Abstract: A locating device for use with a first component fastenable to a second component by a fastener has a tab configured to be mounted with respect to the fastener when the fastener extends through an opening in the second component to retain the fastener to the second component. A method of assembling components is also provided.

Abstract: A device for assembling a composite structure is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the device includes a table module, a first plurality of flipper devices carried by the table module and a second plurality of flipper devices carried by the table module in adjacent and adjustable relationship with respect to the first plurality of flipper devices, respectively. The first plurality of flipper devices and the second plurality of flipper devices are capable of accommodating a variation in thickness of the composite structure.

Abstract: The present application is directed to systems for controlling the direction of thermal expansion of a composite part during thermal processing. The systems may comprise at least one guiding mechanism capable of being attached to a surface of a tool for fabricating composites and at least one moveable composite insert capable of being attached to a composite part. The moveable composite insert has an opening for receiving the at least one guiding mechanism. The opening is capable of controlling movement of the at least one moveable composite insert in a desired direction during thermal expansion of the composite part, when the guiding mechanism is received by the opening. Methods for controlling the direction of thermal expansion of a composite part during thermal processing are also disclosed.

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: The present invention provides a cartridge adjustment tool for adjusting the axial position of cartridges of a slotting cutter. The adjustment mechanism has a body axis of rotation and comprises a body peripheral surface that extends between a body front surface and a body rear surface. The body is provided with threaded through bores, each of which receives therein a threaded portion of a threaded bolt. When the adjustment mechanism is mounted on a mutual arbor with a slotting cutter having cartridges, each of the threaded bolts is opposite a force engagement area of the associated cartridge. By turning the head portion of the threaded bolts, each of the cartridges is axially displaced and the axial position of each of the cartridges may be individually set.

Abstract: A mandrel is disclosed for fabricating a monolithic composite nacelle panel for use on an airplane. Also disclosed is the method of constructing the mandrel, the method of assembling the mandrel, and the method of disassembling the mandrel.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a reinforced plastic foam cup including providing a plastic foam cup, positioning a reinforcing member along a first line, moving the cup and the reinforcing member toward an attachment position, at the attachment position, attaching the reinforcing member to the side wall of the cup along the central vertical axis of the reinforcing member, wherein the inner surface of the body of the reinforcing member engages the side wall of the cup at an angle which corresponds with an angle of the side wall of the cup, rotating the cup and the attached reinforcing member in a first direction to attach a trailing portion of the reinforcing member to the side wall of the cup, and rotating the cup and the attached reinforcing member in a second opposite direction to attach a leading portion of the reinforcing member to the side wall of the cup.

Abstract: An installation apparatus is comprised of a pair of grasping brackets and an installation jig. The installation apparatus is employed to install a cockpit module in a vehicle body in a manner that the grasping brackets is detachably attached respectively to both end portions of a steering member of the cockpit module and that the installation jig grasps the grasping brackets and conveys the cockpit module to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A method and machine for manufacturing foam parts are provided. The method generally includes cutting a plurality of sections across the width of the base sheet, engaging and reorienting at least one portion of each section, and joining the portions of each section in a desired configuration to thereby form a plurality of parts. The portions can be engaged by actuator assemblies operating in successively adjacent work spaces across the width of the base sheet to simultaneously produce a plurality of similar parts. In some cases, each part includes at least one portion that is reoriented relative to another portion, such as by rotating one of the portions or adjusting one of the portions to a position that is offset from the plane of the section.

Abstract: An engine is provided with features allowing a method of assembly that combines the ease of assembly of a net-assembled system with the positional accuracy of an index-assembled system in order to meet critical valve to piston clearance requirements, especially critical in a diesel engine.

Abstract: A device for assembling a lens assembly includes a base, a barrel having a bottom, a universal joint disposed between the base and the bottom of the barrel, a push rod, and a resilient member. The universal joint is configured for allowing the barrel to tilt in any direction. The push rod is configured for depressing the lenses received to the barrel to form a lens barrel. The resilient member is disposed between the base and the bottom of the barrel. In process of assembling lenses, when the push rod presses the lenses received in the barrel, the lens assembly can hold the axis of the lenses in coaxial alignment under the cooperation of the universal joint and exert a uniformity force on a surface of the lenses. The lens assembly can eliminate the risk of breakage of the lenses and accurately position the lenses.

