Abstract: A method is provided for testing and setting the position of a position sensor for a transmission. A shift control shaft is provided, and the position sensor is positioned to align with the shift control shaft, and provide a shift position output. A position sensor testing device is installed to test position rotation of the position sensor as the shift control shaft is moved through shift positions. The tested position rotation of the position sensor is compared with a predetermined window of accurate positioning for the position sensor. Finally, the position of the position sensor is set based on the comparison.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an improved laser welded work piece, such as an automotive body panel, and a system and method for the manufacture thereof. The invention is also directed to an improved system for manufacturing the welded work piece including an improved laser welder and a laser weld inspection device and system.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an improved laser welded work piece, such as an automotive body panel, and a system and method for the manufacture thereof. The invention is also directed to an improved system for manufacturing the welded work piece including an improved laser welder and a laser weld inspection device and system.

Abstract: A tappet screw adjuster having an outer sleeve, an inner shaft, a bearing block, a handle, and a rotary coupling disposed between the bearing block and the inner shaft. The rotary coupling is designed such that the bearing block and inner shaft rotate together when a load on the inner shaft is below a predetermined level and such that the bearing block and inner shaft do not rotate together when the load on the inner shaft exceeds the predetermined level. The rotary coupling includes a tension setting device, which is threadably secured to the bearing block, and a friction plate. The friction plate includes an annular projection that is received within a groove provided on the tension setting device.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an improved laser welded work piece, such as an automotive body panel, and a system and method for the manufacture thereof. The invention is also directed to an improved system for manufacturing the welded work piece including an improved laser welder and a laser weld inspection device and system.

Abstract: Code block or code marking application, removal, and replacement templates and methods for use for code blocks and code markings that are used in conjunction with the guide path, guide line, and guide tracks used by automated guidance vehicles (AGVs), which are otherwise known as autonomous guidance, automatic guidance, and automatically or autonomously guided vehicles. Guide line code blocks are typically applied to the floor of a factory, warehouse, or other facility that employs AGVs, which can sense the guide lines and/or the code blocks for purposes of maneuvering payloads while navigating through the facility. The AGV code template includes a generally planar template substrate configured with corresponding control and alignment aperture patterns formed in the template that are offset from each other.

Abstract: A plastic part having a complex structure as a first layer and a simple structure as a second layer, is formed using a method for molding. Initially, a single mold is provided, the mold having an interior cavity and a runner reaching from an exterior of the mold to the cavity. The mold is kept closed while a quantity of a first plastic material is injected via the runner into the interior cavity to form a first layer of the plastic part. The mold is then partially opened, creating an increased interior cavity section, into which a quantity of a second plastic material is injected, via the runner, to form a second layer of the plastic part. The solidified plastic part can then be ejected from the mold.

Abstract: A device is provided for allowing detection of a switch closure across an air gap between components. The device comprises a wireless inductive coupled switch designed for use with any suitable proximity sensor. The switch and sensor transmit a switch closure at a closable switch across the air gap. When the wireless inductive coupled switch is moved into the sensing range of the inductive proximity sensor, the ferrite core portion of the inductive coupled switch and the coil surrounding the ferrite portion are inductively coupled by the alternating field generated by the inductive proximity sensor. The alternating magnetic flux lines of the inductive proximity sensor move back and forth through the ferrite core portion and the coil. As long as the closable switch is open, no current is induced into the coil.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an improved laser welded work piece, such as an automotive body panel, and a system and method for the manufacture thereof. The invention is also directed to an improved system for manufacturing the welded work piece including an improved laser welder and a laser weld inspection device and system.

Abstract: Cast metal parts are created for use in making machinery. When these parts are formed, unwanted material remains in the openings of the parts. This material, called flash, must be removed. In the method of the present invention, the cast parts are placed on a platen of a trim press that has multi-part punches attached thereto that are configured to self-align with the openings in the cast part and operative to evenly remove the flash. The invention also relates to a punch that initially breaks through the flash with a stationary punch that removes a majority of the flash inside the opening of the cast part. Next, a moving or self-centering punch self-aligns to the opening in the cast part and operates to remove the remaining flash. The inventive punch may also include a mounting base for attachment of the multi-part punches to the plate or platen of the press.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an improved laser welded work piece, such as an automotive body panel, and a system and method for the manufacture thereof. The invention is also directed to an improved system for manufacturing the welded work piece including an improved laser welder and a laser weld inspection device and system.

