Abstract: A processing speed of each mechanisms in a cutting section is controlled such that all polarizing films housed in a container in advance are used in a joining process and simultaneously a new container with polarizing films housed therein that are cut by a size of a liquid crystal panel is loaded from the cutting section. Here, a fracture included in the polarizing film is cut and removed in the cutting section while a delayed time due to this process is shortened by controlling at least a processing speed in a processing mechanism in a cutting mechanism among mechanisms provided in the cutting section and the joining section.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an automated solar cell electrical connection device that is positioned within an automated solar cell fabrication system. The automated solar cell electrical connection device includes a module and process for automatically attaching a junction box to a composite solar cell structure during the fabrication of a completed solar cell device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assembling sheets by riveting, comprising a step for piercing a hole through the sheets, followed by a step for placing a rivet in the pierced hole, the step for piercing a hole being executed by supplying an advance speed instruction of a piercing tool as well as a rotation speed instruction of this tool. According to the invention, a previous step for determining information on the local stiffness of the sheets (Info_stiffness) is also carried out at the level of the hole to be pierced, the advance speed instruction and rotation speed instruction of the tool being a function of this information on the local stiffness of the sheets. Application most suited to the field of aircraft construction.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a technique making it possible to easily manufacture a multi-channel optical module in which optical elements are air-sealed. In the optical module, a package 111 with optical elements mounted thereon is sealed with a transparent plate 109. Above a sealing window of the package, a lens plate 105 having holes 104 or grooves 201 and engagement pins 101 are engaged and optically aligned with each other.

Abstract: A component part mounting structure for mounting a cup holder base (2) on a front surface (1a) of a side lining (1) of a vehicle by using a self-tapping screw (3), wherein the side lining (1) comprises a base portion (15) projecting from a rear surface (1b) of the side lining (1) and defining a space (16) in cooperation with the rear surface (1b), and a boss portion (17) projecting from the base portion and defining a through hole (18) opening out toward the space (16), characterized by that the cup holder base (2) is provided with a fastening seat (6) abutting the front surface (1a) of the side lining (1), and the self-tapping screw (3) is configured to be passed through the fastening seat (6) and side lining (1) from the side of the cup holder base (2), and engaged by the through hole (18) of the boss portion (17) at a free end thereof.

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: An extraction apparatus (40) for the removal of a riveted fastener (12) from a structure (10) includes a shaft (42) and a cutting element (62). The cutting element (62) is mechanically coupled to the shaft (42) and is configured to cut a portion of the riveted fastener (12). The shaft (42) and the cutting element (62) are configured for insertion through an inner channel (24) of the riveted fastener (12). A method of replacing the riveted fastener (12) from the structure (10) includes inserting the extraction apparatus (40) through the inner channel (24). The extraction apparatus (40) is rotated. A portion of the riveted fastener (12) that extends through the structure (10) is removed. A head (20) of the riveted fastener (12) is also removed from the structure.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing a spar (1) for a wind turbine blade. The method comprises steps of providing at least two caps (2a, 2b), each cap forming an intermediate portion (4) between two end portions (5), where the end portions each forms a cap joint surface portion (6) along a longitudinal extending edge of the end portion and the intermediate portion forms an outer surface (7) portion of the spar, providing at least two webs (3a, 3b), each web being provided with web joint surface portions (8) along opposite and longitudinally extending edges, and connecting the joint surface portions of the caps with the joint surface portions of the webs to form a tubular configuration of the spar. The caps are provided so that the end portions extend transversely to the intermediate portion and the caps are arranged relative to each other so that the end portions of one cap extend from the intermediate portion towards the end portions of another cap.

Abstract: A tool for use in a powder metal process is disclosed. The tool includes an upper tool and a lower tool. The upper and lower tools may include multiple members for each tool. The lower tool having a predetermined cross sectional profile that continuously expands outward from or near a center point of the lower tool. The lower tool is also secured within a press for the powder metal process via a fastening mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for installing an inertial reference unit in an aircraft, in which: a reference unit support (1) is fixed to a structural element of the aircraft; support installation angles—in heading, roll and pitch—representative of angular errors of positioning of the reference unit support relative to an aircraft coordinate system are determined, this determination being based on the measurement of coordinates of points of a previously defined reference coordinate system and of characteristic points of the reference unit support; the said support installation angles are recorded in memory means, for the purposes of subsequent correction of data measured by the inertial reference unit. Preferably the reference coordinate system used is defined by means of targets formed on the structure of a segment of the aircraft for the purposes of joining this segment with an adjacent segment.

