By Manipulating Aligning Means Patents (Class 29/468)
  • Patent number: 6038755
    Abstract: A tool block holds an integrated lead suspension during assembly. The tool block has a number of features for precisely positioning the integrated lead suspension while transducer heads are being mechanically and electrically connected to it. The most critical feature is a movable datum clamping pin which is positioned to precisely engage a mount plate on the integrated lead suspension. Other features of the tool block include a platform support, a locating hole, a platform clamp and a pivot arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Carl Robert Mendel, Darrick Taylor Smith, Dennis James Veerkamp, Steven Harry Voss
  • Patent number: 6035510
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the assembly of a sliding sunroof frame and for the adjustment of a cover connected with it in a vehicle. The device has a tool that has one portion that can be introduced into the body of a vehicle and another portion that can be positioned above a roof opening of the vehicle. A positioning assembly for the sliding sunroof frame and the cover and various adjusting component with centering devices are provided on a floating frame on part of the tool positioned in the vehicle body, and allow fully automated raising and alignment, as well as fastening of the sliding sunroof frame to the vehicle roof and complete adjustment without play and fastening of the sliding sunroof cover to its tilting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Webasto Sunroofs, Inc.
    Inventors: Georg Amesbichler, Hansjoerg Kauschke
  • Patent number: 5979952
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle latch system is aligned in a single operation without trial-and-error manipulations of the striker. An alignment mechanism is mounted on the vehicle body to align the striker on the vehicle body with the latch on the vehicle door. The alignment mechanism includes an elongated latch sensor having one end attached to a loosely mounted striker and another end adapted to mate with the door latch when the door is moved to a partially closed position. After the latch sensor has been locked in a proper position for alignment of the striker and latch, the door can be opened to allow the striker to be fastened to the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy A. Dering, Joseph G. Contos, Dennis M. Steward
  • Patent number: 5979679
    Abstract: A method of preassembling a slackless type drawbar assembly prior to installation into an end portion of a center sill member secured to a railway freight car. The method comprising the steps of providing a carrier plate member having a means for securing such carrier plate member to a flange portion of such center sill member. Securing a pair of radially opposed and axially aligned shaft support members to a top surface of the carrier plate member. Positioning a drawbar assembly on top of the shaft support members and securing in place. Positioning at least one crushable wedge support member on the top surface of such carrier plate member adjacent the shaft support members. Setting a pair of radially opposed locking wedge members on such at least one crushable support member. Securing the locking wedge members to such at least one crushable support member and the carrier plate member without distorting such at least one crushable support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Company
    Inventors: Michael E. Ring, David W. Daugherty, Jr., Scott Natschke
  • Patent number: 5974650
    Abstract: In a workpiece assembling apparatus for assembling a torque converter to a transmission, a moving table and an inserting table are supported so as to approach and leave the transmission positioned. A suction pad for holding the torque converter is provided rotatably by a rotating shaft on the inserting table. The rotating shaft is rotated by a driving rotary unit to rotate the torque converter attracted and held by the suction pad to center it. Then, the torque converter is brought together with the inserting table close to the transmission, and pressed against it. Simultaneously, the torque converter is rotated about the axis of fitting. If the torque converter and the transmission are not fitted together, the torque converter is caused to reciprocate back and forth by the pusher cylinder 57 so that they will be fitted together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Hirata Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Kawabata, Hirohisa Shintoku, Takahiro Kikukawa
  • Patent number: 5966801
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic door flusher which uses one floating urethane flushing block, at least two tractor elements for urging the flushing block toward the body and urging the door toward the floating flushing block. The tractor elements can be pneumatic suction cups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignees: Chrysler Corporation, Progressive Tool & Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Shing-Kuo Wu, Mark C. Todd, Dean A. Cuddy, Andy Klopocinski
  • Patent number: 5956835
