Abstract: In a vehicle assembling line in which parts are assembled to a vehicle body while the body is passed through each of working stations by a plurality of transporting means, the vehicle body is positioned and supported by a pallet and transported by each of the transporting means, wherein transferring of the body between the transporting means is carried out through the pallet. A transporting path, on which a self-travel carriage as the transporting means travels, is laid within a pit concavely provided below a floor plate of a working floor. Arranged above the floor plate are a carriage frame, a lift table and a turn rest for supporting the pallet, which constitute an upper portion of the self-travel carriage. The transporting path is disposed substantially along the assembling line from its starting point to its terminal point, and an automated assembling zone and a manually assembling zone are coexistently disposed along the assembling line.

Abstract: When transferring a vehicle body which is through with coating to a hanger of an overhead conveyor of a vehicle body assembly line, doors are first removed from the vehicle body and thereafter the vehicle body with the doors removed is transferred to the hanger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting device for the automatic assembly of prefabricated parts or such as aggregates to a car body from below. For this purpose the aggregates 14 are arranged centeredly, but removably on installation plates 12, which are mounted liftably and in the lifted position floatingly yielding on a mounting frame 9. The aggregates 14 are penetrated by vertical centering journals of the installation plates 12. The protruding part 24 of the centering journal 17 is tapered in its face region and serves to enter an assigned centering bore of the car body 1 while the mounting frame is lifted. As the installation plate 12 is mounted floatingly on the mounting frame 9 in this phase, the aggregate arranged on it moves automatically into an assembly position in which an automatic process can take place.

Abstract: A method for positioning a number of working implements, for example spray nozzles, to certain working or treatment points on a car body as the latter is supported by an overhead conveyor for travel between different working and assembly stations on a production line. A vertically movable base structure is provided and a working implement carrying frame is movably supported on the base structure. Hydraulic jacks on the base structure are arranged to accomplish a vertical parallel movement of the frame up toward the underside of the car body until one of four contact sensors indicates contact with the latter. A final vertical adjustment of the frame is accomplished by four vertical cylinders which raise the frame in a non-parallel movement until at least three of the four contact sensors indicate contact with the car body. The docking of the frame to the car body is completed by activating two expandable dowels which are introduced into openings in the car body bottom shell.

Abstract: A method of making a multiphase winding package and placing it into the grooves of a linear stator being mounted, with open grooves facing down, on the underside of a support and carrier plate, includes storing and paying individual ones of a plurality of separate cables on a vehicle while moving the vehicle on the carrier; the cables are bent individually commensurate with a desired meander configuration for each of them in a winding package; the meander shaped cables are then superimposed corresponding to the winding pattern to be attained; ribbon connection as well as holding elements are provided at fixed distances onto runglike portions of the cables; the thus, in situ assembled winding package is mounted to the stator by placing these runglike portions with holders into the grooves of the stator.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a wheel attaching unit for use in a vehicle assembly line having a pallet capable of mounting at predetermined positions thereof a front assembly including a front wheel attaching unit and a rear assembly including a rear wheel attaching unit; a pallet conveyor for conveying the pallet through a setting area and a securing area of the front and rear units and a body; and a body conveyor for conveying the body to a position above the setting area and for lowering the body to set the front and rear assemblies to the body. The pallet includes a holding portion for the front assembly and/or a holding portion for the rear assembly with the holding portion being position adjustable in forward and rearward directions thereof.

Abstract: A method of making a multiphase winding package and placing it into the grooves of a linear stator being mounted, with open grooves facing down, on the underside of a support and carrier plate, includes storing and paying individual ones of a plurality of separate cables on a vehicle while moving the vehicle on the carrier; the cables are bent individually commensurate with a desired meander configuration for each of them in a winding package; the meander shaped cables are then superimposed corresponding to the winding pattern to be attained; ribbon connection as well as holding elements are provided at fixed distances onto runglike portions of the cables, the thus, in situ assembled winding package is mounted to the stator by placing these runglike portions with holders into the grooves of the stator.

