Abstract: An assembling device for bed assembly, including a main stand, a bracket and a rest assembly. The bracket is fixedly disposed on the main stand and extends from the main stand. At least one support member is disposed on the bracket and upward extends therefrom. The rest assembly is mounted on the bracket and has at least one locating board for conveniently resting one or more bed frames thereon and quickly assembling the bed frames at lower ratio of defective products. After assembled, the bed assembly is conveniently carried away from the assembling device.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically and simultaneously removing connector clips of a workpiece from a gauge. The present invention includes at least one gauging fixture having at least one aperture extending therethrough in a predetermined position. The at least one aperture is adaptable to receive a connector clip connected to the workpiece wherein the connector clip is engageable with the aperture between a non-engaging position, wherein the connector clip does not engage the aperture, and an engaging position, wherein the connector clip engages the aperture for securing the workpiece against the gauging fixture to gauge the position of the connector clip. At least one linear actuator is connected to the gauging fixture adjacent the aperture to move between a retracted position, wherein the connector clip remains engaged with the gauging fixture, and an extended position, wherein the linear actuator disengages the connector clip from the gauging fixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fixture and method for mounting a head window to a frame for use in a submarine periscope system. The fixture supports the head window during the potting of the head window to the frame. A spring-loaded clamping plate is mountable to a baseplate for relative movement therebetween. The clamping assembly has an oval recessed portion. A plurality of spaced apart feet are formed within the oval. The feet support and are bonded to the head window. Shim stock are placed between the feet to define a critical gap.

Abstract: A heart valve prostheses crimping apparatus and method for deducing the diameter of stents containing heart valve prosthesis. A medical prosthesis catheter loading apparatus, including a crimping assembly for reducing the diameter of a prosthesis; and a catheter clamp for holding a catheter adjacent to the prosthesis. Also disclosed is an apparatus for reducing the diameter of a medical prosthesis, including a base, a crimp head connectable to the base, and an actuation mechanism connected to the base and connectable to the crimp head to actuate the crimp head. Also disclosed is a method of loading a medical prosthesis into a catheter, including the steps of reducing the diameter of a prosthesis from its normal deployed state to a diameter less than that of the lumen of the catheter; holding a catheter adjacent to the reduced diameter prosthesis; and moving the prosthesis into the catheter lumen.

Abstract: A positioning assembly for a composite structure is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the positioning assembly includes at least one vertical carriage support, at least one vertical carriage carried by the at least one vertical carriage support, at least one vertical motor drivingly engaging the at least one vertical carriage, a transverse carriage support carried by the at least one vertical carriage, a riser block carried by the transverse carriage support and at least one horizontal motor drivingly engaging the riser block.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for aligning and/or retaining pallets to be repaired and/or pallet elements used in repairing pallets. The apparatus comprises a base frame comprising at least one fixed lateral stop member and at least one movable lateral stop member for each bottom deck board member and/or for each connecting block member of a pallet. The movable lateral stop member is adapted to press the particular bottom deck board member and/or the assigned connecting block members against the cooperating fixed lateral stop member, such that the particular bottom deck board member and/or the connecting block members is/are aligned with reference to a line running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pallet and retained in that position. Preferably, a movable lateral stop member is assigned to each fixed lateral stop member. Additionally, the apparatus comprises at least one fixed longitudinal stop member and at least one movable longitudinal stop member.

Abstract: To regulate a position of each of clampers by setting an entire width dimension of each of the clampers to be smaller than a flange diameter dimension of a submerged nozzle and to smooth replacement of a fresh submerged nozzle by providing a positioning liner, to thereby obtain a simple structure at a low cost, provided is a submerged nozzle supporting-replacing mechanism, which is constituted to set an entire width dimension (L3) of each of clampers (20 and 21) to be smaller than a flange diameter dimension (L1) of a submerged nozzle (9) so as to position each of the clampers (20 and 21) by a positioning member (26), and so as to guide an upper surface (43) of a fresh submerged nozzle (9A) by a positioning liner (6), to thereby regulate a height position of the fresh submerged nozzle (9A) during movement in a horizontal direction thereof.