    Abstract: There is disclosed a fastener useful for the precise positioning of a plurality of plates in a parallel, spaced-apart array. The fastener has a cylindrical standard with distal fixed abutments and carries a plurality of spacers that are axially adjustable on the standard. At least one spacer is axially extendable, and has a user-adjustable cam to control its axial length, thereby accommodating for variable thicknesses of the intermediate plates. The fastener is disclosed as particularly useful for the precise orientation of the parallel plates of a fixture used in equipment for automated testing of printed circuit boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Allen Aksu
  • Patent number: 5953804
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a plurality of workpieces in a tightly spaced array within a guide block. The apparatus of the invention includes an insertion head mounted to a robot assembly arm. The insertion head includes a pair of resiliently mounted gripper fingers that can be operated to pick up an individual workpiece from a supply station. The gripper fingers include a spring member that biases the gripper fingers into an engagement position. Once the workpiece has been acquired by the insertion head, the insertion head is used to alternately rotate the workpiece while applying a downward force to slide the workpiece into the defined location within a receptacle. After the workpiece has been inserted, the gripper fingers are moved to their retracted position to press the workpiece completely downward into the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Systems Engineering Company
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Dragotta
  • Patent number: 5903966
    Abstract: An apparatus for microsurgical needle suture attachment includes a clamp for holding a needle such that the needle aperture remains in a fixed position; at least one guide member defining an angled guide area having a relatively wide portion and a vertex portion, the vertex portion being aligned with the fixed position of the needle aperture; a transport mechanism for advancing a suture end portion into the relatively wide portion of the guide member(s); and a deflection spring for moving the suture end portion into the vertex portion of the angled guide area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation
    Inventor: Marcel Sonderegger
  • Patent number: 5884384
    Abstract: A method for installing a tube or a bundle of tubes in an existing tubular conduit. The tube or tubes are passed into the existing tube by means of a fluid under pressure which is introduced into the existing tube at the inlet end. The tube or tubes can be open or closed at their forward end and are connected to a guide device and/or a pulling device. The existing tube can be open or closed at the end. With the method according to the invention, tubes can installed in an existing tube in a flexible and efficient manner, which tubes can be used for various purposes, for instance as an envelope of telecommunication cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Koninklijke KPN N.V.
    Inventor: Willem Griffioen
  • Patent number: 5829114
    Abstract: A door is aligned in an opening of a motor-vehicle in which is fixed a latch by first mounting in the door opening a keeper having a screw adjuster effective for horizontally displacing the keeper on the vehicle transverse to a normal vehicle travel direction, a bolt engageable with the latch and orbitable about a horizontal axis transverse to the normal vehicle travel direction through an arc having an outer pull-in section and an inner adjustment section, a drive including a motor for orbiting the bolt through its arc, and a controller connected to the motor for operating same. Then the door is carefully closed to engage the latch with the bolt and the door is pulled into the opening by orbiting the bolt by its motor through the outer pull-in section of its arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventor: Frank Kleefeldt
  • Patent number: 5819388
    Abstract: The invention concerns the creation of a prototype workpiece or production equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: MEC Maschinenbau Entwicklung Consulting GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Salm
  • Patent number: 5802696
    Abstract: A method for casting a plastic die including constructing an open ended container having a floor configured to the desired contour shape of the die. The open ended container is segmented by longitudinal members and traversing members. A plurality of box-shaped cores are spaced within the container and secured in place by the traversing members. A cavity is formed in the container therebetween for the injection of hardenable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Plasco Corporation
    Inventor: John J. Zuccarini
  • Patent number: 5799408
    Abstract: A structural member alignment tool is provided for aligning and connecting misaligned structural members having bores therethrough and a method for using same. There is also provided a flange alignment tool kit comprising a structural member alignment tool and a plurality of sleeves and a method for using same. The sleeves decrease the inner diameter of the structural member bores thereby allowing the structural member alignment tool to align misaligned structural members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Michael C. Sprayberry
