Abstract: A housing (1) for an assembly in a vehicle drive-train having a first housing component (1A) and a second housing component (1B). The first and second housing components (1A, 1B) are aligned with and coupled to one another. A shaft (6) for supporting a structural element (7) of the assembly is arranged inside the housing. The shaft (6) is supported respectively in the first and the second housing components (1A, 1B). The shaft (6) serves to align the first and second housing components (1A, 1B) relative to one another. A transmission having such a housing (1) is described as is a method for producing such a housing (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a welding assembly for the permanent joining of a first tubular component with a second component along a two- or three-dimensional intersection curve, along which both components contact, comprising a securing assembly for detachably securely joining on a tubular end of the first component facing away from the intersection curve, a manipulator unit mounted directly or indirectly on the securing assembly such that it can pivot about a tube longitudinal axis assigned to the first component. The manipulator unit has a freely positionable manipulator end, with a welding tool attached to the freely positionable manipulator end. The securing assembly comprises a clamping module that can at least partially be introduced into the tubular end of the first component on the end side and in an axial manner.

Abstract: A plurality of additional fixture members placed outside a pipe member at a plurality of positions of the pipe member, where the plurality of fixture members are fixed, and a plurality of electromagnetic coils placed inside the pipe member at the plurality of positions of the fixed pipe member. In this state, a pulse current is applied to the plurality of electromagnetic coils located at a first joint, where the fixture member is joined to the outside of the portion where first and second pipe elements of the pipe member are fitted to each other, is swaged and fixed to the pipe member before an fixture member located at a second joint, wherein fixture member is joined to at least one of the first and second pipe elements at a different position, so the plurality of fixture members are swaged and fixed to the pipe member by electromagnetic forming.

Abstract: A method for mounting a camshaft module may involve a module that includes a module cover in which a camshaft is accommodated. The camshaft may comprise a main shaft and a plurality of displacement elements with cam tracks formed thereon for valve-control purposes. The displacement elements may be arranged at predetermined positions in the module cover. The main shaft may be guided along a shaft axis through accommodating passages of the displacement elements. The method may involve arranging a first displacement element in the module cover, introducing the main shaft into the module cover and guiding the main shaft through the accommodating passage of the first displacement element, arranging a second displacement element in the module cover, rotating the main shaft about the shaft axis by an angular amount, and advancing and guiding the main shaft through the accommodating passage of the second displacement element.

Abstract: A filter element for attachment to a filter cap includes a generally cylindrical filter media defining an axial centerline. The filter element also includes an upper plate attached to the filter media and rotationally attacked to the filter cap such that the upper plate and the filter media are rotational about the centerline with respect to the filter cap. The filter element further includes a bottom plate attached to the filter media opposite from the rotational attachment of the upper plate to the filter cap, and an orientation structure extending from the bottom plate radially from the centerline.

Abstract: Self-aligning fitting assemblies and systems and methods including the same are disclosed herein. The self-aligning fitting assemblies include a barrel-side fitting that includes a plurality of barrel-side attachment holes and a floor-side fitting that includes a plurality of floor-side attachment holes. The self-aligning fitting assemblies also include an alignment pin recess and a fitting alignment recess. The methods include translating a floor grid relative to a fuselage barrel, operatively aligning a plurality of alignment pin recesses with a corresponding plurality of fitting alignment recesses, and locating a plurality of alignment pins within the plurality of alignment pin recesses such that each of the plurality of alignment pins extends through a respective one of the plurality of fitting alignment recesses. The methods also include lowering the floor grid relative to the fuselage barrel and installing a plurality of fasteners.

Abstract: Presented is a roller shade motor system that includes a motor with an end portion, a latch assembly disposed on the end portion, and a bracket. The latch assembly includes an alignment member and at least one moveable clip. The bracket includes a clip contact surface and defines an alignment member opening dimensioned and arranged for receiving the alignment member. The moveable clip is retracted into the alignment member during insertion of the alignment member into the alignment member opening and is extended out of the alignment member and contacts the clip contact surface after insertion and couples the motor to the bracket.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding an anti-rotation key installation tool includes at least one magnet mounting member. A tool positioning member is coupled to the magnet mounting member and has a first end and a second end. An installation tool positioning channel extends from the first end to the second end of the tool positioning member and has an opening at the first end of the tool positioning member for accepting a portion of the anti-rotation key installation tool. At least one mechanically switchable frame securing magnet assembly is mounted to the at least one magnet mounting member for releasably securing the apparatus to an outer surface of a tubular connection.

