Abstract: The invention provides a machining method and a machining apparatus in which the machining productivity and the machining quality of the machining apparatus can be improved. Prior to machining, an NC control unit makes an X-axis drive unit move a table based on examination conditions specified in advance. Thus, the NC control unit obtains a stabilization time required from the command-reach time of a poisoning command and till the stabilization of position response of the table within a predetermined allowable range. Likewise, for means for moving a drill in a Y-axis direction, the NC control unit obtains a stabilization time required till the stabilization of position response within a predetermined allowable range. At the time of machining, the drill is moved in a Z-axis direction to cut into a printed wiring board as soon as the obtained stabilization time has passed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for centring a wheel, especially a cycle wheel. The values of the lateral run-out and/or the radial run-out of the wheel rim are measured. The lateral run-out and/or the radial run-out of the wheel rim are then eliminated by rotating the spoke nipple. The lateral run-out and/or the radial run-out are determined by means of measuring devices which can be fixed to a centring stand and which comprise pointer mechanisms (18 and/or 20).

Abstract: A system and method for assembling a fuel tank is disclosed. A measuring device is mounted on a carriage on which at least one machine tool (e.g., saw, router) is also mounted. This carriage is operatively interconnected with a computer and may be longitudinally moved between a headstock and tailstock which are longitudinally displaced and on which various subassemblies of the fuel tank may be mounted during the assembly of a given fuel tank. Length measurements are preferably made of each fuel tank subassembly prior to any machining operation being executed thereon, as well as after each such machining operation, by monitoring/knowing the longitudinal position of the carriage via the measuring device. These length measurements may be automatically recorded on an appropriate computer-readable storage medium in relation to the subject fuel tank subassembly and the subject fuel tank.

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 method and an apparatus incorporating the method for making a long, continuous laminate. A plurality of layers of materials are simultaneously wound around a metal hub. Strips of refractory material, perforated metal, metal foil, metal mesh, and random fiber media, are employed in the layers of materials. The hub, once completed, is placed into a furnace for diffusion bonding and later cooled to room temperature. The cooled laminate coil may be cut into various lengths.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for the assembly of body components to an automotive body that has undergone a progressive series of framing and welding steps so as to produce a structurally rigid body frame, termed a body-in-white. More specifically, this invention relates to creating a new net locating scheme (X-Y-Z coordinate system) for a body-in-white to direct associated tooling to create net attachment features on said rigid body frame so that components may be attached to said automotive body at a net location eliminating the need for any slip plane attachment techniques.

Abstract: An inspection fixture and line is used to accurately determine the geometry and dimensional accuracy of a circular recuperator core. With the fixture and line inspection of a length, an inner diameter and an outer diameter of the circular recuperator core are completed. The method of using the fixture and the line further insures the concentricity of a donor inlet duct and a donor outlet duct.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of assembling an opening leaf with a vehicle chassis, comprising the steps of measuring geometric references on the contour of an opening in a vehicle chassis, supplying an opening leaf corresponding to the opening in the chassis, adjusting at least one hinge secured to the chassis and to the opening leaf, according to references measured on the opening, assembling the opening leaf with the chassis using the adjusted hinge. The invention allows a door to be assembled with a vehicle precisely and in a minimum number of steps.

Abstract: A method of producing an aircraft assembly tool for supporting an aircraft component comprising calculating a plurality of predetermined positions and corresponding orientations in space at which the aircraft is to be supported, designing a fixture frame at predetermined locations of the frame associated with the predetermined positions, constructing the fixture frame, providing pick-up devices with receiving elements, securing the pick-up devices to the fixture frame, and adjusting each receiving element.

Abstract: A method for sequentially forming teeth in a belt that is supported on two cylinders. The method avoids having to measure the neutral plane radius by dividing the uncured belt into discrete molding sections and adjusting the length of each section prior to molding. The adjustment to the length is made so that the belt section is equivalent to a required length necessary to accommodate the proper fraction of total teeth. The first section to be molded is marked and aligned with the mold. Sequential belt sections are marked and aligned in similar fashion until teeth are molded along the entire circumference of the belt. The inventive method eliminates cumulative error by positioning each section of teeth relative to the underlying belt structure and not relative to the previous section which may have position errors within its own position tolerance.

