Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic container assembler apparatus (800) to assemble the constitutive elements of a COAST container i.e. the wafer (138) that is to be treated in the manufacturing line, the cassette-reservoir (123) and the single wafer holder (130). In essence, the assembler apparatus consists of a cabinet whose interior space cabinet is submitted to a clean filtered gas flow generated by a blower, so that a clean gaseous mini-environment is created therein with a light overpressure with regard to the outside ambient. The cabinet includes a vertical stocker (804) adapted to be manually and safely filled with the adequate number of the elements mentioned above. Generally, the wafers are carried in a multiple wafer holder (130'). These elements are introduced in the cabinet through an input loadlock device (810) and laid down onto a table (806) by an operator. Next, the operator places them in their respective bins (815) of the stocker through manipulation gloves (805).

Abstract: A device for assembling an element, such as a washer, to the end of a fastener, such as a bolt, in a reliable, high-speed fashion wherein the assembling device includes the washers being supplied in a position to be picked up by an end of the shank of the bolt and slides along a ramp causing the washer to be positioned closer to the head of the bolt. The bolts are supplied to the assembling machine in an upright, in-line position. The bolts are conveyed through the assembling machine utilizing a screw having a thread designed to receive a portion of the shank of the bolt within the thread and cause the bolt to catch the hole of the washer and be assembled therewith into the assembled bolt and washer.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a leading-edge sheath onto a helicopter main rotor blade subassembly, including a lower assembly having a leading-edge sheath contour nest configured for supporting the leading-edge sheath, opposed carriage members connected to a base, wherein each of the opposed carriage members supports a plurality of suction cups and is capable of synchronized translational movement relative to the leading-edge sheath contour nest between an engaged position wherein the plurality of suction cups are in abutting engagement with the leading-edge sheath, and a disengaged position where the plurality of suction cups are disengaged from the leading-edge sheath.

Abstract: An apparatus for the high-volume manufacture of assembled wall frame structures for use in the residential and commercial building industry is arranged to receive and support a pair of laterally spaced apart top and bottom plate members and move them longitudinally in indexed, stepwise increments through a stud-inserting and fastening station in which wall stud members are automatically positioned to engage and extend perpendicularly between the plate members at predetermined intervals therealong, whereupon the opposite ends of a stud member are secured to the opposite plate members by a fastening device, whereby complete wall frame assemblies may be quickly and efficiently made on a continuous basis according to desired specification as ordered and thence delivered to a construction site for erection.

Abstract: An automated clinching apparatus for securing a decorative cover to a reaction plate, forming an air bag module, the reaction plate including a plurality of tabs received by the decorative cover and clinched to secure the decorative cover to the reaction plate. The automated clinching apparatus includes a clamp assembly configured to engage and hold the air bag module, and a tab clinch assembly positioned adjacent the clamp assembly for automatically clinching the tabs of the reaction plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a helicopter main rotor blade subassembly which includes a lower airfoil skin, a core, an upper airfoil skin, and a spar assembly having a tip end and a root end, the apparatus including a lower assembly including a base having a contoured upper airfoil nest, wherein the contoured upper airfoil nest has a root end and a tip end, at least two guide ramps disposed proximal to the contoured upper airfoil nest, wherein at least one of the guide ramps is disposed proximal to the root end and at least one of the guide ramps is disposed proximal to the tip end, and a plurality of leading-edge pusher cams disposed proximal to the contoured upper airfoil nest.

Abstract: A gasket securing device of a gasket mounting appliance is movable in its radius direction, capable of being put into an opening disposed in an object after mounting a ribbonlike gasket in its backward position, and, in its forward position, capable of pressing predetermined parts of the gasket against and fitting them into respective predetermined parts of an engaging portion prepared along the margin of the opening and, thereafter, pressing the rest of the gasket that lies between the fitted predetermined parts against and fitting it into the rest of the engaging portion.

