Abstract: Installation vessels and methods for offshore wind turbine installation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a cantilever mast is used to transfer of wind turbine components from an installation vessel to an offshore installation site and guide the transfer to prevent undesired swinging movements of the wind turbine components. In another embodiment, a main crane is used in cooperation with a guide arm to transfer and guide wind turbine components from an installation vessel to an offshore installation site.

Abstract: An elevator arrangement includes an elevator hoistway, an elevator car, and a movable supporting platform for supporting the elevator components in the elevator hoistway. The supporting platform includes a supporting frame. The supporting frame includes a plurality of beams that are rigidly fixed to each other. The plurality of beams are arranged such that towards each of all four lateral directions of the supporting platform points at least one beam end of the supporting frame, at which beam end is a movable support element belonging to a plurality of movable support elements movable between a position extended from the platform towards the side and a position retracted towards the platform.

Abstract: A production line for manipulating objects is provided. The production line has working stations for performing consecutive working steps on the objects by a stationary operator. At least one working station is arranged to be operated by a stationary operator that is a human and at least one working station is operated by a stationary operator that is a robot. The at least one working station being arranged for a stationary operator that is a human and the at least one working station being operated by a stationary operator that is a robot are arranged such that transfer of objects from one working station to the other working station is performed by one or both of the stationary operators. The robot has at least two arms. A method for operating a production line applying a corresponding concept is also provided.

Abstract: Method in the use of a construction-time elevator, in which method the supporting platform that supports the elevator car of the elevator is lifted higher in the elevator hoistway with a hoisting device supported on a support structure. In the method the supporting platform is suspended from the support structure via at least one hoisting device and rope comprised in the hoisting device and the supporting platform is lifted upwards in the elevator hoistway with a lifting ratio of 1:x, where x is greater than 1.

Abstract: A method of mounting a vehicle cab onto a vehicle chassis is provided. The method includes providing at least one structural anchor point on an upright wall of the vehicle cab, connecting a lifting device to the structural anchor point, and using the lifting device to lift the vehicle cab and mount it on the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a precision injection molding of multi-piece parts and the subsequent handling and assembly of those parts produced from the mold. In an exemplary embodiment, a surgical suture package with a top part and a bottom part is molded and assembled. In such a method and system, the top parts and bottom parts are first molded utilizing a family mold and then are transferred to a stacker. The stacker is able to stack the top part and bottom part on top of one another on a pallet. The parts are then transported to a welder in order to weld the top part and bottom part together. The completed surgical suture packages are then transferred to a magazine for storage and shippage.

Abstract: A system and method for stabilizing vertically stacked sheet material is disclosed. The sheet material may be construction wallboard. The system includes a bracket and an elongate flexible link element. The method includes attaching the bracket to the sheet material, attaching the flexible link element to a support structure such as vertical stud framing member, and attaching the flexible link element to the bracket to stabilize the vertically stacked sheet material.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a tire and a wheel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a single-cell workstation including a device that retains a wheel, and a plurality of sub-stations. The device moves the wheel to each of the plurality of sub-stations, without releasing the wheel, to assemble a tire-wheel assembly. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A clamping system can be reconfigured to clamp any of multiple workpieces having differing shapes. The system includes a retention assembly for retaining an inflatable bladder that applies a clamping force to the workpiece. The retention assembly includes a flexible chain of pivotally connected links that can be locked in place to form a rigid assembly that conforms to the shape of the workpiece. The links can be unlocked to allow reconfiguration of the retention assembly into shapes matching other workpieces.

Abstract: A product line assembly includes a plurality of containers detachably connected. Each of the plurality of containers includes a case and equipment received in the case. Each container is configured for performing an individual working procedure.

Abstract: A technique which can assemble a mandrel having a substantially cylindrical shape and being dividable into plurality of segments, which is used for manufacturing, for example, a fuselage of an aircraft, with high position accuracy and an easy manner. In a segment fastening step, a segment which is a fastened target is fastened to a specified fastening portion which is one of a plurality of fastening portions set along a pair of support rings placed to face each other. In a rotation step, before the segment fastening step, the support rings are rotated so that the specified fastening portion is located at an uppermost portion of the support rings. In the segment fastening step, the segment which is the fastened target is placed between the support rings and lifted vertically up to a height corresponding to the specified fastening portion and then fastened to the support rings.

