Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a daughter board from a mother board.

Abstract: A device for monitoring clamping of an assembly including at least one part to be clamped, an internally threaded element and an externally threaded element engaged in an internal thread of the internally threaded element. The device includes a driver to rotate one of the elements including the internally threaded element and the externally threaded element to clamp the assembly and a first sensor to measure a screwing torque of the driver, a tool for holding fixed against rotation the other of the elements including the internally threaded element and the externally threaded element, a second sensor to measure a reaction torque of the holding tool, a mechanism for determining a third parameter chosen from a time elapsed from a given time and a screwing angle from a reference position, and a calculation system to determine pre-tension in the externally threaded element.

Abstract: A control method includes two operating modes carried out in response to a position of a selector switch. The first operating mode provides: carrying out first impacts of the hammer onto the anvil; detecting the event of an impact of the hammer onto the anvil with an impact sensor; detecting an angular position of the anvil with an angle sensor; estimating an individual impact angle of the anvil due to the last detected impact, based on the angular position of the anvil before the last detected impact and the angular position of the anvil after the last detected impact, and comparing the individual impact angle with an individual impact setpoint angle. The first operating mode is ended when the individual impact angle drops below an individual impact setpoint angle.

Abstract: An inspection system is provided, which is capable of notifying a worker of a determination result immediately while preventing detection failure. The inspection system to inspect a tightening state of a bolt includes: a server device that determines quality of the tightening state of the bolt based on a degree of similarity of a shape of a tightening waveform that indicates a torque change with time when a worker tightens the bolt using a nutrunner to a shape of a reference waveform that indicates an ideal torque change with time when the bolt is tightened; and a notification device that notifies the worker of the quality of the tightening state of the bolt, which is determined by the server device.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a method for making up a tubular joint. The method includes rotating a first tubular relative to a second tubular to engage the first and second tubulars while measuring a torque between the first and second tubulars, calculating a set point of a relative rotational speed between the first and second tubulars using the measured torque, and using the calculated set point with a closed-loop controller to control the relative rotational speed between the first and second tubulars.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a method for making up a tubular joint. The method includes rotating a first tubular relative to a second tubular to engage the first and second tubulars while measuring a torque between the first and second tubulars, calculating a set point of a relative rotational speed between the first and second tubulars using the measured torque, and using the calculated set point with a closed-loop controller to control the relative rotational speed between the first and second tubulars.

Abstract: A power tool for tightening a fastener includes: an angle measurement unit for measuring a rotational angle (?) of the fastener; a torque measurement unit for measuring a torque (T) delivered to the fastener during tightening; a motor connected to rotatable parts of the power tool for driving the tightening of the fastener; a processor for calculating a tightening energy (Et) needed to complete tightening of the fastener from ? to a predetermined target angle (?t), wherein Et is calculated based on ?, ?t and a stiffness (k) of a joint; and a regulator to regulate a rotational speed (?) of the motor to provide rotational energy (Er) in the form of rotational inertia in the rotatable parts of the power tool to meet the needed Et, wherein the power tool interrupts the tightening of the fastener at ?t, ?t defined from snug, at a snug angle (?0).

Abstract: An electronic device for checking a fastening state of screws includes a receiving member, a cover, an electric screwdriver, a processor, and a warning unit. The receiving member receives a mountable device. The cover includes a number of screw guiding members, the screw guiding members guides the screws into screw holes on the mountable device. The electric screwdriver fastens the screws into the screw holes on the mountable device. The processor predefines an order of the electric screwdriver fastening the screws in response to operations of an operator; in a process of the electric screwdriver fastening the screws into the screw holes on the mountable device received in the receiving member, checks whether the fastening order is the same as the predefined order; and when the fastening order is not the same as the predefined order, controls the warning unit to output a warning message.

Abstract: A control method according for an impact wrench includes ascertaining whether the impact wrench applies an impact when the drive shaft rotates in a lower speed range. The speed of the drive shaft then is increased to a higher speed range as a function of an ascertained impact during the rotation in the lower speed range.

