Abstract: A system for object detection of a manufactured part. The system comprises a system controller electronically coupled to an image acquisition device and delivery mechanism. An electronically stored ordered object detection map is provided which comprises predetermined detectable objects associated with the manufactured part. The ordered object detection map is generated from output created by execution of a trained object detection model and by processing such output according to predetermined calibration criteria. The system causing a visual image of the manufactured part to be captured with image data being extracted and processed to render at least one of a pass determination and a fail determination. The system being configured to process the manufactured based upon the rendered pass/fail determination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for testing articles. The method comprises providing a plurality of test stations, a conveyor assembly and a central controller; using a first test station to perform tests on an article under a first testing schedule; determining identification information of the article by a sensor device as the article enters the first station; storing test completion information in relation to the corresponding identification information at the controller; wherein, if the test completion information indicates that all tests were performed, then updating a second testing schedule to confirm that no additional testing is needed at a second station; and wherein if the test completion information indicates that a test was not completed, then updating the second testing schedule so that, when the article is in the second test station, a not completed test can be performed to prevent the conveyor from having to be stopped.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for testing articles. The method comprises providing a plurality of test stations, a conveyor assembly and a central controller; using a first test station to perform tests on an article under a first testing schedule; determining identification information of the article by a sensor device as the article enters the first station; storing test completion information in relation to the corresponding identification information at the controller; wherein, if the test completion information indicates that all tests were performed, then updating a second testing schedule to confirm that no additional testing is needed at a second station; and wherein if the test completion information indicates that a test was not completed, then updating the second testing schedule so that, when the article is in the second test station, a not completed test can be performed to prevent the conveyor from having to be stopped.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for assembling and/or testing articles (101,102), the system comprising a plurality of stations (11, 12) adapted to hold and/or test articles (101, 102); a conveyor assembly (20, 21, 22, 23) connecting the plurality of stations (11, 12) and adapted to move articles between the stations at predetermined time intervals; and a central controller (30) connected to at least one of the stations (11, 12), wherein the central controller is adapted to receive and store assembly and/or test step completion information from the at least one station at the end of each time interval.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for assembling and/or testing articles (101,102), the system comprising a plurality of stations (11, 12) adapted to hold and/or test articles (101, 102); a conveyor assembly (20, 21, 22, 23) connecting the plurality of stations (11, 12) and adapted to move articles between the stations at predetermined time intervals; and a central controller (30) connected to at least one of the stations (11, 12), wherein the central controller is adapted to receive and store assembly and/or test step completion information from the at least one station at the end of each time interval.

Abstract: A full proof method to relate torque values to a fastener position has been presented. A unique number based on a position location is used in conjunction with running fasteners in a fixed order allows a person to be able to prove the torque value of an installed fastener. The method may be used in a single assembly fastener station environment or a multiple assembly fastener station environment.

Abstract: A retractable plunger apparatus is provided. The plunger apparatus comprises a bushing, a plunger, a resilient member, and a guard. The bushing has an abutment while the plunger includes a handle, a counter abutment, and a locking element. The plunger is slideable relative to the bushing and moveable between a stopped position, where the counter abutment is engaged with the abutment, and a disengaged position displaced from the stopped position, where a gap is formed between the counter abutment and the abutment. The resilient member is supported by the bushing and urges the plunger and the bushing toward the stopped position. The guard protectively covers the gap as the plunger transitions between the stopped position and the disengaged position.

Abstract: A more reliable and fool-proof method and apparatus for assembling an article of assembly (e.g. with predetermined screw torque requirements) in which the article of assembly has multiple fastening locations. The method comprises holding the article of assembly fixed while providing at least two different types of targets fixed relative to the article of assembly that correspond to the individual fastening locations. Fasteners are fastened into the article of assembly at the fastening locations. When fastening is occurring at one of the fastening locations, one of the targets is being sensed. Based on the target sensed, a target output is generated that differentiates between different types of targets thereby indicating fastening location of the fastening tool. The electronic target output is used for electronic control such as for stopping a conveyor to keep the article of assembly at an assembly station until the fastening operations have been completed.

Abstract: A more reliable and fool-proof method and apparatus for assembling an article of assembly (e.g. with predetermined screw torque requirements) in which the article of assembly has multiple fastening locations. The method comprises holding the article of assembly fixed while providing at least two different types of targets fixed relative to the article of assembly that correspond to the individual fastening locations. Fasteners are fastened into the article of assembly at the fastening locations. When fastening is occurring at one of the fastening locations, one of the targets is being sensed. Based on the target sensed, a target output is generated that differentiates between different types of targets thereby indicating fastening location of the fastening tool. The electronic target output is used for electronic control such as for stopping a conveyor to keep the article of assembly at an assembly station until the fastening operations have been completed.

Abstract: A more reliable and fool-proof method and apparatus for assembling an article of assembly (e.g. with predetermined screw torque requirements) in which the article of assembly has multiple fastening locations. The method comprises holding the article of assembly fixed while providing at least two different types of targets fixed relative to the article of assembly that correspond to the individual fastening locations. Fasteners are fastened into the article of assembly at the fastening locations. When fastening is occurring at one of the fastening locations, one of the targets is being sensed. Based on the target sensed, a target output is generated that differentiates between different types of targets thereby indicating fastening location of the fastening tool. The electronic target output is used for electronic control such as for stopping a conveyor to keep the article of assembly at an assembly station until the fastening operations have been completed.

Abstract: A more reliable and fool-proof method and apparatus for assembling an article of assembly (e.g. with predetermined screw torque requirements) in which the article of assembly has multiple fastening locations. The method comprises holding the article of assembly fixed while providing at least two different types of targets fixed relative to the article of assembly that correspond to the individual fastening locations. Fasteners are fastened into the article of assembly at the fastening locations. When fastening is occurring at one of the fastening locations, one of the targets is being sensed. Based on the target sensed, a target output is generated that differentiates between different types of targets thereby indicating fastening location of the fastening tool. The electronic target output is used for electronic control such as for stopping a conveyor to keep the article of assembly at an assembly station until the fastening operations have been completed.

Abstract: A more reliable and fool-proof method and apparatus for assembling an article of assembly (e.g. with predetermined screw torque requirements) in which the article of assembly has multiple fastening locations. The method comprises holding the article of assembly fixed while providing at least two different types of targets fixed relative to the article of assembly that correspond to the individual fastening locations. Fasteners are fastened into the article of assembly at the fastening locations. When fastening is occurring at one of the fastening locations, one of the targets is being sensed. Based on the target sensed, a target output is generated that differentiates between different types of targets thereby indicating fastening location of the fastening tool. The electronic target output is used for electronic control such as for stopping a conveyor to keep the article of assembly at an assembly station until the fastening operations have been completed.

Abstract: A more reliable and fool-proof method and apparatus for assembling an article of assembly (e.g. with predetermined screw torque requirements) in which the article of assembly has multiple fastening locations. The method comprises holding the article of assembly fixed while providing at least two different types of targets fixed relative to the article of assembly that correspond to the individual fastening locations. Fasteners are fastened into the article of assembly at the fastening locations. When fastening is occurring at one of the fastening locations, one of the targets is being sensed. Based on the target sensed, a target output is generated that differentiates between different types of targets thereby indicating fastening location of the fastening tool. The electronic target output is used for electronic control such as for stopping a conveyor to keep the article of assembly at an assembly station until the fastening operations have been completed.