Abstract: Automated fixture layout is approached in two distinct stages. First, the spatial locations of clamping points on the work piece are determined to ensure immobility of the fixtured part under any infinitesimal perturbation. Second, spatial locations are matched against a user-specified library of reconfigurable clamps to synthesize a valid fixture layout or configuration that includes clamps that are accessible and collision free. The spatial locations matching during the second stage can be the same spatial locations chosen in the first stage to ensure immobility, or a different set of spatial locations.

Abstract: A climbing device for carrying out a movement relative to a tower, to a part-ring segment for a tower, to a tower, to a wind power installation, and to a method for producing a tower. A climbing device for carrying out a movement relative to a tower, comprising a main body having a longitudinal extent from a first end to a second end, wherein the second end in an operating state faces a foundation of a tower; at least one first climbing element having an extent between a first inner end and a first holding end; at least one second climbing element having an extent between a second inner end and a second holding end; wherein the first climbing element is disposed and configured for carrying out a first holding movement of the first holding end relative to the main body, by way of a first holding movement direction that is orthogonal to the longitudinal extent, and/or for carrying out a first climbing movement of the first holding end relative to the main body.

Abstract: A work system includes multiple work devices aligned along a board conveyance line, a replenishing device having a sensor for detecting presence or absence of an interfering object and configured to move in parallel with the board conveyance line while detecting the presence or absence of the interfering object by the sensor to replenish necessary members to the multiple work devices, and a draw-out device configured to draw out at least one of the multiple work devices in a direction orthogonal to a direction along the board conveyance line. When a draw-out request for the work device is made, the replenishing device performs an automatic draw-out process of moving to a position in which a draw-out position of the work device to be pulled forward is included within a detection range of the sensor, so as to determine whether the interfering object is detected by the sensor.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a single-sided deck clip that allows an approach to deck board installation with hidden fasteners, and without grooving both edges of a deck board. By not grooving edges, perimeter trim can include one square finished edge on ending pieces. The single-sided clip allows for attaching fasteners through the clip at an angle that penetrates both a deck board and an underlying joist, thus providing a positive connection of decking to joist framing below. In another embodiment, a clip magazine is disclosed that stores, supplies, and assists in installation of single-sided deck clips and fasteners. The clip magazine can hold a plurality fasteners and single-sided deck clips. The magazine allows the single-sided clips and fasteners to be positioned relative to the deck board, and allows fasteners to be aligned with a single-sided clip, and pushed into a deck board during installation.

Abstract: A fastener dispensing apparatus includes a body that defines a punch path and at least partially surrounds a punch that includes forward and rearward portions. The punch reciprocates between retracted and advanced positions in which the tip of the forward portion extends from an end of the punch path to drive a fastener towards the workpiece. A fastener feed path extends transverse to the punch path and is defined by a surface of the body, the fastener feed path receives an elongate carrier of fasteners. A fastener feeding device sequentially feeds fasteners along the fastener feed path and into alignment with the end of the punch path. An actuator is drivable by the reciprocal movement of the rearward portion of the punch. An engagement member engages the carrier and is moveable relative to the body.

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 machine and method for punching an aperture through a hangtag and securing a two-piece eyelet to the same is disclosed. The machine has a frame, a table, a platform, a plurality of hangtag holders, a loading station, a punching station, an eyeleting station, and an unloading station.

Abstract: A method for the continuous production of panel elements for the production of composite shuttering elements, of which each panel element has a shuttering panel of predetermined geometry with predetermined length. The shuttering panel is provided with fastening devices and reinforcement elements. According to the method a plurality of standard panels are lined-up abutting along their longitudinal edges against each other and being joined and glued together with the application of a pressing force. A panel band is created from the glued-together standard panels. Individual longitudinal portions are successively separated from the panel band, resulting in individual panels. The individual panels are successively cut to form the respectively individually predetermined geometries of the respective shuttering panel and are then successively provided with the fastening devices and then with the reinforcement elements.

