Abstract: A process for placing a part in a predetermined region is described. The part is defined by a part boundary and the predetermined region is defined by a region boundary. The process includes the steps of identifying corner locations of the bounded region in which parts may be placed and minimizing waste during part placement. Waste minimization may be accomplished by placing the part in a plurality of different locations in the predetermined region and at each location identifying area elements which extend from the part boundary of the part, computing the area of each of the area elements, assigning a weight value to each of the area elements and computing a weighted sum of the area elements surrounding the part boundary in each of the locations of the predetermined region. Waste is minimized at a first one of the plurality of locations of the predetermined boundary having the lowest weighted sum.

Abstract: A latching fastener having cocking and triggering mechanisms is provided. The fastener has two flexible fastening latch arms each fixed at a proximal end of the arm and having a free distal end. The two arms are located relative to each other to cooperate in grasping a structure between them. A fastener cocking mechanism is connected to the fastening latch arms for retracting the distal ends of the arms when the cocking mechanism is activated, to thereby produce a latching gap between the distal ends of the arms. A trigger mechanism is located between the fastening latch arms such that a structure guided into the latching gap can activate the trigger, for deactivating the cocking mechanism, which in turn results in closing together of the distal ends of the fastening latch arms, to grasp the structure between them and latch the structure to the fastener.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic orientation and assembly are provided. A first plurality of parts are mated with corresponding depressions or other irregularities formed in a pallet by vibrating the pallet and moving the parts thereover. A second plurality of parts are then oriented in a predetermined positional relationship with the first parts, for example matingly engaged therewith, by passing the parts over the pallet which is again vibrated, generally with different vibration parameters. The second parts may matingly engage corresponding irregularities in the first part, may be positioned and oriented by further irregularities on the pallet, or a template may be provided over the pallet with openings for positioning and orienting the second parts. The passing of parts over the pallel and vibration of the pallet may be repeated for additional parts to be assembled if desired.