Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing an internal gear is provided. A carrier is used to transport a gear blank having a first predefined pitch diameter to face width ratio. A forming tool is used for forming a plurality of teeth on the gear blank and provides other gear and spline forming operations. A furnace heats the gear having the plurality of teeth formed thereon to a predefined temperature for a predefined length of time to form a carburized gear. Finally, a cutting tool is provided to cut the gear at predefined location along its face to form at least two separate gears each having a second and third pitch diameter to face width ratios.

Abstract: The object of the present application relates to assembling equipment (1) and an assembling method to affix a profiled structure (11) to a pane, in particular to a motor vehicle windshield, said equipment comprising a pane feed device (3) to guide a pane into a first, predetermined assembly position, further a profiled structure's feed device (4) to guide a profiled structure (11) into a second assembly position near the first, also joining means in order to assembly the profiled structure (11) and the pane at a common assembly position, said joining means including elastic, expansive compressive means (12) which, when activated, shall expand their volume in a manner to join the pane and the profiled structure (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for soldering an object comprising several soldered joints. The method comprises the steps of mechanically soldering of at least some of the soldered joints, visually assessing the soldered joints, and correctively soldering the visually assessed soldered joints that do not meet the relevant quality requirements. The visual assessment takes place by means of a video camera and a computing device connected to the video camera. The assessment criteria for the soldered joints are stored in the computing device. The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for identifying one or more mounting locations for mounting a printed circuit board or other type of electronic device, including a mounting surface and one or more light sources mounted on the mounting surface. The light sources are located at positions corresponding to the mounting locations for mounting the printed circuit board or other type of electronic component. When illuminated, the light sources identify one or more mounting locations. The mounting locations are defined by mounting patterns corresponding to the mounting locations for a given type of printed circuit board or other electronic component. The light sources are illuminated so that only light sources corresponding to mounting locations defined by a particular mounting pattern are illuminated.

Abstract: A modular automation apparatus is provided that includes a base unit adapted to receive an automation module. The automation module includes at least one automation device for performing one or more specific automation functions and preferably a selectively programmable memory device for storing automation specific logic rules and/or controlling the specific automation functions. The base unit includes a frame having affixed thereto a control cabinet that houses a programmable logic controller (PLC) for executing the logic rules relayed or stored in the memory device and a power supply capable of powering the base unit and the automation module. When a base unit and an automation module are cooperatively assembled, the combination is capable of performing one or more automation functions specific to the automation module selected.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a workpiece, such as an automotive fuel tank, that includes a connection between a male connector and a female connector, one of which includes a tab that is only removable following the connection. The tab includes a computer-readable code that is read by the computer. During manufacturing, the workpiece is loaded into a workstation, the connection is made, and the tab is removed. The tab is presented to a computer to verify the connection. In the event that a command is received to release the workpiece and the computer has not verified the connection, the computer issues an alert. In a workstation that comprises a computer-controlled release mechanism, a preferred alert comprises a refusal to release the workpiece prior to verification of the connection.

Abstract: An injection mould which comprises at least five modules aligned with each other. The five modules correspond to a first mould module and a second mould module to form a product cavity, a drive module for driving of sliders, an engaging module adapted, by application of a force, to prevent dividing between the first and the second mould module when introducing product material into the product cavity, and an ejector module for ejecting a completed product from one of the first and the second mould module. The method for making injection moulds comprises the steps of receiving a product pattern, defining function holes and function recesses, and defining, separate from and parallel to the construction of function holes and function recesses, a product cavity and the parting plane of the mould. Moreover the method comprises the step of mechanically machining a plurality of modules essentially simultaneously.

Abstract: A production operation is controlled by electronically scanning and reading printed information at intervals along a component tape. The printed information is continuously scanned and read from the carrier tape portion or the cover tape portion of the component tape as components are removed from the component tape during a production operation. In a production facility, the data from many component tapes is transmitted simultaneously to a production control system where all data is processed. The processed data is used to automatically control a production operation by using the printed information to control resources of the production operation, resources including component inventory, equipment, and facilities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for placing electronic components maintained in an array to feed tracks (2) of a placement unit (1) wherein, the correct placement of the array is accomplished in a feed supervisory unit (4) by comparison of component-related data stored on identification carriers (9) respectively assigned to the arrays with placement-related data stored on a portable equipment supervisory carrier (8).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control method for improving the productivity of a screen printer for an electronics-mounting machine. Thus, a screen printer according to this invention uses a recognition camera to inspect the results of printing of a circuit board concurrently with a cleaning operation of the rear surface of a screen, thereby enabling the effective use of time. This screen printer also enables cream solder to be automatically supplied to reduce the operation time by determining whether the next screen to be used is unused. During automatic screen replacement, this screen printer enables a desired screen stored in the corresponding stocker to be automatically specified in order to replace the current screen in response to a selected NC program.