Abstract: A production line for vehicles of different models is disclosed, wherein vehicle bodies for ordinary automobiles and vehicle bodies for compact automobiles are incorporated on the same production line, and multiple components are installed. Two compact vehicle bodies are carried on a conveyance device which is designed for carrying a single ordinary vehicle body. The number of components of a compact automobile is approximately half the number of components of an ordinary automobile, and therefore compact automobiles can be produced efficiently without any downtime.

Abstract: A production assembly and associated process for mass producing such as a thermoplastic pallet and which utilizes a multiple insert supporting and continuously moving carousels inter-faceable with an input line upon which is transported a plurality of rigid and planar shaped inserts, as well as an output line a spaced relationship from the input line for removing, from the carousel, the resin coated articles. The invention further teaches a series of subset variants for spray applying a two part resin and hardener upon the insert according to a selected thickness, following which the inserts are cured and dried prior to transferring to the output line and in order to create a finished product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for producing fire rated doors having added strength, better finishing and low cost manufacturing flexibility. The fire rated doors are made from two panels “sandwiched” together. An optional interior layer (e.g., fire resistant material, lead sheeting, steel or Kevlar) can be added between the door panels for various purposes. Splines, stiles or sticks are inserted in longitudinal channels in the door panels to provide assistance in aligning the door panels and greater hardware holding strength. An intumescent banding material concealed by a banding material around the perimeter of the door seals the door within its frame during a fire. The door design and the automated manufacturing process provide greater design choice, reduced cost and faster fabrication.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and equipment for automatically assembling three panes of glass and corresponding spacers so that air or other gas can be injected into the two between-pane spaces. The equipment can receive two glass panes that each have spacers coupled to one of their major surfaces, along with a third glass pane having no spacer coupled to its major surfaces, and can assemble the three glass panes into a “teepee” configuration in which the two spacers each contact two of the glass panes along a common edge of the glass panes. Preferred equipment can receive a glass pane in a first orientation and rotate the glass pane 180° to a second orientation in which the glass pane's two major surfaces face opposite directions from the first orientation. Such preferred equipment can then receive a two-pane teepee from a previous piece of equipment and can add the “flipped” single glass pane to the teepee to create a three-pane teepee.

Abstract: There is provided a work processing apparatus including a plurality of work conveyance lines on which works are to be moved, a stopping unit to stop a work in a predetermined processing position on each of the work conveyance lines, a processing unit to make a desired process on the work stopped by the stopping unit, and a moving unit to move the processing unit between the work conveyance lines. Works are sequentially processed on the plurality of work conveyance lines. While a work is being processed in the processing position on one of the work conveyance lines, another work can be carried in to the other work conveyance line. Therefore, immediately after a work is completely processed on the one work conveyance line, processing of another work can be started. As a result, the production rate is higher and the apparatus can be designed smaller in size.

Abstract: The invention relates to a joining head arrangement for joining components, such as studs, onto a workpiece. The joining head arrangement comprises a housing and a slide that is mounted on the housing and is movable, by means of a linear drive, in a joining direction in relation to the housing. The joining head further comprises a component holder, arranged on the slide, and operable to hold a component during a joining operation. A feed device delivers components, at a transfer location, to the component holder. The component holder is rotatable about an axis, which is aligned transversely relative to the joining direction, from a transfer position to a joining position.

Abstract: In an electronic component mounting apparatus that is used in an electronic component mounting line for producing a mounted substrate by mounting electronic components on a substrate and that subjects the substrate to predetermined operation, a working unit attachment section 30 is provided within a range of movement of a working head, such as a loading head and a paste coating head, wherein a nozzle stocker 9 and a paste trial coating unit 10 can be removably attached as a working unit for performing specific additional operation appropriate for working function of the working head. The nozzle stoker 9 and the paste trial coating unit 10 are attached to the working unit attachment section 30 according to the type of working head.

Abstract: In a production system general-purpose cell for general-purpose use in processing and transportation of a received workpiece in a production system of processing and delivering the workpiece, the production system general-purpose cell includes a base unit having a planar shape of quadrangle and supporting at least a robot for use in transportation of the workpiece such that the robot is movable on the planar area of quadrangle, a parts supply unit for supplying parts of the workpiece to the robot supported by the base unit, and a processing area extending outside the base unit. The robot supported by the base unit having a motion range set in a range from inside to outside the base unit in a form including at least part of the processing area.

Abstract: A method in the installation of an elevator includes arranging a movable platform structure in the bottom end of the elevator hoistway with a temporary hoisting appliance in the elevator hoistway. The movable platform structure is lifted in the elevator hoistway with the temporary hoisting appliance. The final hoisting machine of the final elevator is installed from the platform structure and the final hoisting roping of the elevator is installed. The movable platform structure can be the final elevator car or at least a part of the final elevator car.