Abstract: Windshields are automatically mounted on automobiles on the assembly-line by advancing a gripping device carrying the windshield and associated position sensors relatively towards the automobile, moving the sensors over a windshield opening in the automobile body shell and across edges of the shell defining such opening to provide signals indicating the position of such edges. Such measurements take place firstly on a gross scale and subsequently on a fine scale along at least four axes during the mounting process. The gross position of the windshield opening is first detected using the gross sensors. Starting from a reference point determined in the course of the gross measurement, a gripping device is then moved towards the upper edge of the windshield opening until a first of two fine sensors moves across such upper edge when the gripping device is pivoted around the detected point until the second fine sensor also moves across the upper edge.

Abstract: An automatic assembling method and apparatus for vehicles including providing a pallet with a plurality of supporting devices for supporting under-floor parts including an engine unit, at least the supporting device for supporting the engine unit among the supporting devices being movable with respect to the pallet in a horizontal plane, and moving said movable supporting means in the horizontal plane by an operating device. In this way, the under-floor parts supported by the supporting device can be mounted on the vehicle body.

Abstract: A conveyor system for use in an automobile assembly line having a body-carrying tact conveyor arranged in an endless form past an engine mounting position, and switchable between a running mode and a stopping mode, a body-carrying continuous conveyor arranged in an endless form and having an inlet section and an outlet section which are arranged on the extensions of the inlet section and the outlet section of the tact engine mounting position, a pair of feeders for delivery an automobile body between the inlet sections of both conveyors and between the outlet sections of both conveyors, and engine transferring conveyor arranged in an endless form past a delivery position near the engine position and stoppable at the body delivery position, and an engine shifting conveyor having an engine shifting jig and extending between the body delivery position and the engine mounting position and being reciprocable at a comparatively high speed.

Abstract: A biomedical electrode comprised of an electrical terminal member, an ionically conductive layer, a retainer sheet, a medical tape, first and second release liners, and a protective sheet is provided. The base of the electrical terminal member is disposed between the retainer sheet and the ionically conductive layer so that the retainer sheet prevents dislodging of the terminal upon connection and disconnection of a lead-wire. Also disclosed is an economical high speed method of manufacturing electrodes.

Abstract: A windowpane mounting system for mounting a windowpane on a vehicle body comprises a vehicle body conveyor for intermittently feeding the vehicle body, and a windowpane mounting robot for mounting a windowpane on the vehicle body at a windowpane mounting station. The windowpane mounting robot is arranged to be movable between a first mounting position for mounting one of the windowpanes for the windshield and the rear window and a second mounting position for mounting the other windowpane, the first mounting position being further than the second mounting position from a windowpane supply station at which the windowpane mounting robot receives the windowpanes, and is arranged to perform a mounting operation at the first mounting position in response to the feeding of the vehicle body to said windowpane mounting station by the vehicle body conveyor.

Abstract: In a transfer method for use in automobile assembling a vehicle body is transferred with the variation of its direction or orientation depending on the assembling characteristics in a plurality of assembling positions in which various parts are assembled to the vehicle body. An apparatus for carrying out the transfer method comprises a travel carriage which is travelable with a vehicle body placed thereon and angularly displacable about a vertical axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a siphon tapping tube onto a tap hole mounting part of a converter vessel has a lower car and an upper car, which are placed on a ladle car which travels beneath a converter vessel, the lower car and the upper car being capable of travelling in the direction of the travel of the ladle car and in the direction perpendicular to that of the travel of the ladle car, respectively, a loading table mounted on the upper car, which is guided by an upright support frame and being capable of moving upward and downward with a siphon tapping tube loaded on the table, and bolt tightening and untightening units which are provided on the loading table in positions corresponding to the respective bolt hole set positions in the flange of the siphon tapping tube and are capable of receiving mounting bolts. TV camera is provided on the upper car, allowing the operator to monitor the tap hole mounting part.

