Abstract: A constant velocity joint for a drive system having a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft coupled with the constant velocity joint, wherein the constant velocity joint comprises: a hollow housing having an opening at one end, and a closing at its opposite end fixed to an end of the first rotating shaft, an inner face of the housing including a plurality of guide grooves extending in an axial direction of the housing and spaced equally apart in a circumferential direction of the housing, each groove having a pair of side faces opposing to each other; and a tripod disposed at an end of the second rotating shaft, having a plurality of trunnions each positioned in a corresponding one of the guide grooves and being spaced equally apart in a circumferential direction of and at an angle normal to the second rotating shaft; and, an inner roller mounted to an outer end portion of each of the trunnions, an outer roller mounted on an outer face of each inner roller with needle rollers engaged between the in

Abstract: The invention as depicted in a preferred embodiment is a retrofitted automated truss assembly jig setting system and one or more removable plank units used therewith. Removable plank unit includes a pair of drive motors each connected to a motor plate that is fixed to the bottom surface of a plank. A pair of rods extends along the length of the plank and each is operatively connected to a motor such that activation of a motor rotates a rod. Puck assemblies are carried by rods and are linearly transposed along rods when motors are activated. A computerized control system is operatively connected to provide for automated positioning of pucks. Planks on existing truss assembly tables may be removed and replaced with removable plank units to turn a traditional truss assembly jigging table into an automated truss assembly jigging table.

Abstract: A truss fabrication system and method for use in fabricating trusses has a truss set-up table and a gantry movable relative to the truss set-up table for pressing connector plates into truss members. A wheel guide directs movement of the roller assembly relative to the truss set-up table. The truss set-up table has a substantially horizontal table deck having a side edge, and extension arms projecting generally horizontally outward from the side edge. A gantry press moves relative to the truss set-up table and is sized and arranged relative to the truss set-up table for pressing connector plates into truss members supported on the table deck and for pressing connector plates into truss members supported on the extension arms. The extension arms are spaced apart from each other along the table deck side edge to define work bays sized to permit a worker to pass into the work bay to the table deck side edge for manipulating the truss components on the table deck.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for moving a truss assembly from a truss assembly table work surface are presented having lift out rails movable between a recessed position beneath the work surface and a raised position above the work surface. A support element assembly is movably mounted to each lift out rail and has at least one support surface for supporting a truss assembly when the lift out rail is in the recessed position. The support element assembly is movable between an up position and a down position. In the up position the support surface is flush with the work surface of the truss table, the support element assembly in the up position when the lift out rail is in the recessed position. In the down position the support surface does not interfere with a truss assembly sliding on the slide mechanism of the lift out rail, the support element assembly in the down position when the lift out rail is in the raised position.

Abstract: A truss fabrication system for fabricating trusses includes a table, a gantry press and an obstruction detection device. A top of the table receives truss components arranged with at least some connector plates engaging at least some of the truss members. The gantry press includes a gantry mounted for movement along a path relative to the table for pressing the connectors into the truss components for joining the truss members together. An obstruction detection device is mounted on the gantry for detecting obstructions in the path of the gantry. The detection device defines a vertical detection plane located a predetermined distance from the gantry and is adapted to detect the presence of all obstructions entering the plane at substantially the same time for stopping movement of the gantry.

Abstract: An adjustable leg for a truss fabrication system used in mass production of trusses. The system has a truss set-up table and a gantry press movable relative to the truss set-up table for pressing nailing plates into truss members. The table is supported on legs which are readily adjustable in height even after installation of the table to maintain the table in a level orientation.

Abstract: A locator for locating and holding a structural member in engagement with an adjacent structural member at a predetermined position of an assembly apparatus during a truss assembly operation. The locator includes a cylindric sleeve having an outer wall configured for engaging the structural member and a bore extending through the sleeve defining an inner wall sized for placement around a stop of the assembly apparatus. The bore is eccentrically positioned in the sleeve. The sleeve is portable, may be secured to the apparatus free from fixed connection, and is rotatable about the stop for adjusting a magnitude of force applied by the sleeve to the structural member.

