Abstract: When any of facilities of a film producing and packaging system suffers a failure, a film processing controller shuts off the film producing and packaging system. The operator repairs a failing facility and manually discharges a length of an elongate film which may possibly be defective. After the failing facility is repaired, the film processing controller is restarted to operate the film producing and packaging system, which then automatically discharges a length of the elongate film corresponding to a preset number of sized films. It is possible to easily and quickly discard a portion of the elongate film which has been made defective by the facility failure.

Abstract: A casing and a lid which are supplied to a casing/lid supply machine are fed to a main assembly line where a light-shielding sheet is mounted on the casing and a film cover supplied from a film cover assembly line is mounted in the casing. Pressers supplied from a presser assembly line are mounted on the lid. The casing and the lid are combined with each other, completing a film case. The film case manufacturing system is capable of efficiently manufacturing highly accurate film cases and is relatively compact in structure.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a heat transfer member comprises the steps of: subjecting elongated materials to be worked, which are made of metallic thin sheets, to a continuous press forming utilizing a plurality of press-forming devices to form heat transfer faces each having a prescribed shape, while transferring the materials in a prescribed feeding direction, which is in parallel with a longitudinal direction of the materials; and welding two materials, which have been subjected to the press forming, of the elongated materials together utilizing a welding device to form a heat transfer member having substantially a tubular shape.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making a contoured muntin bar. A supply of sheet material having a finished surface on at least one side in the form of a coiled ribbon is unwound and fed along a strip path of travel to a punch station. At the punch station a ribbon punching mechanism punches the ribbon at a precisely predetermined locations along the ribbon to form one of a plurality notch patterns that define a portion of a contoured muntin bar. Downstream along the travel path from the punch station the ribbon is fed through a forming station having a succession of forming rolls that define a succession of forming roll nips to bend the ribbon and form a generally closed cross-sectional tube. The rolls form a number of bending stages to produce a muntin bar tube having a contoured shape with raised sides to provide an attractive appearance to a muntin grid.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a spring core, in which a plurality of springs are connected to one another, is designed such that after the connection of the springs, automatic defect control is performed.

Abstract: A fin folding machine has a base, a pair of vertical side support members extending from the base. A top support member is spaced from the base and is attached to the pair of vertical side support members. The base, pair of vertical side support members, and the top support member defining an opening therebetween. A plurality of tools are movably positioned within the opening. A bar has a plurality of sensors positioned therein abut a plurality of sides. The sensors send corresponding signals to a controller which monitors the position of the plurality of tools relative to a preestablished position. And, the plurality of tools are moved to the preestablished position. The sensors monitor the preestablished position of a depth and taper of a plurality of deep serpentine upper grooves and a plurality of deep serpentine lower grooves.

Abstract: A method of determining the throat area between adjacent airfoils in a nozzle set among a plurality of nozzle sets of a machine involves providing a plurality of inspection points on a suction side of a first airfoil and a pressure side of a second airfoil, the second airfoil being adjacent to the first airfoil. A plurality of inspection points are provided on each of an outer sidewall and an inner sidewall, respectively, of the nozzle set. Positions of each of the first and the second airfoils, and the outer and inner sidewalls are determined by measuring the positions of the inspection points. The measured positions of each of the first and second airfoils, and the outer sidewall and the inner sidewall are compared with corresponding predetermined values.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the installation of pretensioned roller bearings (2), in particular angular ball bearings, for example, in wheel carriers of automobiles, airplanes, and the like. The invention is characterized in that the installation apparatus, with a measurement probe (5), lies against a stop, a shoulder, or the like, in the axial area of the bearing race of one roller bearing, on the shaft side, and that upon tightening the shaft nut (3) against the bearing race of the other roller bearing, on the shaft side, its axial shift with respect to the stop is determined, wherein when the shaft nut is tightened, a torque wrench is used to determine the applied torque, which permits it to differentiate between the actual tensioning process of the roller bearing (2) and the previous process to bring the shaft nut (3) to the stop. The invention also concerns an installation apparatus to implement the method.

Abstract: Apparatus and method precisely preload bearings onto shafts. A swivel plate swivels up to 360° and locks a rotary shaft axially with a motor shaft. A shim and bearing adjacent the shim preload onto shaft shoulder by lock nut secured to the threaded shaft. The lock nut forces the bearing inner race to expand outwardly, preloading the bearing. A force sensor measures torque on the bearing outer race. Measured torque is monitored within a predetermined range to establish the precisely loaded bearing. The method slides a shim onto support shaft shoulder. A bearing is slid onto tapered surface, and lock nut tightened onto the threaded shaft. The lock nut expands the bearing inner race, reducing the distance between the inner and outer races and preloading the bearing. The outer race at a predetermined, constant speed has torque monitored to a predetermined range to provide a precisely preloaded bearing.

