Abstract: A rollup barrier is provided for a robotic station. The barrier includes a track having a tapered portion at its lower end. A switch is mounted at the extreme lower end of the track. The switch prevents actuation of the robotic equipment unless the barrier is moved to its extreme lowermost position. Extensible cylinders are used for connection to a chain trained around a sprocket in order to roll the roller.

Abstract: In a wire termination apparatus, an anvil for placing a terminal thereon is mounted on a base plate, corresponding in position to a crimper of a ram. The terminal is crimped by a crimping portion, which includes the crimper and the anvil. An elongate link piece is mounted on the ram, and a guide member having a groove in which an elongate component, such as a fluorescent tube, is placed, is mounted on the tip of the link piece. The guide member is positioned to be aligned with the terminal placed on the anvil, when the ram is in its uppermost position. A conductive lead of the component and a conductor of an insulated wire are inserted into the terminal from directions perpendicular to each other, then the terminal is crimped by the crimper.

Abstract: A hybrid arched overfilled structure includes a combination of pre-cast side elements and at least one cast-in-place crown sector element. The side elements are pre-cast generally in a horizontal orientation and subsequently lifted into place. The crown sector element is cast in place between the side elements. In one form of the invention, each of the three sections makes up about one-third of the overall arch span.

Abstract: A process, apparatus, and kit for horizontally assembling a cryogenic pump with an apparatus generally including a workstand, a plurality of support stands longitudinally spaced apart from the workstand and a roller transport structure. The kit includes the apparatus and a beam crane for attachment to the apparatus for assembling and disassembling the cryogenic pump at the point of use.

Abstract: Engine loader and transporter apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an engine handling assembly includes a motorized drive assembly engageable with a floor surface, and an engagement unit positioned proximate the drive assembly and partially surrounding a working space. The engagement unit includes a pair of coupling assemblies positioned on opposing lateral sides of the working space that are adapted to be selectively coupleable to the aircraft engine assembly when the aircraft engine assembly is positioned at least partially within the working space. A lifting assembly is operatively coupled to the drive assembly and to the engagement unit and is operable to selectively raise and lower the engagement unit and the aircraft engine assembly with respect to the floor surface.

Abstract: A sunroof is automatically and precisely positioned to a mounting position by an apparatus including a floating plate movably mounted to a base member. A secondary lift structure is mounted to the floating plate and a centering cylinder unit is disposed between the secondary lift structure and the floating plate such that the centering cylinder unit aligns the floating plate to the sunroof mounting position on the vehicle body.

Abstract: The machine is adapted to supply, manipulate and position steel strip, fed from a coil, so as to bring it into gapped relationship beneath the side wall of a partly constructed, elevated tank. This is done so that the strip can be welded to the side wall to add a course. It is the objective to ensure that the tank wall is plumb (vertical) and in radius (both as to curvature and relative to the center of the tank) and that the width of the gap is optimized, at the weld point. The machine comprises a ‘floating’ main frame or platform suspended on a mobile undercarriage by four pivotally mounted cylinders. The cylinders are independently responsive to instruments monitoring the elevation, levelness and plumbness of the tank wall and the width of the gap. The main frame carries the coil and carries the strip and the tank wall in the vicinity of the weld point.

Abstract: A device for loading a rivet and the like in a rivet holder belt which can continuously and securely load a large number of rivets and the like to the rivet holder belt includes: a hopper 11 for storing the rivets and the like at random; a chute 14 which is continuous from the hopper 11 to guide the rivets and the like that are contained in the hopper 11 to a delivery position of a rivet wheel 15; the rivet wheel 15 which rotates to receive the rivets and the like from the lower end of the chute 14 and store them one by one in each of plural grooves 29 that are formed in the rims of flange bodies; a pushing member 42 which is provided to face the circumference of the rivet wheel 15 to push the rivets and the like resting in the grooves 29 of the rivet wheel 15 into holding notches 37 of a rivet holder belt 36 that is guided along the rivet wheel 15; and a sprocket 35 which is provided in a trunk 27 of the rivet wheel 15 and feeds the rivet holder belt 36 while engaging with engagement holes 38 that are opened

Abstract: A material application system for applying a panel of material to a framework with a shoe for retaining the framework, a nest, opposed mechanisms for retaining opposite portions of the panel of material traversing between the shoe and the nest, an arrangement for selectively moving the shoe and the nest into and out of an engaged position wherein the panel of material is sandwiched between the shoe and the nest and a disengaged position, and an arrangement for inducing an attachment of the panel of material to the framework. The opposed mechanisms can be clamping mechanisms, which can be segmented and individually moveable to enable variable pretensioning. A contoured deflection control member can alternatively produce variable pretensioning. A pressing arrangement with a tooth member can press a locking spline into a groove in the framework to secure the material.

