Abstract: A method for fabricating muntin grid pieces includes steps that attach a pair of material strips to opposed edges of the muntin bar element. The material strips may be provided in side-by-side strips that may be separated an simultaneously applied to the opposite sides of the muntin bar element. The connection between the material strips and the muntin bar element may be made with an adhesive or a mechanical connection. The method allows the material strips to be connected to the muntin grid pieces before the muntin grid pieces are assembled into a muntin bar grid for a window.

Abstract: A dynamic test fixture has a support frame (3) whose dimensions (31) in the direction of a transverse axis (y) are smaller than a distance between the wheels of a vehicle (8). Via a first unit (71a, 71b, 71c) of a controllable adjusting device (7), the support frame (3) is displaced approximately vertically underneath the vehicle (8) so that the vehicle (8) is moved into a raised testing position. A second unit of the controllable adjusting device (7) acts on the support frame (3) in such a way that the vehicle (8) is moved into at least one position (Nx, Ny) that deviates from the horizontal position. A third unit (73) influences the support frame (3) in such a way that the vehicle (8), which it is situated in the raised testing position, is briefly rotated about a vertical axis (z). The test fixture is advantageously used to test a stabilizing system (ESP device) of the vehicle (8).

Abstract: A presetting system (100) is disclosed for accurately presetting the position of a tool (106) within a shrink-fit holder (148). The presetting system (100) includes a presetter measuring device (102) which is adapted to provide an initial length measurement of the tool (106), and verification of the preset position of the tool (106) within the shrink-fit tool holder (148). The system (100) also provides for incorporating a temperature compensation factor within the presetting process, for compensating for temperature and dimensional changes of the tool (106) during heating processes.

Abstract: A production system for manufacturing a workpiece comprises an index system including a plurality of index devices removably mounted on the workpiece at known longitudinally spaced locations therealong, and a longitudinally extending index member releasably engaged with at least two of the index devices such that a position and orientation of the index member are fixed relative to the workpiece by the index devices, the index member having position-indicating features distributed therealong. The production system further comprises a machine module mounted for longitudinal movement along the index member and operable to perform an operation, the machine module being operable to detect the position-indicating features on the index member and thereby determine a position of the machine module relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: A tooling plate for installation into a probe station and being formed of a rigid plate defining a major aperture having a rim. The plate also defines a set of peripheral apertures fitted with spring loaded, retained screws adapted to facilitate fastening to mating threaded holes. In one embodiment, a set of dowel locator holes defined by the bottom surface and being precisely positioned with respect to the location of the major aperture. Another embodiment includes docking equipment adapted to permit connection to a predetermined tester attached to the top of the rigid plate.

Abstract: A method of assembling a part to a workpiece with a combination tool supported on a robot, where a mounting surface of the part is assembled on a target surface of the workpiece including the following steps. (a) Indexing to the assembly position. (b) Picking a part with the part gripper on the part delivery arm from a part supply station. (c) Indexing part delivery and workpiece preparation arms to the preparation position. (d) Simultaneously: engaging the part mounting surface with the part surface preparation module; and engaging the workpiece target surface preparation module with the target surface. (e) Indexing to the assembly position. (f) Using the previously set tool operating axis and calculated tool offsets, engaging the prepared part mounting surface with the prepared workpiece target surface. (g) Releasing the part gripper and withdrawing the tool from the part/workpiece assembly.

Abstract: In an apparatus for corking bottles, the corks are fed in succession within the cavities of a plurality of vice-like devices, which are driven in rotation by a carousel device and which are designed to be radially compressed by the vice-like devices before their insertion into the respective bottles. The cavity of the vice-like device that each time comes to occupy the position for receiving the cork is set in communication with a negative-pressure source, which sucks the cork downwards, causing it to drop into the cavity, and maintains it in the correct vertical position. Preferably, a similar suction device is provided at the outlet end of feed channel for feeding the corks, which brings the corks to a loading station. A transfer wheel with a vertical axis transfers the corks in succession from the loading station to the starting station of the corking apparatus, where the corks are received within the respective vice-like devices.