Abstract: A workstation and method for the installation of a pulling head assembly onto one or more conductors of a cabling system are provided. The workstation incorporates one or more of: a conductor clamp that holds the conductors of the cabling system in place during the installation of the pulling head assembly; a cutting guide having indicia marks that indicate the lengths to which to cut the conductors in order to achieve a staggered pattern of pulling eyes attached to the conductors in the pulling head assembly; a stripping tool that is used to remove a portion of the insulation from the terminal end of each conductor so that the end of the conductor may be inserted into the pulling eye; and a crimping tool that is used to crimp the pulling eyes onto the terminal ends of each of the conductors.

Abstract: A method for horizontal assembly of a high-voltage feed-through bushing includes vertically-assembling a field shaper assembly of a high-voltage feed-through bushing on a field shaper fixture. The field shaper assembly is then rotated within the field shaper fixture such that the field shaper assembly is oriented on a horizontal axis. Next, an insulator tube fixture supporting an insulator tube assembly is positioned adjacent to the field shaper fixture. The insulator tube assembly, being oriented on the same horizontal axis as the field shaper assembly, is then affixed to field shaper assembly.

Abstract: A piston-ring-installing device including a base (110) having a through-hole (111); and a guide member (120) disposed in the through-hole and fixed to the base, for positioning a piston in the vertical direction while receiving a head of the piston that is suspended downwardly in the vertical direction, and guiding a piston ring while widening a diameter of the piston ring by an outer peripheral surface of the guide member. A piston pressing member (130) is disposed above the base and supported movably toward a concave part (121b) of the guide member. The piston pressing member has a tapered inner wall surface (131) that is widened downwardly so as to come into contact with an edge of an upper end of the piston. A driving mechanism (140) is disposed on the base, and the driving mechanism is operable to drive the piston pressing member at least in the vertical direction. Also provided is a ring feeding mechanism (150) that feeds the piston ring placed on the guide member upwardly.

Abstract: A kit comprises an expandable connector assembly and a router jig clamp assembly (41) to hold a workpiece comprises a router guide plate (42) having a router tool opening (43), a workpiece guide plate (44) having (45) guides (45 and 46) so that opposite mitres may be cut using the guides (45 and 46). The clamp (41) may be mounted on a bench adjacent a bench router so that upon alignment of a workpiece in position adjacent to opening (43) the press may be used to form the slot in the workpiece. The assembly has a clamp (47) comprising a handle (48), cams (49 and 50), a clamp bar (51) and spring mountings (52) at opposite ends. This enables a workpiece to be clamped when the handle (48) is pulled down to a position running generally parallel to the guide (44). Thus a workpiece is slid along one of the (45) guides into alignment with the slot (43) and then the clamp is applied to hold that piece in position for the slot cutting process.

Abstract: In a closing machine (1), an inner diameter chuck (8) that grips an inner peripheral surface of a work piece (9), a work piece (9) introducing device that moves the inner diameter chuck (8) in a Y axis direction of the work piece (9), and an introduction stopper (12) that projects onto an introduction path of the work piece (9) are used in such a manner that the inner diameter chuck (8) grips the inner peripheral surface of the work piece (9) while the work piece (9) abuts against the introduction stopper (12), the introduction stopper (12) is removed from the introduction path of the work piece (9), and the work piece (9) is introduced into an outer diameter chuck (7) by moving the inner diameter chuck (8) in the Y axis direction of the work piece (9).