Abstract: A system automatically moves large scale components of a vehicle such as an airplane, into final assembly alignment. A noncontact measurement system determines the locations of aerodynamically significant features on each of the components. The measured locations of the components are used to control an automated jacking system that includes assembly jacks for individually moving the components into assembly alignment. A system is provided for calculating the cruise configuration of the vehicle “as-built” and for transferring the cruise configuration into the vehicle where it is recorded in the form of a physical monument.

Abstract: A method for forming a driver type golf club head, the method comprising orienting a golf club head using a largest tangent circle method, forming a golf club head having an apex point positioned in a crown apex zone and designing a crown curve having some portion exist above a 5.25 inch radius arc, the radius arc beginning at the apex point and extending rearward toward the back end of the golf club head.

Abstract: A fixture exchange rail system is provided having first and second fixture assemblies movably mounted with respect to respective first and second stationary rails. A movable rail is disposed substantially adjacent to, and movable between, the first and second stationary rails. The movable rail is sufficiently configured to selectively receive the first and second fixture assemblies thereon. A method of operating a workstation having a fixture exchange rail system operable to enable work on a workpiece is also provided including the steps of: A) determining the style of workpiece present at the workstation; B) aligning a movable rail with one of a first and second stationary rail having a respective first and second fixture assembly mounted thereto corresponding to the style of workpiece; and C) moving the fixture assembly corresponding to the style of workpiece from the stationary rail to the movable rail.

Abstract: A lower tool frame is used in manufacturing a plurality of convertible roofs. Structural roof parts are disposed in the lower tool frame upside down with respect to their use position. Forward connection parts are provided for selectively connecting the forward end of the convertible roof to a windshield frame and rearward connection parts are provided for attaching the rearward end of the convertible roof to a vehicle body. A single upper tool frame is lowerable onto the lower tool and is used to position the forward and rearward connection parts with respect to the structural roof parts. The single upper tool frame is used to assemble all of the convertible roofs for a series of vehicles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of aligning a wind turbine component with a wind turbine rotor hub, comprising providing the component with a support comprising at least one adjustable element and adjusting said at least one element to align the wind turbine component. The invention further relates to a system for aligning a wind turbine component with a wind turbine rotor hub comprising a support with at least one adjustable element supporting said wind turbine component, such that said wind turbine component can be aligned by adjusting said at least one element.

Abstract: Method of reducing performance variability of membrane scaling devices. Scaling device performance uncertainty is reduced, thereby reducing the scaling safety factor, by specifying a narrow range or subset of the set of all qualified manufactured membranes for installation into scaling devices. In certain embodiments, the scalability factor is reduced by determining where within the performance distribution a particular membrane lies, and adjusting the scaling factor accordingly.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a catalytic converter, which includes a monolith wrapped in a mat and is disposed in a housing, wherein an average diameter of the monolith and a thickness of the mat are determined and the monolith is wrapped in the mat. A housing blank is formed into a housing and the wrapped monolith is enclosed in the housing. The average diameter of the monolith is determined by introducing the monolith in a measurement space having an interior volume, filling a gap between the measurement space and the monolith with a fluid, measuring a quantity of fluid which corresponds to a volume difference between the monolith and the interior volume of the measurement space, and calculating the average diameter of the monolith from the volume difference.

Abstract: An aircraft frame and a method for obtaining an aircraft frame, which frame is made of composite material, and which frame comprises several partitions (20) that form, when joined, the aforementioned frame in its entirety, with these partitions (20) comprising sections (1) with a length (2), and sections (1) that are being arranged on the inside of the skin (3) that forms the fuselage of the aircraft. This fuselage is integrally embodied in a single piece, with the length (2) of the sections (1) being the maximum possible, in such a way that the maximum separation (5) between the frame section (1) and the skin (3), with the separation (5) being measured by the inside of the aforementioned skin (3), is lower than the limit value permitted for the use of a liquid sealant.

