Abstract: Cross Seal Devices and related methods are provided. A cross seal device for forming ends of packages being formed in a packaging forming system can include an anvil configured to extend transverse to a product pathway of a packaging forming system along which top and bottom sheet materials travel. The cross seal device can also include a track positioned above the anvil transverse to the product pathway. Further, the cross seal device can include a carriage configured to operate along the track. The carriage can include one or more rollers configured to engage the anvil to form a pressure contact between the anvil and the roller so that the top and bottom sheet materials are joined together.

Abstract: An automated transforming tooling system apparatus and method for shuttling a workpiece to and from an industrial operation. The system includes a workstation for complementarily engaging and securing the workpiece, and at least one holder removably secures at least on end effector tool to the workstation. At least one transfer bar is movably positioned with respect to the workstation. At least one automated transforming tooling assembly is connected to the transfer bar and has a plurality of links adjustably connected by motorized joints to automatically position the automated transforming tooling assembly. An automated tool changer is connected to the automated transforming tooling assembly and releasably engages the end effector tool between a disengaged position, wherein the end effector tool is disengaged from the automated tool changer, and an engaged position, wherein the end effector tool is engaged by the automated tool changer.

Abstract: Adjustable tables for use in a packaging forming system and related methods are provided. An adjustable table for use in a packaging forming system can include outer side panels and moveable inner side panels moveably connected to the outer side panels with the outer side panels held stationary relative to the moveable inner side panels. The adjustable table can also include a table top secured to the moveable inner side panels. The table top and the inner side panels are configured to move upwardly or downwardly relative to the outer side panels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for detecting multiple workpieces. The present invention provides a mount adaptor connected to a workpiece engaging device for engaging and manipulating a workpiece. A cell body is connected to the mount adaptor, and the cell body has an accelerometer disposed therein for measuring and signaling an acceleration value of the workpiece. A load cell is connected to the cell body and is connectable to a manipulator, wherein the load cell measures and signals a load value of the workpiece. A computer processor receives the acceleration value and the load value of the workpiece for determining the mass of the workpiece and determining whether there are multiple workpieces engaged by the workpiece-engaging device.

Abstract: A manufacturing includes a template support and a plurality of template members. The template support comprises a structural member, a first rail, and a second rail. The first rail is coupled to the structural member, and is positioned outward of the first side of the structural member and extends parallel with the structural member. The second rail is movably coupled to the structural member and is normally biased outward to an outward position in which second rail is parallel with the structural member. Each template member is coupled to the template support when the first rail is positioned in a first recess thereof and the second rail is in the outward position in a second recess thereof, and is removable from the template support when the second rail is in an inward position and out of the second recess.

Abstract: A reciprocating injection pump is disclosed including but not limited to a reciprocating block driven by a rotating gear, the gear having a substantially circular shape with four gear teeth formed on the rotating gear along approximately one fourth of the substantially circular shape, the rotating gear is attached to a rotating motor, the rotating motor having a right-angle motor shaft.

Abstract: A reciprocating injection pump is disclosed including but not limited to a reciprocating block driven by a rotating gear, the gear having a substantially circular shape with four gear teeth formed on the rotating gear along approximately one fourth of the substantially circular shape, the rotating gear is attached to a rotating motor, the rotating motor having a right-angle motor shaft.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a technique is provided for automating handover information from project (construction & design) to operation/maintenance. A schema-less repository is defined for holding handover asset objects and governing transformation automation. An information stitching method is defined for multiple-sourced project data integration and incorporating owners' requirement into the repository. A 2-step script-based transformation process is provided to encapsulate information modeling knowledge from a transformation definition.

Abstract: An automatically positionable joint for a modular tooling assembly includes a first joint member; a second joint member that is rotatably connected to the first joint member; a motor for causing rotation of the first joint member with respect to the second joint member; and a first clutch that is movable between an engaged position in which the first clutch restrains rotation of the first joint member with respect to the second joint member and a disengaged position in which the first clutch permits rotation of the first joint member with respect to the second joint member.

Abstract: A modular tooling receiver that includes a wall having a port that extends through it, an engaging member that is movably disposed in the port, and a lock actuator that is disposed on a first side of the wall. The lock actuator is moveable between a first position in which the lock actuator urges the engaging member in a first direction defined from the first side of the wall to a second side of the wall and a second position wherein the lock actuator permits the engaging member to move in a second direction defined from the second side of the wall to the first side of the wall. A first biasing element biases the lock actuator toward the first position. A damper controls a rate of motion of the lock actuator from the second position toward the first position.

