Multiple Station Assembly Apparatus Patents (Class 29/783)
  • Patent number: 11240973
    Abstract: An artificially intelligent harvest and reuse system for planting vegetables has a first mechanic arm moving a plurality of planting plates around a first conveyor, a second conveyor, a first shelf and a second shelf. The planting plates are sent to a connecting conveyor for the grown vegetables thereon to be picked up by a second mechanic arm and further sent to a root cutting apparatus then to a packaging apparatus, while the empty planting plates are further sent to an exit end of the first conveyor and a third mechanic arm places nursery foams with sprouts from a storage area onto the empty planting plates. Then the refilled planting plates are sent back to the corresponding shelf via the second conveyor and placed back into the corresponding layers neatly by the first mechanic arm on a first distributing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Sunpower Grand Holdings Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Chien Wu, Li-Jen Wu, Hsin-Lan Wu
  • Patent number: 10822043
    Abstract: A method of interconnecting a vehicle chassis and body includes supporting the chassis on a first carrier and supporting the body on a second carrier suspended in a positive z-direction with respect to the first carrier; translating the first carrier in the positive z-direction; interconnecting the chassis and the body; and shifting supports coupled to the second carrier and spaced apart from the body from a first position in a path of travel of the chassis to a second position outside of the path by pivoting each support about a pivot axis. The method also includes shifting the supports from the second to the first position by pivoting each support about the pivot axis; translating the first carrier in a negative z-direction toward the supports; and supporting the interconnected chassis and body on the second carrier by engaging the chassis with the plurality of supports in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Mahindra N.A. Tech Center
    Inventor: Robert J. Eickholt
  • Patent number: 10015918
    Abstract: A feeder, which is used through installation in a mounting machine and which is configured to supply components that a mounting machine mounts on a printed circuit board. The feeder is a second type of feeder which is capable of performing a second aspect component supply operation, and is interchangeable with a first type of feeder which performs a first aspect component supply operation. The feeder is configured to transmit feeder information indicating that the feeder is the first type of feeder and perform the first aspect component supply operation when a request for feeder information is received from the mounting machine by a first command, and transmit feeder information indicating that the feeder is the second type of feeder and perform the second aspect component supply operation when a request for feeder information is received from the mounting machine by a second command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: FUJI MACHINE MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hirokazu Koike
  • Patent number: 9242386
    Abstract: The invention discloses a novel application of standard printed circuit board (PCB) assembly modules, electronic assembly, and/or semiconductor assembly equipment for the assembly of consumer products, such as razor cartridges. In addition, nozzles of the pick/place component placement machine of the present invention may be desirably adapted to operate on type of razor cartridge component (e.g., blade, lubricating strip) disposed on a pallet. The adapted nozzle may include adaptors which may have an elongated portion, an angled portion, a tapered portion, a gripper portion, a curved portion, a rounded portion, a pointed tip, a stamper, a marker, a printer, a guide portion, a spring portion, a moveable leg, or any combination thereof, for operating on a razor cartridge component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Gregory David Aviza, Yongqing Ju, Vitaly Pesikov
  • Patent number: 8924118
    Abstract: A transfer system according to an embodiment includes a transfer room, a robot, a trajectory generator, a determination unit, and an output unit. The transfer room has an exclusive area defined by a predetermined distance. The robot has an arm unit that is equipped with a robot hand transferring a thin plate-like workpiece and that operates in horizontal directions. The robot is installed in the transfer room so that a minimum turning area of the arm unit overlaps with a part of the exclusive area. The transfer system generates a trajectory of the robot hand, then determines, based on the generated trajectory, whether a part of the arm unit is included in the exclusive area, and outputs a predetermined signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventors: Daisuke Shin, Yoshiki Kimura
  • Patent number: 8887399
    Abstract: A method of final assembly for constructing homes from substantially planar floor and wall sections. The method includes assembling a house from floor and wall sections in a final-assembly section of a final assembly facility. The final-assembly section is at an intersection of a crane section that is adjacent to a final assembly line. The crane section has at least one roof assembly area used for assembling the roof. The final assembly line further has a plurality of additional stations within the final-assembly section that are in-line with the at least one station. The method also includes lifting a roof assembled in the roof assembly area onto the house, and further finishing the house at each of the plurality of additional stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Mattamy Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Gilgan, Jurgen Dirks, William Meevis, Walter Mitchell, Peter Vohsemer