Abstract: A method for producing an adjustment fitting, particularly for a vehicle seat is provided, whereby an outer wheel is associated with a first fitting part, the wheel having inner toothing, and having an inner wheel that can be associated with a second fitting part, the wheel having outer toothing, wherein the inner wheel having the outer toothing is inserted into the outer wheel having the inner toothing eccentrically to a rotational axis in the manner of a wobble mechanism, wherein partial eccentric elements are inserted rotatably with respect to each other in an eccentric receiving chamber formed between the rotational axis and the inner wheel so as to produce variable eccentricity, wherein a transmission element having an engagement element for actuating the partial eccentric element is inserted such that the engagement elements interacts with a catch of the partial eccentric element.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for transporter shaft coupling and decoupling to assure alignment of a user interface with a control shaft through matching asymmetric cylindrical surfaces and alignment of an upper shaft segment and a lower shaft segment with ribs meshing with grooves on rings attached to the upper shaft. A tone confirms proper connection. Alignment apparatus is protected from damage associated with torques applied to the control shaft by tab features designed to first give way before other damage is incurred and from moisture by apparatus that seals the connection between upper and lower shaft segments. The user is protected from sudden loss of control by requiring the user interface to execute a sequence of linear and rotational manipulations during assembly of the shaft.

Abstract: A joint part (1) has a porous portion (2) that is defined by a multiplicity of solid regions where material is present and a remaining multiplicity of pore regions where material is absent, the locations of at least most of the multiplicity of solid regions being defined by one or more mathematical functions. The nature of the porous portion can be varied systematically by changing one or more constants in the mathematical functions and the part is made by a process of solid freeform fabrication.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and device for adjusting the fitting depth of a tool in a tool-holder, in particular in a tool-holder to be banded. The method is characterized in that it consists in performing a prior calibration of a sensing assembly (2) by positioning a sensing slide (4) of said assembly (2) into a bore (V) of a calibrating support (1) and by re-setting a viewing means of said sensing assembly (2), then in positioning the sensing assembly above a tool-holder and moving the adjustable stop of said tool-holder towards the sensing slide (4), so as to determine a travel thereof corresponding to the required fitting depth. The invention is applicable in the field of the environment of machine-tools, more particularly comprising tool-holders to be banded.

Abstract: An instrumented fastener (e.g., a “tack” fastener) includes one or more light sources (e.g., light-emitting diodes) configured to produce a light beacon that includes encoded information regarding the instrumented fastener (e.g., part number), wherein the direction of the light beacon can be used to align external and/or internal assembly systems to the instrumented fasteners. The light beacon may be activated automatically, or via an instruction received from an external system. Once aligned, the assembly system may, for example, proceed with installing permanent fasteners between neighboring tack fasteners.

Abstract: Exemplary system and process for assembling a camera module are provided. The system includes a worktable, a light intensity sensor, a lens module holding device and a controlling unit. The worktable provide placement of the image sensor module thereon, thus a center of the image sensor having a coordinate value thereof. The lens module holding device can hold and move the lens module above the worktable, and it has a light source to emit parallel light that converged at a focus point, wherein the light intensity sensor can detect the focus point location and generating a signal associated with a coordinate value of the focus point. The controlling unit can receive the signal and instruct the lens module holding device to move the lens module toward the image sensor module so that the optical axis of the lens module is aligned with the center of the image sensor.

Abstract: A fastening system head for attachment to a movable frame, in particular to a robot, has a carrier to which a fastening tool is attached which is rotatable about an axis of rotation. The fastening tool has a holding device for an element fasteneable to a component, and has a fastening drive device to move the holding device along a fastening direction for fastening. The axis of rotation is oriented crosswise to the fastening direction. A feed mechanism is included to feed elements to the fastening tool. At least one additional feed mechanism is provided on the fastening system head, for feeding elements to the fastening tool.

Abstract: Illustrative computer-executable methods, systems, and computer software program products compute assembly jack locations to align parts for assembly. Initial locations of at least one component to be moved and a desired final location for the at least one component to be moved are determined from initial position measurement data for the at least one component to be moved and the final location. Motion to align the at least one component to be moved with the final location is automatically determined. Optimal displacements of assembly jacks to produce the determined motion are automatically determined. After movement, location of the at least one moved part at a final assembled position is automatically determined. If applicable, data regarding additional assembly jack displacement can be inputted, the determined optimal location for the at least one part to be moved can be adjusted, and additional motion due to additional assembly jack displacement can be determined.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and programmable 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 and Z Cartesian coordinate system) for a body-in-white to direct associated tooling to create net attachment features on a rigid body frame with respect to a new net locating scheme so that components may be attached to a automotive body at a net location eliminating the need for any slip plane attachment techniques.