Abstract: A method of fitting an impingement plate to a platform of a guide blade of a gas turbine. The impingement plate is first fastened at individual spots by spot welds to at least one supporting surface of the platform and is then brazed at the supporting surface to the platform. The impingement plate is prefabricated with recesses and the spot welds are executed at the recesses.

Abstract: In order to fit side doors precisely on a motor vehicle, this is performed mechanically by aligning an assembly frame on the side frame of the vehicle. This assembly frame has points for receiving supports in which the doors are held. These receiving points are configured such that they permit the alignment of the doors in directions X, Y and Z.

Abstract: A method for constructing a rotor of an air preheater having a plurality of diaphragm plates dividing the rotor into a number of wedge-shaped compartments. Each compartment includes compartment components such as a rotor shell plate, a hot end rotor angle, a cold end rotor angle, and one or more stay plates and means for locating at least a portion of each of the components within the compartment. The diaphragm plates are manufactured by marking at least one index location associated with each compartment component on each diaphragm plate blank utilizing a template identifying the index locations and forming an opening at each index location. Each compartment is assembled by positioning a first diaphragm plate adjacent to a second diaphragm plate and locating each compartment component between the adjacent diaphragm plates by engaging the locating means of the component in an associated opening in one of the diaphragm plates.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided with position sensors. When the apparatus has moved one tubular into alignment with another tubular a button on a remote control console is pressed to memorize the position. After the next tubular has been gripped by the apparatus a “recall” button is pressed and the apparatus automatically moves the next tubular to the memorized position. This saves vital seconds in joining tubulars and also reduces the likelihood of threads being damaged due to misalignment of the tubulars.

Abstract: A catalytic converter is constructed by measuring a substrate to be placed within the outer shell or can, wrapping the substrate in a selected mat and loading the package (mat and substrate) into the can. The can is larger than it will be at completion of manufacture to render such loading easier. Subsequent to loading, the measurement of the substrate is used to direct the degree to which the can is reduced in outside dimension such that a selected annulus is created between the substrate and can, said annulus being occupied by said mat.

Abstract: In a pattern of a transfer mask to transfer a transfer pattern to a substrate to be transferred by the use of energy beams, the transfer mask being made by forming an aperture pattern in a thin film portion supported by a supporting frame portion, when the transfer pattern includes a shielding pattern in which one part is connected to at least the periphery of the transfer mask, a shielding pattern portion, where the ratio of the surface area of the pattern surface portion on the transfer mask to a sectional area of a supporting portion is larger than 5000, is split and developed.

Abstract: Improved component placement inspection and verification is performed by a pick and place machine. Improvements include stereovision imaging of the intended placement location; enhanced illumination to facilitate the provision of relatively high-power illumination in the restricted space near the placement nozzle(s); optics to allow image acquisition device to view the placement location from an angle relative to a plane of the placement location, thereby reducing the possibility of such images being obstructed by the component; techniques for rapidly acquiring images with commercially available CCD arrays such that acquisition of before and after images does not substantially impact system throughput; and image processing techniques to provide component inspection and verification information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of repairing the damage of the outside plate panel of a vehicle. The method includes the steps of: (a) marking points at a damaged part of the vehicle panel, the points being distributed from the central part to the outer edge parts of the damaged part; and (b) pulling out the marked panel at the points successively from the outer points to the inner points of the points.

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: A panel assembly for transferring fluids from one location to another comprises a panel structure with openings, a nozzle projecting through each opening and a sleeve affixed between the nozzle and its respective opening. Each nozzle includes a tubular portion with a connection end adapted for connection to a transfer conduit. The connection ends of the nozzles are preferably aligned with a common reference plane. Each sleeve has an outer surface with a length that is greater than a combination of a thickness of the panel and any deformity on the panel. With this arrangement, alignment of the connection ends with the common reference plane is independent of any deformity on the panel. A method of constructing a panel assembly includes determining if any defects are present on the inner surface of the tubular portion before installing the nozzle on the panel, and precluding potential inner surface defects during installation of the nozzle on the panel.

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: The present invention relates to a method of using an apparatus for restricting access to ports that may be disposed in a bonnet that houses valves on a railcar. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of using a template that may be lowered over the bonnet of the railcar wherein the template has a plurality of differently-sized holes to allow access to specially-sized nozzles. In addition, the valves may be eduction valves and/or vapor valves, and the apertures may allow a specific-sized nozzle to have access to the eduction valves, the vapor valves or both. The template may lower onto the bonnet via a frame that may be pivotally attached to a structure. Further, joints and bearings may be provided to allow the template to be movable so as to precisely fit over the bonnet of the railcar.