Abstract: When ring components 4 of layers to assemble a laminated ring 3 are unloaded from a component storage facility 10, a computer 13 generates lamination combinatorial data representing a combination of ring components of layers. A target frequency distribution of circumferential length values of ring components 4 of each layer is established, and lamination combinatorial data including ring components of a class where an error of an actual inventory frequency with respect to a target frequency is large are selected in a layer where an error between the target frequency distribution and an actual inventory frequency distribution is maximum. Ring components 4 of all layers corresponding to the selected lamination combinatorial data are unloaded from the component storage facility 10.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes as functional elements of MEMS devices. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of preparing a MEMS substrate for synthesis of a carbon nanotube. A nanosize hole or catalyst retaining structure is fabricated on a MEMS substrate on which a nanotube catalyst is deposited. A nanotube is then synthesized within the nanosize hole.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and standards for calibrating nano-measuring devices. Calibration standards of the invention include carbon nanotubes and methods of the invention involve scanning carbon nanotubes using nano-scale measuring devices. The widths of the carbon nanotube calibration standards are known with a high degree of accuracy. The invention allows calibration of a wide variety of nano-scale measuring devices, taking into account many, and in some cases all, of the systematic errors that may affect a nano-scale measurement. The invention may be used to accurately calibrate line width, line height, and trench width measurements and may be used to precisely characterize both scanning probe microscope tips and electron microscope beams.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a controllable holding and mounting device for use with the construction of an insulated glass window. The mounting device includes a mounting frame and a tie-bar. A positioning laying-on device is connected to the tie-bar and adapted to support a spacer frame for the window. The spacer frame is fixed into position in the mounting device by a distance positioning supporting device that engages the spacer frame and fixes it between the supporting device and the laying-on device. A gripping device is provided that is adapted to support and position a muntin within the spacer frame. A screwing device that is movable relative to the spacer frame is also provided and is capable of driving a screw through the spacer frame and into the muntin to thereby secure the muntin to the spacer frame.

Abstract: An information transmitting system for use in a factory, which is capable of transmitting information among controllers simply without the complicated lead-around of a communication line nor the need of complicated communication protocol. A controller for every molding cell Ai, where i=1,2 . . . max and max is a maximum number of molding cells, a conveyance controller to control an automatic conveyor, a stock cell and a centralized controller are connected to each other via an Ethernet line to provide a common information storage unit, and information is transmitted among the controllers through the common information storage unit. Since there is no need of parallel communication lines between the controllers, an I/O port or a communication line may be prevented from increasing in number and the lead-around of the communication line is prevented from being complicated, resulting in a reduction of cost required for setting up the devices.

Abstract: A computer hard drive assembly device is described which can include a turntable, a motor, and a control. The turntable can include a platform configured to secure computer hard drive components to the turntable. The motor can be coupled to the turntable by a rotating drive shaft which allows the motor to rotate the turntable. The control can be coupled to the motor and is coupled to engage the motor. A method for computer hard drive assembly using the device is also provided.

Abstract: High-speed high-reliability component supplying method and mounting method is obtained by checking whether or not a component is the regular component to be mounted through a component type detecting process by means of component arrangement data having a plurality of substitute component type names of components which can be mounted in the proper position of a component supply section and a detection section and a comparing and deciding process.

Abstract: An apparatus for press fitting inserts into corresponding receptacles in workpieces includes a press comprising a ram and a backup tool spaced from the ram. An insertion tool is alignable between the ram and the backup tool. An insert magazine feeds inserts to the insertion tool. A workpiece positioner sequentially moves each workpiece through receiving positions that align the receptacles with the insertion tool between the ram and the backup tool. The ram repeatedly engages the insertion tool to press fit an insert into each of the corresponding receptacles. The backup tool supports the workpiece against the force of press-fit insertion.