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: A manufacturing cell has a plurality of stations arranged in two rows having a main aisle therebetween. Each of the plurality of stations has a station-aisle interface that provides an interaction area to the main aisle. The manufacturing cell also comprises a plurality of storage units that are located within the cell along the main aisle and a guided forklift truck that traverses the main aisle without requiring steering control of a stock handler operating the forklift truck within the main aisle to relocate containers from the storage units to designated station-aisle interfaces and to remove containers from the designated station-aisle interfaces when work is completed at the corresponding stations. At least one of the plurality of stations having two conveyors each having a tiltable platform such that each of the two conveyors can be used to receive and return containers.

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: A sheet metal fabrication system for efficiently providing robotics to fabricate different types of sheet metal. The sheet metal fabrication system generally includes uploading a fabrication file to a controller, feeding a section of sheet metal to at least one robotic device, fabricating the section of sheet metal according to the fabrication file and forming a finished sheet metal product with the at least one robotic device.

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 low cost and simple installation tool is designed to ease the installation of bonded pistons and lip seals in an automatic transmission or other industrial machine. The installation tool is in the form of a flexible circular disc that can be inserted in the gap between the bore and the shaft and pressed against the seal lip to flip the seal lip to its desired orientation while the disc is rolled around the circumference of the gap to orientate the entire seal in its proper position.

Abstract: A manufacturing cell has a plurality of stations arranged in two rows having a main aisle therebetween. Each of the plurality of stations has a station-aisle interface that provides an interaction area to the main aisle. The manufacturing cell also comprises a plurality of storage units that are located within the cell along the main aisle and a guided forklift truck that traverses the main aisle without requiring steering control of a stock handler operating the forklift truck within the main aisle to relocate containers from the storage units to designated station-aisle interfaces and to remove containers from the designated station-aisle interfaces when work is completed at the corresponding stations.

Abstract: Supplying work for many parts supplied for vehicle assembly is progressed toward one radiation center, and the supplied parts are assembled into one vehicle on a rotary-type assembly bed provided at the radiation center.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a computing apparatus may include providing a plurality of computer components for the computing apparatus. The computing apparatus and the plurality of computer components can be transported from an origin to a geographically distant destination with a transport vehicle. Manufacture of the computing apparatus is substantially completed during the transporting of the computing apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method of fabricating tank car outer jackets are provided that include supporting a plurality of coils of sheet metal on a plurality of coil supports such that the central longitudinal axes of the plurality of coils are generally parallel to a central longitudinal axis of a mandrel adjacent the plurality of coils. A plurality of sheets of sheet metal are unwound from the plurality of coils by rotating each of the plurality of coils generally about the respective central longitudinal axes of each of the plurality of coils. As the plurality of sheets of sheet metal are wound onto the mandrel, adjacent sheets of the plurality of sheets of sheet metal are welded together using a plurality of automated welding torches proximate the mandrel. The plurality of automated welding torches may be coupled for communication with a programmable logic controller.

Abstract: A workpiece presenter for fixturing a workpiece of a vehicle assembly is provided, including a platform 50, and a tooling plate 7 removably connected to the platform, the tooling plate including a planar body 10 for supporting fixture tools 32, 34 holding the workpiece and including a connector mechanism to allow the planar body 10 to be removably connected with the platform 50 and the tooling plate having a locater mechanism 70, 72, 74 to locate the planar body 10 with respect to the platform 50 in a repeatable manner.

Abstract: A manufacturing system for assembly of component parts to produce an article includes a plurality of separate process modules for executing the various process steps, and a plurality of magazine units, which can be coupled to the process modules, for storage and transport of article components produced in the process steps. The process modules have a substantially identical base structure which can be suited to the respective process steps.

Abstract: For assigning a tool to a workpiece conveyed on an assembly line, at least one transmitter is arranged in the area of an assembly line, and a receiver is arranged on the tool. An analyzing unit determines the distance of the tool from each transmitter, based on the transit times of at least one received signal, and an indicating device emits positions information regarding workpieces on the assembly line. An assignment unit assigns a tool or a tool position to a workpiece, based on at least one distance of the tool from the transmitter, and on the workpiece positions. The arrangement of the transmitters and receivers can also be interchanged.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a handling device (36) for one or more clamping frames (14) for components (3), especially shells of vehicles, in processing stations (1). The handling device (36) has one or more rotatably driven connecting rods (10), which are mounted in a carriage (5) that can be moved by a motor along a transfer line (2) at one of their ends and have a holding device (13) for receiving the clamping frame (14) at their other ends. Two connecting rods (10), which are arranged in two coupled carriages (5) in the manner of a four-bar chain and are rotatable around parallel axes (11), are preferably present. The handling device preferably generates a feed movement of the clamping frames (14) which is essentially linear and is directed at right angles to the transfer line (2).

