Abstract: A seat assembly machine includes an independently adjustable alignment mechanism. A seat holding mechanism secures a seat frame in place relative to a fabric cover that is supported on another portion of the machine. An independently moveable alignment mechanism includes support posts that are received through openings in the cover and into corresponding receiver portions of the seat frame to properly align those components. After proper alignment is verified, the seat frame is inserted into the cover. The adjustment mechanism is normally biased toward the seat frame holding mechanism and movement of the seat frame holding mechanism overcomes the bias on the alignment mechanism so that the alignment mechanism selectively moves with the seat holder mechanism during an assembly process. The independently positionable alignment mechanism facilitates assembling a variety of seat types using a single machine.

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: A folded air bag retaining apparatus for retaining a folded air bag coupled to a reaction plate in a folded configuration during the positioning of a cover. The apparatus including a holding fixture for supporting the reaction plate and the folded air bag coupled to the reaction plate, in a position to receive the enclosing cover, and a flexible band for retaining the folded air bag in a folded configuration until after the enclosing cover is positioned to enclose the folded air bag and the enclosing cover is coupled to the reaction plate.

Abstract: A folded air bag retaining apparatus for retaining a folded air bag coupled to a reaction plate in a folded configuration during the positioning of a cover. The apparatus including a holding fixture for supporting the reaction plate and the folded air bag coupled to the reaction plate, in a position to receive the enclosing cover, and a flexible band for retaining the folded air bag in a folded configuration until after the enclosing cover is positioned to enclose the folded air bag and the enclosing cover is coupled to the reaction plate.

Abstract: A method of automatically folding an air bag having an end coupled to a retainer and an opposed distal end including flattening and narrowing the bag, providing first and second upright blade assemblies each having individually movable blades between a normal position and an interdigitated position. The bag is positioned between the blade assemblies with the retainer held and the distal end allowed to gradually move toward the retainer. Undulating folds are formed in the bag between the retainer and the distal end by moving a blade of the first assembly into a raised position, moving a blade of the second assembly into a lowered position, and alternately and individually moving each remaining blade into a raised and lowered positions, respectively, while allowing the distal end of the bag to gradually move toward the retainer as each undulating fold is formed.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically folding an air bag to include a bubble fold, and for inserting the folded air bag into a retainer, the air bag having a first end coupled to the retainer and a second end. The apparatus includes a holding fixture for receiving and holding the retainer, a bag folding apparatus for folding the second end of the air bag and leaving a coupling portion coupling the second end to the first end, an inserter assembly for inserting the folded second end into the retainer, and a bubble blade for forming a bubble fold in the coupling portion, the bubble blade movable between a first position intermediate the holding fixture and the inserter assembly for overlying and contacting the coupling portion and a second position removed from intermediate the holding fixture and the inserter assembly.

Abstract: An automated system is disclosed for folding vehicle air bags so that a small folded bag profile in a desirable bag deployment pattern results. A machine having a holding fixture for receiving the retainer of an air bag assembly, and a plurality of upright members. A flattened bag with pleated sides is supported above the upright members, and sequentially inserted between the upright members forming undulating folds. The upright members are removed while retaining the undulating folds. The folds are then compressed, sharpening the folds and forming a compact package. The machine also includes an inserter assembly which inserts the folded bag into the retainer.

Abstract: An automatic bag folding apparatus is disclosed for folding vehicular air bags. The bag folding apparatus includes a base, a holding fixture, an end fold assembly, and a tuck assembly. The air bag folded by the apparatus may be coupled to a reaction plate with a center portion of the air bag overlying the reaction plate and parameters of the center portion defined by the reaction plate. The air bag further includes side folds and a first end adjacent the center portion. The holding fixture receives the reaction plate, thereby securing the center portion of the air bag. The end fold assembly is carried by the base, and has an end fold blade movable between a support position spaced from the holding fixture for supporting the first end of the air bag, and a fold position adjacent the holding fixture for folding the first end to form an end fold. The tuck assembly is carried by the base for forming an end tuck in the end fold.

Abstract: An automated system is disclosed for folding vehicle air bags so that a small folded bag profile in a desirable bag deployment pattern results. A machine having a holding fixture for receiving the retainer of an air bag assembly, and a plurality of upright members. A flattened bag with pleated sides is supported above the upright members, and sequentially inserted between the upright members forming undulating folds. The upright members are removed while retaining the undulating folds. The folds are then compressed, sharpening the folds and forming a compact package. The machine also includes an inserter assembly which inserts the folded bag into the retainer.