Abstract: A first lift stand is provided with a first supporting unit to support a first portion of a positioning object, and a first servo system to drive the first supporting unit in a vertical direction. A second lift stand is provided with a second supporting unit to support a second portion of the positioning object, and a second servo system to drive the second supporting unit in the vertical direction. A third lift stand is provided with a third supporting unit to support a third portion of the positioning object, and a third servo system to drive the third supporting unit in the vertical direction. A fourth lift stand is provided with a fourth supporting unit to support a fourth portion of the positioning object, and a fourth servo system to drive the fourth supporting unit in the vertical direction.

Abstract: An article assembly apparatus and method employs rotary pick and place technology to deposit one component of an apparatus within another at a relatively high rate of speed. A substantially disk-shaped component is inserted within a substantially cylindrical component with a relatively tight fit between the two. The substantially disk-shaped component is carried at a fixed, predetermined angle, relative to a radius of a rotating wheel carrying the component, permitting the smooth placement and depositing of the substantially cylindrical component within the substantially cylindrical component. The substantially disk-shaped component may comprise a piston and the substantially cylindrical component may comprise a body of a bottom filled airless container undergoing assembly following the placement of a substance to be dispensed within the body.

Abstract: A system for mounting a stent on a balloon catheter includes two positioning and alignment stations, which are used to prepare a stent and catheter for crimping using the same crimping head. The system is configured for automated assembly of the stent and catheter prior to crimping. A catheter and stent are placed on a computer-controlled carriage that delivers the stent and catheter to the crimper head. Before placing the stent and catheter into the crimper head, an automated alignment system locates the stent between balloon markers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting rail (8) for mounting and positioning a seal, having attachment devices (12) disposed on a longitudinal side (15) of the mounting rail and each separated from each other by an interruption (13). In order to propose a mounting rail comprising high flexibility allowing simple insertion of the seal even after a long period of use and allowing more uniform pressure distribution when pressing on the seal, the invention proposes that the mounting rail (8) comprises a web (19) running through on the other longitudinal side (16), and at least one opening (1ha-c) is disposed in the mounting rail between the web and each attachment device.

Abstract: A device for installing and removing a component, preferably a burner or a transition pipe of a gas turbine, on or in a stationary gas turbine, is provided. The device includes a rail system having a frame carriage that can be moved along the rail system, on which frame carriage an insertion unit having a carrier unit for the component that can be moved along a movement axis is arranged. In order to specify an especially space-saving and especially rigid design, by means of which components of a gas turbine can be installed and removed relatively simply and quickly, the rail system is designed as a two-track rail system and the movement axis extends between the two rails transversely to an area that extends between the rails.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for use are disclosed for coordinating a hole of one part with a hole of another part. The apparatus may include a base member, a pin member defined by a slot having a first length in one direction which is greater than a second length in a second direction, and an index member extending beyond an end of the base member. The index member may be adapted to position the first length of the slot in a position parallel to a datum of a part being joined by the apparatus. During operation, a portion of the pin member may be inserted in a hole of one part. The slot may be at least partially aligned with a second, smaller hole in another part.

Abstract: A method of feeding a stud to a joining head including a stud shank clamp and operable to join the stud to a workpiece, and wherein the method of feeding the stud comprises the steps of providing a stud holding device including a securing sleeve and a plurality of collet arms; feeding the stud into the stud holding device to a first position wherein the flange is arranged above the free end of the plurality of arms and below the securing sleeve; and securing the stud in the first position by engaging the securing sleeve behind the flange.

Abstract: An installation system for attaching a transparent pane to a frame includes at least one support tool having a base member and a support member. The support member is operably coupled to the base member, and the support member is operable to support the pane in a fixed position relative to the frame. The support tool also includes a magnet that is fixed to at least one of the base member and the support member for magnetically and removably attaching the at least one support tool to the frame. A method of attaching the pane to the frame is also disclosed.

Abstract: The system for installing shower walls includes a pressure transfer member for urging a shower wall against a back up support during bonding of the shower wall to the support. An adjustable force development device engages the pressure transfer member to force the pressure transfer member against the shower wall. A support member engages the pressure transfer member when the force development device exerts a predetermined force against the shower wall. A fixation device holds the support member to maintain the pressure transfer position of the pressure transfer member. The fixation device includes a cam that moves a shower wall into a tight corner fit with an adjacent shower wall.

