Abstract: A plant is made up of a plurality of automatic stations for the performance of an assembly process of body parts or the like with there being in the stations automatic support and blocking means for the parts to be assembled and automatic assembly means for the parts supported and blocked and comprising in the stations measurement sensors in established measurement points for measurement of geometrical magnitudes of the parts in assembly with the measurement data taken by the sensors being received by a processing unit which takes any deformations of the parts in the various stations and goes back from the detected deformations to the causes thereof in the asembly process and emits a diagnosis signal of the presumed cause.

Abstract: A plant is made up of a plurality of automated stations (11) for the performance of an assembly process for body parts or the like. In the stations there are measurement sensors in established measurement points for measurement of geometrical magnitudes of the parts in assembly. The measurement data taken by the sensors are received by a processing unit (16) which detects any deformations of the parts in the various stations and traces back from the deformations detected to the causes thereof and emits a diagnosis signal of the presumed cause. For identification of errors a method in accordance with the present invention comprises an analysis step in which are ascertained measurement points and correlations are ascertained between measurements detectable in the measurement points and possible causes which might generate such movements.

Abstract: Automated parts assembly station includes positioning member (11) having surfaces (15a, 16a) defining a desired mutual position of the parts to be assembled and assembly member (13) connecting the parts. At at least some of the surfaces (15a, 16a) there are measurement members (18) for measuring a distance between the at least some surfaces and facing surfaces of the parts being assembled.

Abstract: Automated parts assembly station comprising positioning means (11) having surfaces (15a, 16a) defining the desired mutual position of the parts to be assembled and assembly means (13) connecting the parts. At at least some of said surfaces (15a, 16a) there are measurement means (18) for the distance between said at least some surfaces and facing surfaces of the parts being assembled.

Abstract: An automated parts assembly station includes positioning means (11) having surfaces (15a, 16a) for defining a desired mutual position of the parts to be assembled and assembly means (13) connecting the parts. At some of the surfaces (15a, 16a) there are measurement means (18) for measuring a distance between the surfaces and facing surfaces of the parts being assembled. A method is provided for the timely detection of the assembly tolerances. The method includes the steps of performing with the positioning means a permanent positioning of the parts being assembled, operation of the assembly means for connecting the parts, and releasing of the positioning means. Additionally, there is a measurement of the distance between the assembled parts and some of the surfaces. This measurement includes a comparison of the measured distances with maximum admissible distances.

Abstract: A gauge for measuring parts and presenting a number of reconfigurable supporting elements, each having a first portion positionable on a reference surface, and a second portion positionable in relation to the first portion in a direction perpendicular to the reference surface; and a number of orientable measuring modules, each fitted to the second portion of a respective supporting element and presenting a respective linear position transducer; the supporting elements and respective measuring modules being so arranged as to define a number of discrete points for supporting the part for measurement; and each transducer detecting any departure of the actual position of a respective point of the part from a theoretical reference position of the point.

Abstract: A fixture for positioning and supporting parts for measurement on a measuring machine, the fixture presenting a number of reconfigurable supporting elements, each presenting a first portion positionable on the reference surface of the machine, and a second portion positionable in relation to the first portion in a direction perpendicular to the reference surface; and a reference tool positioned automatically by the machine, and presenting a three-dimensional reference for the second portion of the supporting elements; the supporting elements being moved manually over the reference surface so that the second portion contacts the reference tool, and being clamped in the position so defined.

Abstract: A fixture comprising a number of rearrangeable elements; a hand operated by a robot and designed to position the aforementioned rearrangeable elements on a reference table; and a number of part supporting and clamping means. The aforementioned rearrangeable elements comprise a tubular casing sliding on an air-cushioned pad; and a rod designed to slide axially inside the aforementioned tubular casing and on to the top portion of which are secured the aforementioned supporting and positioning means. (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A dimensional measurement system comprises a plurality of operating arms simultaneously controlled and monitored by a computer system wherein each of the arms includes a support structure for a measurement end and includes orthoganally displaceable members enabling three dimensions of orthoganal movement of the measurement end. The displaceable members preferably comprise a first carriage slidably engaged with a support beam, a sliding beam slidably secured to the first carriage, a second carriage secured to the sliding beam, and a second sliding beam slidably secured to the second carriage, wherein the support for the measurement end is on the end of the second sliding beam. The beams preferably include racks engaged by motor driven gears to provide controlled displacement of the displaceable members. The computer system preferably simultaneously controls movement of the arms as well as delivery of workpieces to the arms.