Abstract: A system and method for processing a flexible part comprising holding the flexible part securely in an unconstrained position using a holder; and controlling a positioner to process the flexible part based on a comparison of a shape and/or position of the flexible part in the unconstrained position with design specifications of the part not in the unconstrained position.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a flexible part comprising holding the flexible part securely in an unconstrained position using a holder; and controlling a positioner to process the flexible part based on a comparison of a shape and/or position of the flexible part in the unconstrained position with design specifications of the part not in the unconstrained position.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a flexible part comprising holding the flexible part securely in an unconstrained position using a holder; and controlling a positioner to process the flexible part based on a comparison of a shape and/or position of the flexible part in the unconstrained position with design specifications of the part not in the unconstrained position.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a flexible part comprising holding the flexible part securely in an unconstrained position using a holder; and controlling a positioner to process the flexible part based on a comparison of a shape and/or position of the flexible part in the unconstrained position with design specifications of the part not in the unconstrained position.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a flexible part comprising holding the flexible part securely in an unconstrained position using a holder; and controlling a positioner to process the flexible part based on a comparison of a shape and/or position of the flexible part in the unconstrained position with design specifications of the part not in the unconstrained position.

Abstract: A gantry robot system includes a bridge assembly and a carriage assembly. The bridge assembly and/or a mounting plate supported by the carriage assembly can be rotationally skewed.

Abstract: A system and method for supporting a workpiece includes a plurality of support assemblies with movable heads. Positional errors are ascertained for the heads based on different positions thereof and used to properly position the heads to support the workpiece. Other inventive aspects are directed to features of the support assemblies and heads thereof.

Abstract: A support assembly and a method for holding an elongated workpiece are provided. First and second tensioning assemblies are spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis. Each tensioning assembly has a fixture element adapted to hold a portion of the workpiece and a tension actuator operably coupled to the fixture element to move the fixture element. First and second clamp devices are disposed along the longitudinal axis where the first clamp device is disposed on a first side of the longitudinal axis and the second lateral clamp device is disposed on a second side of the longitudinal axis. Each lateral clamp device has an end portion configured to hold a portion of the workpiece and restrain the workpiece for twisting and/or lateral movement of the workpiece orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and a clamp actuator operably coupled to the end portion to move the end portion.

Abstract: A system and method for supporting a workpiece includes a plurality of support assemblies with movable heads. Positional errors are ascertained for the heads based on different positions thereof and used to properly position the heads to support the workpiece. Other inventive aspects are directed to features of the support assemblies and heads thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for supporting a workpiece includes a plurality of support assemblies with movable heads. Positional errors are ascertained for the heads based on different positions thereof and used to properly position the heads to support the workpiece. Other inventive aspects are directed to features of the support assemblies and heads thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for supporting a workpiece includes a plurality of support assemblies with movable heads. Positional errors are ascertained for the heads based on different positions thereof and used to properly position the heads to support the workpiece. Other inventive aspects are directed to features of the support assemblies and heads thereof.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to crane systems and/or hoists. One aspect includes in combination with a pair of runways in a crane system, a pair of hoist assemblies moveable on the runways, a pair of transfer rails selectively disposable transversely to the runways, the transfer rails including racks for at least a portion of one or both of the hoist assemblies to travel on, a spreader assembly locatable between the hoist assemblies and engaging the runways and/or the hoist assemblies to push the runways or hoist assemblies apart during insertion of the transfer rails between the runways.

Abstract: A support assembly and a method for holding an elongated workpiece are provided. First and second tensioning assemblies are spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis. Each tensioning assembly has a fixture element adapted to hold a portion of the workpiece and a tension actuator operably coupled to the fixture element to move the fixture element. First and second clamp devices are disposed along the longitudinal axis where the first clamp device is disposed on a first side of the longitudinal axis and the second lateral clamp device is disposed on a second side of the longitudinal axis. Each lateral clamp device has an end portion configured to hold a portion of the workpiece and restrain the workpiece for twisting and/or lateral movement of the workpiece orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and a clamp actuator operably coupled to the end portion to move the end portion.

Abstract: A system for performing work in a hot cell includes a support arm having a first end and a second end and a movable arm having an end selectively engageable with the first end to form a rigid connection. Complementary coupling devices are disposed on the first end of the support arm and on the end of the movable arm and mate together when the movable arm is joined to the support arm.

Abstract: A manipulator system includes an elongated mast having a mast axis and a telescoping tube assembly having a tube axis. The telescoping tube assembly includes an outer tube section and at least one inner tube section that only moves telescopically with respect to the outer tube section. The telescoping tube assembly is joined to an end of the elongated mast for only pivotal movement. An actuator joined to the elongated mast and the outer tube section pivots the telescoping tube assembly from a first position, wherein the tube axis is parallel to the mast axis and the telescoping tube assembly is retracted, to a second position, wherein the tube axis is perpendicular to the mast axis and the inner tube section is deployable. An end effector is joined to a remote end of the inner tube section to perform work within the tank.

Abstract: An extensible and retractable telescoping tube positions test devices that inspect large stationary objects. The tube has three dimensional adjustment capabilities and is vertically suspended from a frame. The tube sections are independently supported with each section comprising U-shaped housing secured to a thicker support plate. Guide mechanisms preferably mounted only to the thicker plates guide each tube section parallel to a reference axis with improved accuracy so that the position of the remote end of the telescoping tube is precisely known.