Abstract: A automatic truss jig setting system is disclosed that includes a table including a plurality of segments with a side edge of adjacent segments defining a slot. At least one pin assembly, and optionally a pair of pin assemblies, is movable independently of each other along the slot. Movement apparatus is provided for independently moving the pin assemblies along the slot. Each of the side edges of the segments associated with the slot defines a substantially vertical plane with a zone being defined between the substantially vertical planes of the side edges, and the movement apparatus is located substantially outside of the zone of the slot. The invention may optionally include a system for handling the obstruction of pin assembly movement, and a system for keeping track of the position of the pin assembly when the pin assembly has encountered an obstruction.

Abstract: A head gimbal assembly, which is a component of a hard disk drive, has a bending portion that has elasticity and is bent at a predetermined angle under an unloaded condition, and a slider is bonded to a holding portion thereof by mounting the head gimbal assembly on a bonding jig in a state in which the bending portion is stretched. When the head gimbal assembly is separated from the bonding jig after bonding, the bending portion is not restored freely, so that the head gimbal assembly is caught by the bonding jig during the separating process and a locked state is sometimes established.

Abstract: A machine and a method for fabricating structural wood components, such as joist building components, is described. The machine comprises a component assembling jig for assembling pre-cut wood pieces at predetermined positions corresponding to a structural wood component design. Magnetic elements are adapted to position connector plates at predetermined locations in the machine. The assembled wood pieces of the jig are displaced to a transfer platform where they are clamped with the wood pieces positioned at interconnecting junctions. The transfer platform then displaces the assembled and held wood pieces to a position adjacent magnetic connector plate applicators whereby the plates are secured to the wood pieces at the interconnecting junctions to interconnect the wood pieces together to form an assembled structural component which is then displaced and discharged from the machine.

Abstract: A portable roof panel structure assembly mechanism that may be transported to a construction site and that is used to automatically assemble roof panel structures at the site. The assembly mechanism includes a purlin feeder, subpurlin clamping mechanisms and feeders, and a diaphragm feeder. The purlin feeder lifts a purlin into position, and advances the purlin into an assembly station. The subpurlin feeders insert a subpurlin into each of a plurality of subpurlin clamping mechanisms, and the clamping mechanisms advance into the assembly station and hold the subpurlins against the section of the purlin that has been advanced. The diaphragm feeder places a diaphragm onto the subpurlins and the purlin at the assembly station. The components are attached by automatic nailers.

Abstract: A automatic truss jig setting system is disclosed that includes a table including a plurality of segments with a side edge of adjacent segments defining a slot. At least one pin assembly, and optionally a pair of pin assemblies, is movable independently of each other along the slot. Movement apparatus is provided for independently moving the pin assemblies along the slot. Each of the side edges of the segments associated with the slot defines a substantially vertical plane with a zone being defined between the substantially vertical planes of the side edges, and the movement apparatus is located substantially outside of the zone of the slot. The invention may optionally include a system for handling the obstruction of pin assembly movement, and a system for keeping track of the position of the pin assembly when the pin assembly has encountered an obstruction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing large, semi-flexible metal components includes a fixture that holds the component blank in a desired position for manufacturing operations by accurate numerically controlled machine tools using original numerical part definition records, utilizing spatial relationships between key features of detail parts or subassemblies as represented by coordination features machined into the parts and subassemblies, thereby making the parts and subassemblies intrinsically determinant of the dimensions and contour of the part.

Abstract: When connecting two elements that are moveable with respect to one another, someamount of clearance, i.e., spacing between the elements, is included to minimize friction between the elements. The present invention is directed to setting the clearance within a desired range, regardless of manufacturing tolerances of the two elements. In particular, the present invention is directed to power cutting tools wherein it is necessary to set the clearance between one or more reciprocating blades and a blade support member.