Abstract: A mobile buildup apparatus for transporting, supporting and protecting an upper stage rocket and a mated spacecraft between and in the various facilities through which it must pass prior to their being loaded into the cargo bay of an orbiter of NASA's Space Transportation System and transported into space. The mobile buildup apparatus comprises a transport system, support structure and protective cover. The transport system comprises a pair of semitrailers attached side-by-side removable gooseneck assembly and a removable gooseneck dolly with pintle-hook are attached to the front end of the transport system, and air ride axles to minimize shock and vibration. The support structure comprises an upper stage assembly stand and an access platform both of which are mounted on the mobile buildup apparatus to provide support for and access to, respectively, the upper stage and the mated spacecraft during assembly, testing and ground integration operations. A protective cover also is provided.

Abstract: A vehicle body assembling line includes a door installing station where vehicle side doors are installed on the body. In the installing station, there is an installing robot which is planned to operate in a predetermined sequence to install the doors on the vehicle body. For supplying appropriate doors to the installing robot from the door storing sections, a door pick up mechanism is provided to pick up an appropriate door from the storing section and a door transferring carriage is provided to receive the door from the pick up mechanism and transfer to the robot. The arrangement can afford an effective door installing operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant for the automated mounting of a door or similar closure component within the relative opening formed in a body, particularly an automotive vehicle body, comprising in combination: a device (10) for stably supporting a body (11), a conveyor device (33) adapted to convey a door (14) to an approach position to the relative door opening (15) in the body (11), provision being made between the said device (10, 33) for a first movable apparatus (12) for reading the measurements of the opening (15) and a second movable apparatus (13) for removing the door (14) from the conveyor (33) and positioning it within the door opening (15). The apparatus (12, 13) are also operatively interconnected through the intermediary of a computer (31) adapted to accept signals from the apparatus (12), to process them and send them to the apparatus (13).

Abstract: A weighty object mounting system includes a mounting table provided in a mounting station established in an assembly line for supporting a weighty object placed thereon to be mounted on a transportable object transported into the mounting station, a lifting device for lifting the mounting table to move the weighty object thereon into a mounting position provided on the transportable object, a position adjusting device for shifting the position of the mounting table so as to compensate for misalignments arising between the transportable object and the weighty object, a mounting table releasing device operative to cause the position adjusting device to make the mounting table movable in a plane along the direction of transportation of the transportable object in the mounting station, and a positioning device attached to the mounting table and having a tapered portion provided for engaging with a receiving portion provided on the transportable object when the mounting table ascends.

Abstract: A weighty object mounting system comprises tact-transporting means for transporting a transportable object so as to have the same stop temporarily at each working stations, position detecting means for detecting a stop position of the transportable object stopped at one of the stations, a lifter provided in a mounting station and including a mounting portion provided for supporting a weighty object placed thereon and arranged to be movable forward and backward, right and left, and up and down in relation to the transportable object in the mounting station and a driving portion for moving the mounting portion so as to cause the weighty object to engage with the transportable object and to be automatically mounted to the same, and control means operative to supply the driving portion with control commands which direct the driving portion to cause the mounting portion to have each of predetermined movements at a predetermined timing, and operative also to calculate a misalignment between the transportable object

Abstract: A transfer device is disclosed for moving objects that are supported on a shaft from a receiving station to a transfer station. The shafts are disposed in adjacent substantially parallel relationship. A track extends from the receiving station to the transfer station. Moveable lifting hooks are positioned on the track. The lifting means is disposed for engaging the shafts so that the shafts and the objects supported thereon can be transferred from the receiving station to the transfer station. Each lifting hook is independently moveable to engage the shafts and the lifting hooks are moveable along the track so that the shafts and the objects supported thereon can be lifted and transported from the receiving station to the transfer station.

Abstract: A working apparatus provided along a workpiece conveyor which includes a carrier for carrying a workpiece. The apparatus includes a carriage supporting a working robot. A gripper is provided on the carriage for gripping the carrier moving on the conveyor. The gripper is movable on the carriage in the direction of movement of the conveyor. The carriage is also movable in the direction of movement of the conveyor. A clamping device is provided between the carriage and the gripper.

