Abstract: A machine and a method for assembling a vehicle body is disclosed as including a locating pin (26) formed with a seating flange portion (35) having a work seating surface (35a) and a clamp arm (39) contained in the locating pin to be operable in a clamping or unclamping movement responsive to an extrusion and retraction of a clamp cylinder (34). A detection pin (47) is mounted for an extruding and extracting movement from the work seating surface (35a), with the detection pin (47), a shaft (44) ad a proximity switch (48) forming a work seating detection mechanism (49). A mutual engagement between the locating pin (26) and a locating bore (R) allows a panel W3 to be positioned, simultaneously detecting the presence of seating of the panel W3 responsive to a movement of the detection pin (47).

Abstract: A method for positioning a tool (24) on a tool chuck (20) employs a tool holding device (22, 50, 58), which includes a tool-accommodating area (32, 52, 66) for at least partly receiving the tool (24), a connecting area (26, 54 62) to be arranged on the tool chuck (20), and a positioning opening (48) through which a positioner (18) can be placed against the tool (24), which is located at least in part in the tool-accommodating area (32, 52, 66). The tool (24) is optically scanned to obtain a measurement. Subsequently, the tool holding device (22, 50, 58) is removed from the chuck (20), and the chuck is heated. Then, the tool (24), which is separated from the tool holding device (22, 50, 58), is shrink fitted in the chuck (20) at a position that is based on the measurement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a valve stem to the rim of a vehicle wheel includes locating apparatus that determines the location of an aperture on the wheel rim for receiving the valve stem, the locating apparatus preferably including a machine vision system at a gauging station. A programmable, robotic manipulator capable of compound, multi-axial movement and capable of engaging the valve stem is controlled by a controller to engage a valve stem, move the valve stem to the aperture in the wheel rim, coaxially align the central axis of the aperture with the longitudinal axis of the valve stem, and insert the valve stem through the aperture along the aligned central and longitudinal axes. Optionally, the robotic manipulator may include a nut runner to tighten a nut over the valve stem. Alternately, the gauging station may include a rotating table to rotate the vehicle wheel and an optical sensor for detecting the location of the aperture for the valve stem.

Abstract: A temporary fastener includes a grip length indicator. By machining a flattened area into a body of the temporary fastener, by engraving an scale into the flattened area, and by attaching an indicator dot visible in the groove to a moving part of an internal assembly of the temporary fastener, the grip length of the installed temporary fastener may be read directly on the scale while the temporary fastener applies a clamp-up force to a structure. By using the temporary fastener of the present invention, it is possible to determine a fastener hole length while a temporary fastener is installed. Using the method for determining a fastener grip length of the present invention enables the effective determination of the correct fastener grip length for each particular fastener hole of a large structure, such as an aircraft airframe.

Abstract: A process for assembling a camera module comprises the following steps:—placing the substrate (10) on a positioning die (70);—irradiating the lens assembly (30) with parallel rays of light (90);—displacing a lens assembly (30) comprising the convex lens (33) in an axial direction;—measuring the light intensity of light passing through a spot hole (75) by means of a light sensor (80) being accommodated in the positioning die (70);—determining an optimal axial position of the lens assembly (30) on the basis of an obtained light intensity curve;—bringing the lens assembly (30) to the optimal axial position;—removing the positioning die (70); and—attaching an image sensor chip to a bottom surface (12) of the substrate (10).

Abstract: A hand tool for press-welding and sealing overlapping edges of roofing membrane sheets by a roller mounted on one end of a handle. A rigid rod extends outwardly from an opposite end of the handle and has a curved section and a rounded corner which terminates in an angled linear section ending in a distal end. The distal end is used as a pick to test the integrity of the formed seam and the curved section is used for applying pressure to specific areas on the seam. The tool can perform both functions of applying pressure to the sheets by the roller and then testing the integrity of the formed seam without requiring excessive reorientation or movement of the tool in the hand of an installer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for use are disclosed for coordinating a hole of one part with a hole of another part. The apparatus may include a base member, a pin member defined by a slot having a first length in one direction which is greater than a second length in a second direction, and an index member extending beyond an end of the base member. The index member may be adapted to position the first length of the slot in a position parallel to a datum of a part being joined by the apparatus. During operation, a portion of the pin member may be inserted in a hole of one part. The slot may be at least partially aligned with a second, smaller hole in another part.

