Abstract: A machining apparatus includes a robot including a first arm portion, a second arm portion, a tip portion, a second actuator swinging the first arm portion around a second axis, a third actuator swinging the second arm portion around a third axis, a seventh actuator adjusting a distance between the second axis and the third axis, and an end effector provided to a tip portion and applying machining to a workpiece. The robot is positioned such that a movable range of a tip portion of the first arm portion or a base end portion of the second arm portion interferes with the workpiece when the first arm portion is rotated around the second axis, where the distance is made longest, in a state where the robot exactly faces the workpiece.

Abstract: A vehicle body is disclosed having a roof materially joined to the vehicle body via adhesive bonding. A locking structure is provided that holds the roof on the vehicle body, securing it against detaching in the vertical direction of the vehicle and allowing a movement by the roof relative to the vehicle body, in particular a temperature-induced expansion movement, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and/or transverse direction of the vehicle. The locking structure includes a latching element and a counter-latching element such as a stop element that is engages with the latching element.

Abstract: A headliner assembly apparatus includes an input delivery device attempting to deliver an input related to a predetermined headliner to a controller that is in communication with the input delivery device. An indexing assembly is in communication with the controller, wherein the indexing assembly positions at least one headliner detail in an installation position in response to the input related to the predetermined headliner. A headliner support is adapted to position the predetermined headliner, wherein the predetermined headliner is placed on the indexing assembly, and wherein the headliner is placed to engage the at least one headliner detail in the installation position. A detail installing assembly couples the at least one headliner detail in the installation position to the predetermined headliner.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a body panel, the method includes drawing a metal sheet into a body panel, trimming a first and second portion of the body panel to form a first and second opening and a cross member. The cross member extends between the first and second openings. The method further includes trimming a portion of the cross member to form a first and a second retention tab and forming a flange in the edge of the first opening, the edge of the second opening and the first and second retention tabs. The method further includes trimming the first and second retention tabs at the edge of the first and second opening.

Abstract: A metallic joint 18 having a substantially T-shaped cross section configured to join an inner surface in a vehicle width direction of a FRP side wall member 13 extending in a front-rear direction and an outer end in the vehicle width direction of a FRP standing wall member 14 extending in the vehicle width direction includes left-right joining surfaces 18b and 18c joined to an inner surface in the vehicle width direction of the side wall member 13, and a front-rear joining surface 18a which extends inward in the vehicle width direction from an intermediate portion in the front-rear direction of the left-right joining surfaces 18b and 18c and is joined to a front surface or a rear surface of the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the standing wall member 14.

Abstract: According to an aspect herein, there is provided a method of decorating multiple parts, the method includes: loading a plurality of parts onto a pallet; registering location of each of the plurality of parts in relation to the pallet; registering location of each of the plurality of parts with each of a plurality of templates; decorating the plurality of parts using the plurality of templates; and inspecting the decorated parts to monitor for defects. According to another aspect herein, there is provided a method of decorating a part, the method includes: positioning a part for decoration; starting a decoration process for the part; and adjusting one or more parameters of the decoration process during the decoration process based on predetermined characteristics of the part or the decoration to provide for enhanced print coverage or quality.

Abstract: A system for the transfer, storage and distribution of intermodal containers of a plurality of lengths. The system comprises a first storage area comprising a first plurality of shafts arranged in a grid pattern along a first and second axis, a plurality of gantry cranes slidably disposed along the first axis and extending beyond the storage area, a roof structure disposed at a distance above the plurality of shafts, and a plurality of overhead cranes slidably associated with the plurality of tracks. The shafts disposed in rows along the first axis are configured to store intermodal containers of a plurality of lengths. The shafts disposed in a given row along the second axis are configured to store intermodal containers of a corresponding length. The plurality of gantry cranes are each configured to attach to and transport an intermodal container from a first location to one of a plurality of platforms slidably disposed along the first axis.

Abstract: An appliance includes a spring clip for attaching a radiant burner unit to a cooktop includes a body extending in a lateral direction. A retention tab projects from the body and extends in the lateral direction adjacent the body. A retention arm projects from the body and defines a first spring loop and a lever. The spring loop biases the lever toward the retention tab. The spring clip further includes a snap tab having a support arm projecting from the body in a vertical direction and a tab resiliently flexible toward and away from the support arm.