  • Publication number: 20140298634
    Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a component handling assembly, comprising, an index table which comprises one or more nests each of which is configured to cooperate with a component to hold the component as the index table is indexed, wherein the one or more nests are configured such that a component which cooperates with a nest is supported above the nest so that the one or more nests can cooperate with components of various sizes, and an alignment means operable to move a component into a predefined orientation before a component co-operates with a nest on the index table. There is further provided a corresponding method of handling a component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: ISMECA SEMICONDUCTOR HOLDING SA
    Inventors: Giovanni Palmisano, Jacques André Matthey Junod, Pascal Dromard, Philippe Roy
  • Patent number: 8789270
    Abstract: A system for manufacturing a side panel of a vehicle, the system including upper running rails and lower running rails to provide a movement path of a cart, the cart having a support frame, a transfer roller, and a friction bar provided at a bottom surface of the support frame, wherein the side panel may be mounted on the cart and the cart moves selectively along the upper running rails and the lower running rails, at least a friction drive unit and at least a friction wheel disposed along the upper and lower running rails wherein the at least a friction drive selectively rotates the at least a friction wheel to move the cart by selectively engaging at least one of the friction wheels with the friction bar of the cart, and an external unit supporting an edge portion of the side panel during key welding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Se Kyu Kang
  • Patent number: 8769807
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing a tire-wheel assembly comprising a single-cell workstation including a plurality of sub-stations. The plurality of sub-stations includes a weight application sub-station, and an audit balancing sub-station. The apparatus also includes a tire/wheel transporting device positioned within reach of all of the plurality of sub-stations. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Android Industries LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Lawson, Robert Reece, Ramsey Richard Niazy
  • Patent number: 8561290
    Abstract: Work line module comprises a plurality of machines (103-106) having a plurality of working functions and non-work facility (107, 108) such as a conveying machine can cooperate so as to produce a necessary amount even if the necessary amount is varied. A plurality of work machines (103-106) for mechanically working a workpiece (124) and non-work facility (107, 108) for processing the workpiece (124). One work machine (106) is a multifunction furnishing machine having a function of measuring the workpiece (124) in addition to a function of mechanically working the workpiece (124). A conveying machine (109) having robots (185-187) for conveying the workpiece (124) between the work machines (103-106), and between the work machines (103-106) and the non-work facility (107, 108).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsugumaru Yamashita, Noritaka Fujimura, Kenichiro Hirao
  • Patent number: 8544159
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Rick J. Muhlenkamp, David G. Schaefer, Todd A. Thomas, Stephen E. Wagner, Joel E. Zacharias
  • Patent number: 8522437
    Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a tire and a wheel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a single-cell workstation including a device that retains a wheel, and a plurality of sub-stations. The device moves the wheel to each of the plurality of sub-stations, without releasing the wheel, to assemble a tire-wheel assembly. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Android Industries LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Lawson, Robert Reece, Lawrence L. Reece, Richard J. Standen
  • Patent number: 8474132
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shen-Chun Li, Hsien-Chuan Liang, Shou-Kuo Hsu
  • Patent number: 8458897
    Abstract: A vehicle assembly line includes a plurality of carriers that support respective vehicle bodies to which vehicle underbody parts, which are parts that are fitted to the vehicle bodies from below the vehicle bodies, are fitted, and convey the vehicle bodies along the vehicle assembly line. The carriers support the vehicle bodies in such a manner that the longitudinal direction of each of the vehicle bodies is perpendicular to the conveyance direction in which the vehicle bodies are conveyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinji Tohyama, Koji Tomida
  • Patent number: 8443513
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Seiki Ishida, Yukiyoshi Saito
  • Patent number: 8371023
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Seal International, Inc.