Abstract: A press machine for press fit assembly of a torsion bar to a pinion gear of a power steering system includes a controller and a support structure. A first holder supports a pinion gear, and a second holder supports a torsion bar of a spool-valve assembly of a power steering system. The press machine also includes a sensor adapted to determine a position of a torsion bar in the second holder relative to a pinion gear in the first holder. At least one powered actuator is connected to the support structure and the first or second holders. The powered actuator provides controlled translational and rotational motion to press fit a pinion gear to a torsion bar. The controller causes the powered actuator to rotate one of the holders relative to the other of the holders based, at least in part, upon the position of the torsion bar relative to the pinion gear to thereby provide proper alignment of the torsion bar and pinion gear upon completion of the press fit operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fixing a tool (10, 22, 64), especially a shaft tool, in a clamping chuck (8, 18, 60), whereby the tool (10, 22, 64) is introduced into the clamping chuck (8, 18, 60) and fixed therein (8, 18, 60) upon reaching an axial nominal position. According to the invention, the tool (10, 22, 64) is brought against an abutment (42, 70) and the position of a characteristic element of the tool (10, 22, 64) is measured. The tool (10, 22, 64) is positioned in the axial nominal position by moving the abutment (42, 70) along a positioning section (Z1) calculated from the measurement.

Abstract: Illustrative computer-executable methods, systems, and computer software program products compute orientation alignment transfer tool location. Orientation of at least one aerodynamically significant feature of an as-built airplane is automatically determined. Orientation of an orientation monument for the as-built airplane is automatically determined from the determined orientation of the at least one aerodynamically significant feature of the as-built airplane, and motion to align an orientation alignment transfer tool with the determined orientation of the orientation monument is automatically determined.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the setting operation for a blind fastener comprising the step of measuring, as a function of time, an electronic signal indicative of the load being applied to the fastener during the setting operation and, from which, determining a mandrel entry load and associated mandrel entry time from this measured signal and an associated setting time, subsequently determining the time difference between the mandrel entry time and the setting time and comparing this time difference against a predetermined reference time difference associated with that particular fastener type to determine whether the set fastener complies with predetermined acceptable setting procedures.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing wings includes a fixture that holds wing panels for drilling and edge trimming by accurate numerically controlled machine tools using original numerical part definition records, utilizing spatial relationships between key features of detail parts or subassemblies as represented by coordination features machined into the parts and subassemblies, thereby making the parts and subassemblies intrinsically determinant of the dimensions and contour of the wing. Spars are attached to the wing panel using the coordination holes to locate the spars accurately on the panel in accordance with the original engineering design, and in-spar ribs are attached to rib posts on the spar using accurately drilled coordination holes in the ends of the rib and in the rib post. The wing contour is determined by the configuration of the spars and ribs rather than by any conventional hard tooling which determines the wing contour in conventional processes.

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

Abstract: A quick connector coupling comprising a hollow female connector body, a male member having an enlarged annular upset received in the connector body, and a retainer releasably securing the male member in the connector body. A two piece insertion verifier assembly has a clip and a pull member connected together. The clip is attached to the connector body. The clip further includes a flexible cross member joining the two legs. The cross member includes an asymmetric tab, offset from its center toward one of the legs. The body has a protrusion on an outer surface. The tab and the protrusion insure proper orientation of the clip relative to the connector body and tube. With the upset secured by the retainer, it contacts the two legs of the clip to deform the legs apart to permit the clip to disengage from the connector body. However, the pull member and clip separate if a pulling force is exerted on the pull member with the male member not fully inserted into the connector body.

Abstract: A work-assembling auxiliary device for carrying out the matching of phases in the spline-coupling of a main shaft Sm of a transmission T to a crankshaft Sc of an engine E includes an output shaft 40 radially movably connected through an Oldham coupling 41 to an input shaft 30 connected to and rotated by a drive source. A chamfer 61a is provided at a tip end of a socket 61 mounted on the output shaft 40, and in inserting the socket 61 into a socket hole h in a crank pulley Pc, the output shaft 40 is smoothly aligned with the crankshaft Sc by the action of the chamfer 61a. Further, when the output shaft 40 is reciprocally rotated, the phases of the socket 61 and the socket hole h are smoothly matched with each other, whereby the engagement of the socket 61 and the socket hole h is achieved.

