Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assembling an inflator and an air bag unit into an inflator-air bag assembly. The apparatus comprises a frame and a holder device coupled to the frame. The holder device includes a movable nest adapted to receive an air bag unit and an inflator. The air bag unit has at least one stud which is capable of passing through at least one stud receiving opening provided in the inflator. The nest is adapted to move the air bag unit and the inflator such that the stud is moved to a nut-applying station. The apparatus further includes a driver unit coupled to the frame which is adapted to secure the nut to the stud to assemble the inflator and the air bag unit into an inflator-air bag assembly. The apparatus additionally includes a clamping element movably coupled to the support structure for engaging the inflator when the support structure is in the nut-securement position so as to act with the nest to clamp the inflator and the air bag unit together.

Abstract: An error reduction and accommodation method and system can be used in an automated assembly environment. This method and system use a simple localized calibration process devised to improve similarity between an actual device and a simulated model when an off-line programming technique is used. The system uses grid-hole tables with modular fixtures holding the workpieces. The grid-hole table has round holes instead of screw holes or T-slots and allows modular fixtures with round pins to be placed on the grid-hole table with greater precision. A compliant coupling which is able to accommodate any small error in the system and when used with any end-tool, allows the assembly robot to carry out tasks within the modular system. The use of the grid-hole table and modular fixtures allows the robot, once taught the grid-hole table and the modular fixtures, to be subsequently programmed off-line to carry out any tasks with any standardized modular fixture placed any where on the grid-hole table.

Abstract: An automatic assembling system for assembling a product constituted by a plurality of parts, includes a group cell having a plurality of assembling cells and inspecting cells, pallets loaded with the same type of parts or products, at least one buffer for holding a plurality of pallets, and at least one pallet hand-over mechanism for transferring pallets between the buffer and each cell. At least one of the buffers is provided in common for a plurality of cells, and at least one of the pallet hand-over mechanisms is provided to the common buffer.

Abstract: A pipelined system for removing the contents of sealed coin-collection boxes, wherein each box requires a set of different operations to be performed in seriatim to remove the box contents. The operations include removing a seal, opening a box lid, removing the box contents, resetting the lid and resealing the box. The pipelined system comprises a rotary surface for supporting a plurality of the boxes at spaced locations. Stationary surfaces mount a plurality of box-processing units, including pneumatic actuators and processing tools, at spaced stations to form a pipeline. The processing units each perform a different one of the processing operations during each processing cycle. A motor assembly pivots the rotary surface for stepwise positioning the boxes at different ones of the stations. A control system, including computer and pneumatic systems, causes the box-processing units to perform the different processing operations simultaneously on all boxes in the pipeline.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing and assembling a plurality of small parts weighing under five pounds using a robot employing a rotatable pallet for holding an array of small parts. Said rotatable pallet being held in place on the robot wrist head, which moves the pallet through a plurality of stationary work-stations located within the operating envelope of the robot, and rotates the pallet at each work-station to index the pallet and to present it to the work-station for an operation on a specific part or parts. Said robot participates in the work-station tasks by moving the rotatable pallet in the X, Y, and Z directions as needed. Movable data pins are used to indicate conditions of individual parts in nests, and of the pallet taken as a whole.

Abstract: An automated assembly machine for fabricating large mechanical structures including a floor assembly jig for receiving and holding parts in a desired orientation, a pair of carriages, a first drive mechanism for independently driving the carriages longitudinally, a second drive mechanism for moving the carriages vertically, a tool tray mounted on the carriages, and a plurality of tools, including a drill, a hole diameter measurement probe, a nut runner, and an electromagnetic riveter, mounted on the tool tray for lateral movement toward and away from a workpiece clamp-up position. The tools are positioned at the workpiece clamp-up position by moving one of the carriages longitudinally along the floor assembly jig and raising the other carriage to elevate the tool tray to a desired elevation.