    Inventor: Syuuichi Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 8327531
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Masatoshi Ono, Christoph Meyerhoff
  • Patent number: 8302292
    Abstract: A truss assembly system may include a truss assembly station. The truss assembly station may be configured to enable assembly of a truss from truss members via an automatic sequential placement of the truss members based at least in part upon a planned location of pre-plated truss members within an assembled truss. The pre-plated truss members may be truss members including at least one connector plate installed thereon prior to placement at the truss assembly station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: David L. McAdoo, Timothy K. McAdoo
  • Patent number: 8225496
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a system that can be used to form a photovoltaic device, or solar cell, using processing modules that are adapted to perform one or more steps in the solar cell formation process. The automated solar cell fab is generally an arrangement of automated processing modules and automation equipment that is used to form solar cell devices. The automated solar fab will thus generally comprise a substrate receiving module that is adapted to receive a substrate, one or more absorbing layer deposition cluster tools having at least one processing chamber that is adapted to deposit a silicon-containing layer on a surface of the substrate, one or more back contact deposition chambers, one or more material removal chambers, a solar cell encapsulation device, an autoclave module, an automated junction box attaching module, and one or more quality assurance modules that are adapted to test and qualify the completely formed solar cell device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Z. Bachrach, Yong-Kee Chae, Soo Young Choi, Nicholas G. J. De Vries, Yacov Elgar, Eric A. Englhardt, Michel R. Frei, Charles Gay, Parris Hawkins, Choi (Gene) Ho, James Craig Hunter, Penchala N. Kankanala, Liwei Li, Wing Hoo (Hendrick) Lo, Danny Cam Toan Lu, Fang Mei, Stephen P. Murphy, Srujal (Steve) Patel, Matthew J. B. Saunders, Asaf Schlezinger, Shuran Sheng, Tzay-Fa (Jeff) Su, Jeffrey S. Sullivan, David Tanner, Teresa Trowbridge, Brice Walker, John M. White, Tae K. Won
  • Patent number: 8161650
    Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a tire and a wheel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a single-cell workstation including a device that retains a wheel, and a plurality of sub-stations. The device moves the wheel to each of the plurality of sub-stations, without releasing the wheel, to assemble a tire-wheel assembly. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Android Industries LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Lawson, Robert Reece, Lawrence L. Reece, Richard J. Standen
  • Patent number: 8151453
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Lorenzo Garcia Tercero
  • Patent number: 8141223
    Abstract: A cell manufacturing method in which a main operator, who carries out main operations that include a plurality of steps in which parts are attached to a workpiece, is moved along with the workpiece so as to transit a plurality of stations at which auxiliary steps related to the main operations are carried out. A main car is provided on which the workpiece is mounted and on which the main operator rides. A main operation platform apparatus is also provided that has a main operation platform for carrying out the main operations so as to be movable are used, and then when carrying out at least a portion of the main operations in the main car, the main car and the main operation platform are moved in synchrony. Furthermore, a subsidiary car is provided to travel together with the main car so as to be able to transfer parts and/or jigs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Taniguchi, Shigeharu Ikeda, Kuniyuki Hashimoto, Junji Sugawara
  • Patent number: 8127434
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for assembly and disassembly in axial and radial directions mold segments forming a toroidally shaped mold. The apparatus includes mold gripping apparatus operatively engaging and disengaging the mold; and mold transport apparatus for operatively moving the mold gripping apparatus and engaged mold between a mold assembly and disassembly station and a tire curing station. The mold gripping apparatus engages and unlocks an upper mold sidewall segment and mold loading apparatus engages and unlocks a lower mold sidewall segment. Tread segment closing apparatus is provided for operatively opening and closing the tread segments of the mold in a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: William Dudley Currie, Dennis Alan Lundell, David Alan Henthorne
  • Patent number: 8122579
