Abstract: Device for locating the ideal screwing position of bolts of large dimensions wherein a bolt (10) is lowered under control until it engages in the tapping recess of an orifice (5), the bolt (10) is rotated in the opposite direction to screwing, the point of engagement of the threads (11) of the bolt (10) in the threads of the tapped orifice (5) is detected, screwing is started under control by the rotation of the bolt in the normal direction, successive seizures are detected during the screwing, and after each seizure the ideal screwing position is located by means of a suitable path from the center corresponding to the preceding stop previously recorded, screwing is resumed after each detection of the new ideal screwing center, and the screwing of the bolt (10) is continued at a high speed until the end of screwing is detected.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a part carrier of universal design wherein a common carrier is provided with a customizing plate secured on a flat surface thereof and exposing a portion of the flat surface. The walls formed between the customizing plate and the flat surface define a reference surface. A clamp having a rigid finger and a resilient finger applies a force to the device being secured to the part carrier wherein the resilient finger forces the device against one reference surface and then deforms as the second finger forces the device into the reference position.

Abstract: A two-piece adapter for rotatably connecting two fluid transport members, the adapter including a stem for one of the members, and a connector (which may be for example a Luer connector) for the other member. The connector has a collar which is wrapped around the flange to capture the stem. The collar is deformed to wrap around the flange after the flange and the collar are joined. Preferably the adapter is made of a plastic, transparent material.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a disc brake pad in which the friction material is attached to the backing plate mechanically bonded with adhesives and through mechanical attachment to an expanded metal mesh utilizing uncompacted friction material and a compacted friction material preform.

Abstract: A golf putting head having a lightweight plastic housing with a front wall forming a front surface for making contact with a golf ball, a pair of rearwardly spaced receptacles joined by a platform along the bottom of the club, and a weight having flanks within the receptacles joined by a section, the weight being fully contained within the plastic housing. The weight of the head is varied by the density of the material selected for the weight without changing the size and shape of the club. A sighting aid is provided between the receptacles. A method is also disclosed for manufacturing the head.

Abstract: A blanket with a weighted perimeter and a method of its use are disclosed herein. This blanket is used as a safety device which can prevent injury to a person cutting baling straps, that surround baled materials and that are under tension, by dampening the whiplash of the straps when cut.

Abstract: An automatic wheel attachment apparatus for attaching a wheel to a wheel attachment member of an automotive body. The automatic wheel attachment apparatus includes a reorienting device for reorienting a wheel attachment surface of the wheel attachment member, a phasing device for phasing wheel attachment bolts on the wheel attachment member, the phasing device being movable longitudinally and vertically of the automotive body to bring the wheel attachment member and the phasing device into central alignment with each other, a detecting device for detecting the amount and direction of movement of the phasing device, and a nut runner for fastening the wheel to the wheel attachment member while the center of the wheel attachment member as detected by the detecting device is being held in alignment with the center of the wheel. At least the reorienting device, the phasing device, and the detecting device are combined in a single robot.

Abstract: An automatic wheel alignment apparatus for attaching a wheel to a wheel attachment member of an automotive body. The automatic wheel attachment apparatus includes a reorienting device for reorienting a wheel attachment surface of the wheel attachment member, a phasing device for phasing wheel attachment bolts on the wheel attachment member, the phasing device being movable longitudinally and vertically of the automotive body to bring the wheel attachment member and the phasing device into central alignment with each other, a detecting device for detecting the amount and direction of movement of the phasing device, and a nut runner for fastening the wheel to the wheel attachment member while the center of the wheel attachment member as detected by the decting device is being held in alignment with the center of the wheel. At least the reorienting device, the phasing device, and the detecting device are combined in a single robot.

Abstract: A positive bearing housing seal is provided in which the stationary seal member, and possibly a reducer having the same peripheral shape of the stationary seal member, is employed for installing and aligning the stationary seal member and the rotary seal member with respect to the shaft. A flat surface of the stationary seal member is moved against a flat surface of the rotary seal member until the flat surface of the stationary seal member engages a machine wall or, if a reducer is used, a flat surface of the reducer. The shaft is then rotated to establish squareness. The stationary seal member is then removed from the shaft, reversed in the axial direction, and reinstalled such that a flexible extension thereof, including a peripheral bead, is inserted into engagement with the inner surface of an annular opening in the machine wall or an annular opening in the reducer.

Abstract: An automatic wheel attachment apparatus for attaching a wheel to a wheel attachment member of an automotive body. The automatic wheel attachment apparatus includes a reorienting device for reorienting a wheel attachment surface of the wheel attachment member, a phasing device for phasing wheel attachment bolts on the wheel attachment member, the phasing device being movable longitudinally and vertically of the automotive body to bring the wheel attachment member and the phasing device into central alignment with each other, a detecting device for detecting the amount and direction of movement of the phasing device, and a nut runner for fastening the wheel to the wheel attachment member while the center of the wheel attachment member as detected by the detecting device is being held in alignment with the center of the wheel. At least the reorienting device, the phasing device, and the detecting device are combined in a single robot.

