Abstract: A universal test stand kit for supporting an internal combustion engine during tests includes a pair of side frame members having upper and lower pieces joined together by end pieces and laterally extending tubular stubs. The side frame members are joined together by tubular crosspieces telescopically received in the tubular stubs. A forward engine support assembly is slideably mounted on each side frame member so that the assemblies can be moved longitudinally to accommodate different sizes of engine. Each forward support assembly includes an elongated track which is laterally moveable and provided with apertures for receiving bolts which may be threaded into tapped bores in the engine block from which oil pan bolts have been removed. A rearward engine support assembly is mounted on the side frame members so that the assembly can be aligned with the rear end of the engine to be tested.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of thin-walled workpieces is held for machining in a machine in a respective rigid holder. Ends of unmachined workpieces are each first imbedded in a molten body of a metal alloy having a melting point between 45.degree. C. and 140.degree. C. contained in a respective one of the rigid holders in a cooling station and having a negative expansion coefficient. The holder and the alloy body are cooled in the cooling station to solidify the body around the imbedded end of the unmachined workpiece and the cooled holder is displaced with the unmachined workpiece from the cooling station into the machine. After machining of the workpiece in the holder, the holder is displaced from the machine into a heating station where it is heated to melt the alloy body. Then the machined workpiece is lifted out of the molten body in the heating station and the holder with the molten alloy body is recirculated from the heating station to the cooling station.

Abstract: A jig for holding an arcuate wood piece is mounted on the table of a molder-planar. The jig has a base which is attached to the table. Mounted for rotation on the base is a clamp holder. A clamp is attached to the clamp holder for holding the arcuate wood piece for rotation with the clamp holder and for engagement with the cutting tool of the molder-planar so as to cut the arcuate wood piece.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat welding together thermoplastic components and work-pieces comprises a heating unit and a carriage unit. The heating unit is axially movable to contact and melt part of the work-piece to a sufficiently tacky state for the component to be fused thereto. The carriage unit releasably retains the component and is axially movable to move a component contact surface against the melted part of the work-piece, mounting the component thereto. The carriage unit is pivotally movable about the axis, whereby the initial contact of the component against a mis-aligned work-piece causes the component and the carriage unit to pivot so that the component contact surface is re-aligned with the melted part of the work-piece.

Abstract: Jigs usable in a method for manufacturing a joined ceramic structure having a plurality of tubes and perforated plates joined to both the end portions of these tubes which has the steps of inserting the tubes of sintered ceramics into through-holes of the perforated plates of unsintered ceramics having a plurality of the through-holes, thereby integrally joining both the members by the utilization of a difference between firing shrinkage ratios of both the members; the jigs having end portions which are inserted into jig fixation orifices beforehand formed through the perforated plates and which have an outer diameter slightly smaller than a diameter of the orifices, and stems having an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the jig fixation orifices, the end portions and the stems being constituted so as to be detachably combined at engagement portions where they are engaged with each other without mutual restriction, the jigs being integrally combined with the joined ceramic structure after the completi

Abstract: Centering pins mounted to a susceptor in a vacuum chamber align a glass substrate with respect to the susceptor on which it is supported, and with respect to a shadow frame which overlies the periphery of the substrate and protects the edge and underside of the substrate from undesired processing.Shaped pins loosely mounted in openings in the susceptor so that the pins extend above the upper surface of the susceptor support the centered glass substrate during the transporting stages, but recess into the heated susceptor during processing.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically adjusting the distance between two support members for carrying workpieces of different dimensions. The support members are mounted on guides that are fitted to pallets that travel on conveyor transport systems for automatic production/assembly lines. In one embodiment the support members have a locking device that frictionally secure the support members in place on the pallet and can be unlocked for movement along the guide. A positioning unit engages the pallet so that the locking device is unlocked and the support members are engaged and translated to the desired locations under the control of a drive. In a second embodiment the support members are translated along and under the control of a threaded bar. A positioning unit engages the pallet to activate the threaded bar by rotating it to translate the support members to the desired locations. The support members are independently translated using one threaded bar and the drive for each support member.

