Abstract: A device for fixing to a support a first part of a locking member including a base, an internal face of which can be kept clamped flat against the support by a screw-nut assembly and a body connected to the base configured to collaborate with a second part of a locking member secured to a component that is to be assembled into the support. The device includes a mechanism positioning the first part of the locking member in a reference plane formed by three other corresponding first parts of the locking member which are positioned on the support, and the screw-nut assembly includes a mechanism automatically taking up any play, configured to take up the play between the internal face of the base and the support as the screw-nut assembly is tightened.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a holding unit, a sensor unit, and a controller. The holding unit is configured to hold an electronic component, move toward a substrate while holding the electronic component, and mount the electronic component on the substrate. The sensor unit is configured to detect an oscillation of the holding unit. The controller is configured to judge, based on information on the oscillation detected by the sensor unit, timings at which a position of the electronic component held by the oscillating holding unit overlaps a mounting position on the substrate, and control a movement of the holding unit toward the substrate such that the electronic component is mounted on the substrate at any of the judged timings.

Abstract: Accurate and reliable techniques for providing a shot peening process kit used for mass production of thin walled aluminum components.

Abstract: A semiconductor apparatus includes a semiconductor chip through-line for transmitting signals commonly to a plurality of stacked semiconductor chips. The apparatus includes a first test pulse signal transmission unit configured to transmit a first test pulse signal to a first end of the semiconductor chip through-line when a power-up operation is performed; a second test pulse signal transmission unit configured to transmit a second test pulse signal to a second end of the semiconductor chip through-line after the first test pulse signal is transmitted; a first signal reception unit coupled to the first end of the semiconductor chip through-line, and configured to receive signals transmitted from the first and second test pulse signal transmission units; and a second signal reception unit coupled to the second end of the semiconductor chip through-line, and configured to receive the signals transmitted by the first and second test pulse signal transmission units.

Abstract: A method for joining components using tensioning bolts, wherein the pressure is linearly increased over time when the tension bolt is hydraulically tensioned by means of a tensioning device. When a target value (Pmax) is reached, the volume is blocked so that no more hydraulic oil is supplied. The pressure decreases when the components show a setting behaviour during a holding time (tH). Pumping is resumed when a lower threshold value (PI) is reached, resulting in a pressure increase up to the target value (Pmax).

Abstract: A wired circuit board assembly sheet has a plurality of wired circuit boards, distinguishing marks for distinguishing defectiveness of the wired circuit boards, and a supporting sheet for supporting the plurality of wired circuit boards and the distinguishing marks. Each of the distinguishing marks has an indication portion for indicating a specified one of the wired circuit boards.

Abstract: A device suitable for placing a component on a substrate is provided with a component feeding device, a component pick-and-place device comprising a nozzle, a substrate carrier, means for moving the component pick-and-place device from the component feeding device to the substrate carrier and vice versa. A global measuring system is provided for determining the position of the component pick-and-place device during movement of the component pick-and-place device from the component feeding device to the substrate carrier and vice versa. The device is further provided with a local measuring system, remote from the global measuring system, for almost continually determining, in the proximity of a desired position of the component on the substrate, the position of the component pick-and-place device with respect to the substrate. The local measuring system is located closer to the substrate carrier than the global measuring system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dynamic real-time boresighting system and method. In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining a mapping function by associating deflection and rotation data of strategically located at least two sensors with sensor deflection data, real-time or static sensor readings from at least two sensors which are strategically located on the component in the aircraft or the land vehicle, while the aircraft or the land vehicle is moving or static respectively and determining an alignment of the component by comparing the real-time or static sensor readings obtained from the strategically located at least two sensors with the obtained mapping function.

Abstract: An automated tool and method for spacing a gap between the anti-vibration bars and the flow tubing in the bend region of a tube bundle of a U-tube steam generator, prior to welding, during manufacture. The tool comprises two toggle clamp elements attached to a scissors assembly, which are actuated by a linear drive motor in line with a force gauge, and coupled to a distance measuring device. The tool is operated by first attaching the toggle clamps respectively to two adjacent anti-vibration bars. A linear drive motor on the tool is then cycled and readouts of force and distance are plotted on a curve to determine the point of contact between the anti-vibration bar and the tube. The computer then automatically cycles the drive motor to adjust the gap to a desired range of position coordinates adjacent the point at which the curve markedly changes slope.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for removing barrel nuts used for securing a plurality of studs to a turbine blade. Each stud is individually coupled to a respective barrel nut such that each barrel nut is anchored to a root end of the turbine blade. The barrel nut is heated to a predetermined temperature using a controller and a thermocouple. An adhesion between the barrel nut and the turbine blade is overcome and the barrel nut is extracted from the turbine blade. The barrel nut is removed from the turbine blade by connecting an extractor assembly or barrel nut removal device. This is accomplished from an interior surface of a root end of the turbine blade such that this method allows one to remove and replace barrel nuts while the turbine blade remains attached to the hub.