Abstract: This machine generally is an apparatus for preparing rolls of previously wound material for an unwinding machine. More particularly industrial robots are used to improve the apparatus onto which rolls of sheet form material and the like can be loaded in preparation for unwinding and then, when a previously loaded roll has been unwound, disposing of the remaining core. The robots are programmable robots including a means for engaging the transfer plug and placing the plug into the tubular core of a large roll.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly apparatus for supporting a fuselage section of an aircraft or spacecraft in an adjustable assembly position, with at least one stiffening bow for detachably stiffening the fuselage section and a rotational support, which rotatably supports the at least one stiffening bow. Also provided is a method for the assembly of a fuselage section of an aircraft or spacecraft in which an assembly position of the fuselage section is prescribed. In further steps, the fuselage section is reinforced with a stiffening bow and the stiffening bow is rotatably supported. The stiffening bow is then turned in such a way that the fuselage section rotates into the assembly position.

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 fastenable 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: A method of manufacturing forks for lift trucks comprises the steps of: providing a straight metal bar designed to make the fork, heating the bar at a segment thereof where the fork knee is to be formed, bending the bar at the heated segment in order to form the knee by carrying out bending in a closed-die press provided with containment walls that, when bending has been completed, enclose the knee so as to define the surface contours of the latter.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a cover of an electronic device includes steps of offering a metallic green piece comprising a top plate, a bottom plate and a connecting plate interconnecting a side of the top and bottom plates; offering a profile molding insert and a lower mold, the profile molding insert forming a shaping surface, the lower mold defining a cavity to receive an end of the green piece; putting the profile molding insert in the green piece, the shaping surface of the profiling molding insert being oriented towards the end of the green piece; inserting the end of the green piece in the cavity of the lower mold and punching the lower mold to enable the top and bottom plates at the end of the green piece bent along the shaping surface of the profile molding insert toward each other.

Abstract: An erection method for a solar receiver and support tower provides a climbing assembly on the support tower to raise the solar receiver to its final elevation by progressively jacking and installing support tower sections to erect the tower and support the solar receiver.

Abstract: A tool for producing composite objects, including a first and a second material path, along which a first and second sheet material are stepwise feedable. Along the first and second material paths there are disposed a number of processing stations for processing the first and second sheet materials by shearing, punching, pressing, bending etc. The first and second material paths intersect one another and in the zone of intersection an assembly station is disposed for joining together or assembling component parts from the first and second material paths. A method of producing from sheet material a composite object includes the steps of stepwise feeding a first sheet material in a first feeding direction, the sheet material being processed between certain feeding steps, feeding a second sheet material stepwise in a second feeding direction, the second sheet material being processed between certain feeding steps.

Abstract: An electronic component installation apparatus 4 which constructs an electronic component mounting line 1 and installs an electronic component on a substrate is configured to include substrate conveyance lanes L1, L3 as two conveyance paths for feed which respectively feed the substrate carried from the upstream side to the downstream side, the conveyance paths for feed in which substrate positioning parts for positioning and holding the substrate in installation work positions are disposed between two component installation parts 22A, 22B for taking the electronic components out of component supply parts 23A, 23B and transferring and installing the electronic components to the substrate, and a substrate conveyance lane L2 as a return conveyance path which returns the substrate carried from the downstream side to the upstream side and is disposed in a state of being sandwiched between the substrate conveyance lanes L1, L3.

Abstract: A method for mounting interior components in an aircraft includes premounting a first interior component and premounting a second interior component. At least one of the first and the second interior component is secured to a mounting device and the first and second interior components are connected to form an individual module. A plurality of individual modules secured to the mounting device are interconnected to form a large module which is secured to the mounting device. The large module is detached from the mounting device and transported to a final-mounting position in an aircraft fuselage element. The detached large module is then mounted in the aircraft fuselage element.

Abstract: A method for assembling a steam generator includes parallel assembly of the boiler framework and preassembly of assembly modules, and hoisting of the assembly modules into the boiler framework. The outer roof section of the boiler framework roof is then assembled. The inner roof section and the internal components are assembled simultaneously with assembly of the boiler wall in the upper section of the steam generator. The segments of the external support pipes are mounted into the assembly modules and subsequently connected at their module joints the external support pipes are mounted in the final position in the outer roof section. The buckstays and the header tie bars are mounted headers to the boiler wall or to the external support pipes. The auxiliary steel structure of the assembly modules the suspension equipment of the curtain walls are dismantled.