Abstract: A semiautomatic method for digital feature separation uses a trained sample selected by an operator using a software “eye dropper” tool or a similar region-of-interest tool to sample features of interest on a stored digital image of, for example, an electronic component such as pads, bumps or leads of the component. Pixels from the sampled features are analyzed and plotted based on their color hue and saturation values or gray scale intensity values. The range of such values is chosen by a user. A second digital image is then compared to the sampled feature data gathered by the “eye dropper” tool. If the color and intensity values of the pixels from the second digital image fall within a user defined acceptable absolute value range, then the locations and values of those pixels in the image are saved.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a bearing onto a shaft is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base plate and a support mounted to and extending upward from the base plate. The support is capable of supporting a shaft. The shaft has a shoulder, a tapered surface adjacent to the shoulder and a threaded portion adjacent to the tapered surface. A shim is positioned on the shaft adjacent to the shoulder and a bearing is positioned adjacent to the shim. The bearing has an inner race, an outer race and a plurality of roller elements positioned there between. The bearing is mounted onto the shaft by a lock nut which is secured to the threaded portion of the shaft and which contacts the inner race of the bearing. The apparatus further includes a motor mounted to the base plate. The motor has an output shaft which is axially aligned with and connectable to the outer race of the bearing. The motor is capable of rotating the outer race of the bearing at a predetermined speed.

Abstract: An assembly system for automatic installation of a roof module in a vehicle body comprises an adhesive bonding station, in which a cylindrical dose of adhesive is applied to the inside of the roof module, and an assembly robot, whereby the roof module is then inserted into the body delivered on an assembly line. For accurate positioning and fixing of the roof module in the roof opening of the body, the assembly robot is provided with a floatingly mounted assembly tool. On the assembly tool are provided centering tools by which the assembly tool can be positioned with high accuracy relative to the roof module and the body. In addition, fixing hooks are provided on the assembly tool and permit a controlled firm pressing on the roof module into the roof opening of the body.

Abstract: A process for assembling micro-optical systems, such as optoelectronic and/or fiber optic components uses solder self-alignment to achieve a coarse, passive alignment of optical components relative to the optical bench. The fine, final alignment is performed using plastic deformation of the optical components to thereby improve the alignment of the optical components. As a result, the sub-micrometer alignment accuracies are attainable, if required.

Abstract: In a method for producing flat-blade windshield wipers with curved flat blades in particular, and for obtaining dimensionally stable bending radii with exact tolerances, a spring band formed by flat blades individually arranged one next to the other, is bent between three support sites spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of the spring band and resting successively in an alternating manner on one of the two sides of the spring band, and the spring band is thereafter re-bent on a subsequent support site in the opposite direction by a re-bending degree lower than the bending degree. The flat blade so treated is subsequently separated from the spring band, combined with a rubber-elastic wiping strip, and provided with a connecting device for a wiper arm.

Abstract: A system and method for aligning aircraft coordinate systems includes determining a first coordinate in the first coordinate system from a first reflector using a first coordinate positioning device, and determining second and third coordinates in the second coordinate system from second and third reflectors, respectively, using a second coordinate positioning device. The second and third reflectors are disposed at predetermined distances from the first reflector. The system aligns the first and second coordinate systems based on the first, second, and third coordinates and the predetermined distances using a processor.

Abstract: In an automated method for mounting a valve stem to the rim of an automotive vehicle wheel, rims are supplied in series by a conveyor to a gauging station where the location and alignment of a hole for receiving the valve stem is determined by a machine vision system. An electronic control system directs a robotic manipulator to grasp the rim, move it to a mounting station where a valve stem is retained, position the rim such that the hole is in alignment with the valve stem, and urge the rim toward the valve stem to insert the valve stem through the hole in the rim. If necessary, a power-actuated nut runner, mounted on the robotic manipulator or adjacent the mounting station, is used to tighten a nut over the valve stem to secure. As an alternative to the machine vision system, the gauging station may utilize a rotating table which rotates the wheel about its central axis, and an “electric eye” optical sensor which directs a beam of infrared light onto the rim.

Abstract: A cup attaching apparatus includes: a cup attaching system for moving a cup to a lens placed at a predetermined position, and attaching the cup onto the lens; a detecting system, provided with a measurement optical system having a measurement light source, a measurement index plate and an photoelectric detector, for detecting a position of an optical center of the lens; a display system for displaying a positional offset of the lens relative to a predetermined reference position based on a result of detection by the detecting system; a data-input system for inputting data on a target lens shape or a traced outline and a layout of the lens; a memory for storing data on shapes of plural types of cups; and a selecting system for selecting a cup, which will not interfere with an abrasive wheel during processing of the lens, based on inputted data and stored data on the shapes of the cups.