Abstract: A coaxial cable sensor device with periodic impedance discontinuities along the length of its cable. The cable comprises an inner conductor, insulating material disposed around the length of the inner conductor, and an outer conductor disposed around the insulating material. The periodic impedance discontinuities are created by physical deformations or material alterations to at least one of the inner conductor, the outer conductor, and the insulating material. The sensor device may be used to measure temperature, pressure, strain, and acoustic waves in building structures, and is well suited for down-hole or underwater applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically assembling a clutch of an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle. The method and apparatus includes providing an assembly station having an assembly table with a clutch fixture connected to the assembly table and adaptable to receive a clutch housing. At least one tray is connected to the assembly table and is adaptable to receive clutch components of the clutch. At least one robotic arm is engageable with the clutch housing and the clutch components for loading and unloading the clutch housing onto and from the clutch fixture and the clutch components from at least one tray. A manipulator connected to and in communication with the at least one robotic arm automatically engages an appropriate tool for assembling the clutch components into the clutch housing. At least one assembly fixture is removably connected to the clutch fixture and connectable to the clutch housing for assisting in the assembly of the clutch components to the clutch housing.

Abstract: A rod (7) is initially straight. However, the segments (3,32,34,36,38,40 and 42) are able to be moved such that there is a cross over at two locations. Segments (14) can start off with an initial straight shape and can be brought into a curved configuration. The segments are hollow and a camera (54) can be manipulated to extend out through opposed elongate openings (48) in each segment.

Abstract: The device includes at least one magnet associated with one of the components and at least one Hall-effect sensor arranged beneath a ferromagnetic part of the other component, so that the at least one magnet ensures the fixing of the components, while the at least one Hall-effect sensor provides, depending on magnet orientation, detection of the at least one magnet, through the ferromagnetic part, so as to distinguish the component equipped with the at least one magnet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool which has more than one function. As a first function, the tool is capable of activating a fastening element, either by direct physical contact or by remote activation. As a second function, the tool is capable of detecting an attribute of the fastening element. The attribute can include position or location of the fastening element, status of the fastening element, identity of the fastening element, environmental factors affecting the fastening element, size of the fastening element, sequence in which the fastening element must be activated, history of the fastening element, authorization requirements in relation to the fastening element, or activation requirements of the fastening element.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide automated assembly systems, devices and methods for assembling components for use in forming an automatic injection device. Exemplary assembly systems monitor, in real time, the frictional forces experienced as a plurality of components are assembled. The detected forces are used in providing real-time feedback to automatically control the assembly process and to determine whether the components are assembled properly.

Abstract: An alignment device has a carriage, two rails on the carriage that are configured for a workpiece to pass therebetween, and a finger that protrudes a distance from the carriage. The finger is configured to be disposed on a carrier for the workpieces. The workpieces may be solar cells and may pass through the rails on a conveyor belt. The alignment device may move in order to align the workpieces as the workpieces are loaded into a carrier.

Abstract: A method of establishing and checking the axial preload in a tightening portion (34) of at least one shank of the screw or stud type (4). The establishing of the preload involves a step of tensioning an extension portion (33) of the shank (4) comprising the tightening portion (34) using a shank (4) gripper member (9) and a tensioner (6). The checking method involves a step in which, prior to establishing the preload, the tensioner is brought into a rest configuration and the gripper member (9) is brought into contact with the tensioner (6) in said rest configuration, and a step in which, having established the preload, the tensioner is returned to said rest configuration, and the tensioner in said rest configuration is pressed toward one of the ends of the extension portion (33) and the difference between the initial length (Li?) and the final length (Lf?) of the extension portion (33) is compared against a threshold.

