Abstract: An example arc-fault detection apparatus includes an electrical current measuring device connectable to an electrical circuit and configured to provide a measured signal representing an electrical current flowing in the electrical circuit. A computing device is configured to: acquire a first plurality from samples of the measured signal included into a first time interval and a second plurality of sample from the measured signal included into a second time interval, subsequent to the first time interval; perform a discrete derivative of the first plurality of samples obtaining past derivative samples and a discrete derivative of the second plurality of samples obtaining present derivative samples; compute a derivative similarity index by processing the past derivative samples and the present derivative samples according to an auto-correlation type function quantifying the similarity of the past derivative samples with the present derivative samples.

Abstract: A system of photovoltaic solar panels comprises a plurality of photovoltaic solar panels and a supporting structure provided for supporting the photovoltaic solar panels in a number of rows parallel to one another on the supporting structure. The supporting structure includes a series of cross members arranged parallel to and at a distance apart from one another, configured for blocking a respective side of a photovoltaic solar panel. In one example, each cross member comprises a single piece of sheet metal bent so as to perform the functions of centring, referencing, and blocking said photovoltaic solar panels, without the aid of further fixing or referencing elements.

Abstract: A method for outdoor installation of an array of solar converters, for example photovoltaic solar panels or solar mirrors, and a carriage for transport and the outdoor installation of the array of solar converters. The array of solar converters is assembled including a supporting frame having a longitudinal beam and cross members which together engage and support the solar converters. The carriage includes a lifting device and an auxiliary support structure including clamping devices which receive the longitudinal beam of the assembled array. The carriage engages the assembled array and transports it to an installation field. The lifting device raises and deposits the assembled array on predetermined support posts. The lifting device is lowered to disengage the carriage from the installed array and the carriage returns to engage another assembled array for transport and installation.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling battery cells or battery modules together each having electrical terminals that must be subjected to a welding operation. The apparatus includes a tool for engaging and holding the battery cells or the battery modules to be welded, which can be moved along at least two axes to carry and maintain one or more battery cells or battery modules in a configuration r position suitable for welding the electrical terminals to at least one of respective electrical connecting elements or welding said electrical terminals to each other. The apparatus also includes a welding head carried by said tool and arranged to perform welding operations on the electrical terminals to be welded.

Abstract: A method for analysing the quality of a weld bead in a welding zone using a thermal camera. A thermal image (IMG) of a given area is divided into a plurality of sub-areas each having a respective temperature (Ti). During a learning step, the temperature evolution (Ti(t)) of each sub-area is monitored for different welding conditions. During a training step, the temperature evolutions (Ti(t)) are processed for training a classifier (304). For this purpose, a respective cooling curve is extracted (302) from each temperature evolution (Ti(t)), and parameters (F) are determined that identify the shape of each cooling curve. The parameters (F) are used as input features for the classifier (304). In normal operation the temperature evolution (Ti(t)) of each sub-area (Ai) is monitored and the classifier (304) estimates weld quality (S).

Abstract: A system for positioning a row of photovoltaic solar panels (1) on a support structure (S) arranged in an outdoor space includes a vehicle (20) on which the photovoltaic solar panels (1) to be installed are arranged, and a manipulator robot (24) arranged on-board the vehicle (20) for sequentially picking-up one or more photovoltaic panels (1) from the vehicle, and for positioning them on said support structure (S) as the vehicle moves on one side along the support structure (S). An optoelectronic system (27) is used for automatic optical recognition of the correct position in which a photovoltaic solar panel (1) must be picked-up as well as the correct installing position of the photovoltaic solar panel (1) on the support structure (S).

Abstract: A functional assembly for an industrial robot includes a safety cover which selectively covers an operative unit or robot end effector. The cover includes a fixed portion and a movable portion which selectively moves relative to the fixed portion. The movable portion selectively moves to cover or uncover a portion of the operative unit for the operative unit to function for its intended purpose. The operative unit can move in two directions orthogonal to the movement of the cover movable portion allowing the operative unit to travel or reach to the full footprint of the cover. The safety cover may include sensors to detect objects in close proximity to the safety cover to slow or stop the robot or functional assembly.

Abstract: Described herein is a new method and device for operating a hemming head of the type comprising a hemming roller (101) and a second, opposed, roller (102), which are rotatable about respective axes contained in one and the same plane. The method includes variation of the position of the second roller that is opposed to the hemming roller as a function of a signal indicating the force exerted by said second roller on the metal sheet and/or as a function of a signal indicating the position of the head along the machining path.

Abstract: A system for positioning a row of photovoltaic solar panels (1) on a support structure (S) arranged in an outdoor space includes a vehicle (20) on which the photovoltaic solar panels (1) to be installed are arranged, and a manipulator robot (24) arranged on-board the vehicle (20) for sequentially picking-up one or more photovoltaic panels (1) from the vehicle, and for positioning them on said support structure (S) as the vehicle moves on one side along the support structure (S). An optoelectronic system (27) is used for automatic optical recognition of the correct position in which a photovoltaic solar panel (1) must be picked-up as well as the correct installing position of the photovoltaic solar panel (1) on the support structure (S).