Abstract: A system for precisely matching an insert to a predrilled hole and a plug to a plug hole within a designated substrate including a predrill assembly having a first set of parameters, an insert having a second set of parameters precisely matched to the first set of parameters for the designated substrate, and a plug having a third set of parameters precisely matched to the first set of parameters for the designated substrate.

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 system for precisely centering a workpiece within a cylindrical bore such that the center of the workpiece is coaxial with the central axis of the bore. An arbor is used within the cylindrical bore to sense and calculate the location of the central axis. The position of the workpiece is also sensed so that it can be aligned with the central axis. A computer system is used to perform the calculations and provide an indication of alignment of the workpiece and the central axis. The position of the central axis and the workpiece are found via a location determining system that may incorporate electromechanical and optical position sensing systems. For instance, a plurality of light transmitters and light receivers may be used to generate and transmit beams of light used in determining positions. The apparatus has particular application to free piston machines, and particularly free piston coolers.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic feeding of elongated sheet stock from a stamping station into a roll forming station in a window component production line includes a transfer mechanism, a feed mechanism and a controller. The transfer mechanism is between the stamping station and the roll forming station. The feed mechanism is positioned at an entrance to the roll forming station. The controller is in communication with the stamping station, the transfer mechanism and the feed mechanism. The controller is programmed to engage stock material that extends from the stamping station with the transfer mechanism, transfer the stock material paid out by the stamping station to the feed mechanism, and drive the feed mechanism to feed the elongated sheet stock into the roll forming station.

Abstract: A device for processing components, and in particular, sections for aircraft, includes a handling system that supports a holding frame. The holding frame includes at least one pressure stamp and/or at least one processing device or unit. By means of the handling system, the processing device is freely positionable in space in relation to the components. Preferably, in the region of the holding frame at least one connection element is arranged. Due to the connection elements, an essentially closed force ring is established between the holding frame and the components so that in an ideal case there is no longer any feedback of reaction forces to the handling system. The connection elements, the processing device and the pressure stamps can be movable by actuators and can comprise integrated force sensors and/or distance measuring sensors.

Abstract: A continuous sucker rod preferably comprising fiberglass or composite material for use in an well is described herein. The continuous sucker rod may be connected at one end to a pump drive, via a polished rod, and at a second end to a downhole pump, via sinker bars or other weights. The continuous sucker rod preferably has at least two end fittings, one at each end of the continuous sucker rod. The end fittings, each having two ends and each being attached, at one end, to a respective end of the continuous sucker rod. The end fittings are preferably configured to enable connection to the polished rod and sinker bars respectively. The end fittings are connected to the continuous sucker rod so as to form wedges which enhance the connectability of the end fitting to the rod, and further, the wedge or wedges approach the rod asymptotically so as to avoid any abrupt discontinuities in the wedge or wedges thus substantially eliminating stress concentration areas and potential failure areas in the rod.

Abstract: A system for locating and determining the orientation of fasteners in hard disk drive spindle assemblies utilizes a sensor system that facilitates an automated rework process for the spindle assemblies. The screw locating system identifies the locations of the screws in a spindle and generates a signal for a screw driver system to align tool bits with the screws. The sensor is highly advantageous when reworking spindle motors with opaque labels that cover and/or block the fasteners. The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of prior art techniques by using a screw locating system that is based on a selected capacitance probe without requiring the use of timing features.

Abstract: A system for mounting a snap ring to a workpiece includes: a supporting structure; a snap ring guide unit mounted to the supporting structure by a first actuating device; a snap ring assembling unit including a supporting portion connected to the supporting structure by a second actuating device, a snap ring assembling jig, and a third actuating device, which pivots the assembling jig; a snap ring inner diameter measuring unit including a snap ring inner diameter measuring jig pivotally connected to the supporting portion of the snap ring assembling unit, a fourth actuating device, which pivots the inner diameter measuring jig, and a linear gauge that measures the pivotal position of the inner diameter measuring jig; and a control unit controlling the actuating devices and determining, based on a comparison of the measured snap ring mounted diameter and a predetermined value, whether the snap ring has been accurately mounted.

