Including Work Conveyer Patents (Class 29/822)
  • Patent number: 8356403
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Young Sub Woo, Woo Dong Hwang
  • Publication number: 20120317799
    Abstract: A lift for maneuvering a heavy manway cover, the lift including a wheeled base and a generally horizontal arm connectable to the cover. A pair of spaced lifts connecting the arm to the base and a shaft rotatably held within the arm. A wheel crank connected to the shaft to rotate the shaft in a pivotable connection on the end of the shaft. Wherein the shaft having a first position wherein the cover is held against rotation and a second position wherein the weight of the cover allows the cover to pivot under the shaft while an axis of the cover rotates from being perpendicular to the arm to being parallel to the arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy Selby
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120297614
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: COMAU, INC.
    Inventor: Velibor KILIBARDA
  • Publication number: 20120297602
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technique which can disassemble a mandrel having a substantially cylindrical shape and being dividable into a plurality of segments, easily and efficiently. The disassembling method comprises, in the mandrel adhesively attached with a composite material structure on an outer peripheral surface thereof, a rotation step of rotating the pair of support rings along with the mandrel to position a segment which is a detached target to an uppermost portion; and a segment detaching step of detaching the segment which is the detached target positioned at the uppermost portion, from the pair of support rings; wherein in the segment detaching step, the segment which is the detached target is moved in a vertically downward direction to a position inside of the mandrel, between the pair of support rings, and is carried out from between the pair of support rings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshikazu Sana, Naoki Tamura, Tomoya Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8302281
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing motor vehicle sub-assemblies with unrestricted model mix and quick changeover between models. The apparatus includes a track; a carriage mounted for longitudinal movement along the track between first and second positions; and first and second turrets rotatably mounted on the carriage at longitudinally spaced locations and each including a plurality of circumferentially spaced individual faces and unique tooling fixtures on the respective faces for receiving unique work piece components corresponding to a plurality of motor vehicle body styles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Comau, Inc.
    Inventor: Velibor Kilibarda
  • Patent number: 8291566
    Abstract: According to a work mounting method by the work transfer apparatus of the prior art, a glass plate or a work may fail to abut against a window frame homogeneously at its peripheral edge portion, and the adhesion strength or the sealing property between the glass plate and the window frame may not be retained all over the periphery of the adhered portion. Provided is a work transfer apparatus, which grips a rear glass by its gripping member and mounts the rear glass while pushing the gripped rear glass onto the window frame of a car body by the action of a supporting arm. The work transfer apparatus comprises a control device, and each of absorption pads of the gripping member includes a force detecting sensor for detecting the force to be applied to the absorption pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shozo Ushio, Hideyuki Murayama, Masafumi Uchihara
  • Publication number: 20120260482
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: COMAU INC.
    Inventor: John Graham
  • Patent number: 8286337
    Abstract: A mattress material removal device for bedding mattresses comprising a fixed base member 15 in FIG. 4 with at least one side panel 4 and 5 in FIG. 1, at least one overhead portion 14 in FIG. 3 and at least one guide rail 2 in FIG. 1 adapted to secure and guide the mattress over the base member 15 as it moves through the removal device; at least one brush member 12 in FIG. 5 that makes contact with the top, bottom and side of the mattress; at least one suction member 6 in FIG. 5 positioned in close proximity to at least one brush member 12; at least one sprinkler device that is positioned in close proximity to the brush member 12; a conveyor mechanism 7 and 10 in FIG. 2 which is adapted to move the mattress so that it is in contact with the components of the removal device; a control device 16 in FIG. 5 that has at least one switch which is adapted to activate and de-activate one or more features of the mattress material removal device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Luke Mills
  • Patent number: 8266790
    Abstract: A board removal apparatus for a wooden pallet includes a frame, and a carriage carried by the frame. The carriage includes a pair of spaced apart tables with a fixed gap therebetween. The carriage is movable between a pallet receiving position and a board removal position. The pallet includes spaced apart stringers and boards on top and bottom surfaces thereof. The pallet is positioned on the carriage when in the pallet receiving position so that a board to be removed overlies the fixed gap. A board removal assembly is carried by the frame and includes a push rod and a board removal foot pad pivotally coupled thereto. The push rod and the board removal foot pad are inserted between adjacent stringers when the carriage is in the board removal position. The board removal foot pad overlies at least a portion of the board to be removed and overlies at least a portion of the fixed gap between the pair of spaced apart tables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Chep Technology Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Steve Townsend, Christopher Bertram Anderson
  • Patent number: 8261434