Abstract: An automatic collimator manufacturing apparatus includes a loading part being loaded a glass tube, into which a GRIN lens is fixedly inserted, and a pigtail formed with at least one fiber, an angle aligning part allowing the pigtail to be inserted into the glass tube and coaxially aligning the pigtail with the GRIN lens, a spot aligning part controlling an optical property between the pigtail and the GRIN lens, and a dispensing part fixedly attaching the pigtail to the glass tube.

Abstract: A partial assembly process for a vane-type cam phaser. A pulley/sprocket is loaded onto a first camshaft-shaped fixture with a cam nose extending beyond the length of an actual cam nose such that a phaser rotor containing a locking bolt, when mounted onto the cam nose, is displaced axially from the pulley/sprocket by an amount sufficient to set the axial engagement of the bolt upon final assembly. A stator is loaded onto the pulley/sprocket and is rotated clockwise until it contacts the rotor, thereby removing all rotational and radial lash from the system. One or more axial holes are bored through the pulley/sprocket and stator and a locking pin such as a roll pin is inserted to permanently pin the stator to the pulley/sprocket.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sorting and selecting parts comprising a computer for designing a plurality of a first type of component parts and a plurality of a second type of component parts. Each job, which consists of the plurality of first component parts and the plurality of second component parts, is assigned a unique identification by the computer. In addition, the computer also assigns a part identification for each of the component parts. A first tooling machine computer-controller, coupled to the computer, receives the plurality of first component part designs, creates tooling instructions for the first component parts, and creates labels for each of the first component parts. The labels include the unique job identification and the part identification. A first tooling machine, coupled to the first tooling machine computer-controller, receives the first component part tooling instructions, receives material for the first component parts, and creates the first component parts.

Abstract: A method is provided for achieving a desired preload on tapered roller bearings which rotatably support a gear between first and second transmission housing members in the assembly of a transmission. The bottom of each pocket which supports a tapered roller bearing is measured with respect to a mating face of the transmission case half. Shims are selected based upon these measurements so that each shim forms a reaction surface upon which the tapered roller bearings rest so that the appropriate preload is established with the case halves are bolted together.

Abstract: A recycling facilitating system including an item identification data input unit for inputting item identification data, an item disassembly data memory for storing item disassembly data in correspondence with the item identification data, an item disassembly data retrieval unit for retrieving the item disassembly data, a disassembly diagram constructing unit for constructing the disassembly diagram based on the item disassembly data, and a disassembly diagram output unit for outputting the disassembly diagram; the disassembly diagram constructing unit determines the progress status of an operation step of disassembling the item to be recycled by identifying a component that was removed during the operation step, and, in accordance with the progress status, constructs one of a plurality of disassembly diagrams, which can be constructed from the item disassembly data that was retrieved by the item disassembly data retrieval unit.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a frame structure, a plurality of suction cups and a clamp assembly. The plurality of suction cups are coupled to the frame structure and are operable in an energized mode for securing the apparatus to a first structure. The clamp assembly is coupled to the frame structure and exerts a clamping force onto a second structure when the suction cups have secured the apparatus to the first structure. The clamping force is of sufficient magnitude to retain the second structure in a predetermined position relative to the first structure. An optional tool may be included to perform a desired operation and an optional conveyance mechanism may be employed to selectively position the tool relative the frame structure. A method for coupling a first structure to a second structure is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for allowing the spotting of one or more movable cores to mating portions of a mold. The present invention provides for the placement of a mold on a support structure and the releasable connection of each movable core to a force exerting device. The force exerting device allows for controlled and repeatable movement of the movable core or cores to which the force exerting device is attached. The present invention preferably also allows each movable core being spotted to be set to, and retracted from the mold, to a position where adjustments may be made to the movable core and/or the mating portion of the mold without removing the movable core therefrom. The present invention, therefore, provides for a higher quality and more efficient spotting of movable mold cores than is currently possible.

Abstract: An engine installation jig and method for installing an engine in a marine vessel according to predetermined engine installation criteria. The jig comprises a longitudinal member, two lateral crossbar members and a fixture head. The jig also includes leveling devices for manipulating the position of the jig relative to the marine vessel and at least one leveling sensor for providing a visual indication of the planar orientation of the jig within the marine vessel. The jig is coupled to the marine vessel via the leveling devices and the fixture head. Once the jig has been aligned and installed, engine mount holes are drilled in either the stringers or the stringer brackets of the marine vessel, the engine set into the marine vessel so that the engine mounts align with the drilled engine mount holes, and the engine installed.

