from the compressor casing, or both. The system further includes a support member that engages the extension assembly and the compressor casing to support the first axial end of the compressor bundle via the extension assembly, the support member configured to allow relative movement between the support member and the extension assembly during insertion of the compressor bundle into the compressor casing, extraction of the compressor bundle from the compressor casing, or both.

Abstract: A holding device for holding a stud, which includes a radially projecting flange in a securing position, comprises a collet component including a hollow tubular insertion section defining an insertion axis, and a clamping section operable to exert a radially inwardly directed clamping force for clamping the stud. A securing device is arranged on the insertion section and includes a securing sleeve formed of plurality of separate securing-sleeve sections that are radially movable relative to one another. A clearance space is defined between a bottom end of the securing-sleeve sections and a top end of the clamping section, and the clearance space is operable for holding a flange of a stud in the securing position.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a brush seal assembly is disclosed. The method includes circumferentially arranging bristles about an axis. A plate is arranged adjacent to the bristles. Unwelded ends of the bristles are aligned with a periphery of the plate to provide a flush surface across the plate and bristles. The unwelded ends are laser welded to the periphery at the flush surface to provide a unitary subassembly.

Abstract: A substrate support device including a support member having a lower-surface support section to support a lower surface of a substrate; and a position restriction section provided on the lower-surface support section, the position restriction section being formed to surround a periphery of the substrate supported on the lower-surface support section and restrict a position of the substrate. At least one of the lower-surface support section and the position restriction section includes a base material and a protective film formed to cover the base material and prevent at least one of wear and chemical erosion to which the base material will be subject. The substrate support device further includes, for example, a base that supports the support member, and a driving structure that moves the support member in a relative fashion with respect to the base, and is constructed as a substrate transport device.

Abstract: A method and device are provided to accurately align a machine component of generally circular cross-section within a surrounding machine casing that includes bottom and top halves of the casing. The bottom half and top half, in use, are bolted together at a split line occupying a horizontal plane. The component and the bottom half of the casing include complementary interdigitating members at three circumferentially spaced-apart locations, which include first and second locations at the split line on respective first and second horizontally opposed sides of the component, and a third location at bottom dead center. After lowering the component into the bottom half to engage the interdigitating members at the three locations, jacking apparatus is operated independently at each location to incrementally reposition the component within the bottom half. Shims are then inserted between the interdigitating members at the three locations to maintain the jacked position of the component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a positioning and pressing device, a pressing device and a tool for auxiliary machining of motor train underframe, the positioning and pressing device comprises a crossbeam, two supporting frames, two rotary vertical pressing structures, a lateral positioning structure, a lateral holding structure and two adjustable intermediate supporting structures; the two supporting frames are mounted in sliding manner on two sides of the upper surface of the crossbeam; the two rotary vertical pressing structures are respectively mounted on the tops of the two supporting frames; the lateral positioning structure is mounted on the side of one of the two supporting frames; the lateral holding structure is mounted on the side of the other one of the two supporting frames; and the two adjustable intermediate supporting structures are mounted on the upper surface of the crossbeam and between the two supporting frames.

Abstract: A building and grain bin lifting system utilizing a combination of lifting assemblies for lifting building and grain bin components. The lifting assembly includes a mobile supporting structure, a jack disposed within the mobile supporting structure configured to linearly travel, a mounting bracket attached to the jack, connectably interfacing with a building component, an exclusive power source for providing operating power to the jack, an onboard controller enabling selective raise/lower activation of the jack, and a remote control unit in communication with the controller allowing an operator to operate one or more controls associated with the lifting assembly.

Abstract: A device providing assistance in working of mechanical components, such as pipes, including a flange including parts assembled together such that they can pivot to occupy a closed position in which they are joined to one another. A clamping device can be actuated when the flange is closed. The flange also includes supporting elements used to connect rails to the parts with limited relative movement therebetween. Adjacent end faces of the rails include corresponding surfaces that are shaped to co-operate and establish a connection as the flange moves into the closed position. Each connection: guides the end faces in relation to one another and into a working position in which the rails form a guide track for the tools, and assists in maintaining the position when the clamping device is actuated.