Abstract: An IC lead frame centering method and apparatus whereby centering plates are automatically positioned to center various types of IC. With a screw driver (2) held with a hand, projections (48) of a rotating shaft (45) are inserted into driving bores (29) of a socket wrench (25), and pushed therein toward the socket wrench (25). The pressure causes the socket wrench (25) to slide on a screw rod (7) while compressing a coil spring (30). At the same time, the pressure causes the rotating shaft (45) to compress a coil spring (51), and also causes a cylindrical portion (47) of the rotating shaft (45) to move. The movement of the cylindrical portion (47) is detected by a start switch (52). Consequently, a servomotor (41) is started to drive the screw rod (7) to rotate, causing centering plates (16 and 17) to move away from each other until the centering plate 17 is detected by a mechanical origin sensor (24).

Abstract: A programmable or flexible fixture for holding a plurality of details comprising an assembly during assembly processes thereon comprising an elongated base supported in a predetermined position, a plurality of positioning units located at spaced locations along the base, each of the positioning units having a clamp adapted to engage the details, the positioning units being located to allow access to the details from two directions of movement of tools of assembly apparatus moving with respect to the workpiece during assembly processes thereon, a robot operatively associated with the positioning units for moving the positioning units relative to the base for accepting the various members of a family of details which all have the same configuration and differ by increments in size and for holding the details together as an assembly and holding the assembly in the proper detail location and assembly position for assembling, and an actuator for moving the clamp into and out of engagement with the details.

Abstract: An automated continuous manufacturing system which includes a rotatable work table having a plurality of work piece supports for maintaining work pieces during operation of said system, and a plurality of work stations for performing cleaning, pretreatment, treatment or assembly tasks on work pieces secured to said work piece supports. Each of the tasks performed at the work table is performed at a respective work station. Certain of the work stations comprise a removable station subassembly for performing a specific task. The removable station subassemblies are removably engagable with the rotatable work table and may be replaced with an alternate removable station subassembly for performing a desired alternate task. One of the work stations is an assembly station engaged with the rotatable work table for receiving work pieces from their individual work piece supports. The assembly station further includes a removing subassembly for removing the work pieces from the work piece supports for further assembly.

Abstract: A system for automatically connecting a seat back to a seat cushion to assemble a seat, which includes a first setting device for setting the seat back upright, a second setting device for setting a seat cushion horizontally, and a robot hand device. The seat back is easily set on the first setting device, with a part of its upholstery being turned up by a retaining element of the same first setting device to expose the associated connecting member. The robot hand device includes a pressure arm element to pressingly hold such turned-up part of seat back upholstery. The seat back is transferred by the robot hand device to the second setting device, maintaining such turned-up state of the upholstery part all the way, so that the exposed connecting member of seat back is connected to another connecting member of seat cushion by operation of an automated connecting device of said second setting device, thereby forming a resulting seat.

Abstract: A production control system is disclosed which comprises a plurality of processing apparatuses each thereof including a single cell or a plurality of identical cells, a storage for temporarily storing objects to be processed, a transportation facility for transporting the objects to be processed between the cells or between the cell and the storage, a plurality of cell controllers each thereof controlling each cell, a physical distribution control system for controlling the transportation facility, and a charge control system for issuing a transportation command to the physical distribution system in response to a request for sending in and a request for taking out from the cell controllers as well as a notice of completion of transportation from the physical distribution control system.

Abstract: A modular product assembly platform which includes a multiple number of industrial robots or other similar assembly devices. The product assembly platform also includes a programmable controller system housed in a logic control cabinet, a vision control system housed in a vision control cabinet and a set of robot controllers which operate together to control the robots or assembly devices for performing product assembly tasks. The layout and configuration of the platform and the control equipment provide for convenience and flexibility in configuring and reconfiguring the assembly platform for different assembly procedures associated with different products.

Abstract: In an automatic fastening machine 10 including a frame 12 for operating a workpiece 16 along a work centerline and having a drilling tool for drilling a hole in the workpiece, a bucking ram 26, and a milling tool 30 having a hole inspection assembly 22 mounted on the upper ram 88 thereof. The hole inspection assembly includes a hole probe assembly 24 that is movable axially along the work centerline to insert a probe member 25 into a position inside the hole in the workpiece. The probe is provided with a plurality of capacitor plates 25B that measure the peripheral extent of the hole to insure that the hole is drilled within a tolerance range and is also properly positioned on the workpiece before a fastener is inserted.