Abstract: A bolster plate is attached to a printed circuit board and acts as a stiffener that reduces bending in the overall assembly during the attachment of an integrated circuit chip to the printed circuit board under a heavy applied load. The bolster plate is provided with a shim that compensates for bending of the bolster plate under load, thereby preventing damage to the integrated circuit chip. The dimensions of the shim may be selected according to computer model results representing bow deformation in the bolster plate without the shim.

Abstract: The bump ball crimping apparatus of the present invention is characterized in comprising an alignment plate 31 for aligning bump balls; a crimping table 32 on which the wafer to which bump balls are to be crimped is mounted; a crimping plate 42 that crimps the bump balls onto the bonding pads of the wafer; a Y-axis moving mechanism 35 that can move the alignment plate 31 in the Y direction and can fasten it at a predetermined position; an X-axis moving mechanism that can move the alignment plate 31 in the X direction and can fasten it at a predetermined position; and a second Y-axis moving mechanism 37 that can move the crimping table 32 in the Y direction and can fasten it at a predetermined position.

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 part mounting device is provided for mounting a front end module onto a vehicle body. The device comprises a frame structure vertically movably mounted on a carry truck through a lifter, a holding device capable of holding the front end module onto the frame structure, a positioning bar slidably disposed on the frame structure, and an actuator capable of moving the positioning bar on the frame structure. Positioning pins are movably held on both ends of the positioning bar and engageable with positioning openings formed in a front end of the vehicle body.

Abstract: An installation apparatus is comprised of a pair of grasping brackets and an installation jig. The installation apparatus is employed to install a cockpit module in a vehicle body in a manner that the grasping brackets is detachably attached respectively to both end portions of a steering member of the cockpit module and that the installation jig grasps the grasping brackets and conveys the cockpit module to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A device for installing muntin bars into a frame of a window including a device for accurately positioning the muntin bars within the frame and also for providing an accurate junction between the bars and the frame. The device includes a mounting frame that is inclined with respect to the vertical plane, tie-bars movably supported by the mounting frame for fixing and machining spacer frames of different sizes together with respective muntin bars and an apparatus for arranging and fixing muntin bars within the spacer frame. A method is proposed by which a terminal plug is fixed within one end of a muntin bar. The plug is fixed by screws, clamps of similar type fasteners that are positioned in a program controlled manner using a screwing apparatus or a shooting device that is movably supported relative to the spacer frame.

Abstract: A work chucking/inserting device for chucking and inserting a work into an insertion hole (cylinder bore) in alignment with the hole, including three or more chuck fingers, the chuck fingers being arranged in circumferentially spaced positions and mounted for advancing and retracting radially. Inner surfaces of the chuck fingers serve as chuck surfaces for chucking the work, and outer surfaces of the chuck fingers are tapered at least at tip end portions radially inward toward the tips for contact with an inlet of the insertion hole. The work chucking/inserting device further includes a tracer mechanism which causes the axis of a conical surface defined by the outer surfaces of the chuck fingers to become aligned with the axis of the insertion hole when the outer surfaces of the chuck fingers contact the inlet of the insertion hole. A pushing mechanism is included for pushing the work toward the insertion hole.

Abstract: A seat assembly machine includes an independently adjustable alignment mechanism. A seat holding mechanism secures a seat frame in place relative to a fabric cover that is supported on another portion of the machine. An independently moveable alignment mechanism includes support posts that are received through openings in the cover and into corresponding receiver portions of the seat frame to properly align those components. After proper alignment is verified, the seat frame is inserted into the cover. The adjustment mechanism is normally biased toward the seat frame holding mechanism and movement of the seat frame holding mechanism overcomes the bias on the alignment mechanism so that the alignment mechanism selectively moves with the seat holder mechanism during an assembly process. The independently positionable alignment mechanism facilitates assembling a variety of seat types using a single machine.