Abstract: Apparatus for performing operations on a workpiece includes a clamping assembly mounted on a tool support for movement along at least one axis independent of the axes along which the tool moves. The clamping assembly includes clamping devices for applying clamping pressure to the workpiece, and a rotary drive mounted on the tool support for rotating the clamping devices around the independent axis. The clamping devices include clamping packs having a clamping roller mounted on a pneumatically driven slide for applying a programmed amount of clamping pressure to the workpiece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting band and a tool for handling the mounting band, wherein the mounting band comprises a band extending in a longitudinal direction and having a width (B) and a thickness (H) and (L), the width (B) being larger than the thickness (H), and transversal embossings, which are configured on the band and are disposed transversely to the longitudinal direction (L) substantially across the width (B) of the band, the transversal embossings having variable depths (T) across the width (B) of the band.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus may permit the mounting of bicycle components (16) such as seats, handlebars, and the like, to bicycles. A bicycle component mount (3) may be isolated from the structure of a bicycle. Forces generated at various points on the bicycle's structure may be substantially impeded or eliminated from transmission through an isolated bicycle component mount (3). Multidimensional motion of a bicycle component mount (3) may include rotational, translational, and rototranslational motion with progressive elastomeric resistance in multiple directions. A bicycle component mount (3) may exhibit movement about its own center of mass (12). Motions of a rider on a bicycle may be biomechanically compensated for by a bicycle component mount (3) to facilitate rider comfort, promote efficient transfer of rider motion to the operation of a bicycle, and decrease wear on bicycle components (16).

Abstract: An assembly machine for assembling a rotatable tool has a frame with a base. A retainer on the base holds a blank tool body with the cylindrical shank thereof extending upwardly. A motor assembly at the upper end of the frame moves a cylindrical assembly member axially downwardly and a tubular lower end of the assembly member forces as annular wear ring around a compressible sleeve on the shank of the tool.

Abstract: Transportation of larger diameter gas turbine engines can be problematic. In such circumstances it is known to separate the fan assembly (30) from the engine core (1) and other parts to facilitate transportation. Separation of the fan assembly (30) and engine core (1) can require a gantry which adds to inconvenience and costs. By utilizing a platform (2, 44) with suspender members (43) in the form of boot straps (43) which extend down from an existing pylon (31) it is possible to remove an engine core (1) through a carriage dolly (3, 45) which moves along a rail (21 within the platform (2, 44) generally laterally until it is possible to lower the engine upon the platform to ground level. The platform (2, 44) and carriage dolly (3, 45) can then act as a stand for transportation of the engine core.

Abstract: A tool for the manual folding of a package blank into a package, includes a bottom plate (2) with an abutment (3) erect from the front edge of the bottom plate, a tongue (4) protruding in front of the abutment from the front edge of the bottom plate, and a jaw (6) acting against the tongue from above, as well as a lip (8) protruding from the abutment, which is spring loaded and back-springing and which is retractable into the abutment against the spring force in dependence of the fact that a part of a package blank in one fold operation is made to pass by the lip, and which thereafter springs back to support the package blank in the attained folded position. A package blank, a method for preparing a package and the use of a tool for preparing a package by folding a package blank are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for precision deploy-attaching beam-mount structure to the outside of an elongate column at plural, defined attachment sites that are distributed and spaced along the length of the column. During use, a column support jig with plural openable/closeable yokes in the apparatus supports a column horizontally for selective rotation about its long axis. A carriage in the apparatus, which holds beam-mount structures to be attached to a supported column, is selectively moveable and position-lockable in defined locations distributed along the supported column between yokes in a pair of spaced yokes to enable precision weld-attaching of the mounts to sides of the column.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the economic production of entire fuselage cells of airplanes and to a site for carrying out the method. Differing from the conventional sectional assembly according to the invention separate shells (shell components) are attached to a substantially completed cockpit section and/or rear section. At this the half shell construction and the four shell construction as well as a combination hereof can be applied. Alternatively, the cockpit section and the rear section as well as the central wing box section can be aligned and positioned to each other in a site forming gaps in longitudinal direction. Subsequently, the shell components as well as the floor framework sections are adjusted circularly revolving between the sections and are ideally simultaneously connected to these by means of at least four cross-seams and a plurality of longitudinal seams.