    Abstract: A cell manufacturing method in which a main operator, who carries out main operations that include a plurality of steps in which parts are installed on a workpiece, is moved along with the workpiece so as to transit a plurality of stations where auxiliary steps related to the main operations are carried out. At least a portion of operations in which parts and/or jigs are supplied to a main car are carried out via a main delivery apparatus by using a main car on which a workpiece is mounted and on which a main operator rides, and that travels automatically on a predetermined travel route that transits a plurality of stations. The main delivery apparatus has a main serving position and a main receiving position. Parts and/or jigs that have been disposed at the main receiving position are delivered to the main serving position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Taniguchi, Shigeharu Ikeda, Kuniyuki Hashimoto, Junji Sugawara
  • Patent number: 8108989
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Rick J. Muhlenkamp, David G. Schaefer, Todd A. Thomas, Stephen E. Wagner, Joel E. Zacharias
  • Patent number: 8087140
    Abstract: A processing speed of each mechanisms in a cutting section is controlled such that all polarizing films housed in a container in advance are used in a joining process and simultaneously a new container with polarizing films housed therein that are cut by a size of a liquid crystal panel is loaded from the cutting section. Here, a fracture included in the polarizing film is cut and removed in the cutting section while a delayed time due to this process is shortened by controlling at least a processing speed in a processing mechanism in a cutting mechanism among mechanisms provided in the cutting section and the joining section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Koshio, Kazuo Kitada, Tomokazu Yura, Takuya Nakazono
  • Publication number: 20110314665
    Abstract: A system and method for sequencing component part delivery for use in assembling vehicle bodies arranged in a substantially random assembly sequence. The system and method includes a plurality of kit carts that are loaded or stocked with vehicle specific parts in a sequence or staging area of an assembly facility. The vehicle specific stocked carts are arranged and positioned to a coordinated vehicle to assemble the vehicle using the kit carts that move along in sequence with the vehicle as the vehicle is assembled along an assembly line. As the carts are depleted of parts, the carts are returned for restocking and assigned to a subsequent vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: COMAU, INC.
    Inventor: Velibor Kilibarda
  • Patent number: 8020284
    Abstract: A production line used to assemble and test some electronic elements includes a first assembly line used to assemble some electronic elements requiring a relatively high requirements of cleanliness factor, a second assembly line used to assemble some electronic elements requiring a relatively low requirements of cleanliness factor, a first testing line used to do some testing items with a relatively high requirements of lightness, a second testing line used to do some testing items with a relatively low requirements of lightness, and a third testing line do some testing items requiring a relatively high requirements of cleanliness factor, the first assembly line, the second assembly line, the first testing line, the second testing line, and the third testing line are located adjacent to each other and connected together in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Chia-En Lee
  • Patent number: 8001680
    Abstract: A manufacturing plant, in accordance with one embodiment, includes a turntable, interchangeable pick-up, and clamping devices for assemblies at several working locations. The pick-up and clamping devices are assigned at least one processing robot, set up for joining operations, which performs the joining operations on the assemblies held by the pick-up and clamping devices. The turntables 1, 2 are assigned interchange stations, with which the pick-up and clamping devices on turntables can be replaced by others. The interchange stations are preferably designed as turntables with different storage locations for the pickup and clamping devices to be replaced. The different pick-up and clamping devices needed for processing various types of assemblies as well as grippers for the handling robots are introduced exclusively from outside in exactly the same way as the pre-fabricated parts being processed, if a change from one type of assemblies to another type is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Drauz Nothelfer GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Klemm
  • Patent number: 7979981
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Innovequity Inc.