Abstract: An assembly system comprises a supply jig for holding and positioning a plurality of parts one by one, a supply center for inserting a plurality of parts into the supply jig, a plurality of assembly centers for taking out the parts from the supply jig and assembling the parts into products in parallel processing, carrier conveyor for carrying the supply jig from the supply center to the assembly centers and return conveyor for returning the supply jig from the assembly centers to the supply center. The supply jig supplies the common parts which are required in all of the assembly centers, while each of the assembly centers comprises individual supply means for supplying a non-common part. Thus, this system can cope with assembling various types of products simultaneously, and can eliminate line stoppage upon occurrence of a trouble or for periodic inspection in any one of the centers, thereby production capability is improved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically welding and handling welded tailored blank composites. The method comprises the steps of transferring first and second sheet component parts from respective input stacks to an assembly table of a welding machine. The sheet components are disposed in a butt joint or an overlapping lap joint configuration and the blanks are welded together along a weld seam thus defining a welded blank. The welded blank is conveyed in a timed step manner from the welding machine to an output stacking machine via a magnetic stepping conveyor and the blank is transferred from the conveyor to an output stack of completed blanks with a stacking machine. An apparatus is provided to carry out the method.

Abstract: An assembly system comprises a supply jig for holding and positioning a plurality of parts one by one, a supply center for inserting a plurality of parts into the supply jig, a plurality of assembly centers for taking out the parts from the supply jig and assembling the parts into products in parallel processing, carrier conveyor for carrying the supply jig from the supply center to the assembly centers and return conveyor for returning the supply jig from the assembly centers to the supply center. The supply jig supplies the common parts which are required in all of the assembly centers, while each of the assembly centers comprises individual supply means for supplying a non-common part. Thus, this system can cope with assembling various types of products simultaneously, and can eliminate line stoppage upon occurrence of a trouble or for periodic inspection in any one of the centers, thereby production capability is improved.

Abstract: An apparatus for microsurgical needle suture attachment includes a clamp for holding a needle such that the needle aperture remains in a fixed position; at least one guide member defining an angled guide area having a relatively wide portion and a vertex portion, the vertex portion being aligned with the fixed position of the needle aperture; a transport mechanism for advancing a suture end portion into the relatively wide portion of the guide member(s); and a deflection spring for moving the suture end portion into the vertex portion of the angled guide area.

Abstract: A belt of a variator is automatically assembled into a pair of pulleys. The pulleys are held by a pulley holding unit which has a pair of holding members for holding the pulleys such that axial lines of the pulleys become parallel to each other. The pulleys are arranged to be relatively moved such that a sheave half of each of the pulleys is brought into a groove of the other of the pulleys. A belt feeding unit feeds the belt. A belt assembly head pinches the belt to be fed from the belt feeding unit for extending it across the pair of pulleys. The belt assembly head has belt pinching devices and an arrangement for moving the belt pinching devices which pinch an intermediate portion of one side of the belt and an intermediate portion of the other side of the belt.

Abstract: A method of removing labels utilizing an associated delabeling apparatus has a spaced pair of label removal stations for alternatively receiving inline objects from a supply conveyor. Each station includes a carrier carrying a set of spaced fluid jet cutters each at a cutting location for registration with a labeled object. An actuator is connected to the carriers for alternatively moving them from respective start to stop positions and return to traverse each cutter from a bottom to a top end of a registered label to cut it end to end. Each location has a fluid nozzle positioned to emit a stream of fluid against a label being removed and a friction finger element to assist in label removal.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for removing at least one bead from a tire. The apparatus includes a conveyor for tires and a sensor which centers the tire about a debeading device and a cutting device. The conveyor then moves the cut tire to a second position wherein the bead is pulled from the tire. A microprocessor is used to position the tires and for resetting the devices for treating additional tires.