Abstract: An automatic machine for performing framing operations on a power pole. The machine is controlled by a programmable logic control and interchangeable programs are provided to control the operation of the machine according to a pole frame specification. Poles to be framed are received on a primary conveyor. The poles are sequentially scanned for length and position and are transferred in sequence to a longitudinal feed station where the poles are oriented on a first set of supports. An end of the pole is clamped to a movable carriage to maintain the pole orientation. The pole is fed through a movable rotatable tool ring either by movement of the pole clamp carriage or movement of the tool ring. The tool ring supports tooling to perform the framing operation on the pole. The programmable logic control coordinates the movement of the pole clamp carriage, the movement of the tool ring and the rotation of the tool ring to position the tools in the proper relation to the pole.

Abstract: Centering pins mounted to a susceptor in a vacuum chamber align a glass substrate with respect to the susceptor on which it is supported, and with respect to a shadow frame which overlies the periphery of the substrate and protects the edge and underside of the substrate from undesired processing.Shaped pins loosely mounted in openings in the susceptor so that the pins extend above the upper surface of the susceptor support the centered glass substrate during the transporting stages, but recess into the susceptor during processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boring machine, particularly for woodworking, for boring rows of holes and structural bores in plateshaped workpieces such as cabinet sidewalls, cabinet doors, etc. with a machine frame having a workpiece holder and a boring assembly displaceable on guide rails, in which machine the workpiece holder. a workpiece stop and a stop arrangement with position fingers adjustable and lockable in the displacement direction of the boring assembly, which, in connection with the boring assembly, determine the boring position along the displacement path of the boring assembly.Presetting of boring patterns with a number of bore rows is carried out by means of position rollers having a number of holding rails in which fingers can be prepositioned. The fingers cooperate with finger receivers to determine the positions of the boring assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically adjusting the distance between two support members for carrying workpieces of different dimensions. The support members are mounted on guides that are fitted to pallets that travel on conveyor transport systems for automatic production/assembly lines. In one embodiment the support members have locking elements that frictionally secure the support members in place on the pallet and can be unlocked for movement along the guide. A positioning unit engages the pallet so that the locking elements is unlocked and the support members are engaged and translated to the desired locations under the control of the drive. In a second embodiment the support members are translated along and under the control of a threaded bar. A positioning unit engages the pallet to activate the threaded bar by rotating it to translate the support members to the desired locations. The support members are independently translated using one threaded bar and the drive for each support member.

Abstract: A reheat blow mold machine includes a preform loader, an oven, a mold station and a preform transfer mechanism for transporting preforms form the oven to the mold station. A loader defines a plurality of lanes within which the preforms are supported. A reciprocal jaw assembly moves the preforms from a receiving end to a load end of the oven. The oven includes a plurality of tandemly arranged abutting pallets which rotatably support the preforms. The pallets are stepped through the oven and moved between a receiving end and a discharge end by a pair of elevators and a return conveyor. The transfer mechanism includes two sets of jaw assemblies, a pair of slidable actuators and a compensation mechanism to automatically adjust for tolerance variations in the diameter of the performs. A mold station includes a pair of opposed platens which support mold halves. A bottom platen is positioned by a cam arrangement mounted on the opposed platens.

Abstract: An apparatus for finishing wood (cants) comprises a circular saw (6) which can be reciprocated (double arrow 7) in the cutting plane (11), and several clamping trestles (1) for holding the piece of wood to be divided, these trestles being adjustable perpendicularly to the cutting plane (11) in order to set the cutting position. Furthermore, supports (3) are provided for the wood, wherein the lower clamping jaws (2) of the clamping trestles (1) can be lowered underneath the supports (3). The saw (6) is designed for forward and rearward cutting so that, with each stroke of the saw, a cut can be executed. For feeding the pieces of wood to be divided, inclined conveyor belts (13) are provided which deposit the pieces of wood on lifting tables (12), the latter then placing such pieces onto the supports (3) for the wood.