Abstract: A positioning device includes a gantry robot and an elevator unit. The gantry robot includes a head assembly, a work-space spaced below the head assembly for receiving at least one tray and a device for moving the head assembly in the X, Y and Z directions. The gantry robot further includes a device for scanning the work-space. The elevator unit has a plurality of shelves arranged in a series one above another. Each shelf is adapted to receive at least one tray and the shelves are movable in the Z direction. A device for moving a tray between the elevator unit and the work-space is included. A control system for controlling the movement of the head assembly in the X, Y and Z direction, for controlling the movement of the shelves in the Z direction and for controlling the tray moving device is operably connected to the gantry robot and the elevator unit.

Abstract: A compact vehicle production line is disclosed. The production line comprises a floor process of assembling floor constituent parts. Each is an aluminum alloy extrusion die cast product, which has been made, in an extrusion die casting process, by forcing molten aluminum alloy through a mold cavity in a predetermined direction. The assembled floor constituent parts are welded to make a floor structure. In an interior parts mount process, interior parts are to the floor structure to make a floor unit. In a body main process, each of two body side structures are trimmed to make a body side unit. A roof structure is trimmed to make a roof unit. The floor unit, the body side units, and the roof unit are assembled. The assembly is welded to make a body unit. In a running parts mount process, an under running unit is mounted to the body unit. In an exterior parts attachment process, color body panels are attached to the body unit.

Abstract: A fuselage is substantially simultaneously fabricated, equipped and outfitted in an assembly area including adjacent riveting, equipping and outfitting zones. The riveting zone includes an external riveting apparatus working from the outside of the aircraft fuselage, and an internal riveting apparatus working from the inside of the fuselage to fabricate and join a first fuselage section to an initial structure. The first fuselage section is moved from the riveting zone into an equipping zone, wherein equipment, such as pipes, ducts, hoses, pumps, blowers and structural components and fittings of the aircraft, is installed in the first fuselage section, while simultaneously a second fuselage section is being rivet-joined onto the first fuselage section in the riveting zone. The second fuselage section is moved from the riveting zone into the equipping zone, and the first fuselage section is moved from the equipping zone into the outfitting zone.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly line has a first line for a first mobile conveyor and a second line for a second mobile conveyor and the first line is connected to the second line with two hanger conveyor lines. Two working robots are disposed to the first mobile conveyor, one being positioned within a cabin of an upper body section and the other being positioned in front of the upper body section. The second mobile conveyor has a mechanism for altering a posture of the upper body section and a height position thereof. To the upper body section are mounted various small parts such as grommets with the first working robot during the course of running the first mobile conveyor in the first line. The second line has plural stations for mounting larger parts such as bumpers to the upper body section which is loaded on the second mobile conveyor and whose posture and position are aligned with the working robots disposed in the plural stations before entering the stations.

Abstract: In order to fit an optical cable to a cable of an overhead line, a lashing apparatus is provided which runs along the cable of the overhead line. A pylon bypass for the lashing apparatus of the optical cable is fitted to a line pylon and is designed such that the lashing apparatus is diverted from the respective cable in the region of the pylon and is passed around the pylon by the pylon bypass.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stretching and installing a flexible face sign panel is disclosed. A frame-like trolley structure is provided which is positioned on a frame structure, preferably on a service station canopy fascia. A roll of sign panel material is positioned on a spindle which is held in place on the trolley frame structure by collar members. A roller member is provided to assist in applying the material onto the face of the frame structure. One of the collar members can be adapted to firmly hold the spindle from rotating under certain conditions. A handle member is provided to allow rotation of the spindle and thus tightening and stretching of the flexible face sign panel. Releasable securing members are provided on the frame structure to secure the trolley in position as desired along the frame structure while a portion of the sign panel is being stretched and installed.