Abstract: A blade gapping tool for setting the gap of a hair clipper bladeset, the blade gapping tool including a base, a locking member, an adjustable boss and an adjuster.

Abstract: Provided are a clamping method and a clamping device that enable automatic mount and fixation of a boot to a constant velocity universal joint with a band. A boot band (11) for fixing a boot (10) that is mounted to a constant velocity universal joint (S) is clamped. The boot band (11) and the constant velocity universal joint (S) are aligned in phase with each other in a circumferential direction, and an axial position of a clamping portion (13) of clamping means (12) is thereafter aligned with an axial position of the boot band (11). Then, the boot band (11) is clamped by the clamping means (12).

Abstract: A hands-free method and related apparatus are used to shape, place and compact a composite stringer on a composite skin of an aircraft. A composite charge is placed on a tool assembly that used to shape the charge into a preformed stringer. With the stringer held on the tool assembly, the tool assembly is used to move the preformed stringer into proximity with the skin and both place and compact the stringer against the skin. Following compaction of the stringer, the tool assembly is removed and the skin and the stringer are co-cured.

Abstract: An assembly device includes a shaft assembly having a plurality of pistons installed on an outer peripheral portion of a swash plate via shoes. The assembly device has a shaft support portion which supports a shaft having the swash plate in a vertical axis posture, a guide member, a shoe incorporation mechanism, a carriage which conveys the plurality of pistons in the vertical axis posture, and a piston holding portion which holds the plurality of pistons. The guide member is equipped with a first guide surface and a second guide surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of positioning a first pipe facing a second pipe, the end of the first pipe being provided with a first chamfer and a first substantially annular surface placed close to its inside surface, the end of the second pipe being provided with a second chamfer and with a second substantially annular surface located close to its inside surface, said first and second annular surfaces defining a joint plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of each of said pipes. According to the invention, a plurality of clamping actuators regularly distributed around the first and second pipes are used and controlled to shift the second pipe relative to the first pipe parallel to said joint plane as a function of a radial offset H, H? between the first and second annular surfaces so as to guarantee a maximum facing area, referred to as a “coincidence” area for said annular surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a turbine casing including a first drive subassembly and a member coupled to the first drive subassembly configured for engaging a first segment of the turbine casing. The apparatus may also include a second member coupled to the second drive subassembly configured for engaging the first segment of the turbine casing. The apparatus may be provided with a first retainer connected to the first member and configured for engaging a second segment of the turbine casing, and a second retainer connected to the second member and configured for engaging the second segment of the turbine casing.

Abstract: A tool for installing a retainer ring onto the lower portion of a loosely inserted drain fitting for engaging a mounting flange thereto includes a generally resilient cup structure provided with a plurality of axially aligned and resiliently cantilevered peripherally adjacent strips within which the retaining ring is received in a compressed engagement seated on a helical interior shoulder. A threaded rod extends through a centering plug received in the drain fitting and then through the cup interior to axially advance the axially aligned ring carried by the strips.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for assembling a rotor of a wind turbine at sea. The device has a support structure that is provided with a rotating table for rotating the hub of a rotor around the hubs longitudinal axis. The support structure is further adapted to be connected to an offshore platform such that the rotating table may be positioned outside the periphery of the platform. The invention also relates to an assembly of an offshore platform and the device, connected thereto. The invention further relates to a method for assembling a rotor of a wind turbine at sea, and to a method of assembling a wind turbine at sea, using the device and assembly. The device and method provide a more efficient assemblage.

Abstract: A striker positioning assembly adjusts a striker mechanism on a door frame for latching a door. The striker positioning assembly includes a plate having a slot for receiving a projecting portion of the striker mechanism. The striker positioning assembly includes a fastener for temporarily fastening the plate to the door. The fastener allows for the plate to be removable after adjustment of the striker mechanism. The plate and slot are arranged such that closing the door into a desired position with respect to the door frame causes the striker positioning assembly to move the striker mechanism into a position on the door frame for latching the door in the desired position with respect to the door frame when the striker mechanism is secured on the door frame and when the striker positioning assembly is removed. Methods of adjusting the striker mechanism on the door frame are also provided.

