Abstract: An apparatus for processing an un-inflated tire-wheel assembly for forming an inflated tire-wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least a first robotic arm and a second robotic arm forming a pair of robotic arms; an assembling end effecter attached to the first robotic arm; and an inflating end effecter attached to the second robotic arm, wherein the assembling end effecter is indirectly interfaceable with the inflating end effecter by way of the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly. One or more methods are also disclosed. One or more components are also disclosed. One or more systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing an un-inflated tire-wheel assembly for forming an inflated tire-wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least a first robotic arm and a second robotic arm forming a pair of robotic arms; an assembling end effecter attached to the first robotic arm; and an inflating end effecter attached to the second robotic arm, wherein the assembling end effecter is indirectly interfaceable with the inflating end effecter by way of the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly. One or more methods are also disclosed. One or more components are also disclosed. One or more systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming thick wall plastic components laminated with formable decorative film layers. A thermoformable thick wall plastic sheet in the range of 0.065 to about 0.300 inches thick over at least half its area is provided having a thermoformable decorative dry film coating on one side forming an outer surface of the laminated sheet. The sheet is peripherally supported in an open center rack, heated in one or more ovens to forming temperature and formed by a combination of compression and, preferably, vacuum forming with subsequent trimming of excess material to form a finished component with a high quality finish suitable for automotive body use. The compression and vacuum forming steps may be interchangeably performed in order and provide for high quality finish on the outer surface with shaping of reentrant wall portions on the inner side. Any suitable form of laminated sheet may be formed by the apparatus and method.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a desiccant assembly for a refrigeration circuit of the type used in automotive air conditioning systems. The method includes performing a container body by cutting a piece of seamless tube stock and friction forming one end of the tube to form an end wall. One or more apertures are formed within the container body to accommodate refrigerant circuit fittings. A refrigerant tube is installed in the container body along with associated components such as the desiccant material, additional fittings etc. Thereafter, the container body is again friction formed to enclose the opposite end wall of the container. The method according to this invention avoids the disadvantages associated with a multi-piece desiccant container which is subject to refrigerant leakage.

Abstract: A jaw assembly for use with a work arm to move workpieces from one station to another is disclosed. The jaw assembly is operable to grip and release workpieces and comprises jaw elements arranged in a uniform pattern about the axis of the jaw assembly which are displaced radially to grip and release workpieces. The actuator comprises a fluid power operated rod coaxial with the axis of the jaw assembly. The rod is operatively coupled with each jaw element by means of a corresponding crank. A pair of flat yieldably resilient strips are cooperative with the crank and the jaw element so as to maintain the jaw element in a predetermined relationship as it moves radially. In the preferred embodiment, this predetermined relationship is a vertical orientation of the work gripping surface of the jaw element, the same as the axis of the jaw assembly which is also vertical.

Abstract: A work transfer device executes a generally rectilinear path of movement for progressively transferring articles between successive stations. Transverse vertical motion is imparted via a track which is bodily transversely displaced while maintained parallel with the longitudinal travel of the carriage. A roller rides in the track with longitudinal motion of the carriage. The track is displaced by a double bellcrank mechanism to shift the roller vertically and in turn impart vertical transverse motion to the device.