Abstract: A parallel cell based mobility production system is disclosed. The system includes a serial production line composed of a plurality of cells arranged in series, and through which the vehicles of various types are sequentially passed to be processed. The system further includes a parallel production line composed of a plurality of sublines arranged in parallel, wherein each subline is provided with the plurality of cells arranged in series and matched for each vehicle type, and in which a vehicle passing through the serial production line is fed to a corresponding subline for each vehicle type. Furthermore, the system includes an inspection line in which the vehicles of various types passing through the parallel production line are sequentially fed.

Abstract: A rear suspension member (RSM) transfer assembly for transferring an RSM from a sub-assembly line to a main assembly line includes a first RSM lifter, an RSM buffer, and a second RSM lifter. The first RSM lifter is configured to travel laterally between the sub-assembly line and the main assembly line. The first RSM lifter includes a lifting body and a rotatable arm configured to retrieve the RSM from the sub-assembly line and transport the RSM to the main assembly line. The RSM buffer is configured to receive the RSM from the first RSM lifter and transport the RSM through a plurality of resting positions. The second RSM lifter is configured to receive the RSM from the RSM buffer and raise the RSM into position for installation on a vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for affixing barbs on a suture are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a suture supply mechanism for selectively retaining a length of suture and a barb supply mechanism for operably engaging a barb supply assembly including at least one barb. At least one of the suture supply mechanism and the barb supply mechanism are configured to approximate towards the other of the barb supply mechanism and suture supply mechanism to engage the at least one barb of the barb supply assembly with the suture of the suture supply assembly. Also provided are a barb for use in forming a barbed suture and a suture including at least one barb.

Abstract: Fasteners, such as rivets, are fed to a fastener insertion tool (1) via a buffer magazine (5) adjacent to the tool. The buffer is movable with the tool and C-frame between an operative position where fasteners can be inserted int a workpiece and a re-filling position where it is docked at a docking station (13) to reload. Fasteners are delivered to the docking station from a source (14) and held there ready for when the tool docks. Once docked a transfer gat is opened at an interface between the buffer magazine (15) and the docking station (13) and fasteners from the docking station are transferred into the buffer magazine. A fastener insertion cycle is executed while the docking station is refilled with fasteners. A control cycle is used to control the quantity of fasteners loaded into a storage track at the docking station and operates to reduce overfilling of the buffer.

Abstract: An SZ laying machine for umbilical/power umbilical is described. Starting from an input end the machine includes: a first die receiving and collecting a first set of elongate elements substantially rectilinear from respective supplies of elongate elements, a second static die which receives and collects a second set of elongate elements substantially rectilinear from respective supplies of elongate elements and this second set is closed together with the first set into an assembled bundle, at least one supporting means which keeps the assembled bundle radially in place; a revolving device able to torsional rotate the bundle back and forth in an oscillating SZ manner, and a tape or band winding apparatus which in immediate proximity to the revolving device applies band or tape circumferentially onto the SZ laid bundle of elongate elements.

Abstract: In a production system general-purpose cell for general-purpose use in processing and transportation of a received workpiece in a production system of processing and delivering the workpiece, the production system general-purpose cell includes a base unit having a planar shape of quadrangle and supporting at least a robot for use in transportation of the workpiece such that the robot is movable on the planar area of quadrangle, a parts supply unit for supplying parts of the workpiece to the robot supported by the base unit, and a processing area extending outside the base unit. The robot supported by the base unit having a motion range set in a range from inside to outside the base unit in a form including at least part of the processing area.

Abstract: A vehicle body positioning and locking devices for use in assembling a vehicle body positioned on a movable vehicle support positioned at a vehicle build station. The locking device includes a remote vehicle locking device for selectively securing and locking a vehicle body to a support pallet. The support pallet is accurately and precisely positioned at a build station through alignment and inserting engagement of locating pads in at least one four-way and at least one two way receiver mounted to a build station foundation. A compliant body clamp design is included to provide a desired clamping force between the pallet and a vehicle body across a range of motion of the body clamp to accommodate vehicle build variances.