Abstract: Producing vehicles by using a plurality of production lines allowing the vehicles to successively pass through a welding step, a coating step and an assembling step in each line, in accordance with an increase or decrease in the number of vehicles to be produced in the respective production lines, some of the vehicles in one of the production lines which has less of a margin for production are transferred, after passing through the welding step, to another production line at a portion between its welding step and coating step which line has more of a margin for production. With this arrangement, when it becomes necessary to increase or decrease the number of vehicles in the lines, it is possible to produce vehicles without changing the production ability in the respective steps after the welding step, only by adjusting the number of vehicles in the welding step of the production line which has a less of a margin for production.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically welding and handling mash welded tailored blank composites. The method comprises the steps of transferring first and second sheet component parts from respective input stacks to an assembly table of a mash welding machine. The sheet components are disposed in an overlapping lap joint configuration and the lap joint is welded along a linear weld seam thus defining a welded blank. The welded blank is conveyed in a timed step manner from the welding machine to an output stacking machine via a magnetic stepping conveyor and the blank is transferred from the conveyor to an output stack of completed blanks with a stacking machine. An apparatus is provided to carry out the method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dismantling pallets and the like. A pallet to be dismantled is placed on a work table and moved in a direction of travel parallel to the stringers until the first deckboard located on the bottom of the stringers, comes into engagement with a guiding means that accurately positions the interface between the respective deckboard and the stringers. This also places the interface in alignment with a band saw cutting span. As the pallet is moved into the blade in guided fashion, the interface is cut together with the nails so as to free the respective deckboard from the rest of the pallet. This process is repeated sequentially until the entire pallet has been moved through the cutting span. Then the pallet is flipped over to place the deckboards on the opposite side on the table surface and the same operation is repeated to completely dismantle the pallet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for encapsulating a payload in a shroud and mounting the resulting assembly on a launch vehicle. An encapsulation cell is provided for containing a payload to be encapsulated in a shroud. That cell is maintained at a "clean room" level of cleanliness. A shroud having a cleaned and sealed interior is placed on the roof in a vertical orientation. A seal arrangement seals between the shroud near its lower end and the roof, creating an airlock. The roof panels below the shroud are opened and the payload is lifted into the shroud through the opening and secured in the shroud. The opening is then closed, the seal retracted and the assembly of payload and shroud moved to a bay where it is mated to a space launch vehicle. This cell and encapsulation system eliminates the need to clean the shroud exterior and any need for a very large clean room cell to house the payload, shroud and lifting device.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a helicopter main rotor blade includes a compaction fixture for assembling and compacting blade subassembly components and a sheath spreading/insertion apparatus for spreading and inserting a leading-edge sheath onto the blade subassembly during the compaction process. The compaction fixture includes a lower assembly having a contoured upper airfoil nest mounted in combination with a support structure and an upper assembly having a pressure bag affixed in sealed combination to a contoured backplate affixed in combination to a structural support truss. The contoured upper airfoil nest includes a plurality of tooling pins for locating an upper composite skin in aligned combination on the contoured upper airfoil nest and a plurality of pusher pins for chordwise alignment of a spar assembly in the contoured upper airfoil nest. Spar stanchions affixed to the support structure provide spanwise alignment of the spar assembly in the contoured upper airfoil nest.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically placing a lid on a component package and then securing the lid with a clip. The apparatus includes a programmable robot arm having a gripping assembly, an inspection station, a first conveyor for conveying a boat along a path between a first position and a second position, a pick arm for removing a first lid from a lid feeder station, a second conveyor for reciprocating the pick arm between first and second positions to thereby transfer the first lid from the lid feeder station to the inspection station, and a camera located at the inspection station for inspecting the first lid. The apparatus further includes a rotary actuator arm and a mechanism for reciprocating the rotary actuator arm into contact with a first lid bottom surface following inspection of the first lid and for releasing the pick arm.

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

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the removal of "trims" and other waste from small rolls of toilet paper, all-purpose wipers and other articles, with arrangement for thrust-operated advancement of rows of said small rolls (R). It includes at least a continuous belt element 12, with a suction box 30 able to hold the small rolls (R) in suspension and to move the latter forward, while excluding the "trims" (RF) or other scraps from this action. The continuous belt element 12 has uniformly distributed apertures (22) and, in its lower active travel portion, moves at a speed at least equal to the average feeding speed of the small rolls. It slides beneath the suction box 30 which exerts a pneumatic aspirating and retaining action on the row of advancing small rolls.

