Abstract: A method of operating a part cleaning machine includes removably attaching a part to a part holder. A selected first one of a plurality of tools is transferred from a tool holder to a tool chuck to perform a desired cleaning operation. The selected first one of the tools is positioned in a pre-defined tool cleaning position by moving a chuck holder along an axis on a tool positioning plane. The part is positioned in a pre-defined part cleaning position by at least one of moving a cradle along an X axis, rotating the cradle about a first cradle axis, or rotating the part holder about a second cradle axis. The desired cleaning operation is performed on the part with the selected first one of the tools, with the part in the pre-defined part cleaning position and the selected first one of the tools in the pre-defined tool cleaning position.

Abstract: A method of operating a part cleaning machine includes removably attaching a part to a part holder. A selected first one of a plurality of tools is transferred from a tool holder to a tool chuck to perform a desired cleaning operation. The selected first one of the tools is positioned in a pre-defined tool cleaning position by moving a chuck holder along an axis on a tool positioning plane. The part is positioned in a pre-defined part cleaning position by at least one of moving a cradle along an X axis, rotating the cradle about a first cradle axis, or rotating the part holder about a second cradle axis. The desired cleaning operation is performed on the part with the selected first one of the tools, with the part in the pre-defined part cleaning position and the selected first one of the tools in the pre-defined tool cleaning position.

Abstract: A part cleaning machine includes a cradle moveable along an X axis, and rotatable about a first cradle axis. A part holder is attached to the cradle, and is rotatable about a second cradle axis. A chuck holder is moveable on a tool positioning plane that is perpendicular to the X axis. A tool chuck is attached to and moveable with the chuck holder. A tool holder is moveable relative to the chuck holder along the X axis. A plurality of tools are releasably attached to the tool holder for selective attachment to the tool chuck. A machine controller is operable to control movement of the chuck holder, the tool chuck, and the tool holder to transfer a selected one of the tools between the tool chuck and the tool holder, and position an appropriate tool and the part in different positions for several different cleaning operations.

Abstract: A method of assembling a battery cell stack includes providing a plurality of cell handling stations disposed around a transport system. The transport system is operable to move each of the stack locations past each of the plurality of cell handling stations once during a transport cycle. The plurality of cell handling stations includes a number of group preparation stations. One of a plurality of battery cells of one of a plurality of cell groups is positioned on each respective stack location with each respective group preparation station during each transport cycle. The transport system is moved through a pre-defined number of transport cycles.

Abstract: A method and control system control a process line by providing a PLC with control screens each having a unique screen number. Each HMI device is provided access to a first set of the control screens, with displayed buttons labeled with a corresponding one of the control screens. Input signals are received from a requesting HMI device that identifies the requesting HMI device and requests a control action or a monitoring action for a corresponding workstation. Additionally, the requesting HMI device is provided access to a second set of the control screens based on the received input signals, such that the HMI devices share an HMI control template that is also dynamically and individually scalable to the requesting HMI device. The process line is then controlled via the PLC in response to control signals from the HMI devices corresponding to selections from the control screens.

Abstract: A method of testing a spark plug includes exciting the spark plug with a constant current from a DC power supply. A voltage difference across a gap of the spark plug is measured with a voltage measuring device. A status of an element of the spark plug is determined from the measured voltage difference. The status of the element of the spark plug may include, but is not limited to, a distance of the gap of the spark plug, or a condition of an insulator of the center electrode of the spark plug.

Abstract: A part cleaning machine includes a cradle moveable along an X axis, and rotatable about a first cradle axis. A part holder is attached to the cradle, and is rotatable about a second cradle axis. A chuck holder is moveable on a tool positioning plane that is perpendicular to the X axis. A tool chuck is attached to and moveable with the chuck holder. A tool holder is moveable relative to the chuck holder along the X axis. A plurality of tools are releasably attached to the tool holder for selective attachment to the tool chuck. A machine controller is operable to control movement of the chuck holder, the tool chuck, and the tool holder to transfer a selected one of the tools between the tool chuck and the tool holder, and position an appropriate tool and the part in different positions for several different cleaning operations.

Abstract: A cart assembly includes a base with wheels, a shelf support structure orthogonally arranged with respect to the base, one or more shelves supported by the support structure, and a swivel mechanism. The swivel mechanism is coupled to the base and the shelf support structure to provide an axis of rotation, such that the shelf support structure and the shelf or shelves are selectively rotatable with respect to the axis. The swivel mechanism may include a race that defines a socket on a circumference of the race. A pin is selectively engageable with the socket to prevent rotation of the race and the support structure. The shelf may include a thermoformed plastic tray, or three shelves arranged at three different levels of the shelf support structure. Some of the shelves may fold against and secure to the shelf support structure.