Abstract: A system is provided for the automated assembly of engine cylinder valves capable of registering a valve stem as a robot datum working location, placing a valve stem spring over the working location, compressing the valve stem spring onto the valve stem, inserting a valve keeper into a valve stem seating notch and locking the valve keeper with a cap by a computer controlled automated cylinder head assembly line. A spring feeding station registers the valve stem and said places the valve stem spring over the working location. A multi-axis mechanical robot grips the valve spring about its outer diameter with a gripping fixture from a spring feeding fixture forming an end effector incorporating a jaw gripper urged by a pneumatically actuator. A vision system locates a cylinder block on a transferred pallet to determine an X, Y, and Rz plane for placement of the valve, spring and spring keeper.

Abstract: A virtual stop station is provided having a carriage straddling an assembly line operation. This provides an independently moving platform upon which one or more manufacturing robots are affixed. The carriage is coordinated with and tracked to the linear motion of the assembly line. A vision guidance system centers the workpiece, and lifting arms mounted on the moving carriage will locate the workpiece and lift the workpiece up off of the conveyor, while being coordinated with it. The workpiece and robots thus are now fixtured to the same frame, thus eliminating movement relative to one another creating a virtual stop station. Once subassembly is complete, the coordinated robotic gantry will disengage from the conveyor and return home. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A tire rubber extruder automatic loading and management system is provided for continuous and automatic control of a rubber extrusion line. Batches of rubber slab material, whether for sidewall or tread, are connected in an automated manner to provide a continuous material stream for feeding a tread extruder supply conveyor within a tire manufacturing system. Joiner between adjacent slabs are implemented utilizing a stitched joint of material. Stitch pins are driven through both rubber slab layers to a specific depth into a clearance hole to create an optimized rubber mechanical adhesion zone. The result is a funnel shaped adhesion channel penetrating entirely through the layers of material perpendicular to the direction slab movement and tension. The resulting “rivet” like button structures are extremely strong, have no Impurities that could otherwise be added via adhesives, and can be formed in an automated manner within the available process cycle times.

Abstract: A practical intelligent assist device is provided that eliminates the complex use of force sensing weigh cells and vector interpreting software. By simplifying the input to a series of traditional voltage inputs, i.e. 1-4 volt signals, the use of standard available control componentry becomes available. Utilizing a series of such simplified inputs, including a load angle feedback, the processing of the vector math can be accomplished within a programmable logic controller (PLC). Outputs can then be simply generated to control a series of 0-60 Hz digital signals to drive direct drive motors.