Abstract: A lens assembly tool includes a lens receiving frame having a first surface, a positioning plate positioned on the lens receiving frame, and a pressing plate positioned on the positioning plate and having a second surface. The first surface defines a plurality of receiving holes. The positioning plate defines a plurality of through holes aligned with the plurality of receiving holes. The second surface forms a plurality of pressing punches aligned with the plurality of receiving holes.

Abstract: An alignment system for aligning components includes a first component, a second component, upstanding, elongated tabs connected to at least one of the components, each elongated tab having a tab wall, and deformable elongated tab apertures formed in at least one of the components, each deformable tab aperture comprising opposing deformable aperture walls. The apertures are geometrically distributed in coordinated relationship to a geometrical distribution of the elongated tabs such that each elongated tab is receivable into a respective aperture and each tab has a width larger than a cross-sectional width of its respective aperture measured in a same direction. Each aperture is configured to elastically deform upon disposition of each elongated tab into its respective tab aperture at an interface between the tab wall and the aperture wall.

Abstract: A device that aids and eases the installation of an instrument panel visor on a vehicle and the installation method using the device. The device forms an inner gap having protective pads that conforms to a surface contour of the visor. The device is temporarily and removably installed on the visor during the installation of the visor in an vehicle body, such that the installer can hammer on the device, such as by using a fist, to push the visor into place and complete installation, after which the device is removed from the visor for reuse in installing another visor in another vehicle body.

Abstract: A clamping device is provided for an assembly of a stringer coupling in a region of a lateral butt joint between a first and a second fuselage section of an aircraft for coaxially connecting a respective first and second stringer of the first and the second fuselage sections, the stringer coupling intersecting a frame element profile in the region of the lateral butt joint. A supporting yoke is configured to bridge the frame element profile in an arc-shaped manner and includes a first end foot supported by the stringer coupling on the first side of the frame element profile and a second end foot supported by the stringer coupling on the second side of the frame element profile. The supporting yoke includes a middle tensioning hook configured to interact with the frame element profile. The first and the second end feet are tensionable against the stringer coupling.

Abstract: A positioning device of a position sensor that does not require re-positioning and re-fastening at the time of mounting the position sensor. A positioning tool provided with a driving section and a positioning section is mounted on a position sensor. Then, positioning projections of the positioning section are engaged with neutral position grooves. In this state, the positioning section is rotated by the driving section so as to have the position sensor rotated together until the R-contact turns ON, so that an angle from N to R, i.e. from a neutral position to a reverse contact ON position is measured. Thereafter, the positioning section is rotated in an opposite direction to measure an angle from N to D, i.e. from a reverse contact OFF position to a drive contact ON position. Based on the measurement result, the positioning section is re-rotated by the driving section to move the position sensor to a proper neutral position. The position sensor is fastened in this condition.

Abstract: A system and method are described for positioning and fixing a number of objects relative to each other. Each lamella in a stack have a number of pockets for receiving the objects. At least some of the pockets are dimensioned so as to loosely receive the corresponding object without applying a substantive clamping force. The relative position of at least some of the pockets in one subset of lamellae as oriented in the stack deviate from the relative positions of the same pockets in another subset of the lamellae such that the clamping force is generated between the objects and the stack of lamellae when the objects are simultaneously inserted in the corresponding pockets all lamellae of the stack.

Abstract: A fixture and method for adjusting a workpiece are disclosed. The fixture includes a holding device engageable to a workpiece to secure the workpiece, and an adjustment device engageable to a projecting member of the workpiece and movable along a first axis and a second axis. Movement of the adjustment device along the first axis when engaged to the projecting member adjusts the projecting member along the first axis, and movement of the adjustment device along the second axis when engaged to the projecting member adjusts the projecting member along the second axis.

Abstract: A connector and method of connecting two surfaces in an irregular, interrupted, or non-uniform space is provided. The connector is composed of at least one link, wherein each link has an adjustable spatial feature such as the length, thickness, or angle of the link. The spatial features of the links are adjusted to custom fit the connector to the two surfaces and the available space therebetween. Once the links have been adjusted to provide a satisfactory custom fit, the adjustable spatial features of the links may be fixed to form a substantially permanent solid structure or may be recorded to allow production of a custom shaped connector with substantially the same spatial features as the custom fit connector.