Abstract: A method and a briquetting press for briquetting metal chips wherein stable briquettes/pressed components are produced. The actual length (Lact) of the pressed component is obtained by applying pressure (Pmax/Preq) using at least one pressing ram (1,2) and measuring the length with a measuring device (5, 6). The measured value is compared to a desired nominal value (Lnom) and a difference value (&Dgr;) is subsequently 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-Z coordinate system) for a body-in-white to direct associated tooling to create net attachment features on said rigid body frame with respect to said new net locating scheme so that components may be attached to said automotive body at a net location eliminating the need for any slip plane attachment techniques.

Abstract: Optimized method for assembling two substantially flat parts. To assemble two parts (10, 12) that are substantially flat using fixations (14) such as rivets or bolts, first the ratio R is calculated between tensile and bending stresses relating to the forces to be transmitted. The end line of the fixations (14) is then oriented along an angle &agr; whose absolute value is such that 10.8 ln(R)+16<|&agr;|<13.9 ln(R)+28 when the ratio R is 1 or more, and such that 16°<|&agr;|<28° when the ratio R is less than 1. The absolute value of angle &agr; does not exceed 90°.

Abstract: A fastener delivery and installation system is provided that comprises an end effector mounted on an automated machine and operable to drill a hole through a workpiece and insert a fastener through the hole, and a fastener feed unit operable with the automated machine to deliver the fasteners through the end effector and into the workpiece. Further, a hand-held tool is operable against a second surface of the workpiece and is aligned with the end effector. Once the hand-held tool is positioned properly, a magnetic field is generated and the workpiece is clamped to enable the end effector to drill a hole through the workpiece and insert a fastener therethrough. Additionally, a detector is located on the hand-held tool for generating guidance information to inform an operator where to move the hand-held tool so as to align the hand-held tool with the end effector.

Abstract: A method of assembling a butterfly valve that includes a shaft rotatably supported by first and second bearing portions. A first adjusting instrument is used to adjust thrust and radial clearances between the first end of the shaft and the first bearing portion. A second adjusting instrument is used for adjusting thrust and radial clearances between the second end of the shaft and the second bearing portion, and the shaft is arranged at a center of the fluid flow passage.

Abstract: Jigs (52 to 57) are respectively set on upper and lower holders (21, 31) of a button attaching apparatus instead of upper and lower dies; relative position of the upper and the lower holders (21, 31) is adjusted while upper and lower springs (211, 317) are disabled; while the upper spring (211) is kept disabled, the lower spring (317) having stronger biasing force is enabled to adjust the lower spring; and the upper spring (211) is enabled to adjust the upper spring.

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

Abstract: A system for verifying the quality of a pressing operation of a press-fit part onto a receiving portion of a receiving assembly. The system is applicable to the installation of a bearing cup onto a shaft, or a valve seat into a cylinder head. A probe measures a predetermined dimension of the press-fit part to establish a first measurement value. In the case of a valve seat installed a receiving pocket of a cylinder head, a measuring probe is inserted into the receiving pocket of the cylinder head to measure its depth. The depth is recorded as a second measurement value. The valve seat is then pressed into the pocket, and the residual depth is measured to determine the distance between the outermost surface of the pressed in valve seat and the outer surface of the receiving pocket. A computation compares the depth of the pocket against the thickness of the valve seat to determine a difference which is then compared to the residual depth.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for assembling a polishing while inspecting for air leakage in the polishing head and an apparatus for performing the same. By the present invention, a polishing head may be tested for air leakage at each assembly step thereof, so that the polishing head may be assembled free of air leakage, thereby reducing testing time of the polishing head, and failure of the polishing head due to air leakage may be prevented. The apparatus includes a housing supporting the polishing head and having coupling lines coupled with ends of tubes provided in the assembled polishing head, or the polishing head being assembled. A pneumatic pressure regulating section selectively supplies positive pressure or vacuum to the tubes through the coupling lines. A sensor section detects the pressure and level of vacuum in the tubes. A determining section determines if there is air leakage in the polishing head.