    Inventor: Ben A. Bertrand
  • Patent number: 7918016
    Abstract: A reinforced plastic foam cup including a body which defines an open top end and a closed bottom end, wherein the top end has a greater diameter than the bottom end. The body includes a reinforced tapered side wall that extends from the bottom end to the top end. A substantial portion of the reinforced tapered side wall includes a plastic foam layer, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer and a rigid material layer. Such reinforced plastic foam cup provides an improved tactile feel and enhanced insulation and rigidity properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Prairie Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Hollis, Dimitri Stamatiou
  • Patent number: 7832087
    Abstract: A system for manufacturing homes is provided. An embodiment includes a final assembly facility located proximal to a subdivision where a plurality of the custom homes is to be situated. The final assembly facility is for receiving the planar sections from the sub-assembly plant and for constructing the homes from planar portions according to the production schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: The Mattamy Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Gilgan, Jurgen Dirks, Peter Vohsemer, William Meevis, Walter Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7802364
    Abstract: A vehicle framing system for framing an automotive vehicle body from a plurality of separate body components wherein the body components each include a reference surface. The system includes an assembly station having spaced-apart frame members positioned so that, when a vehicle carrier supporting the vehicle body components is positioned at the assembly station, the frame members extend along opposite sides of the vehicle carrier. At least two docking stations are secured to each frame member at predetermined locations. A robot mounts its associated tool arm with a docking station. At least one set of reference block and framing clamp is secured to each tool arm and these framing clamps maintain the reference surfaces of the vehicle body components against the reference blocks to hold the vehicle components at a predetermined position relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Valiant Corporation
    Inventor: Dominique Baulier
  • Patent number: 7694411
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method is provided for precisely positioning a datum surface of a component. The apparatus has a housing defining a tooling datum surface. A collet is supported by the housing that is selectively operable between a retracted mode and an expanded mode. In the retracted mode a clearing disengagement is defined with the component. In the expanded mode a contacting engagement with the component is defined. The contacting engagement and a simultaneous longitudinal force transferred by the contacting engagement to the component pressingly engage the datum surfaces together. The apparatus further has a bias member exerting the longitudinal force and urging the collet to the retracted mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Sham Sunder Nayar, John George Gerogeorge, Mark Curtis Fahrendorff, Ronald Jacob Smith
  • Patent number: 7635079
    Abstract: System for placing conductive spheres on prefluxed bond pads of a substrate using a stencil plate with a pattern of through-holes positioned over the bond pads. Conductive spheres are placed in the through-holes by a moving feed mechanism and the spheres drop through the through-holes onto the bond pads. In one embodiment, the feed mechanism is a sphere hopper which crosses the entire through-hole pattern. In another embodiment, a shuttle plate fed spheres from a reservoir and reversibly moves about one-half of the pitch, moving from a non-discharge position to a discharge position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad A. Cobbley, Michael B. Ball, Marjorie L. Waddel
  • Patent number: 7568283
    Abstract: A tool is provided for removing a circuit breaker from a mounting member or a housing. The tool includes a housing having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a surface, and an axis. Disposed at the first end of the housing is a recess that is structured to receive the operating handle or actuator lever of the circuit breaker, while a number of apertures are disposed substantially adjacent to the second end of the housing. One or more mechanical fasteners extend through the apertures and secure the housing to the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Lance Gula
  • Patent number: 7549219
    Abstract: An automatic assembling system and method for camera lens units are provided. The system includes a main workstation, a barrel-feeding station, a lens-feeding station, and a camera lens-removing station. The method includes (A) operating a plurality of barrel-clamping units of the main workstation cyclically and intermittently along a feeding direction; (B) moving a plurality of barrels from a barrel standby area of the barrel-feeding station onto the barrel-clamping units in sequence; (C) moving a plurality of lens units from a lens standby area assembly of the lens-feeding station into the barrels to form the camera lens units; and (D) moving the camera lens units from the barrel-clamping units into a camera lens-collecting area of the camera lens-removing station. The steps (B, C, D) are performed in cooperation with the intermittent operations of the barrel-clamping units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Po-Song Kao, Ying-Chang Chen, Yung-I Chang, En-Tzu Cheng
