Abstract: An acoustic collection and collection assembly comprises an acoustic collection dish, a support frame, and a microphone mount extending from the support frame that allows one or more microphones to be positioned at the acoustic focal point of the dish for optimal capture of distant sounds.

Abstract: An acoustic collection and collection assembly comprises an acoustic collection dish, a support frame, and a microphone mount extending from the support frame that allows one or more microphones to be positioned at the acoustic focal point of the dish for optimal capture of distant sounds.

Abstract: A workstation having an adjustable support structure is disclosed. The workstation includes a beam, a position locking apparatus, and a workpiece-supporting device slideable along the beam to a position where it is locked by the locking apparatus. The locking apparatus is configured to exert a constraining force proportional to a load force. Also disclosed is a workstation including a means for supporting a workpiece, a means for supporting a means for supporting the workpiece at a selected distance above a floor, and a means for frictionally securing the means for supporting the workpiece to the means for supporting the means for supporting the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for picking and placing an object is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongated frame, first and second carriages slidingly engaged with the frame, first and second connecting rods pivotally engaged with the first carriage at one end and at least a third connecting rod pivotally engaged with the second carriage at one end, and a gripper pivotally and operatively attached to the connecting rods at their other ends. The method of operation includes moving the gripper in a first direction (upwardly) by sliding the first and second carriages away from each other along the frame, moving the gripper in a second direction (laterally), perpendicular to the first direction, by sliding the first and second carriages together along the frame in the same direction, and moving, the gripper in a third direction (downwardly), opposite to the first direction, by sliding the first and second carriages toward each other along the frame.

Abstract: A workstation having an adjustable support structure is disclosed. The workstation includes a beam, a position locking apparatus, and a workpiece-supporting device slideable along the beam to a position where it is locked by the locking apparatus. The locking apparatus is configured to exert a constraining force proportional to a load force. Also disclosed is a workstation including a means for supporting a workpiece, a means for supporting a means for supporting the workpiece at a selected distance above a floor, and a means for frictionally securing the means for supporting the workpiece to the means for supporting the means for supporting the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically assembling a plurality of identical first articles onto a second article. The second article is supported by a platform which is movable about three linear axes and three rotational axes by a six-axis positioning device. The first articles are held in a fixed position and the second article is positioned so as to insert the first articles into the second article as required. In the preferred embodiment, a torque converter turbine drum is supported by the platform to engage turbine blades which are supported in fixed position with respect thereto. The turbine drum is rotated with respect to the blades so as to permit the insertion of the blades into the drum by rotation and positioning of the drum in six axes.

Abstract: A mechanism for lifting from an operating position, inverting, and returning to the operating position a workpiece. The mechanism includes two drive devices, a linear drive which provides a continuous lifting force to a vertically movable member, and rotary drive which is energized to lift, invert, and lower a workpiece. The vertically movable member carries a rotational support member, which includes a rotatable shaft from which is supported the workpiece. The vertically movable member is raised, rotated and lowered by the rotary drive through a pair of levers, a first one of which is connected to rotate with the rotatable shaft and the second one of which is connected to be rotated by the rotary drive. Rotation of the second lever is imparted to the first lever through a cam and cam follower arrangement, the cam being provided on one of the levers and the cam follower on the other lever.

Abstract: A rotate/translate conveyor module enables a workpiece to be selectively rotated and translated between adjacent sections of a conveyor without having to be lifted above the plane of the adjacent conveyor sections. The rotate/translate conveyor module comprises a plurality of roller modules that are arranged along the path of the workpiece. Each roller module has at least one roller that is driven by an independent electric motor. The rollers of the roller modules support the workpiece in the same plane as the rollers of the conveyor sections. In one embodiment, four roller modules are symmetrically located about the workpiece path, with the longitudinal axes of the rollers intersecting at 90 degrees and at a point on the workpiece path. By operating the electric motors in different combinations of directions, four translational and two rotational motions can be imparted to the workpiece.

Abstract: A zone controlled conveyance system includes a series of modular sections arranged end-to-end to define a path along which a workpiece is propelled. Each section is divided into one or more zones. Each zone includes a number of rollers that support the workpiece and propel it in the downstream direction in accordance with the energization of a separate motor drivingly connected to each roller. Sensors associated with each zone sense the presence or absence of a workpiece within the zone. The sensors cooperate with a controller to selectively energize or deenergize the motors of the various zones in a manner that controls downstream propulsion or accumulation of the workpieces. The sections include radiussed sections and sharp corner sections. The sharp corner sections may include a turntable that changes the workpiece orientation.