Abstract: A method is provided for assembling a vehicle frame from hydro-formed tubular metal components. Each hydro-formed component has a surface feature that is complementary to a surface feature on an adjacent component. The complementary surface features allow the hydro-formed components to be interlocked together. The components are permanently joined by a plurality of welds. A front hoop, a rear hoop and right and left side hoops may be assembled and joined together to form the passenger compartment portion of the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A device that includes a frame having a first part and a second part and a plurality of first suction devices connected to the first part of the frame, the first suction devices positioned so as to contact a glass plane. Also included in the device is a plurality of second suction devices connected to the second part of the frame, the second suction devices positioned so as to contact a body having an opening to receive the glass plane. A plurality of positioning components that position the frame with respect to the opening in the body, the positioning components connected to the first part of the frame and a plurality of shimming elements that move down between the glass plane and the opening and shift the glass plane forward, the shimming elements connected to the first part of the frame are as included in the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a tire and a wheel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a single-cell workstation including a device that retains a wheel, and a plurality of sub-stations. The device moves the wheel to each of the plurality of sub-stations, without releasing the wheel, to assemble a tire-wheel assembly. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cell manufacturing method in which a main operator, who carries out main operations that include a plurality of steps in which parts are attached to a workpiece, is moved along with the workpiece so as to transit a plurality of stations at which auxiliary steps related to the main operations are carried out. A main car is provided on which the workpiece is mounted and on which the main operator rides. A main operation platform apparatus is also provided that has a main operation platform for carrying out the main operations so as to be movable are used, and then when carrying out at least a portion of the main operations in the main car, the main car and the main operation platform are moved in synchrony. Furthermore, a subsidiary car is provided to travel together with the main car so as to be able to transfer parts and/or jigs.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a filling material, characterised in that it consists at least in providing cylindrical foam springs (14) between two support layers (2,9) and in fixing them to the latter, for example by gluing the crosscut ends (15) to the support layers (2,9), after which the thus obtained double-coated layer (16) is cut, through the support layers (2,9), in two single-coated layers which each mainly consist of a single support layer (2, 9) with shorter foam springs (14) connected thereto.

Abstract: An elevator, preferably an elevator without counterweight, comprising a number of diverting pulleys in the upper part of an elevator shaft or equivalent, a number of diverting pulleys in the lower part of the elevator shaft and a number of diverting pulleys on an elevator car, is installed in such manner that at least some of the diverting pulleys for the upper part are rigged in the lower part of the elevator shaft and at least some of the diverting pulleys from which the passage of the ropes is directed upwards are rigged at the same time. The diverting pulleys for the upper part thus rigged are raised in the rigged state to the upper part of the elevator shaft or equivalent and mounted in place.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing structures having a continuous sidewall includes a stationary inner work station having at least one working level and a stationary outer work station having at least one working level. The outer work station surrounds the inner work station. A shaft is disposed between the inner work station and the outer work. A lift or hoist is provided for raising and lowering a work piece in the shaft as work progresses.

Abstract: A cell manufacturing method in which a main operator, who carries out main operations that include a plurality of steps in which parts are installed on a workpiece, is moved along with the workpiece so as to transit a plurality of stations where auxiliary steps related to the main operations are carried out. At least a portion of operations in which parts and/or jigs are supplied to a main car are carried out via a main delivery apparatus by using a main car on which a workpiece is mounted and on which a main operator rides, and that travels automatically on a predetermined travel route that transits a plurality of stations. The main delivery apparatus has a main serving position and a main receiving position. Parts and/or jigs that have been disposed at the main receiving position are delivered to the main serving position.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of molded components including (a) providing a carrier to a manufacturing assembly; (b) forming the molded components on the carrier, the molded components having a sacrificial portion secured to the carrier and being movable along the carrier, and a functional portion extending from the sacrificial portion, adjacent sacrificial portions are spaced from one another by a first distance; (c) winding the carrier in a forward direction onto the uptake device; and (d) unwinding the uptake device in a reverse direction such that the carrier and molded components move toward the source device, one of the molded components contacts the latch preventing the molded components from moving in the reverse direction such that adjacent sacrificial portions are moved closer together to a second distance that is less than the first distance.