Abstract: A vehicle body (B) is lowered toward a frame (F) from above, and fixed to the frame (F) via a mount insulator (MI). Prior to fixing, a locating jig (1) is attached to the frame (F). A locating hole (E) is formed in the body (B). While lowering the body (B), the horizontal position of the body (B) is adjusted such that the locating jig (1) penetrates the locating hole (E). The body (B) is aligned accurately with the frame (F) when a predetermined state of engagement is reached between the locating jig (1) and locating hole (E). In this state, a fastening bolt (G) which is passed through the mount insulator (MI) is used to fix the body (B) to the frame (F), and thus the fastening bolt (G) can be tightened without applying an eccentric load on the mount insulator (MI).

Abstract: In a scroll fluid machine, an orbiting scroll is eccentrically revolved with respect to a fixed scroll by a driving shaft to compress a gas toward a center. To manufacture the orbiting scroll, a reference bore is formed at the center of orbiting scroll material, and a reference bore is formed at the center of bearing plate material. A dowel pin is inserted in the two reference bores. The orbiting scroll material is combined with the bearing plate material with a bolt and an adhesive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for locating a subframe to a vehicle body having a control hole. The device comprises a pin attached to the subframe and extending toward the vehicle body when the subframe is positioned for mounting to the vehicle body. The pin is adapted to engage the control hole to precisely align the subframe and the vehicle body. The invention also relates to a method for locating a subframe to a vehicle body having a control hole. The method comprises providing a pin on the subframe that extends toward the vehicle body when the subframe is positioned for mounting to the vehicle body, and engaging the pin with the control hole to precisely align the subframe and the vehicle body.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for an exercise machine (1) having a support frame (100); a resisting structure (200) for providing a resistance; a seat (300) for accommodating an exerciser; a structure for adjusting the seat (400), the seat (300) being operatively coupled to the seat adjusting a (400) structure, and the seat adjusting structure (400) being mechanically coupled to the support frame (100); left and right arms (500) being operatively coupled to the resisting structure (200); and a structure for simultaneously adjusting each arm (600), each arm (500) being operatively coupled to the arm adjusting structure (600), and the arm adjusting structure (600) being mechanically coupled to the support frame (100), the exercise machine (1) being engaged by the exerciser for performing a plurality of movements at a plurality of angles under the resistance.

Abstract: A rotor blade installation tool for coupling a plurality of rotor blades to a rotor disc wherein each rotor blade extends from the rotor disc to a radially outer blade tip is provided. The tool includes a blade engagement end configured to engage the plurality of rotor blades between the rotor disc and the radially outer blade tip where said blade engagement end comprises an engagement top surface, at least one brace coupled to said blade engagement end at a first end of said at least one brace, and a guide end coupled to a second end of said at least one brace where said guide end comprises a body including a guide end top surface positioned above said engagement top surface.

Abstract: A hydraulic subassembly is preassembled outside the vehicle into which it is later installed, using an assembly tool. The components of the subassembly are fastened in predetermined positions on the assembly tool, following which hydraulic connections are made between the components. The completed subassembly is fastened to a pickup tool and then disconnected from the assembly tool, allowing an assembly operator to lift the subassembly away from the assembly tool and carry it to the vehicle for installation. The pickup tool is also used to position and hold the subassembly within the vehicle while the subassembly is being connected to hydraulic systems on the vehicle. Following installation of the subassembly, the pickup tool is unfastened from the subassembly and removed from the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for positioning components to be joined together, such as car body components, is characterized by at least one movable central module and a plurality of arms, movable in space and connected thereto and which in each case have at least one holding element for holding the components. By means of the inventive method for the positioning of the components to be joined together and for the performance of which the said device is particularly suitable, the components are held from a position within a desired arrangement of the components to be joined. In this way the assembled components during a subsequent tacking together and optionally further downstream production processes such as welding or the like, are accessible in optimum manner from the outside. Further advantages of the method according to the invention are a limited space requirement and possible balancing of the production process.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method whereby components are arranged in a mounting device, outside an internal high-pressure forming press, in accordance with their position and their function, such that they are linked to one another. The mounting device comprises an upper part and a lower part including cavities identical to the cavities of the internal high pressure tool. Once the components have been installed, the mounting device is introduced in the internal high-pressure press, then the upper part or the lower part of the mounting device is withdrawn, the part of the mounting device remaining in the internal high-pressure press being displaced against the upper tool or the lower tool. For the forming process, the components are maintained in a part of the tool by depression or by clamping, then the part of the mounting device is removed from the internal high-pressure press, thereby ensuring high precision positioning of components. Additionally, the production rate is substantially increased.

