Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a catalytic converter, comprising a casing assembling device which includes a stationary receiving stand onto which one of the casing halves is placed with its inner surface directed upwardly, a positioning member movable between a position in which an end face of the catalyst abuts against the positioning member within the casing on the stationary receiving stand and a position outside of the casing, a lift bearer capable of holding the other casing half with its inner surface directed downwardly and liftable above the stationary receiving stand, and welding machines disposed on opposite sides of the stationary receiving stand.

Abstract: A method and a system for forming a rod-like member into a three-dimensional frame structure, involving a work feed station for individually feeding a rod-like member, a bending station for bending the rod-like member having a prescribed length into a two-dimensional frame structure, a welding station for welding two mutually abutting ends of the two-dimensional frame structure of the rod-like member; and a forming station for plastically forming the two-dimensional frame structure into a three-dimensional frame structure. Typically, the two dimensional structure comprises a loop structure formed by joining two opposite ends of the rod-like member by welding, and the rod-like member consists of a pipe member. Thus, by welding the mutually abutting parts of the rod-like member together when it is formed into a two-dimensional frame, retaining the rod-like member for the welding is simplified as it involves the retaining of the rod-like member against its positional variations only in one direction.

Abstract: A device for retaining an attachment member having an engagement portion for engagement with an outer circumferential surface of a rod-like member, comprising: a receptacle for receiving a main part of the attachment member with some play; an elastic member for retaining the main part at its first position for keeping the rod-like member and the engagement portion from interfering with each other when the rod-like member is brought into a preliminary position for engagement with the engagement portion; and a pressure unit for bringing the attachment member to its second position for engaging the engagement portion with the rod-like member against a biasing force of the elastic member. When the attachment member is placed in the receptacle, it is held in its first position for not causing any interference between the engagement portion and the rod-like member by being supported by the elastic member. The rod-like member is then placed at a prescribed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a tubular mesh ring annularly interposed between a tubular casing in a catalytic converter and a columnar catalyst unit inserted therein, the mesh ring alternately having a plurality of crests and roots extending incliningly with respect to an axis of the catalyst unit when mounted to the converter, the assembling apparatus comprising a pair of side receiving members for supporting the sides of the mesh plate with an overlapped portion of the mesh tube positioned on top and the axis thereof oriented to be substantially horizontal, a lower receiving member for supporting the lower portion thereof, an upper receiving member for supporting the overlapped portion from below, an electrode secured to the upper surface of the upper receiving member and capable of bearing against the overlapped portion from below, a pressing plate for urging the overlapped portion against the electrode, and an electrode tip in cooperation with the electrode to spot-weld the overlapped portion of the mesh t

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for attaching a ring-like part to the outer periphery of a columnar material, as, for example, in the assembling of a catalytic converter. The columnar material is positioned and supported with its axis oriented horizontally. A guide member is supported from the side to position it adjacent to the columnar material on the same axis as the columnar material. The guide member has an outer inclined surface enlarged towards the columnar material. The guide member is then supported in the axial direction and at the same time, has the side support thereof released. The ring-like part is then pushed while guiding it on the outer inclined surface of the guide member to fit it over a portion of the columnar material. The pushing of the ring-like part is released and then the guide member is again supported from the sides, while at the same time, the support thereof from the axial direction is released.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for assembling an insert assembly in a catalytic converter comprising a casing and an insert assembly therein. The insert assembly comprises a columnar catalyst having a seal mat wound around the outer periphery thereof and a mesh ring attached thereto. The seal mat is fitted in a groove provided in a receiving member for the placement of a catalyst and the catalyst is placed and positioned, with its axis substantially horizontal, on the receiving member. A guide member is positioned adjacent to the catalyst on the same axis as the catalyst and supported from the sides thereof, the guide member having an outer inclined surface enlarged towards the catalyst. The mesh ring is positioned on the same axis as the catalyst on the side of the guide member opposite to the side of the catalyst. The opposite end of the seal mat are engaged to wind the seal mat around the catalyst and the mesh ring is resiliently supported from the outside thereof.