Abstract: A cable tie tensioning device is provided. The cable tie tensioning device includes a tensioning assembly configured to at least partially receive a cable tie and apply tension to the cable tie. The cable tie tensioning device further includes a cutting assembly configured to cut the cable tie after the tension has been applied to the cable tie with the tensioning assembly. The cutting assembly includes a cutting motor configured to actuate a mechanical system to perform a cutting action of the cable tie. The cutting motor is separate from a motor associated with the tensioning assembly.

Abstract: A cable tie tensioning device is provided. The cable tie tensioning device includes a tensioning assembly configured to at least partially receive a cable tie and apply tension to the cable tie. The cable tie tensioning device further includes an actuator in communication with the tensioning assembly for operating the tensioning assembly. The cable tie tensioning device further includes a user interface in communication with the tensioning assembly. The user interface includes an input means for input of a target tension to be applied by the tensioning assembly to the cable tie, and an output means for display of an actual tension being applied by the tensioning assembly to the cable tie during operation of the tensioning assembly.

Abstract: A cable tie tensioning device is provided. The cable tie tensioning device includes a motor mechanically coupled to a lead screw drive, and a pulling shaft mechanically coupled at a first end to the lead screw drive. The cable tie tensioning device further includes a tie handling jaw mechanically coupled to a second end of the lead screw drive. The tie handling jaw is configured to at least partially receive a cable tie for tensioning of the cable tie during operation of the motor. The cable tie tensioning device further includes a sensor disposed in line with the motor and the lead screw drive.

Abstract: A cable tie tensioning device is provided. The device includes a tensioning assembly configured to at least partially receive a cable tie and apply tension to the cable tie, and a user interface configured to receive as input a target tension to be applied by the tensioning assembly to the cable tie. The device further includes a sensor configured to measure an actual tension being applied by the tensioning assembly to the cable tie during operation of the tensioning assembly. The device further includes a controller in communication with the tensioning assembly, the user interface, and the sensor. The controller is configured to adjust operation of the tensioning assembly based on the measured actual tension from the sensor to achieve the target tension input at the user interface.

Abstract: A modular device is used to inspect a confined space in a machine. The entire inspection coverage area and corresponding status are mapped so that the inspection location and associated data are graphically visualized. An accelerometer mounted on the device serves as a tilt sensor and also provides data about a collision of the device with the space being inspected or defects therein. The accelerometer data in combination with an odometry system determines the axial position of the device. A gyroscope mounted on the device is used to determine the device heading. The locational information is used to generate an inspection map that provides inspection history, logged data and a reference that are useful in scheduling the next inspection. The output of the gyroscopes can be used to provide haptic feedback to the device operator to maintain proper device orientation.

Abstract: A modular device is used to inspect a confined space in a machine. The entire inspection coverage area and corresponding status are mapped so that the inspection location and associated data are graphically visualized. An accelerometer mounted on the device serves as a tilt sensor and also provides data about a collision of the device with the space being inspected or defects therein. The accelerometer data in combination with an odometry system determines the axial position of the device. A gyroscope mounted on the device is used to determine the device heading. The locational information is used to generate an inspection map that provides inspection history, logged data and a reference that are useful in scheduling the next inspection. The output of the gyroscopes can be used to provide haptic feedback to the device operator to maintain proper device orientation.

Abstract: A socket is provided for removing or installing a fastener having a hexagonally shaped portion. The socket includes a body having a longitudinal axis and opposing first and second ends. First surfaces define a tool-receiving portion at the first end. The tool-receiving portion is constructed and arranged to receive a portion of a tool. Second surfaces define a socket portion at the second end. The socket portion is constructed and arranged to receive and engage the portion of the fastener therein. Holding structure is associated with the socket portion and is constructed and arranged to non-magnetically hold the portion of the fastener in the socket portion so as to not fall out of the socket portion, either due to friction or vacuum, without providing torque to the fastener when the socket is rotated during installation or removal of the fastener.

Abstract: A manufacturing system has one or more work cells that each performs one or more manufacturing processes. The system also has one or more mobile transport units (“MTUs”) that deliver transportable containers containing workpieces to and from said work cells. The MTUs deliver the containers to the work cells in a manner such that the workpieces are localized in the work cells. The manufacturing system also has a computer system that has status information for each of the one or more MTUs and uses the status information to control each of the one or more MTUs to deliver the transportable containers to and from the one or more work cells.

Abstract: A manufacturing system has one or more work cells that each performs one or more manufacturing processes. The system also has one or more mobile transport units (“MTUs”) that deliver transportable containers containing workpieces to and from said work cells. The MTUs deliver the containers to the work cells in a manner such that the workpieces are localized in the work cells. The manufacturing system also has a computer system that has status information for each of the one or more MTUs and uses the status information to control each of the one or more MTUs to deliver the transportable containers to and from the one or more work cells.

Abstract: A socket is provided for removing or installing a fastener having a hexagonally shaped portion. The socket includes a body having a longitudinal axis and opposing first and second ends. First surfaces define a tool-receiving portion at the first end. The tool-receiving portion is constructed and arranged to receive a portion of a tool. Second surfaces define a socket portion at the second end. The socket portion is constructed and arranged to receive and engage the portion of the fastener therein. Holding structure is associated with the socket portion and is constructed and arranged to non-magnetically hold the portion of the fastener in the socket portion so as to not fall out of the socket portion, either due to friction or vacuum, without providing torque to the fastener when the socket is rotated during installation or removal of the fastener.