Abstract: A holding fixture is disclosed for machining bearing caps that have a generally semi-cylindrical bearing bore on an interior surface and bolt shoulders on opposite sides that are drilled to receive bolts. The holding fixture comprises a fixture frame to which a mandrel is attached that receives the bearing caps with the bearing bore centered relative to the mandrel. A plurality of clamps engage an exterior portion of the bearing caps to retain the bearing caps on the mandrel. A method of manufacturing a bearing cap is also disclosed using a fixture that has a mandrel that is received in the bearing bore and clamps that engage the outer surface of the bearing caps. A pair of bolt shoulders of the bearing caps are machined and a bolt hole is drilled in each of the bolt shoulder portions. The bearing bores are subsequently machined with the bearing caps being located based upon the location of the bolt holes to form a plurality of finished bearing caps.

Abstract: A valve spring compressor apparatus and method for compressing cylinder valve springs for the removal and installation of their locks or keepers and for replacement of valve stem seals or broken springs on an internal combustion engine, while the cylinder head is mounted on the engine or supported on a work bench. A compressor tool adjustably mounted on a support assembly temporarily secured over the cylinder head has a pivoting hand lever and spring biased push rod which, when manually depressed, moves a compressing member at the bottom of the push rod downward to engage and depress the valve spring and its retainer to gain access and removal of the lock or keeper though openings in the compressor tool.

Abstract: A method enables a blade assembly to be secured for manufacture. The blade assembly includes an airfoil, a dovetail, and a platform extending therebetween. The method includes providing a fixture including at least one platform support assembly and at least one dovetail clamp assembly coupled to the fixture, wherein the platform support assembly includes a support member, a lever arm, and a biasing mechanism, locating the blade assembly within the fixture using a locator, positioning the platform support assembly against the blade assembly platform, and retaining the blade assembly in alignment with respect to the fixture using the at least one dovetail clamp assembly.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer may be secured to a wafer support system by causing a supported surface of the semiconductor wafer to be at a lower gas pressure than an exposed surface of the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A holding member for facilitating the cleaning of optical components includes two end walls and at least two spaced plates. The two end walls face toward each other. One of the two end walls defines at least one through slot. The at least two spaced plates are held between the two end walls and define at least one pair of respective inner surfaces. Each respective pair of inner surfaces has a pair of corresponding elongated grooves defined therein along a longitudinal direction thereof. Each slot communicates with a respective pair of elongated grooves. In particular, each such through slot and the respective pair of elongated grooves associated therewith are cooperatively aligned with one another in a manner so as to direct the optical components into the respective pair of corresponding elongated grooves.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a turbine nozzle assembly using a fixture including a biasing mechanism. The method includes moving the biasing mechanism from a biased first position to a second position using at least one of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical power, positioning at least one datum of the turbine nozzle assembly adjacent at least one datum location point on the fixture, and aligning the turbine nozzle assembly at least one datum with the at least one datum location point by releasing the biasing mechanism such that the biasing mechanism moves from the second position into contact with the turbine nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A fixture assembly and inspection method by which the internal diameter and/or concentricity of a segmented annular seal can be readily inspected and optionally measured prior to final installation. The fixture assembly has at least two fixture segments supported on a base, by which an annular fixture housing is defined having an outer rim and a groove with a cross-sectional shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the annular seal. The fixture assembly further includes a device or apparatus for assessing at least one dimensional characteristic of the annular seal when installed in the groove of the fixture housing and as the assessing device/apparatus travels along the interior circumference of the fixture housing.