Abstract: Complex assembly procedures for joining components with plural fasteners are accomplished using predefined procedures for performing a multi-step assembly of a joint using a dynamically controllable assembly tool, or to inspect an assembled joint. An assembly tool is coupled with an electronically controlled regulator for reducing the tightening rate, or the load increase per impact for an impact or impulse tool, so the tool can be stopped precisely at a specified stopping load or torque. The predefined procedures for performing the desired tightening operation are established in a controller coupled with the electronically controlled regulator, for dynamically controlling the assembly tool. The system can be used to assemble joints involving multiple fasteners and which are subject to elastic interaction between the fasteners, rocking, or joint relaxation, and in assembly or inspection operations in which an operator is to be guided through a particular sequence of instructions.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the valve stroke or a closing duration of a solenoid valve for actuating a fuel injector includes first screwing a magnet adapter nut in a first screwing course on an injector body until a target stroke for the valve stroke is attained at a first torque. Upon attainment of the target stroke at the first torque, a further rotation takes place, at a differential torque. Next, the magnet adapter nut is unscrewed until a torque is reliably undershot. After that, rescrewing of the magnet adapter nut takes place in a second screwing course until the target stroke is attained at a second torque.

Abstract: A cable tie for mounting a wire harness within a vehicle interior includes a mounting portion having an opening configured to receive a fastener for securing the cable tie to a support structure. The cable tie also includes a tie portion extending from the mounting portion. The tie portion is configured to wrap around the wire harness to secure the wire harness to the cable tie, and the tie portion is laterally offset from the opening along a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tie portion.

Abstract: A method for assembling a structure is described. The method includes locating a position in an assembly stack-up where a one-sided fastener is to be installed, drilling a hole through the assembly stack-up at the position, countersinking the hole to a specified depth, operating a calibrated probe to determine at least parameter associated with one or more of the hole and the stack-up proximate the hole, inserting the one-sided fastener into the hole, applying a rotational torque to the one-sided fastener to complete installation of the one-sided fastener, and comparing a measurement of angular displacement required to complete installation of the one-sided fastener to a range of angular displacement indicative of correct installation of the fastener.

Abstract: The present application discloses methods and apparatus for installing fitting components, such as a conduit gripping device, on a conduit to form an assembly. The assembly is joinable with at least one other fitting component to form a fitting. The present application also discloses methods and apparatus for evaluating characteristics of components of a mechanically attached connection. Characteristics that may be evaluated include, but are not limited to, the position of a conduit gripping device on a conduit, an amount of axial compression or stroke of the conduit gripping device, an amount of clamping force applied to the conduit gripping device as the conduit gripping device is compressed, and an amount of torque applied to members that compresses the conduit gripping device.

Abstract: A system and method for automating an assembly process of threading a tube-nut onto a threaded connector. The system includes a robot having a force sensor and a tube-nut runner tool coupled to the robot and having a tool head with a rotatable socket therein. The method includes engaging the socket to the tube-nut under force control using the force signal from the force sensor. The tool controller causes the socket to rotate the tube-nut where the tool controller controls the torque and/or angle displacement of the tool head to tighten the tube-nut on the threaded connector. The method also includes disengaging the tool head from the tube-nut after the tube-nut is properly tightened onto the threaded connector under force control to ensure that the end member is properly disengaged from the tube-nut.

Abstract: A fastening device includes a rotational drive portion that rotationally drives a socket, an advance/retract drive portion that causes this socket to advance or retract along a rotational axis thereof, a magazine that retains a plurality of heads that retain bolts, and a switching portion that moves this magazine to selectively position one of a plurality of heads ahead and on the rotational axis of the socket. One of the heads is selected and positioned on the rotational axis of the socket by the switching portion, then the socket is advanced by the advance/retract drive portion and the head thus selected is retained by the socket, then the socket is advanced further by the advance/retract drive portion and the head to detach is detached from the magazine, and then the head is rotated by driving the rotational drive portion, thereby fastening a bolt retained in the head.

Abstract: A tongs system and method for making and breaking threaded joints of a string of tubing for an oil well involves, in some examples, the use of a set of tongs with a two-speed transmission and a hydraulic system selectively operable in a high-pressure mode and a low-pressure mode. During an initial tightening period, the tongs system operates in high-gear and high-pressure for maximum speed. During a subsequent final tightening period, the tongs system operates in low-gear and low-pressure to controllably tighten the joint to a predetermined target torque. In some examples, to allow the transmission to shift speed without jamming gears, the tongs system pauses for an instant between the initial and final tightening periods. In some examples, the tongs system is interlocked with a hoist and/or other tube-holding and handling equipment.

Abstract: A threaded element in the shape of a wire thread insert with a specific geometric design is disclosed. This threaded element contains, in particular, a narrowed helical winding of at least two helical winding sections that enclose one or a plurality of sequential secants. Based on this geometric design of the threaded element, a matched installation process is described.