Abstract: A device to duplicate a key utilizing the predetermined pitch codes and depth codes of the key to be duplicated, wherein a punch which produces an individual pattern of serrations and a die which makes a pair with said punch are used, a key-holding means which clamps a blank key to be duplicated is moved to the specified position by the use of a pitch code plate and either a depth code plate provided with stair-like codes corresponding respectively to the depth code of the key to be duplicated or a depth code piece whose contacting faces have the width corresponding respectively to the depth code of the key to be duplicated and, by the use of aforesaid punch and die, an individual serration pattern is formed one by one on the blank key mounted on the device.

Abstract: According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for forming radius corners from bulkstock is disclosed. The method comprises the step of disposing the bulkstock in a first fixture for securing said bulkstock. A first general radial exterior surface is then formed. The bulkstock is then disposed in a second fixture for securing the bulkstock. Finally, a second generally radial posterior surface is formed on the bulkstock. Additional fixtures which are disclosed wherein may also be used.

Abstract: A core collecting tray for a core blowing machine is provided which forms part of a slide which can reciprocally move longitudinally on tracks through sheaves, be lifted by a hydraulic cylinder that acts on a deck and with the assistance of vertical guides. The tray is adapted to cross travel by a further hydraulic cylinder and is fitted with a clipping template which can in turn travel upwards on additional guides and with the assistance of a third hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: Apparatus for conveying panels, such as vehicle body side panels to and from work stations located at spaced locations along a conveyor includes a panel support frame mounted on the conveyor for movement along the conveying path with the support frame in an elevated generally horizontal conveying position. The support frame carries a plurality of mechanically actuable releasable clamps adapted to retain a panel engaged against a group of locator pads fixedly mounted on one side of the support frame. A second group of locator pads movably mounted on the frame are normally biased into engagement with the panel at spaced locations around its periphery to hold the panel in a predetermined position laterally of the support frame. The support frame mounts an actuator member coupled to all of the clamps to position all clamps in a panel clamping position when the actuator member is in a first position and to position all clamps in a panel release position when the actuator is in a second position.

Abstract: A work holding apparatus is a work holder for holding a work in a predetermined position in relation to a basic member. A base column is rotatably supported astride on two sets of base plates. Holding fixtures are removably mounted on each side of the base column, such that different types of works can be supported and clamped by the holding fixtures. An indexing-rotation driving device rotates the base column such that it may be applicable to various types of works, thereby facilitating the holding of many types of works and the replacement of supporters and clamps. Furthermore, the base plate for supporting the base column is divided into two sets to reduce the weight of the base plate moving parts, and a base plate synchronizing means is provided to insure synchronized operation of the two base plates.

Abstract: A diagonal insertion apparatus of this invention inserts a shaft-like member into an insertion receiving component provided with a diagonal hole inclined with respect to a ground or horizontal plane and comprises a holding table or pallet for holding the insertion receiving component, an inclined positioning jig having a plurality of pins of different lengths to engage recess receivers in the bottom of the holding table and elevate and incline the holding table at a predetermined angular relationship to permit properly aligned insertion of the shaft-like member into the insertion receiving component. The inclined positioning jig contains reference means for determining the arrangement of the multiple pins so that the axis of a diagonal hole in the insertion receiving component is aligned with axis of the shaft-like member to be inserted therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically adjusting the distance between two support members for carrying workpieces of different dimensions. The support members are mounted on guides that are fitted to pallets that travel on conveyor transport systems for automatic production/assembly lines. In one embodiment the support members have locking devices that frictionally secure the support members in place on the pallet and can be unlocked for movement along the guide. A positioning unit engages the pallet so that the locking devices is unlocked and the support members are engaged and translated to the desired locations under the control of a drive. In a second embodiment the support members are translated along and under the control of a threaded bar. A positioning unit engages the pallet to activate the threaded bar by rotating it to translate the support members to the desired locations. The support members are independently translated using one threaded bar and the drive for each support member.

Abstract: A pallet having adjustable support members and an apparatus for automatically adjusting the distance between two support members for carrying workpieces of different dimensions. The support members are mounted on guides that are fitted to pallets that travel on conveyor transport systems for automatic production/assembly lines. In one embodiment the support members have a frictional locking mechanism which can be locked in place on the pallet and can be unlocked for movement along the guide. A positioning unit engages the pallet so that the locking mechanism is unlocked and the support members are engaged and translated to the desired locations under the control of a threaded bar. The locking mechanism has a first condition which causes the guide to contact the support members to secure frictionally the support members to the pallet and a second condition which permits the support members to be moved. A positioning unit engages the pallet to translate the support members to the desired locations.