Abstract: A machine for removing tubular plastic labels from bottles to facilitate their re-use and recycling. The machine has a multi-station turret and supply and exit conveyors to sequentially supply labeled bottles in line to the turret and remove delabeled bottles from the turret. The delabeling is accomplished with a cutter which is preferably in the form of a high-pressure jet of water. Ideally, the cutter is adjusted so that it is a differential cutter which will cut a label without cutting or marring a bottle from which a label is being removed. With one embodiment, a water flush mechanism is provided to flush cut labels from their bottles and the turret onto a screen conveyor. The flush water passes through the conveyor into a container from which it is pumped for re-use. Removed labels are transported by the screen conveyor to a collection bin. With another embodiment, an air blast mechanism is used to strip cut labels from bottles and a vacuum pick up is used to collect stripped labels.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a helicopter main rotor blade includes a compaction fixture for assembling and compacting blade subassembly components and a sheath spreading/insertion apparatus for spreading and inserting a leading-edge sheath onto the blade subassembly during the compaction process. The compaction fixture includes a lower assembly having a contoured upper airfoil nest mounted in combination with a support structure and an upper assembly having a pressure bag affixed in sealed combination to a contoured backplate affixed in combination to a structural support truss. With the upper and lower assemblies in locked combination, the pressure bag is pressurized to compact the assembled blade subassembly components. The sheath spreading/insertion apparatus includes a movable stanchion, upper and lower elongate carriage members mounted in synchronized movable combination with the stanchion, and a row of suction cups mounted in combination with each carriage member.

Abstract: A pallet nail press used to drive random fasteners extending from the pallet after repair and assembly has taken place. The pallet nail press includes multiple continuous feed and exit conveyors that pre-position individual repaired pallets within a press support assembly having multiple vertical lift beams below the conveyors. The vertical lift beams are driven by a lift bag assembly. In use, the pre-positioned pallet is lifted off the continuous conveyor and driven against correspondingly positioned anvil beams driving the outwardly extending fasteners flush with the pallet. Sensors activate positioning pins and lift bag air assembly in a selected nature, cycling the pallets through the pallet nail press.

Abstract: Guardrail assembly is performed by a vehicle carrying an inventory of guardrail sections and guardrail support blocks. The vehicle moves along a series of prepositioned guardrail posts and includes a side-mounted support frame allowing joining of guardrail sections and deployment rearward of a continuous ribbon of joined guardrail sections. As the continuous ribbon of joined guardrail sections is deployed, it is urged laterally outward and against attachment sites of the series of prepositioned guardrail posts. The continuous ribbon is then attached to the guardrail post, including mounting of an intermediate support block. The assembly and mounting under the disclosed method and apparatus is approximately half that of conventional guardrail assembly and mounting.

Abstract: A work mounting apparatus according to the present invention comprises a rotating drum composed of separate upper and lower drums, a head unit arranged on the lower drum, a circular work head attached to the head unit and movable in the radial direction of the rotating drum, and a suction nozzle protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the work head toward a workbench. While the lower drum is rotating, the suction nozzle of the work head repeats cycloid motion along the workbench with its posture kept fixed with respect to the workbench. While repeating the cycloid motion, the nozzle receives a work from a work feeder of the workbench by suction, and mounts the work on a printed board on the workbench. The work mounting position on the printed board is determined by the cycle of the cycloid motion and by the distance of movement of the work head in the radial direction of the rotating drum.

Abstract: A cycling oil filter disassembly and recycle apparatus (10) comprising separate operating heads (56, 76, 106) provided for transport of filters (12) and filter components (14, 16, 18) to and from a disassembly facility where the filters (12) are cut, and for transport of disassembled components (14, 16, 18) to recycle receptacles (32, 34, 36) arranged to receive the components transported.