Abstract: A process for assembling micro-optical systems, such as optoelectronic and/or fiber optic components uses solder self-alignment to achieve a coarse, passive alignment of optical components relative to the optical bench. The fine, final alignment is performed using plastic deformation of the optical components to thereby improve the alignment of the optical components. As a result, the sub-micrometer alignment accuracies are attainable, if required.

Abstract: A method of examining a position of at least one board-support pin which is positioned on a board-support base for supporting a printed-circuit board under a back surface thereof, the method including the steps of taking an image of the board-support pin, at a position opposed to a free end of the pin, judging whether the position of the board-support pin is appropriate, based on the taken image, and producing judgment information indicative of a result of the judgment.

Abstract: When any of facilities of a film producing and packaging system suffers a failure, a film processing controller shuts off the film producing and packaging system. The operator repairs a failing facility and manually discharges a length of an elongate film which may possibly be defective. After the failing facility is repaired, the film processing controller is restarted to operate the film producing and packaging system, which then automatically discharges a length of the elongate film corresponding to a preset number of sized films. It is possible to easily and quickly discard a portion of the elongate film which has been made defective by the facility failure.

Abstract: A method of preparing a surface on a die coater to improve the uniformity of the coating layer on the substrate. A surface of the die block is machined. The die block is then positioned on a measuring surface in a free state so that the machined surface being measured is substantially vertical. The vertical orientation of the die block substantially removes the effect of gravity on any residual stress during measuring. The steps of machining, positioning, and measuring the die block are repeated until the desired total indicated run-out is achieved. The positioning step may also include interposing at least two point supports between the die block and the measuring surface. In another embodiment, the die blocks are positioned in a reference state or a production state for measuring.

Abstract: A spinning rotor for open-end spinning machines and a method for balancing the spinning rotor in the course of a single clamping process by removing material from a cylindrical-shaped section of the collar (20) of the rotor cup (19) to form an identification mark (21) thereon sufficiently to offset an imbalance and equalize the mass of the rotor. The mark (21), which preferably consists of a combination of a graphic symbol (22) and lettering (23), is used for identification and information.

Abstract: A motion deciding means is provided to decide a motion based on transmitted information which is transmitted from another robot apparatus, so that it is possible to realize a robot apparatus which operates in cooperation with other robot apparatuses regardless of operator's instructions. Thus, such robot apparatuses can constitute a group of robot apparatuses which autonomously move in cooperation.

Abstract: A method of determining contact positions of a robot relative to a workpiece in a workspace of the robot. The method utilizes the contact positions to determine a location of the workpiece in the robot workspace. The method also monitors an integral operating parameter within the robot, such as motor torque, to determine the contact positions of the robot relative to the workpiece and to locate the workpiece.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable (12) is installed within an enclosure (14) a duct by pushing the cable into the duct via a motorized pushing mechanism (38). As the optical fiber cable enters the enclosure, the image of interior of the enclosure is focused by a lens (22) onto a first end of the optical cable for transmission to the opposite end in which is optical registration with a television camera (24). The television camera captures the image of the enclosure interior for display on a monitor (26) to enable installation personnel to observe any possible narrowing of the enclosure that could impede fiber installation. Upon detecting such a restriction or obstruction narrowing the enclosure, the installation personnel actuate a pair of fingers (28a, 28b) carried by a casing (18) circumscribing the forward end of the optical fiber cable to push outwardly against the interior of the enclosure to reduce the narrowing and facilitate installation of the cable in the enclosure.

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: Methods for assembling, handling, and fabricating are disclosed in which targets are used on objects. The targets can be specifically applied to the object, or can be an otherwise normal feature of the object. Conveniently, the targets are removable from the object or covered by another object during an assembling process. One or more robots and imaging devices for the targets are used. The robots can be used to handle or assemble a part, or a fixture may be used in conjunction with the robots. Conveniently, the CAD design system is used in designing the targets as well as for the assembly process using the targets. A plurality of targets can also be used to monitor and inspect a forming process such as on a sheet panel.

Abstract: A method of mounting a plurality of electric components on a circuit substrate and thereby producing an electric circuit, including the steps of taking, immediately before each of the electric components is mounted on the circuit substrate, a first image of a first portion of the circuit substrate on which the each electric component is to be mounted and a second portion of the circuit substrate that is adjacent to the first portion, mounting the each electric component on the circuit substrate, taking, immediately after the each electric component is mounted on the circuit substrate, a second image of the mounted electric component and the second portion adjacent to the mounted electric component, and inspecting, by comparing the first and second images with each other, a state in which the each electric component is mounted on the circuit substrate.