Abstract: A beverage bottle handling machine construction method for constructing a beverage bottle handling machine, such as a beverage bottle cleaning machine, a beverage bottle treating machine, and a beverage bottle shrink wrapping machine in a beverage bottling plant and container handling machines corresponding to the beverage bottle handling machine. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A method of constructing a container, comprising disposing a primary lid over a storage cavity, the primary lid including a top surface that defines a dispenser portion through which items within the storage cavity may be dispensed, pivotally attaching a dispenser lid to the primary lid, the dispenser lid including a first biasing pin anchor and one of the dispenser lid and the primary lid having a second biasing pin anchor, connecting a first longitudinal end portion of a biasing pin to the first biasing pin anchor, and connecting a second longitudinal end portion of the biasing pin to the second biasing pin anchor, such that the biasing pin urges the dispenser lid towards an open position.

Abstract: A pipe processing tool that is configured to deform the end of a pipe so that the circumferential shape of the end of the pipe generally matches the circumferential shape of an adjacent pipe end. Matching the circumferential shapes of the pipe ends is advantageous during a pipe attachment process. The pipe processing tool can include a deformation ring with a plurality of pipe deformation members. Each pipe deformation member faces radially inward and is actuatable in a radial direction toward and away from the center of the deformation ring in order to permit engagement with the pipe. Each pipe deformation member is individually and separately actuatable from the other pipe deformation members so that the circumferential shapes of the pipes can be altered by controlling suitable ones of the pipe deformation members.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatic assembly of universal joints which include a yoke with snap ring grooves in its yoke arms, a trunnion body, bearings, and snap rings to secure the bearings in the yoke, the apparatus comprising: (a) upper and lower parallel spring-separated plate pairs with axially-aligned holes; (b) upper and lower drive members aligned with holes in each plate pair; (c) a base plate; (d) a movable rod plate; (e) upper and lower power sources configured to provide axial movement of an upper driver plate in the upper plate pair and the rod plate, respectively; and (f) a programmed controller controlling the power sources such that automatic sequencing of the upper driver plate and rod plate sequentially urge snap rings into place in grooves within the snap ring grooves.

Abstract: Valve retainers and delivery systems with valve retainers are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a portion of the valve retainer can rotate about a central axis of the delivery system relative to a different portion of the valve retainer. In certain embodiments, a first portion of the valve retainer can include a plurality of first orientation markings. In certain embodiments, a second portion of the valve retainer can include a second orientation marking, which can be aligned with a first orientation marking on the first portion of the valve retainer.

Abstract: A spacer for holding an alignment of two concentric cylinders including at least two arcuate spacer segments, each of the at least two arcuate spacer segments having at least one spacer passage for receiving a part of a coupling bolt, each of the at least two arcuate spacer segments fitting between each of two respective end surfaces of two concentric cylinders, each end surface having a cylindrical seat; and a ring with an outer surface adjoining an inner surface of each of the at least two arcuate spacer segments.

Abstract: An alignment tool may be used to align a nock with respect to an arrow having vanes. The alignment tool may include a body, a connection member extending from the body, and indicating surfaces that are spaced around the outer surface of the alignment tool body at a relative angular orientation that matches the angular orientation of the arrow vanes. The connection member may be attached to the nock and then both the tool and the nock may be rotated with respect to the arrow to align the nock with respect to the arrow by aligning the indicating surfaces with respect to the vanes.

Abstract: A structure to connect a refrigerant pipe and an air conditioner having the same, the connecting structure enabling a refrigerant pipe to be easily connected to an indoor unit or an outdoor unit of an air conditioner and including a refrigerant pipe through which refrigerant flows, a socket part connected to one end of the refrigerant pipe, and a coupling nut coupled to an outer circumferential surface of the socket part, wherein, a socket part is provided with a grip-ring allowing the refrigerant pipe to move in a first direction in which the refrigerant pipe is coupled to the socket part and preventing the refrigerant pipe from moving in a second direction in which the refrigerant pipe is separated from the socket part, and at least one O-ring configured to prevent refrigerant from leaking at the socket part.