Abstract: A dismantling system (automobile dismantling system) 1 of a product for dismantling the product having plural kinds has input means (terminal) 30a, 30b, 40a, 40b, - - - for inputting information of the dismantled product; memory means (a memory device of a host computer 2) for storing the information inputted from the input means 30a, 30b, 40a, 40b, - - - ; lot determining means (means constructed within the host computer 2) for classifying the product into the same kind or the approximately same kind on the basis of the stored product information, and determining a product number as a lot when the number of products of the same kind or the approximately same kind reaches a predetermined number; and dismantling means (automobile dismantling means) 61 for dismantling the product; wherein the product is dismantled by the dismantling means 61 every lot.

Abstract: A method of assembling end caps (14, 16) within a body (12) is provided. The body (12) is measured to obtain a body measurement and the end cap (14, 16) is sized based on the body measurement. The sized end cap (14, 16) is coupled to the body (12). An end cap size (10, 170) for sizing end caps (14, 16) to mate with a body (12) is also provided. The end cap size (10, 170) includes a device (23, 171) that is movable between a position to receive one of an end cap (14, 16) and a body (12) and another position to engage the one of the end cap (14, 16) and body (12). The end cap size (10, 170) also includes a control system (25, 173) configured to move the device (23, 171) to a body measurement position to obtain a body measurement of the body (12) and move the device (23, 171) to a position to size the end cap (14, 16) based on the body measurement.

Abstract: Method of fixedly connecting together externally and internally threaded tubes by tight engagement of externally and internally threaded portions of the tubes, wherein a wrenching operation is performed to rotate the externally and internally threaded tubes relative to each other with the externally and internally threaded portions engaging each other while an axial force is applied between the tubes. A physical quantity relating to a coefficient of friction between said tubes is obtained on the basis of a detected wrenching torque applied to rotate the tubes relative to each other and the axial force, and a terminating condition for terminating the wrenching operation is determined on the basis of the obtained physical quantity. The wrenching operation is terminated when the terminating condition has been satisfied. Apparatus for practicing the method and recording medium storing a control program for the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A manufacturing system and method utilizing a manufacturing cell having at least one workstation wherein a plurality of manufacturing processes may be performed by automated machinery and manual labor alike. A rotatable trunnion, mounted on a carriage, is operably associated with each workstation. The trunnion is capable of rotating a backbone, constructed and arranged to support a workpiece attached thereto. The carriage assembly translates the trunnion between a first position, outside of the workstation, and a second position, inside of the workstation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for balancing the weight carried by a robot arm of a robot. Said device comprises a fluid spring, rotably a pneumatic spring, and a control device for controlling the movements of the robot. The device is characterized by a pressure sensor which measures the pressure of the fluid of the fluid spring. Said device and the method provided for by the invention permit the exact adjustment and balancing of the movements of the robot arm.

Abstract: A method of transferring component tape information to a component mounting machine, a tape guide for guiding a component tape in a component mounting machine, and a tape magazine for receiving the tape guide. The tape guide is arranged for quick and ready attachment and detachment into and from the component mounting machine. The loading and/or unloading of a component tape into and from the tape guide can be performed away from the component mounting machine. The ability to be releasably mounted is achieved by providing the tape guide with a lock that enables ready and quick attachment and detachment to an interacting lock in a component mounting machine, or in a tape magazine arranged for insertion into a component mounting machine, and a guide for guiding the component tape. The tape guide further includes an identifier for holding the identity of the tape guide, which can be associated with information relating to the component tape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a controllable holding and mounting device including a mounting frame and tie-bars movably supported thereon for installing muntin bars or a muntin grating into a spacer frame of an insulated glass window. Positioning and adjusting a spacer frame including said muntin bars or muntin grating as also the fixing tools referred thereto has been carried out manually. This procedure is to be accomplished by means of a holding and mounting device operating automatically and program controlled for saving time and costs and improving the accuracy of manufacture.

Abstract: A method of detecting a positioning error of an electric component with respect to a suction nozzle by which the electric component is held by suction under a negative pressure, wherein image data representative of images of the suction nozzle and a dog disposed near the suction nozzle are processed to obtain a relative position between the suction nozzle and the dog, a second image-taking step of taking an image of said electric component held by said suction nozzle and an image of said dog, and the positioning error of the electric component with respect to the suction nozzle is obtained on the basis of image data representative of images of the electric component and the dog, and the obtained relative position between the suction nozzle and the dog. Also disclosed in a method of mounting the electric component on a circuit substrate, on the basis of the obtained positioning error of the electric component.