  • Patent number: 5749136
    Abstract: An insulating sleeve removing device including a base member having a planar upper surface and a planar lower surface. A side wall of the base member has indicia thereon. A shaft member having a cylindrical configuration is secured to a central portion of the planar upper surface of the base member in an orthogonal relationship. An upper end of the shaft member is receivable within a venting aperture of an insulating sleeve for dislodging a can from within the insulating sleeve when the can is positioned therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Glen Bodiford
  • Patent number: 5722148
    Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a plurality of components at once to a motor vehicle includes an intermediate jig device, The jig device supports components with keeping locations which correspond to fastening positions on a vehicle body to which the components are to be fastened. The jig device is carried so that the components reach the fastening positions on the vehicle body. An electric nut driver transmits transmitting fastening forces the fastening positions through the jig device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Uemoto, Tsuyoshi Ueda
  • Patent number: 5713119
    Abstract: A tool for installing the planetary assembly and reverse clutch assembly of an automatic transmission as a combined assembly therein. The tool includes an elongated tubular handle extending along a longitudinal axis having a first end and an opposed second end. A grip assembly is formed at the first end of the handle. The grip assembly has a handle extension fastened to the first end of the handle and extending away from the handle along the longitudinal axis, and a pair of spaced fingers positioned at the free end of the handle extension, the fingers being spaced about the longitudinal axis of the tool and extending in a direction transverse to the length of the tool. The fingers of the tool are adapted to engage a groove defined in the hub of the front planetary assembly so that the combined reverse clutch assembly and planetary assembly can be simultaneously installed in the automatic transmission of an automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: Richard Lagatta
  • Patent number: 5706581
    Abstract: A high precision mounting method for linear guide rails is performed with the steps of: fixing the first linear guide rail to a first predetermined position while pressing the first linear guide rail against the reference surface of the mounting jig, disposing the mounting jig at a second predetermined position so that a section shape of the reference surface of the mounting jig in a longitudinal direction thereof is symmetric with respect to a center line between the first and second linear guide rails, and fixing the second linear guide rail to the mounting bed while pressing the second linear guide rail against the reference surface of the mounting jig disposed symmetrically. The mounting method is capable of mounting the linear guide rails in a short time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Soichiro Kato, Hideyuki Tajimi
  • Patent number: 5701651
    Abstract: A machine (20) for positioning a jig (22) relative to another surface (28) is disclosed. The machine includes a truss (24) for supporting the jig. A support stand (26) connected to each end of the truss supports the truss at a first position spaced apart from the surface, and at a second position adjacent the surface. Each support stand includes a first linear movement assembly (72) and (74) for respectively acting upon the first and second ends of the truss to move the truss from the first position to the second position, and from the second position to the first position. Each support stand additionally includes a rotating assembly (48) for rotating the truss along an axis substantially passing through both ends of the truss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Oliver J. Groves, Donald A. Jensen, Thomas S. Nelson, Joel M. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5694675
    Abstract: A method of locating a striker on a vehicle body in position for engagement with a latch on a closure mounted on the vehicle body for swinging movement from an open position to a closed and latched position employs a device comprising a central frame, and a pair of elongated, rigid support bars. The inner ends of the bars are pivoted to the frame for swinging movement between a retracted position and an operative position in which the bars extend in opposite directions laterally outwardly from the frame in substantial alignment with one another. A spring mounted foot on the outer end of each bar is adapted to support the device on the vehicle body when the bars are in their operative positions. A striker locator is attached to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Larry Pasternak, Francis C. Whittle, Thomas N. Seel
  • Patent number: 5664311
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: The Boeing Co.