Abstract: Methods for welding motor vehicle body component subassemblies at a weld stations are disclosed. First and second pallets may be arranged for reciprocal movement between a load/unload station and the weld station and the pallets are alternately moved from a load/unload station to the weld station while the other pallet is moved from the weld station to a load/unload station. Each pallet may have a plurality of substations for receipt of component subassemblies and, while each pallet is at the load/unload station, the component subassembly at each substation is moved to the next successive substation and a further component is added to the moved component.

Abstract: A welding method and system (4) using a robotic arm (10), a welding robot (18) and a welding table (2) placed at an angle from horizontal to hold two C-channels (6 and 8) facing each other to maintain position and be welded together. C-channels (6 and 8) face each other to form a closed channel at increased welding speed with less materials having resulting benefits including constant welding, less distortion, and less welding material. Welding begins with restraining C-channels (6 and 8) in conjunction with the angled welding table (2). A robotic arm (10) handles C-channels (6 and 8) to move, place and restrain them relative to each other and the welding table (2). A pressing tool (12) may be a set of pressure-exerting tools (26). A welding robot (18) with a seam finding system (24) preferably welds the restrained C-channels (6 and 8) from top to bottom.

Abstract: A roof frame for a motor vehicle is disclosed. At least one partial element of the roof frame is massive-formed, preferably forged, from a light metal blank.

Abstract: A robot controller used in a system having a machine tool and a robot, by which the robot is properly operated corresponding to an operation state of the machine tool. The robot controller has a data communicating part which obtains data representing an operation state of the machine tool at predetermined timing; a motion pattern storing part which stores a plurality of motion patterns of the robot for the machine tool; and a motion controlling part which selects a motion pattern from the stored plurality of motion patterns when an abnormality occurs in the machine tool or when an operation state of the machine tool satisfies a predefined condition, and operates the robot based on the selected motion pattern, the selected pattern being associated with an operation state of the machine tool when an abnormality occurs or when the operation state satisfies the predefined condition.

Abstract: The mattress assemblies have an array of springs extending from a sheet. Each spring in the array may be manufactured by choosing a position for the spring, cutting a profile of the sheet spring in the sheet, peeling back or bending the profile or tab of the sheet, and shaping the profile to form the sheet spring. The array of springs may be formed from creating a plurality of such springs along rows and columns. In certain embodiments, multiple sheets may be stacked to form the sheet spring array.

Abstract: A process controller a procedure module that includes instructions for executing a procedure, and a plurality of supplemental procedure modules, each of which includes instructions for executing one of a plurality of supplemental procedures. The process controller also includes a process monitor processor configured to receive an input electronic signal indicative of a status of a process feature, apply logic based on the input electronic signal, and generate an output electronic signal in response to the input electronic signal. The process controller also includes a sequence engine processor configured to execute the procedure, receive the output electronic signal, apply logic based on the output electronic signal, select one or more of the plurality of supplemental procedures based on the received output electronic signal, and execute the selected one or more of the plurality of supplemental procedures.

Abstract: A system and method for vehicle assembly may include a vehicle body sensing unit sensing positions of vehicle bodies conveyed at regular intervals along a vehicle body convey line, a tool sensing unit disposed on a fastening tool for assembling parts to a vehicle body and sensing movement displacement of the fastening tool with respect to an origin of the fastening tool, a tool controller that transmits a fastening torque value of a predetermined part to the fastening tool in accordance with the movement displacement of the fastening tool and records an accumulated value of the movement displacement of the fastening tool, and a main controller that stores a result value of fastening the part, corresponding to a vehicle number of the vehicle body, on the basis of the accumulated value of the movement displacement of the fastening tool and positional information of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A component transferring system for a vehicle assembly line may include a carriage unit that is operated by an electrical signal to move along a vehicle assembly line, the carriage unit including a cylinder unit that is disposed at both sides of a front side and a rear side to move up and down in accordance with the moving direction, a both side conveyor that is disposed along a moving route of the carriage unit, and a carriage lifting unit that is disposed at an inside of the both side conveyor in at least one area of the vehicle assembly line to move an object loaded on the carriage unit to the both side conveyor.