Abstract: A truss assembly apparatus and method for assembling a truss utilizing the apparatus are presented, the apparatus comprising a truss table having a work surface with a first and second assembly zone. A first clamping assembly has a movable first clamp rail for clamping the truss in the first assembly zone, the first clamp rail having at least one flip-arm recess therein. A flip-over assembly has at least one flip-over arm movable relative to the work surface for moving the truss from a first truss position-in the first assembly zone to a second truss position in the second assembly zone, the flip-over arm movable into the flip-arm recess of the first clamp rail. The apparatus may have a plurality of such recesses and flip arms. The truss assembly apparatus may further comprise a second clamping assembly having a movable second clamp rail for clamping the truss in the second assembly zone, the second clamp rail having a flip-arm recess therein movable into the flip-arm recess of the second clamp rail.

Abstract: A device forms metallic cages for structures made of reinforced concrete, the metallic cages providing longitudinal rods associated with transverse stirrups, the transverse stirrups having an at least partly closed shape and being distanced lengthwise. The device includes a supporting frame, and a plurality of housing seatings arranged in a longitudinal line on the supporting frame at least according to a desired interaxis (“i”) or a multiple of the interaxis (“i”), each of the housing seatings cooperating with a relative means to position and retain the stirrups defining their erect position on a substantially vertical plane. A plurality of transverse arms to support the longitudinal rods lie separated from each other on a horizontal plane, the transverse arms being interposed between the housing seatings. Means are provided for relative displacement in height between the transverse arms and the means to position and retain the stirrups.

Abstract: A sealing unit capable of sealing engagement with an end of a tube. The tube has an outer wall and a bore surrounded by an inner wall. The seal unit comprises a tapered element having a longitudinal axis. The tapered element is adapted for insertion into the bore in the end of the tube. A sealing ring co-axial with said longitudinal axis of the tapered element to provide an annular channel between the tapered element and the sealing ring. The annular channel has an open end and a closed end. The annular channel is capable of receiving the end of the tube through the open end of the annular channel. A base, co-axial with the longitudinal axis of said tapered element, contacts the sealing ring to hold the sealing ring in place and contacts the tapered element to terminate the annular channel at the closed end. When the sealing unit is in sealing engagement with the end of the tube, the tapered element sealably engages the inner wall of the tube and the sealing ring sealably engages the outer wall of the tube.

Abstract: A bushing installation and removal assembly includes mounting table fitted with a vice fixture, a press/ram assembly having a controlled hydraulic press whereby a separate hydraulic repositioning system disposes the work piece into the press/ram assembly in a controlled manner. The worktable, fixtures and press/ram assembly are designed to receive and securely position the housing assembly (work piece) onto a controlled substrate. The substrate is then designed to reposition the housing assembly (work piece) proximate to the press ram, which suitably presses the bushing member onto the housing assembly (work piece). The substrate is then retracted to its original position where the housing assembly (work piece) is removed for further processing.

Abstract: As means for handling elongate and flat workpieces flowing in a manufacturing line, three handling devices are provided. First one is a workpiece transmitting device which functions to push down, one after another, the frontmost one of a mass of raised workpieces horizontally put on a table structure. Second one is a parts-mass compressing device which compresses a mass of raised workpieces horizontally put on a table structure to a desired smaller size by using moving and fixed plates. Third one is an assembling device which connects a header pipe to each side of a compressed mass of raised workpieces horizontally put on a table structure.