Abstract: Riveting apparatus wherein a planetary roller screw delivers the high forces required for actuating the fastener upset tooling. In order that precise control of the entire upset operation may be obtained, a servo-controlled electric motor operates the actuator. In order that different machining operations may be performed on a workpiece without having to provide an actuator for each tool, the tools are engaged in turn by the actuator for performing riveting and other machining in succession.

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 for reconditioning an articulated connector while it is still mounted to the end structure of a rail car is disclosed. The connector is measured to find areas and amounts of wear on portions of the connector. The measurements are taken relative to a reference portion of the connector. Weld metal is then applied to the worn portion of the connector. The excess weld metal is manually or automatically machined away so that the connector falls within the required dimensions. A measurement of the weld area is again taken to ensure that the specified dimensions have been achieved. Apparatuses for measuring wear and specified dimensions and aiding in the method of reconditioning the connectors are also disclosed.

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: The present invention revolutionizes a scale modelers ability to quickly and easily create realistic scale roads or paved surfaces by allowing the said user to create said road or road system in any size, shape or configuration. This work is to be performed on a work bench thus saving much back and muscle ache(s) from the necessity to lean over a layout or scale model scene to create a road or road system in place. The present invention will remain flexible in it's completed form allowing for placement onto varying ground elevations and hill grades.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing articulated joints by assembling prefabricated parts, which comprise a pin defining an axis on which at least one articulated part having a bearing hole is to be pivotally mounted by means of a bearing bush. The parts are randomly delivered and, if required, automatically processed in a machine to assemble the joints. Cost-effective production of articulated joints with freely adjustable torques using automatic can be achieved machines by carrying out the following steps: determining the actual dimensions of the bearing holes, the pin and at least one of the two bearing bushes; comparing the determined actual dimensions and the values derived therefrom, especially the ratios, with the threshold values that can be fixed in order to obtain the desired result and inputting control commands into the automatically working machine with the purpose of processing at least one of the parts before assembling the latter.

Abstract: A control system and method of use for aligning a piston assembly with a cylinder of an engine block. The control system enables the piston assembly to be properly aligned with the cylinder prior to inserting the piston assembly into the cylinder. The control system includes an apparatus which compares positional information associated with the piston assembly and an apparatus which instructs movement of the piston assembly with respect to the cylinder in response to the positional information.

Abstract: A plug cap and a method for attaching the plug cap which prevents the occurrence of depressions on a spark plug screw thread and in a cylindrical section of the plug cap. The plug cap includes a spring pin having a straight section which engages a groove in the conductive cylindrical section of the plug cap. The plug cap also has an identifying part on its exterior which indicates the direction in which the straight section is oriented. The plug cap is installed on the spark plug in a way which orients the straight section of the spring pin in a direction parallel to the principle vibration axis of the engine. The base of the plug cap groove may also be cut to a width which dampens the effect of vibrations causing translation of the straight section within the groove. The groove sidewalls may be angled to aid in removal of the plug cap.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes an apparatus for preparing a fuel tank for repairs and verifying repair work upon completion. The apparatus includes a supply system constructed and arranged to be coupled to the fuel tank for providing a supply of inert gas into the fuel tank, for purging the fuel tank of oxygen to a certain level and for making inert the fuel tank with the gas. The supply system includes a gas release system constructed and arranged to provide the supply of inert gas. The supply system further includes an arrangement for connecting and facilitating transport of the inert gas. A supply mechanism is configured and positioned to facilitate and regulate a transfer of gas from the gas release system to the fuel tank. A connector mechanism is for coupling the supply mechanism to the gas release system. A relief system is constructed and arranged to be coupled to the fuel tank to regulate and relieve pressure in the fuel tank.

Abstract: Riveting apparatus wherein a planetary roller screw delivers the high forces required for actuating the fastener upset tooling. In order that precise control of the entire upset operation may be obtained, a servo-controlled electric motor operates the actuator. In order that different machining operations may be performed on a workpiece without having to provide an actuator for each tool, the tools are engaged in turn by the actuator for performing riveting and other machining in succession.