Abstract: A reconfigurable fixture device system, including: a base member; a reconfigurable pad disposed on the base member, wherein the reconfigurable pad comprises a shape memory material configured to selectively conform to a surface contour of a workpiece; an activation device in operative communication with the shape memory material; a controller in operable communication with at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the activation device, and the base member; a plurality of sensors for sensing a parameter associated with at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the base member, the fixture device, and the workpiece, wherein the plurality of sensors is in operable communication with the controller; and an actuator in operable communication with the controller and the at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the base member, the fixture device, and the workpiece.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing that provides for adjustable support of work pieces such as printed circuit boards includes an edge rail system having first and second edge rails, with at least one of the edge rails being adjustable, allowing the width of the system to be adjusted to accommodate various widths of work pieces. It also includes a set of support strips for supporting a lower side of the work pieces and a means for dynamically adjusting spacing of support strips to adjust to the width of the edge rail system.

Abstract: An interior component carrier system for use in assembly of aircraft interior components in an aircraft includes a retaining system with at least one retaining element. A first connection device for connecting the retaining element to a first aircraft interior component and a second connection device are provided on the retaining element. On the retaining element a structural retainer is provided for fastening the retaining element to an aircraft structure. The interior component carrier system includes a hinge connectable to a second and a third aircraft interior component such that the third aircraft interior component is pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the hinge relative to the second aircraft interior component. The second connection device mounted on the retaining element is configured to be connected to the hinge and/or to a region of the second or third aircraft interior component, that is adjacent to the hinge.

Abstract: A bench for the support and manufacturing of parts with complex geometry includes a support base on which one or more mobile units of support/manufacturing move. The mobile units of support/manufacturing can move and relocate independently from other ones on the surface of the support base. The mobile units of support/manufacturing include at least two adhesion feet configured to connect to anchoring elements distributed on the surface of the support base. The anchoring points are distributed on the surface of the support base with a predefined distribution according to a geometry, such that the distance between any anchoring point, and the corresponding anchoring element, from any other said anchoring point, and the corresponding anchoring organ, in the immediate vicinity of the anchoring point and the corresponding anchoring organ, is constant and equal to the radius of a predefined circle.

Abstract: A fixture assembly for retaining a workpiece during a coining process includes a mounting block. The workpiece includes an airfoil portion, a platform, and feet extending from the platform opposite the airfoil portion configured to engage a retention slot in a gas turbine engine, each foot defining a substantially arcuate engagement surface. The mounting block includes a first portion having a slot defined therein between opposite first and second lateral edges and having an exposed front face, first and second retaining structures positioned adjacent to the first and second lateral edges, respectively. Each of the first and second retaining structures overhangs the slot and defines an engagement surface facing the slot, such that during engagement of the workpiece the substantially arcuate engagement surfaces of the feet contact the engagement surfaces of the first and second retaining structures to provide a pivotable engagement.

Abstract: Respective attracting openings of a bonding head are disposed so as to avoid joining regions at which bump electrodes (obverse electrodes) of a semiconductor chip are joined with bump electrodes of a package substrate. Bump electrodes (reverse electrodes) that are connected to the bump electrodes are provided at a reverse side of the semiconductor chip at positions opposing the bump electrodes. Because the attracting openings do not overlap the joining regions, the bump electrodes (reverse electrodes) are not suctioned at the joining regions.

Abstract: An automated device facilitates the assembly a surgical instrument that includes a knife with a high aspect ratio. The automated device includes a fixture for restraining a subassembly of the surgical instrument that includes the knife. A blade grip on the device is movable relative to the fixture, and is configured to urge the knife into a restrained position in the subassembly suitable for the subsequent assembly of an additional instrument component. A grip actuator is provided to move the blade grip.

Abstract: A gripper for a door of a vehicle is provided which may be applied to various types of vehicles. In particular, a gripper for a door of a vehicle as provided may include frames mounted to an end of an arm of a robot, moving units which are disposed on the frames and are configured for reciprocating toward a clamping point of a door panel, angle adjusting units disposed to an end of the moving unit and configured for reciprocating forward and backward with respect to the frame and adjustable according to an angle difference of the door panel, and clamping units which are disposed on each angle adjusting unit and configured for clamping the clamping points of the door panel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing a piston and connecting rod assembly in a cylinder of an engine block includes a frame, an installation rod and a guide defining a channel complementary to the rod. The frame is disposed about an opening at the bottom of the engine block and the guide is positioned on the frame in alignment with a cylinder. The installation rod is coupled to the connecting rod and the rod and the piston and connecting rod assembly are slid into the cylinder. The installation rod is received within the guide channel and maintains the connecting rod perpendicular to the crankshaft and away from the cylinder wall. As the connecting rod moves toward the crankshaft, the guide and rod move the connecting rod into proper alignment and contact with the crankshaft.