Abstract: A substrate assembly is stuffed into a converter outer shell to form a catalytic converter having a desired gap bolt density (GBD) value. The substrate assembly is formed by wrapping and taping a mat around a catalytic substrate. A predetermined pressure is applied to the substrate assembly and an outer diameter of the substrate assembly is measured at this predetermined pressure. A GBD value is predicted based on this measurement and if the GBD value is acceptable the substrate assembly is stuffed into the converter outer shell.

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 exhange 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 pocket-sizing apparatus for a device that inserts staple drivers into pockets aligned to form a slot in a surgical staple cartridge. A fin extends from a driver guide fixture for insertion into the slot. The fin increases the size of the slot, thereby aiding in inserting drivers into the pockets. Preferably a second fin extends from the driver guide fixture adjacent the fixture passage and aligned with the first fin. A gap is formed between the first and second fins, extending from a first edge to an opposite edge of the fixture passage. The driver is driven through the gap. The fins are substantially equal to the thickness of the driver. The fins have tapered leading edges to aid cartridge insertion and removal, and a lip extends from the driver guide fixture for preventing the fins from widening the slot too much and for narrowing an overly wide slot.

Abstract: A disc brake having an anchor bracket fixed to a vehicle, a rotor fixed to and rotatable with a wheel and a caliper that spans the disc and supports a pair of opposed braking pads with respect to the rotor. Parallel alignment members fixed to the caliper and having a corresponding set of generally parallel bores for receiving the alignment members in the anchor bracket to allow limited relative movement and caliper translation during a brake application and subsequent release. Plastic inserts disposed intermediate an alignment member and a corresponding bore to provide a desired minimum running clearance there between. The plastic inserts being formed and remaining in situ within the respective bores through a sprues or gate that extend from and are generally transversely to a bore to align the alignment members with the bores and corresponding the braking pads with the rotor.

Abstract: A valve stem installation system includes a robotic arm for moving a valve stem insertion device around the lip of wheel. The system also includes a pair of valve stem aperture sensors positioned on the robotic arm adjacent the valve stem insertion device and moveable around the lip of the wheel. The sensors can be positioned on opposite sides of the valve stem insertion device. When the first sensor locates the valve stem aperture, movement of the robotic can be slowed. When the second sensor locates the valve stem aperture, movement of the robotic arm can be stopped. The conveyor unit can include an identification station to sense the configuration of the wheel. A controller can select the appropriate valve stem to insert in the valve stem aperture in response to the sensed configuration of the wheel.

Abstract: In a method of installing spiral threaded inserts (38), in which method a first threaded insert (38) is inserted into an installation tool (20) and is screwed into a tapped hole by the installation tool (20), safe use is achieved even at locations where access is difficult by virtue of the fact that the first threaded insert (38) is secured in the installation tool (20) to prevent it from falling out.

Abstract: A power operated belt splicing system is provided. In one form, staples are driven through a belt and clinched in a final set using a power driven tool and a force applying member having multiple drive punches. A lower force applying end on a punch preferably has a first portion to drive the staple and a second portion to drive a leading edge of the belt fastener against the belt thereby distributing the drive force over both the staple and the belt fastener. Preferably, the second surface is shaped similarily to the outboard edge of the upper plate. A pair of adjacent punches can substantially simultaneously drive two pairs of preset staples with each pair of preset staples being associated with one of a pair of adjacent hinged belt fasteners thereby attaching a pair of belt fasteners to a belt in a single operation. The initial and final staple set may be done with the same power tool.

Abstract: A device for positioning components to be joined together, such as car body components, is characterized by at least one movable central module and a plurality of arms, movable in space and connected thereto and which in each case have at least one holding element for holding the components. By means of the inventive method for the positioning of the components to be joined together and for the performance of which the said device is particularly suitable, the components are held from a position within a desired arrangement of the components to be joined. In this way the assembled components during a subsequent tacking together and optionally further downstream production processes such as welding or the like, are accessible in optimum manner from the outside. Further advantages of the method according to the invention are a limited space requirement and possible balancing of the production process.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enhanced method and apparatus for locating a valve stem aperture in a wheel. The invention includes a locating station having an overhead camera to scan the wheel. The scanned image of the wheel is received by a controller and is divided into radial zones. The controller locates the radial zone that defines the valve stem aperture from the scanned image of the wheel. The wheel then moves along an assembly line to a stemming station. A robot is positioned at the stemming station. The robot supports a valve stem insertion tool and a valve stem aperture locating sensor. When the wheel reaches the stemming station, the robot moves the valve stem insertion tool and the valve stem aperture locating sensor to the radial zone that defines the valve stem aperture. The robot moves the valve stem aperture locating sensor along the radial zone that defines the valve stem aperture and locates the valve stem aperture.

