Abstract: A production line comprises one or more assembling stations and at least one module for carrying containers for supplying to the assembling stations parts which are necessary during the execution of a working cycle. In one example, the module includes a paternoster conveying system including a plurality of drawings for containing the parts. The module includes two endless lateral chains and two lateral guide rails engaged with each drawer. The paternoster system and guide rails selectively position the drawers to downwardly angularly rotate toward the workstation when facing the workstation to increase ergonomic access to the parts for the assembling station operator.

Abstract: A production line comprises at least one assembly station which is electronically controlled, in which a chain-conveyor device feeds with continuous motion a plurality of pallets carrying parts to be assembled. The production line further comprises at least one module for carrying containers provided with a plurality of part-holder containers for supplying parts to said at least one assembly station. The module comprises a plurality of drawers associated to a paternoster conveyor system.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and controlling an industrial plant having a plurality of assembly/processing stations (ST) divided into separate control areas (A), each control area having an electronic control and processing unit (PLC). A portable computer (TAB) selectively serves as the industrial plant global monitoring device and the human machine interface (HMI) for the processing stations through one or more applications or programs. The portable computer is selectively placed in communication with selective of the electronic control and processing units for selected global monitoring of the industrial plant operations, local monitoring of at least one of the assembly/processing stations and/or control of at the assembly/processing stations through sending of signals to the electronic control and processing unit(s).

Abstract: A sensorized covering, prearranged for covering at least part of a movable structure of an automated device. The sensorized covering is useful for sensing an actual impact or anticipating an imminent impact to the automated device. The sensorized covering includes one or more covering modules wherein each covering module may include contact sensors and/or proximity sensors, a loading bearing structure and/or controls. The individual sensorized modules may be independently connected or controlled, or connected together and collectively controlled. Examples of the automated device my include a movable robots or an automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

Abstract: A system and process for gluing two components together includes measuring the temperature of one or both panels to be glued together prior to application of the glue to the panels. If the measured temperature of the panel(s) is outside a predetermined range, the system and process thermally conditions the panel(s) to bring them into the predetermined temperature range for proper adhesion and known and controlled glued panel properties for subsequent riveting of the glued panels. A control unit with predetermined reference values is in communication with the system temperature sensors and thermal conditioning devices to provide uniform gluing quality irrespective of the environmental conditions of the assembly line.

Abstract: An industrial robot and control system including a high degree of cooperation between a human operator and the robot for increased safety. In an automatic operation mode, at least a first detection device detects the presence of a foreign body in the robot working area and the control system places the robot in a safe automatic operating mode. A second and third detection devices may be employed to detect possible impacts with the robot.

Abstract: A laser source for use in providing a laser beam for industrial operations in an industrial plant. The laser source selectively providing a first laser beam at a first outlet having relatively high power and lower beam quality and a second laser beam at a second outlet having relatively lower power and higher beam quality. The laser source including an optical path selector device for selectively transmitting a first laser beam along a first or second optical line toward respective first and second outlets. The second optical path having an optical amplification unit for changing the first laser to the second laser. An industrial plant including at least a first laser source selectively controls the first laser source to provide the first and the second lasers to predetermined laser processing stations. A second laser source may be used and controlled to provide a first or second laser to an alternate laser processing station on a failure of another laser source.

Abstract: A system for loading and unloading piece-carrying containers (C) in an industrial plant, comprising: a station (2) for loading and unloading said containers; a workstation (3) to which the loaded containers are brought and at which the pieces are taken from said containers; and a turret (6), which can turn about a vertical axis and is designed to exchange with one another a first container in said workstation and a second container in said loading and unloading station, through a predetermined movement of rotation of said turret, said system being characterized in that, in order to carry out said exchange of said first and second containers, said turret is configured for lifting said first and second containers so as to release them and pick them up from said stations.

Abstract: A production line includes at least one electronically controlled assembling station in which a chain conveyor device moves a plurality of part transporting pallets to be assembled in continuous movement along the production line. In one example, each assembling station includes an implement dedicated to the assembly station and freely movable in the assembly station along the transport direction of the pallets for use by an operator to execute manual assembling operations on the parts transported by each pallet. In one example, the production line assembling station further includes a plurality of automated drawers containing components for use in the manual assembly operations and a human machine interface accessible by the operator. In one example, the chain conveyor chain includes front and rear hook units to engage the pallet for movement along the production line.

Abstract: An electric spot welding head for a multi-axis industrial robot that has a compact configuration, particularly in a longitudinal direction that goes from the end of the head for the attachment to the robot wrist towards the welding electrodes. This result is achieved primarily by the fact that the electrical transformer mounted on the head has its output connected to the electrode-holding arms arranged, respectively, on a front wall of the body of the transformer and on an end wall of the body of the transformer, for the connection to the electrode-holding arms of the head. The structure of the welding head is completely covered by a casing having a rear opening for connection to the robot wrist and a front opening from which the electrode arms of the welding head protrude.

Abstract: A selectively extendable length trolley for supporting and conveying various sized and configured containers for pieces or components in an industrial plant. The trolley includes an adjustable length trolley structure, front and rear adjustable frames and locating supports for the containers that include side supports adjustable in position in a transverse direction, orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (L). A steering control unit (2) of the trolley (1) is articulated to the front frame (32) and operates in such a way that the front wheel unit and the rear wheel unit are made to oscillate in opposite directions to keep the wheels aligned with the curved path to be followed. In a preferred embodiment, the front and rear adjustable frames are T-shaped providing an open or free space at the two sides of the central structure of the trolley.

Abstract: A pallet for conveying pieces or components in assembly lines. The pallet includes a base structure, a rotatable platform above the base structure, a pair of vertical uprights, a pair of vertical columns respectively supported within said vertical uprights and an arch-shaped cross-member selectively engageable with the vertical columns. The arch cross-member selectively connected to an assembly component whereby the component may selectively be positioned at different heights and angular orientations to the platform and base for ease of access to the component by a user.

Abstract: A system for performing industrial operations comprises at least one tool head provided with a tool and at least one sensor associated to the tool head. The system further comprises a control module mounted on the tool head including a data-acquisition unit connected to the sensor configured for acquiring the data coming from said at least one sensor, and a wireless transmission unit connected to the acquisition unit for receiving the aforesaid acquired data and for transmitting the data acquired to a receiving unit in a wireless mode. The module further comprises a device for storing electrical energy for electrical supply of the control module. The system further comprises a wireless charging system for charging the device for storing electrical energy comprising a first charging device carried by the tool head and connected to the energy-storage device and a second charging device associated to a stationary workstation.