Abstract: An automated assembly machine for fabricating large mechanical structures including a floor assembly jig for receiving and holding parts in a desired orientation, a pair of carriages, a first drive mechanism for independently driving the carriages longitudinally, a second drive mechanism for moving the carriages vertically, a tool tray mounted on the carriages, and a plurality of tools, including a drill, a hole diameter measurement probe, a nut runner, and an electromagnetic riveter, mounted on the tool tray for lateral movement toward and away from a workpiece clamp-up position. The tools are positioned at the workpiece clamp-up position by moving one of the carriages longitudinally along the floor assembly jig and raising the other carriage to elevate the tool tray to a desired elevation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for positioning a wing panel or other member for riveting or conducting other operations thereon. The member is loaded at floor level on a plurality of hydraulic cylinders spaced over the length thereof and raised to a position for conducting the operations thereon. The hydraulic fluid flow to and from the hydraulic cylinders is controlled to synchronize the movements of the cylinder piston rods so that each of the piston rods bears its share of the load throughout raising and lowering of the member. The cylinders are also individually operated to accommodate passage of riveting machine heads or other tooling relative to the member.

Abstract: Guardrail assembly is performed by a vehicle carrying an inventory of guardrail sections and guardrail support blocks. The vehicle moves along a series of prepositioned guardrail posts and includes a side-mounted support frame allowing joining of guardrail sections and deployment rearward of a continuous ribbon of joined guardrail sections. As the continuous ribbon of joined guardrail sections is deployed, it is urged laterally outward and against attachment sites of the series of prepositioned guardrail posts. The continuous ribbon is then attached to the guardrail post, including mounting of an intermediate support block. The assembly and mounting under the disclosed method and apparatus is approximately half that of conventional guardrail assembly and mounting.

Abstract: A production installation comprises carriages supporting pallet trays carrying structural components or individual parts for assembly or processing, identical couplings for detachably coupling each one of the pallet trays to a respective carriage, a container for the structural components or individual parts readily exchangeably arranged on each pallet tray, a conveyor track comprised of individual and separable conveyor track sections, each conveyor track section comprising vertical and lateral guideways for the carriages, and a feed device at each conveyor track section operable for conveying the carriages independently of each other along the vertical and lateral guideways of the conveyor track.

Abstract: A programmable or flexible fixture for holding a plurality of details comprising an assembly during assembly processes thereon comprising an elongated base supported in a predetermined position, a plurality of positioning units located at spaced locations along the base, each of the positioning units having a clamp adapted to engage the details, the positioning units being located to allow access to the details from two directions of movement of tools of assembly apparatus moving with respect to the workpiece during assembly processes thereon, a robot operatively associated with the positioning units for moving the positioning units relative to the base for accepting the various members of a family of details which all have the same configuration and differ by increments in size and for holding the details together as an assembly and holding the assembly in the proper detail location and assembly position for assembling, and an actuator for moving the clamp into and out of engagement with the details.

Abstract: A method for fixing a nose unit having a shroud panel to the front portion of a car body. Shroud upper fixing brackets are temporarily attached to the shroud panel before various parts are mounted on the shroud panel so as to assemble the nose unit on a car assembly line. The brackets serve to fix the shroud panel to the car body. In the state of temporary attachment, the brackets are welded to the car body. Then, the shroud panel is removed from the brackets. The various parts are attached to the shroud panel so as to assemble the nose unit. The shroud panel of the nose unit is fastened to the brackets, so that the nose unit is fixed to the car body.

Abstract: An automotive body and body panels such as an engine hood, a trunk lid, and doors are assembled together along an assembling line. The automotive body with the body panels removably installed thereon and a feed jig on which the body panels can removably be installed thereon, are alternately fed along a first feed path. Then, the body panels are removed from the automotive body while they are being fed along the first feed path and the body panels are installed on the feed jig which is fed upstream of the automotive body along the first feed path. The automotive body from which the body panels have been removed and the body panels which have been installed on the feed jig are thereafter coated. Thereafter, the coated automotive body and the coated body panels are fed along a second feed path. The body panels are removed from the feed jig while they are being fed along the second feed path and the removed body panels are installed on the automotive body which is also fed along the second feed path.