Abstract: A magnet loading apparatus for loading magnet pole pieces onto a field of an electric machine is described. The apparatus includes positioning means realized to hold a magnet pole piece of a plurality P of magnet pole pieces in place relative to its designated position on the field; and a transfer means realized to simultaneously transfer a plurality P of magnet pole pieces from the positioning means onto the field of the electric machine. Also described is a method of loading magnet pole pieces onto a field of an electric machine.

Abstract: An insulated glass unit (IGU) assembly station can include an assembly table, a conveyor assembly, and a projection component. The assembly table can have a table surface configured to receive first and second transparent window components, the table surface being positioned at an incline relative to a vertical position. The conveyor assembly can be configured to translate the first and second transparent window components along a translation pathway from a first end of the table surface to a second end of the table surface, the translation pathway being substantially parallel to the table surface. The projection component can be adjacent to the assembly table and can be configured to engage the first transparent window component to translate at least a bottom portion of the first transparent window component between an initial position and a first assembly position offset from the translation pathway.

Abstract: An assembler mechanism for picking up and presenting one workpiece to another for precise bonding notwithstanding the motions of transportation includes a support seat, a first picking member, a first driving member, a second picking member, and a positioning assembly. The first picking member is mounted on the support seat and fetches a first workpiece when driven by the first driving member. The second picking member is connected to and also driven by the first driving member to fetch a second workpiece. The positioning assembly is mounted on the support seat, and includes a positioning member, a movable member located corresponding to the positioning member, and a second driving member connected to the movable member. The movable member can be driven by the second driving member toward or away from the positioning member to achieve unvarying and stable presentations.

Abstract: A method and device for harmless treatment and recycling of waste refrigerators. Plastic parts, electrical boxes, compressors, and condensers are disassembled at a disassembling station. Refrigerants from compressors are recycled at a fluoride-extracting station. Refrigerator bodies and doors are transferred to a double shaft shredder and a rolling crusher for crushing. Crushed materials are sorted out by wind force, by a self-discharge type iron remover made of permanent magnet and a cylindrical iron remover for magnetic separation. The device is placed in an enclosed workshop equipped with a multistage ventilation system, a protective device of nitrogen, a device for spraying, dedusting, and cooling, and an on-line detection and alarm control device for cyclopentane gas concentration, polyurethane dust concentration, and temperature. The method and device have low manufacturing and operating costs and are dustproof, explosion proof, environmentally friendly and has excellent recycling effects.

Abstract: A lens assembly tool includes a lens receiving frame having a first surface, a positioning plate positioned on the lens receiving frame, and a pressing plate positioned on the positioning plate and having a second surface. The first surface defines a plurality of receiving holes. The positioning plate defines a plurality of through holes aligned with the plurality of receiving holes. The second surface forms a plurality of pressing punches aligned with the plurality of receiving holes.

Abstract: A thermal processing and consolidation system is provided that includes an upper chamber assembly lower chamber assembly, layup and demolding station, transfer assembly, automatic or permanent coupling system, and controller. The upper and lower chamber assemblies are coupled to form an enclosed plenum operable to maintain a pressurized environment about a tool. The layup and demolding station receives the tool and facilitates the layup, bagging and sealing of unprocessed components at the tool. A transfer assembly accurately positions the tool on the lower chamber assembly in alignment with the upper chamber assembly. An automatic or permanent coupling system provides services to the tool and the enclosed plenum. A controller directs services to be supplied to the enclosed plenum and tool in accordance with a set of process parameters. This set of process parameters allows an individual set of unprocessed components to be thermally processed and consolidated.