    Abstract: A device for releasably fastening a wire foil to a supporting strip in an installation for producing paper. The installation has a wire and wire foils that extend transversely with respect to the movement direction of the wire. The foils are situated at a spacing from one another in the movement direction of the wire and come into contact with the wire. Supporting strips for the wire foils are assigned to the wire foils and likewise extend transversely with respect to the movement direction of the wire. The wire foils or the supporting strips which are assigned to them are configured in their longitudinal direction with an undercut groove, and the supporting strips or the wire foils are configured with a spring which corresponds to the cross section of the undercut groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventors: Klaus Bartelmuss, Heinz Bartelmuss
  • Patent number: 8250743
    Abstract: The processing system (10) serves for processing a moving workpiece (12) by means of an industrial robot (16) that can be rigidly coupled, intermittently, to the workpiece (12) and/or to a movable workpiece carrier unit (14), the industrial robot (16), when in a decoupled operating position (42), being carried by a carrier device (18) that is movable, independently of a workpiece, by means of a drive unit (20) acting with active drive, and, when in a coupled operating position (44), being floatingly mounted relative to the carrier device (18) by means of a floating bearing system (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Uwe Habisreitinger
  • Publication number: 20120198679
    Abstract: A method and a device for quickly feeding slats transversely into U-shaped troughs, simultaneously inserting multiple slats into ladder cords, staking the stringed slats, and spacing the assemblies of stringed slats for easy handling are disclosed. The device uses a slat dispatcher and sucking roller to place the slats into U-shaped troughs. Then the salts are transversely pushed into inter-rung openings of ladder cords at the same time. The slats stringed by the ladder cords as an assembly are collected upward and piled. The piled assemblies are spaced for easy handling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Hsueh Tsung Chen, Chin Fu Chen
  • Patent number: 8215004
    Abstract: A fabrication line that utilizes a jig pallet that is commonly used in processing equipment to efficiently finish and assemble semifinished products of plural shapes. The jig pallet includes a holding member D for holding a semifinished product W and an opening/closing device G1 for opening and closing the holding member D, and allows the semifinished product W to be mounted and dismounted by opening and closing the holding member D with the opening/closing device G1. The jig pallet is transported to processing equipment M1, M2, and M3 to allow the semifinished product to be processed in the fabrication line. An opening/closing driving device G2 that engages the opening/closing device G1 to open and close the holding member is provided along the fabrication line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Sintokogio, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Tomioka, Tomohisa Nakamura, Susumu Fujita, Takanobu Tozaki
  • Patent number: 8205312
    Abstract: Apparatus for precision deploy-attaching beam-mount structure to the outside of an elongate column at plural, defined attachment sites that are distributed and spaced along the length of the column. During use, a column support jig with plural openable/closeable yokes in the apparatus supports a column horizontally for selective rotation about its long axis. A carriage in the apparatus, which holds beam-mount structures to be attached to a supported column, is selectively moveable and position-lockable in defined locations distributed along the supported column between yokes in a pair of spaced yokes to enable precision weld-attaching of the mounts to sides of the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: ConXtech, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20120137510
    Abstract: A system for installing communications in a hallway of a building comprises a duct having a conduit portion with a bore formed throughout and containing one or more communications lines and a mounting portion to mount the duct to a generally flat surface, the mounting portion including an adhesive disposed thereon, and a duct applicator tool to continuously receive the duct from a storage structure. The applicator tool includes a generally planar frame that supports at least one duct channel that receives the duct and provides a support surface that places a pressing force onto the duct as the duct is applied to the generally flat surface. The applicator tool includes one or more duct guides disposable on at least an end of the frame, where the one or more duct guides guide the duct from its storage structure to the at least one duct channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Zachary M. Thompson, Kurt H. Petersen, Sidney J. Berglund, Victor J. Borer, Linnea M. Wilkes
  • Patent number: 8171620
    Abstract: A component supplying apparatus and a reel can be easily and integrally managed when not supplying components, and the component supplying apparatus can be made to be compact when the component supplying apparatus and the reel are not integrally managed. The component supplying apparatus (50) has an apparatus main body section (53), provided with a feeding apparatus (52) for pulling out a tape (TP), which holds components at fixed intervals, from a reel (80) toward a prescribed component supplying position, and a main body frame (500) on which the feeding apparatus (52) is mounted. The component supplying apparatus (50) is removably mounted on a surface mounting machine (10). The component supplying apparatus (50) is provided with an engaging section (100) as reel holder, which is mounted on the apparatus main body section (53) and is displaced between a holding position where the reel (80) is held and a storing position where the reel (80) is not held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Yonemitsu, Tomokazu Ohnuki
  • Patent number: 8166634