Abstract: A positioning device includes a gantry robot and an elevator unit. The gantry robot includes a head assembly, a work-space spaced below the head assembly for receiving at least one tray and a device for moving the head assembly in the X, Y and Z directions. The gantry robot further includes a device for scanning the work-space. The elevator unit has a plurality of shelves arranged in a series one above another. Each shelf is adapted to receive at least one tray and the shelves are movable in the Z direction. A device for moving a tray between the elevator unit and the work-space is included. A control system for controlling the movement of the head assembly in the X, Y and Z direction, for controlling the movement of the shelves in the Z direction and for controlling the tray moving device is operably connected to the gantry robot and the elevator unit.

Abstract: A portable rivet setting system is provided with a modular design. The portable rivet setting system includes an electronic control module, a pneumatic control module, a rivet feeder device, an escapement mechanism and an umbilical assembly including a rivet setting tool each modularly designed. The modular design improves the ability to react to diagnosed problems and allows the replacement or substitution of a single module while the faulty module can be repaired. The easy replacement or substitution of a module greatly reduces the down time associated with repairing the rivet setting system and allows a user to remove and replace a module with limited technical capabilities.

Abstract: A valve adjusting and injector preload tool is provided for an internal combustion engine having a valve opening member with a male threaded member operatively and adjustably contacting the valve. The tool includes a first member engagable with the threaded member for rotating the threaded member towards or away from the valve. There is a knob for rotating the first member in a first rotational direction so the male threaded member moves towards the valve and for rotating the first member in a second rotational direction so the male threaded member moves away from the valve. There is a clutch for stopping movement of the first member, as the male threaded member moves towards the valve, when the male threaded member operatively contacts the valve and takes up play between the valve opening member and the valve.

Abstract: Three-dimensional large scale bodies such as jumbo aircraft fuselages (14) are assembled in body sections around a central longitudinal assembly core (1) which itself is mounted at its ends and accessible all around along its length. Robots carrying tools for holding, transporting and precisely positioning preassembled wall shell sections, are movable along the central core (1). First, at least one floor grid (2 or 3) is releasably mounted to the core. Then, side wall shell sections (4, 5) are secured to the floor grids. Then, top and bottom wall shell sections (10, 8) are secured to the side wall shell sections (4, 5) to form a body section (BS) of the large scale body (14). Neighboring body sections are secured to each other along cross-seams. Upon completion, the floor grids are released from the core (1) and the core is removed preferably withdrawn longitudinally from the assembled large component or body.

Abstract: A system and method for disassembling and assembling a product. The system includes a production facility for assembling a product, a processing facility for disassembling a used product and offering the unit or parts of the used product for assembling the product after the unit and parts are processed, and a commonly-used processing facility for practicing mutually reversible steps between the process of assembling the product and the process of disassembling the used product and offering the unit and parts for assembling the product and/or for practicing steps which are identical for the assembling and disassembling processes. The method includes the steps of performing an assembling process, performing a disassembling process, and performing in a commonly-used processing facility mutually reversible steps between the assembling and disassembling process and/or performing steps which are identical for the assembling and disassembling processes.

Abstract: Methods for assembling, handling, and fabricating are disclosed in which targets are used on objects. The targets can be specifically applied to the object, or can be an otherwise normal feature of the object. Conveniently, the targets are removable from the object or covered by another object during an assembling process. One or more robots and imaging devices for the targets are used. The robots can be used to handle or assemble a part, or a fixture may be used in conjunction with the robots. Conveniently, the CAD design system is used in designing the targets as well as for the assembly process using the targets. A plurality of targets can also be used to monitor and inspect a forming process such as on a sheet panel.

Abstract: A riveting system is operable to join two or more workpieces with a rivet. In another aspect of the present invention, a self-piercing rivet is employed. Still another aspect of the present invention employs an electronic control unit and one or more sensors to determine a riveting characteristic and/or an actuator characteristic.

Abstract: A control system and method for automatic fastening machines wherein a multi-axes motion controller is utilized in place of the conventional PLC or CNC control to provide for virtually an immediate change in system response when the systems feedback devices indicate the need for variance. The major advantage of the process control approach of the present invention is that all system feedback information is controlled via a single on board processor thus eliminating any communication lag associated with multi controller applications. This also provides for an improvement in fastener installation cycle time. An additional advantage to the approach of the present invention is the elimination of many mechanical hard stops and their respective electrical position switch indicators, which in turn reduces the chance for machine breakdowns resulting in a greater increase in productivity.