Abstract: A system for producing parts/substrate assemblies each of which includes a substrate such as a ceramic substrate and a plurality of parts such as LSIs mounted on the substrate. After the LSIs for one lot of the production have been checked for excess or deficiency, etc. by a collating device, they are formed with solder bumps and then inspected. The LSIs are automatically arranged on empty work pallets as parts kits by a kit setting apparatus, and the work pallets on each of which the corresponding LSIs have been arranged as the parts kit are moved into a stocker. A host computer gives a command for mounting the LSIs on the ceramic substrate on which they can be mounted, on the basis of information indicating the stocked pallet and information indicating the progress of the ceramic substrate. An LSI mounting apparatus reads the serial No. of the introduced ceramic substrate, and requests the stocker to deliver the work pallet on which the associated LSIs have been arranged as the parts kit.

Abstract: A machine (28) for use in removing first and second mandrels (20) from a stringer assembly (26) that includes a composite I-beam and the mandrels is disclosed. The mandrels are located in channels on opposite sides of the composite I-beam. The machine includes a framework (30) having an elongate platform (36) for supporting the stringer assembly (26). Mounted on the framework are a plurality of stations (32) located long the longitudinal platform (36). Each station includes first and second movable platforms (42) mounted to opposite sides of the longitudinal platform from one another. Each platform includes a clamp (38 and 40) for sequentially clamping the stringer assembly to the framework when the mandrels are being removed. The movable platforms are attached to the mandrels. A jackscrew mechanism moves the movable platforms with respect to one another when the sides of the stringer assembly are clamped to the platform.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for the manufacture of product subassemblies by computer programmed robots is an end effector fixture assembly, or geometry station wherein at least two individual elements of the particular subassembly are dimensionally positioned relative to one another between a lower base fixture and an upper fixture of the end effector fixture assembly to establish a net location therebetween. The robot manipulates the end effector fixture assembly and transports the two individual elements located therein to a work performing station located within a defined region of the robot to perform work on the subassembly.

Abstract: A robotic system for inserting cylinder liners into the cylinder block from an internal combustion engine includes an articulated robot arm for cycling an end effector between a dunnage unloading position and a cylinder insertion position. The end effector, which is attached to the robot arm, picks liners from dunnage and places the liners in the cylinder bores of the cylinder block. The end effector includes remotely deployable combination teeth for gripping the liners to permit removal from their dunnage and for aligning the end effector and liner into the cylinder bores to permit insertion of the liners.

Abstract: An apparatus for tagging plants includes a frame attached to a stand, and jaws operably mounted on the frame for receiving a plant branch. The apparatus includes a strip advancing mechanism, a tag advancing mechanism, a fastening mechanism, and a programmable controller for controlling the actuation of each of these mechanisms. The strip advancing mechanism is configured to advance a section of flexible strip onto the jaws in a loop around the plant branch from a continuous supply of strip material, and includes a cutter for cutting the section from the continuous supply of strip material once it is advanced. The tag advancing mechanism is configured to advance a tag to a position proximate the jaws from a continuous supply of interconnected tags, and includes a cutter for cutting the tag from the supply of tags. The fastening mechanism includes a stapler for stapling a staple to the tag to hold the tag to the section of strip and to hold the ends of the section together in the loop around the plant branch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for feeding a printed wiring board automatically sets a feeding stroke with respect to different types of printed wiring boards and sequentially feeds the boards. In the apparatus for sequentially feeding a printed wiring board to a predetermined position, a sensor is provided for detecting information on the printed wiring board including the size, shape, color, and type of the printed wiring board, whereby a feeding stroke with respect to each of the printed wiring boards is set based upon the information.

Abstract: An apparatus to assemble prefabricated walls and joist panels for homes, apartments, commercial buildings, etc. Apparatus is self-loading and can place and fasten 2.times.3, 2.times.4, 3.times.4, 4.times.4, and 4.times.6 cross members between parallel plates on the fly, having telescoping carriage and track, cross members may vary in length from 7-1/2 feet to 12 feet. Self-contained and portable apparatus may be used in remote locations and transported without special highway permits. All the frames for a building can be fabricated in on production run therefore saving handling and storage.