    Abstract: When a lift moves up, the lift is moved by a lifting guide under an urging force of urging means in a direction opposite to a direction of movement of a hanger. Consequently, a synchronizing bar of the lift approaches the hanger and makes contact with a front surface in the direction of movement of the hanger in a sure and also soft manner, thus resulting in synchronization between the hanger and a self-propelled lifting carriage, regardless of a relative speed between the hanger and the self-propelled lifting carriage. Therefore, because no excessive impact is applied to the synchronizing bar and thereby a necessity to provide excessive strength in the synchronizing bar and the neighboring part thereof is eliminated, the self-propelled lifting carriage can be avoided from becoming large in size or being increased in weight. In addition, acceleration, deceleration, and quick stop of the self-propelled lifting carriage also become easy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinji Tohyama, Koji Tomida
  • Publication number: 20120084971
    Abstract: There is provided a device for mounting an electronic paper display element, the device including: a first roller formed to pass over a substrate in which display elements are to be mounted and mounting the display elements in the substrate by moving the display elements backwards, while moving in a predetermined direction above the substrate and rotating in the moving direction; and a second roller mounting the display elements in the substrate by rotating in a direction opposite to that of the first roller to move the display elements forward, while being disposed behind the first roller and moving in the same direction as that of the first roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Young Woo LEE, Hwan-Soo Lee, Jung Min Park, Sang Moon Lee
  • 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: 8122580
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an axle is provided. The method includes heating a billet at a heating station to a predetermined temperature, forging the heated billet at a forging station to form an axle, and machining the axle at a machining station to form a machined axle. A product is automatically transported to and from each station using a product transport system, wherein the product includes the billet, the axle and the machined axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: American Railcar Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Gerard Potje, Timothy Dunagan, Jon Edmond Meyer, James A. Cowan
  • Patent number: 8099845
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (11) for handling an article (13) such as a coil spring, and to an installation for handling an article. The device (11) comprises a body (10) having an internal housing (12) suitable for containing said article (13), said housing (12) presenting at least one open end (10A, 10B) and a constriction zone (14) that is suitable in a stable state, in which said constriction zone (14) presents a reduce dimensions (D14X) that is reduced in a first direction (X), for retaining said article (13) inside the body (10), and for being deformed to adopt a deformed configuration enabling said article (13) to be inserted into the housing (12) or enabling said article (13) to be extracted from the housing (12). The installation includes force-application means for acting on the device to change it between its stable state and its deformed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Tech Group Europe Limited
    Inventor: Stephane Chevallier
  • Publication number: 20110308076
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel, using a flexible substrate under atmospheric pressure. The apparatus includes a transferring unit for transferring a first substrate in a first direction so as to make the first substrate pass an attaching position for attaching the first substrate to a second substrate; and an attaching unit for attaching the first and second substrates passing the attaching position, wherein the attaching unit includes first and second rotating members respectively connected on one side and the other side of the second substrate so as to provide tension to the second substrate, wherein the first rotating member attaches the first and second substrates passing the attaching position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Yeon Heui Nam, Nam Seok Lee
  • Patent number: 8051544
    Abstract: A method of replacing an electrical insulator on a conductor-supporting tower includes the steps of providing an elongate beam spanning the tower between a work site and a helicopter accessible site, a trolley movable on the beam between the sites and an insulator cradle detachably supported by the trolley for supporting the insulator during transport between the sites and to and from the tower via helicopter. The cradle is a partially peripherally enclosed, open-topped structure having a floor, an upstanding rear wall, peripheral walls sloping downwardly from the rear wall to a front wall, an opening in the front wall, an elongate slot in the floor extending rearwardly from the opening, the slot having a width greater than the diameter of an insulator shank but less than the diameter of an insulator skirt, the dimensions of the floor allowing an insulator skirt to lie flat thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Haverfield International Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry Graham
  • Patent number: 8042249
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing motor vehicle sub-assemblies with unrestricted model mix and quick changeover between models. The apparatus includes a track; a carriage mounted for longitudinal movement along the track between first and second positions; and first and second turrets rotatably mounted on the carriage at longitudinally spaced locations and each including a plurality of circumferentially spaced individual faces and unique tooling fixtures on the respective faces for receiving unique work piece components corresponding to a plurality of motor vehicle body styles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Camau, Inc.