Abstract: A torque transmitting device in a drive train of a vehicle, which has an assembly on the engine side and an assembly on the transmission side. A geometrically defined installation position of the torque transmitting device between the assemblies can be set by inserting a compensating element, such as an adjustment disk. A thickness of the compensating element depends on the air gap of the torque transmitting device to be set.

Abstract: A torque applying system includes a torque applying tool having a motor and rotating output spindle, a torque sensor that measures an instantaneous torque exerted by the output spindle during a fastening cycle, and a controller operatively connected to the tool to control the tool's rotational speed during the fastening cycle. The controller is programmed to control the tool's rotational speed to be [(?F??C)/t]/r, wherein t is a time constant of speed control, ?F is a target final torque for the fastening cycle, and r is a torque rate.

Abstract: A torque wrench includes a hollow body, a clutch mechanism, a force-applying member, and at least one driving arm. The clutch mechanism is mounted in the hollow body. The force-applying member is pivotally mounted in the hollow body and has a first end against the clutch mechanism. The force-applying member also has a second end for the driving arm coaxially mounted at. Thus, the torque wrench can take the overall length of the force-applying member and the driving arm as a first moment arm, and the torque wrench is easy to storage due to the detachable driving arm. In addition, the torque wrench can be increased in length by mounting a driving arm which is a plurality of rods detachably assembled with each other. A method of operating the torque wrench includes mounting the clutch mechanism and the force-applying member in the hollow body, and mounting the driving arm at the second end of the force-applying member. The torque wrench can be increased in length by mounting a plurality of the driving arms.

Abstract: A method for tightening a screw joint up to a predetermined target torque level (TT) by means of a hand held torque delivering power tool, wherein a tightening torque is applied on the screw joint during a tightening phase (E) via a snug torque level (TS), indicating during the tightening phase (E) a torque growth characteristic (?t1), interrupting the torque application on the screw joint at the arrival at the target torque level (TT) to prevent further rotation of the screw joint, resuming torque application via declination ramp (F) at a declining rate after the target torque level (TT) is reached, wherein the resumed torque application is declined at a rate responsive to the indicated torque growth characteristic (?t1) to obtain an ergonomically favourable torque reaction characteristic in the power tool.

Abstract: A method associated with the selection of tubulars for hydrocarbon production is described. In particular, the method is associated with the evaluation of performance limits of threaded connections. In this method, constituents of an evaluation group of threaded connections are determined via model analysis. Then, physical testing on a first group of threaded connections in the evaluation group is conducted. Modeling analysis on the first group and a second group of threaded connections is performed, wherein the second group are not physically tested. Once modeled, the results from the physical testing and the modeling analysis are compared to assess a characteristic performance factor for the first group. Then, the characteristic performance factor is applied to the second group, and the performance limits are defined based on this characteristic performance factor.

Abstract: A cable tie for mounting a wire harness within a vehicle interior includes a mounting portion having an opening configured to receive a fastener for securing the cable tie to a support structure. The cable tie also includes a tie portion extending from the mounting portion. The tie portion is configured to wrap around the wire harness to secure the wire harness to the cable tie, and the tie portion is laterally offset from the opening along a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tie portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated toe adjustment apparatus and method that includes a power nut runner, a vision machine, a robot, and a floating mechanism. More particularly, the power nut runner adjusts a toe by adjusting an adjusting bolt of the tie-rod assembly. The vision machine photographs the power nut runner to verify position information of the power nut runner. The robot engages the power nut runner with the adjusting bolt of the tie-rod assembly and rotates the power nut runner. The floating mechanism absorbs a shock between the power nut runner and the robot as the vehicle is shaken by the overall process.

Abstract: Techniques for detachably joining a first component and a second component includes a band clamp, a tensioning device, a plurality of shoes, and a plurality of brackets. The band clamp is configured to cause the plurality of shoes to engage an abutting cylindrical flange of each of the first component and the second component and to provide a sufficient clamping pressure to join the first component with the second component. Each of the plurality of brackets is attached to one of the first component and the second component. The sufficient clamping pressure results from redundant, independently inspectable, sources, a primary redundant source being circumferential tension in the band clamp, caused by tightening the tensioning device, to produce a first radial restraining force on the shoes, and a secondary redundant source being a second radial restraining force, applied by way of the plurality of brackets, to the band clamp.