Abstract: A piston assembling apparatus for a swash plate type compressor has a cylinder block-fixing means; vacuum absorbing means; absorbing angle-maintaining means capable of entering the cylinder bores from under the cylinder block and leaving out of the same; assembly-descending means, and elevating/descending for elevating the absorbing angle-maintaining means into the cylinder bores to contact the absorbing angle-maintaining face with a lower end of each of the pistons and for descending the absorbing angle-maintaining means at a rate substantially equal to a descending rate of the assembly-descending means at actuation of the assembly-descending means.

Abstract: An assembly machine comprises a machine frame, a plurality of work stations arranged on a circular carrier plate secured on the surface of the machine frame, and a rotary dish that is rotationally driven in cycles and arranged concentrically with the carrier plate. The rotary dish protrudes along the circumference of the carrier plate and forms a ring-shaped support surface for work pieces that surround the carrier plate. The machine frame is a cast machine component that comprises a table-like substructure and a console on the top side with a ring-shaped mounting surface for receiving a drive for the rotary dish. The rotary dish drive is a direct drive that comprises a ring-shaped stator with electrical windings that is secured on the mounting surface, and a rotor fitted with permanent magnets. The rotor forms a carrier for and is detachably connected with the rotary dish.

Abstract: An automatic collimator manufacturing apparatus includes a loading part being loaded a glass tube, into which a GRIN lens is fixedly inserted, and a pigtail formed with at least one fiber, an angle aligning part allowing the pigtail to be inserted into the glass tube and coaxially aligning the pigtail with the GRIN lens, a spot aligning part controlling an optical property between the pigtail and the GRIN lens, and a dispensing part fixedly attaching the pigtail to the glass tube.

Abstract: A clutch handler is provided for removal and installation of vehicle parts, such as clutches and the like. The clutch handler comprises a base, a lift arm mechanism including a base end and a distal end, the base end being pivotally mounted to the base by a unique linkage. This linkage allows a clutch to be flipped between the horizontal and the vertical positions without the user's assistance.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device (10) for closing wedge simulation to set gap dimensions between a movable flap (5; 5a, 5b) of a vehicle and the surrounding body (1) of the vehicle. The flap (5; 5a, 5b) is initially fitted and held in a roughly adjusted installation position in alignment with the body (1). The flap (5; 5a, 5b) is then finely adjusted such that predeterminable gap dimensions can be met with optimum precision. Finally, the flap (5; 5a, 5b) is movably fixed in the finely adjusted installation position on the body (1). To simplify the closing wedge simulation without losing accuracy for fine adjustment of the flap (5; 5a, 5b), the invention proposes to suction the flap (5; 5a, 5b) against a mechanical stop (15) for fine adjustment using a pneumatic suctioning device (16), wherein the mechanical stop (15) is fixed relative to the surrounding body (1) and is freely pivotable about a substantially vertical axis of rotation (13).

Abstract: A component assembly system precisely aligns a plurality of components in a circumferential direction and assembles the components together. A plurality of guide channels extending radially from an axis are formed in a disc-shaped base member. A plurality of slide members on which the upper and lower ends of coils are mounted are supported in the guide channels in a slidable manner. The slide members are positioned so as to make contact with a circular first positioning member by moving the slide members inward along the guide channels in the radial direction and further positioned by fitting a cylindrical second positioning member around the outer periphery of the slide members. In the course of the slide members converging on the circumference of a circle having a center on the axis, the coils mounted on the slide members mesh with each other so as to be unified.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool assembly unit for coupling a tool and a tool holder including a measuring device which determines the position of the tool with respect to the tool holder, an alignment device coupled to the measuring device which receives the tool holder, a moveable rod slideably disposed on the alignment device and coupled to the tool which moves the tool with respect to the tool holder to a desired position as measured by the measuring device. The tool may be affixed to the tool holder by heat shrinking.

Abstract: A fixture and method for aligning a vehicle fender and door, particularly a fixture for an assembly line point that attaches to a vehicle door and moves a front edge of the door to a spacing element, attaches to a vehicle fender, moves the fender to the spacing element and to a pre-defined 3-dimensional relationship with the door, and holds the fender in the pre-defined relationship while the fender is secured in place on the vehicle.

Abstract: A basket assembly fixture is useful in the construction of a basket assembly for interring spent nuclear fuel rods. The basket assembly fixture has an elongate base and a pair of lifting beams disposed above the base. Lifting beam raising means are provided at both ends of the base to raise the pair of lifting beams. A transverse beam is provided below the two lifting beams and above the base. Transverse beam raising means are provided for raising the transverse beam.