    Inventor: Velibor Kilibarda
  • Patent number: 8015854
    Abstract: The present invention relates to means for feeding blanks into the thread rolling part of a thread rolling machine in accurate timing and accurate position. A transport screw for transporting blanks e.g. in a thread rolling machine is disclosed, said transport screw comprises a transport helix for transporting a blank along said transport screw when said transport screw rotates, said transport screw further comprises a feeding area being a widening of said transport helix, whereby said feeding area can receive and feed said blank into said transport helix upon rotation of said transport screw. Further, a method of feeding blanks into a transport screw and a feeding system comprising a transport screw, a blank height adjustment mechanism and a blank alignment mechanism are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Enkotec A/S
    Inventors: Martin Borchsenius Kristensen, Jorgen Duelund Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20110138603
    Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, pre-assembly and integration of part of an aircraft cabin takes place outside the aircraft structure by means of an assembly device. After pre-assembly, the part of the aircraft cabin is slid into the open section of the aircraft structure where it is installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Christoph Blees, Niklas Halfmann, Dieter Krause, Marcus Gehm
  • Patent number: 7950125
    Abstract: A cell for automated assembly operations, in particular for the assembly of components and accessories of multi-cylinder internal-combustion engines, includes a device for referencing the piece and clamping it in position, which includes a plate, provided with reference elements that are to engage, said plate being raisable vertically to take up the engine, setting the engine at a distance from the conveying device. The raisable plate is carried by a slide, which is mounted mobile in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the line. The aforesaid slide is mounted so that it can slide on a supporting structure, which is in turn mounted oscillating about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the conveying line on a structure that is rigidly connected to the fixed frame of the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Comau S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luigi Migliore
  • Patent number: 7930823
    Abstract: A cell for automated assembly operations, in particular for the assembly of parts of multicylinder internal-combustion engines, has manipulator members that are designed for simultaneous assembly of a plurality of elements on a work piece and that are adjustable for varying the distance between the positions of said elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Comau S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luigi Migliore
  • Publication number: 20110056858
    Abstract: A receptacle for receiving fastening elements for connection of two components of a unit to be assembled, the receptacle has means for providing a separate reception of different fastening elements which differ from one another with regard to a shape, and/or a size, and/or a material, such that different ones of the fastening elements with which the receptacle is charged are coordinated with the components which are respectively to be connected, and a number of the fastening elements to be received by the receptacle corresponds at least to a number of connection sites on the components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Kenneth BENCZKOWSKI, Brian O'ROURKE, Mark A. WILLER, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110030205
    Abstract: A mattress material removal device for bedding mattresses comprising a fixed base member 15 in FIG. 4 with at least one side panel 4 and 5 in FIG. 1, at least one overhead portion 14 in FIG. 3 and at least one guide rail 2 in FIG. 1 adapted to secure and guide the mattress over the base member 15 as it moves through the removal device; at least one brush member 12 in FIG. 5 that makes contact with the top, bottom and side of the mattress; at least one suction member 6 in FIG. 5 positioned in close proximity to at least one brush member 12; at least one sprinkler device that is positioned in close proximity to the brush member 12; a conveyor mechanism 7 and 10 in FIG. 2 which is adapted to move the mattress so that it is in contact with the components of the removal device; a control device 16 in FIG. 5 that has at least one switch which is adapted to activate and de-activate one or more features of the mattress material removal device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Luke Mills
  • Patent number: 7874058
    Abstract: An automotive body transfer method and a transfer system is operable to transfer a vehicle body between a transfer mechanism and a stationary assembly station in an automobile production process. In the method and system hereof, one longitudinal half of each of front and rear pairs of left and right jack-up brackets, formed in lower parts of left and right side sills of the body, is supported by the transfer mechanism, and the other longitudinal half of each of the jack-up brackets is supported by the stationary assembly station, thereby enabling the shape and structure of the transfer mechanism and the stationary assembly station to be simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Taro Kodo, Akira Suzuki, Chiyuki Uekusa, Minoru Yamada, Katsumi Kaneko
  • Publication number: 20110010912
    Abstract: A method for final assembly of at least two aircraft includes assembling the at least two aircraft in a transverse direction on a carousel, the at least two aircraft disposed side-by-side, and rotating the carousel on a vertical rotation axis 360°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Dirk BAUSEN, Peter FREIMARK, Axel SAUERMANN, Thomas OPSCHONDEK
