Abstract: In a device for locating and locking a work holding pallet on a machine tool fixture, the fixture comprises guides for supporting and guiding the sliding movement of the work holding pallet during their engagement, and a mobile central plug for engaging in a cavity in the work holding pallet. The fixture is provided with mobile means for pressing against the work holding pallet in order to move it with rotary motion about the plug, and abutment and stop structure is provided for the work holding pallet in order to arrest that rotation.

Abstract: A coding system for elements of machine tools, particularly of the numerically controlled type, consisting of a "bar" code (14) applied to the element (10) to be coded, and read by a reading head (17) provided with a code detecting sensor (18) connected to a circuit for transforming the code into signals fed to utilization circuits (21, 26) which operate by comparing the read message with a set signal.

Abstract: A body assembly system for accurately locating and welding multiple component parts of different vehicle bodies and to interfix their assembled relation at a framing station wherein more than three pairs of interchangeable gates can be employed at a single framing station having programmable welding means adapted to accommodate different body styles associated with the various sets of gates. Means are provided for retrieving, storing and exchanging either pair of end gates of a three pair system while the other end pair is in use at the framing station thereby expanding the versatility of the previous system to accommodate five or more pairs of gates.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling and programming welding guns, constituted by a set of electronic component circuit boards enclosed in a casing provided with a keyboard and a programming and control display unit which are connected electrically together so as to enable various functions to be performed on the static switches of the welding gun to which the apparatus is connected, namely: a first so-called basic function, i.e.

Abstract: A mechanized store includes a plurality of cells for storing containers, disposed side by side in horizontal and vertical rows along at least one passage and open on their sides facing the passage, a transporter-elevator device including a first support structure movable horizontally along the passage, a second support structure movable vertically on the first support structure, and a moving device carried by the second support structure and arranged to insert articles into, or take up articles from, the storage cells. A transfer station for articles which is located outside the passage and can be accessed by the transporter-elevator device to allow the loading onto the latter of each article intended to be placed in a corresponding storage cell, and the discharge from the transporter-elevator device of each article intended to be sent to the exit of the store.

Abstract: A car body side aperture assembly system for welding together multiple component parts of side apertures for different vehicle bodies at successive framing and respot welding stations. Overhead conveyor carriers each with laterally spaced racks for supporting loosely mounted component parts for left and right side apertures move into station position over selectively positioned framing station fixtures for accurately locating the component parts in required relation. Programmable robot welders produce different pretack welds at successive framing stations as well as respot welds at intermediate stations as required for different side apertures. The system includes means for selectively shuttling framing station pallets each with outwardly expandable fixtures having tooling for locating the multiple component parts of a particular side aperture at each framing station.

Abstract: An automatic device for changing an electric welding gun, operated by the arm (11) of a manipulator, in which two elements (10, 50), one carried by the manipulator arm and the other by the gun, can be connected together by the first element being made to approach and fit into the second; each element is provided with ducts (13) for passage of the liquid for cooling and controlling the opening of the electrodes (63); valve units (31) connect said ducts (13) to each other when the two elements (10, 50) are fitted together; the approach of the two elements is guided and checked, and hydraulically controlled hook portions (42, 71) lock together and separate the elements in accordance with the programming of the manipulator; each element is also provided with male cones (66) and female cones (16) provided on or in copper units (14) in order to fit into each other and establish electrical contact between the manipulator and gun.

Abstract: The electrical spot welding manipulator is assembled of a base, a rotary support on the base, an arm hinged to the support and rotatable at right angles to the support, a rotatable hollow member inside the arm, a column arranged inside the hollow arm for rotation about its axis, a working head mounted on the column and being rotatable about two secondary axes, movable welding grips mounted on the head, actuator elements, for activating respective movable members, and a welding transformer arranged in the arm and connected to the welding grips by flexible conductors.