Abstract: A collapsible apparatus is disclosed for lifting and transporting objects, such as toilets and similar plumbing fixtures. The toilet lifter has a support structure and a strap system attached thereto. The support structure has three vertical legs with wheels on the bottoms and horizontal support structures connecting the legs at the tops. The strap system includes a loop strap that engages a bowl of the toilet and rear straps that engage a back or middle portion of the toilet. The strap system is supported by the support structure above the toilet in use and passes across a pivot point on the support structure to raise and lower the toilet. The straps are connected to a toilet, and the strap system is retracted to lift the toilet. The support structure may be locked into a folded position for transportation.

Abstract: A chassis inverter consisting of a set of clamps that hold a mobile vehicle chassis and a hydraulic driven rotary actuator. The apparatus and an overhead crane system provide a method of inverting and transferring chassis in a short time period needed to meet high volume vehicle manufacturing needs. The apparatus consists of two c-shaped clamps that cradle the chassis. The clamps are assembled to a shaft that is driven by a hydraulic cylinder through a sprocket and chain arrangement that provides a full inversion of the chassis. One clamp has a motorized trolley that provides adjustment needed for handling chassis of widely varying wheelbase. The process involves an overhead crane system with a bridge crane section that provides the necessary broadside loading motion, and an interlocking monorail section that allows the hoist carriers to exit the bridge and travel perpendicularly to the inverting apparatus' loading direction.

Abstract: An improved plumbing workstation for use by a worker to install at least one plumbing fixture onto at least one sink, comprising a template for temporarily supporting the at least one sink, the template being adjustable to accommodate at least one size and at least one shape of the at least one sink, a frame upon which the template is mounted for 360° rotation about a horizontal axis, at least one means for locking the template at selected angular positions about the horizontal axis, and retaining means for retaining the at least one sink on the template and for retaining at least one sink a drain attachment on the at least one sink such that when the at least one sink is secured on the template, the template is at a generally horizontal first angular position, and when the template is rotated about the horizontal axis from the first angular position to a second angular position, the at least one sink is retained on the template to facilitate installation of the at lease one plumbing fixture and the at le

Abstract: The present invention concerns a controllable holding and mounting device for use with the construction of an insulated glass window. The mounting device includes a mounting frame and a tie-bar. A positioning laying-on device is connected to the tie-bar and adapted to support a spacer frame for the window. The spacer frame is fixed into position in the mounting device by a distance positioning supporting device that engages the spacer frame and fixes it between the supporting device and the laying-on device. A gripping device is provided that is adapted to support and position a muntin within the spacer frame. A screwing device that is movable relative to the spacer frame is also provided and is capable of driving a screw through the spacer frame and into the muntin to thereby secure the muntin to the spacer frame.

Abstract: An application tool (and a method of use of the tool) is provided for assembling an outboard seal and roller assembly into a hub unit. The tool and method allow for the use of standard seals and standard cage/roller assemblies, thus avoiding the problem associated with the use of special cages or oversized large-diameter seals.

Abstract: A chassis inverter consisting of a set of clamps that hold a mobile vehicle chassis and a hydraulic driven rotary actuator. The apparatus and an overhead crane system provide a method of inverting and transferring chassis in a short time period needed to meet high volume vehicle manufacturing needs. The apparatus consists of two c-shaped clamps that cradle the chassis. The clamps are assembled to a shaft that is driven by a hydraulic cylinder through a sprocket and chain arrangement that provides a full inversion of the chassis. One clamp has a motorized trolley that provides adjustment needed for handling chassis of widely varying wheelbase. The process involves an overhead crane system with a bridge crane section that provides the necessary broadside loading motion, and an interlocking monorail section that allows the hoist carriers to exit the bridge and travel perpendicularly to the inverting apparatus' loading direction.

Abstract: A tool and a method for replacing brake system components for automotive vehicles. The tool is designed to rotatably secure a worn or defective treadle valve side by side with a rotatably secured replacement treadle valve. The treadle valves can be rotated and locked into place to present corresponding faces to the user. The tool and method allows the user to measure the orientation or alignment of threaded fittings on the worn or defective treadle valve, remove them and then install them or their replacement fittings on the replacement treadle valve in the same general orientation or alignment as the fittings had on the worn or defective treadle valve. The tool and method ensures that when the replacement treadle valve is reinstalled on the vehicle, the threaded couplings on the ends of lengths of tubing will align with the fittings installed on the replacement treadle valve.