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: An apparatus for positioning inserts in a rotating receptacle. The apparatus includes a magazine for holding a plurality of inserts. An insertion arm is provided for positioning inserts within the receptacle. The insertion arm has a first end and a second end, wherein the second end comprises an insert receiving structure. A first linear actuation device moves the insertion arm between a first linear position and a second linear position. In the first linear position, the insert receiving structure picks an insert from the magazine. A second linear actuation device is connected to the insert receiving structure. When the insertion arm is in the second position, the second linear actuation device causes the insert receiving structure to rotate from about 0° to about 90° to position the insert within the receptacle.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing screw threads in hard material workpieces with a series of taps. The present invention employs a threaded bore formed in a bracket assembly to align and position multiple taps on a rotary machine. The taps are used in sequence to cut threads progressively deeper into a substrate. The present invention provides a method of aligning and orienting each progressive tap to begin its cut at the same initial starting point.

Abstract: A gap setting tool for setting a gap between a pair of panels includes a first body portion, a second body portion, and a pin having a predetermined diameter. The first body portion, the second body portion, and the pin are movable relative to one another. One of the panels is fixed and the other panel is movably mounted adjacent thereto. The body portions are operable to be attached to respective ones of the pair of panels, such as by vacuum cups or the like, and drawn toward one another with the pin in the gap until the panels contact the pin.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing screw threads in hard material workpieces with a series of taps. The present invention employs a threaded bore formed in a bracket assembly to align and position multiple taps on a rotary machine. The taps are used in sequence to cut threads progressively deeper into a substrate. The present invention provides a method of aligning and orienting each progressive tap to begin its cut at the same initial starting point.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing screw threads in hard material workpieces with a series of taps. The present invention employs a threaded bore formed in a bracket assembly to align and position multiple taps on a rotary machine. The taps are used in sequence to cut threads progressively deeper into a substrate. The present invention provides a method of aligning and orienting each progressive tap to begin its cut at the same initial starting point.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing screw threads in hard material workpieces with a series of taps. The present invention employs a threaded bore formed in a bracket assembly to align and position multiple taps on a rotary machine. The taps are used in sequence to cut threads progressively deeper into a substrate. The present invention provides a method of aligning and orienting each progressive tap to begin its cut at the same initial starting point.

Abstract: To erect metal utility poles, a plurality of tubular sections of utility poles are fabricated, each having tapered portions and the diameter of one being slightly larger than the diameter of another. The sections are brought to a site for erection and pulled together with short repeated strokes of a hydraulic cylinder attached to one section with its piston rod connected to another section of utility pole. In one embodiment it is not necessary to manually adjust the mechanism pulling the sections of utility poles together and in another embodiment, a light flexible cord is attached to one section and a hydraulic cylinder to another section. The hydraulic cylinder pulls the cord and when the piston rod is extended for the next retraction, the cord length is adjusted.

Abstract: A method for enabling a single technician to install a windshield into a vehicle includes a door glass anchor and a windshield glass anchor. The door glass anchor includes a door glass clamp and a pivot structure. The pivot structure includes a tube extension and a pivot rod. One end of the tube extension is attached to the door glass clamp and the pivot rod structure extends from the other end. The windshield glass anchor includes a windshield glass clamp and a pivot extension. The pivot extension includes an outer slide tube, an inner slide tube and a pivoting end. One end of the outer slide tube is attached to the door glass clamp. The inner slide tube is sized to be slidably received by an inner perimeter of the outer slide tube. The pivoting end is formed on one end of the inner slide tube to receive the pivot rod.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for assembling an aircraft wheel or brake (10) component on an axle (26) of an undercarriage in which a holder (12) is provided for the component along with a lifting device (28). The lifting device is used to lift the holder with the component therein to a position where the component is substantially in axial alignment with the axle. Once in that position, assembly of the component on the axle can take place by moving the component axially on to the axle. The holder can then be lowered away from the assembled component.

Abstract: A method of making a gas treatment device, the method includes projecting a laser line onto a side of substrate from a laser line generator angled away from a viewing source; projecting a laser dot onto the substrate from a laser dot generator located above the viewing source; verifying an alignment of the substrate with at least one of: another substrate and a housing by comparing the laser line projection on the substrate to the laser dot projection on the substrate, wherein the alignment is verified when the laser line projection and the laser dot projection are co-linear; and stuffing the substrate into the housing.

Abstract: A method includes the steps of (1) wrapping a shock absorbent member around a columnar member, (2) supporting one end portion of a cylindrical housing on a support member, (3) arranging the columnar member in a cylindrical guide member formed with the tapered portion inside thereof, (4) inserting the shock absorbent member and the columnar member into the cylindrical housing through the tapered portion, (5) pressing a pushing member to the columnar member so as to be moved along the longitudinal axis thereof relative to the cylindrical housing, to accommodate the shock absorbent member and the columnar member in the cylindrical housing, (6) moving the support member and a shrinking mechanism relative to each other, and (7) actuating the shrinking mechanism to reduce the diameter of a part of the cylindrical housing.