Abstract: An automatically positionable joint for a modular tooling assembly includes a first joint member; a second joint member that is rotatably connected to the first joint member; a motor for causing rotation of the first joint member with respect to the second joint member; and a first clutch that is movable between an engaged position in which the first clutch restrains rotation of the first joint member with respect to the second joint member and a disengaged position in which the first clutch permits rotation of the first joint member with respect to the second joint member.

Abstract: A modular tooling receiver that includes a wall having a port that extends through it, an engaging member that is movably disposed in the port, and a lock actuator that is disposed on a first side of the wall. The lock actuator is moveable between a first position in which the lock actuator urges the engaging member in a first direction defined from the first side of the wall to a second side of the wall and a second position wherein the lock actuator permits the engaging member to move in a second direction defined from the second side of the wall to the first side of the wall. A first biasing element biases the lock actuator toward the first position. A damper controls a rate of motion of the lock actuator from the second position toward the first position.

Abstract: Floor underlayments, floor underlayment systems and related methods are provided herein. A floor underlayment sheet can include a middle body portion having first outer face and a second outer face with the middle body portion having a thickness. The floor underlayment sheet can also include a first end portion extending outward from the middle body portion from a first side of the middle body portion. The first end portion can have an outer face that aligns with and is contiguous with the first outer face of the middle body portion and an inner face that is opposite the first end portion outer face. The floor underlayment sheet can further include a second and portion extending outward from the middle body portion from a second side of the middle body portion. The second end portion can have an outer face that aligns with and is contiguous with the second outer face of the middle body portion and an inner face that is opposite the second end portion outer face.

Abstract: A tool support structure includes a base; a tool rail that extends in an axial direction; a first mounting portion that is connected to the base; a second mounting portion that is connected to a first end of the tool rail and releasably connectable to the first mounting portion; a support receiver that is connected to the base, the support receiver has a housing, a clamp member, and a locking member; and a support member that has a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion and at least part of the first portion are configured to enter an axial open end of the housing of the support receiver and a clamp member of the support receiver is pivoted into engagement with the support member by a locking member of the support to restrain motion of the support member with respect to the support receiver.

Abstract: A modular tooling receiver includes a housing having a wall and a port, and an engaging member movably disposed in the port. A lock actuator is moveable between a first position and a second position. The release lever is connected to the housing and is engageable with the lock actuator for causing movement of the lock actuator from the first position toward the second position. An anti-release mechanism is connected to the release lever and is movable between an engaged position, in which the anti-release mechanism engages the housing to restrain movement of the release lever to prevent movement of the lock actuator from the first position to the second position, and a disengaged position, in which the anti-release mechanism disengages the housing to allow movement of the release lever.

Abstract: Adjustable tables for use in a packaging forming system and related methods are provided. An adjustable table for use in a packaging forming system can include outer side panels and moveable inner side panels moveably connected to the outer side panels with the outer side panels held stationary relative to the moveable inner side panels. The adjustable table can also include a table top secured to the moveable inner side panels. The table top and the inner side panels are configured to move upwardly or downwardly relative to the outer side panels.

Abstract: Cross Seal Devices and related methods are provided. A cross seal device for forming ends of packages being formed in a packaging forming system can include an anvil configured to extend transverse to a product pathway of a packaging forming system along which top and bottom sheet materials travel. The cross seal device can also include a track positioned above the anvil transverse to the product pathway. Further, the cross seal device can include a carriage configured to operate along the track. The carriage can include one or more rollers configured to engage the anvil to form a pressure contact between the anvil and the roller so that the top and bottom sheet materials are joined together.

Abstract: Packaging forming system and related methods are provided. A packaging forming system can include a controller and nip rollers in communication with the controller. The nip rollers are positioned on either side of a product pathway on which products being packaged travel. The packaging forming system can include a top sheet material guide system that is configured to feed a top sheet material and a bottom sheet material guide system that is configured to feed a bottom sheet material to the nip rollers to form sides of packages around one or more products traveling along the pathway. The packaging forming system can include an adjustable table in communication with the controller and positioned along the pathway to provide support to the product being packaged such that the height of the table is movable to adjust a height position of each individual product to be packaged relative to the nip rollers.