Abstract: An electronically-controlled electric resistance welding head and method having a support structure and the electrodes located on the same side. The welding head including a ground electrode having an elastic device and a detecting device for detecting a force load on the elastic device on contact with a component to be welded. A welding electrode is movable relative to the ground electrode and the support structure to contact the component to be welded. An electronic control unit is operable to selectively increase the force applied by each electrode when in contact with the component to be welded until respective threshold values are achieved. Current is generated by a transformer for passage to the electrodes.

Abstract: A system and process for gluing two components together includes measuring the temperature of one or both panels to be glued together prior to application of the glue to the panels. If the measured temperature of the panel(s) is outside a predetermined range, the system and process thermally conditions the panel(s) to bring them into the predetermined temperature range for proper adhesion and known and controlled glued panel properties for subsequent riveting of the glued panels. A control unit with predetermined reference values is in communication with the system temperature sensors and thermal conditioning devices to provide uniform gluing quality irrespective of the environmental conditions of the assembly line.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring and correcting the position and orientation of an operating device (2) with respect to a piece (P). A measuring device (5) including a plurality of sensors (505) connected to the operating device is used to measure through contactless technology the distances of the sensors from a surface (?) of the piece along respective directions (l, r, s) having given orientations. The sensor measurements are compared to predetermined desired values and the position of the operating device (2) is selectively changed to maintain a desired positional relationship between a main operative axis (X1) of the operative device and operation axis (X2) defined by the surface of the piece.

Abstract: A system and process for gluing two components together includes measuring the temperature of one or both panels to be glued together prior to application of the glue to the panels. If the measured temperature of the panel(s) is outside a predetermined range, the system and process thermally conditions the panel(s) to bring them into the predetermined temperature range for proper adhesion. A control unit with predetermined reference values is in communication with the system temperature sensors and thermal conditioning devices to provide uniform gluing quality irrespective of the environmental conditions of the assembly line.

Abstract: Described herein is a new method and device for operating a hemming head of the type comprising a hemming roller (101) and a second, opposed, roller (102), which are rotatable about respective axes contained in one and the same plane. The method includes variation of the position of the second roller that is opposed to the hemming roller as a function of a signal indicating the force exerted by said second roller on the metal sheet and/or as a function of a signal indicating the position of the head along the machining path.

Abstract: A system and process for gluing two components together includes measuring the temperature of one or both panels to be glued together prior to application of the glue to the panels. If the measured temperature of the panel(s) is outside a predetermined range, the system and process thermally conditions the panel(s) to bring them into the predetermined temperature range for proper adhesion and known and controlled glued panel properties for subsequent riveting of the glued panels. A control unit with predetermined reference values is in communication with the system temperature sensors and thermal conditioning devices to provide uniform gluing quality irrespective of the environmental conditions of the assembly line.

Abstract: A functional assembly for an industrial robot includes a safety cover which selectively covers an operative unit or robot end effector. The cover includes a fixed portion and a movable portion which selectively moves relative to the fixed portion. The movable portion selectively moves to cover or uncover a portion of the operative unit for the operative unit to function for its intended purpose. The operative unit can move in two directions orthogonal to the movement of the cover movable portion allowing the operative unit to travel or reach to the full footprint of the cover. The safety cover may include sensors to detect objects in close proximity to the safety cover to slow or stop the robot or functional assembly.

Abstract: A system and process for gluing two components together includes measuring the temperature of one or both panels to be glued together prior to application of the glue to the panels. If the measured temperature of the panel(s) is outside a predetermined range, the system and process thermally conditions the panel(s) to bring them into the predetermined temperature range for proper adhesion. A control unit with predetermined reference values is in communication with the system temperature sensors and thermal conditioning devices to provide uniform gluing quality irrespective of the environmental conditions of the assembly line.

Abstract: An electronically-controlled electric resistance welding head and method having a support structure and the electrodes located on the same side. The welding head including a ground electrode having an elastic device and a detecting device for detecting a force load on the elastic device on contact with a component to be welded. A welding electrode is movable relative to the ground electrode and the support structure to contact the component to be welded. An electronic control unit is operable to selectively increase the force applied by each electrode when in contact with the component to be welded until respective threshold values are achieved. Current is generated by a transformer for passage to the electrodes.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring and correcting the position and orientation of an operating device (2) with respect to a piece (P). A measuring device (5) including a plurality of sensors (505) connected to the operating device is used to measure through contactless technology the distances of the sensors from a surface (?) of the piece along respective directions (l, r, s) having given orientations. The sensor measurements are compared to predetermined desired values and the position of the operating device (2) is selectively changed to maintain a desired positional relationship between a main operative axis (X1) of the operative device and operation axis (X2) defined by the surface of the piece.

Abstract: A system for performing industrial operations comprises at least one tool head provided with a tool and at least one sensor associated to the tool head. The system further comprises a control module mounted on the tool head including a data-acquisition unit connected to the sensor configured for acquiring the data coming from said at least one sensor, and a wireless transmission unit connected to the acquisition unit for receiving the aforesaid acquired data and for transmitting the data acquired to a receiving unit in a wireless mode. The module further comprises a device for storing electrical energy for electrical supply of the control module. The system further comprises a wireless charging system for charging the device for storing electrical energy comprising a first charging device carried by the tool head and connected to the energy-storage device and a second charging device associated to a stationary workstation.