Abstract: A fastening system head for attachment to a movable frame, in particular to a robot, has a carrier to which a fastening tool is attached which is rotatable about an axis of rotation. The fastening tool has a holding device for an element fastenable to a component, and has a fastening drive device to move the holding device along a fastening direction for fastening. The axis of rotation is oriented crosswise to the fastening direction. A feed mechanism is included to feed elements to the fastening tool. At least one additional feed mechanism is provided on the fastening system head, for feeding elements to the fastening tool.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a component in an assembled gas turbine engine includes inserting a boroscope and a conduit through an aperture in a casing of the engine. The conduit has an applicator tip. The boroscope and conduit are directed to the component to be inspected. A dye penetrant is supplied through the conduit to the applicator tip. The applicator tip is arranged to contact the surface of the component and dye penetrant is supplied onto the surface of the component from the applicator tip such that the dye penetrant enters any defects in the surface of the component. The applicator tip includes a porous and malleable member. Light is directed onto the component and the surface of the component is viewed through the boroscope to determine if any defects are present in the surface of the component.

Abstract: The invention is a gas container valve fastening machine which comprises a column erected on a base, a clamp unit for securely supporting a gas container placed on the base in an upright posture parallel to the column, a rotary drive unit vertically movably disposed above clamp the unit along the column, a rotary transmission unit interlocked and connected to an output shaft of the rotary drive unit, and a wrench attached to a lower end of the rotary transmission unit. A valve engaged in the wrench is rotated by the rotary transmission unit and threaded into the screw hole of a sleeve of the gas container, including a guide rod arranged parallel to the column, and a movable frame with its middle portion attached to the guide rod to be free to move in the axial direction, and free to rotate in the circumferential direction via a bearing boss.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for collecting data for nondestructive evaluation of the quality of a crimped wire connector are provided. The process involves providing a crimping tool having an anvil and opposing jaw for crimping a terminal onto a stranded wire, moving the jaw relative to the anvil to close the distance between the jaw and the anvil and thereby compress the terminal against the wire, while transmitting ultrasonic waves that are propagated through the terminal-wire combination and received at a receiving ultrasonic transducer as the jaw is moved relative to the anvil, and detecting and recording the position of the jaw relative to the anvil as a function of time and detecting and recording the amplitude of the ultrasonic wave that is received at the receiving ultrasonic transducer as a function of time as the jaw is moved relative to the anvil.

Abstract: A system produces devices that include a semiconductor part and a non-semiconductor part. A front end is configured to receive a semiconductor part and to process the semiconductor part. A back end is configured to receive the processed semiconductor part and to assemble the processed semiconductor part and a non-semiconductor part into a device. A transfer device is configured to automatically handle the semiconductor part in the front end and to automatically transfer the processed semiconductor part to the back end.

Abstract: A method and system for repairing photomasks is disclosed. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used to identify, measure, and correct defects. The SEM is operated in multiple modes, including a measuring mode and a repair mode. The repair mode is of higher landing energy and exposure time than the measuring mode, and induces shrinkage in the photoresist to correct various features, such as vias that are too small.

Abstract: Provided is a beam component fixturing apparatus comprising a locator surface set for a first dimension, a locator surface set for a second dimension, and a locator surface set for a third dimension. The locator surface set for a first dimension may comprise a first locator surface for the first dimension and a second locator surface for the first dimension adapted to provide a compressive load on a beam component placed therebetween. The locator surface set for a second dimension may comprise a first locator surface for the second dimension and a second locator surface for the second dimension adapted to provide a compressive load on a beam component placed therebetween. The locator surface set for a third dimension may comprise a first locator surface for the third dimension and a second locator surface for the third dimension adapted to provide a compressive load on a beam component placed therebetween.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing a swallowable sensor device are disclosed. Such a method includes mechanically coupling a plurality of internal components, wherein the plurality of internal components includes a printed circuit board having a plurality of projections extending radially outward. A cavity is filled with a potting material, and the mechanically coupled components are inserted into the cavity. The cavity may be pre-filled with the potting material, or may be filled after the mechanically coupled components have been inserted therein. A distal end of each projection abuts against a wall of the cavity thereby preventing the potting material from covering each distal end. The cavity is sealed with a cap causing the potting material to harden within the sealed cavity to form a housing of the swallowable sensor device, wherein the distal end of each projection is exposed to an external environment of the swallowable sensor device.