  • Patent number: 7472474
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: José Boix Jaen
  • Patent number: 7467469
    Abstract: An edge beam construction including two vertical perforated rolled shapes with webs inverted toward the center of the beam, and a bottom track having a flange disposed in a vertical position against bottom lips of the vertical rolled shapes. The three basic components of the edge beam are positioned so as to provide access for press joining tools. A building module manufacturing method utilizes the light gauge steel rolled shapes that permit industrialized, automated manufacture of floor, roof and wall panels for modular housing and commercial structures with integrated mechanical and electrical systems and rigid framing for road transport without trailers. The module manufacturing method includes a novel method of constructing and positioning a gable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventor: Harlin Wall
  • Patent number: 7305766
    Abstract: A method for constructing a bus, wherein a module associated with the front end of the bus is separately constructed and assembled to the shell after interior components of the bus have been installed. The shell of the bus can be fabricated at a first work station. The shell can be made transversely or laterally with respect to the longitudinal access of the bus to one or more work stations. At the subsequent work stations, interior components of the bus can be moved through the open ends of the bus. After the majority of the interior components have been installed with respect to the bus, the module supporting the windshield and bumper can be installed with respect to the shell. The module can also support the dashboard and steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Altair Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Timmermans
  • Patent number: 7287317
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting semiconductor chips with a transport device that transports the substrates in cycles to a bonding station where a semiconductor chip is deposited comprises a receiving table with a support surface on which the substrates are presented one after the other for transport by the transport device as well as a pusher device with a drive system and a slide for alignment of the substrate on an end stop. In accordance with the invention, the drive system and the slide comprise a first magnet and a second magnet that attract each other, ie, they are magnetically coupled. The drive system is arranged underneath the support surface and moves its magnet back and forth whereby the magnet of the slide is moved with it. One of the two magnets can also be a ferromagnetic body. The drive system is controlled by software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Unaxis International Trading Ltd.
    Inventor: Beat Bolli
  • Patent number: 7269900
    Abstract: A production organizing method and a method and apparatus for assembling vehicle body are provided. The production line organizing method comprises the steps of classifying all parts for all types of vehicles to be assembled into groups of main part, synchronous subparts, and non-synchronous subparts, and the manhour for the non-synchronous subparts are assigned to the difference in manhours for assembly of main parts and synchronous subparts. In addition, a vehicle body assembly method and a vehicle body assembly line are also provided, which are capable of reducing a length of a main line and increasing the productivity by classifying all of the parts used for all vehicle types into three groups of main parts and two groups of subparts including non-synchronous main parts and subparts, and by assembling and storing the non-synchronous main parts and subparts in the separate section and supplying the sub-assembled non-synchronous subparts to the main line when necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Fumio Moriya, Takehiro Kouno, Kiyoshi Ikumi, Hiroshi Miyashita, Haruji Yoshida, Tatsuaki Son, Kouichi Hosono, Masakazu Kanda, Gengo Kajima, Tomoyoshi Takeuchi, Masanori Yoshida, Jyun Toyoda, Kenji Tatsuda, Yasuo Miyaoka, Michinao Iwami, Ikuo Kanazawa
  • Patent number: 7237328
    Abstract: Production and/or installation device for producing and/or installing a workpiece, with a device frame and a workpiece support table, which has several workpiece supports and is rotating with respect to one or more stationary work stations and can be moved in synchronized fashion, and with a driving mechanism for driving the one or more workstations, which driving mechanism has a motor and at least one essentially vertically movable coupling element, the movement of which is coupled indirectly with the motor and with which a driver of a work station is or can be coupled, the driving mechanism having a working shaft, which is disposed vertically and can be rotated by the motor, with a guiding device, with which the movement of the coupling element is coupled and over which the vertical movement of the coupling element is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Feintool International Holding