Abstract: A method of automatically controlling a painting process in which an optimum production condition can be set by analyzing data on a production condition of a painting product, in particular, by which when a large number of inferior products are generated due to LOT, a tracing operation for identifying a cause of error in a production procedure can be performed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an underbody manufacturing method and a vehicle underbody. The method includes determining dimensions for the vehicle underbody and underbody panels, selecting the underbody panels, putting the underbody panels in a stamping die for stamping to form concave and convex parts on the underbody panels, welding the stamped underbody panels to splice the underbody in the length direction and/or the width direction, so as to make the underbody reach the determined length and width. Underbodies with various dimensions can be formed using the same stamping die, and accordingly, die cost is saved and vehicle development time is shortened, which provides convenience for diversified body designs on the whole.

Abstract: A method for assembling motor vehicles, in particular personal motor vehicles having a self-supporting shell involves equipping the respective shell of the motor vehicle with a corresponding chassis and equipping the chassis with vehicle wheels at least before an end of a main assembly line has been reached.

Abstract: A method for mounting side doors on motor-vehicle bodies involves detecting—by means of optoelectronic systems—a plurality of dimensions measured along coordinates X, Y, Z, on the body and on the door units, with the aid of the proper references, for qualifying the geometric conditions of the coupling between the doors and the cooperating door receiving seats. On the basis of the detected dimensions, the method determines the mounting positions of each pair of hinge elements to be secured to the body and to the doors for accurate fit. The method involves mounting the hinge elements on the body in the determined positions, and mounting the doors on the body by connecting the body hinge elements and the door hinge elements to each other by simultaneously inserting articulation pins in seats, without requiring further operations for adjusting and recording geometrical settings.

Abstract: Provided is a method which comprises: an attaching step of attaching a pair of installation jigs, respectively, to right and left opposite lateral portions of a support member; a clamping step of clamping the clampable surface portion of each of the installation jigs by a clamping unit of a transfer device; a temporarily mounting step of transferring the instrument panel module to the front of the passenger compartment by the transfer device to temporarily mount each of the right and left mounting brackets to a sidewall of a vehicle body; and a fastening step of, after the temporarily mounting step, detaching the installation jigs from the support member, and fastening each of the right and left mounting brackets to the sidewall of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction by a fastening bolt.

Abstract: A manufacturing assembly and a method for locating a face insert in a golf club head during manufacture are disclosed herein. In particular, the manufacturing assembly comprises a face locating fixture sized to receive a golf club face insert and a pick fixture configured to removably attach to the face insert. The manufacturing assembly may further comprise a holding fixture sized to receive a golf club head and hold it in place while the face insert is aligned with the head during assembly.

Abstract: A door transportation method in a vehicle body assembly line, in which the vehicle body is placed and transported on a vehicle body transportation carriage of a floor conveyer, and thereby components are assembled to the vehicle body, includes: placing and transporting the door, which is detached from the vehicle body, on a door placing section arranged on a base stand of the vehicle body transportation carriage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and an apparatuses for loading and unloading objects into/from corresponding cavities in holders at a high count rate. For loading, a plurality of objects are present on an object path which mutually converges with a holder path. For unloading, the object path mutually diverges from the holder path. Integration of this method and apparatus respectively into a method of manufacturing unleaky containers and a corresponding apparatus for leak testing containers is also proposed.

Abstract: Method for laterally replacing a heavy component of a plant assembly, the method including disconnecting the heavy component from other components of the plant assembly and from a base plate to which the heavy component is fixed; lifting the heavy component above the base plate with a lifting system provided within the base plate; connecting at least a pair of rails to the base plate, under the lifted heavy component, such that the at least a pair of rails extends at substantially a right angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the heavy component; lowering the heavy component on crawling mechanisms disposed on the at least a pair of rails; and laterally replacing the heavy component from the base plate and the other components of the plant assembly by actuating the crawling mechanisms.