Abstract: A system for the handling and storage of large capacity collapsible shipping containers particularly adapted for use at major airports handling large volumes of cargo. The system provides a specific location for storing large numbers of collapsed containers in planar juxtaposed vertical relation including a multicompartment rack. The pallet elements of the containers are separated during disassembly and are stored in a horizontal stack in a well adjacent the rack. The rack may be moveable from a point adjacent the well to permit a similar rack to be positioned in its place. Means is also provided for the movement to and from this location of erected containers for use at a remote location or the collapse of erected containers for storage in the rack.

Abstract: A system for producing and distributing index coded hangers to a plurality of locations, wherein the index indicia is correlated to the characteristics of the garment to be hung from the hanger at each of the plurality of locations. A unique hanger and index cap is disclosed, along with a method and means of making the same that is particularly adapted to high volume semi-automated operation. A device for assembling the index cap and hanger at the time the garment is hung is also disclosed.The system contemplates the localized production of the index caps for improved control of batch color and other characteristics, with remote molding and assembly of the hangers at said plurality of remote locations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring tubular products from one mill to another including a connecting table having the shape of a reverse curve. The table includes a base and two spaced apart walls attached to the base defining a passageway between the base and the sidewalls. A diverter is associated with the connecting table to divert metal product in a hot working state from a first conveying table onto the connecting table leading to a second conveying table. The connecting table preferably is associated with a welding and forming mill and a stretch reducing mill.

Abstract: Each board of a multi-board panel is gripped and registration is established by engagement with tooling of the transfer arm of an in-line machine in preparation for a routing process by which the boards are to be liberated from the panel (depaneled). The tooling supports each board and maintains registration therewith during liberation of the board from the multi-board panel and also during transfer of the liberated board to a selected one of several sites of a subsequent station via repositioning of the transfer arm. In one embodiment of the invention, registration is accomplished by inserting lengthwise-bifurcated locator pins into corresponding locator holes in the boards and expanding the bifurcated legs into locking engagement with the panel by longitudinal displacement of a tapered rod which is disposed between the legs.

Abstract: Apparatus for assembling a grommet and a wire ring for forming a peripheral reinforcement of an engine head gasket opening. Grommets and wire rings are supplied one by one on different supply devices and retained at first and second article retaining positions, respectively. A movable head moves toward the second retaining position and picks up a wire ring. The head then conveys the wire ring to the second retaining position, where the wire ring is placed overlappingly on the grommet. Thereafter, another movable head having a deforming die is moved against the overlapped grommet and wire ring and deforms a flange of the grommet radially outwardly, whereby the grommet prevents separation of the wire ring therefrom. The thus assembled grommet and wire ring are conveyed to a machine for attaching them to the gasket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling exterior parts of a motorcar wherein assembling accuracy errors of a motor car body are determined by measuring positions of a plurality of reference points of said motorcar body. Correction data is calculated relating to respective assembling positions of plural kinds of the exterior parts which form an external shape of the motorcar, the calculation being performed on the basis of measured data obtained in the previous step, while maintaining a correlative relationship among said parts, to eliminate correlative misalignment among said parts due to the assembling accuracy errors of said motorcar body. Each of said parts is then assembled by respective assembling robots to respective assembling position which has been corrected in accordance with the calculated correction data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an auxiliary equipment for removing parts including a cover feed turret, which has been vertically detachably installed by a screw member on a can end double-seaming machine for seaming a can end on a can body, from the double-seaming machine, or installing such parts on the double-seaming machine. The auxiliary equipment comprises a swinging member supported below the cover feed turret and horizontally swingable to under a screwing position of the screw member; the first pedestal replaceably positioned on the swinging member, on which the cover feed turret can be placed when the swinging member is swung to the screwing position of the screw member; and the second pedestal replaceably positioned on the connecting member, on which a cover guide can be placed.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulically operated tool apparatus installs and removes bolts of track shoes for assembling and disassembling endless track assemblies. In the assembly procedure, a wrench of the tool apparatus engages the head portion of a track shoe bolt and rotates the bolt in a clockwise direction at a relatively high speed to thread a nut onto the bolt and secure the track shoe to the track chain. The tool apparatus senses the torque and at a pre-set level, a transmission of the apparatus automatically shifts to rotate the wrench at a relatively low speed. At this point, the tool apparatus starts measuring the angle of rotation, and at a pre-determined angle of about 120.degree., the wrench stops rotating. The rotation of the bolt an additional 120.degree. after the pre-torque level is reached applies the desired torque value to the bolted joint. In the disassembly procedure, the wrench engages the head portion of the bolt and applies a large down pressure to the bolt.