Abstract: A system and method for the repetitive selection of a group of items which utilizes a series of sensors associated mounted in a frame structure adjacent supplies of items so that the manual selection of an item or items from a supply can be monitored. A programable logic controller is utilized for allowing the system to be "taught" so that it can easily be used for the repetitive selection of many different desired groups of items without the necessity of rewiring or constructing a totally new device.

Abstract: A method of supplying parts in a system for assembling a printed circuit board by mounting the parts on a substrate at corresponding predetermined positions thereof. One or more kinds of substrates and at least one group of parts, to be mounted on the corresponding substrates, are introduced into the system lot by lot. The introduced parts on one or more previously prepared parts containers are placed so as to correspond to the substrates on which the individual parts are to be mounted, thereby providing one or more sets of the parts, each set corresponding to a respective one of the substrates. The sets of parts are supplied to a parts mounting station of the system.

Abstract: An assembling apparatus which can readily achieve change-over among operation programs corresponding to a large number of works of different models. Part pallets on which parts are received are supplied from a part supplying unit to a plurality of assembling units by a part pallet supplying conveyor. Meanwhile, assembling pallets are supplied from a model changing unit to the assembling units by an assembling pallet transporting conveyor. Each of the assembling units is provided with an orthogonal robot wherein an assembling head picks up a part from a part pallet supplied thereto and automatically mounts the part to a work on an assembling pallet supplied thereto.

Abstract: There are disclosed an assembling apparatus and an assembling method of a nuclear fuel assembly by which flaws or scratches to be formed on the surfaces of the fuel rods can be reduced. The fuel rods are inserted into the grid cells of the supporting grids under the state where the supporting grids are disposed in proximity to each other. Therefore, it is possible to remarkably reduce the fall-down movement of the tip portion of the fuel rod. Conventionally, the tip portion or lower surface of the fuel rod inevitably comes in contact with the grid cell of the supporting grid, so that the scratches might be formed on the surface of the fuel rod, which deteriorates the quality of the fuel assembly. However, according to the present method and apparatus, it is possible to avoid the interference between them so that the scratches to be formed on the surface of the fuel rods can be reduced remarkably.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of installing angle plates at the corners of ducts which has at the opposite ends of each panel of the duct channel shaped flanges into which is installed an angle plate with the angle plates being utilized to secure adjacent ducts together utilizing fasteners. The angle plates are configurated so as to be automatically fed by way of a supply hopper and associated machinery is constructed whereby a lowermost angle plate in a stack is automatically fed into position overlying duct channel flanges after the duct has been clamped in place followed by the forcing of the angle plate into the duct channel flanges and the securement of the angle plate in place. There is a notch in each corner of the duct between adjacent channel flanges and the angle plate is initially positioned with a corner portion thereof tilted downwardly into the notch, after which the angle plate is pressed into the two channel flanges.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling multiple component products using automated assembly equipment having predetermined locations for loading of components or component compartments. The invention includes a component identifier which reads indicia of component identity from components or component compartments, and a location indicator which indicates a proper location for loading and identified component or component compartment. The invention also contemplates a sensor that senses the placement of components or component compartments in the locations of the assembly machine, and a disabling device which disables the assembly machine if components or component compartments are misplaced.

Abstract: A production installation for assembling or processing structural components comprises drive pallets carrying the structural components or the individual parts, the drive pallets comprising power-driven devices for handling the structural components or the individual parts, a conveyor track comprised of individual and separable conveyor track sections, each conveyor track section comprising vertical and lateral guideways for the drive pallets, a feed device at each conveyor track section operable for conveying the drive pallets independently of each other along the vertical and lateral guideways of the conveyor track, a source for supplying operating energy and/or data to the power-driven handling devices on the drive pallets at selected locations along the conveyor track, and a handling device at each one of the selected locations.