Abstract: A method is shown by which threaded pipe sections are connected to form a tubular joint having proper sealing positioning at proper make-up torque. A make-up stencil plate is manufactured for each specific size of pipe to be coupled at the specific taper and make-up loss of a given connection with very tight tolerance. The plate is placed on the pin pipe end of the connection. A dial indicator is placed on the outer surface of the pipe pin end with the indicator flush with the end of the stencil plate. Once the indicator is set to zero, the stencil plate is removed. Then a bucking unit or power tong is applied to the coupling. When the face of the coupling hits the tip of the indicator and the indicator is within the given tolerance, the operator stops the make-up process.

Abstract: An electric screwdriver is coupled to an automatic screw feeding adaptor defining a screw path having a proximal end, a middle region and a distal end. A first screw is received within the screw feeding adaptor and held at a driving position near the distal end of the screw path by applying a distal partial vacuum within the screw feeding adaptor. The first screw is driven, and a torque applied to the first screw is detected. The torque is compared to a minimum torque threshold, and a second screw is moved along the screw path based at least in part upon the comparison.

Abstract: A bolt system for indicating a level of preload of a bolt that is connectable to a subject to be fixed is disclosed The bolt system includes the bolt with a bolt head, a first sleeve attached to the bolt between the bolt head and the subject and a second sleeve attached to the bolt between the bolt head and the subject. The first sleeve is an inner sleeve and the second sleeve is an outer sleeve that fits around the first sleeve. One sleeve is longer than the other sleeve. When the preload is below a maximum value, the longer sleeve transmits the preload between the bolt head and the subject. When the preload is above the maximum value, the longer sleeve is compressed in such a way that both sleeves transmit the preload between the bolt head and the subject.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus for controlled fastening, comprises a body (11) coupled to which is one of different removable inserts (17, 17?, 17?). The insert comprises a transponder (18) which sends setting signals to the apparatus when it is mounted on the apparatus. The apparatus in turn comprises transmission means for programming into the transponder (18) information which shall be inserted into the signals which shall subsequently be sent by the transponder to the apparatus.

Abstract: In a positioning apparatus (40), a fixed scroll (34) is positioned with respect to an assembly body (11) in which a compressor motor (25) has been incorporated. In positioning the fixed scroll (34), electric power is supplied to the compressor motor (25) from an inverter (81) to rotate a crank shaft (20) by the compressor motor (25), thereby shifting a movable scroll (31). In the positioning apparatus (40), the shift of the movable scroll (31) leads to calculation of an appropriate position of the fixed scroll (34). A striking unit (70) applies impact force to the fixed scroll (34) to stir the fixed scroll (34) to the appropriate position.

Abstract: The method is used for automated tightening of a screwed joint (16), which is fitted to a component (10) in advance and contains a screw (12) and a nut (14), using a programmable industrial robot system (18). In this case, the invention provides that the industrial robot system (18) has a first robot (20) with a screw driving head (22) and a second robot (24) with a mating holding head (26). In order to tighten the screwed joint (16) on the component (10), the screw driving head (22) is positioned in a defined screw driving position, and the mating holding head (26) is positioned in a defined mating holding position in order to produce an interlocking connection, which is suitable for tightening of the screwed joint (16), between the mating holding head (26) and the nut (14), as well as between the screw driving head (22) and the screw (12). The screwed joint (16) on the component (10) is tightened with a predeterminable fixing torque. The interlocking connections are then disconnected.

Abstract: A number of pre-production calibration tightenings are performed at a screw joint identical to a screw joint used in production and using the same impulse wrench as to be used in production tightening. The value of one or more tightening related parameters are registered at the attainment of the desired pre-tension level, and those parameter values are used to statistically form a basis for a reference set-up. The tightening parameter values registered during production tightening are compared to the reference set-up, and an indication is obtained as to discrepancies between the reference set-up and the actually registered parameter values to get an indication as to whether the impulse wrench is malfunctioning and/or the screw joint is faulty.

Abstract: A manufacturing method that can stabilize an operation torque of a torque limiter device in a manufacturing stage is provided. The method of manufacturing the torque limiter device 1 includes an assembling step S1 of attaching a clutch disk 13 and a damper mechanism 16 to a spline hub 15, and attaching a friction facing 21 to the clutch disk 13; an assembling step S2 of attaching a transmission torque limiting portion 6 to the friction facing 21; and a grinding step S4 of supplying a torque to at least one of the transmission torque limiting portion 6 and the spline hub 15 to rotate them relatively to each other.