Abstract: A nut support tool for assembly and disassembly of a nut on a vertically extending bolt assembly located on a casing. The bolt assembly including a lower nut engaged on a lower end of a threaded shaft. The nut support tool includes a vertical span assembly having an upper support member located at an upper end thereof for engagement on an upper end of the bolt assembly, whereby the nut support tool is supported from the bolt assembly upper end with the vertical span structure extending parallel to the bolt assembly. An arm assembly extends from a lower end of the vertical span assembly and includes a lower guide pin for engagement with an access opening formed in a lower surface of the lower nut. The arm assembly is configured to support the lower nut, and to swivel relative to the casing.

Abstract: A method of forming a rib-spar joint during assembly of an aircraft wing, the method comprising: providing a spar with a fixedly attached rib post, the rib post having a first coordination feature; providing a rib having a web with a first tooling feature; providing a tooling component having a second tooling feature for cooperating with the first tooling feature, a second coordination feature for cooperating with the first coordination feature, and a plurality of drill bushings; fixedly attaching the tooling component to the rib web by aligning the first and second tooling features; aligning the rib with the spar by aligning the first and second coordination features; drilling fastener holes in the rib and the rib post off the drill bushings of the tooling component; removing the tooling component from the rib web; and fastening the rib to the rib post using the fastener holes to form a rib-spar joint. The method may be applied to form front and/or rear rib-spar joints.

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: A rotary tool (11) for use with a rotary driving unit (12) for inserting a component (14,14?,14?) through a surface of a workpiece made of a material showing friction-induced plasticity such as aluminum, includes a tool body (22) having a working end (24) defining a shoulder portion (26) and a securing device (28,28?) for selectively engaging the component to impart rotation thereof in a first direction while applying an axial force of a sufficient magnitude onto the component to produce insertion thereof by plasticizing the material through friction. The shoulder portion is provided with a deburring device (34) capable of being displaced from an inoperative position upon rotation of the tool body (22) in the first rotation direction (30), to an operative position whenever the tool body is caused to rotate in an opposite direction (30?), to provide deburring of the workpiece surface.

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: Apparatus for use in handling windscreens for example for installation in a vehicle, includes a windscreen anchor assembly comprising a windscreen anchor device and a support arm extending away from the windscreen anchor device. A mount assembly is provided for supporting the windscreen anchor assembly. The mount assembly includes a mount structure for engaging with the support arm such that the support arm can slide bodily in its longitudinal direction with respect to the mount structure.

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: The method for manufacturing the structure includes an imaging device installation process in which a camera that obtains an image of a target hole formed in an upper panel is installed on the rear spar, and a positioning process in which relative positions are positioned by relatively moving the upper panel and the rear spar while the image of the target hole obtained by the camera and displayed on a monitor screen is aligned with a target line preset on the monitor screen.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a driving belt, which can measure and adjust an endplay of the driving belt including a ring and elements to improve productivity of the driving belt, the method including: obtaining a correlation among a circumferential length of the ring, a total weight of the elements fastened by the ring, and a range of a movement of the fastened elements in the length direction of the ring; determining a range of a required element weight as a total weight of the elements to be fastened by the ring, on the basis of the obtained correlation, a desired moving range of the element, and the length of the ring; feeding the elements in the amount within the range of the required element weight while measuring a total weight of the element being fed; and fastening the element fed at the element feeding by the ring.

Abstract: Roots-type blowers with helical cycloidal rotors exhibit variation in leakback flow with angular position intrinsic to these rotor geometries. Calibration of individual blowers using a combination of high-resolution alignment and enhanced detection of residual noise phenomena permits noise in as-produced blowers to be significantly attenuated. Intrinsic lower limits of noise induced by leakback variation are associated with manufacturing tolerances, necessary clearances, and particular geometric considerations. Gross alignment errors (excluding contact between rotors) produce a characteristic noise pulse rate that is three times the shaft rate. Proper alignment suppresses this and reveals a pulse sequence at double this rate and at about half of the amplitude of faulty alignment. The novel process explains the error mechanisms and defines repeatable calibration methods for a mass-production environment, introducing appropriate gauges and methods for the task.