Abstract: A parts supply device includes a mounting device for mounting a unit accommodating electronic parts on a parts mounting machine, a parts feeding device for sequentially feeding the parts held by the unit to a predetermined removing position according to an operation of the machine for removing the parts from the parts supply device, a storing device for storing data as to the number of parts held by the unit, and a calculating device for rewriting the parts number data stored in the storing device according to the operation of the machine for removing the parts from the supply device.

Abstract: The front end and rear end of a belt-shaped member having a predetermined length are grasped by front end grasping pawls and rear end grasping pawls, respectively, movable in synchronism with and independently from each other when required. The front and rear end grasping pawls are moved in synchronism with each other until the front end of the belt-shaped member arrives at the forming drum. After the front end of the belt-shaped member has been pressure-joined with the forming drum, only the rear end grasping pawls grasping the rear end of the belt-shaped member are moved to attach the belt-shaped member to the circumference of the forming drum. The length of the belt-shaped member is modified to a predetermined length or the circumferential length of the forming drum while the front and rear ends are grasped by the front and rear end grasping pawls, respectively, or the belt-shaped member is being attached to the forming drum.

Abstract: Lead wires (4) extending out from an electrical circuit device (2) are shaped for engagement to a substrate (38,40) upon which the device (2) is placed by engaging the lead wires (4) at a location laterally spaced from the device (2), exerting a force on the lead wire (4) at the engagement location to bend it down to the substrate (38,40), and then applying an inward force on the bent lead wire (4) towards the device (2) to further bend the wire to the desired shape. The lead wire (4) is engaged by a forming tool (21,27,33) having a universal head that applies the inward force either by biting into the lead wire (4) with a sharp edge (26), or by moving a bearing wall (36) against the end of the wire (4). When the forming tool (21,27,33) is operated by a programmable wire bonding system, the wire forming operation can be integrated with the bonding operation by using the same forming tool (21,27,33 ) to perform both functions.

Abstract: An automatic machine for fitting striking plates to prefabricated fixed frames of windows or French windows is associated with a fixed frame feed device. It comprises at least one fitting unit adapted to be displaced automatically relative to the fixed frame. It further comprises at least one second fitting unit adapted to fit bottom striking plates to the fixed frame, in particular for tilt-turn windows. The displacements of the beam, the carriage and the fitting unit are program-controlled to enable the fitting of top striking plates to the top crossmember of the fixed frame and the fitting of striking plates to the uprights of the fixed frame.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for mechanically applying a weather strip or other channel-shaped strip to a peripheral lip of a body or an opening, notably a vehicle door opening. The apparatus comprises a plurality of radially extensible arms extending from a centrally defined hub, each arm being operative to grip and apply the strip to the lip. The apparatus further includes a device for gripping the free ends of the sealing strip after the strip has been fed through the apparatus and for indenting the free ends radially inward while the remainder of the strip is applied to the lip. The free ends are then applied to the lip in abutting relationship. A method for applying the sealing strip is also disclosed.

Abstract: The field of the present invention is that of an apparatus and method of installing weather stripping in a door and like openings using a robot. The field of the present invention is also that of an end of arm tooling device (EOAT) for a robot which installs weather stripping in a door and like openings.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing multiple component assemblies utilizing semi-automatic computer-assisted material handling. The system comprises a plurality of component selection cells each having an alphanumeric display to display a selected assembly model description and a plurality of component bins wherein each bin has an associated bin numeric display or backlight pushbutton switch for displaying the quantity of components from that bin required for a selected assembly model. Each numeric display pushbutton switch has a means for clearing the display after the required quantity of components has been selected and for generating a control signal in response to a completion of a selected collection of parts for that cell relating to the selected assembly model.

Abstract: An automatic key programming and connector transfer system and method for electrical connectors (10) having keying means (40) thereon. According to one aspect of the invention, an automatic key programming apparatus (51) for electrical connectors (10) is provided which comprises a supply station (56) for storing a plurality of connectors (10) having keys oriented in a predetermined orientation, a programming station (57) for receiving connector (10) having keys oriented in a predetermined orientation from the supply station (56) and for programming the keys of the connectors, the programming station (57) including a programming device (100) for programming the keys of the connectors (10) in accordance with programming instructions applied thereto, and an output station (58) for receiving connectors (10) having programmed keys from the programming station (57).