Abstract: A method for installing an elevator may include stopping an elevator car or partially completed elevator car in the upper part of an elevator shaft; rigging first portions of hoisting ropes between the car and diverting pulleys in the upper part of the shaft so that the first portions pass via the diverting pulleys in the upper part of the shaft and first diverting pulleys on the car; moving the car to the lower part of the shaft, while supplying ropes from rope reels to the first portions between the car and the diverting pulleys in the upper part of the shaft; and rigging second portions of the hoisting ropes between the car and diverting pulleys in the lower part of the shaft so that the second portions pass via the diverting pulleys in the lower part of the shaft and second diverting pulleys on the car.

Abstract: A method of operating a production line comprises the steps of supporting equipment in the production line on a plurality of crawlers comprising at least one rolling track and a structural support for supporting the equipment. A first plurality of lifting magnets coupled to an interior surface of said at least one rolling track is configured to oppose a second plurality of lifting magnets coupled to an exterior surface of said structure support to lift the structural support, such that the structural support floats between and within said at least one rolling track. The magnetic fields experienced by the first and second plurality of lift magnets are adjusted to translate the at least one rolling track, such that the crawlers move along the production line.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, pre-assembly and integration of part of an aircraft cabin takes place outside the aircraft structure by means of an assembly device. After pre-assembly, the part of the aircraft cabin is slid into the open section of the aircraft structure where it is installed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sheet metal plate, especially made of steel, for producing motor vehicle body components. In order to make the body component sufficiently rigid at highly stressed points in spite of using lightweight materials, the sheet metal plate (11) is provided with local reinforcement zones (13, 14). To this avail, the sheet metal plate (11) is joined together from at least two cut metal sheets (7, 9) with a straight seam (10). At least one of the cut metal sheets (7) comprises several parallel strips (2 to 6) having different strengths while each local reinforcement zone (13, 14) lies within a reinforced strip (2, 3).

Abstract: A cell for automated assembly operations, in particular for the assembly of components and accessories of multi-cylinder internal-combustion engines, includes a device for referencing the piece and clamping it in position, which includes a plate, provided with reference elements that are to engage, said plate being raisable vertically to take up the engine, setting the engine at a distance from the conveying device. The raisable plate is carried by a slide, which is mounted mobile in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the line. The aforesaid slide is mounted so that it can slide on a supporting structure, which is in turn mounted oscillating about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the conveying line on a structure that is rigidly connected to the fixed frame of the cell.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus for assembling a ball screw device includes a support block, a nut arranged in a longitudinal direction, a nut reception base that arranges the nut so that its axial direction towards vertical direction of the assembly apparatus and that supports the nut so as to elevate the nut with respect to the support block, a temporary shaft inserted into an inner diameter side of the nut arranged on the nut reception base and rotatably supported by the support block, an inclined face provided at a forward end portion of the temporary shaft, for guiding balls into the nut raceway groove and a pushing mechanism that has elasticity in the radial direction of the temporary shaft and that pushes balls which are fed into the nut raceway groove by a forward end portion protruding from the outer circumferential face of the temporary shaft.

Abstract: A cell for automated assembly operations, in particular for the assembly of parts of multicylinder internal-combustion engines, has manipulator members that are designed for simultaneous assembly of a plurality of elements on a work piece and that are adjustable for varying the distance between the positions of said elements.

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: Staking apparatus (22) disclosed performs a method for staking one or more fasteners (44) of a part assembly (18) are provided by a conveyor (14), a lower lift and lock assembly (24) including a lower lifter (28) and a lower lock (30), and an upper press (26). Lower and upper staking punches (40, 60) of the lower lifter (28) and the upper press (26), respectively, provide the staking while at least one and preferably a plurality of springs (36) resiliently support a pallet assembly (16) on which the part assembly (18) is positioned.

Abstract: A method for attaching a handle to a tablet to form a lollipop utilizes a specific work holder. The work holder has a tooling pallet with a plurality of openings going from a top surface to a bottom surface. A bullet and a spring are located in each opening and held in place by a plate that slides through a groove in the bottom surface of the tooling pallet to block the openings in the bottom surface. Each spring is positioned between a bullet and the plate. A tablet is placed in a cavity of each bullet and a handle is placed in contact with each tablet. High frequency mechanical vibrations, such as ultrasonic vibrations, are applied to a joint interface between each tablet and bullet until the joint interface reaches a molten state. The joint interfaces are then allowed to cool, thereby attaching a handle to each tablet and forming a lollipop.

Abstract: A method of assembling a power transmission device includes positioning an operator along a conveyor system such that the operator may perform multiple operations to a single workpiece at more than one workstation as the workpiece moves along the conveyor system. The assembly method relates to both closed-loop and open-ended conveyor systems.