Abstract: A full proof method to relate torque values to a fastener position has been presented. A unique number based on a position location is used in conjunction with running fasteners in a fixed order allows a person to be able to prove the torque value of an installed fastener. The method may be used in a single assembly fastener station environment or a multiple assembly fastener station environment.

Abstract: A retractable plunger apparatus is provided. The plunger apparatus comprises a bushing, a plunger, a resilient member, and a guard. The bushing has an abutment while the plunger includes a handle, a counter abutment, and a locking element. The plunger is slideable relative to the bushing and moveable between a stopped position, where the counter abutment is engaged with the abutment, and a disengaged position displaced from the stopped position, where a gap is formed between the counter abutment and the abutment. The resilient member is supported by the bushing and urges the plunger and the bushing toward the stopped position. The guard protectively covers the gap as the plunger transitions between the stopped position and the disengaged position.

Abstract: A more reliable and fool-proof method and apparatus for assembling an article of assembly (e.g. with predetermined screw torque requirements) in which the article of assembly has multiple fastening locations. The method comprises holding the article of assembly fixed while providing at least two different types of targets fixed relative to the article of assembly that correspond to the individual fastening locations. Fasteners are fastened into the article of assembly at the fastening locations. When fastening is occurring at one of the fastening locations, one of the targets is being sensed. Based on the target sensed, a target output is generated that differentiates between different types of targets thereby indicating fastening location of the fastening tool. The electronic target output is used for electronic control such as for stopping a conveyor to keep the article of assembly at an assembly station until the fastening operations have been completed.

Abstract: A more reliable and fool-proof method and apparatus for assembling an article of assembly (e.g. with predetermined screw torque requirements) in which the article of assembly has multiple fastening locations. The method comprises holding the article of assembly fixed while providing at least two different types of targets fixed relative to the article of assembly that correspond to the individual fastening locations. Fasteners are fastened into the article of assembly at the fastening locations. When fastening is occurring at one of the fastening locations, one of the targets is being sensed. Based on the target sensed, a target output is generated that differentiates between different types of targets thereby indicating fastening location of the fastening tool. The electronic target output is used for electronic control such as for stopping a conveyor to keep the article of assembly at an assembly station until the fastening operations have been completed.

Abstract: A more reliable and fool-proof method and apparatus for assembling an article of assembly (e.g. with predetermined screw torque requirements) in which the article of assembly has multiple fastening locations. The method comprises holding the article of assembly fixed while providing at least two different types of targets fixed relative to the article of assembly that correspond to the individual fastening locations. Fasteners are fastened into the article of assembly at the fastening locations. When fastening is occurring at one of the fastening locations, one of the targets is being sensed. Based on the target sensed, a target output is generated that differentiates between different types of targets thereby indicating fastening location of the fastening tool. The electronic target output is used for electronic control such as for stopping a conveyor to keep the article of assembly at an assembly station until the fastening operations have been completed.

Abstract: A seat assembly machine that uses stanchion rods to install flexible covers on seat cushions characterized by the fact that the stanchion rods are slidably mounted via slides in an axis generally perpendicular to the stuffing or plunging axis such that the stanchion rods more closely follow the contour of the seat cushion. The present invention can be applied to either bottom seat cushion stuffers, back rest stuffers or neck cushion stuffers as desired. In the preferred embodiment the combination of a cam mechanism and spring mechanism controls sliding movement of the stanchion rods. The cam mechanism includes a cam track having an eccentric substantially matched closely to the contour of the intended seat cushion and a follower adapted to follow the eccentric.

Abstract: A more reliable and fool-proof method and apparatus for assembling an article of assembly (e.g. with predetermined screw torque requirements) in which the article of assembly has multiple fastening locations. The method comprises holding the article of assembly fixed while providing at least two different types of targets fixed relative to the article of assembly that correspond to the individual fastening locations. Fasteners are fastened into the article of assembly at the fastening locations. When fastening is occurring at one of the fastening locations, one of the targets is being sensed. Based on the target sensed, a target output is generated that differentiates between different types of targets thereby indicating fastening location of the fastening tool. The electronic target output is used for electronic control such as for stopping a conveyor to keep the article of assembly at an assembly station until the fastening operations have been completed.

Abstract: A seat assembling machine commonly known as a skinner or stuffer is adjustable in several axes to allow the machine to be adjusted for different sizes/configurations of seats and seat covers. The machine includes a carriage which is driven towards a padded seat frame. The carriage includes a plurality of generally parallel stanchion rods that can be selectively spaced apart along two different perpendicular axes to receive a selected size of seat cover. The machine inserts a seat cover outside out over padded seat frames. The carriage may selectively rotated, selectively translated forward or horizontally and selectively tilted to better align the stanchion rods with the padded seat frame.