Abstract: A system and method for affixing barbs on a suture are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a suture supply mechanism for selectively retaining a length of suture and a barb supply mechanism for operably engaging a barb supply assembly including at least one barb. At least one of the suture supply mechanism and the barb supply mechanism are configured to approximate towards the other of the barb supply mechanism and suture supply mechanism to engage the at least one barb of the barb supply assembly with the suture of the suture supply assembly. Also provided are a barb for use in forming a barbed suture and a suture including at least one barb.

Abstract: A stretch film sleeve label applicator for separating a stretchable sleeve label from a web of such labels and applying the label to an item, such as a container, is disclosed. The applicator is particularly useful for applying high stretch labels to highly contoured containers. The applicator is configured to receive a series of labels in an elongated, continuous web of flat, 2-ply sleeve labels, open the continuous sleeve of labels, separate an individual label from a next successive label, stretch the label to permit its application to an item to be labeled, such as a container, and apply the label in an accurate and precise location on the container. The applicator comprises three primary components: a label feeding assembly, a label separating assembly and a label stretching assembly. Various embodiments of the label feeding assembly, label separating assembly and label stretching assembly are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated valve spring assembly includes a head assembly with elongated passageways that movably support a pair of retainer keys. A pair of control members selectively close off the passageways. The head assembly further includes a moveable divider plate and a pair of jaws. A push member or rod closes off the passageways by shifting the control members upon movement of the pushrod. The pushrod also slides the retainer keys such that the retainer keys contact tapered inner surfaces of the jaws and rotate the jaws outwardly. The retainer keys are thereby axially positioned relative to the end of a valve stem. The retainer plate is then retracted, and the jaws shift inwardly and push or position the retainer keys on the valve stem.

Abstract: A manufacturing cell has a plurality of stations arranged in two rows having a main aisle therebetween. Each of the plurality of stations has a station-aisle interface that provides an interaction area to the main aisle. The manufacturing cell also comprises a plurality of storage units that are located within the cell along the main aisle and a guided forklift truck that traverses the main aisle without requiring steering control of a stock handler operating the forklift truck within the main aisle to relocate containers from the storage units to designated station-aisle interfaces and to remove containers from the designated station-aisle interfaces when work is completed at the corresponding stations. At least one of the plurality of stations having two conveyors each having a tiltable platform such that each of the two conveyors can be used to receive and return containers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly device for assembling and/or disassembling at least one needle unit and a drug delivery device, wherein the assembly device comprises: a deposition means adapted to bring or to keep the drug delivery device in an assembly position, a holder for at least one needle unit, and an assembly unit adapted to assemble and/or to disassemble the needle unit and the drug delivery device.

Abstract: A product line assembly includes a plurality of containers detachably connected. Each of the plurality of containers includes a case and equipment received in the case. Each container is configured for performing an individual working procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus which can achieve an improvement in throughput and suppress the reduction in the operation rate of the entire apparatus even when a problem occurs. In the disclosed apparatus, at the rear end of a substrate loading block including a loading/unloading arm for transferring a wafer to a carrier, a first, a second, and a third processing blocks are disposed in that order. In the substrate loading block, transfer stages are provide for transferring a wafer from the loading/unloading arm to the first processing block, for transferring a wafer to the second processing block, and for transferring a wafer to the third processing block so that the wafer on the transfer stage is directly carried to the second processing block by a first direct carrying mechanism, and to the third processing block by a second direct carrying mechanism.

Abstract: An adaptive vehicle manufacturing system and method for reducing vibrations and/or improving interior sound performance includes optionally measuring vibration sensitivity of at least one body-in-white vehicle component. The body-in-white vehicle body is assembled at a weld station and includes the at least one body-in-white vehicle component. Optionally, vibration sensitivity of the assembled body-in-white vehicle body is measured. The body-in-white vehicle body is painted at a paint station. An optimal damping package for the body-in-white vehicle body is determined based on the measured vibration sensitivity of the at least one body-in-white vehicle component and/or the measured vibration sensitivity of the body-in-white vehicle body. Damping corresponding to the optimal damping package is applied to the body-in-white vehicle body after painting thereof at a damping station, which can include melt sheet robots for applying the damping package.