Abstract: A beverage bottle handling machine construction method for constructing a beverage bottle handling machine, such as a beverage bottle cleaning machine, a beverage bottle pasteurization machine, and a beverage bottle shrink wrap machine in a beverage bottling plant. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A fixture for holding a pivotally closable cap with a base connected to a cover by a foldable hinge during a closure operation. The fixture includes a U-shaped slide member having a back wall and a pair of side walls extending therefrom for accommodating the cap with the base and cover in an open condition. The side walls have distal extents, which extend beyond a transverse mid-line of the cover and prevent angular movement of the cover within the slide member.

Abstract: There is provided a method for attaching an exterior component. When attaching an exterior component to a bumper, an attachment member for a first attaching hole of the bumper fixed to the vehicular main body is detached, and then the attachment member is inserted into a first through-hole of the exterior component and the first attaching hole and fixed, thereby temporarily fixing the exterior component. A marking is put on a temporarily fixed portion where a second through-hole faces the bumper, and the exterior component is temporarily detached. A third attaching hole is formed by boring a hole in the marking of the bumper, and then a well nut is fitted into the exterior component, enabling the exterior component to be attached through the first and second through-holes. Accordingly, the marking and positioning of the exterior component can be easily performed without detaching the bumper.

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: Systems, methods and devices relating to lock assemblies for doors are disclosed. The lock assemblies include an end cap that couples a tail piece, cam or other latch operating mechanism to the plug of the lock assembly so that the latch operating mechanism rotates with rotation of the plug to operate a latch. The end cap includes a plug engaging portion that is configured to interfit with an end cap receiving portion of the plug to axially and rotatably fix the end cap to the plug.

Abstract: A panel loading method for loading an inner panel to an outer panel that has a bent portion provided by bending a periphery thereof, the outer panel and the inner panel being overlapped to integrate the outer panel and the inner panel at the periphery thereof. The method includes: providing at least one of the outer panel and the inner panel by an elastic body; disposing the outer panel onto a panel receiver so that the bent portion is directed upward; placing a guide plate on or above the bent portion; loading the inner panel into the outer panel from above the guide plate; and inserting the inner panel into an inside of the bent portion.

Abstract: A method of aligning the rotors of a Roots-type blower includes the steps of immobilizing an idler gear with reference to a housing of a Roots-type blower. A drive rotor is fixedly disposed on a drive shaft inside the housing with an idler rotor engaged with the drive rotor and fixedly disposed on an idler shaft. A drive gear is rotatably disposed on the drive shaft and the idler gear is engaged with the drive gear and fixedly disposed on the idler shaft. The drive shaft is rotated in opposite directions to first and second extents of travel. Each extent of travel is defined by contact of the drive rotor against the idler rotor. The drive shaft is positioned at a determined rotational angle between the first and second extents of travel and the drive gear is then fixed to the drive shaft.

Abstract: An optical assembly includes a combination of laser sources emitting radiation, focused by a combination of lenses into optical waveguides. The optical waveguide and the laser source are permanently attached to a common carrier, while at least one of the lenses is attached to a holder that is an integral part of the carrier, but is free to move initially. Micromechanical techniques are used to adjust the position of the lens and holder, and then fix the holder it into place permanently using integrated heaters with solder.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting adjacent ends of first and second conduits including a frame assembly including a mounting point for mounting the end of the first conduit in a fixed position, a guide connected to the frame assembly and including first and second guide formations for receiving guide arms attached to the end of the second conduit and a moveable carrier mounted on the frame and including slots for engaging the guide arms. The carrier is moveable between a first position in which the slots align with the guide formations so that the guide arms can pass into the slots, and a second position in which the end of the second conduit is held against the end of the first conduit so as to allow a connection to be formed to secure the ends together.

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: An apparatus that includes a datum. The datum has a first portion configured to interface with a work-piece having a critical surface associated with a fit-and-finish surface, and a second portion configured to interface with a mating structure. The datum is adjusted in such a way that the datum facilitates placement of the critical surface within acceptable tolerance to the fit-and-finish surface once the datum is placed between the work-piece and the mating structure, and the work-piece is installed to the mating structure.