Abstract: A fastener delivery and installation system is provided that comprises an end effector mounted on an automated machine and operable to drill a hole through a workpiece and insert a fastener through the hole, and a fastener feed unit operable with the automated machine to deliver the fasteners through the end effector and into the workpiece. Further, a hand-held tool is operable against a second surface of the workpiece and is aligned with the end effector. Once the hand-held tool is positioned properly, a magnetic field is generated and the workpiece is clamped to enable the end effector to drill a hole through the workpiece and insert a fastener therethrough. Additionally, a detector is located on the hand-held tool for generating guidance information to inform an operator where to move the hand-held tool so as to align the hand-held tool with the end effector.

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 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 basket assembly fixture is useful in the construction of a basket assembly for interring spent nuclear fuel rods. The basket assembly fixture has an elongate base and a pair of lifting beams disposed above the base. Lifting beam raising means are provided at both ends of the base to raise the pair of lifting beams. A transverse beam is provided below the two lifting beams and above the base. Transverse beam raising means are provided for raising the transverse beam.

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: A method for ensuring the proper setup position of an automotive-type automatic transmission gear selector (shifter). The present invention utilizes a setting tool having an arcuate configuration. The setting tool may be inserted through a gear selector lever of a gear selector assembly, and rotated to provide for a slight biasing of the gear selector lever in a predetermined direction. The method is especially applicable to the setup of a gear selector, wherein the connector coupling the gear selector lever to the transmission is attached using a threaded fastener. The bias imparted by the setting tool counteracts the movement of the gear selector lever produced by the torque applied during tightening of the fastener.

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: A method of fabricating a modular fuel injector permits the fabrication of the electrical group subassembly outside a clean room while a fuel group subassembly is fabricated inside a clean room. The method provides for manufacturing a sealed fuel injector unit via a predetermined number of different types of operations. Each type comprises a range of percentages of the predetermined number of operations.

Abstract: A fastener delivery and installation system is provided that comprises an end effector mounted on an automated machine and operable to drill a hole through a workpiece and insert a fastener through the hole, and a fastener feed unit operable with the automated machine to deliver the fasteners through the end effector and into the workpiece. Further, a hand-held tool is operable against a second surface of the workpiece and is aligned with the end effector. Once the hand-held tool is positioned properly, a magnetic field is generated and the workpiece is clamped to enable the end effector to drill a hole through the workpiece and insert a fastener therethrough. Additionally, a detector is located on the hand-held tool for generating guidance information to inform an operator where to move the hand-held tool so as to align the hand-held tool with the end effector.

Abstract: A component mounting apparatus and method allows for components supplied from component supplying members to be simultaneously or continuously held by component holding members without being affected by positional displacements of the component holding members relative to a head, a positional displacement of the component supplying members or the like. With a positional displacement amount (&Dgr;y) along a Y direction relative to a reference position of a nozzle taken into account, at a component supply cassette, driving a motor for moving components one by one along the Y direction to a component supply position is controlled, thereby positionally adjusting a component at the component supply position and absorbing the positional displacement amount.

Abstract: Novel prefabricated modular structural members for use in low cost construction of relatively small residential, institutional and commercial buildings with high degrees of resistance to damage by fire, hurricanes, earthquakes, moisture, etc., are disclosed. A structural member of this class basically consists of two spaced shell panels and an intermediate core. The core is a triangulated wire frame composed of a plurality of zig-zag shaped wire trusses having their sets of top and bottom apexes anchored to associated sets of longitudinal and transverse chords and the respective proximate inside faces of the shell panels. A fixture is provided which includes posts for holding the wires before they are welded. The posts and a coupling member such as a welding gun can move with respect to each other to form the joints between the wires.

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: An unbalance mass at the front side of a single wheel unit, an unbalance mass at the reverse side of the single wheel unit, a phase difference between the unbalance mass at the front side and the unbalance mass at the reverse side of the single wheel unit, a primary component amplitude of radial run-out of the single wheel unit, a phase angle of the primary component of the radial run-out of the single wheel unit, a contribution coefficient in which the radial run-out of the single wheel unit is transmitted to an RFV, an unbalance mass at the front side of a single tire unit, an unbalance mass at the reverse side of the single tire unit, a phase difference between the unbalance mass at the front side and the unbalance mass at the reverse side of the single tire unit, an RFV primary component amplitude of the single tire unit, and a phase angle of the RFV primary component of the single tire unit are measured and the measured values are input.