Abstract: According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for forming radius corners from bulkstock is disclosed. The method comprises the step of disposing the bulkstock in a first fixture for securing said bulkstock. A first general radial exterior surface is then formed. The bulkstock is then disposed in a second fixture for securing the bulkstock. Finally, a second generally radial posterior surface is formed on the bulkstock. Additional fixtures which are disclosed herein may also be used.

Abstract: According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for forming radius corners from bulkstock is disclosed. The method comprises the step of disposing the bulkstock in a first fixture for securing said bulkstock. A first general radial exterior surface is then formed. The bulkstock is then disposed in a second fixture for securing the bulkstock. Finally, a second generally radial posterior surface is formed on the bulkstock. Additional fixtures which are disclosed herein may also be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wire selection and feed apparatus for use in an automated machine for making electrical cables. The apparatus includes a rotary turret having a plurality of wire holders angularly spaced about its periphery. The desired wire is selected by rotating the turret until the appropriate wire holder is in the feed, or select, position. The wire holder is then advanced thereby presenting the end of the selected wire to a work station for processing. At this point the wire may be fed a desired amount into the work station by bringing a wire feed until into feeding engagement with the wire.

Abstract: For holding a plurality of different, in shape, workpiece, a holding unit comprises a laminated body with a number of thin identical shaped elongate plates which have one ends forming a workpiece supporting surface, a vibrator unit for moving the elongate plates so as to vary the shape of the workpiece supporting surface to create a new one, and a bias mechanism for clamping the laminated body, so the newly created shape of the workpiece supporting surface is maintained.

Abstract: Described is a procedure for machining wooden articles in which a plurality of machining operations is carried out on a wooden article in a series of machining operation stations.The wooden articles are transported along the series of machining operation stations whereby each article remains fixed on one and the same clamping bench during all operations; following each operation the bench is moved to the next station while the wooden article remains clamped thereon.During moving the clamping is carried out with clamping devices which can move synchronously with the clamping benches; in a station a clamping bench is fixed and the clamping action may be achieved either by stationary clamping devices connected to a station or the clamping devices which can move with a bench.Also is described an installation for carrying out the procedure.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for positioning a workpiece to a pallet on a working line. The line transports plural kinds of workpieces. Plural positioning pins are provided at various locations on each pallet to enable all the plural kinds of the workpieces to be carried by the pallets. Each positioning pin has a set position and a reset position. All positioning pins are first reset to the reset position. Thereafter, a selected positioning pin is set to the set position to accommodate a particular kind of workpiece. The positioning of the workpiece is accomplished by fitting a positioning hole defined by the selected workpiece onto the selected positioning pin.

Abstract: A butt-end wood holding system for a tenoning-and-mortising apparatus. The butt-end wood holding system comprising a pivotal guide member which engages the butt-end of a work-piece. The pivotal guide member is rotatably linked to the relatively fixed base of the mortising-and-tenoning spindle so that rotation of a concentric and rotatable support ring of the guide member, located about the spindle support, results in a parallel horizontal translation of the pivoting guide member. The butt-end wood guide member support being separately linked to the relatively fixed mortising-and-tenoning spindle support.

Abstract: A bellows clamp actuator (10) is provided for holding a semiconductor slice cassette (14) within a container (12). The bellows clamp actuator (10) has a V-bar clamp (40), a hollow bellows (38) and a mounting device (56). The bellows clamp actuator (10) is mounted to the door (18) of the container (12). A hole (72) connects the chamber (67) with the atmosphere external the container (12). When a vacuum is drawn within the container (12), the pressure difference causes the bellows (38) to extend and the V-bar clamp (40) to contact and secure the cassette (14) against the vertical guide posts (36).