Abstract: A spout installation device capable of reliably installing spouts onto correct positions on a pouch. The spout installation device has a pouch supply section for supplying a pouch (P), first and second spout supply sections for respectively supplying an inlet spout (SA) and an outlet spout (SB), and first and second spout installation sections for installing the inlet spout (SA) and the outlet spout (SB), which are supplied by the spout supply sections, onto the pouch (P) supplied by the pouch supply section. For each time of installation of the inlet spout (SA) and the outlet spout (SB) onto the pouch (P), an upper inclined edge and a lower edge of the pouch (P) are positioned by a positioning unit of the pouch supply section and by a positioning/holding mechanism of the second spout installation section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for assembling a vehicle body, and more particularly to a device for assembling a vehicle body that is capable of corresponding to various models of vehicles in a process of manufacturing a vehicle body.

Abstract: In a production system general-purpose cell for general-purpose use in processing and transportation of a received workpiece in a production system of processing and delivering the workpiece, the production system general-purpose cell includes a base unit having a planar shape of quadrangle and supporting at least a robot for use in transportation of the workpiece such that the robot is movable on the planar area of quadrangle, a parts supply unit for supplying parts of the workpiece to the robot supported by the base unit, and a processing area extending outside the base unit. The robot supported by the base unit having a motion range set in a range from inside to outside the base unit in a form including at least part of the processing area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing the delivery of component parts and tooling to a robotic welding assembly positioned on a motor vehicle body assembly line. Automatic guided vehicles deliver component parts from a source of parts to a parts staging area on the robotic welding assembly including a substage awaiting area, a substage in-use area and a substage empty area, and further automatic guided vehicles deliver tooling from a tooling management area to the robotic welding assembly whereafter the tooling, upon model changeover, is moved to a tooling use area proximate the assembly line whereafter, upon further model changeover, the tooling is removed from the tooling use area and loaded onto an automatic guided vehicle for return to the tooling management area.

Abstract: A tool for producing composite objects, including a first and a second material path, along which a first and second sheet material are stepwise feedable. Along the first and second material paths there are disposed a number of processing stations for processing the first and second sheet materials by shearing, punching, pressing, bending etc. The first and second material paths intersect one another and in the zone of intersection an assembly station is disposed for joining together or assembling component parts from the first and second material paths. A method of producing from sheet material a composite object includes the steps of stepwise feeding a first sheet material in a first feeding direction, the sheet material being processed between certain feeding steps, feeding a second sheet material stepwise in a second feeding direction, the second sheet material being processed between certain feeding steps.

Abstract: The machine allows the placing of small troughs in trenches, made up by a loading platform (1) with a rotating conveyor (4) or sliding (7) for the small troughs (CA) to a feeding train (2) directing them towards an aligning box (3). The feeding train has folding sections (21), (22) and (23), being the central section (22) the one that has the coupling and linking means (24) to the tractor (T) and also where the loading platform (1) is journalled, the first section (21) is the one receiving the small troughs from the rotating conveyor (4), the second section (22) receives them from the sliding conveyor (7) and the third section (23) deposits the small troughs (CA) in the aligning box (2), which aligns the small troughs (CA) on which the corresponding covers (P) are overlapped by a device based on a framework (8) and an inclined platform (9).

Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing composite aircraft wings and other structures are disclosed herein. A tool assembly for use in manufacturing composite laminates in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a tool plate carried by a movable support system. The tool plate includes a tool surface configured to support fiber-reinforced resin material and define an outer mold line (OML) of the fiber-reinforced resin material. The movable support system is configured to respond to signals from a controller to automatically change the shape of the tool surface and alter the OML of the finished part to suit the particular application. In one embodiment, the movable support system can include a plurality of telescoping actuators operably coupled to the tool plate.