Abstract: A barrel support device supports a barrel rotationally about an axis of the barrel with the axis being arranged vertically and an opening of the barrel through which a plunger rod is inserted being directed upward. A chuck of a plunger rod support device holds the plunger rod in a first holding state in which the plunger rod is prevented from rotating about and sliding along its axis and inserts it into the barrel. Then, the chuck enters a second holding state in which the plunger rod is prevented from rotating about its axis but is not prevented from sliding along its axis. A load application device places a load acting downward on the plunger rod, and a rotation application device rotates the barrel in a direction in which the plunger rod is screwed into a gasket in the barrel.

Abstract: An assembly comprises a platform including a first clamping surface, a track proximate to an edge of the first clamping surface, and a clamp mechanism including a second clamping surface. The clamp mechanism is configured to clamp a workpiece between the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface. The clamp mechanism is mounted to the track. The clamp mechanism is positionable at different locations along the track. The assembly may further comprise one or more adjustable spacer blocks mountable to the track to facilitate precisely positioning a workpiece proximate to the track at least two different spacings.

Abstract: A tether for connecting tubes includes two mutually spaced pads, each pad located on an opposite side of a lateral axis and releasably connectable to one of the tubes, an elastic stretchable connector that provides structural continuity between the pads, and handles, each handle located at an opposite axial end of the tether, suited to be gripped manually for the application of tensile force to the tether.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing and installing a gear reducer from an assembly, such as a Fanuc robot, is provided. The apparatus includes a bracket that is attached to a casing of the robot in a vicinity of a position where the gear reducer is to be removed or installed. The bracket provides a sleeve that is disposed so as to be spaced from and aligned with the gear reducer when the bracket is mounted to the casing. A guide bearing is slidably received through the sleeve and has a first end that attaches to the gear reducer via an attachment assembly. The gear reducer can then be removed by pulling the guide bearing away from the robot or installed by pushing the guide bearing toward the robot.

Abstract: A painting tool for painting a vehicle wheel is disclosed. The tool includes a base and a plurality of idler wheels rotatably coupled to the base. The wheels are disposed about the base to rotatably support a workpiece. A motor is coupled to the base and includes a motor output disposed to engage the workpiece and to rotate the workpiece on the plurality of idler wheels about a workpiece axis. A mask is operatively coupled to the base. The mask is movable between an engaged position wherein the mask obscures a portion of the workpiece and a disengaged position wherein the mask is disposed away from the workpiece. A method of painting a vehicle wheel is also disclosed.

Abstract: An alignment component includes first and second members and locating elements. The first member includes at least one surface. The second member includes first and second through holes positioned relative to each other. The second member is affixed with the first member such that first and second pockets are formed. The first and second pockets have a wall corresponding to a wall of the first or second through holes. The first and second pockets have a base corresponding to a surface of the one or more surfaces of the first member. The locating elements include first and second locating elements positioned with an interference fit in the first and second pockets. A wall and a base of the first and second pockets define first and second components of position, respectively, of the first locating element relative to the second locating element.

Abstract: A press-fit device includes a base plate, a jig base and a robot mounted on the base plate, a press-fit unit mounted at a portion of the robot, a supporting plate mounted on the jig base, and a supporting block mounted to a side portion of the connecting frame. The supporting plate and block can support repulsive force that can be generated when the press-fit component is press-fitted to the press-fit object.

Abstract: A belt cutting and splicing apparatus is provided for joining together the ends of one or more monolithic conveyor belts. In one form, a belt support is configured to support the belt ends in spaced relation to each other and a non-contact heating device is provided for being disposed between the belt ends to generate thermal radiation for joining the belt ends together. In another form, a drive mechanism is operable to cause relative movement of a pair of platens, for supporting belt ends, toward and away from each other and a heating device between heating and stowed positions. An actuator of the drive mechanism is movable by an operator between at least three operation positions corresponding to three different operation positions of the platens. An on-board belt cutting mechanism is provided for precision cutting of the belt ends using the same apparatus for both belt cutting and splicing operations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a blank arrangement, with a blank (22) that is to be machined, in particular for the production of dental restoration parts. The blank is connected to a holder (16), which is fixedly connected to the blank (12), and to an adapter (22), which releasably bears the holder (16) and the blank (12), the adapter (22) having an effective surface by means of which the blank unit can be mounted in or on the work holding fixture of a machining device.