Abstract: A production line manufacturing system and method for building automotive vehicle bodies wherein a succession of workpieces is moved past stationary work stations includes programmable multi-position rotate unit that can be used in each of the work stations to accommodate both changes in workpieces to be processed and tools. The rotate unit comprises a four-position horizontally arranged fixture rotate table including four vertically arranged fixtures removably mounted thereon. A precision locator key on each of the fixtures positions each individual fixture on the rotate table and also serves as a positive fixture stop in the work position. A control for detecting the presence of a vehicle frame to be worked on controls the operation of the carrier and motor drive and cooperates to accurately position a desired fixture adjacent to the work position.

Abstract: A continuously cycling oil filter disassembly and recycle apparatus and method comprising tandem transport of filters and filter components in a given spaced relation to and from a disassembling facility where the filters are cut while rotatably retained by selectively depressible pins, and the disassembled components shifted to recycle receptacles arranged to receive the components spaced as removed from the disassembling facility.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of forming air turning assemblies is disclosed along with a novel vane supporting rail structure for use therewith. The apparatus holds a pair of rails in spaced parallel relation at a clinching station at which the edges of a vane may be engaged in opposed slotted protuberances in the rails. The spacing of the rails may be increased at the station against a yieldable biasing force, the station including a deforming mechanism for deflecting the vane edges to lock the vanes to the rails. The rails include cam surfaces leading to the vane receiving slots and blocking walls at the trailing ends of the slots to facilitate introducing the vane edges into the slots.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for manufacturing a cylindrical slide bearing. The apparatus comprises a belt conveyer for conveying a U-shaped semiprocessed product, a press unit composed of a punch and a die confronting each other and respectively having semi-cylindrical recessed portions, a core holder inserted into the U-shaped semiprocessed product and holding the U-shaped semiprocessed product, the core and the holder having a circular shape in cross section, and a stepper motor connected to the core and holder for rotating the core and holder radially around the axis of the core and holder. There is also disclosed a method for manufacturing a cylindrical slide bearing with use of the apparatus set forth above.

Abstract: A permanently installed manufacturing system, to join together loose part sub-assemblies with quick change workstations and exchange tool transporters. The flexible manufacturing process involves the automatic, or manual, joining of loose components, regardless of the assembly technology used, the model mix required, or the type of product to be assembled. The system allows the utilization of interchangeable flex-tools, supported on various types of power and free transporters, that can be programmably controlled and automatically changes over. The system will accommodate batch runs, random runs, prototype runs, as well as synchronous and asynchronous operations.

Abstract: Apparatus for conveying panels, such as vehicle body side panels to and from work stations located at spaced locations along a conveyor includes a panel support frame mounted on the conveyor for movement along the conveying path with the support frame in an elevated generally horizontal conveying position. The support frame carries a plurality of mechanically actuable releasable clamps adapted to retain a panel engaged against a group of locator pads fixedly mounted on one side of the support frame. A second group of locator pads movably mounted on the frame are normally biased into engagement with the panel at spaced locations around its periphery to hold the panel in a predetermined position laterally of the support frame. The support frame mounts an actuator member coupled to all of the clamps to position all clamps in a panel clamping position when the actuator member is in a first position and to position all clamps in a panel release position when the actuator is in a second position.