Abstract: A method for mounting electronic parts on a printed board using a computer, an optical indicator controlled by the computer to optically indicate a position of insertion on the printed board into which an electronic part is to be inserted, and a parts locator having a plurality of pockets and controlled by the computer to rotate and open only one pocket is disclosed. Parts taken out at random from a parts box are put into opened pockets of a parts locator, or after the parts are inserted into the positions of insertion on the printed board indicated by the optical indicator, the remaining parts are put into the opened pockets of the parts locator. Subsequent mounting work can be performed only by taking out the parts from the pockets of the parts locator and inserting the parts into the optically indicated positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a magnetic read/write head with precision orientation on a suspension assembly arm. The arm contains a plurality of mounting indicia. Computer controlled apparatus, including an optics system, scans the mounting indicia and the head and mounts the head on a predetermined desired location on the arm and with the desired orientation.

Abstract: Device for locating the ideal screwing position of bolts of large dimensions wherein a bolt (10) is lowered under control until it engages in the tapping recess of an orifice (5), the bolt (10) is rotated in the opposite direction to screwing, the point of engagement of the threads (11) of the bolt (10) in the threads of the tapped orifice (5) is detected, screwing is started under control by the rotation of the bolt in the normal direction, successive seizures are detected during the screwing, and after each seizure the ideal screwing position is located by means of a suitable path from the center corresponding to the preceding stop previously recorded, screwing is resumed after each detection of the new ideal screwing center, and the screwing of the bolt (10) is continued at a high speed until the end of screwing is detected.

Abstract: A method of mounting a torque converter on a transmission comprises the steps of setting the transmission to have the tubular members extending horizontally, holding the torque converter by holding means which is movable in vertical and horizontal directions, positioning the torque converter to cause an imaginary axis of a turbine runner in the torque converter to coincide with a common imaginary axis of two coaxial tubular members in the transmission, moving the torque converter toward the transmission in the horizontal direction so as to engage an engaging portion of the turbine runner with an end portion of an inner one of two coaxial tubular members of the transmission, positioning further the torque converter to cause an imaginary axis of a stator in the torque converter to coincide with the common imaginary axis of two tubular members; and moving further the torque converter toward the transmission in the horizontal direction so as to engage an engaging portion of the stator with an end portion of an ou

Abstract: A robot having a robot arm swingable from a position outside a car body conveying line to the line and movable in the directions of length, width and height of the car body is provided with a support frame carrying a jig for holding the window glass. The frame is tiltably mounting on the arm via a tilting shaft. A first detector is mounted on the frame for detecting a deviation the car-width direction of the jig with respect to the window portion. A pair of second detectors are provided on the frame at positions which are symmetrical with respect to the car width direction center line of the jig for detecting deviations in the plane of the window opening. First, deviation detected by the first detector is corrected by moving the jig in the car width direction. Then, deviation in tilt detected by the second detectors is corrected by tilting the jig. Finally, deviation in height detected jointly by the second detectors is corrected by raising or lowering the jig.

Abstract: A bearing is automatically installed on an engine component of a internal combustion engine, such as a connecting rod, a crankshaft, a cylinder block, or the like. Data indicated on the engine component and identifying the engine component is read and stored. A bearing which matches the engine component is selected from a bearing stocker based on the stored data. The selected bearing is then transferred to an installing robot which installs the bearing on the engine component.