Abstract: In a cutting and mounting apparatus for cutting a film section (9) which can be lowered into a slide mount (10) positioned below a cutting tool (5) in a slider (7), and which upon withdrawal of slider (7) can be snapped into the slide mount (10) while resting against a guiding jaw (2a), said guiding jaw (2a) forms part of a cover plate (2) serving for supporting a cutting plate (3) and covering the guide channel (1a) of slider (7). The slide mount (10) is urged against the stationary guiding jaw (2a) free from play by means of a leaf spring (8) extending below the slider (7). During this operation, the front edge of the film section (9) abuts against an offset abutment edge (2e) of the guiding jaw (2a) so that the film section (9) is slid into a rear slot of the slide mount (10), is bent and snaps into a front slot in the slide mount (10).

Abstract: A pallet for feeding components to a robotic assembly system at accurate reference locations and orientations includes a pair of parallel sheet members rigidly secured together. One sheet member has an array of locating apertures for receiving and locating a plurality of the components in the reference locations and orientation. The other sheet member has an array of rubber grommets, a grommet corresponding to each locating aperture for automatically receiving and releasably, frictionally engaging a component placed in a locating aperture.

Abstract: A conveyor system in an automobile assembly line which comprises a slat conveyor for conveying a vehicle body structure past a door fitting position at which at least one door assembly is fitted to the body structure being conveyed, and having at least one engagement member movable together therewith, a pair of side carriages arranged on respective sides of the slat conveyor for movement between initial and end positions along the slat conveyor, and a cylinder for forcibly returning the carriages, once moved to the end position to the accompaniment of the movement of the slat conveyor, to the initial position. Each of the carriages includes a plurality of lift cylinders operable to lift the body structure a predetermined height above the slat conveyor during the passage of the body structure being conveyed through the door fitting station.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling vehicle bodies which is provided in a vehicle body production line and operative to mount various parts on vehicle bodies conveyed thereinto after passing through a coating process, comprises first door conveying means for transporting doors detached from the vehicle bodies having passed through the coating process, door storing means for temporarily storing the doors transported by the first door conveying means, door assembly line means for mounting the door parts on each of the doors forwarded from the door storing means after being temporarily stored therein, and second door conveying means for transporting the doors each provided with the door parts from the door assembly line means to a door mounting station provided in the vehicle body production line to which the vehicle bodies each provided with the body parts are conveyed.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly line has a main line comprising an automated assembly line portion disposed in an upstream portion thereof, a manual assembly line portion disposed in a downstream portion thereof and an automated work line portion disposed in the terminal portion thereof. The automated assembly line portion is formed of train type conveyors which can feed a vehicle body or a work selectively in continuous feed fashion or indexing feed fashion. The manual assembly line portion is formed of trolley type or power-and-free type conveyors which feed the vehicle body continuously. The automated work line portion is formed of train type conveyors which feed the vehicle body in indexing feed fashion. In the automated assembly line portion are included the assembly steps which have already been automated and those which are scheduled to be automated but are to be manually performed for the time being.

Abstract: A working/assembling system including a dosed loop endless track, moving units adapted to travel on the endless track, at least one robot supported on one of the moving units for a working or assembling operation, and a control unit mounted on the other moving unit connected to the one moving unit having stored therein operations to be performed by the robot and causing the robot to perform the operations. The robot moves on the moving units as the latter travel on the endless track, and performs the operations for working on workpieces or assembling parts as it is controlled by the control unit.

Abstract: A working arrangement for performing multiple operations with a robot comprises a plurality of working stations at each of which a predetermined operation with a tool is performed to an unfinished work, a shifting unit provided in connection with each working station for holding the tool so as to be movable between a predetermined reference position and an operating position in each working station and for shifting the tool to the reference position from the operating position, and a robot provided to be movable in relation to the working stations for causing the tool to move from the reference position to the operating position in each working station.