Abstract: A detection system and method is provided for detecting the position of a snap ring in a bearing assembly of a transmission system. A spreader pin and a bearing are installed directly into spreader segments. Spreader segments receive the bearing. A conductive sensor is then introduced in a surface of the spreader segments, whereby an incorrectly positioned snap ring will make contact with the conductive sensor, causing a current to flow through the spreader segments and through the snap ring to the conductive sensor. The primary advantage provided by the present invention is to detect the position of a snap ring during the pressing operation of pressing bearings into transmission cases, thereby avoiding damage to the transmission case caused by incorrect positioning of the snap ring.

Abstract: A system is provided for detecting the presence of and confirming the correct orientation of an oil seal. The system comprises a sensor orifice, a flow regulator for regulating flow of air to the sensor orifice, a pressure regulator for regulating air pressure to the flow regulator, and an air supply means for supplying air to the pressure regulator. A vent orifice is also provided for allowing air flow to exit from the sensor orifice when the oil seal is incorrectly oriented. The system further comprises an air pressure sensor, whereby when the oil seal is correctly oriented, with its flat side blocking the sensor orifice, a back pressure of air is created in the sensor orifice and the air supply means, the back pressure detectable by the air pressure sensor to confirm presence and correct orientation of the oil seal.

Abstract: A guard apparatus for a rotational tool prevents direct contact of the cutting regions by an operator of the tool. The rotational cutting tool to which this invention is particularly applicable is the type having at least a shank portion and a toothed region, with the shank portion attachable to a holding attachment device to hold the tool, particularly during operation. The guard apparatus comprises a compressible guard housing for defining a guard circumferential area following a circular path parallel to but greater than a cutting circumferential area defined by the toothed region of the rotational cutting tool; and a first securement device having a first periphery at a first end for abutting the holding attachment device and a flared and tapered periphery at a second end for associating with the compressible guard housing.

Abstract: A disposable bag having a gusset containing drainage holes positioned at the bottom of the disposable bag for storing and washing produce is provided. The disposable bag includes a removable seal positioned proximate the gusset and configured to prevent the flow of liquids through the drainage holes in the gusset before the seal is removed. The gusset permits the bag to stand in an upright position while washing or rinsing produce contained within the bag.

Abstract: This invention provides a heat-sealable, peelable composition comprising ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, polyethylene based wax and polypropylene. The composition can further comprise a dye or an ink. The composition can be heat-sealed onto a surface of a polymeric bag to provide a peelable seal.A closure arrangement for a polymeric bag with first and second opposing films comprises first and second opposing base strips, a first peelable strip of a first color, and a second peelable strip of a second color. An outer surface of the first base strip is attached to an inner surface of the first film. An outer surface of the second base strip is attached to an inner surface of the second film. The first peelable strip is attached to the inner surface of the first base strip, and the second peelable strip is attached to the inner surface of the second base strip. The first and second peelable strips are disposed between the first and second base strips.

Abstract: A gas scavenging arrangement for a flexible polymeric package having first and second opposing films, comprises a polymeric carrier strip carrying a gas scavenging material and disposed within the package between the first and second films. The carrier strip is attached directly or via an intermediary base strip to one of the films of the package. In one embodiment, this base strip forms part of a reclosable zipper.

Abstract: A zipper for a recloseable bag provides a heat-settable portion for adhering the zipper to a polymeric bag at a temperature below that known in the art in order to prevent permanently sealing the bag closed inadvertantly. The zipper includes elongated base strips having flange portions for adhering the inner surface of the base strip to the outer surface of a polymeric bag. The base strip is adhered to the polymeric bag by a heat-setting compound coextruded, coated or laminated to the inner surface of the flange. The flange portions may be thinner than other portions of the base strips to permit the flange portions to be fused to the polymeric bag at a lower temperature than previously practiced.

Abstract: A flexible package includes first and second opposed panel sections, a header section having a hanghole, and a tear string. The header section is positioned adjacent the first and second panel sections and encloses a portion of the package. The tear string is enclosed and arranged in the header section to provide hanging support at the hanghole and to tear open the enclosed portion in response to a pulling force at an end of the tear string. A method and apparatus for making the flexible package are also featured.