Abstract: A method of forming a metallic container includes the steps of providing body and lid portions, placing the body and lid portions together, keeping portions of the body and lid portions in contact with one another, and reciprocally rotating the lid portion with respect to the body portion, thereby generating frictional heat and forming a friction weld therebetween. An apparatus for attaching the lid and body portions of a metallic container includes a base to support the body, a support assembly to support a flange of the body, and a sonitrode for contacting a flange of the lid, wherein the flanges of the lid and body are held together between the support assembly and the sonitrode. A motor reciprocally rotates the sonitrode relative to the support assembly, thereby moving the flanges relative one another to generate frictional heat and create a friction weld therebetween.

Abstract: A machining station and a method produce vehicle bodies of different types. A clamping station has interchangeable clamping frames, at least one clamping frame magazine, into which the interchangeable clamping frames are deposited when not in use and from which the interchangeable clamping frames are removed when in use, and at least one robot for transporting the interchangeable clamping frames. The interchangeable clamping frames, in particular the clamping frames for the vehicle body side parts, are divided into a plurality of separable segmental clamping frames, with, to convert to a different type of vehicle body, one segmental clamping frame in each case being transported by a robot from the clamping station to the clamping frame magazine, being deposited there, a segmental clamping frame of a different type being removed from the clamping frame magazine and this segmental clamping frame being transported to the clamping station.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning one or more components relative to a work surface are provided. The apparatus can include a frame having a first support member extending therefrom. At least one extendable member can be disposed on the first support member. The extendable member can be adapted to move in a linear direction. At least one magnet can be disposed on the frame. The magnet can include at least one contact side that can be switchable between a magnetized state and a non-magnetized state.

Abstract: A holding device produces a retaining pressure on a contoured airplane component (40) for holding the component in place when work is performed on the component. For this purpose the holding device (10) comprises a support (11) and at least one holding element (16) connected to the support (11) and projecting from the support (11) for contacting the contoured airplane component (40) in a holding zone. A spacing between a contact area of the holding element (16) and the support (11) is adjustable in accordance with the contour of the airplane component (40) in the holding zone. The adjustment of the position of the holding element relative to the support (11) moves the holding element (16) more or less against the surface contour so that the holding force is applied exactly where needed on the holding zone. A plurality of holding elements can be advanced toward the surface contour to variable extents so that all contact areas together conform to the surface contour.

Abstract: An arrangement for clamping a thin rod of glass or quartz having a diameter below 1 mm in two mutually-spaced clamping locations for holding the rod extended between the two clamping locations. The arrangement also comprises first clamping device arranged to clamp the rod in a first clamping location. The first clamping device has a first clamping member (22) with a clamp face (23) of substantially V-groove type for receiving the rod in the groove (24). The first clamping member is movably arranged with respect to a framework (45) of the apparatus for clamping a rod.

Abstract: A device for fastening an emitter to a housing comprises a manoeuvre element slidable in a first direction, an activating element slidable in a second, fastening direction that is inclined in relation to the first direction, with the first and second elements are interconnected via at least one cam mechanism. In addition, a fastening element is slidable in the second direction, wherein the activating and fastening elements are interconnected via at least one elastic element. The fastening element is adapted to move, in response to displacement of the manoeuvre element in the first direction, between a fastening position in which it produces a fastening force onto the emitter and an open position in which the fastening force is released.

Abstract: A ladder station supporting device is provided which includes an upper holder assembly having an upper mounting body and a first vertically-oriented holder rotatably fastened to the upper mounting body; a lower holder assembly having a lower mounting body and a second vertically-oriented holder rotatably fastened to the lower mounting body; and a vertically-oriented articulation rod interconnecting the upper and lower holder assemblies, wherein the upper holder assembly may be adjustably positioned along an axis defined by the articulation rod.