Abstract: The invention provides a device for actuating a clamping tool means by fluid pressure and for monitoring the fluid pressure, which comprises a carrier for a workpiece and the clamping tool means, a first mounting element on the carrier, a second mounting element, and means for detachably coupling the second mounting element to the first mounting element. A pressure fluid conduit system is connected to a fluid pressure generator and includes a first fluid pressure conduit in the first mounting element, a second fluid pressure conduit in the second mounting element, detachable connections between the first and second fluid pressure conduits, the detachable connection in the first fluid pressure conduit including a check valve retaining the fluid pressure in the first fluid pressure conduit when the second fluid pressure conduit is detached, and a third fluid pressure conduit connecting the first fluid pressure conduit to the clamping tool means.

Abstract: A stairway fabricating apparatus includes a structural machine frame that can support an elongated linear stringer work piece thereupon. A plurality of tread supports include multiple work stations which are movably supported by the frame for simultaneously supporting multiple, selectively pre-spaced stair-step treads in a position against the stringer so that the tread and stringer can be connected to define thereafter horizontal stair-step positions of staircase treads that are of a pre-selected spacing and of a pre-selected angular position with respect to the stringer. Connection of the treads to the stringers can be accomplished by welding, for example, once the correct linear spacing and the correct angular position of the treads are selected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the automated manufacture of laminated plastics products, in which a pack of superimposed layers of thermosetting material, for example, sheets of resin-impregnated paper, is first formed, and the pack is placed on a rigid support structure for supporting the pack and keeping it in the correct position; the rigid structure and the corresponding pack are supplied by gripping and transfer means to a moulding press which provides for hot-forming of the above pack and, when moulding is completed, the rigid structure and the respective thermoset plastics laminate are separated and directed to respective unloading stations.

Abstract: A fixture for supporting a workpiece during machining including an L-shaped, rigid, primary body member forming two panels or faces of the assembled fixture. The fixture also has two secondary panels which, when mounted to the primary body member, form a cube. The secondary body members are detachably mounted permitting their removal for the design and mounting of a workpiece frame within the fixture. One panel of the primary member has a device for clamping a workpiece support frame to the fixture. All external fixture locating and indexing devices are mounted on the primary member and are thereby permanently located with respect to each other.

Abstract: A transport unit usable in a flexible assembly system and comprising an automatic guided vehicle and a work carrier positioned to the rear thereof. The work carrier is of a U shape with a pair of spaced legs extending from a base and having free ends, each of which rotatably mount tooling for engaging opposite ends of a component of the device to be assembled. Drive mechanism is provided for elevation of the work carrier and rotation of the tooling to orient the component at a desired height and at a desired rotative position for ease of assembly of components thereto. The tooling on the work carrier rotates about an axis and engages a component of the device to be assembled whereby the rotative axis is close to the center of gravity of the device to be assembled to minimize the power requirements in rotation thereof. The transport unit has additional structural features facilitating assembly operations and safety of operation.

Abstract: In an apparatus for producing hollow bodies from thermoplastic material in large numbers a plurality of stations in which the blanks are successively subjected to various treatment steps are arranged at horizontal spacings around the peripheral surface of a vertical, substantially cylindrical housing of an operating unit of the apparatus. The blanks to be treated are passed downwardly through the operating unit and a first one of the treatment stations therein to the next station therein. Arranged within the operating unit is a cam drum which rotates about a vertical axis and which has cams adapted to actuate tools for treating the blanks in at least some of the treatment stations. Two or more such operating units may be connected in succession for carrying out successive treatment operations on the blanks.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating blanks of plastic material comprising a substantially cylindrical main frame structure, a central, coaxial cam drum which is mounted within same rotatably about its longitudinal axis and which is provided on its outside with working cams, and a plurality of treatment stations arranged in juxtaposed relationship around the periphery of the frame structure, with tools for processing the plastic blanks. The tools in a respective station are carried by vertically movable carriages, each of which is adapted to be moved up and down in the station by a cam follower guided by an associated cam on the cam drum. Each cam follower is carried by a drive carriage. The respectively associated tool carriages and drive carriages are each independently guided on the housing by vertical guide means and are interconnected by way of non-rigid connecting means.

