Abstract: An apparatus which uses a sensing device for measuring gauges of elastomeric or rigid articles, or runout of elastomeric articles, has a pivoting arm which holds a means for creating a signal, and is movable relative to the object being measured. The means for creating a signal provides a signal to the sensing device, and the magnitude of the signal depends on the position of the pivoting arm relative to the object being measured. Movement of the pivoting arm, caused by changes in the dimensions of the object, can be recorded and analyzed.

Abstract: Air spring components and the completed air spring are carried by an air spring unloader, an end cap holder and a tubular member loader of a shuttle mechanism along a track member adjacent an air spring assembly apparatus. The shuttle mechanism is movable to three positions controlled by stop members so that the air spring can be transferred to the unloader, the end cap can be inserted in a recess of the assembly apparatus and the tubular member positioned for processing by the assembly apparatus. Simultaneously with some of these operations the air spring is transferred to a conveyor and the end cap is transferred from a loading support to the end cap holder. The loader and unloader each have a vertically movable cradle with an overarm clamp for supporting and releasing the tubular member and air spring. The end cap holder has a resiliently mounted chuck on a sliding support for transferring an end cap from a recess in the loading support and inserting the end cap in a recess of the assembly apparatus.

Abstract: A chuck member holds the end fitting of the air spring and inserts the fitting in the open end of a tubular sleeve of the spring. A housing is provided for axial movement toward and away from the chuck. An annular segmental clamping member is located in an opening in the housing and the segments are moved radially inward for positioning and crimping a ring member of the spring in response to controlled axial movement of the housing. Axial movement of the segments for positioning the ring member and inserting the end fitting may be provided by piston and cylinder assemblies. A crimping chamber in the housing is utilized to move the housing and actuate cam means engageable with the segments to provide the desired radial force which is applied by the segments during positioning and crimping of the ring member.

Abstract: A chuck member holds the end fitting of the air spring and inserts the fitting in the open end of a tubular sleeve of the spring. A housing is provided for axial movement toward and away from the chuck. An annular segmental clamping member is located in an opening in the housing and the segments are moved radially inward for positioning and crimping a ring member of the spring in response to controlled axial movement of the housing. Axial movement of the segments for positioning the ring member and inserting the end fitting may be provided by piston and cylinder assemblies. A crimping chamber in the housing is utilized to move the housing and actuate cam means engageable with the segments to provide the desired radial force which is applied by the segments during positioning and crimping of the ring member.