Abstract: A tool shank holder includes a body comprising a shank-receiving end and a bit-receiving end. The shank-receiving end is configured to operably receive a shank of a tool and the bit-receiving end is configured to operably receive a driver bit. A connector is provided at the shank-receiving end that is configured to directly connect the shank-receiving end to the shank of the tool.

Abstract: A battery lockout device is provided. The battery lockout device may include a safety plug body adapted to engage a power port of the battery. The battery lockout device may further include a rotating member operatively connected to the safety plug body, the rotating member engaging a battery lip or battery lip housing. The rotating member, in a first rotated position, can be locked in the first rotated position preventing access to the power port of the battery and preventing removal of the safety body plug from the battery. To effectuate locking the rotating member in the first rotated position, a keyed lock can be used to maintain the first rotated position of the rotating member relative to the safety plug body and the battery/battery housing lip. In this way, no energy from the battery may be discharged until removal/disengagement of the battery lockout device.

Abstract: A battery lockout device is provided. The battery lockout device may include a safety plug body adapted to engage a power port of the battery. The battery lockout device may further include a rotating member operatively connected to the safety plug body, the rotating member engaging a battery lip or battery lip housing. The rotating member, in a first rotated position, can be locked in the first rotated position preventing access to the power port of the battery and preventing removal of the safety body plug from the battery. To effectuate locking the rotating member in the first rotated position, a keyed lock can be used to maintain the first rotated position of the rotating member relative to the safety plug body and the battery/battery housing lip. In this way, no energy from the battery may be discharged until removal/disengagement of the battery lockout device.

Abstract: A multi-bar actuation assembly for use in installing a vehicle door to a vehicle includes a drive comprising a piston arm and a casing that movably receives the piston arm, a multi-bar linkage that includes a base support structure, a first bar link pivotally connected to the base support structure, a second bar link pivotally connected to the drive and the base support structure, and a toggle link that connects the first bar link and the second bar link, and a suction end effector pivotally connected to the toggle link at an end effector pivot that engages a window of the vehicle door. The drive extends and contracts the piston arm thereby moving the end effector pivot along a door arc about a door pivot axis with the suction end effector engaged with the window of the vehicle door.

Abstract: A multi-bar actuation assembly for use in installing a vehicle door to a vehicle includes a drive comprising a piston arm and a casing that movably receives the piston arm, a multi-bar linkage that includes a base support structure, a first bar link pivotally connected to the base support structure, a second bar link pivotally connected to the drive and the base support structure, and a toggle link that connects the first bar link and the second bar link, and a suction end effector pivotally connected to the toggle link at an end effector pivot that engages a window of the vehicle door. The drive extends and contracts the piston arm thereby moving the end effector pivot along a door arc about a door pivot axis with the suction end effector engaged with the window of the vehicle door.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat support frame assembly comprising a mounting structure that mounts to a seat support structure and a seat receiving portion. The seat receiving portion includes a seat frame member having a body having an interior surface that defines a seat member receiving opening having an inner diameter. A rotatable member extends from the interior surface of the body into the seat member receiving opening. A seating member assembly is rotatably received in the seat member receiving opening. The seating member assembly includes a seat support housing that supports a seat. The seat support housing includes a side wall and a side support ledge that overhangs the rotatable member to rotatably support the seating member along a perimeter of the side wall of the seat support housing.

Abstract: A compact overhead traveling hoist system for transferring product elements from a remote marshalling area to an assembly line work station includes an elevated rail system with a fixed longitudinally extending runway rail and a laterally extending bridge rail which is displaceable along the runway rail. A rail trolley is carried for controlled bi-directional displacement along the bridge rail. A hoisting device is carried by the rail trolley and includes a base member, an object grappler carried with the base member operative to selectively engage, transport and release product elements between the marshaling area and the work station, a linearly expandable structure coupling the rail trolley and the base portion, and a hoist drive operative for raising and lowering the base portion/object grappler. A controller includes assembly line work station operator input control devices located on the object grappler to control all aspects of the operation of the hoist system.

Abstract: Vehicles having gravity biased gate members utilized to laterally constrain a load are disclosed. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes one or more wheels that allow movement of the vehicle from one location to another location, a frame mounted to the one or more wheels, a load bearing deck supported by the frame, the load bearing deck having a support surface for supporting a load thereon, and a gravity biased gate member rotatably coupled at the load bearing deck at an axis of rotation. The gravity biased gate member includes a bottom portion below the axis of rotation that is heavier than a top portion above the axis of rotation such that a center of mass of the gravity biased gate member is offset from the axis of rotation, biasing the gravity biased gate member into an extended configuration.

Abstract: A compact overhead traveling hoist system for transferring components and sub-assemblies from a marshalling area to an assembly line work station includes an elevated rail system with a fixed longitudinally extending runway rail and a laterally extending bridge rail/gantry which is displaceable along the runway rail. A trolley is carried for controlled bi-directional displacement along the bridge rail. A hoisting device is carried by the rail trolley and includes a base member, a grappler carried with said base member operative to selectively engage, transport and release product elements between a remote marshaling area and the assembly line work station, a linearly expandable structure coupling the rail trolley and the base portion, and a hoist drive operative for raising and lowering the base portion/object grappler. A controller includes assembly line work station operator input control devices located on the grappler to control all aspects of operation of the hoist system.

Abstract: Vehicles having gravity biased gate members utilized to laterally constrain a load are disclosed. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes one or more wheels that allow movement of the vehicle from one location to another location, a frame mounted to the one or more wheels, a load bearing deck supported by the frame, the load bearing deck having a support surface for supporting a load thereon, and a gravity biased gate member rotatably coupled at the load bearing deck at an axis of rotation. The gravity biased gate member includes a bottom portion below the axis of rotation that is heavier than a top portion above the axis of rotation such that a center of mass of the gravity biased gate member is offset from the axis of rotation, biasing the gravity biased gate member into an extended configuration.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a rotatable shaft for the presence of defects may include continuously rotating a shaft under an applied load. As the shaft is rotated, an ultrasonic signal may be propagated along the length of the shaft. Attenuated or reflected ultrasonic signals may be collected from the shaft as the shaft is rotated. The presence of a defect in the shaft is determined by analyzing the collected ultrasonic signals.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a rotatable shaft for the presence of defects may include continuously rotating a shaft under an applied load. As the shaft is rotated, an ultrasonic signal may be propagated along the length of the shaft. Attenuated or reflected ultrasonic signals may be collected from the shaft as the shaft is rotated. The presence of a defect in the shaft is determined by analyzing the collected ultrasonic signals.