Abstract: A method for assembling a synchronizer by using a jig, the synchronizer including a synchronizer hub, at least one of recesses formed radially at an external circumference of the synchronizer hub, a synchronizer key disposed in the recess, a synchronizer sleeve enclosing the exterior circumference of the synchronizer hub and axially movably engaged to the synchronizer hub, and a spring disposed between the synchronizer hub and the synchronizer key, may include locating the synchronizer key and the spring in the recess of the synchronizer hub, engaging the jig to the synchronizer hub by inserting a rear portion of the jig in the recess axially, engaging the synchronizer sleeve to the synchronizer hub, and removing the jig from the synchronizer hub.

Abstract: The present invention is to generate a pulsed laser beam having a width greater than the gap between a rotating tool and a workpiece opposed thereto, and then irradiate the gap with the generated laser beam while the optical axis thereof is tilted relative to a workpiece plane. The pulsed laser beam has one lased-pulse period per one revolution or an integer number of revolutions of the rotating tool and is directed in the same angle range relative to the rotating tool within the ON durations of the lased pulse. The light which has irradiated the gap and has not been interrupted but diffracted by the gap is detected on a light-receiving sensor to measure the length of the gap.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for aligning a mirror block with a base plate to form a mirror assembly are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for forming a mirror assembly includes positioning a mirror block in contact with a base plate that has at least one alignment feature, and indexing a portion of an alignment tool with respect to the base plate. The method also includes applying at least a first force by moving the mirror block with respect to alignment feature. A determination is made as to when a first surface of the mirror block is substantially coplanar with a first surface of the alignment feature. The mirror block is coupled to the base plate when the first surface of the mirror block is substantially coplanar with the first surface of the alignment feature.

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: A method and system for mounting and adjusting a vehicle door rotatably connected to a vehicle body by upper and lower hinges with hinge holes. The upper and lower hinges are positioned to the vehicle body and the vehicle door by aligning the hinge holes to corresponding receiving holes. The vehicle door is temporarily mounted to the vehicle body by inserting cam bolts into aligned pairs of the hinge holes and the receiving holes. The vehicle door is adjusted to a desired position relative to the vehicle body by rotating the cam bolts. The desired positioned is secured by inserting mounting bolts into empty aligned pairs of the hinge holes and the receiving holes and replacing the cam bolts with mounting bolts.

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: A system and method for supporting a workpiece includes a plurality of support assemblies with movable heads. Positional errors are ascertained for the heads based on different positions thereof and used to properly position the heads to support the workpiece. Other inventive aspects are directed to features of the support assemblies and heads thereof.

Abstract: A grasping device includes a first member, a fixed member fixed to the first member, a first finger member fixed to one end of the first member, a slide mechanism fixed to the first member, a first slider member slidably attached to the slide mechanism, a second member fixed to the first slider member at one end thereof, a guide mechanism fixed to the second member, a second slider member slidably attached to the guide mechanism, a second finger member fixed to the second slider member, and a displacement increasing mechanism that transmits a relative displacement between the fixed member and the first slider member to the second slider member.

Abstract: A portable windshield installation device capable of removing and installing windshields and/or back glasses by remote control actuators; with the device carrying all the weight and very little manually help from the installer.

Abstract: An attachment that is configured for attachment to an arm of a piece of construction equipment. The attachment includes a pair of grapple mechanisms mounted on a main beam. Each grapple mechanism includes opposing grab arms mounted to a grab arm housing. The grab arm housings of the grapple mechanisms are each individually adjustable separate from one another relative to the main beam in one or more directions generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main beam. The attachment can fine adjust the positions of the pipe ends relative to one another until the ends align with each other, at which point the pipe ends can be welded or otherwise secured to each other while being held in position by the grapple mechanisms.

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: 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: The invention relates to disc-shaped compensation shims for compensating for the shortening of a tool die or a tool stamp due to regrinding. The shim includes a coding indicating a thickness of the tooling shim, the tooling shim being configured for use with a tool die or tool stamp to compensate for shortening of the tool die or tool stamp resulting from regrinding. The invention also relates to tool arrangements having at least one such shim, and to machine tools having such tool arrangements.