Abstract: An installation apparatus is comprised of a pair of grasping brackets and an installation jig. The installation apparatus is employed to install a cockpit module in a vehicle body in a manner that the grasping brackets is detachably attached respectively to both end portions of a steering member of the cockpit module and that the installation jig grasps the grasping brackets and conveys the cockpit module to the vehicle body.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and programmable apparatus for the assembly of body components to an automotive body that has undergone a progressive series of framing and welding steps so as to produce a structurally rigid body frame, termed a body-in-white. More specifically, this invention relates to creating a new net locating scheme (X-Y and Z Cartesian coordinate system) for a body-in-white to direct associated tooling to create net attachment features on a rigid body frame with respect to a new net locating scheme so that components may be attached to an automotive body at a net location eliminating the need for any slip plane attachment techniques.

Abstract: A device for applying a scale element to a first body, in relation to which a second body can be moved in a measuring direction, the device includes an alignment element displaceable on a scale element in a measuring direction, and applied transversely thereto in a defined position, and includes a reference surface, which is adapted for interaction with a second reference surface on a second body and otherwise is loose in relation to the second body.

Abstract: A process, apparatus, and kit for horizontally assembling a cryogenic pump with an apparatus generally including a workstand, a plurality of support stands longitudinally spaced apart from the workstand and a roller transport structure. The kit includes the apparatus and a beam crane for attachment to the apparatus for assembling and disassembling the cryogenic pump at the point of use.

Abstract: Engine loader and transporter apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an engine handling assembly includes a motorized drive assembly engageable with a floor surface, and an engagement unit positioned proximate the drive assembly and partially surrounding a working space. The engagement unit includes a pair of coupling assemblies positioned on opposing lateral sides of the working space that are adapted to be selectively coupleable to the aircraft engine assembly when the aircraft engine assembly is positioned at least partially within the working space. A lifting assembly is operatively coupled to the drive assembly and to the engagement unit and is operable to selectively raise and lower the engagement unit and the aircraft engine assembly with respect to the floor surface.

Abstract: A method of assembling a truss utilizing a truss assembly apparatus having a truss table with a work surface, the steps comprising: arranging at least two truss members on the work surface to form a truss in a first assembly zone; clamping the truss in the first zone with a movable first clamp rail having at least one flip-arm recess therein; and automatically flipping the truss from the first assembly zone to a second assembly zone by activating a plurality of flip arms, at least a portion of one of the plurality of flip arms movable into the at least one corresponding flip-arm recesses of the first clamp rail.

Abstract: A jigging device, for example, for positioning parts to facilitate assembly line procedures. The jigging device maintains a first element (10) in a desired spatial relationship with a second element (12). The jigging device has a first fastening means comprising fastener (20) which is connected to the first element (10). The jigging device also has a second fastening means comprising fastener insert (14) together with adjustable capsule (18). Locking pin (22) locks fastener (20) to the adjustable capsule (18).

Abstract: A culvert band installation tool includes two end plates that are substantially parallel to one another and a bolt to draw the end plates together facilitating the culvert band installation process. The ends plates are maintained substantially parallel to one another by using slip shafts that pass through long sleeves that pass through holes in the end plates. The slip shafts are substantially parallel to the bolt. Indexing pins are installed in the end plates that engage holes in the flanges of the culvert band. A band is installed by using the culvert installation tool to clamp the flanges sufficiently close together to fasten with carriage bolts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning opposed telescopically engageable cut ring and blank and draw die when mounted in a can body forming press to form non-round disc-shaped blanks which are subsequently formed into container bodies. A pair of opposed precision formed notches are formed in the peripheries of the spaced press components and a precision formed key is inserted into the notches. The key is then slidably removed from the notches. The notches are precisely located with respect to each other and to major and minor axes of the press components so that said major and minor axes align with each other when the key is seated in the notches.

Abstract: A method for bonding a plurality of magnetized blocks together includes providing at least two magnetized blocks, and bonding at least two magnetized blocks together using a door translatable in two orthogonal directions.