Abstract: A wall frame assembly table for rapid assembly of wall frames at a central location for shipment to a construction site. The wall frame assembly table can be configured for construction of wall frames of different shapes and sizes. The table is constructed to inhibit the accumulation of debris on the table for consistently accurate placement of the wall frame elements. Locating pins along the sides of the table engaging the wall frame elements can be selectively removed as needed for driving nails through the elements. An adjustable support is provided for the top plate of the wall frame which can be extended to different distances from an edge of the table for walls of different height. In addition, the adjustable support can be angled in correspondence with a wall frame which has a top plate extending at an angle relative to the bottom plate. A laser projection system may be used to locate the elements of the wall frame.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and an apparatus for aligning crankshaft sections such as center sections of so-called “pressed-together crankshafts” found in multiple-cylinder-engines of the type used in personal motorized watercrafts and snowmobiles. The alignment of these crankshaft sections is effected by a phasing tool comprised of two symmetrical machined steel cylinders which are mounted on a die shoe, facing each other in virtual image formation, and provided with specifically designed phasing and centering tools. The phasing tools are designed in accordance with the diameters of the peripheral pins of the journals of the crankshaft section and the stroke of the crankshaft. A centering tool is used to center the crankshaft section with respect to the machined steel cylinders, and a spacing tool, placed between the two webs of the crankshaft section, prevents the force of the hydraulic-actuatordriven upper plate of the die shoe from compressing the crankshaft section excessively.

Abstract: A method of constructing trusses includes providing a laser jigging system that projects the location of the jigging hardware so that an operator can easily, quickly, and precisely position the jigging hardware on the work-surface prior to positioning any truss members on the work-surface is described. More particularly, the system projects puck and other jigging hardware alignment or location guides on the table work-surface. With the alignment guides projected on the table, the pucks and other jigging hardware are located in alignment with the projected guides, and secured to the table. The truss members are located on the table in accordance with the pattern defined by the jigging, and connector plates are then engaged with the truss members.

Abstract: In handling electronic components during manufacturing or other processing, circuit devices are retained within a dual in-line processing (DIP) tube by inserting and securing DIP pins at each end of the DIP tube. The DIP pin apparatus inserts DIP pins into holes of DIP tubes by pressing a DIP pin positioned within a lower slot of a lower plate of the apparatus into a hole of a DIP tube. The DIP pin apparatus removes DIP pins from the holes of DIP tubes by lifting a DIP pin from under its head and removing the DIP pin from the DIP tube. By using the DIP pin apparatus in the handling of electronic components, the adverse effects of operator fatigue, component damage, and production inefficiencies are reduced.

Abstract: A locator stop (10) having a body (12) is arranged to be supported on an upper surface of a truss table formed with a plurality of panels (P), so as to extend across a slot (S) between successive panels. The body (12) has a basal surface (22) by which it is supportable on the upper surface of the table. The stop has a lock (14) which projects below the body (12) so as to be at least partly locatable in the slot (S). The lock (14) has dimensions in two mutually perpendicular directions, substantially parallel to the basal surface (22), which respectively are less than the width of the slot (S) and greater than the width of the slot. The lock (14) is adjustable by a manual operation performed above the table, wherein the lock (14) is able to firmly engage at least one of the panels (P) defining the slot (S) and thereby clamp or hold the body (12) on the upper surface at a required position along the slot.

Abstract: Truss table assembly for assembling a truss without manual flipping of the truss. In one embodiment, the truss table assembly includes two truss tables and two flipper arms. Each truss table has a worksurface that is configured to support the truss members as nailing plates are engaged to the truss members. The flipper arms are configured to flip the truss from a truss member first surface in contact with the worksurfaces to a second surface in contact with the worksurfaces so that nailing plates may be positioned over the truss member second surface and engaged to the truss members.

Abstract: A method of assembling components of an assembly, such as the components of a truss, using a laser imaging system in combination with assembly jigs. The jigs may be slidably mounted on an assembly table wherein the jigs include laser alignment indicia on a top surface of the jigs spaced a predetermined distance from a side surface of the jigs. The method includes projecting an enlarged laser generated outline of at least a portion of the components to be assembled which is spaced laterally from an outline or template of the components in the assembled position a distance equal to the distance between the laser alignment indicia and the side surface of the jigs and spaced vertically a distance equal to the distance between the indicia and the work surface. The jigs are then moved on the work surface to align the laser alignment indicia with the enlarged outline and affixed relative to the work surface.