  • Patent number: 7866033
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatic removal of scrap elongated window component stock from a conveyor includes a path of travel altering mechanism, a translating mechanism, and a controller. The path of travel altering mechanism is positioned along the path of travel that selectively facilitates movement of scrap elongated window component stock off the path of travel. The translating mechanism is in communication with the path of travel altering mechanism for moving the scrap elongated window component stock off of the path of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: GED Integrated Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian G. James, Robert R. Shepherd, II
  • Publication number: 20100319182
    Abstract: A device for mounting a vehicle instrumental panel has an assist machine and work robots. The assist machine has instrument panel holding means for holding an instrument panel, conveys the instrument panel, and has an assist function for holding the weight of the instrument panel. The work robots have connection means removably connected to the instrument panel holding means and operate the instrument panel holding means to place the instrument panel in a vehicle interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Sugimoto, Mitsugu Takahashi, Masaru Maruo
  • Publication number: 20100319193
    Abstract: According to a work mounting method by the work transfer apparatus of the prior art, a glass plate or a work may fail to abut against a window frame homogeneously at its peripheral edge portion, and the adhesion strength or the sealing property between the glass plate and the window frame may not be retained all over the periphery of the adhered portion. Provided is a work transfer apparatus, which grips a rear glass by its gripping member and mounts the rear glass while pushing the gripped rear glass onto the window frame of a car body by the action of a supporting arm. The work transfer apparatus comprises a control device, and each of absorption pads of the gripping member includes a force detecting sensor for detecting the force to be applied to the absorption pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shozo Ushio, Hideyuki Murayama, Masafumi Uchihara
  • Publication number: 20100314215
    Abstract: The transport of work carriers on an assembly line is performed by the use of novel linear motors in which the primary part has both solenoids and permanent magnets and in which the secondary part has no permanent magnets of its own. By the provision of a magnetically soft plate, a work carrier has uniformly spaced clearances with respect to the secondary part and can be moved by the suitably arranged primary part. On an assembly line, it can be provided that the primary parts supplement the unction of an existing transporting bet. It may also be provided that a transporting belt is completely replaced by such primary parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Sascha Fischer, Peter Grosser, Gerhard Heinemann
  • Publication number: 20100306988
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for applying tags with attached elastic anchor bands onto the tops of objects such as bottles in a high speed packaging application. The apparatus includes an infeed assembly for feeding a web in which multitudes of tags and bands are defined by score lines along which the tags and bands are detachable from the web. A conveyor assembly receives the web and conveys it along a path in an upstream direction. A rotating selector wheel bearing peripheral vacuum cups is disposed above the path and a rotating placing assembly is disposed below the path. The placement assembly includes an array of radially arrayed openable and closable jaw assemblies having extendable and retractable pins at their distal ends. As the web approaches the selector wheel and placing assembly, the adjacent pins of a pair of adjacent closed jaw assembles rotate up through the elastic band of each tag to capture the elastic band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Kelly Ziegler
  • Patent number: 7845056
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (11) for handling an article (13) such as a coil spring, and to an installation for handling an article. The device (11) comprises a body (10) having an internal housing (12) suitable for containing said article (13), said housing (12) presenting at least one open end (10A, 10B) and a constriction zone (14) that is suitable in a stable state, in which said constriction zone (14) presents a reduce dimension (D14X) that is reduced in a first direction (X), for retaining said article (13) inside the body (10), and for being deformed to adopt a deformed configuration enabling said article (13) to be inserted into the housing (12) or enabling said article (13) to be extracted from the housing (12). The installation includes force-application means for acting on the device to change it between its stable state and its deformed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Tech Group Europe Limited
    Inventor: Stéphane Chevallier
  • 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: 7823273
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing workpieces containing plastics material by welding, stamping, cutting and/or bonding is described. The apparatus includes a loading and unloading station for loading and unloading the workpieces (35), a processing station with a free space for processing the workpieces (35) and at least one interchangeable module (15) which can be inserted and fixed in the free space and which comprises at least one workpiece receptacle (34) and at least one processing tool (37) which are both adapted to a selected processing task. In accordance with the invention the interchangeable module (15) is supported on running wheels (17) and can be inserted in the free space therewith, and the relative position between the receptacle (34) and the processing tool (37) required in the processing is determined by the interchangeable module (15) alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Mschinenfabrik Spaichingen GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Dieter Braun