Abstract: An assembly process apparatus includes an assembly robot for assembling parts to a workpiece which is a main body, a part supply apparatus for supplying parts to the workpiece, a work pallet for supplying workpieces to an assembly station of the assembly robot, and a tool pallet for supplying assembly process modules interchangeable with respect to the assembly robot. The part supply apparatus is made up of a plurality of part supply modules interchangeable with respect to the assembly robot. With the assembly process apparatus as one unit, it is constructed to assemble parts one unit only or with a plurality of units combined. Accordingly, an assembly process apparatus achieves excellent productivity with which it is possible to expand or cut line equipments easily according to production volume, and it is possible to achieve utilization of surplus assembly robots.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus and a method for mechanically joining metal sheets, profiles and/or multi-sheet joints lying on top of each other, wherein joining tools are moved by power means towards the parts to be joined and a joint is made between the parts to be joined by the force effect of the joining tools. To make the joining tools easier to handle and widen the range of application for joints, it is proposed to reduce the reaction forces of the joining process by the fact that one joining tool applies the joining force to the joint at an exciting frequency which is above the characteristic frequency of the opposite joining tool, and the mounting of at least one joining tool is isolated from vibrations. The vibration isolation can also be arranged exclusively or in addition in the excited joining tool or the parts to be joined.

Abstract: A pressing device for joining workpieces has a pressing tool and a motorized drive for actuation of the pressing tool over a pressing distance, as well as a control device which has a drive control device for influencing the drive. The drive control device has a malfunction detection device which has an actual value sensor which is suitable for detecting, as the actual value, a physical magnitude which is correlated with the pressing resistance. At least one limit value profile for the actual value is retained in the malfunction detection device, and it has a comparison device which, during a pressing, checks whether the particular actual value lies on the permissible or impermissible side of the pertinent limit value profile. The malfunction detection device comprises a signal device and/or a shutdown device for the drive, which are/is activated if the actual value lies on the impermissible side of the pertinent limit value.

Abstract: Automated device for maintaining and assembling wooden elements on a pressing table. The device comprises a mobile gantry adapted to be movably mounted to a pressing table. The mobile gantry has at least one motor driven pressing jack and a rail. A motor driven motoring unit is slidably mounted to the rail. A plurality of spindles are arranged on the rail. A plurality of saw logs are mounted to the spindles, each saw log having a ring-shaped groove, an elastic element, and a bore for receiving a spindle. The plurality of spindles constitute a magazine for storing the plurality of saw logs. The motoring unit includes a vertically mobile rod comprising one of a single rod and a double rod. The vertically mobile rod comprises a lower end having a clamp adapted to remove a saw log from a spindle. The clamp comprises a U-shaped plate having an opening which is adapted to engage the ring-shaped groove of a saw log, the clamp comprising an elastic element adapted to engage the saw log.

Abstract: A control system and method for automatic fastening machines wherein a multi-axes motion controller is utilized in place of the conventional PLC or CNC control to provide for virtually an immediate change in system response when the systems feedback devices indicate the need for variance. The major advantage of the process control approach of the present invention is that all system feedback information is controlled via a single on board processor thus eliminating any communication lag associated with multi controller applications. This also provides for an improvement in fastener installation cycle time. An additional advantage to the approach of the present invention is the elimination of many mechanical hard stops and their respective electrical position switch indicators, which in turn reduces the chance for machine breakdowns resulting in a greater increase in productivity.

Abstract: A device for assembling and disassembling a tool with a tool holder, such as particularly a mandrel. The device is essentially constituted by a support frame (4) provided with a unit (5) for receiving and holding a tool holder (3), elements (6 and 7) for ensleeving and extracting a tool (2) coacting with an induction heating unit (8) for the portion (3′) of the tool holder (3) adapted to receive the tool (2) by ensleeving.

Abstract: An apparatus for tagging pieces of lumber including a motor-driven chain for positioning adjacent a lumber conveyor. A stapler is positioned adjacent one end of the chain for affixing a tag to a piece of lumber on the conveyor. A tag feeding attachment urges one tag of a contiguous sequence of tags into alignment with the stapler and severs the tag from the contiguous sequence of tags. A photosensor is positioned adjacent the stapler for detecting the presence of lumber upon the conveyor and for generating an electrical signal in response thereto. Upon receiving an electrical signal from the photosensor, a central processing unit energizes the stapler and the tag feeding attachment in a predetermined sequence.