    Inventors: David P. Banks, James E. Brodhead, James N. Buttrick, Jr., Paul E. Ffield, Darrell D. Jones, James C. Murphy, John F. Richards, Melvin R. Wiseman, John W. Schooff, Steven C. Van Swearingen
  • Patent number: 5637024
    Abstract: The present invention provides a simple method of combining two plate members, using an equalizing mechanism holding one of the two plate members so that the plate member is properly preloaded and can be turned by the least necessary force, and capable of combining the two plate members so that the respective contact surfaces of the plate members are joined closely and accurately. An XY-table 701 supporting a lower holding unit 5 having a holding plate 513 holding a TFT plate 11 is lifted up by a lifting table 703 to bring the TFT plate 11 into partial contact with a color filter plate 9 held by an upper holding unit 3, and then the XY-table is lifted up further to bring the respective contact surfaces 901 and 1101 of the color filter plate 9 and the TFT plate 11 into close contact with each other while the holding plate 513 is moved along a minute square path in a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Goda
  • Patent number: 5619782
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a first member into a hole of a second member includes the steps of (a) inclining either of the first member or the second member relative to the other and offsetting a center of the first member and a center of the hole, (b) moving the first member and the second member toward each other so that the first member and the second member contact each other at one point and are biased against each other, and (c) rotating either the first member or the second member about the contact point in a direction such that the center of the first member and the center of hole approach thereby inserting automatically the first member into the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuhisa Tanaka, Akiyoshi Yamashita, Nobuyuki Akaishi
  • Patent number: 5611977
    Abstract: A method for forming an armrest, wherein there are provided a three-dimensional box-like trim cover assembly having slit and hole formed therein, a frame and a shaft separate from the frame. In the method, the frame is inserted through the slit into the inside of the trim cover assembly, and then, the shaft is inserted through the hole into the same inside of trim cover assembly, so that the shaft is connected to the frame at a predetermined position within the trim cover assembly via a connecting element. Thereafter, such incomplete armrest unit is subject to foaming in a foaming die, to thereby form a complete armrest. The trim cover assembly includes a high-density foam layer and an impregnation preventive film having plural ventilation holes formed therein in order to prevent impregnation of liquid foaming material into a foam wadding layer of trim cover assembly and attain air permeability of armrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Noriyuki Takei
  • Patent number: 5608961
    Abstract: A process for making a loom harness provides for complete prefabrication of a plurality of subassemblies for an entire harness cord assembly as well as enabling the assembly process to move in one direction only rather than two. Each subassembly includes a frame hook, a counterpull element and a heald secured to a flexible harness cord. Connection is made between a bundle of harness cords and a carabiner hook of a Jacquard machine while mails of the healds are maintained at a defined height during an equalization process for insuring the right amount of tautness on each individual harness cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Schroers-Jacquard-Papieindustrie GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Gerd Piegeler
  • Patent number: 5572785
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically interfitting a part and mount utilize a housing having a chamber and an inwardly tapered alignment surface. A piston reciprocates in the chamber and has a gripper end that moves out of and into the housing, past the alignment surface, when alternating spring and air pressure forces act on the piston. Such movement of the piston accurately positions a gripped part, and the housing then reciprocates so that the alignment surfaces accurately position a mount. The piston then moves the part to an interfit with the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Gary L. Tveit
  • Patent number: 5566436
    Abstract: A machine part such as a shaft is inserted or pressure-fitted into a hole in a workpiece by setting the workpiece on a table which is rotatable around at least two axes, rotating the table so as to orient the hole vertically, holding the part vertically by an assembly tool, operating a two-dimensionally moving mechanism so as to move the assembly tool within a horizontal plane and to position the part vertically above the hole, and using an elevator to move the two-dimensionally moving mechanism vertically. Since both the part and the hole are vertically aligned, no torque is generated on the part during the insertion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Hirata Corporation
    Inventor: Yasunari Hirata
  • Patent number: 5562153
    Abstract: The invention relates to heat exchangers and methods of manufacturing heat exchangers. The heat exchanger includes a pair of tanks, each of which includes a plurality of connection holes aligned in substantially parallel rows, and a plurality of heat transfer tubes. The plurality of tubes fluidly interconnects between the pair of tanks by insertion into the tanks' connection holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 5526558
    Abstract: An articulated piping connector method facilitates installation of an in-line device such as a gas consumption meter to be supported by a gas supply pipe. The connector has two elongate rigid legs pivotable from a closed condition in which the legs are superposed to an open condition in which the legs are extended to support a meter or other device during installation. The legs have upstanding threaded members for connection to pipes and pipe fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: A. Paul Caley, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5479692