Abstract: A manufacturing cell has a plurality of stations arranged in two rows having a main aisle therebetween. Each of the plurality of stations has a station-aisle interface that provides an interaction area to the main aisle. The manufacturing cell also comprises a plurality of storage units that are located within the cell along the main aisle and a guided forklift truck that traverses the main aisle without requiring steering control of a stock handler operating the forklift truck within the main aisle to relocate containers from the storage units to designated station-aisle interfaces and to remove containers from the designated station-aisle interfaces when work is completed at the corresponding stations.

Abstract: An automated method of building construction utilizes a horizontal force to extrude a structural member formed from a plurality of elongate joists, upper panels, and lower panels. An apparatus for automating building construction includes an upper panel bay and feeder, a joist array and feeder, and a lower panel bay and feeder. The machine positions each joist and upper and lower panels into an installation position where fastening means forms the structural member, which is advanced out of the apparatus.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a precision injection molding of multi-piece parts and the subsequent handling and assembly of those parts produced from the mold. In an exemplary embodiment, a surgical suture package with a top part and a bottom part is molded and assembled. In such a method and system, the top parts and bottom parts are first molded utilizing a family mold and then are transferred to a stacker. The stacker is able to stack the top part and bottom part on top of one another on a pallet. The parts are then transported to a welder in order to weld the top part and bottom part together. The completed surgical suture packages are then transferred to a magazine for storage and shippage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus which can achieve an improvement in throughput and suppress the reduction in the operation rate of the entire apparatus even when a problem occurs. In the disclosed apparatus, at the rear end of a substrate loading block including a loading/unloading arm for transferring a wafer to a carrier, a first, a second, and a third processing blocks are disposed in that order. In the substrate loading block, transfer stages are provide for transferring a wafer from the loading/unloading arm to the first processing block, for transferring a wafer to the second processing block, and for transferring a wafer to the third processing block so that the wafer on the transfer stage is directly carried to the second processing block by a first direct carrying mechanism, and to the third processing block by a second direct carrying mechanism.

Abstract: A component supplying apparatus includes a motor, a rotating body, a transmitting mechanism, and a predicting section. The rotating body engages with a carrier tape in which a plurality of components to be mounted on a circuit board by a component mounting apparatus are accommodated at predetermined pitches and pays out the carrier tape at the predetermined pitches for supplying the plurality of components. The transmitting mechanism transmits a driving force of the motor to the rotating body. The predicting section predicts a deviation amount of a supplying position of each of the plurality of components based on a model formula expressing a periodical fluctuation of the supplying position of each of the plurality of components that is due to the transmitting mechanism and caused at a time the carrier tape is paid out by the rotating body.

Abstract: A piston-ring-installing device including a base (110) having a through-hole (111); and a guide member (120) disposed in the through-hole and fixed to the base, for positioning a piston in the vertical direction while receiving a head of the piston that is suspended downwardly in the vertical direction, and guiding a piston ring while widening a diameter of the piston ring by an outer peripheral surface of the guide member. A piston pressing member (130) is disposed above the base and supported movably toward a concave part (121b) of the guide member. The piston pressing member has a tapered inner wall surface (131) that is widened downwardly so as to come into contact with an edge of an upper end of the piston. A driving mechanism (140) is disposed on the base, and the driving mechanism is operable to drive the piston pressing member at least in the vertical direction. Also provided is a ring feeding mechanism (150) that feeds the piston ring placed on the guide member upwardly.

Abstract: A hinge feeder for feeding open hinges at a predetermined orientation to a receiver ready for use by an automatic door hinger. A dispenser is provided to hold a stack of closed hinges. The orientation of the top end and hinge joint of each hinge is sensed and the hinges sequentially dispensed at a uniform orientation, except for the pinhead location, to a rotator that rotates those hinges to bring their top ends to a desired side. The hinges are then opened by a leaf turner, fed to a stacker and the opened and oriented hinges then deposited in a stack by a stacker.