Abstract: An aligner and a method for its use in staking a fastener. More specifically, the aligner guides a tip of a staking tool in some portion of a staking operation properly into alignment with a clinch portion of a staked fastener. As a result, the clinch portion is shaped into a head of a generally higher quality than would otherwise occur.

Abstract: A tired-wheel having a wheel-rim and a tire thereon is automatically serviced. The method includes loading the tired-wheel onto a motor-driven support mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation, centering the tired-wheel with respect to the axis of rotation, and holding it by use of the motor-driven rotatable support, urging the wheel-rim against the rotatable support by use of an urging device so as to make the tired-wheel rigid in rotation with the rotatable support, disassembling the tire from the wheel-rim by use of a pair of working arms, moving away the urging device and removing the disassembled tire, loading a new tire onto the wheel-rim, repositioning the urging device and urging the wheel-rim against the rotatable support, and mounting the new tire onto the wheel-rim by use of the pair of working arms.

Abstract: A tool, in particular a shaft tool, is inserted into and fixed in a clamping chuck. The actual position of the tool, particularly in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the tool or in the direction of insertion, is determined before and/or during the insertion of the tool into the clamping chuck. Based on the determined actual position, the tool is inserted into the clamping chuck until a setpoint position has been reached.

Abstract: A system for assembling a vehicle drive shaft is provided with the steps of installing yokes on respective ends of a drive shaft tube, each yoke having first and second bores therethrough for receiving respective distal ends of respective spider arrangements, and rolling the outer edges of the bores using carbide rollers to urge a portion of the material of the yoke to overlie radially the respectively associated distal end of the spider arrangement. Datums are defined on the yokes and the shaft tube for determining a spatial relationship between the yokes and shaft tube. The rolling of the bore of the yoke is performed while the spider, the bearing caps, and the retention elements are maintained in preload to achieve zero tolerance. Prior to roller forming the outer edge of the bore, the spider arrangement is supported on the true rotating center of the drive shaft tube.

Abstract: Core sand elements are rapidly and reliably retained by driving one or more smooth surface fasteners, such as staples, nails or brads, into the core elements. In production, after the core sand elements are assembled, the core assemblies are placed on a moving belt conveyor, movement of core assemblies on the moving belt conveyor is intercepted and momentarily stopped at a fastening station and the momentarily stopped core assemblies are lifted from the moving belt conveyor to a fastening position at which a plurality of smooth surface fastener guns are moved into position against the core assembly and located to simultaneously drive a plurality of smooth surface fasteners into the core elements of the core assembly.

Abstract: Method for support control in machine tools where it is controlled whether an object is arranged correctly on a support surface in the machine tool, where a duct system is used which ends in the support surface, and conducts a medium, and can be pressurized, the final opening of the duct system is covered by the object, and in the duct system the pressure of the medium is reduced at a choke point, the differential pressure is determined before and after the choke point, and is evaluated for support control.