Abstract: Different car body parts needed for a complete main body are preworked at a subassembly station and then are releasably attached to corresponding jig units, each unit having a universal frame on which is mounted a set of special jigs conforming to the kind and type of car body being produced. Each jig unit is moved by an independent conveyor to a main assembly station where it is transferred to a corresponding positioning device. Each positioning device then moves its respective jig unit from a first position to a second position predetermined so as to place the different body parts in proper juxtaposed relation for welding by automatic welding devices. Upon welding, the jig units are released from all of the body parts except the under body, are retracted by their respective positioning devices, and are transferred back to their individual conveyors for return to the subassembly station.

Abstract: A vehicle assembling apparatus including a part transfer arm supported at one end for swingable movements about vertical and horizontal axes, a part carrying plate provided at the other end of the transfer arm for carrying a part to be assembled, and a fastener driving tool for driving fasteners. The fastener driving tool is supported on the part carrying plate for swinging movements about a vertical axis and for adjustment of the distance between the part carrying plate and the fastener driving tool.

Abstract: Apparatus for assembling plate and tube heat exchangers of the type having tube end portions joined to end plates includes a carriage for longitudinally carrying an assembled but unjoined heat exchanger. An upright stationary frame supports a tool holder for movement transversely of the heat exchanger longitudinal axis. The tool holder is movable so that tools carried thereby are located in facing relationship to an end plate for joining tube end portions thereto. The tool holder is also transversely movable to a clearance position for providing longitudinal movement of the heat exchanger and carriage therepast. A clamping device at the opposite end portion of the heat exchanger clamps the opposite tube end portions for holding the tubes against longitudinal and rotational movement while the other tube end portions are joined to an end plate. The clamping device is also movable transversely of the heat exchanger longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the automatic assembly of electronic components and, in particular, relates to a programmable substrate transport mechanism for conveying variously sized substrates to a robotic electronic component assembly machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for setting a door to a vehicle body comprises a robot movable along a vehicle body assembly line and operative to hold and carry a door with a predetermined working path, a plurality of pallets for sorting and storing doors of plural different types thereon, and door positioning means for positioning a door taken out by the robot from one of the pallets in proper relation to the robot. In operation, the robot picks out one of the doors sorted on said pallets, which is fit for a vehicle body conveyed to or to be conveyed to a door mounting station in the vehicle body assembly line, to cause the same to engage with the door positioning means so that the door picked out by the robot is positioned by the positioning means, and then holds and carries the door positioned by the door positioning means to set the same to the vehicle body at the door mounting station.

Abstract: The invention provides an actuating linkage assembly tolerance compensating system comprising means for establishing a final linkage pivot location at the end of assembly operations. The incomplete assembly is located with one end of a link in a piercing die press fixture oriented relative to connecting linkage to provide required final operating handle position.

Abstract: A polyphase winding of ladder-like configuration for a linear motor is installed into a prearranged inductor assembly having a plurality of parallely arranged grooves, the inductor being attached to the underside of a T-shaped type carrier; a vehicle runs on that carrier carrying a drum for storing the winding (cable assembly), and there is a deflection system which runs the winding from the drum towards the underside of the carrier in near-tangential disposition whereby a tool resiliently mounted on an outrigger causes rungs of the ladder to be sequentially forced into the grooves of the inductor and, possibly, locked therein.

Abstract: A modular custard freezing machine housed in a cabinet that consists of interior support members whereto panels are releasably connected and supports components of the machine including: a deep pan in the cabinet top for receiving a custard mix poured therein to pass that mix, on demand, through a valve that directs the mix flow into a freezing barrel of a custard freezing chamber; the custard freezing chamber includes the freezing barrel, a coolant gas chamber therearound with a layer of insulation formed around that freon or other coolant gas chamber and contained within a housing that is mounted to a platform; the platform further includes mounted thereto, aligned bearing mounts whereto aligned bearings are secured to receive a shaft journaled therethrough, the shaft further including a pulley thereon that is turned through a belt by an electric motor, and connected to a collar whereto a shaft of a paddle assembly is splined; which paddle assembly is arranged for turning in the freezing barrel, congealing

Abstract: A tube stabbing apparatus uses a detachably mounted strongback to support a movable platform upon which a hoist assembly is carried. The platform and hoist assembly is positioned within a boiler chamber adjacent the steam drum of the boiler chamber in order to lift and position generating tubes for cooperative insertion into the steam drum. The platform and hoist assembly is movable in a horizontal plane and has a detachable boom which may be replaced with a longer boom as necessary to install each of the tubes. The entire apparatus is disassembleable to facilitate removal of the apparatus through a very small access opening in the boiler chamber.