Abstract: To align the edges of plates prior to joining them, a generally cylindrical anchor member is spot welded at one location on one of its rims to a plate. A mounting element of a clamp body member slidably engages the anchor member. A force applicator element of the clamp body member is generally laterally spaced from the mounting element. The mounting element includes a generally arcuately extended semi-cylindrical socket portion of such a diameter that it slidably and snugly mounts the socket portion thereon. The rim portions of the anchor member provide a plurality of spot mounting locations for breakably spot welding, brazing or otherwise temporarily attaching the anchor member to a plate or other substrate. At least one of the force applicator or mounting elements is adapted to the incremental application of aligning force on adjacent plates. The body of the clamp bridges between the respective plates that are to be brought into line with one another.

Abstract: A basket assembly fixture is useful in the construction of a basket assembly for interring spent nuclear fuel rods. The basket assembly fixture has an elongate base and a pair of lifting beams disposed above the base. Lifting beam raising means are provided at both ends of the base to raise the pair of lifting beams. A transverse beam is provided below the two lifting beams and above the base. Transverse beam raising means are provided for raising the transverse beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive, the apparatus comprising a stator attachable to said top drive, and a supporting member for supporting a tool, wherein means are provided to allow substantially horizontal movement of said supporting member.

Abstract: The bump ball crimping apparatus of the present invention is characterized in comprising an alignment plate 31 for aligning bump balls; a crimping table 32 on which the wafer to which bump balls are to be crimped is mounted; a crimping plate 42 that crimps the bump balls onto the bonding pads of the wafer; a Y-axis moving mechanism 35 that can move the alignment plate 31 in the Y direction and can fasten it at a predetermined position; an X-axis moving mechanism that can move the alignment plate 31 in the X direction and can fasten it at a predetermined position; and a second Y-axis moving mechanism 37 that can move the crimping table 32 in the Y direction and can fasten it at a predetermined position.

Abstract: A panel-securing system for various vehicle types is provided, in which various clamps and fingers for different panel shapes may be selected for operation by a single cylinder, the amount of space utilized to install the system is minimized, and parts used in the system are simplified. The panel-securing system for use in a production line for various vehicle types comprises a controller having stored therein panel information for various vehicle types, the controller generating and outputting a locator-selection control signal and a panel-securing control signal corresponding to panel information of the correct vehicle type; a first actuator for selecting a locator corresponding to the locator-selection control signal output by the controller; a second actuator for driving a locator corresponding to the panel-securing control signal output by the controller; and a panel-securing assembly including a plurality of locators, which correspond to panels of the various vehicle types.

Abstract: A frame joiner press system for efficiently driving a V-nail into two adjacent members of a picture frame. The frame joiner press system includes a base, a plurality of support shafts extending upwardly from the base, a support platform slidably positioned upon the support shafts, a plurality of retaining pins movably positioned within a support housing attached to the base, and a leverage structure for applying a downward force upon a pair of frame members. The retaining pins receive one or more V-nails and are springably positioned within the support housing. When the frame members are pressed upon the V-nails, the retaining pins are depressed into the support housing.

Abstract: Methods for making trellis support structures for use in supporting vine borne crops are disclosed. The support structure includes a metallic support member that is bent into a modified U-shape and attached to a metallic cross arm using a process that produces consistent results. The combination of the U-shaped member and cross arm is then attached to a vertical support post at two different locations: one attachment at the center of the U-shaped member, and the other attachment at the center of the cross arm in an axial alignment with the support post. The structure is extremely strong, capable of supporting considerable weight, not likely to shift, and less prone to failure from fatigue. The support structure is produced by first bending the central section of a metallic support member into a U-shape, placing the bent member on a specially designed adjustable jig, and attaching a cross arm.

Abstract: A process for aligning an optical component by plastic deformation comprises finding a desired position of an optical axis of the optical component relative to a rest position of the optical axis of the optical component. Then, a deformation force is exerted, which is greater than a yield force of the optical component to thereby plastically deform the optical component in a direction of the desired position. The alignment process addresses mechanical compliance in the alignment system and/or optical system during the plastic deformation of optical components of the optical system. This mechanical compliance arises from the fact that there is typically flexing in the alignment system between the encoders and the part of the alignment system that actually engages the optical component.

Abstract: A device is designed to facilitate operation of a separable slide fastener having a pair of stringers, respectively carrying first and second rows of interlocking elements, the rows respectively terminating at a stop member and a lug, the fastener including at least one slider moveable along the first row and having an aperture therethrough alignable with an aperture in the stop member when the slider is disposed in a terminal position. The device includes a handle and retention structure receivable in an aligning position in the apertures when the slider is in or is moved to its terminal position and engageable with the slider and the stop member to hold the slider in its terminal position so that the user does not have to manually do so during insertion of the lug into the apertures to join the stringers. When the lug is inserted it displaces the retention structure from the apertures. Several embodiments of the device are disclosed.