Abstract: There is provided a method for assembling a rail vehicle. The method includes positioning a plurality of motor combos on a fixture frame. The fixture frame may be adapted to hold each of the plurality of motor combos positioned for an assembly into a rail vehicle truck. The method further includes positioning a plurality of springs on each of the plurality of motor combos. The plurality of springs are positioned for the assembly into the rail vehicle truck. Additionally, the method includes simultaneously lifting a plurality of motors such that a truck frame may be coupled to the motors. The plurality of motors corresponds to the plurality of motor combos. The method also includes connecting the truck frame to the plurality of motors, attaching a spring compression fixture to the truck frame and the fixture frame, and compressing the plurality of springs for assembly into the rail vehicle truck.

Abstract: A holder (1, 21) for an assembly (2) of a vehicle, in particular a pump, wherein the holder (1, 21) has a receiving region (4) which serves for receiving and holding the assembly (2), characterized in that recesses (5, 25) are provided in the holder (1, 21) for the purpose of connecting a holding means (3, 23) of the vehicle to the holder (1, 21), wherein recesses (5, 25) for more than one holding means (3, 23) are provided, wherein the recesses (5, 25) are arranged in a distributed manner in at least one portion of the holder (1, 21).

Abstract: The invention relates to mounting of a stack of Belleville springs about a shaft. The individual springs of the stack are first positioned over the shaft. A jig is then placed over the shaft and the springs and has at least one axially extending pressure bar that is radially inwardly biased to urge the inner circumferences of all the springs into contact with axially aligned points on the surface of the shaft. The springs are then compressed using a compression element while they are still urged by the pressure bar against the shaft. Finally, to retain the springs on the shaft and maintain the springs in compression, a split retaining clip is pressed onto to the shaft until it engages in a groove.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for frame fabrication includes at least one nail gun (15) adapted to fire nails substantially in a selected plane of the frame (2). The nail gun (15) translates vertically and is configured with a control input device (19) activated by an operator which extends substantially across the width of the frame fabrication apparatus.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting components on a vessel having a boss with an adapter and a method of attaching. In one embodiment, the assembly includes an adjustable frame including a support positioned between a first end and a second end, a fixed clamping device attached to the first end of the frame and including a lower plate and pivotally attached upper plate such that at least one of the lower and upper plates has a shaped jaw formed therein to hold a first adapter. The assembly further includes a rotatable clamping device made up of a lower clamping plate along with a lower plate rotatably attached to the lower clamping plate, and an upper plate pivotally attached to the lower plate. At least one of the lower and upper plates have a jaw formed therein to hold a second adapter.

Abstract: A vehicle base station comprises a platform on which a vehicle may be positioned, a first battery bay located on a first side of the platform, a battery replacement assembly to remove a battery from the vehicle and to replace the battery with a new battery, and a power source adapted to provide power to the vehicle while the vehicle is positioned on the platform.

Abstract: In a method for assembling a dispenser/applicator, a closure/applicator is assembled over an applicator body. The applicator body contains a body of personal care product. A seal is applied over the closure/applicator. A cap is assembled over the closure/applicator. The closure/applicator may be installed with a plurality of pins protruding through apertures in the closure/applicator. The pins may guide an end of an elevator screw into a complementary boss of the closure/applicator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blank arrangement, with a blank (12) that is to be machined, in particular for the production of dental restoration parts. The blank is connected to a holder (16), which is fixedly connected to the blank (12), and to an adapter (22), which releasably bears the holder (16) and the blank (12), the adapter (22) having an effective surface by means of which the blank unit can be mounted in or on the work holding fixture of a machining device.

Abstract: A bench for the support and manufacturing of parts with complex geometry includes a support base on which one or more mobile units of support/manufacturing move. The mobile units of support/manufacturing can move and relocate independently from other ones on the surface of the support base. The mobile units of support/manufacturing include at least two adhesion feet configured to connect to anchoring elements distributed on the surface of the support base. The anchoring points are distributed on the surface of the support base with a predefined distribution according to a geometry, such that the distance between any anchoring point, and the corresponding anchoring element, from any other said anchoring point, and the corresponding anchoring organ, in the immediate vicinity of the anchoring point and the corresponding anchoring organ, is constant and equal to the radius of a predefined circle.