Abstract: A parts assembly method and a device which utilizes this method, in which the structure for receiving parts member for assembly is set in prescribed attitudes, and the parts are automatically assembled in that member by assembly from a fixed direction, so that an automatic device having simple movements can be mainly used. The structure member being assembled can be set in an optional direction in which conditions are more suitable for the assembly. There is no increase in cost, and the parts are reliably and automatically assembled into the receiving member.

Abstract: An apparatus including a set jig for setting and positioning a door into a door opening portion of a vehicle body which jig is movable to advance and retreat in the direction of the door opening portion and movable in the vehicle length and height directions from a predetermined original point position (corresponding to a normal set position of the door opening) and a position detecting mechanism for detecting deviation in position of the door opening from the normal set position and for adjusting the alignment of the set jig in accordance with the deviation to have it correspond with the actual position of the door opening portion prior to the set jig advancing to set the door.

Abstract: A method of mounting parts to both sides of a main body characterized by moving a carriage at a predetermined speed along a specified path of transport with the main body placed on the carriage; moving a pair of movable tables in synchronism with the carriage in the same direction as the movement thereof, the movable tables being disposed at opposite sides of the transport path and each carrying at least one robot and an assembling device; causing the movable tables to support the main body during the synchronized movement; setting a part held by the robot in a specified position on the main body; attaching the part to the main body by the assembling device; and thereafter delivering the main body from the movable tables onto the carriage. Since the carriage is moved during the assembly of parts, this method assures the assembly line of a high-speed operation.

Abstract: Air spring components and the completed air spring are carried by an air spring unloader, an end cap holder and a tubular member loader of a shuttle mechanism along a track member adjacent an air spring assembly apparatus. The shuttle mechanism is movable to three positions controlled by stop members so that the air spring can be transferred to the unloader, the end cap can be inserted in a recess of the assembly apparatus and the tubular member positioned for processing by the assembly apparatus. Simultaneously with some of these operations the air spring is transferred to a conveyor and the end cap is transferred from a loading support to the end cap holder. The loader and unloader each have a vertically movable cradle with an overarm clamp for supporting and releasing the tubular member and air spring. The end cap holder has a resiliently mounted chuck on a sliding support for transferring an end cap from a recess in the loading support and inserting the end cap in a recess of the assembly apparatus.

Abstract: A polyphase winding of ladder-like configuration for a linear motor is installed into a prearranged inductor assembly having a plurality of parallely arranged grooves, the inductor being attached to the underside of a T-shaped type carrier; a vehicle runs on that carrier carrying a drum for storing the winding (cable assembly), and there is a deflection system which runs the winding from the drum towards the underside of the carrier in near-tangential disposition whereby a tool resiliently mounted on an outrigger causes rungs of the ladder to be sequentially forced into the grooves of the inductor and, possibly, locked therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for automatically successively inserting a plurality of U-shaped heat transfer tubes into holes of support members of an equipment such as a heat exchanger. The system has fixing means for removably fixing the support members such that the corresponding holes of the support members are axially aligned; gripping means adapted to pick up one of the heat transfer tubes and movable to bring the heat transfer tube toward the holes of supporting members; a positioning means disposed between the gripping means and the fixing means and adapted to hold the gripped heat transfer tube horizontally and to make the same align with the holes in the support members; and control means operatively connected to the gripping means and the positioning means so as to sequentially control the operation of both means in a predetermined sequence. The system operates as follows under the control of the control means. The gripping means grips the heat transfer tube and raises the same.