Abstract: An assembly tool for insertion of engine piston/rod assemblies into an engine cylinder includes a frame, a support arm pivotally carried on the frame, an insertion cylinder carried by the support arm and including an extendable insertion rod having an end adapted to engage a piston in position for insertion; a positioner for positioning the support arm in an insertion position with the rod end engaging a piston; and a control for actuating the insertion rod to insert a piston/rod assembly into the cylinder. Various additional features of an exemplary embodiment are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention presented here describes a method of securely attaching accessories to the tailgates of pickup trucks. The preferred method of installation involves use of a positioning device to locate upper fastener(s) that insert blind into the accessory. Forward fasteners are then installed into a forward portion of the accessory to complete the installation. The positioning device may be either discarded or left in place after the installation of the accessory. Pickup truck tailgate accessories that can be mounted using the described attachment system include, among others, a tailgate mounted drag reducing aerostabilizer.

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

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for calibrating the position of a wafer platform in an ion implanter, and particularly in a medium current ion implanter. The apparatus is constructed by a curvilinear piece formed in a half-circular shape, a pair of linear rods for supporting the curvilinear piece, and at least one cross-bracing rod connected in-between the pair of linear rods for providing rigidity of the apparatus. When the inside peripheral surface of the curvilinear piece intimately engages an outside peripheral surface of the wafer platform of the ion implanter, or when the first and second linear rods fit snugly on the implanter indicative that the wafer platform is properly calibrated at a zero-angle position. When such fitting is not possible, the wafer platform is then adjusted until a snug fitting is made possible.

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 calibration tool for centering an inner tube with respect to an outer tube of a vertical furnace for semiconductor manufacturing including a first alignment member having a plurality of engagement surfaces simultaneously movable radially outward an equal radial distance for engagement with a base structure of a vertical furnace to center the calibration tool with respect to the base structure and the outer tube; a second alignment member having a plurality of engagement surfaces simultaneously movable radially outward an equal radial distance to engage the inner tube and to move the inner tube to a position centered with respect to the outer tube of the vertical furnace.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assembling a fan grill to a shroud of a fan housing. The apparatus includes a support structure having a moveable carriage disposed in a horizontal plane. The moveable carriage is adapted to align and carry the fan grill and shroud combination. A clamping structure is moveably attached to the support structure and has clamps adapted to clamp the fan grill and shroud combination in a fixed position. A plurality of automatic drivers attached to the clamping structure are moveable in a direction transverse to the horizontal plane of the carriage. The automatic drivers drive a plurality of fasteners into the fan grill and shroud combination. The moveable carriage may be adapted to carry more than one fan grill and shroud combination to allow an operator to load a second fan grill and shroud combination onto the carriage while a first fan grill and shroud combination is engaged by the drivers.

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

Abstract: A method of assembling a part to a workpiece with a combination tool supported on a robot, where a mounting surface of the part is assembled on a target surface of the workpiece including the following steps. (a) Indexing to the assembly position. (b) Picking a part with the part gripper on the part delivery arm from a part supply station. (c) Indexing part delivery and workpiece preparation arms to the preparation position. (d) Operating the workpiece target surface scanning module and communicating workpiece target surface position data to the robot. (e) Moving the robot to set the tool operating axis and calculate tool offsets relative to the position and orientation of the scanned target surface. (f) Simultaneously: engaging the part mounting surface with the part surface preparation module; and engaging the workpiece target surface preparation module with the target surface. (g) Indexing to the assembly position.

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 piston insertion machine for inserting piston assemblies into respective cylinders of an internal combustion engine. The piston insertion machine eliminates the need for individually lifting and inserting the piston assemblies into the respective cylinders. The piston insertion machine includes a barrel assembly for holding the piston assembly. A first set of components pivot the piston barrel assembly (and thus the piston assembly) from an upright position to a horizontal position. Another component inserts the piston assembly into the cylinder of the engine block.

Abstract: Automated parts assembly station includes positioning member (11) having surfaces (15a, 16a) defining a desired mutual position of the parts to be assembled and assembly member (13) connecting the parts. At at least some of the surfaces (15a, 16a) there are measurement members (18) for measuring a distance between the at least some surfaces and facing surfaces of the parts being assembled.