    Inventor: Sigmund Kumeth
  • Patent number: 7168145
    Abstract: An installation apparatus is comprised of a pair of grasping brackets and an installation jig. The installation apparatus is employed to install a cockpit module in a vehicle body in a manner that the grasping brackets is detachably attached respectively to both end portions of a steering member of the cockpit module and that the installation jig grasps the grasping brackets and conveys the cockpit module to the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Sawada, Shigenori Toyonaga, Kouichi Ohira, Toshifumi Inoue, Masashi Matsumoto, Masanobu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7165304
    Abstract: A block attacher for attaching blocks to slats as stringers for pallets includes a slat dispenser disposed to dispense individual slats to a slat driver, the slat driver being selectively positionable. A first block dispenser dispenses a block to an assembly station where a position fixture is disposed to operatively cooperate with the slat driver and the block dispenser to position the dispensed block abutting the individual slat when the slat driver is in a first selected position. At least one other position fixture is disposed to operatively cooperate with the slat driver to position a second dispensed block abutting the individual slat when the slat driver is in a second selected position. The subsequent blocks may be dispensed by the same block dispenser as the first block, or by different dispensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Dustin W. Smith, Dale De'Crescenzo
  • Patent number: 7162799
    Abstract: A method for notifying installers 14–22 of the existence, type, and location of a portion 26 of an item within an assembly line 10. The notification allows the installers 14–22 to respectively ensure that the components 40 which are needed to be placed upon the portion 26 are available for use by the installer 14–22 in a timely manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Diane E. Moore, John J. Lubash
  • Patent number: 7146694
    Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating tubular vanes and adhering the vanes to a plurality of associated ladder tapes for use in a blind assembly for an architectural opening is described. The apparatus includes a first section for unrolling resin impregnated fabric tape, folding the tape, and cutting the tape to a predetermined length. In a second section of the apparatus, the cut and folded tape is bonded to together along its longitudinal edges to form a tubular vane. In the third and final section, the completed vane is positioned between the vertical cords of a plurality of associated ladder tapes and the vane is adhesively bonded to a cross rung of each. After the vane has been bonded to the cross rungs, the ladder tapes are advanced and prepared for receipt of the next vane. The resulting subassembly of vanes is used to fabricate blind assemblies through the addition of headrails and bottom rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Daniel M. Fogarty, Todd B. Jaramillo
  • Patent number: 7100271
    Abstract: A vehicle framing system for framing an automotive vehicle body from a plurality of separate body components wherein the body components each include a reference surface. The system includes an assembly station having spaced-apart frame members positioned so that, when a vehicle carrier supporting the vehicle body components is positioned at the assembly station, the frame members extend along opposite sides of the vehicle carrier. At least two docking stations are secured to each frame member at predetermined locations. A robot mounts its associated tool arm with a docking station. At least one set of reference block and framing clamp is secured to each tool arm and these framing clamps maintain the reference surfaces of the vehicle body components against the reference blocks to hold the vehicle components at a predetermined position relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Valiant Corporation
    Inventor: Dominique Baulier
  • Patent number: 7093349
    Abstract: A balance assembly (15) is provided for a sash window assembly (10). The sash window assembly (10) has a sash window (12) slidable within a master frame (14). The balance assembly (15) has an elastomer balance member (30) having one end adapted to be connected to the master frame (14) and another end adapted to be connected to the sash window (12) to provide an upward biasing force to the sash window (12). A system (50) is provided for custom-manufacturing the balance member (30) and for custom-manufacturing a sash window assembly (10) incorporating the balance member (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: James G. Prete, Richard A. Gardner, Steven E. Schultz, Mark V. Murphy, Vincent F. Eslick, George E. Heid
  • Patent number: 7082677
    Abstract: A tire assembly line including a wheel soaping work station, a tire soaping workstation, a tire and wheel assembly station, and a tire inflation station. The assembly line is formed from a plurality of modules that are interchangeable and releasably connected to one another. The modules support an endless conveyor member for circling movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Dürr Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Pellerin, Boris R. Teper, Brian Hoy