Abstract: A programmable or flexible fixture for holding a plurality of details comprising an assembly during assembly processes thereon comprising an elongated base supported in a predetermined position, a plurality of positioning units located at spaced locations along the base, each of the positioning units having a clamp adapted to engage the details, the positioning units being located to allow access to the details from two directions of movement of tools of assembly apparatus moving with respect to the workpiece during assembly processes thereon, a robot operatively associated with the positioning units for moving the positioning units relative to the base for accepting the various members of a family of details which all have the same configuration and differ by increments in size and for holding the details together as an assembly and holding the assembly in the proper detail location and assembly position for assembling, and an actuator for moving the clamp into and out of engagement with the details.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing multiple component assemblies utilizing semi-automatic computer-assisted material handling. The system comprises a plurality of component selection cells each having an alphanumeric display to display a selected assembly model description and a plurality of component bins wherein each bin has an associated numeric display for displaying the quantity of components from that bin required for a selected assembly model. Each numeric display has a means for clearing the display after the required quantity of components has been selected and for generating a control signal in response to a completion of a selected collection of parts for that cell relating to the selected assembly model. A computer controls the alphanumeric and numeric displays responsive to data entered by an operator relating to the selected assembly model number and controls the clearing of the alphanumeric displays in response to the control signal.

Abstract: Method and system for the automated assembly of power train components along a plurality of interconnected, closed loops within cells of the system wherein parts and/or subassemblies of the components are assembled on the same assembly pallet on which they were robotically kitted. Along some of the loops, the assembly pallets are automatically transferred from kitting stations to assembly stations and from the assembly stations to an unload station where the components or subassemblies are robotically unloaded. The unloaded assembly pallets are then automatically transferred from the unload station to the kitting stations to repeat the assembly process. A mechanical guided vehicle system (MGVS) asynchronously conveys the assembly pallets along the closed loops which form guide tracks between the different stations. An automated guided vehicle system (AGVS) preferably transports part storage pallets to the system from a receiving area.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of utilization of the same of a fixture used for the placement of seats in a vehicle body or cab structure. The present invention provides a "C" frame which may be attached to an overhead lifting device, a first link pivotally connected to the "C" frame, and a second link angularly and pivotally connected to the first link for penetrating between the seat back and seat cushion. A lifting mechanism is provided for raising the second link thereby causing the seat to be captured by the fixture so that the seat can be transported by the lifting device.

Abstract: A robotic work positioning system includes programmed, powered robot, and a non-powered arm which is locatable at various positions in three dimensional space by means of the powered robot. A mating interconnection is provided on the non-powered arm whereby the non-powered arm may be accurately engaged and positioned by the powered robot for holding a part or workpiece at an accurately predetermined location. Together with the powered robot, the non-powered arm facilitates the accurate assembly of component parts. One or more non-powered arms can be used to generate three dimensional tooling which can be altered robotically.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method for installing weather stripping in a body door opening. In its preferred embodiment the present invention provides a robot which can load itself from a weather stripping station, transfer the weather stripping to the body door opening, and install the weather stripping within the body door opening. The present invention also provides an end of arm tooling device for a robot above described. The present invention also includes a vehicle produced by the robot above described.

Abstract: A template guide tracking device useful for rapidly performing work functions such as joining together workpieces on a riveting machine. The template device has a tracking guide provided by a continuous groove having work stations provided at multiple intersection points located between adjacent segments of the groove. The groove may have a depth less than the template thickness with work stations being provided by openings extending through the template, or alternatively the groove may extend entirely through the template and have the work stations each provided by an enlarged opening or laterally located notch at the intersection point between adjacent segments of the groove.

Abstract: Apparatus for the automated feeding, placement and ultrasonic welding of a metal disc, such as a copper heatsink, to a recipient workpiece. A metal disc is automatically fed through the broader end of a chamfered bore cut in a weld location mask. The metal disc is gravity-fed to the narrower end of the bore as the weld location mask is automatically positioned over a recipient workpiece. An ultrasonic welding tip is inserted through the bore to hold the metal disc against the recipient workpiece. Welding of the disc to the recipient workpiece is accomplished by ultrasonically vibrating the tip.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a blind. This blind fabricating apparatus is constituted by: input devices for inputting a height of the blind and a length of a slat; an arithmetic and logic means for computing the number of steps of the slats which corresponds to the inputted height of the blind and positions at which insertion holes for an ascending-descending cord are formed in the slats on the basis of output signals of the input devices; and a slat inserting device for cutting the slat material to a predetermined length, forming the insertion holes for the ascending-descending cord in the slats, and inserting the slats through a plurality of ladder cords.