Abstract: A method of mounting parts, e.g. electronic parts, which includes the steps of supplying parts to a predetermined position by receiving the parts from part supply sections through a part transfer section of a circulation moving type having a plurality of part holding members, and mounting the parts by receiving the parts as supplied by the part transfer section at the predetermined position. The part holding members which are not used in the plurality of part holding members are classified so that the corresponding part holding members are controlled so as not to be used based on the classification. The consecutive steps of the electronic parts mounting method are illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings.

Abstract: In the procedure for the installation of plastic pipe pieces with lateral branch openings into sewage pipes to be repaired, the first step is the measuring in the longitudinal axial direction of the branch of the sewage pipe from the inside with respect to the already installed piece of plastic pipe. After that, a lateral opening is formed in the plastic pipe while the pipe is above ground and outside of the sewage pipe. Next, the already prepared plastic pipe is joined in an aligned position with the already installed plastic pipe, with the help of a movable transporter inside the sewage pipe.

Abstract: A working/assembling system including a dosed loop endless track, moving units adapted to travel on the endless track, at least one robot supported on one of the moving units for a working or assembling operation, and a control unit mounted on the other moving unit connected to the one moving unit having stored therein operations to be performed by the robot and causing the robot to perform the operations. The robot moves on the moving units as the latter travel on the endless track, and performs the operations for working on workpieces or assembling parts as it is controlled by the control unit.

Abstract: The swivel bearing comprises a cup secured on a part of the apparatus and provided with a cylindrical wall which is bent inwardly to hold the outer bearing against the flange on another member, which flange rests upon another set of bearings in the cup.

Abstract: A method of mounting parts to both sides of a main body characterized by moving a carriage at a predetermined speed along a specified path of transport with the main body placed on the carriage; moving a pair of movable tables in synchronism with the carriage in the same direction as the movement thereof, the movable tables being disposed at opposite sides of the transport path and each carrying at least one robot and an assembling device; causing the movable tables to support the main body during the synchronized movement; setting a part held by the robot in a specified position on the main body; attaching the part to the main body by the assembling device; and thereafter delivering the main body from the movable tables onto the carriage. Since the carriage is moved during the assembly of parts, this method assures the assembly line of a high-speed operation.

Abstract: An apparatus including a set jig for setting and positioning a door into a door opening portion of a vehicle body which jig is movable to advance and retreat in the direction of the door opening portion and movable in the vehicle length and height directions from a predetermined original point position (corresponding to a normal set position of the door opening) and a position detecting mechanism for detecting deviation in position of the door opening from the normal set position and for adjusting the alignment of the set jig in accordance with the deviation to have it correspond with the actual position of the door opening portion prior to the set jig advancing to set the door.

Abstract: The robotic assembly of a keyboard using a multiplicity of keys of a plurality of distinct types, such As key caps on a sculptured keyboard, can be substantially increased in speed by the use of a multifacted rotatable turret for picking up and installing the key caps onto the keyboard. A programmable robot, having a robotic arm is provided with a rotatable multifaceted turret. Each facet of the turret includes a key handling member which is molded to accept a distinct type of sculptured key. The types of sculptured keys are segregated in a pick-up position. The turret is manipulated by the robotic arm in the pick-up position to pick up a multiplicity of keys of one given type on each of the facets of the turret. Thus, each turret picks up one type of keys. The turret is then translated by the robotic arm to an assembly position. The turret is once again rotated and advanced to assemble the key caps on to key stem projected from the keyboard.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously extending ventilating conduits in tunnelling or mining environments includes a tubular store to which a funnel guide is releasably connected. A folded flexible ventilating pipe is received on the store and fastening means are provided to connect an end of the ventilating pipe to the end of the ventilating conduit to be extended. In use, the apparatus is advanced and the ventilating pipe is gradually pulled off the store and unfolded by being passed over the funnel guide.