Abstract: A work holding apparatus is a work holder for holding a work in a predetermined position in relation to a basic member. A base column is rotatably supported astride on two sets of base plates. Holding fixtures are removably mounted on each side of the base column, such that different types of works can be supported and clamped by the holding fixtures. An indexing-rotation driving device rotates the base column such that it may be applicable to various types of works, thereby facilitating the holding of many types of works and the replacement of supporters and clamps. Furthermore, the base plate for supporting the base column is divided into two sets to reduce the weight of the base plate moving parts, and a base plate synchronizing means is provided to insure synchronized operation of the two base plates.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a motorcar body assembling line for setting car body components including a floor panel, a roof panel, and side panels on a set carrier in a predetermined positional relationship in a setting station at a starting end of the assembling line. The apparatus has a floor panel setting device for transporting a floor panel to, and setting it on, the set carrier; a pair of right and left side-panel setting devices for receiving a pair of right and left side panels which are transported to an upper position of the setting station by a hanger and for setting them on the set carrier; and a roof panel setting device for setting a roof panel between roof side rails of the right and left side panels which have been set on the set carrier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for handling multi-board panels in order to liberate therefrom individual circuit boards which may or may not have been prepopulated with the electrical components. Each panel is supported above a receiving tray on a top shuttle and transported from a load/unload station to a routing station at which tabs or webs which retain the circuit boards in the panel are removed. Removal of the boards is facilitated by X-positioning of the panel and Y-positioning of the router according to a programmable controller. The tray receives liberated boards from the top shuttle which is then cycled back to the load/unload station for unloading scrap, acquiring another tray, and reloading the shuttle with another multi-board panel. During subsequent translation of the loaded top shuttle to the routing station, a bottom shuttle transfers the first tray and liberated circuit boards to the load/unload station for unloading thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding workpieces (37, 38) to the collet (3) of a lens lathe comprises a loading device (12) and a magazine (10) for containing a plurality of workpieces (37, 38). The magazine (10) has an opening (11) at one end through which the workpieces (37, 38) are sequentially removable. The loading device (12) is arranged to accept workpieces (37, 38) sequentially from the magazine (10) at a loading station, and to feed them to the collet (3). The loading device (12) has a pair of star wheels (16) for holding a workpiece (37, 38) removed from the magazine (10), and means (34, 35, 36) for positioning said workpiece at the loading station in a predetermined position with respect to the collet (3). The loading device (12) has piston-and-cylinder devices (20) and (23) for moving the star wheels (16) so as to carry said workpiece (37, 38) from the loading station to the collet (3).

Abstract: A machine automatically closes flip-top caps and tests their covers for proper opening and closing force. The machine has a pair of superimposed turntables separated by a wheel, the turntables and wheel turning as a unit about a common axis. The wheel has a plurality or pockets distributed around the periphery thereof to receive the open flip-flop caps after they are molded. The pockets are adjustable in size to accommodate caps of different diameters and heights. Cap gripping assemblies associated with each pocket firmly grip the cap to resist integral and vertical displacement of the cap. At least one and, in a preferred embodiment, both of the turntables have actuators positioned near each pocket on the wheel. Cams surround the turntables to raise and lower the actuators at selected locations. As the actuators raise and lower, the covers are flipped over to close the caps. Selected forces are applied through the actuators and corresponding cap opening fingers to reopen and reclose the covers.

Abstract: A device for the insertion of filling wires into a wire jointed-band is described, being positioned in the conveying direction of a machine for the production of the wire jointed-band behind a feeding device for the plugging wires. By means of a guiding plate with channels and a roller the filling wires are inserted into the respective openings of the already completed wire jointed-band. The device according to the invention allows a sectional mechanical insertion of the filling wires into the actual wire jointed-band. The filling wires can be inserted simultaneously with the plugging wires, resulting in a substantially higher production speed.