Abstract: An automated clinching apparatus for securing a decorative cover to a reaction plate, forming an air bag module, the reaction plate including a plurality of tabs received by the decorative cover and clinched to secure the decorative cover to the reaction plate. The automated clinching apparatus includes a clamp assembly configured to engage and hold the air bag module, and a tab clinch assembly positioned adjacent the clamp assembly for automatically clinching the tabs of the reaction plate.

Abstract: A folded air bag retaining apparatus for retaining a folded air bag coupled to a reaction plate in a folded configuration during the positioning of a cover. The apparatus including a holding fixture for supporting the reaction plate and the folded air bag coupled to the reaction plate, in a position to receive the enclosing cover, and a flexible band for retaining the folded air bag in a folded configuration until after the enclosing cover is positioned to enclose the folded air bag and the enclosing cover is coupled to the reaction plate.

Abstract: A folded air bag retaining apparatus for retaining a folded air bag coupled to a reaction plate in a folded configuration during the positioning of a cover. The apparatus including a holding fixture for supporting the reaction plate and the folded air bag coupled to the reaction plate, in a position to receive the enclosing cover, and a flexible band for retaining the folded air bag in a folded configuration until after the enclosing cover is positioned to enclose the folded air bag and the enclosing cover is coupled to the reaction plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically folding an air bag to include a bubble fold, and for inserting the folded air bag into a retainer, the air bag having a first end coupled to the retainer and a second end. The apparatus includes a holding fixture for receiving and holding the retainer, a bag folding apparatus for folding the second end of the air bag and leaving a coupling portion coupling the second end to the first end, an inserter assembly for inserting the folded second end into the retainer, and a bubble blade for forming a bubble fold in the coupling portion, the bubble blade movable between a first position intermediate the holding fixture and the inserter assembly for overlying and contacting the coupling portion and a second position removed from intermediate the holding fixture and the inserter assembly.

Abstract: An automated system is disclosed for folding vehicle air bags so that a small folded bag profile in a desirable bag deployment pattern results. A machine having a holding fixture for receiving the retainer of an air bag assembly, and a plurality of upright members. A flattened bag with pleated sides is supported above the upright members, and sequentially inserted between the upright members forming undulating folds. The upright members are removed while retaining the undulating folds. The folds are then compressed, sharpening the folds and forming a compact package. The machine also includes an inserter assembly which inserts the folded bag into the retainer.

Abstract: An automated system is disclosed for folding vehicle air bags so that a small folded bag profile in a desirable bag deployment pattern results. A machine having a holding fixture for receiving the retainer of an air bag assembly, and a plurality of upright members. A flattened bag with pleated sides is supported above the upright members, and sequentially inserted between the upright members forming undulating folds. The upright members are removed while retaining the undulating folds. The folds are then compressed, sharpening the folds and forming a compact package. The machine also includes an inserter assembly which inserts the folded bag into the retainer.

Abstract: A seaming mechanism for a machine of the type employed to secure a metallic head on a metallic drum by deforming and folding together adjacent, initially lapped, peripheral portions of the head and drum end; such mechanism embodying a pair of seaming rolls positioned for sequential movement into working engagement with such peripheral portions of the head and drum end, and corresponding seaming roll supporting arm units--actuated from a single, driven cam--operative to impart such sequential movement to said seaming rolls.

Abstract: A double-ended, drum seaming machine--which includes spaced, bed-supported columns carrying drum-engaging rotary chucks and drum seaming units--embodying a structural arrangement, in association with included stripper rods, which provides for pre-adjustment of the relative positions of the columns on the bed (according to drum length), and for predetermination of the limited-travel, working stroke of the individual columns between a retracted clearance position and an advanced position with the corresponding rotary chuck in drum head engagement.

Abstract: In the machine tool art, a dual cutter boring head which comprises a cylindrical body having side-by-side, tool-holding slides mounted diametrally thereon; the slides at their outer ends being fitted with cutters disposed exteriorly of the periphery of the body, and micro-adjustment mechanism within the confines of the body arranged to impart simultaneous, opposed, reversible motion to the slides whereby to precisely and equally adjust the slides and the cutters thereon outwardly or inwardly, selectively.