Abstract: A device for processing workpieces utilizes a frame and a fixture. The frame has a perimeter with an opening, and inner and outer side walls. A pair of shelves are located in the opening for supporting a workpiece and a spring retains the workpiece on the frame. The fixture has work locations with elevators that are moved by an elevator handle. The fixture also has an engagement handle for actuating the springs. The workpieces may be simultaneously mounted to or removed from the frames with the fixture. The frames are loaded into the locations and both handles are rotated to raise the elevators and bend the springs. The workpieces are then placed on top of the elevators, and the elevator handle is rotated to lower the workpieces. Next, the engagement handle is rotated to release the springs to form assemblies that can be removed from the fixture.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided wherein a substrate is mechanically clamped to a heater block of a die bonder to hold down the heated substrate before and during the die bonding operation, thereby preventing warpage of the substrate. Embodiments include a clamp comprising a plurality of spring-loaded rollers which push down opposing outer edges of the substrate onto the heater block while the substrate is being heated and die bonded. The clamp minimizes warpage of the substrate by pushing the substrate flat onto the heater block, and allows the substrate to be moved into and away from the die bonding area.

Abstract: A crimping tool according to the invention includes a cylindrical C-5 carbide rod having a plurality of laser cut pyramid points on one end. An adapter sleeve is also provided for attaching the tool to an existing pneumatic press. The pyramid pattern on the end of the tool provides several unexpected benefits. First, the points engage the eyelet and prevent the tool from slipping off the eyelet during the crimping operation. Second, the crimps produced by the tool have a greater surface area than the conventional crimps, exerting more pressure on the wick core without shearing fibers. The pressure exerted on the wick is 25-35% greater than a conventional crimp. Further, the carbide material wears much slower than the conventional crimping tools. This assures a consistency in crimping over a long period of time. An exemplary embodiment of the crimping tool according to the invention is approximately 1.625 inches long and approximately 0.090 inches in diameter.

Abstract: A method for regulating a device (2) used for fixing aircraft airframe pieces in connection with assembly of airframe parts (21, 22), where the device consists of a rig (3) comprising a matrix of rails (7, 8) that can slide in such a way that a number of fixing elements (9) attached to the rails (7, 8) can be positioned freely along three co-ordinates x, y, z in space within a given volume, where a manipulator (1) grasps a fixing element (9) after which the fixing element (9) is moved by the manipulator (1) to the given co-ordinate, and where the rails on which a fixing element (9) is arranged is locked in relation to the rig (3) by an automatic locking function initiated by the manipulator, thereby fixing the fixing element's (9) position in space and the setting procedure is repeated for a predetermined number of fixing elements (9) on the rig.

Abstract: A bolt press fit apparatus comprising; a bolt press fit press machine, a hardware mounting members which can move between a press position of the bolt press fit press machine and a retracted position separated from this press position, and which has a predetermined number of bolt-insertion holes into which bolts are press fitted, bolt transfer mechanisms, and bolt temporarily-press fit mechanisms which insert and temporarily press fit the bolts from the bolt transfer mechanism in a corresponding manner with respect to the predetermined number of bolt-insertion holes.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a component provided with a number of liquid paths having movable members for use of liquid discharging comprises the steps of displacing the movable members provided for thin film material by use of such thin film material having the movable members on it, and a component provided with a plurality of recessed portions, and of placing the movable members, which are in the state of being displaced with respect to the recessed portions of the component correspondingly, hence making it possible to fabricate a liquid jet head without damaging or deforming such thin film material constituting the movable members. With the provision of the movable members, the discharging power and efficiency of the liquid jet head are significantly enhanced to obtain recorded images of high quality at higher speeds.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for manufacturing pallets. The apparatus and method incorporates an assembly table that alternates between an inclined position where the components of the pallet are fastened and a lower, horizontal position where the assembled pallet is transferred to an conveyor.