Abstract: In a method for controlling tensile stress of a clamping rod, such as a screw or pin, by the axial extension of the rod and the positioning of at least one retaining member, before the rod is released, such that the latter is blocked at the two ends of the useful clamping length with a residual clamping tensile force, measurements are made which represent the elongation of the rod in the stretched state under a measured extension force and of the rod after release in relation to the rod before extension, by comparing values supplied by at least one sensor during extension and after release with a reference value supplied by this sensor before extension, and, on the basis of these data, a residual clamping force in the useful clamping length of the released rod after extension is calculated.

Abstract: A continuous system for automatically manufacturing an axle is provided. The system includes a plurality of sub-systems and an automated transport system. The plurality of sub-systems includes a furnace configured to heat a billet to a predetermined forging temperature, a forging system configured to forge an axle from a heated billet, and a machining system configured to form a machined axle from said axle. The automated transport system is configured to automatically transport a product to and from each of the plurality of sub-systems. The product includes the billet, the axle, and the machined axle.

Abstract: A method for mounting interior components in an aircraft includes premounting a first interior component and premounting a second interior component. At least one of the first and the second interior component is secured to a mounting device and the first and second interior components are connected to form an individual module. A plurality of individual modules secured to the mounting device are interconnected to form a large module which is secured to the mounting device. The large module is detached from the mounting device and transported to a final-mounting position in an aircraft fuselage element. The detached large module is then mounted in the aircraft fuselage element.

Abstract: A crimping apparatus includes a ram having crimp tooling for crimping a terminal to a wire during a crimp stroke and a force sensor detecting a crimp force during the crimp stroke. The crimping apparatus also includes a controller that monitors the crimp quality of a crimp based on a frequency profile of the crimp. Optionally, the controller may create the frequency profile based on a force profile using a frequency transform algorithm. The frequency transform algorithm may be a Fast Fourier Transform algorithm.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated toe adjustment apparatus and method that includes a power nut runner, a vision machine, a robot, and a floating mechanism. More particularly, the power nut runner adjusts a toe by adjusting an adjusting bolt of the tie-rod assembly. The vision machine photographs the power nut runner to verify position information of the power nut runner. The robot engages the power nut runner with the adjusting bolt of the tie-rod assembly and rotates the power nut runner. The floating mechanism absorbs a shock between the power nut runner and the robot as the vehicle is shaken by the overall process.

Abstract: Positioning device (1) between a bridge (2) and a plate (3). Said plate (3) includes: for centring said bridge (2): a female arrangement (4) with faces (5) receiving a cylindrical smooth centring pin (6), fixed to said bridge (2) and abutting on said faces, or a smooth female arrangement (40) receiving a ribbed centring pin (60) with faces (50), for aligning said bridge (2) on said plate (3), an alignment housing (8) with parallel faces (9, 10) aligned on said female arrangement (4; 40), receiving an alignment pin (11), fixed to said bridge (2). The invention concerns a collet (15) arranged to be fixed to a plate and including said smooth female centring arrangement (4; 40). The invention concerns a timepiece including a device (1) or collet (15) of this type. The invention also concerns a method of assembling said bridge (2) on said plate (3) with said device (1).

Abstract: Apparatus for assembling a core for wound sheet material, comprising a tube, a first end member, and a second end member; the apparatus comprising a base, a first chuck for insertion in the first end member, a second chuck for insertion in the second end member, a ram for applying axial pressure such that the first end member is forced into the first end of the tube and the second end member is forced into a second end of the tube, drill devices for drilling fixing apertures, and a monitor device for sensing ambient temperature and enabling the length of the core to be measured at the time of the assembly of the core in the ambient temperature so that the length of the core falls in temperature and length parameters set for subsequent winding of the sheet material on the core.

Abstract: There is provided a profile measuring apparatus which measures a profile of an object including: a projection unit which projects a pattern on the object from a projection direction; a measurement unit, which is displaced at a difference position for the projection unit and takes an image of the pattern from a direction different from the projection direction to measure a position on a surface of the object based on an image data obtained with the taken image; an object-rotation unit which rotates the object in two directions; and a pattern-rotation unit which is connected to the projection unit so as to be able to rotate the pattern relative to the object-rotation unit.