Abstract: Using a phase matching device 59, the phases of the outside diameter side and inside diameter side ball spline grooves 46, 47 are matched to each other and such phase matched state is maintained as it is. A given number of balls are supplied to between the two ball spline grooves 46, 47 through openings formed in the upper end portions of spaces existing therebetween by a ball supply device 64. An input shaft 15 and an input side disk 2B are shifted reciprocatingly with respect to each other in the axial direction thereof and in the circumferential direction thereof using a lift board 54, a center pin 56, and a swing device 72. As a result of the relatively shifting operation of the input shaft 15 and input side disk 2B, the balls are allowed to drop into the lower portions of spaces respectively defined by and between the two ball spline grooves 46, 47 due to the influence of gravity, that is, due to their own weights.

Abstract: Three-dimensional large scale bodies such as jumbo aircraft fuselages (14) are assembled in body sections around a longitudinal central assembly core (1) which itself is mounted at its ends and accessible all around along its length. Robots carrying tools for holding, transporting and precisely positioning preassembled wall sections, are movable along the central assembly core (1). First, at least one floor support grid (2 or 3) is releasably mounted to the central assembly core. Then, side wall sections (4, 5) are first secured to the floor support grids. Then, top and bottom wall sections (10, 8) are secured to the side wall sections (4, 5) to form a body section (BS) of the large scale body (14). Neighboring body sections are secured to each other along cross-seams. Upon completion, the floor support grids are released from the central assembly core (1) and the core is removed preferably withdrawn longitudinally from the assembled large body.

Abstract: A method of marrying a rear axle assembly to a vehicle body is provided. The axle assembly includes parallel-spaced trailing control arms connected together by a transverse twist beam. The trailing control arms have a sleeve at a forward end and a spindle plate adjacent a rear end. The spindle plate along its lower end having V-shaped notches which are vertically and fore and aft aligned with one another. The axle assembly is connected with a tool tray, having two fore and aft aligned and vertically aligned elevated first and second pins projecting toward one another and third and fourth pins for contacting said trailing control arm sleeves to set the vertical height of the forward end of the trailing control arms. The axle assembly is set on the tray by placing the spindle plate V-shaped notches on the first and second pins to set the axle assembly fore and aft position and rear end vertical position with respect to the tray.

Abstract: Suspensions for a heavy-duty trailer are mounted by first locating parallel and equidistantly-spaced mounting points. A laser apparatus, including a laser source, laser targets, and laser beam diverters, is utilized to locate and mark the mounting points along an undercarriage frame of the trailer such that the suspensions, when mounted, are aligned and the ride characteristics of the heavy-duty trailer are optimized.

Abstract: A method for assembling seatbelt webbing with a sill-end bracket using an apparatus for feeding seatbelt webbing through a sill-end bracket has a form-feeding member with a tapered channel for receiving one end of a length of seatbelt webbing on an assembly line. A webbing pull-through member is fed through the sill-end bracket and engages one end of the webbing. The pull-through device is then drawn back through the sill-end bracket thus drawing the webbing through the tapered channel of the form feeding member.

Abstract: A method of inserting a piston assembly into a cylinder of an engine block. The method eliminates the need for a technician to individually lift and insert the piston assemblies into the respective cylinders. The method for inserting the piston assembly into the cylinder aligns the piston assembly with the cylinder and inserts the piston assembly into the cylinder by pivoting the piston assembly from an upright position to a horizontal position, and inserting the piston assembly into the cylinder of the engine block.

Abstract: A method of assembling pipe joints in a pipe string allows the circumferential orientation of a first pipe in the pipe string to be determined relative to a second pipe in the pipe string. Each pipe joint has a coupling member and at least one pin member, the pin member being threadingly connected to the coupling member to create the pipe joint. Threads are created for the pin member and the coupling member of each joint, and each pin member and coupling member is marked with an alignment mark. The threads for each pin member are created so that they are identical to the threads on the other pin members in the pipe string. This is done by gaging the overall rotational capacity of each pin member with a coupling marking gage and adjusting a thread depth as needed. The threads for each coupling member are created so that they are identical to the threads on other coupling members in the pipe string.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing rivets or other fasteners through a workpiece includes an automated machine disposed on one side of the workpiece and a hand-held tool that is manipulated by a single worker located on the opposite side of the workpiece. The automated machine includes an end effector supporting tools such as a drill and a riveter. The automated machine also includes a guide structure adapted to be releasably affixed to the workpiece, and a carriage that travels along the guide structure and supports the end effector so that the end effector can be positioned in various locations along the surface of the workpiece where fasteners are to be installed. The end effector includes an electromagnetic clamping device, and the hand-held tool includes a magnetic clamping block that is attracted by the clamping device to clamp the workpiece therebetween. The end effector generates a positioning signal and the hand-held tool includes a detector for detecting the positioning signal.