Abstract: A gasket insertion apparatus and method for inserting a fluid sealing gasket between the bolted connection flanges of adjacent underwater pipe line segments is provided. The gasket insertion apparatus includes of a flat frame having an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface. The inner peripheral surface of the frame has a plurality of angularly cut teeth. The gasket is mounted within the frame and is held in place by the plurality of angularly cut teeth. The gasket insertion apparatus has a handle with an open geometric ring-shaped grip that is configured so that the gasket insertion apparatus may be gripped by a manipulation arm of an underwater remotely operated vehicle and/or by a diver. The apparatus, with gasket attached, is brought to an underwater location and inserted between adjacent flanges of a bolted flange connection by a diver or an underwater remotely operated vehicle.

Abstract: A system for attaching an electrical box to a mounting assembly. The system includes a metallic mounting assembly and a metallic electrical box. A permanent fastener is utilized for attaching the electrical box to the mounting assembly. A magnet is positioned on or near the electrical box and mounting assembly providing a magnetic attraction with the mounting assembly and the electrical box, thereby temporarily attaching the electrical box to the mounting assembly. In one embodiment, the magnet is a magnetic disc positioned in an indentation on a top surface of the electrical box. The fastener may be one or more screws attached to a mounting bracket affixed to the mounting assembly which is inserted through the top surface of the electrical box and into the interior of the electrical box.

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 method of aligning the rotors of a Roots-type blower includes the steps of immobilizing an idler gear with reference to a housing of a Roots-type blower. A drive rotor is fixedly disposed on a drive shaft inside the housing with an idler rotor engaged with the drive rotor and fixedly disposed on an idler shaft. A drive gear is rotatably disposed on the drive shaft and the idler gear is engaged with the drive gear and fixedly disposed on the idler shaft. The drive shaft is rotated in opposite directions to first and second extents of travel. Each extent of travel is defined by contact of the drive rotor against the idler rotor. The drive shaft is positioned at a determined rotational angle between the first and second extents of travel and the drive gear is then fixed to the drive shaft.

Abstract: An alignment utensil includes two guide rails (100A, 100B), an alignment device (10) aligning the guide rails (100A, 100B), and connectors (110A, 110B, 120) fixing the aligned guide rails (100A, 100B) together. The alignment device (10) includes a body (12) having a lateral surface (31) extending across abutting ends of the guide rails (100A, 100B). Each of two clamping pads (70) mounted on the body (12) is moved to press against a first lateral wall (108A) of one of the guide rails (100A, 100B) to abut a second lateral wall (108B) of each guide rail (100A, 100B) against the first lateral surface (31), aligning the first lateral walls (108A) of the guide rails (100A, 100B) and aligning the second lateral walls (108B) of the guide rails (100A, 100B). A method of aligning the guide rails (100A, 100B) uses the alignment device (10) and the connectors (110A, 110B, 120).

Abstract: A positioning-jig 1 used to mount a face plate 15 on the female-die 21, and the positioning-jig 1 comprises a female-part 2 which has a concave part and is attached into the positioning-holes 24 at the male-die 22 detachably, a male-part 6 which comprises an axial part inserted detachably into the concave part of the female-part and a dish-shaped head part connected to the axial part, and further provides a positioning method comprising the following steps; set the positioning-jigs 1 on each positioning-holes 24 and set the marking-members 12 on each positioning-jigs 1; and test run the stamping machine to attaches the male-die 22 and the female-die 21, and adhered the marking-members 12 on the female-die 21; and adhered the face plate 15 on the female-die 21 for the marking-members 12 inside each through-holes.

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: 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: An optical assembly includes a combination of laser sources emitting radiation, focused by a combination of lenses into optical waveguides. The optical waveguide and the laser source are permanently attached to a common carrier, while at least one of the lenses is attached to a holder that is an integral part of the carrier, but is free to move initially. Micromechanical techniques are used to adjust the position of the lens and holder, and then fix the holder it into place permanently using integrated heaters with solder.

Abstract: A component handling system for use in assembling a vehicle is described herein. The vehicle includes a vehicle frame and at least one component adapted to be coupled to the vehicle frame. The component handling system includes a lifting assembly that is slideably coupled to a support frame. The lifting assembly is configured to receive a component and to support the component from the support frame. A positioning assembly is coupled to the lifting assembly, and is configured to move the lifting assembly along the support frame to bias the component towards the vehicle frame.