Abstract: An object is to provide an electronic component mounting method in which an adequate component mounting work to which a check result is correctly reflected is enabled and it is possible to satisfy both reduction of the failure occurrence rate and improvement of the working efficiency. An electronic component mounting apparatus in which an appearance checking section which checks a board to detect existence or non-existence of a failure item, and a component mounting section which transfers and mounts an allocated mounting object component to the board in which the check is ended are integrally disposed includes a mounting availability determination processing section 28d which determines an availability of an execution of an operation of mounting the mounting object component, based on a result of detection of a failure item.

Abstract: A process for assembling semiconductor devices comprises encapsulating a leadframe matrix having semiconductor die mounted thereon in a mold compound. The leadframe matrix is partially singulated to electrically isolate each individual leadframe unit. A plurality of leadframe units is tested simultaneously. The leadframe matrix is completely singulated. Non compliant units are discarded.

Abstract: It is an objective to provide a part-mounting system and a part-mounting method that, even when parts are extremely small, make it possible to mount the parts at a repair-requiring location without fail, to thus enhance a percentage of a non-defective substrate. In a part-mounting system 1, inspection is made as to whether or not a parts-missing location exists on a substrate Pb reloaded between a solder printer 2 and a first part-mounting machine 4A after having undergone manual repair by an operator OP, or the like, in connection with a repair-requiring location found through inspection performed after mounting of parts Pt, by use of an inspection camera 15A of a first part-mounting machine 4A. When a parts-missing location on the substrate Pb is found, the parts-missing location is identified. Subsequently, a mounting head 14A of the first part-mounting machine 4A and a mounting head 14B of a second part-mounting machine 4B mount a part Pt at the parts-missing location on the thus-identified substrate Pb.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an electronic component includes a heating head that moves relative to the electronic component placed on a printed board, inclines according to the inclination of the electronic component, comes into contact with the electronic component, and heats a joining material that joins the printed board and the electronic component; a first sensor that measures the position and the inclination of the heating head; a second sensor that measures the position and the inclination of the printed board; and, a control unit that calculates the position and the inclination of the electronic component based on a measurement result of the first sensor in a state where the heating head is in contact with the electronic component, and determines the melted state of the joining material based on the measurement result of the second sensor and the position and the inclination of the electronic component.

Abstract: An electric wire testing apparatus tests the condition of an end portion of an electric wire including a plurality of core wires and a sheath for covering the core wires. The electric wire testing apparatus includes an imaging device arranged to photograph an end surface of the core wires that have been exposed by stripping off the sheath, a counting unit arranged to count the number of the core wires from an image photographed by the imaging device, and a determining unit arranged to determine pass/fail of the condition of the end portion of the electric wire based on whether or not the number of the core wires counted by the counting unit matches a predetermined number.

Abstract: Apparatus for installing a cable into a tube with the assistance of a fluid drag acting on the cable within the tube, the apparatus including: driving means comprising a driving surface arranged to contact the cable substantially along the full driving surface length, for driving the cable into the tube, first measurement means for obtaining a first value indicative of a rate at which the installation means is driving the cable into the tube, second measurement means for obtaining a second value indicative of a rate at which the cable is travelling through the apparatus, a processor for detecting when the first value exceeds the second value, and for reducing the rate at which the installation means is driving the cable into the tube for the duration when the first value exceeds the second value.

Abstract: A workshop for preparing aeroengines for shipping, the workshop including a station for fitting test and measurement mechanism on an engine, a mechanism for transporting the engine to test premises and for returning the engine to the workshop, a station for removing the test and measurement mechanism, a station for endoscopic inspection, a finishing station, and a shipping station. The engines are transported from one station to another by spreaders fastened on the engines and attached to hoists that are movable in translation along an overhead structure arranged in the workshop, each station being fitted with computer terminals for displaying and tracking the tasks to be performed on the engine in the corresponding station.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell manufacturing method includes: forming a photoelectric converter which has a plurality of compartment elements that are separated by a scribing line and in which adjacent compartment elements are electrically connected; detecting a structural defect existing in the compartment element; specifying a position in which the structural defect exists, as distance data indicating a distance between the structural defect and the scribing line that is closest to the structural defect; and removing a region in which the structural defect exists based on the distance data.

Abstract: Provided is a battery assembling apparatus comprising a selecting section that selects as battery cells to be assembled into a battery pack, from among a plurality of battery cells, battery cells having similar charge curves that indicate a relationship between voltage and charge period, which is a time period necessary for a battery cell to be charged from a first voltage to a second voltage that is higher than the first voltage. As a result, the lifetimes of battery cells and of a battery pack assembled from a plurality of battery cells can be extended.