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 method for mounting a machine element to a work piece in one embodiment includes performing a mounting process for mounting a machine element to a work piece; and sucking air from a vicinity of the machine element while moving the machine element during at least part of the mounting process. A method for mounting a machine element to a work piece in another embodiment includes feeding a machine element to an actuation section of handling and actuation apparatus using a feeding section; sucking air in the vicinity of the machine element during the feeding of the machine element; initiating an actuation section for mounting the machine element to a work piece using a moveable actuation member; and sucking air in the vicinity of the actuation member at least during operation of the actuation member.

Abstract: In a case where the load is not smaller than the predetermined value, the positioning is not completed even when it is determined that the movable body is moved to the position supposed to be the target position, then the movable body is moved to a retry starting position different from the position supposed to be the target position, subsequently a retry operation is performed for moving the movable body from the retry starting position to the position supposed to be the target position, and consequently the positioning is completed when the load becomes smaller than the predetermined value after the retry operation is performed for a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for verification of the quality of placing of blind rivets. The verification method involves successively carrying out, during the application of traction force to a stem, initial measurements in an initial state of the application of the traction force to obtain an initial traction force and an initial displacement of the rivet stem relative to the rivet body, intermediate measurements in an intermediate stage of the application of the traction force to obtain an intermediate traction force and an intermediate displacement, and terminal measurements in a terminal stage of the application of the traction force to obtain a terminal traction force and a terminal displacement. The obtained values are compared to acceptable values in an assignment table.

Abstract: An exemplary method for assembling a lens unit and a light-receiving unit into a camera module is provided. The lens unit includes a mountable surface. The light-receiving unit includes a light-receiving surface and a mounting surface. The method includes a mountable surface detecting step, a mountable surface repositioning step, a mounting surface detecting step, a mounting surface repositioning step, and a mounting step. The mountable surface detecting and repositioning steps detect and reposition the lens unit to make the mountable surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens unit. The mounting surface detecting repositioning steps detect and reposition the light-receiving unit to make the mounting surface parallel to the light-receiving surface. The mounting step mounts the light-receiving unit to the lens unit in the manner that the mounting surface parallel to the light-receiving surface is biased against the mountable surface perpendicular to the optical axis.

Abstract: A method of controlling the instability in fluid film bearings by using a magnetic bearing in combination with a fluid film bearing (whether it is a cylindrical journal bearing, an elliptic bearing, an offset-half bearing, a multi-lobe bearing, foil bearing or a tilting-pad bearing, does not really matter), wherein the fluid film bearing serves as the primary load carrying bearing and the magnetic bearing controls the instability of the fluid film bearing. This efficient combination results in bearings that can be used at high speeds without having neither stability nor reliability problems. An alternative method of controlling the instability in fluid film bearings is to disturb the flow in the axial direction, for example, a sleeve journal) bearing can be manufactured such that the bearing axis is skewed with the shaft axis or a variable geometry bearing can be manufactured to allow for bearing angular misalignment.

Abstract: Method and apparatus is provided for monitoring the installation of a blind rivet to attach together top and bottom members. The blind rivet installation tool includes a housing having an anvil seated on the rivet head. A collet is reciprocable within the tool housing and carries jaws for gripping the mandrel of the blind rivet. Retraction of the jaws by the collet displaces the jaws and the mandrel axially and causes the mandrel head to axially collapse and radially expand the hollow shank of the blind rivet into engagement with the bottom member so that the rivet attaches the top member and the bottom member. A cut off tool is actuated by an actuator to cut off the mandrel flush with the rivet head. Transducers and a process controller monitor the installation process and actuate the cut off blade upon determining that the blind rivet is properly installed.