Abstract: A gripping jig for assembling applies a force to a molded body in a direction perpendicular to an assembling direction. When an assembling load is applied to the molded body, the force is adjustable with an adjustment screw such that the molded body is guided to move in the assembling direction. Since the force is applied from a direction different from the assembling direction, the molded body can move in the assembling direction, and as the force is adjustable, application of the assembling load to the molded body and the movement of the molded body can be adjusted. Since a plurality of the molded bodies are fixed and assembled respectively, when there are variations in size of the molded bodies, if an excessive assembling load is applied, each molded body is guided to move, so that more uniform assembling load is applied to the plurality of molded bodies.

Abstract: A garbage disposal installation tool for installing garbage disposal units under sinks providing two degrees of height adjustment that consists of a flat base portion, a hollow cylindrical housing portion that has an operable locking system attached to the base portion, a hollow cylindrical shaft portion sliding longitudinally inside the housing portion, wherein sliding position temporarily secured and locked by the locking system, a flat top platform portion having an externally threaded rod portion extending perpendicular to the top platform, and a rotatable lever bar nut having an internally threaded center through hole with screw threads matchingly corresponding with the threaded rod portion, wherein rotation of the lever bar nut causes axial motion of the externally threaded rod portion resulting in raising and lowering of the top platform portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating upholstered furniture articles and components is disclosed. The method employs an assembly line with work stations. A selected beginning part such as a wooden frame or skeleton is transported along the assembly line using a specially configured fixture or jig to hold the frame or skeleton. At selected work stations, the fixture can be rotated or tilted depending upon the work to be performed. A locking arrangement secures the fixture to the track at each work station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a jig for manufacturing components of aerodynes and wind turbines and a manufacturing process for these components, the jig comprising a base (10), on which at least one rigid part (7) like a flange is arranged in the upper edge of at least one of the sides, which rigid part is connected to the base (10) through an elastic hinge (8), which can driven to pivot between a raised closed position and a lowered open position, for the molding and demolding of the components to be manufactured by means of incorporating fiber strip layers on the surface that they determine between the base (10) and the flange or flanges (7).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning one or more components relative to a work surface are provided. The apparatus can include a frame having a first support member extending therefrom. At least one extendable member can be disposed on the first support member. The extendable member can be adapted to move in a linear direction. At least one magnet can be disposed on the frame. The magnet can include at least one contact side that can be switchable between a magnetized state and a non-magnetized state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to manufacture a wiper blade (10) as well as a device to perform the method and a wiper blade (10) that is manufactured accordingly, wherein the wiper blade (10) features at least a basic body (56) featuring a wiper strip (24) and a supporting element (12). According to the method, the basic body (56) is supposed to be positioned in a holding device (58) in such a way that a clearance (63) remains between the supporting element (12) and holding device (58) at least in areas. The wind deflector strip (44) is gripped, at least one claw (46, 48) formed on the wind deflector strip (44) is threaded on the supporting element (12) and the wind deflector strip (44) is placed over the supporting element (12).

Abstract: There are provided a method of assembling a carriage assembly that can uniformly crimp edge portions of spacer holes of spacer portions and keep the spacer portions flat, thereby maintaining the angles of suspensions with high accuracy, and an assembling apparatus that uses such method.

Abstract: The method basically consists of mounting the spars (2, 2?) and the ribs (3) with reference to the skin (4) in such a manner that, once the spars (2, 2?) are positioned with their proper reference in an assembly jig (12), the ribs (3) are transversely positioned with the condition that they are adjusted making contact against the inner surface of the skin (4). The device comprises a template element (15) which is used for previously providing the skin with the theoretical form it must acquire once mounted, and to firmly maintain that theoretical form by including means for securing and tightening (16) the skin (4), as well as means (17, 18, 19, 20) for supporting and positioning the skin (4).

Abstract: A miter joint assembly system. The system comprises a generally planar assembly plate. A clamping assembly is attached to the assembly plate. At least one drill guide is detachably coupled to the assembly plate at a predetermined orientation. The clamping assembly is configured to releasably secure a first and a second mitered molding to the assembly plate such that the first and second mitered moldings are oriented generally orthogonally to each other. The drill guide is configured to bore a pocket hole and a pilot hole into the first mitered molding, the pocket and pilot holes receiving a fastener to draw and secure the second mitered molding to the first mitered molding.