Abstract: A door assembly for protecting structural enclosures with an opening with a frame assembly mounted to and surrounding the opening. The enclosures are typically storm shelters. A door panel is hingedly mounted to the frame assembly along a longitudinal hinge axis. Outer and inner lever assemblies are pivotally mounted to fixed reference axes outside of the frame assembly. Force multipliers provide the torque necessary to move the door panel between two extreme positions. The lever assemblies used to create the pertinent moments of force are telescopic, having the longest dimensions that the space permits. Users can readily open and close the heavy hingedly mounted door assemblies. To further facilitate the smooth opening and closing of the door panel, gas spring assemblies and/or coil springs can be utilized.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a miniaturized device includes a manipulator system including six manipulators operable to position and orient components of the miniaturized device with submicron precision and micron-level accuracy. The manipulator system includes a first plurality of motorized axes, a second plurality of manual axes, and force and torque and sensors. Each of the six manipulators includes at least one translation stage, at least one rotation stage, tooling attached to the at least one translation stage or the at least one rotation stage, and an attachment mechanism disposed at a distal end of the tooling and operable to attach at least a portion of the miniaturized device to the tooling. The apparatus also includes an optical coordinate-measuring machine (OCMM) including a machine-vision system, a laser-based distance-measuring probe, and a touch probe. The apparatus also includes an operator control system coupled to the manipulator system and the OCMM.

Abstract: An installation device for installing a windshield in a vehicle. The device includes a pivot assembly including a pair of suction cups that attach to the door glass of a vehicle door, and a depending member that extends upwardly and forwardly adjacent a windshield opening. A support assembly includes a pair of suction cups that attach to a windshield, and a support rod that is axially and rotatably moveable with respect to the suction cups. The support rod includes an end that pivots on the depending member of the pivot assembly. The device moveably supports the windshield such that a single technician can install the windshield on a vehicle.

Abstract: A pen barrel assembling device includes a base with a first frame and a second frame fixed to the top of two ends of the base. A movable rod extends through the first frame and fixed to the first frame by a first fixing bolt. An end part is connected to the first end of the movable rod and the outer section is positioned in the end part. A push rod extends through the second frame and is movable toward the movable rod by pivoting a lever. The metal section is connected to the free end of the push rod. Multiple blocks are pivotably or slidably connected to the base and each block includes an engaging recess which is removably engaged with the movable rod.

Abstract: In the method, grippers are placed on a stationary assembly table and rod-like members forming a wooden construction are laid on the support of said grippers. The wooden construction can be for example a roof truss or a wall frame. The assembly table comprises a vertical fastening plane to which the grippers are fastened. The fastening plane can be made of ferrous material and the grippers can be fastened to the fastening plane magnetically or by means of a suction pad gripper. The fastening of the grippers to the fastening plane, the fastening of the rod-like members to the grippers and the joint connecting the rod-like members are conducted by means of an assembly robot. The joint may be a nail plate joint, a nail, screw or staple joint or a glued joint. From the CAD file of the wooden construction a list of commands controlling the operation of the assembly robot is generated by means of a decompression program. The grippers belonging to the apparatus comprise first grippers and second grippers.

Abstract: A seat assembly machine includes a plurality of grippers useful for securing a piece of trim to a seat cushion. In a disclosed example, each gripper includes a plurality of prongs that are moved between neutral, closed and released positions that each facilitate a different portion of the assembly process. In one example, each gripper includes a sleeve within which the prongs are moveable so that the prongs are manipulated between the neutral, closed and released positions. A disclosed example sleeve includes an interior channel having a contour that manipulates the prongs between the different positions based on the location of the prongs within the sleeve.

Abstract: A method of forming a metallic container includes the steps of providing body and lid portions, placing the body and lid portions together, keeping portions of the body and lid portions in contact with one another, and reciprocally rotating the lid portion with respect to the body portion, thereby generating frictional heat and forming a friction weld therebetween. An apparatus for attaching the lid and body portions of a metallic container includes a base to support the body, a support assembly to support a flange of the body, and a sonitrode for contacting a flange of the lid, wherein the flanges of the lid and body are held together between the support assembly and the sonitrode. A motor reciprocally rotates the sonitrode relative to the support assembly, thereby moving the flanges relative one another to generate frictional heat and create a friction weld therebetween.