Abstract: A window glass can be accurately and preferably mounted by correcting a displacement of a curved surface shape of the window glass in the crosswise direction even when there is a displacement of the curved surface shape of the window glass in the crosswise direction. A slit laser beam is irradiated with from slit laser beam irradiators 12c and 12d across the right and left ends of the window glass 6, the circumference of a window glass mounting opening 8, and a windshield pillar section 11; rotation adjustment of the window glass 6 is performed, based on a processed image obtained by image processing of images, which have been photographed with a CCD cameras 10c and 10d, of the slit laser beams, in such a way that clearances in the pressing direction at the right and left ends of the window glass 6 are the same as each other; and the window glass 6 is pressed onto a window glass mounting surface on the circumference of the window glass mounting opening 8 for mounting onto the surface.

Abstract: In optimum number of teeth setting method for a helical gear pair and the helical gear pair manufactured on the basis of the set optimum number of teeth of each helical gear of the helical gear pair, a sound pressure level of a gear sound is compared with the sound pressure level of an audible limit with respect to a meshing frequency of the helical gear pair at a predetermined vehicle speed of an automotive vehicle in which the helical gear pair is mounted to select a frequency region in which the calculated sound pressure of the gear sound is relatively low to the sound pressure level of the audible limit, and number of teeth of each helical gear of the helical gear pair corresponding to the selected frequency region is set to an optimum number of teeth of each helical gear of the helical gear pair.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing aircraft includes removably securing a target to a portion of the aircraft in a predetermined position on the portion of the aircraft. The method further includes scanning the target with a scanning device to acquire information about at least one of a location and orientation of the target. The method also includes processing the acquired information to determine at least one of a location and orientation of the portion of the aircraft. In addition, the method includes working the aircraft using the processed information and removing the target from the portion of the aircraft before completing manufacture of the aircraft.

Abstract: Systems and methods to calibrate aircraft surfaces are provided. A particular method includes installing a set of laser targets. The set of laser targets includes at least first laser target and a second laser target. The first laser target is installed on a first side of a first aircraft surface and the second laser target is installed on a second side of the first aircraft surface at a known location relative to the first laser target. The method also includes determining a first position of the first laser target with a first laser device. The method further includes determining a second position of the second laser target with a second laser device. The method includes determining a position of the first aircraft surface based on the first position of the first laser target and the second position of the second laser target.

Abstract: An assembly machine for assembling a rotatable tool has a frame with a base. A retainer on the base holds a blank tool body with the cylindrical shank thereof extending upwardly. A motor assembly at the upper end of the frame moves a cylindrical assembly member axially downwardly and a tubular lower end of the assembly member forces as annular wear ring around a compressible sleeve on the shank of the tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device (1) for adjusting the gap dimensions and/or an offset between a movable hood (2) of a motor vehicle and the remaining body (3) of said motor vehicle. The hood (2) is first fitted and retained in a roughly adjusted assembly position so as to be as flush as possible with the body (3), whereupon the hood (2) is finely adjusted such that predefined values are matched as closely as possible for the gap dimensions and/or the offset. In order to be able to adjust the gap dimensions and/or the offset as simply, quickly and flexibly as possible in a contactless manner, actual values (21 ist) for the gap dimensions and/or the offset between the hood (2) and the remaining body (3) are optically detected for the fine adjustment. Triggering signals (24) for at least one actuating member (12) are determined in accordance with the detected actual values (21 ist) and predefined set point values (21-soll) for the gap dimensions and/or the offset.

Abstract: A method of fixturing a plurality of dissimilar blade assemblies, wherein each assembly undergoes one or more manufacturing steps to bring it to a finished form, the method comprising the step of providing on each of the articles a datum feature, wherein each datum feature is of identical form and dimension, in turn a) locating the datum feature of a first one of the articles in a complimentary fixture to secure the dissimilar article, b) performing at least one manufacturing step on the secured dissimilar article, c) removing the dissimilar article from the fixture, d) locating the datum feature of another of the articles in the complimentary fixture to secure the dissimilar article, e) performing at least one manufacturing step on the secured dissimilar article, f) removing the dissimilar article from the fixture.

Abstract: A valve stem installation system (10) includes a conveyor (24) for moving wheel (14). A controller (60) is adaptable for segmenting the wheel (14) into a plurality of sections (S1-S11). A detector (70) identifies and signals a general location of the aperture (12) to the controller (60) to identify a target section (S11) transmitted to the controller (60) by a first signal. A robotic manipulator (110, 112) is operably connected to the controller (60) and adaptable for inserting the valve stem into the aperture (12). A sensor (153) is connected to the robotic manipulator (110, 112) and is adaptable for visually identifying the target section (S11) and transmitting the general location of the aperture (12) within the target section by a second signal. The controller (60) generates a target signal transmitted to the robotic manipulator (110, 112) to increase the speed and accuracy of mating the valve stem into the aperture (12) in response to the target signal.