Abstract: An automated sidewall assembly machine is provided for attaching a sidewall panel to a top and bottom rail of a wheeled trailer. The machine comprises a frame, a carriage for longitudinal movement relative to the frame, an automated punch mounted proximate the frame and an automated riveting press mounted proximate the frame so that the sidewall assembly is movable by the carriage with respect to the frame, the automated punching machine and the automated riveting machine so that holes can be punched through one or more of the sidewall, the bottom rail and the top rail and rivets can be inserted into the punched holes to be mashed. A sensor is operably mounted to the sidewall assembly machine so that information obtained by the sensor can be used to drive the carriage, the automated punching machine and the automated riveting press.

Abstract: A machine and a method for assembling a vehicle body is disclosed as including a locating pin (26) formed with a seating flange portion (35) having a work seating surface (35a) and a clamp arm (39) contained in the locating pin to be operable in a clamping or unclamping movement responsive to an extrusion and retraction of a clamp cylinder (34). A detection pin (47) is mounted for an extruding and extracting movement from the work seating surface (35a), with the detection pin (47), a shaft (44) ad a proximity switch (48) forming a work seating detection mechanism (49). A mutual engagement between the locating pin (26) and a locating bore (R) allows a panel W3 to be positioned, simultaneously detecting the presence of seating of the panel W3 responsive to a movement of the detection pin (47).

Abstract: A system for automated assembly and welding is disclosed. The system includes a pallet for receiving incoming workpieces; a workpiece holder having a plurality of electromagnets; a handling robot configured to transport incoming workpieces from the pallet to the workpiece holder; and a controller in communication with the workpiece holder and the handling robot. The controller is configured to determine an orientation of a workpiece positioned on the workpiece holder, and to selectively adjust an activation state of one or more electromagnets of the workpiece holder based upon the orientation of the workpiece. A method of assembling and welding workpieces is also disclosed.

Abstract: Insertion die tooling for the installation of a flange into a drum end embossment according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a stationary work station constructed and arranged to receive an internally-threaded metal flange and a portion of a metal drum end, the metal drum end being formed with an embossment to be positioned over the metal flange and a movable pressure unit including a closing collet constructed and arranged with a plurality of collet segments, a punch holder attached to a closing ring, and a pilot that is constructed and arranged to be movable with movement of the punch holder, the pilot including a frustoconical portion constructed and arranged for engagement with the embossment for forming a tapered inner drum end wall adjacent an inner surface of the flange.

Abstract: A mandrel is disclosed for fabricating a monolithic composite nacelle panel for use on an airplane. Also disclosed is the method of constructing the mandrel, the method of assembling the mandrel, and the method of disassembling the mandrel.

Abstract: A hinge mounting apparatus (100) for mounting a hinge (80) of a portable electronic device is provided. The portable electronic device includes an accommodating cavity (904). The hinge mounting apparatus includes a base (10), a hinge tube (50), an actuator (30), and a positioning member (60). The hinge tube is mounted on the base and includes a tube groove (504). The tube groove is configured for accommodating the hinge. The actuator is mounted on the base. The actuator includes a pressing head (3031) and configured to enable the pressing member to press the hinge into the accommodating cavity in a reciprocating manner. The positioning member is mounted on the base and is configured for positioning the portable electronic device in such a manner that the tube groove is essentially aligned with the accommodating cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable framing fixture for fabricating wall frames. Pneumatically controlled clamping mechanisms retain and locate various components of a frame wall. Spring loaded locator pins allow for variations in openings in the frame wall and allow for various frame wall designs. An offloading system allows for removal of completed frame walls from the portable framing fixture. The portable framing fixture is mounted onto a wheeled axle assembly to allow for easy transportation of the portable framing fixture to different job sites.