Abstract: A system for aligning and connecting components including a support structure and a measuring apparatus coupled to the support structure. The measuring apparatus is arranged to spatially analyze a first tubular component with respect to a second tubular component for determining an adjustment vector therebetween. An alignment apparatus is coupled to the support structure and in data communication with the measuring apparatus. The alignment apparatus includes a plurality of actuators operatively arranged in parallel for moving at least one of the first or second tubular components relative to the other for coaxially arranging the first and second tubular components in accordance with the adjustment vector. A connection apparatus is coupled to the support structure and operatively arranged for connecting the first and second tubular components together.

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 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: A method for performing operations on a workpiece. The method comprises the steps of: contacting the workpiece with a tool; moving the tool along any of multiple axes; moving a clamp along at least a first axis independent of the movement of the tool; and, clamping the workpiece using the clamp. Contacting the workpiece with the tool may comprise plunging a friction stir welding pin tool into the workpiece while the workpiece is being clamped. The tool may be moved by moving a spindle housing over the workpiece, and the clamp may be moved by rotating the clamp around the first axis as the spindle housing moves over the workpiece. The method may further comprise the step of coordinating the movement of the clamp with the movement of the tool.

Abstract: A pin removal assembly for use with an upper block of a crane includes a sheave support and a pin support. The upper block includes a frame, a plurality of sheaves, and a removable sheave pin that defines and axis of rotation for the sheaves and supports the sheaves within the frame. The pin removal assembly includes a sheave support mountable to the frame of the upper block and a pin support mountable to the frame of the upper block. The pin support is configured to support the sheave pin when the sheave pin is removed from the upper block.

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: Disclosed are a method and a mounting device for installing a vehicle door hinge. More specifically, the mounting device f includes a jig frame, at least one clamping unit which is mounted to the jig frame and fixes the jig frame to a side panel and at least one mounting unit which is connected to the jig frame and is configured to install a door hinge which may be mounted to the side panel. In particular, the mounting unit is rotatable based on a slope dispersion of the side panel.

Abstract: An assembly device includes a shaft assembly having a plurality of pistons installed on an outer peripheral portion of a swash plate via shoes. The assembly device has a shaft support portion which supports a shaft having the swash plate in a vertical axis posture, a guide member, a shoe incorporation mechanism, a carriage which conveys the plurality of pistons in the vertical axis posture, and a piston holding portion which holds the plurality of pistons. The guide member is equipped with a first guide surface and a second guide surface.

Abstract: A joining apparatus for joining together structural components of an aircraft, includes positioning means for holding the structural components to be joined in a defined desired position, in which the structural components can be fixedly joined together by means of a joining device that can be moved relative to the structural components by way of guiding means, wherein the positioning means encompass a formative frame structure that is detachably secured to the structural components to be connected along the joining edges outside in the edge area, and serves as a guiding means for the joining device movably secured hereupon.

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: A heat sink installing device includes a base, a pair of guiding poles, a slidable cover, a pair of latches and a number of auxiliary wings. The pair of guiding poles is perpendicularly mounted on the base and separated from each other. The slidable cover is slidably fitted on the pair of guiding poles and defines a pair of through holes running through two opposite side surfaces of the slidable cover. Each of the latches is mounted on the slidable cover and latched on one of the guiding poles correspondingly. The plurality of auxiliary wings are correspondingly attached on a side surface of the slidable cover around the through hole and inclined towards the center of the through hole by a distal end thereof away from the slidable cover.

Abstract: This clamp facilitates the firm tying of ice and roller skates by clamping the two sides of the skate boot and holding them. This makes it easy for children and adults to produce a more uniform tightness while reducing hand fatigue and string-burn. By reducing the friction normally caused by the yanking of strings through the eyelets, string life will be prolonged. An alternate use of this clamp is to facilitate the firm tying of other clothing items with laces. Another alternative use of this clamp is to facilitate the firm tying of other non-clothing items with laces.

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: There is provided a biochip stamping device. The biochip stamping device includes a stamping jig in which a first biochip is aligned; an inverting mechanism vertically inverting a second biochip; and a movement mechanism transferring the vertically inverted second biochip on the stamping jig to combine the first biochip and the second biochip.