Abstract: A pallet is releasably attached to a car which is stopped automatically at a work station in a coarse alignment with a robotic system at the work station. A movable plate, which tends to be distorted from a given shape, is releasably secured to the car and lifted from the car at the work station, aligned in the desired fine alignment during the lifting and then clamped in place relative to a reference plane in the fine alignment relative to the robotic system to remove the distortion. The plate is later dropped by gravity onto the car in a given alignment therewith for transfer to the next work station which repeats the fine alignment and distortion removal action.

Abstract: Step and repeat apparatus used for performance operations upon a generally planar component such as a microprocessor wafer comprises a support for a workpiece, the support being attached by means of an arm to a mechanism adapted to move the support in two dimensions, the arm being pivotally secured to said mechanism at a location remote from the support and lifting means arranged to move the support about the pivot in a plane perpendicular to said two dimensions.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing the damaged tubes of a steam generator either to prepare the tubes for insertion of a sleeve, or to insert a sleeve or to treat the sleeve after it is inserted. This apparatus includes a drilling tool for drilling out plugs, a sleeving tool for inserting sleeves in the tubes, a high-roller tool for rolling the sleeves at their upper ends where they have been expanded, and a low-roller tool for rolling the sleeves at their lower ends in the tube sheet. The sleeves are inserted in the tubes and are rolled by rolls driven by a hydraulic motor. For drilling, for sleeve insertion and for high and low rolling, the motor is controlled by a servo control valve.

Abstract: The plasma cutting system of the invention includes a constant height plasma arc cutter, a rolling table and a plasma cutter carrying gantry driven from opposite sides. The rolling table is rolled from a loading position where metal sheets are positioned thereon to a cutting position beneath the plasma arc cutter. The plasma arc cutter is held at a constant height above the rolling table. Each metal sheet loaded onto the rolling table is supported on adjustable pins. The entire cutting area is enclosed and vented. The plasma cutter and the rolling table are supported by the cutting system support. A cutter housing supports a transparent curtain, and the transparent curtain encloses the plasma arc cutter. A gantry is supported by the cutter housing, and the gantry supports the plasma cutter. The rolling table includes a table frame, adjustable pins and table wheels. The adjustable pins and the table wheels are connected to the table frame.

Abstract: An automatic set-up system is provided for setting up on a pallet work to be machined by a flexible manufacturing system automatic machine tool. The pallet has a support plate and a jig plate which overlies the support plate on which the work is placed. The support plate, the jig plate and the work are sequentially conveyed by a convey unit on a setting table. The relative positions of the support plate and the jig plate, and of the jig plate and the work are usually held constant by the engagement of positioning recesses and positioning pins. Even if the position of the jig plate or the work conveyed by the convey unit deviates from a predetermined position, a float base and a support plate (the float base, the support plate, and the jig plate) are floated by means of air bearing pads. The horizontal movement of these components can be readily controlled, so that positioning pins can be easily fitted in the positioning recesses.

Abstract: An automatic set-up system is provided for setting up on a pallet work to be machined by a flexible manufacturing system automatic machine tool. The pallet has a support plate and a jig plate which overlies the support plate on which the work is placed. The support plate, the jig plate and the work are sequentially conveyed by a convey unit on a setting table. The relative positions of the support plate and the jig plate, and of the jig plate and the work are usually held constant by the engagement of positioning recesses and positioning pins. Even if the position of the jig plate or the work conveyed by the convey unit deviates from a predetermined position, a float base and a support plate (the float base, the support plate, and the jig plate) are floated by means of air bearing pads. The horizontal movement of these components can be readily controlled, so that positioning pins can be easily fitted in the positioning recesses.

Abstract: An automatic set-up system is provided for setting up on a pallet work to be machined by a flexible manufacturing system automatic machine tool. The pallet has a support plate and a jig plate which overlies the support plate on which the work is placed. The support plate, the jig plate and the work are sequentially conveyed by a convey unit on a setting table. The relative positions of the support plate and the jig plate, and of the jig plate and the work are usually held constant by the engagement of positioning recesses and positioning pins. Even if the position of the jig plate or the work conveyed by the convey unit deviates from a predetermined position, a float base and a support plate (the float base, the support plate, and the jig plate) are floated by means of air bearing pads. The horizontal movement of these components can be readily controlled, so that positioning pins can be easily fitted in the positioning recesses.