Abstract: A component mounting apparatus includes: two heads equipped with plural nozzles for suctioning and mounting a component; a memory holding at least one of information on maximum speed and maximum acceleration; an operation determining unit determining whether an operation after a suctioning operation of any one of heads is a suctioning operation or not; a speed/acceleration calculating unit calculating at least one of speed and acceleration at the time of axial movement by using at least one of the maximum speed and the maximum acceleration for the suction, if it is determined that the operation after the suctioning operation is the suctioning operation; a control signal generating unit generating a control signal; and a driving unit performing movement from the suction operation to a component suction position of the subsequent nozzle in accordance with the control signal when the suctioning operation by the subsequent nozzle is performed.

Abstract: A service providing method for monitoring a mounting tact of a component mounting apparatus includes collecting, from the service receiver, mounting tact information including a mounting tact result value of the component mounting apparatus from the service receiver by use of a service provider via a communication system. The method additionally includes judging whether a mounting operation of the component mounting apparatus has a tact loss corresponding to an amount by which a mounting tact is greater than a standard mounting tact as a result of analysis of the collected mounting tact information and determining and feeding back, to the service receiver via the communication system, NC data for allowing the component mounting apparatus to be operated.

Abstract: Provided are an imaging device production system, an imaging device inspection system, and an imaging device inspection method. The imaging device production system includes a assembling process for assembling each components constituting an imaging device, an inspection process in which the imaging device assembled in he assembling process is continuously transferred without being stopped except for emergency when two inspection tasks adjacent to and different from each other are performed, and a packaging for packaging the imaging device which passes through the inspection tasks to confirm quality of the imaging device.

Abstract: A method for shielding discarded or unwanted items provided with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, comprises the following steps. First, a facility containing an inventory including a plurality of products each including a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is provided. Then, the facility is provided with an RFID waste collection container defining a magnetic shielding enclosure for shielding and electromagnetically isolating the RFID tags when the products are disposed therein. Next, it is determined if one of the plurality of products is not wanted. Subsequently, the unwanted product is discarded by placing the unwanted product into the RFID waste collection container so that the RFID tag of the unwanted product does not interfere with ongoing activities in the facility by emitting errant signals.

Abstract: A cast iron brake caliper with improved fatigue life, and a process and process equipment for pre-stressing a cast iron brake caliper to provide improved fatigue life, is provided. In the process, a load is applied to a cast iron caliper, where the load is high enough to locally yield and plastically deform the cast iron material, but not high enough to cause material failure, such as cracking. Upon load removal, residual compressive stresses in the cast iron caliper lower the mid-point of the stress range the plastically-deformed region of the caliper sees during in-service use, and thereby lowers the peak stress seen in this region, increasing fatigue life. The process permits a cast iron brake caliper to be designed to use less material and thus fit within constrained wheel rim envelopes, without the need to resort to high cost materials or other alternative design strategies.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a method and an apparatus that allow production of metal plate chip resistors having a relatively low resistance with high accuracy and yield through simple process. The object is achieved by apparatus 10 for manufacturing metal plate chip resistors including cutting mold 21 for cutting intermediate product strip 14 transversely to obtain worked product chip 16a, ohm meter 22 for measuring the resistance of the worked product chip 16a, control device 23 having a calculating part for performing a calculation using the resistance measured by the ohm meter 22 to work out a width in which the strip 14 is to be cut transversely so as to obtain a worked product chip of a desired resistance, and cutting width adjusting means 26, 27 for making an adjustment so that the strip 14 is to be cut transversely in the width obtained from the calculating part.

Abstract: An vehicle body framing apparatus and method for use in assembling vehicle body structures of varying vehicle types in a framing station positioned along an assembly line. The apparatus includes an overhead bridge frame that is connected to two pairs of vertical pillars positioned at a build station. One pair of the pillars is moveable to accommodate different lengths of vehicle bodies. The spaced pillars and overhead bridge provide substantially unobstructed access openings to the body sides of the vehicle to increase efficiency and quality of build. The device and method may include a bridge frame storage and transport system for remotely storing the different bridge frames not in use and then transporting a selected bridge frame to the build station for use.