Abstract: Methods for assembling, handling, and fabricating are disclosed in which targets used on objects are located. The targets can be specifically applied to the object, or can be an otherwise normal feature of the object. Conveniently, the targets are removable from the object or covered by another object during an assembling process. One or more robots and imaging devices for the targets, especially for infrared radiation, are used. The robots can be used to handle or assemble a part, or a fixture may be used in conjunction with the robots. Conveniently, the CAD design system is used in designing the targets as well as for the assembly process using the targets. A plurality of targets can also be used to monitor and inspect a forming process such as on a sheet panel.

Abstract: Methods for assembling, handling, and fabricating are disclosed in which targets are used on objects. The targets can be specifically applied to the object, or can be an otherwise normal feature of the object. Conveniently, the targets are removable from the object or covered by another object during an assembling process. One or more robots and imaging devices for the targets are used. The robots can be used to handle or assemble a part, or a fixture may be used in conjunction with the robots. Conveniently, the CAD design system is used in designing the targets as well as for the assembly process using the targets. A plurality of targets can also be used to monitor and inspect a forming process such as on a sheet panel.

Abstract: A riveting system is operable to join two or more workplaces with a rivet. In another aspect of the present invention, a self-piercing rivet is employed. Still another aspect of the present invention employs an electronic control unit and one or more sensors to determine a riveting characteristic and/or an actuator characteristic.

Abstract: A system for delivering fuel comprising a receiver coupled in liquid communication with a fuel tank of a vehicle, a nozzle coupled in liquid communication with a fuel source and interactive alignment structure for mating the nozzle with receiver in response to movement of the receiver and the nozzle.

Abstract: A hose preparation apparatus and method therefor including a supporting device for supporting at least one hose. A printing device is positioned adjacent to the supporting device for printing a symbol on a hose supported by the supporting device. A trimming device is positioned adjacent to the supporting device for trimming a hose supported by the supporting device. The apparatus and method can also include a clipping apparatus, a capping apparatus and an inspecting apparatus.

Abstract: A flexible work station (1) and an operating method for processing, especially the joining and geometric welding of two or more different types of components (4, 5). The work station (1) has a component feed device (6, 7), one or more flexible processing places (2) with a plurality of movable and type-related positioning devices (14, 15) with a clamping device (16), as well as one or more processing devices (13) and at least one transport device (9). The transport device (9), which is preferably designed as a robot, has a plurality of replaceable and type-related gripping tools (10, 11), with which it transports the components (4, 5) from the component feed device (6, 7) to the positioning devices (14, 15). In the case of a change from one component to another, the gripping tool (10, 11) is changed as well, and the old gripping tool (10, 11) is laid down on a gripper rest (22) at or on the components (4, 5), which are just located on the positioning device (14, 15) or on the component feed means (6, 7).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for forming a punch rivet connection and to a joining device, a plunger (4) and optionally a clamp (5) being driven via a transmission unit (2). The transmission unit (2) converts a rotational movement of an electric motor drive unit (1) into a translation movement of the plunger (4) or of the clamp (5).

Abstract: A hose preparation apparatus and method therefor including a supporting device for supporting at least one hose. A printing device is positioned adjacent to the supporting device for printing a symbol on a hose supported by the supporting device. A trimming device is positioned adjacent to the supporting device for trimming a hose supported by the supporting device. The apparatus and method can also include a clipping apparatus, a capping apparatus and an inspecting apparatus.

Abstract: A method for assembling an aircraft includes determining a three-dimensional representation of a first aircraft structure and a second aircraft structure using an optical positioning device. A predicted mate of the first aircraft structure and the second aircraft structure is generated from the three-dimensional representation of the first and second aircraft structures using a processor. The method further includes adjusting the predicted mate of the first and second aircraft structures to enhance performance characteristics of the aircraft using the processor.

Abstract: Problems aligning a slider with a dimple in manufacture of head gimbal assemblies for disk drive suspensions are obviated by defining a series of optically readable indicia on or about the dimple that serve as a reference for positioning apparatus rather than the dimple.

Abstract: A method of examining a position of at least one board-support pin which is positioned on a board-support base for supporting a printed-circuit board under a back surface thereof, the method including the steps of taking an image of the board-support pin, at a position opposed to a free end of the pin, judging whether the position of the board-support pin is appropriate, based on the taken image, and producing judgment information indicative of a result of the judgment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for assemblying, handling, and fabrication are disclosed in which targets are used on objects. The targets can be specifically applied to the object, or can be an otherwise normal feature of the object. Conveniently, the targets are removable from the object or covered by another object during an assemblying process. One or more robots and imaging devices for the targets are used. The robots can be used to handle or assemble a part, or a fixture may be used in conjunction with the robots. Conveniently, the CAD design system is used in designing the targets as well as for the assembly process using the targets. A plurality of targets can also be used to monitor and inspect a forming process such as on a sheet panel.