Abstract: A modular door assembly for a vehicle is disclosed having a door frame and a carrier secured to the door frame. A door entry system is secured to the carrier to operate the vehicle door. A window carrier assembly includes a window regulator and motor secured to the carrier. A window pane is attached to the window regulator and is adjustable relative to the carrier in the vehicle door frame. A method of assembling the modular door assembly for a vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A band saw strip manipulator is arranged to receive a toothed metal strip for welding from a cut to length machine. The strip is moved into the band saw strip manipulator by powered rollers. The strip extends between a first edge detector at one side of the manipulator and a second edge detector at the opposite side of the manipulator. First and second end clamps are located to either side of a carriage mounted for vertical movement. When the strip has been approximately centrally located in the manipulator the carriage moves upwardly thereby pulling the strip upwardly until the edge detectors detect the ends of the strip. The first and second end clamps are then closed and pivoted about first and second guide rollers so that the two ends of the strip are located in close proximity for welding together.

Abstract: A computer hard drive assembly device is described which can include a turntable, a motor, and a control. The turntable can include a platform configured to secure computer hard drive components to the turntable. The motor can be coupled to the turntable by a rotating drive shaft which allows the motor to rotate the turntable. The control can be coupled to the motor and is coupled to engage the motor. A method for computer hard drive assembly using the device is also provided.

Abstract: An automated screening and splining apparatus for continuously seating an elongated flexible spline material in a screen frame having a screen retaining channel along first, second, third and fourth perimeter sides and corners of the screen frame and defining a spline sealing area within the screen retaining channel for receiving spline material therein, and the screen frame having first, second, third and fourth perimeter edges, comprising: (a) frame assembly; (b) slide carriage device mounted on the structural support device having first moving device for latitudinal movement along a y-axis between a third position and a second position, and for latitudinal movement along the y-axis between third position and fourth position; and the slide carriage device having second moving device for longitudinal movement along an x-axis between a second position and a third position, and for longitudinal movement along the x-axis between a fourth position and first position; and (c) a spline dispensing head assembly mou

Abstract: A positioning device and method for positioning objects is provided. The device includes a movable stage and a pair of levers. The pair of levers is symmetric about a first axis of the movable stage. Additionally, the pair of levers is parallel to a second axis of the movable stage. This second axis is perpendicular to the first axis. Each of the pair of levers applies a force to the movable stage. Each of the pair of levers moves in an arc. The two levers move in opposite directions along their respective arc. The two arcs are symmetrical about an axis of the movable stage.

Abstract: A tool for holding a component during an assembly process includes a suction cup assembly which is operatively associated with an assembly system. The assembly system includes a supporting fixed frame and a movable subframe. The suction cup assembly is attached to the movable subframe by a movable arm. Each suction cup assembly includes a housing fixed to the movable arm and a suction cup movably positionable within part of a bore formed through the housing. A suction cup driver is provided to selectively and axially position the cup with respect to the housing. The housing comprises a component-abutting boot and a base. The boot includes a face which is contoured so as to substantially mate with the outer surface of the component being held.

Abstract: A flexible fixture system and method wherein a single fixture system can accommodate and hold a plurality of different workpieces, i.e. the various workpieces comprising the different flight surfaces of a wing. The flexible fixture system comprises a plurality of posts each including a plurality of different contoured formers, one former for each of the different workpieces to be accommodated and held by the flexible fixture system. Depending upon which workpiece is to be held by the fixture system, the required former on each post is selected automatically and moved into position for operative association with the workpiece. The contoured formers include powered clamps for holding details to be fastened to the workpiece. Each post of the flexible fixture system also includes a plurality of holding devices, such as suction cup type devices, which are moved into position to hold the workpiece and maintain its curvature.

Abstract: A flexible fixture system and method wherein a single fixture system can accommodate and hold a plurality of different workpieces, i.e. the various workpieces comprising the different flight surfaces of a wing. The flexible fixture system comprises a plurality of posts each including a plurality of different contoured formers, one former for each of the different workpieces to be accommodated and held by the flexible fixture system. Depending upon which workpiece is to be held by the fixture system, the required former on each post is selected automatically and moved into position for operative association with the workpiece. The contoured formers include powered clamps for holding details to be fastened to the workpiece. Each post of the flexible fixture system also includes a plurality of holding devices, such as suction cup type devices, which are moved into position to hold the workpiece and maintain its curvature.

Abstract: Devices and techniques for placing and bonding identical elements to holes in a substrate where spacer balls and a reference surface are used to achieve the desired accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a printed circuit board(PCB) flat level compensating unit of a surface mounting apparatus in which when a PCB is stopped at its working position and is firstly pushed up from the lower portion thereof, the PCB is secondly pushed to be raised thereby to be compensated its flat level and the mounting height for the PCB according the thickness is adjusted thereby to be increased a mounting efficient and a precision.