Abstract: Riveting apparatus wherein a planetary roller screw delivers the high forces required for actuating the fastener upset tooling. In order that precise control of the entire upset operation may be obtained, a servo-controlled electric motor operates the actuator. In order that different machining operations may be performed on a workpiece without having to provide an actuator for each tool, the tools are engaged in turn by the actuator for performing riveting and other machining in succession.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for manufacturing armatures according to a first and a second configuration is provided. An information storage device associated with one of the components is provided to store information corresponding to one of the first and second configurations. A processing station is provided which is capable of performing a first processing step corresponding to the first configuration and a second processing step corresponding to the second configuration. The processing station is arranged to perform one of the processing steps according to the information stored in the information storage device. Changeover from a batch of first configuration components to a batch of second configuration components is achieved by delaying departure of processed second batch components from the processing station until all first batch components have been processed and have departed.

Abstract: In an annular member forming apparatus including: a forming roll rotatable in contact with an outer cylindrical surface of an annular workpiece; a mandrel relatively movable towards and away from the forming roll in contact with an inner cylindrical surface of the workpiece; and an outside diameter detecting device for detecting an outside diameter of the workpiece which is to be worked, the apparatus further includes a moving device for moving relatively the forming roll and the mandrel and for pressing the workpiece by the forming roll and the mandrel moved towards each other to subject the workpiece to rough rolling and to finish rolling. The moving device includes a retracting device for correcting an elastic deformation of the forming roll, the mandrel and the moving device occurring during the rough rolling, for a switching time from the rough rolling to the finish rolling by an output signal from the outside diameter detecting device.

Abstract: An automated parts assembly station includes positioning means (11) having surfaces (15a, 16a) for defining a desired mutual position of the parts to be assembled and assembly means (13) connecting the parts. At some of the surfaces (15a, 16a) there are measurement means (18) for measuring a distance between the surfaces and facing surfaces of the parts being assembled. A method is provided for the timely detection of the assembly tolerances. The method includes the steps of performing with the positioning means a permanent positioning of the parts being assembled, operation of the assembly means for connecting the parts, and releasing of the positioning means. Additionally, there is a measurement of the distance between the assembled parts and some of the surfaces. This measurement includes a comparison of the measured distances with maximum admissible distances.

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: The invention relates to a method and a device for installing door hinges on car bodies, whereby the actual opening width of the car door on the side frame receiving one or two car doors in the longitudinal car axis is touch-sensitively determined by means of a sensor in a direction X and the arrangement of the door hinges is adjusted in said direction X using a positioning system connected to the sensor by a cranking device, depending on the tolerance margin, which should be calculated so as to have at least vertically (direction Z) as uniform a slot width as possible once the car door is mounted.

Abstract: A preventive maintenance method and apparatus for quickly and precisely replacing a backing-film of a CMP machine is provided. In comparison with a conventional backing-film, the backing-film according to the present invention is pre-drilled by laser in order to bypass the restriction set by a conventional manual drilling process on the backing-film. In addition, a PM apparatus for the backing-film comprises an aligning panel having a plural first pins in order to quickly check whether drilled holes of the backing-film are aligned with the corresponding air holes or not. Therefore, the CMP machine down time due to the PM can be reduced.

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 system for transferring preforms to an oven starwheel of a blowmolding manufacturing facility includes a transport mechanism that is constructed and arranged to be able to hold at least one plastic preform member, a first sensor for sensing a transport speed of the oven starwheel, and a controller for controlling movement of the transport mechanism The controller receives input from the first sensor so that it may instruct the transport mechanism to transport a preform to the oven starwheel at a speed that will closely match the speed of the oven starwheel. The controller is also programmed to instruct the transport mechanism to receive preforms from a supply of preforms at a speed that is less than the speed of the oven starwheel. This reduces the potential for jamming at the interface between the preform supply and the transport mechanism.

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.