Abstract: A rivet is inserted into a workpiece by an apparatus that includes an internal roller screw linear actuator in which rotational movement of an internally threaded cylinder is converted into linear movement of a fastener insertion actuator assembly. The cylinder is driven in rotation by a servo-controlled motor. The angular velocity of the cylinder required to deliver the required energy to effect fastener insertion is calculated and the motor is first controlled to accelerate the cylinder up to the calculated angular velocity, the actuator assembly simultaneously being moved by the cylinder towards the workpiece. The motor is then controlled to maintain the angular velocity of the cylinder at not less than the calculated magnitude at least until insertion of the fastener. The cylinder stores kinetic energy by virtue of its inertia. Using this inertia to insert fasteners eliminates the need for position or force feedback control. The process allows for a rapid cycle time and the apparatus is compact.

Abstract: A torque wrench is provided that includes a handle in which is disposed a torque limiting mechanism and a torque indicator engaged with the torque limiting mechanism. The torque limiting mechanism functions to limit the maximum torque that can be transmitted by an individual through the tool, while the indicator provides a visible indication to the individual when a specified amount of torque is being provided through the tool that is less than the amount which causes the torque limiting mechanism to operate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new and improved method and apparatus for monitoring torque and joint conditions during the manufacturing process, particularly in the automobile industry. For a desired assembly of automobile members and fasteners is encountered during manufacturing, the optimal torque data and optimal joint data are retrieved from the data storage device. The tension sensor and the rotation sensor monitor the torque condition and joint condition and direct a controller to send torque instruction until the optimal torque condition and optimal joint condition are achieved.

Abstract: A bolt is fastened up to a predetermined snug torque Ts and then the bolt is further fastened by a specified angle ?t from a bolt angle corresponding to the snug torque Ts. Herein, in order to obtain excess and deficiency of the fastening angle up to the snug torque Ts, an angle-variation difference between the fastening angle ?sb of the bolt at the point where the fastening torque of the bolt has reached the snug torque Ts and a standard angle ?sa of the snug torque Ts is calculated. And, addition of this angle-variation difference to a base angle is set as the new specified angle ?t to correct the excess and deficiency. Accordingly, variation in a fastening shaft force can be restrained even if the snug torque is set at a relatively high torque in the bolt fastening method using the torque+angle method.

Abstract: Make-up speed for a tongs drive system is monitored and controlled to maintain the speed within a limited target range either throughout the make-up process or during the final portion of the make-up process, thereby improving make-up consistency and allowing for improved evaluation or torque during the make-up process. An encoder generates speed and position data during the make-up process. The speed data is compared to a target speed, which is based on rod and/or tongs characteristics. If the speed does not match the target speed or is not within a range of the target speed, a signal is transmitted to the tongs drive to adjust the speed accordingly. Furthermore, position data from the encoder, or other position sensors, provide position data for the rod during the make-up process to limit or vary the speed control parameters during different portions of the make-up process.

Abstract: A rivet is inserted into a workpiece by an apparatus that includes an internal roller screw linear actuator in which rotational movement of an internally threaded cylinder is converted into linear movement of a fastener insertion actuator assembly. The cylinder is driven in rotation by a servo-controlled motor. The angular velocity of the cylinder required to deliver the required energy to effect fastener insertion is calculated and the motor is first controlled to accelerate the cylinder up to the calculated angular velocity, the actuator assembly simultaneously being moved by the cylinder towards the workpiece. The motor is then controlled to maintain the angular velocity of the cylinder at not less than the calculated magnitude at least until insertion of the fastener. The cylinder stores kinetic energy by virtue of its inertia. Using this inertia to insert fasteners eliminates the need for position or force feedback control. The process allows for a rapid cycle time and the apparatus is compact.

Abstract: A screwing apparatus includes a support member having a horizontal support surface. A single urging member has an urging surface opposed to the support surface. The urging surface is set parallel to the support surface. A driving mechanism is configured to drive at least one of the support member and the urging member to move to change the distance between the support member and the urging member. Driver bits have the tip ends opposed to the support surface, respectively. The driver bits are driven to move toward and away from the urging surface.

Abstract: A turbine/compressor stator joint that may include a flange, an aperture extending through the flange, and a bolt extending through the aperture. The bolt may include a shank and a layer of insulation surrounding the shank.