Abstract: A method of producing castellated beam. A first continuous cut 18 is made along the web of a universal beam, and a second cut 20 is then made along the web on a path differing from the path of the first cut. The cuts are such as to define rectilinear sections (24, 26) lying on alternate sides of the centerline of the web and at least partly curvilinear sections (25, 27) joining the closest ends of adjacent rectilinear sections. The cut halves of the beam are separated and are then welded together (at 28) in regions formed by juxtaposition of rectilinear sections of the two halves. Beams, having circular, elliptical or other curvilinear openings can thus be made.

Abstract: Method and system for the automated assembly of power train components along a plurality of interconnected, closed loops within cells of the system wherein parts and/or subassemblies of the components are assembled on the same assembly pallet on which they were robotically kitted. Along some of the loops, the assembly pallets are automatically transferred from kitting stations to assembly stations and from the assembly stations to an unload station where the components or subassemblies are robotically unloaded. The unloaded assembly pallets are then automatically transferred from the unload station to the kitting stations to repeat the assembly process. A mechanical guided vehicle system (MGVS) asynchronously conveys the assembly pallets along the closed loops which form guide tracks between the different stations. An automated guided vehicle system (AGVS) preferably transports part storage pallets to the system from a receiving area.

Abstract: A quick, easy, and permanent inline repair of a ruptured pipe is accomplished by the use of one of a firmly of rigid covers shaped to cover the rupture and adhering the rigid cover in sealing relation over the rupture. A utility tool is disclosed that may be used to restore the expanded metal surrounding a rupture in a freeze burst copper water pipe to its intended position in line with the pipe before the rupture is covered with a rigid cover.

Abstract: A method for assembling bearing rings in an elongated sleeve member consisting of the steps of forming a roller shell with three sections of varying wall thicknesses separated by angular circumferentially extending shoulders, deforming the shoulder between the middle section and one end section to form a ring-shaped radially, inwardly directed projection by axial displacement of the shoulder. A bearing ring is inserted in the interior of the shell member so that one axial end face engages the first radially oriented projection formed and deforming the shoulder between the middle section and the other end section to form a second radially inwardly directed projection by axial displacement of the shoulder which confronts the opposite axial end face of the bearing ring.

Abstract: Improved process and apparatus for assembling component parts by means of rivets or similar fasteners in which computer controlled robotic machining centers present selected tools in predetermined special position on opposing sides of the components which are held stationary in a fixture. The robots prepare the rivet holes at multiple selected locations, followed by repositioning of roboticly controlled tools at each hole location for the installation of the fasteners. Throughout hole preparation and fastener installation novel end effectors maintain a symmetrical balance of forces on the components in a manner which avoids stressing and deformation of the components, holding fixture and end assembly.

Abstract: A method of assembling a plurality of individual parts to manufacture a workpiece, which comprises the steps of placing each single individual part in a holder in a preparation stage, the holder holding each single individual part in a predetermined position, conveying an assembly support along a conveying path to sequentially arranged work stations whereat the parts are assembled on the assembly support, conveying the holders from the preparation stage to the work stations along the conveying path for alignment of the holders with the assembly support, removing the parts from the holders at the work stations and placing them on the assembly support for assembly thereon, returning the holders empty to the preparation stage after the single individual parts held therein have been removed, and again placing individual parts in the returned holder in the preparation stage in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A process and machine are provided for the formation of expanded mesh materials in which a slotted starting sheet is bent along at least one succession of alternate strand diagonals (1,2, 3, 4, 5; A, B, C, D), each strand (20) in any one diagonal being bent simultaneously in at least two positions in the same manner and to the same extent so that the strands (20) of the strand diagonal (1, 2, 3, 4, 5; A, B, C, D) being bent remain in substantially parallel planes during and after bending. A "strand" (20) is defined as the area of overlap between adjacent rows of slots (10) at each end of a respective slot (10) according to the slot pattern in the slotted starting sheet.

Abstract: The instrument panel is clamped at both longitudinal ends thereof onto an assembly jig mounted on a robot arm. The jig holding the panel is inserted widthwise into the car cabin through a door opening. The jig is moved to a preassembly position where the end walls of the panel overlap outer side surfaces of mounting brackets previously installed in the car cabin. The end walls of the panel are then fastened in place by nut runners provided at both ends of the assembly jig. The nut runners are mounted on tool holders which are able to perform a floating movement in a plane perpendicular to the car width direction. Positioning devices are provided at both ends of the jig to correct the position of the tool holders with respect to the brackets to align and position the panel so that the mounting holes in the end walls of the panel line up with the tapped holes in the brackets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing thermoplastic frames for fenestration in which extruded frame members are cut to length, heated to a selected temperature uniformly throughout their cross section to soften the material and while heated, profiling selected portions of the cut members, driving a fastening clip with a hole therein into one of the cut members, and drilling holes in portions of the cut members in locations for coaxial alignment in assembly of the cut members, a hole in the fastening means plate coaxial with one of the drilled holes, and placing the members in selected angular assembled relation and inserting and threading a securement member into the aligned holes of the cut members and the fastening plate for retaining the frame members in assembled angular relation.

Abstract: The cage portion of a cage and roller assembly has two annular end rims joined by cross-bars around the periphery of each rim. The rims and cross-bars define multiple pockets which hold the rollers. The cross-bars are configured to contain the rollers within these pockets; in addition, coined ramp surfaces and land surfaces on the cross-bar outer surfaces extend radially outward farther than the outer surfaces of the end rims and are configured to provide improved lubrication between the outer surface of the cage and an outer raceway.