Abstract: A die bonder equipped with an image recognition unit having a zoom optical system for placing a chip to a correct location in accordance with recognition results delivered from the image recognition unit. Data related with the recognition offset data that specify a relationship in the relative location between optical coordinates system and mechanical coordinates system, and the pixel rate, etc. are stored in advance in a correction magnification index memory section, maintaining linkage to respective zoom magnification indices. Results of recognition are converted from a location information in terms of an optical coordinates system into a location information in actual dimensions in terms of a mechanical coordinates system of the die bonder, using a datum selected among the data in accordance with a magnification index at which the chip was pictured by a camera of an image recognition section.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pressing device (1) for joining workpieces, in particular press fittings to a pipe, having an electric drive (6) and a pressing tool (2) attached replaceably thereto, and is characterized in that control parameters for the drive (6) are stored on the pressing tool (2).

Abstract: An assembly machine has a frame defining at least one work station, a transfer mechanism for feeding a succession of workpieces one at a time through the station, and at least one tool at the station movable between an operative position engageable with the workpiece in the station and a retracted position out of engagement with the workpiece in the station. A push-pull operating element has an outer end connected to the tool and an inner end connected to a cam carried on an output of a drive mounted on the frame for displacing the tool between its positions synchronously with feeding of the workpieces through the station. A pneumatic spring mounted on the frame is braced against the tool and has a compartment pressurizable to urge the tool into the operative position. The back compartment is continuously pressurized with a gas under a generally constant pressure.

Abstract: A system and method maintain concentricity of a center hole of a top substrate and of a bottom substrate in a bonded storage disk manufacturing system. A first device holds a coaxial arrangement of a top and bottom substrate around a first arbor. A second device holding the arrangement in a coaxial arrangement around a second arbor. One of the first and second arbors is fixed to its associated device and the other is movable in response to urging from the one arbor so that the arrangement maintains concentricity.

Abstract: In an assembly line in which at least two kinds of workpieces are transported by mixture and in which each of the workpieces is transported by a self-propelling transporting member, a transporting pitch for each kind of workpiece is set in advance based on a difference in the number of assembling man-hours required for each of them. The timing for starting the transporting member off a starting end of the assembly line is controlled according to the transporting pitch such that a pitch between a preceding transporting member and a succeeding transporting member becomes equal to that which is set for a workpiece to be transported by the preceding transporting member.

Abstract: A system for ensuring correct orientation of a threaded insert being inserted into a threaded bore of an aluminum workpiece such as an engine block. The system comprises a threaded insert supply, a feeder for transporting inserts dispensed from the insert supply, and an orient subassembly for dispensing the insert supplied from the feeder into a workpiece bore. The orient subassembly dispenses the insert into the workpiece bore in a tang-down orientation if the insert is supplied to the orient subassembly in a tang-down position. The orient subassembly reorients the insert if the insert is supplied to the orient subassembly in a tang-up position before the insert is dispensed into the workpiece bore.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic door flusher which uses one floating urethane flushing block, at least two tractor elements for urging the flushing block toward the body and urging the door toward the floating flushing block. The tractor elements can be pneumatic suction cups.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a spool valve into a valve bore of a body by providing compressed gas to the valve bore at a pressure below the pressure of compressed gas supplied to a passage within a carrier body containing a spool valve substantially concentrically aligned with the valve bore to advance the spool valve from the passage into the valve bore. The compressed gas in the passage provides a force acting generally uniformly on the spool valve substantially concentrically aligning the spool valve within the passage. The compressed gas supplied to the valve bore also acts substantially uniformly on the spool valve tending to substantially concentrically align the spool valve within the valve bore when the spool valve is advanced therein. While the gas in the passage and the valve bore align the spool valve, the higher pressure of the gas in the passage advances the spool valve into the valve bore.

Abstract: A low-voltage electromagnetic riveter (LVEMR) including two opposed rivet guns (70, 72) for upsetting rivets during the assembly of structural parts is disclosed. Variable capacitor banks (64, 65 or 64', 65') are discharged to provide a variable current pulse which flows through a driver coil (131) and a mass-mounted coil (135) of each rivet gun (70, 72). Preferably, the mating faces of the coils are contoured to assist in the alignment of the coils. The driver coils are affixed to the ends of drivers (125) that drive rivet dies (121) into the ends of a rivet (75) to be upset. The LVEMR is controlled such that the net magnetic forces generated between the two pairs of coils actuate the rivet guns (70, 72) so that one end of the rivet is impacted slightly before the other end. The delay is controlled by a delay generator (44). Further, rapid-acting ground fault detection circuits (52 and 53) cause a power shutdown and capacitor bank discharge in the event of a ground fault.