Abstract: A production apparatus for producing a component assembly by sequentially performing predetermined processes in a plurality of processing areas (A1 to A6) arranged in a ring formation and then, by separating a jig. The apparatus includes a rotational table main body (20), a plurality of holding/transfer units (30) rotatable integrally with the rotational table main body and capable of holding an object and transferring the same onto processing tables in the plurality of processing areas, a plurality of loading portions (40) provided on the rotational table main body corresponding to the plurality of holding/transfer units and capable of loading the jig, and a plurality of processing units (60 to 110) provided for performing predetermined processes in the plurality of processing areas.

Abstract: A method for maintenance, in particular repair, of gas turbines, in particular aeroengines. Gas turbines are disassembled, with modules and/or assemblies and/or individual parts of the gas turbines then being inspected and/or repaired, and then assembled from inspected and/or repaired and/or new modules and/or assemblies and/or individual parts. The maintenance is subdivided into at least two repair steps, wherein modules and/or assemblies and/or individual parts to be repaired are moved through repair stations in order to move the modules and/or assemblies and/or individual parts of the or each gas turbine to repair stations adapted for this purpose in order to carry out the repair steps. The repair stations may be arranged in repair lines, with gas turbine modules, assemblies and/or individual parts being directed to different repair lines after inspection. The method permits gas turbine maintenance to be performed in a conveyer belt manner.

Abstract: A pipe fitting system to fit a selected one of one or more pipes, one or more flanges and one or more fittings that includes one or more fitting cradles, a fitting rest with a pair of apertures, the fitting rest is removably secured to the bottom fitting bed and a plurality of cinch chains each with a first end, the cinch chains are used to secure one or more fitting cradles to a fitting beam. The system also includes a high tensile steel racquet wrench to loosen and to tighten the bolts of the pipe fitting system.

Abstract: Provided is a production facility which allows a worker to perform manual works such as restoration, setting change, and manufacturing, without entering an action area of a robot. The production facility includes a casing, a swaging as a dedicated device housed in the casing, for performing swaging using a boot band, and an internal transfer device. A human work area on the front side of the production facility and an action area of a transfer robot on the back side of the production facility are separated by the swaging device and the casing. The worker positioned on the front side of the production facility operates swaging device without entering the action area of the transfer robot so that the transfer robot need not be stopped when the work is performed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a medical boom with articulated arms and a base cabinet designed to accommodate modular equipment and utility racks that include video processing, computer, and electronic, and other utility equipment that can be easy inserted and removed from the base cabinet, as well as a method of manufacturing and using the same. The boom includes a stationary base that is configured to be installed into an operating room and one or more boom arms supported by the stationary base and configured to extend over an operating table in the operating room. The structural base includes one or more bays configured to receive a modular rack of electrical equipment. In various embodiments, the structural base cabinet further incorporates wiring to connect the equipment installed in the modular racks to video monitors and other equipment mounted on the articulated booms. The modular racks are preconfigured with a variety of electronic equipment such as computers, video processors and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the manufacture of hoops and pre-forms for making articles comprising such hoops such as pants or a pants-like structures, such as baby or incontinence diapers, absorbent pants such as training, feminine hygiene or adult incontinent pants, or garments like underwear, such as reusable or single use pants, exhibiting particularly good body conforming fit.

Abstract: A fixture for holding a pivotally closable cap with a base connected to a cover by a foldable hinge during a closure operation. The fixture includes a U-shaped slide member having a back wall and a pair of side walls extending therefrom for accommodating the cap with the base and cover in an open condition. The side walls have distal extents, which extend beyond a transverse mid-line of the cover and prevent angular movement of the cover within the slide member.

Abstract: A mounting station for automatically assembling a razor that includes a shaving cartridge and a razor handle. The mounting station includes providing a razor handle and a shaving cartridge, automatically connecting a first rearwardly protruding connector of the shaving cartridge to the free end of the first handle connector of the razor handle, and then automatically connecting the second rearwardly protruding connector of the shaving cartridge to the free end of the second handle connector of the razor handle to form a razor.

Abstract: An alignment device has a carriage, two rails on the carriage that are configured for a workpiece to pass therebetween, and a finger that protrudes a distance from the carriage. The finger is configured to be disposed on a carrier for the workpieces. The workpieces may be solar cells and may pass through the rails on a conveyor belt. The alignment device may move in order to align the workpieces as the workpieces are loaded into a carrier.