Abstract: A compensating unit for a tool unit for inserting an element into a workpiece, in particular a setting unit for inserting a joining element into a workpiece. The tool unit is fastened to a mounting and being mounted, oriented in an axial direction, in such a way that, during the machining operation, a compensating movement in a plane oriented at least approximately perpendicular to the axial direction is made possible.

Abstract: A vehicle framing system for framing an automotive vehicle body from a plurality of separate body components wherein the body components each include a reference surface. The system includes an assembly station having spaced-apart frame members positioned so that, when a vehicle carrier supporting the vehicle body components is positioned at the assembly station, the frame members extend along opposite sides of the vehicle carrier. At least two docking stations are secured to each frame member at predetermined locations. A robot mounts its associated tool arm with a docking station. At least one set of reference block and framing clamp is secured to each tool arm and these framing clamps maintain the reference surfaces of the vehicle body components against the reference blocks to hold the vehicle components at a predetermined position relative 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: An apparatus is disclosed for accurately positioning a tool within a shrink-fit tool holder. The apparatus includes a combined tool presetter and heat-shrink device. The tool assembly is placed in a precision rotating spindle that is able to travel into a contained location for cooling of the tool assembly subsequent to heating the tool assembly through induction. The apparatus is adapted such that the precision rotating spindle precisely returns to a home measuring position subsequent to cooling for final measurement of the tool assembly. The presetter allows for measurements related to the tool assembly both prior to and subsequent to the shrink-fitting process.

Abstract: A method for aligning a stent with a stent support includes the steps of (1) placing a stent support and a stent mounted on the stent support in a vertically position with the stent support's first support element at a lower position and the stent support's second support element at an upper position; (2) obtaining a digital image of the stent support and stent; (3) analyzing the digital image of the stent support and stent to compute the vertical position of the stent's upper end; (4) computing a desired position of the second support element based on the position of the stent's upper end; and (5) using a positioning device to move the second support element to the desired position. The movement of the second support element causes the conical sections of the first and second support elements to engage the respective ends of the stent to center the stent around a core element of the stent support and to secure the stent in a longitudinal direction of the stent support.

Abstract: A method of retaining a substrate to a wafer chuck. The method features accelerating a portion of the substrate toward the wafer chuck, generating a velocity of travel of the substrate toward the wafer chuck, and reducing the velocity before the substrate reaches the wafer chuck. In this manner, the force of impact of the portion with the wafer chuck is greatly reduced, which is believed to reduce the probability that the structural integrity of the substrate, and layers on the substrate and/or the wafer chuck, are damaged.

Abstract: Two or more plates, each having a matching alignment hole, are precisely aligned and mated together by an aligning and clamping device that includes: (a) a plurality of movable aligning fingers, retraction means for causing the aligning fingers to move into a retracted state where they occupy a first volumetric space sufficiently small to allow the two or more plates to be moved over the retracted fingers so as to have their respective alignment holes surrounding the retracted aligning fingers; (b) expansion means for use after the plates have been moved over the fingers, the expansion means urging the fingers to expand outwardly to occupy a second volumetric space greater than the first volumetric space such that the fingers begin to contact and begin to improve co-alignment between the surrounding alignment holes; and (d) clamping means for use after the alignment holes of the plates have begun to come into improved co-alignment, the clamping means applying a clamping force for clamping the two or more mate

Abstract: An automated sidewall assembly machine is provided for attaching a sidewall panel to a top and bottom rail of a wheeled trailer. The machine comprises a frame, a carriage for longitudinal movement relative to the frame, an automated punch mounted proximate the frame and an automated riveting press mounted proximate the frame so that the sidewall assembly is movable by the carriage with respect to the frame, the automated punching machine and the automated riveting machine so that holes can be punched through one or more of the sidewall, the bottom rail and the top rail and rivets can be inserted into the punched holes to be mashed. A sensor is operably mounted to the sidewall assembly machine so that information obtained by the sensor can be used to drive the carriage, the automated punching machine and the automated riveting press.