Abstract: An extracting machine for withdrawing an electric traction motor from a wheel spindle in which that motor is normally positioned, includes a frame, a carriage mounted upon the frame to move forwardly and rearwardly, a head mounted on the carriage such that it can be rotated, and arms mounted upon the head such that they can be spread apart or moved together. The frame mounts upon the tines of a fork lift truck which is maneuvered to locate the extracting machine opposite to the end of the spindle. Once the motor has been jacked a few inches out of the spindle, the head is rotated so that the free ends of the arms will fit into the motor, whereupon the carriage is advanced on the frame until stops on the arms bear against the end of the motor. This positions pads that are upon the arms opposite to an inwardly presented machined surface in the motor. Then the arms are spread apart, enabling the pads at their free ends to tightly grip the machined surface in the motor.

Abstract: A machine and method for assembling cables and precast grids or blocks into articulated erosion control revetment mats which utilizes a transfer roller conveyor oriented at right angles to a mat receiving belt or roller conveyor and communicating with the mat receiving conveyor by means of a right angle transfer table, together with a hydraulical powered push bar. One embodiment utilizes a belt-type mat receiving conveyor and an automatic push bar position sensing mechanism to activate the mat receiving conveyor and stop the mat and push bar at the proper position and return the push bar after it reaches its extreme of travel. A second embodiment of the invention is designed to be easily transported and assembled at a construction site and to have low power consumption requirements. A cable handling rake utilized with the machine and method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Assembly and disassembly methods and apparatus for a rotary machine. According to a first aspect of the present invention, methods and apparatus are provided for assembling and disassembling a disc end bearing and an intermediate bearing housing of the rotary machine. According to a second aspect of the present invention, methods and apparatus are provided for assembling and disassembling a bearing lifting frame and a removable fluid casing section of the rotary machine. According to a third aspect of the present invention, methods and apparatus are provided for assembling and disassembling an impeller rotor of the rotary machine.

Abstract: A bus suspension mating fixture assembly having a bus body overhead support assembly and a bus suspension shuttle assembly. The bus body overhead assembly comprises an elongated framework having a first pair of laterally spaced upright side beams connected together adjacent their tops by a transverse beam and a second pair of laterally spaced upright side beams connected together adjacent their tops by a transverse beam, and a pair of laterally spaced longitudinal beams that have their opposite ends connected to the upright side beams adjacent their tops. A pair of laterally spaced longitudinal overhead support rails are supported from the top of the bus body overhead support assembly and the overhead support rail unit can be raised and lowered throughout a predetermined range.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for longitudinally inserting a rotor having a shaft into a stator having an opening adapted to receive the rotor. The apparatus includes a stationary support having an elongated cantilevered beam extending horizontally outwardly therefrom, and a pedestal support spaced horizontally from the stationary support. Cradles are provided on the pedestal support and on the distal end of the beam to support the ends of the rotor shaft. A carriage is mounted for movement between the supports in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the beam, and is adapted to support the stator. The carriage has means for selectively adjusting the position of the stator relative to to the supported rotor in multiple directions. The carriage is moved away from the stationary support to cause the stator to envelop the rotor.

Abstract: An apparatus for disassembling a standard wooden pallet having parallel top and bottom boards nailed to lateral stringers therebetween. The apparatus first removing the top boards from the lateral stringers and then removing the stringers from the bottom boards thereby completely disassembling the pallet.

Abstract: A plurality of sub-assemblies comprising elements of a transit vehicle are first completed individually in their respective jigs. Each of selected ones of these sub-assemblies has embodied therein an extrusion having a trackway formed thereon for alignment with a selected conveyor way provided therefor in a collector, which travels in successive cycles along a selected path on a final assembly floor. Each of said selected sub-assemblies has joint means formed thereon for interlocking engagement with complementary joint means provided on one or more of the other sub-assemblies. The selected sub-assemblies are conveyed, by means of their trackways riding along their respective conveyor ways, into the collector, and thus into interlocked relation with each other in positions of final assembly therein, where they are secured permanently in such interlocked relation. Other sub-assemblies are then added to produce a complete transit vehicle.