Abstract: An automated assembly, maintenance, and repair system for the construction of a large space structure. The space structure comprises a plurality of trusses and truss junctions that in turn are made up of a plurality of individual struts and nodes. The truss assemblies are progressively built by an assembler trolley as the trolley crawls along the constructed truss. The trolley comprises a forward crawler and a rear crawler joined by an articulated coupler. The crawlers are carried along the structure by belt transports incorporating grippers that engage the truss structure at the nodes. Manipulator arms for strut and node assembly are located on the forward crawler, and the majority of control, power, and communication systems are located in the rear crawler. Cargo canisters filled with component parts for constructing the space structure are carried by the forward crawler. The space structure configuration is determined by the arrangement of the individual struts and nodes during the assembly process.

Abstract: The automated assembly of major subassemblies providing for the rapid assembly of parts in predetermined positions by automatically tack fastening (e.g., riveting) mounted parts together or by automatically drilling holes in mounted parts and manually locating other parts is disclosed. After the initial locating steps are completed, assembled parts are permanently fastened together. At each tack or permanent fastener location the automated assembly machine: clamps the parts together with a predetermined amount of force; determines the composite thickness of assembled parts to be fastened together; drills a hole through the assembled parts; selects the correct length fastener to be inserted into the hole; inserts the selected fastener into the hole; secures the selected fastener; and, moves to the next position and repeats this sequence of operations. The illustrated automated assembly machine includes part holding devices (41) mounted on a machine frame (11).

Abstract: The automated assembly of major subassemblies providing for the rapid assembly of parts in predetermined positions by automatically tack fastening (e.g., riveting) mounted parts together or by automatically drilling holes in mounted parts and manually locating other parts is disclosed. After the initial locating steps are completed, assembled parts are permanently fastened together. At each tack or permanent fastener location the automated assembly machine: clamps the parts together with a predetermined amount of force; determines the composite thickness of assembled parts to be fastened together; drills a hole through the assembled parts; selects the correct length fastener to be inserted into the hole; inserts the selected fastener into the hole; secures the selected fastener; and, moves to the next position and repeats this sequence of operations. The illustrated automated assembly machine includes part holding devices (41) mounted on a machine frame (11).

Abstract: A precut strip of 35 mm. photographic film 5 is wound onto a magazine spool 3 by inserting the leading end of the film strip into an aligned spool slot 3a, rotating the spool to wind the film strip thereon, enclosing the wound spool with an open slotted cylindrical cover or shell 4, pinch or squeeze closing the cover slot, and placing caps 1, 2 over the open ends of the cover. A plurality of apparatusses 7 for automatically implementing the above steps are mounted at spaced positions on a continuously moving endless conveyor 6 disposed adjacent a plurality of stationary cams which controllingly engage followers on the apparatusses during the conveyor movement, and all of the work operations are performed on the same moving spool shaft axes, whereby greatly increased production speeds are possible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for successively bending and straightening a bolt shank and the like for insertion into a bolt hole is characterized by a readily transportable compact device having inner and outer spaced cooperating rollers engageable with diametrically opposed surfaces of the shank so that when the cooperating rollers are simultaneously rotated along a predetermined bending path the shank will be bent through a corresponding curvature and in a direction aligned with a bolt hole into which the shank is to be inserted. A straightener roll is disposed in the path of the shank as it becomes aligned with the bolt hole to straighten the shank prior to advancement into the hole. In the method of successively bending and straightening a bolt shank in accordance with the present invention, the shank is positioned at a substantial angle of 90.degree.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting and wrapping pipe insulation comprising a frame and a pair of arms mounted on the frame for swinging movement about a longitudinal axis. A row of longitudinally spaced vacuum pads is suspended and on each arm a pair of transversly spaced rows of longitudinally spaced vacuum pads are suspended on the arms inwardly of the first-mentioned rows on said arms. Vacuum can be selectively supplied to the rows of vacuum pads. Means are provided for swinging the arms toward and away from one another whereby when the arms are extended and the vacuum pads are brought into engagement with a generally flat piece of insulation, the insulation is engaged and may be lifted and transported by manipulating the frame to bring the insulation adjacent a length of pipe and the arms may thereafter be swung inwardly to wrap the insulation about the length of pipe.