Abstract: A method of making a gas treatment device, the method includes projecting a laser line onto a side of substrate from a laser line generator angled away from a viewing source; projecting a laser dot onto the substrate from a laser dot generator located above the viewing source; verifying an alignment of the substrate with at least one of: another substrate and a housing by comparing the laser line projection on the substrate to the laser dot projection on the substrate, wherein the alignment is verified when the laser line projection and the laser dot projection are co-linear; and stuffing the substrate into the housing.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a fixture and a method to assist in the alignment of the inlet end of a transition duct and a combustor component in a turbine engine. Among other things, the fixture can include a flange adapted for mounting to a combustor component, an elongated mandrel, and a plurality of radially extendable jaws. After mounting the fixture to a combustor component, the jaws can engage an inner peripheral surface of a transition so as to properly align the transition with a target axis of alignment. The fixture can be configured to measure the size of any shims needed at the base of the flexible support bracket. Further, the fixture can also include various gauges to validate the alignment of the inlet end of the transition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a valve stem to the rim of an vehicle wheel includes engaging a valve stem with a robotic manipulator, moving the valve stem relative to the rim along a programmable path of travel, coaxially aligning the valve stem with the aperture in the rim, and inserting the valve stem through the aperture in the rim. Preferably, the aperture location in the rim is determined at a gauging station by a machine vision system. If necessary, a power-actuated nut runner is used to tighten a nut over the valve stem. Alternately, the gauging station can use a table which rotates the wheel about a central axis, and an optical sensor detects the location of the aperture. Optionally, a probe mounted on the gauging station can be extended into the aperture to confirm the aperture position and to reposition the rim slightly if required.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a fixture and a method to assist in the alignment of the inlet end of a transition duct and a combustor component in a turbine engine. The fixture includes a plurality of pressure transducers spaced on a mandrel so as to correspond to the target alignment location of the transition. The plurality of pressure transducers produce signals, which can be converted by a signal processor into an actual alignment location signal. A display can be provided for presenting graphical images of the target alignment location and the actual alignment location responsive to the actual alignment location signal received from the signal processor. Thus, a user can view the movement of the graphical image of the actual alignment location relative to the graphical image of the target alignment location such that the user can adjust the transition's position until the graphical images are substantially aligned.

Abstract: A compressor has a compression unit for compressing gas to a desired pressure, a drive shaft and a balancer. The drive shaft is connected to the compression unit for driving the compression unit. Imbalance on the drive shaft is generated due to movement of the compression unit. The balancer is mounted on the drive shaft and includes a main portion and adjustable portion for correcting the imbalance on the drive shaft. Preferably, at least one of the weight and the shape of the adjustable portion is adjustable.

Abstract: A module corner assembly wherein a wheel hub is permanently attached to a knuckle and various surfaces on the wheel hub and knuckle are machined in a same fixture utilized in holding the knuckle to deform an end on the wheel hub against a cone of a bearing. When a rotor is thereafter attached to the wheel hub it is also machined in the same fixture such that a perpendicular relationship is established between the axis of the wheel bearing and braking surfaces on the rotor and as a result a desired lateral run out relationship is achieved between the axis of the bearing and rotor surfaces.

Abstract: A rigid drive axle assembly includes a support beam member having a substantially flat central plate section, a differential assembly module secured to the central plate section through at least two threaded studs extending from the central plate section. The differential assembly module includes a differential carrier frame member having two bearing hubs receiving differential bearings. A method for verifying a predetermined bearing preload of the differential assembly module comprises the steps of preloading the differential bearings to the predetermined bearing preload, inserting mounting bores in the bearing hubs of the frame member onto the mounting studs, and determining that the differential bearings are properly preloaded if the mounting studs are received in the mounting bores in the differential carrier frame member without substantial resistance, or determining that the differential bearings are not properly preloaded if the mounting studs may not be received in the mounting bores easily.

Abstract: To evaluate a fastener, a cam that is contoured to correspond to a relationship between a first dimension of the fastener and a second dimension of the fastener is utilized. The cam is movable between a first position and a second position and the fastener is evaluated based on whether an electrical connection is completed when contact occurs between the cam and the fastener while the cam is moved from the first position to the second position.

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 an automotive body at a net location eliminating the need for any slip plane attachment techniques.

Abstract: A knuckle (16) for a corner assembly (10, 210, 310) wherein a cylindrical body (18) has an outboard race (39) and an inboard race (45) located therein for correspondingly receiving a first roller assembly (52) and a second roller assembly (94) carried by a wheel hub (56) such that brake engagement surfaces (12a) and (12b) on a rotor (12) are located in a parallel relationship with faces on a friction members (14a) and (14b) associated with caliper (14) and perpendicular with the axis of the wheel hub (56) to obtain a desired lateral run out relationship between the rotor (12) and the axis of the first (52) and second (94) roller assemblies retained in the wheel hub (56).

Abstract: Battery cans are produced in a continuous in-line operation from a group of drawing press tools. The streams of parts from each tool are merged into an ordered stream of parts without losing their identity as to the tool that produced them. The parts are automatically inspected and if parts from a particular tool are defective, the other parts from that tool are ejected from the line without ceasing operation of the stream of parts from the remaining tools. The operation continues through packing the parts in containers identified with the tool source of the respective parts.