Abstract: A stock supply station for use in a insulated glass unit component production line includes a plurality of rotatable sheet stock coils, an indexing mechanism, and an uncoiling mechanism. The indexing mechanism is coupled to the sheet stock coils for indexing a selected one of the sheet stock coils to an uncoiling position. The uncoiling mechanism selectively uncoils sheet stock from a sheet stock coil indexed to the uncoiling position to thereby provide sheet stock to a downstream processing station.

Abstract: A method of final assembly for constructing homes from substantially planar floor and wall sections. The method includes assembling a house from floor and wall sections in a final-assembly section of a final assembly facility. The final-assembly section is at an intersection of a crane section that is adjacent to a final assembly line. The crane section has at least one roof assembly area used for assembling the roof. The final assembly line further has a plurality of additional stations within the final-assembly section that are in-line with the at least one station. The method also includes lifting a roof assembled in the roof assembly area onto the house, and further finishing the house at each of the plurality of additional stations.

Abstract: A tire mounting apparatus is constructed from a first working mechanism and a second working mechanism that are separate from each other. The first working mechanism is provided with a tire holding device for holding a tire and with a temporary tightening device for temporarily tightening nuts onto hub bolts to which the tire is mounted. The second working mechanism is provided with a final tightening device means for finally tightening the temporarily tightened nuts. The final tightening device includes two nut runners and an interval adjuster for adjusting an interval between the two nut runners.

Abstract: A vehicle body moving cart is provided which includes a base frame and first moving units that are installed at the front, rear and center of the base frame, respectively. The first moving units are configured to reciprocate first sliding plates forward and rearward on the base frame, respectively. In addition to the first moving units, second moving units are disposed perpendicular to the first moving units installed at the front and rear of the base frame, respectively, and installed on the first sliding plates to move the second sliding plates leftward and rightward on the base frame, respectively. Installed on the second sliding plates and the first sliding plate of first unit installed at the center of the base frame, are ascending and descending units. These ascending and descending units are configured to be reciprocally movable upward and downward on the base frame.

Abstract: A system and method for sequencing component part delivery for use in assembling vehicle bodies arranged in a substantially random assembly sequence. The system and method includes a plurality of kit carts that are loaded or stocked with vehicle specific parts in a sequence or staging area of an assembly facility. The vehicle specific stocked carts are arranged and positioned to a coordinated vehicle to assemble the vehicle using the kit carts that move along in sequence with the vehicle as the vehicle is assembled along an assembly line. As the carts are depleted of parts, the carts are returned for restocking and assigned to a subsequent vehicle.

Abstract: A tire mounting apparatus is constructed from a first working mechanism and a second working mechanism that are separate from each other. The first working mechanism is provided with a tire holding device for holding a tire and with a temporary tightening device for temporarily tightening nuts onto hub bolts to which the tire is mounted. The second working mechanism is provided with a final tightening device means for finally tightening the temporarily tightened nuts. The final tightening device includes two nut runners and an interval adjuster for adjusting an interval between the two nut runners.

Abstract: A production plant, particularly for suitcases and trunks, such suitcases and trunks comprising at least two half-shells mutually associated so as to form at least one internal containment compartment. The plant comprises: at least one station for loading at least one half-shell; at least one work island which has at least one dispenser of perimetric gasket seals; at least one storage area for the half-shells; at least one center for mating the half-shells, so as to form substantially the finished product, such as a suitcase and a trunk; at least one station for unloading the finished product.

Abstract: A system and method for vehicle assembly may include a vehicle body sensing unit sensing positions of vehicle bodies conveyed at regular intervals along a vehicle body convey line, a tool sensing unit disposed on a fastening tool for assembling parts to a vehicle body and sensing movement displacement of the fastening tool with respect to an origin of the fastening tool, a tool controller that transmits a fastening torque value of a predetermined part to the fastening tool in accordance with the movement displacement of the fastening tool and records an accumulated value of the movement displacement of the fastening tool, and a main controller that stores a result value of fastening the part, corresponding to a vehicle number of the vehicle body, on the basis of the accumulated value of the movement displacement of the fastening tool and positional information of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing motor vehicles at a manufacturing location (S), from which ready-assembled motor vehicles are built in a planned number and order of output. First modules (MA) are delivered in a specific assembly stage discontinuously from a first production shop (PA) to the manufacturing location (S) and are fed continuously into a manufacturing line (F) in which the modules (MA) are manufactured into motor vehicles (A). Second modules (MB) be fed in a specific assembly stage from a second production shop (PB) into the joint manufacturing line (F) at a sequencing station (5) alternately with the modules (MA). Thus, vehicles of first and second model series can be manufactured on one and the same manufacturing line.