Abstract: The invention concerns an industrial robot (4) comprising a machining tool (2) attached to one hand (3) of the robot, designed to perform a hydraulic-driven movement relative to the hand (3) and connected therefor to a hydraulic unit (10). The hydraulic unit (10) is placed directly on a mobile part of the robot, in particular directly on the robot hand (3). Therefore there is no more need for hydraulic supply lines along the arm of the robot. Further, when the robot hand (3) changes tool, no separation of hydraulic lines is required. The machining tool (2) is in particular a device for placing blind rivets, thereby enabling an entirely automated process for placing blind rivets.

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

Abstract: During assembly of a vehicle door to a vehicle body, a door installation apparatus is mounted to a frame unit, which is movably mounted on a running rail. A synchronous drive unit, controlled by a user via a control panel, includes a drive roller mounted to the frame unit, a roller shift means that selectively contacts the drive roller to the running rail, and a roller drive unit that drives the drive roller such that the frame unit moves along the running rail at a speed equal to that of the vehicle body.

Abstract: The machine is designed to form pallets by assembling cardboard longitudinal beams (1) and transverse beams (2) comprising means for storage, feed and dosing of longitudinal beams (1) and with means for storage, feed and dosing of transverse beams (2), means provided at corresponding areas (4, 5) for placing the longitudinal beams (1) longitudinally edgewise and coupling transversally thereto the corresponding transverse beams (2), both being provided with complementary notches for assembling the same. The longitudinal beams (1) from the area (4) are displaced on rails (16) and are situated in the area (5) where the transverse beams (2) fall and are pushed vertically by a pusher (22) to assemble the transverse beams (2) onto the longitudinal beams (1) previously and appropriately placed in the area.

Abstract: The present application discloses gripping systems and various uses thereof. As one example, a gripping system including a gripping jaw and an extensible bar is disclosed. The gripping jaw includes two opposing members that are operable to grasp a gripped object between the opposing members. The system further includes a bar that includes an upper portion and a lower portion that are coupled via an extensible joint. A distance between the upper portion and the lower portion of the bar at the extensible joint is proportional to a distance between the opposing members when the gripping jaw is in a closed position. Various methods utilizing a gripping system similar to the aforementioned to select mailing inserts are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for forming armed sutures has a swaging station for receiving, holding and swaging needles that are deposited therein. A linear motor drives a suture insertion gripper, which pulls suture from a supply reel and inserts a cut end thereof into a needle held in the swaging station. A ganged needle transfer assembly with a plurality of spaced needle gripper units carries needles along a line substantially at right angles to the suture line and transfers them to and from the swaging station and other needle processing stations. A precisor orients needles prior to placement in the swaging station and a pull test assembly tests armed sutures in both destructive and non-destructive modes. Both ends of the production line may be automated, e.g., by robots which load and offload needles prior to and after swaging, respectively. The apparatus is capable of forming double armed sutures by using a rotatable mount for the suture insertion gripper and a secondary, loop gripper.

Abstract: A continuous manufacturing system for composite aluminum panels comprises a continuous expanding device for expanding a raw material of a core and a main body of a continuous manufacturing system of composite aluminum panels. The continuous expanding device consists of a cramp for holding raw material, a raw material supplier, a number of sliding rods for sliding raw material and the core, a subsidiary cramp that reciprocates from side to side and ascends and descends on racks, a cramp for expanding a raw material and a roller running idle transferring to the main body. The main body consists of a supplying part for providing top and bottom aluminum plates, a supplying part for providing adhering materials, a combination part comprising the upper and lower rollers and a hot pressing part comprising rollers for hot pressing and supporting are provided.

