Abstract: A tool for forming an attachment pad on a sheet material includes an anvil supported on a housing and defining a working axis for forming the pad. A slide block is supported on the housing for movement at least along the working axis, and a die block is supported opposite the slide block and is movable in directions along the working axis to cooperate with anvil to form the pad. At least one actuator on the housing biases the slide block in a direction toward the die block. The actuator is operable in a first mode wherein the slide block is movable toward and away from the die block, and a second mode wherein the slide block is locked against movement in a direction away from the die block. A selectively adjustable counterbalance device cooperates with the actuator to counterbalance a force applied to the slide block by the actuator.

Abstract: A fastener feeding system and method for automatically delivering fasteners to a plurality of different manufacturing cells in a manufacturing line from a single load point. The fastener feeding system includes a fastener distribution assembly and a transport assembly for selecting and delivering fasteners to the manufacturing cells. Individual fasteners are selected from a fastener reservoir by a robotic manipulator of the fastener distribution assembly, and are placed on a fastener carrier supported on conveying structure extending between the fastener distribution assembly and the manufacturing cells for movement therealong. The fastener carrier is controlled to move along the track to deliver one or more fasteners to a manufacturing cell.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for programming a controller to control a process. A training module is trained to provide predicted responses of the process to control signals using a generic simulator to model the process. Once the training module has been trained, the controller is programmed to control the process by coupling the controller to the training module and using the training module to generate predicted responses of the process to the reception of control signals from the controller. As part of the programming process, one or more parameters of a control program resident on the controller may be adjusted to reduce errors between the responses predicted by the training module and the desired responses intended to be caused by the control signals.