Abstract: An assembling apparatus assembling a body side of an automotive vehicle includes: a moving body provided in a transfer line; a clamp device mounted to the moving body fixing and positioning a body side outer in an upright position in which the body side outer is fixed in such a manner that a roof rail end of the body side outer is positioned substantially above the side sill end of the body side outer; and a welding robot disposed in a side of the transfer line. The welding robot assembles the body side by welding the body side outer positioned by the clamp device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and device for fitting wheel heads on a vehicle chassis. The chassis and wheel head are first brought into a reference position relative to one another. Wheel guide elements which have not yet been finally fitted are used to determine the securing positions for the reference position and secured.

Abstract: An aircraft engine shipping system includes a frame assembly for supporting the aircraft engine, and a cradle assembly mounted on the frame assembly for securing the aircraft engine to the frame assembly. The frame assembly includes shock absorbers to provide continual shock absorption to an aircraft engine loaded thereon. The shipping system may be configured in either a truck or air transport mode. In the truck transport mode, the aircraft engine is secured to the cradle assembly by an aft ring which attaches to the aft portion of the aircraft, and a pair of cradle arms which attach to the forward portion of the aircraft engine. In the air transport mode, the aircraft engine is attached to the cradle assembly by the aft ring, and a forward ring which attaches directly to the fan of the aircraft engine. In the air transport mode, the cradle arms are disconnected from the aircraft engine and rotated away from the engine in a stowed position.

Abstract: An automatic fastening machine and method which reduces fastener installation cycle time by virtue of unique tool movements, pressure foot operation and other features. The pressure foot plate is coupled to actuators for moving the same in a manner allowing tilting of the plate relative to the plane of the workpiece during movement from one fastener installation location to another. The actuators are independently operated by a servo control arrangement in conjunction with the machine control. As a result, it is not necessary for the system to seek a new down position thereby saving machine cycle time. Sensors operatively associated with the actuators in conjunction with the machine control cause movement of the pressure foot plate in reaction to force applied to the workpiece during fastener installation to maintain the workline established by the position of the workpiece prior to application of force.

Abstract: A magnetic striker alignment fixture for aligning a striker with a latch on a door jamb, and a method of use therefor, is described. The fixture includes a substantially planar base of rigid material having an area defining an aperture sized to tightly receive the striker and position the striker in the plane parallel to the base. At least one magnet is disposed on at least one surface of the base so as to hold the base adjacent to the door jamb, with the base being parallel to the door jamb thereby positioning the striker on the door jamb and restricting motion of the striker in the plane of the surface of the door jamb. Optionally, a handle can either be pivotally attached to the base or formed on a surface of the base, so as to permit the fixture to be easily removed from the door jamb. Additionally, an optional elongated member extending from at least one surface of the base can be provided to function as a locator pin and anti-rotation device.

Abstract: A weld seam opening regulator for use in constricting cylindrical structures, including a frame, first and second wheels for riding on a first edge of a band of metal, a third wheel for riding on a first edge of a cylindrical portion of the structure, and a fourth wheel for riding on an inner surface of the cylindrical portion and maintaining a minimum weld spacing between the band and cylinder. Also, an adjustable bottom roller rides on a second edge of the metal band urges the metal band toward the cylindrical portion of the structure.

Abstract: A coating fixture adapted to extricate a jammed connector web is described. The coating fixture includes a pair of vertical supports. Each support has a first portion spaced apart from a second portion. Springs are placed between the first and second portions to allow movement of the first portions relative to the second portions. The second portions may be anchored to prevent their movement.

Abstract: A universal fixture for a pre-assembly of computer components includes a base and a support plate adjustably mounted on the base for movement to various inclined positions. At least one support arm interconnects the base and the support plate for securing the support plate in an inclined position. A fixture is rotatably mounted on the support plate and includes various positioning stops and an adjustable slide for properly positioning various computer components for attaching chassis mounting devices to the components. The adjustment of the support plate and rotation of the fixture provide ergonomic advantages to the assembler performing the pre-assembly operations.

Abstract: An aircraft engine shipping system includes a frame assembly for supporting the aircraft engine, and a cradle assembly mounted on the frame assembly for securing the aircraft engine to the frame assembly. The frame assembly includes shock absorbers to provide continual shock absorption to an aircraft engine loaded thereon. The shipping system may be configured in either a truck or air transport mode. In the truck transport mode, the aircraft engine is secured to the cradle assembly by means of an aft ring which attaches to the aft portion of the aircraft, and a pair of cradle arms which attach to the forward portion of the aircraft engine. In the air transport mode, the aircraft engine is attached to the cradle assembly by the aft ring the aft ring, and a forward ring which attaches directly to the fan of the aircraft engine. In the air transport mode, the cradle arms are disconnected from the aircraft engine and rotated away from the engine in a stowed position.

Abstract: An installation tool for replacing inoperable residential city water service curb valves. The tool has a body (20), preferably formed of steel plate in channel shape with a first leg (22) and a second leg (24). A clearance notch (26) is located in the first leg and a ball and socket elbow mounting bracket (30) is attached on the inner surface surrounding the notch, and an alignment hole (28) is provided in the second leg. The bracket is formed in two half's having a upper clasp (32) and a lower clasp (34) with a hinge (44) pivotally holding them together. A draw pull latch (50) attaches the two half's concurrently, with the upper half permanently affixed to the body, thus completing the tools structure. In use an inoperable valve is removed and the replacement curb valve (54) is positioned between the legs of the body with a pipe nipple (56) disposed loosely through the clearance hole.