Abstract: A gasket singulation apparatus for separating one gasket from a web-connected stack of gaskets includes a mandrel for receiving the web-connected stack and an arrangement of cylinders which are used to support the web-connected stack of gaskets and to pull one gasket away from the remainder of the web-connected stack so as to singulate that one gasket. A first plurality of cylinders are used to support the web-connected stack. A second plurality of cylinders are used to pierce any connecting material between the gasket to be singulated and the remainder of the stack. Once the web material is pierced, cylinder movement is effected so as to pull the selected gasket away from the stack, allowing any connecting material to sever and thereby singulate one gasket from the stack. Once the gasket is singulated, various insertion mechanisms are disclosed for inserting the singulated gasket into a pail lid groove.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a clamp to a hose assembly, preferably automatic or semi-automatic, incorporates precisely located mounting devices for receiving clamp tooling, cooperating hose guiding and positioning tooling which can support a unique hose assembly and locate a predetermined location on such hose assembly properly aligned with a clamp in the clamp tooling. An operator only needs to load a clamp and a hose assembly into tooling, then initiate an automatic cycle which scrubs a small area on the hose, places a predetermined quantity (e.g. drop) of adhesive on that area, then brings the clamp into position and presses the clamp, adhesive, and hose together holding that position for a period sufficient to allow the adhesive to set. The operator then removes the finished part (the hose with attached clamp) and loads another clamp and hose into the tooling.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a swash plate with pistons in a swash plate compressor of the present invention can automatically assemble the swash plate with double or single head pistons and shoes thereby improving workability and productivity. In the assembling apparatus, each of the pistons includes a swash plate-receiving section for receiving a pair of opposed shoes therein and having an insert groove for receiving the swash plate mounted on a rotational shaft and a piston body to be inserted into a cylinder bore of a cylinder block so that the swash plate is inserted into the insert grooves of the pistons. The assembling apparatus comprises a base plate, piston-loading means, piston-shifting means and rotating means.

Abstract: Horizontal guide rails are mounted on a base and receive linear bearings mounted on the bottom of a tower which carries vertical guide rails receiving linear bearings mounted on a vertical carriage plate. Linear bearings are mounted on the carriage plate and support a horizontal guide rail secured to a horizontal lift arm having an outer end portion supporting a precision locating pin device for a part. Separate gear belts extend around corresponding adjustable idler gears and drive gears and are clamped to the corresponding tower, carriage plate and lift arm. The drive gears are driven by corresponding drive units each including a reversible servo-controlled electric motor, a planetary gear reducer, an absolute resolver unit and an electrically actuated spring set brake. A plurality of the above apparatus are located on opposite sides of a linear part conveyor with the lift arms projecting inwardly in generally opposing relation.

Abstract: An improved mechanism feeds loops or ties into clip attachment apparatus such as a clipper. The loops preferably have tie portions, the carrier may be a tape, and the loops should be in substantially equidistant series on the carrier. The carrier passes around rollers and a dancer, and along a stationary plate. Strip plates are preferably pivotally mounted adjacent the stationary plate. A loop and carrier drive indexes the loops on the carrier toward the clip attachment apparatus. A strip plate drive pivots the strip plates to and from positions in which the strip plates strip a loop adjacent the clip attachment apparatus at least partially from the carrier. The strip plate drive pivots the strip plates to catch the loop adjacent the clip attachment apparatus between the strip plates and pull the loop at least partially from the carrier.

Abstract: A car side panel assembly line capable of increasing a productivity by shortening an operation time and having a set station ST2, a welding station ST3, and a next operation station ST4 disposed in series in this order, comprising a set carriage 91 having, thereon, a set jig 91 capable of holding the side panel W in upright attitude from the side and installed reciprocatingly between the set station ST2 and the welding station ST3 and a frame carriage 81 having a lower frame 80 and an upper frame 81, capable of holding, between both frames 80, 81, the side panel W in upright attitude through clamp members (821, 822, 823, 831, 832, 833) mounted on the frames 80, 81, installed reciprocatingly between the welding station ST3 and the next operation station ST4, and allowing to exchange the side panel W with the set carriage 91.

Abstract: An assembly machine forms structural elements for false ceilings. Structural elements are cut to size and sent to two series of lateral stations. A press forms inserts which are applied to the ends of the structural elements.