  • Publication number: 20100251531
    Abstract: A device (1) for assembly of a pharmaceutical application aid (51), particularly a pen, is proposed. The device (1) is characterized by a holding device (3) for fixation of a first housing sleeve (5) that accommodates a pharmaceutical container, particularly a carpule (23), and by a stop (43) for limiting a displacement of a second housing sleeve (35) relative to the first housing sleeve (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: Arzneimittel GMBH Aptheker Vetter & Co. Ravenburg
    Inventors: Guenter Kavallar, Hubert Goederle, Janosch Steib
  • Patent number: 7805833
    Abstract: A duct reinforcing rod and fabrication apparatus for use with a conduit and a threaded element dimensioned to fit within the conduit includes a positioning device to position the conduit at an insertion position and an insertion device for inserting the threaded element a predetermined distance into the conduit. A deformation device is also employed to deform the conduit such that the deformation occurs at two locations on the conduit, the two locations being longitudinally spaced from one another along a length of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Met-Coil Systems, LLC
    Inventors: John J. Toben, Michael C. Borwig
  • Patent number: 7779540
    Abstract: A quadrail ergonomic apparatus includes two or more pathways designed to permit movement in two or more directions mounted to a static object above a surface. One or more carriages designed to move in two or more directions are disposed within the pathways. Each carriage is suspended above the surface from the pathways and capable of maintaining a workload in place and permitting movement of the workload in at least four directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael G. McCaffrey, Robert P. Rojas, Mark F. Zelesky, Gilbert B. Cutler, Gene V. Flenke
  • Publication number: 20100154209
    Abstract: A device for releasably fastening a wire foil to a supporting strip in an installation for producing paper. The installation has a wire and wire foils that extend transversely with respect to the movement direction of the wire. The foils are situated at a spacing from one another in the movement direction of the wire and come into contact with the wire. Supporting strips for the wire foils are assigned to the wire foils and likewise extend transversely with respect to the movement direction of the wire. The wire foils or the supporting strips which are assigned to them are configured in their longitudinal direction with an undercut groove, and the supporting strips or the wire foils are configured with a spring which corresponds to the cross section of the undercut groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Klaus Bartelmuss, Heinz Bartelmuss
  • Publication number: 20100126006
    Abstract: A positioning device is provided for positioning of a spring leg and a shock damper motor axis when a connection to a body-shaped pieces of a suspension promoter suspended coach industry unit with a mounting stored chassis unit of the vehicle, with the positioning device includes an attachment element Fixture for fixing the direction positioning to mount one of the fixture resistance element jointed affiliated gripping central carrier with a gripper attached to appropriation reach of the spring leg and shock damper, with the gripping means by moving the grief-structural funds his joints in a rest medium defined rest positions to warden can be brought, namely a working position in which the grief by the central taken one spring leg or shock absorbers positioned, and the suspension strut or shock absorbers are not positioned normally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Gerhard Köhler, Olaf Recha
  • Patent number: 7716820
    Abstract: Apparatus for precision deploy-attaching beam-mount structure to the outside of an elongate column at plural, defined attachment sites that are distributed and spaced along the length of the column. During use, a column support jig with plural openable/closeable yokes in the apparatus supports a column horizontally for selective rotation about its long axis. A carriage in the apparatus, which holds beam-mount structures to be attached to a supported column, is selectively moveable and position-lockable in defined locations distributed along the supported column between yokes in a pair of spaced yokes to enable precision weld-attaching of the mounts to sides of the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: ConXtech, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Simmons
  • Patent number: 7717034
    Abstract: A pallet nail press for embedding outwardly extended fasteners of a pallet, particularly a block-type pallet having a top surface formed by a plurality of top-deck panels. The press includes a main support frame and an anvil surface having a plurality of plates resiliently attached to the press frame. The hammer beam and the anvil plates are vertically aligned. A mechanism for compressing the pallet between the hammer beam and the plurality of anvil plates is used for pressing the outwardly extended fasteners against the resiliently mounted anvil plates for embedding the fasteners in the top surface of the top-deck panels of the pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Millwood, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam J. Madgar