Abstract: A workpiece assembly system includes a first manual station in which a person performs an operation of providing a first component set onto a pallet; a first robot station in which a robot performs an operation of assembling the first component set into a workpiece on a surface plate; and a conveyor that conveys the pallet and the surface plate from the first robot station to a subsequent manual station. After the robot has removed the first component set from the pallet and before the robot finishes the operation in the first robot station, the pallet is conveyed to the subsequent manual station prior to the surface plate.

Abstract: A vehicle body positioning and locking devices for use in assembling a vehicle body positioned on a movable vehicle support positioned at a vehicle build station. The locking device includes a remote vehicle locking device for selectively securing and locking a vehicle body to a support pallet. The support pallet is accurately and precisely positioned at a build station through alignment and inserting engagement of locating pads in at least one four-way and at least one two way receiver mounted to a build station foundation. A compliant body clamp design is included to provide a desired clamping force between the pallet and a vehicle body across a range of motion of the body clamp to accommodate vehicle build variances.

Abstract: A system for assembling a vehicle includes a first assembly line having a plurality of first stations, including a welding station for welding first structural components that define a vehicle body portion. The first structural components are formed of a first material. The second assembly line receives the vehicle body portion from the first assembly line and has a plurality of second stations, including a second welding station where a second structural component is secured to the first structural components. The second structural component is formed of the first material or a second material. The second assembly line is configured such that the second component is one of welded to the first components in the second welding station when the second component is formed of the first material and fastened to the first components in the second welding station when the second component is formed of the second material.

Abstract: A production system includes: a plurality of production robots configured to share and perform processing works on a workpiece; a controller configured to control the processing works by the plurality of production robots; and a conveying member configured to convey the workpiece between the plurality of production robots. The controller is configured to: acquire work-delay information on a first production robot in which a processing work is delayed compared with a predetermined processing time; acquire work-ready information on a second production robot that can substitutively perform the processing work being performed by the first production robot; and convey the workpiece from the first production robot to the second production robot using the conveying member based on a result of cross-checking the work-delay information and the work-ready information.

Abstract: A system for forming composite material parts comprises a charge station, a tool station, a forming station, a cooling station, a pick and place apparatus, and a transfer unit. The charge station may receive a first charge. The tool station may receive a first tool. The forming station may form a second charge against a second tool. The cooling station may cool a third charge and a third tool. The pick and place apparatus may retrieve the first charge from the charge station and the first tool from the tool station and transport both the first charge and the first tool to the forming station. The transfer unit may transport the second charge and the second tool from the forming station to the cooling station while at the same time transporting the third charge and the third tool from the cooling station to the tool station.

Abstract: A technique of operating a flow line is provided. The flow line includes two or more assembly stations for the assembly of a heavy machine. The technique involves installing a prepared assembly trailer in the flow line before or at a first assembly station. The prepared assembly trailer is connected to at least one flow line tow bar. If the prepared assembly trailer is installed before the first assembly station, then the assembly trailer is moved to the first assembly station. If not, all the flow line assembly trailers are moved to the next assembly station. The steps of moving the flow line assembly trailers are performed timewise stepwise.

Abstract: An insulating glass unit (IGU) assembly line capable of interleaving double and triple pane IGUs in accordance with an IGU production schedule. Visual indicators or prompts instruct operators at the assembly line in configuring a sequence of IGUs. Triple pane IGUs are assembled with minimal contamination of a center glass lite. A non-contact Bernoulli pad is used to lift a glass lite off from a horizontal or vertical support that conveys it from a glass washer to an assembly station. Each of multiple pads has a capacity to lift approximately seven to ten pounds. Use of multiple pads per glass sheet or lite allows lites having dimensions up to 70 by 100 inches (assuming glass thickness of one quarter inch) to be assembled.