Abstract: An automatic set-up system is provided for setting up on a pallet work to be machined by a flexible manufacturing system automatic machine tool. The pallet has a support plate and a jig plate which overlies the support plate on which the work is placed. The support plate, the jig plate and the work are sequentially conveyed by a convey unit on a setting table. The relative positions of the support plate and the jig plate, and of the jig plate and the work are usually held constant by the engagement of positioning recesses and positioning pins. Even if the position of the jig plate or the work conveyed by the convey unit deviates from a predetermined position, a float base and a support plate (the float base, the support plate, and the jig plate) are floated by means of air bearing pads. The horizontal movement of these components can be readily controlled, so that positioning pins can be easily fitted in the positioning recesses.

Abstract: An automatic set-up system is provided for setting up on a pallet work to be machined by a flexible manufacturing system automatic machine tool. The pallet has a support plate and a jig plate which overlies the support plate on which the work is placed. The support plate, the jig plate and the work are sequentially conveyed by a convey unit on a setting table. The relative positions of the support plate and the jig plate, and of the jig plate and the work are usually held constant by the engagement of positioning recesses and positioning pins. Even if the position of the jig plate or the work conveyed by the convey unit deviates from a predetermined position, a float base and a support plate (the float base, the support plate, and the jig plate) are floated by means of air bearing pads. The horizontal movement of these components can be readily controlled, so that positioning pins can be easily fitted in the positioning recesses.

Abstract: Four square tooling plates each have an outer surface on which a plurality of workpieces are attached. The inner face of each tooling plate is precisely attached to a respective vertical surface of a rectangular block by means of a dowel extending into geometrically centered holes in the vertical face of the block and the tooling plate. Precise rotational alignment of the tooling plate with the block is achieved by a peg extending from the vertical face of the block into a timing hole in the tooling plate spaced from the center hole thereof. The block, with workpiece-loaded tooling plates thereon, is lowered onto a rotary table so that a geometric axis of the block is perfectly aligned with the rotational axis of the rotary table. Rotational alignment of the block with the rotary table is achieved by mating of keys extending from the bottom of a base plate of the block into keyways in the surface of the rotary table.

Abstract: A table, movably carried upon a stationary base, is provided with a fixed jaw and a movable jaw for gripping the lateral edges of a door or similar panel-like workpiece. The table is movable in reciprocal directions against adjustably positionable stops to place a longitudinal edge of the door at predetermined locations relative the cutting path of a router. The router is mounted upon a carriage which is horizontally and vertically movably supported upon a frame upstanding from the base.

Abstract: An automatic set-up system is provided for setting up on a pallet work to be machined by a flexible manufacturing system automatic machine tool. The pallet has a support plate and a jig plate which overlies the support plate on which the work is placed. The support plate, the jig plate and the work are sequentially conveyed by a convey unit on a setting table. The relative positions of the support plate and the jig plate, and of the jig plate and the work are usually held constant by the engagement of positioning recesses and positioning pins. Even if the position of the jig plate or the work conveyed by the convey unit deviates from a predetermined position, a float base and a support plate (the float base, the support plate, and the jig plate) are floated by means of air bearing pads. The horizontal movement of these components can be readily controlled, so that positioning pins can be easily fitted in the positioning recesses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a jig apparatus for use with industrial robots, designed so that in processing work on a multikind and small- and medium-quantity production basis, when work to be automatically welded, soldered, painted or press-worked is changed from one type to another, a jig table for clamping the work can be efficiently removably exchangeably mounted.

Abstract: A carrier supports a single lot of prescribed sheets of semiconductor wafers so as to transfer the semiconductor wafers from one processing step to another processing step in their cleaning and etching processing. The carrier, or a container for the carrier, includes an information member holder and an information member detachably supported by the holder. An information member includes a semiconductor chip which constitutes a microprocessor and memory. The above carrier can bring about numerous merits which include:(1) Each processing or treatment apparatus is operated in accordance with instructions given by the information member and instruction errors can be effectively avoided;(2) The completion of each processing or treatment step and other information pertaining the step are all stored in the memory, thereby facilitating correct collation; and(3) The information member may be formed into an information card, which is small in size and extremely convenient for handling.