Abstract: A machine is comprised of a tool or device having a generally cylindrical plunger that is retained in a generally cylindrical body. A spring fits inside the body to spring-load the plunger by means of a jam nut or other tensioning device. The plunger has tapped mounting holes with a pilot hole on the compression end for attaching various standard or custom components or attachments. The opposite tension end has a threaded extension also used for attaching devices. The body has a smooth outside diameter with at least one flat running the entire length. Due to the close fit of the plunger and body, the plunger has an axial groove on it upper surface to allow air inside the device to escape for smooth actuation. At least one wrench flat is provided on the plunger to facilitate attachment of details. A clamp is used to restrain the body axially.

Abstract: A docking station for a robotic mail tray loading system includes a ground plate that is mounted to the floor of the building in which the robotic mail tray loading system is housed. The ground plate has first and second wheel-retaining recesses that preferably include ramped surfaces to accommodate wheels of mail carts. A plurality of guide plates are positioned to locate one pallet or two mail carts in the docking station at a time. The docking station also includes a plurality of sensors that sense the presence or absence of a pallet or cart in the docking station and that sense the type of cart present at the cart docking station.

Abstract: A tool or device is comprised of a generally cylindrical plunger that is retained in a generally cylindrical body. A spring fits inside the body to spring-load the plunger by means of a jam nut or other tensioning device. The plunger has tapped mounting holes with a pilot hole on the compression end for attaching various standard or custom components or attachments. The opposite tension end has a threaded extension also used for attaching devices. The body has a smooth outside diameter with at least one flat running the entire length. Due to the close fit of the plunger and body, the plunger has an axial groove on it upper surface to allow air inside the device to escape for smooth actuation. An optional splitclamp block is provided as a means of mounting. Also available as an option is a retracting lock.

Abstract: Packages (10) are assembled with sleeve type boxes having a receptacle portion (14) and a closure portion (24) in a process and apparatus which guide the packages between a fixed guide (52) and a movable guide (50) into a receptacle portion held in the jaws of a grasping device (66), after which the partially completed product is moved along a path (62) into engagement with a closure portion held at an angle to the path by a grasping and holding device (64) which rotates the closure portion into telescopic engagement with the receptacle portion as the two portions move along the path (62). A programmable robot (56) is used to pick up matched pairs of closure and receptacle portions, engage the closure portions with grasping and holding device (64) and engage the receptacle portions with grasping device (66); and, after insertion of a package, the matched pairs are reassembled.