Abstract: A method of driving screws may include steps of providing a robotically controlled screw driver, a servo motor assembly for moving the screw driver, at least one controller for controlling the screw driver and the servo motor assembly, and a machine vision assembly coupled to the controller. The screw may be coupled to the screw driver, and the screw may be aligned with a threaded hole using the machine vision assembly and the controller to control the servo motor assembly, such that the screw is aligned with a center of the threaded hole. The aligned screw may then be driven into the threaded hole.

Abstract: A flexible connector may include a tube having an open end and a lower end distal from the open end, an inner surface of the open end comprising a plurality of apices forming a substantially polygonal lower cross-section, an upper shaft having an insert end disposed insertably in the open end, an outer surface of the insert end comprising a plurality of substantially planer flats forming a substantially polygonal upper cross-section normal to the driven axis of rotation, the upper cross-section being substantially similar to the lower cross-section, and an elastic member disposed compressably between each of the flats and each of the apices.

Abstract: Techniques for attaching a retaining ring to a carrier head so that the bottom surface of the retaining ring is orthogonal to a central rotational axis of the carrier head are described.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for connecting a first tubular with a second tubular. The apparatus includes a gripping member for engaging the first tubular and a conveying member for positioning the gripping member. The apparatus also includes a spinner for rotating the first tubular. In one embodiment, the spinner includes a motor and one or more rotational members for engaging the first tubular. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a rotation counting member biased against the first tubular. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of connecting a first tubular to second tubular. The method includes engaging the first tubular using a gripping member connected to a conveying member and positioning the gripping member to align the first tubular with the second tubular. Thereafter, the first tubular is engaged with the second tubular, and the first tubular is rotated relative to the second tubular using the gripping member.

Abstract: A spindle positioning apparatus for a robotic manipulator. The spindle positioning apparatus includes a mounting plate assembly, first and second spindles, and an actuator mechanism. The first spindle is disposed on the mounting plate assembly in a fixed position. The second spindle is disposed on the mounting plate assembly and is movable with respect to the first spindle. The actuator mechanism is adapted to move the second spindle with respect to the first spindle.

Abstract: METHOD FOR ATTAINING A PREDETERMINED CLAMPING FORCE IN THREADED JOINTS through the employment of a plurality of equations and graphs converted into digital data and applied to a system of intelligent monitoring, being part of a computer program or specific software dedicated to operate manual or automatic spindle machines, the needed parameters being measured at the axle of the equipment connected to the wrench that acts over a threaded fastener, such as a bolt, nuts or equivalent element during the fastening operation, the acquisition of the data for calculation and utilization the variable “torsion angle” ?, ?t and ?t?? occurring in real time during the operation of pretightening untightening and retightening performed by the spindle, said “torsion angle” ?, ?t and ?t?? being extracted from parameters of torque and displacement necessary to obtain the clamping force of the jointed parts (plates and fastener) that are acting cooperatively during the tightening operation, said torsion angle ?, ?t and ?t? taki

Abstract: A more reliable and fool-proof method and apparatus for assembling an article of assembly (e.g. with predetermined screw torque requirements) in which the article of assembly has multiple fastening locations. The method comprises holding the article of assembly fixed while providing at least two different types of targets fixed relative to the article of assembly that correspond to the individual fastening locations. Fasteners are fastened into the article of assembly at the fastening locations. When fastening is occurring at one of the fastening locations, one of the targets is being sensed. Based on the target sensed, a target output is generated that differentiates between different types of targets thereby indicating fastening location of the fastening tool. The electronic target output is used for electronic control such as for stopping a conveyor to keep the article of assembly at an assembly station until the fastening operations have been completed.

Abstract: A more reliable and fool-proof method and apparatus for assembling an article of assembly (e.g. with predetermined screw torque requirements) in which the article of assembly has multiple fastening locations. The method comprises holding the article of assembly fixed while providing at least two different types of targets fixed relative to the article of assembly that correspond to the individual fastening locations. Fasteners are fastened into the article of assembly at the fastening locations. When fastening is occurring at one of the fastening locations, one of the targets is being sensed. Based on the target sensed, a target output is generated that differentiates between different types of targets thereby indicating fastening location of the fastening tool. The electronic target output is used for electronic control such as for stopping a conveyor to keep the article of assembly at an assembly station until the fastening operations have been completed.