Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically interfitting a part and mount utilize a housing having a chamber and an inwardly tapered alignment surface. A piston reciprocates in the chamber and has a gripper end that moves out of and into the housing, past the alignment surface, when alternating spring and air pressure forces act on the piston. Such movement of the piston accurately positions a gripped part, and the housing then reciprocates so that the alignment surfaces accurately position a mount. The piston then moves the part to an interfit with the mount.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for removing a sheet or layer such as a release sheet (56) from a workpiece. A pair of pinch rollers (18,24) grasps a lifted portion (60) of the release sheet and drives the release sheet therebetween to plate means (34,36) that guide the release sheet away from the pinch rollers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for removing a sheet such as a release sheet (18) in adherence with a workpiece such as a foam pad (12). The release sheet is contacted with a knife to form a slit, a needle then enters and engages the slit to lift a portion (102) of the release sheet, and a peeler (48) then grasps the lifter portion and peels the release sheet from the workpiece.

Abstract: A device for exchanging simple tools that do not need utility service is adapted to facilitate coupling one such tool to, and uncoupling it from, a movable robotic arm. The device comprises an attaching member attachable to the tool, a supporting member connected to the arm and having an open slot therein and a recessed upper surface adjacent to the slot, and a retaining member movably mounted to the arm above the supporting member and spring-biased toward the supporting member slot and upper surface. The attaching member, attached to the tool, is received by the open slot, supported by the recessed upper surface, and yieldably retained there by the spring-biased retaining member during use. The attaching member is then withdrawn from the slot, upper surface, and retaining member, and returned to a storage rack located nearby.