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for use in lifting an automobile wheel into an automobile body. An elongated member releaseably engages an automobile wheel and pivots on the body of the automobile as the elongated member is lifted to lift the automobile wheel into the body. In addition, devices and methods are provided for mounting an automobile wheel on an automobile wheel hub assembly and removing the same therefrom. An elongated member is placed within a central aperture of an automobile wheel and the elongated member is pivoted either on an outer surface of an axially central member of an automobile wheel hub assembly or on an inner wall of an axially central member thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventor: Philip Barkus
  • Patent number: 5477603
    Abstract: Typically in assembling an instrument panel to a vehicle body, a HVAC (heater, ventilator, and air conditioner) control assembly, or the like, attached by flexible cables to the vehicle body must be inserted through an opening in the instrument panel and this operation requires the services of an assembly worker to guide the control assembly through the opening. The subject apparatus and assembly method facilitates movement of the instrument panel into an assembled position with the HVAC control assembly extending through the opening in the instrument panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: James A. Kemichick
  • Patent number: 5465476
    Abstract: An assembly station that loads heads onto a disk of a hard disk drive and allows a crash stop to be mounted to the drive unit. The assembly station includes a load arm positioner which can slide along an annular ring. Mounted to the load arm positioner is a scissor assembly tool which can engage and separate the actuator arms. The load arm positioner can be moved about the annular ring so that the scissors engage the actuator arms and load the heads onto the disk. The pivot point of the actuator arms is located at the center of the annular ring so that there is no relative movement between the scissor tool and the actuator arms when the heads are loaded onto the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Maxtor Corporation
    Inventors: Russell S. Krajec, Vincent L. Preston
  • Patent number: 5463803
    Abstract: A control assembly for hydrostatic transmission having a valve controlling the flow of fluid to the pump includes a pump body member having a cavity with a moveable valve element mounted in the body and connected to a fluid pressure source, and having a neutral position. Linkage including an upstanding pin interconnects the pump to the valve element. A cover extends over the body and is secured thereto. A control shaft extends through the cover having an exterior end with a manual control lever mounted thereon, and an interior end to which a cam plate having an elongated cam slot therein is secured. A detent portion in the cam slot opposite to the upstanding pin defines a neutral position for the pin. A screw adjusts the valve element into a neutral position. A torsional spring in the cover yieldingly holds the control shaft, the control lever, the cam plate, the valve element, and the remainder of the linkage in a neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Sauer Inc.
    Inventor: William L. Welscher
  • Patent number: 5459918
    Abstract: A first mechanical unit and a second mechanical unit, each of which has bodies of rotation arranged so as to be rotatable independently from one another, are assembled together with engagement between their bodies of rotation. After first concentric engaging members of a first engaging mechanism, rotatable independently from one another, are engaged with the bodies of rotation of the first mechanical unit, respectively, second concentric engaging members of a second engaging mechanism, rotatable independently from one another, are integrated with the first concentric engaging members together in rotational angular phase. Then, the second concentric engaging members are engaged with the second bodies of rotation of the first mechanical unit, respectively, so as to adjust the bodies of rotation of the first and second mechanical units in rotational angular phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignees: Mazda Motor Corporation, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Uchida, Kinji Matsubara
  • Patent number: 5430922
    Abstract: A compliant guide assembly in a tape transport provides a precisely calibrated biasing force to an edge of a magnetic tape to precisely position the tape with respect to a read/write head. The compliant guide assembly includes a plurality of guide buttons and a spring assembly having a plurality of cantilever spring elements. Each guide button includes an elongated stem and a head. The compliant guide assembly is calibrated by exerting a calibrated biasing force against each cantilever spring element to displace each spring element from an at rest position. The stem of each guide button is then fixedly attached to a distal end of one of the cantilever spring elements such that the head of each guide button is disposed a calibrated distance from the distal end of the spring element. The calibrated distance is determined by a displacement of the spring element resulting from application of the calibrated biasing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Storage Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne E. Church, Donovan M. Janssen
  • Patent number: 5427159
    Abstract: A countertop finishing apparatus includes a base for supporting the countertop. A press is arranged to press an end piece against an end of the countertop. A trimming head is provided with an automatic positioner for automatically moving the trimming head relative to the base to cut the end piece of the countertop to a desired size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Countertops, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Burgess, Paul B. Burgess, II
  • Patent number: 5421076
    Abstract: A method for assembling a balustrade for a people moving device is provided comprising the steps of providing a frame, balustrade components, and an adjustable assembly jig, aligning the balustrade components on the assembly jig in a predetermined geometry, assembling the balustrade components into a balustrade assembly on the assembly jig, and attaching the balustrade assembly to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Willy Adrian, Joachim Arens, Gerald Wente
  • Patent number: 5404631
    Abstract: A bushing installed in a bore with an interference fit is extracted concentrically from the bore using an elongated mandrel which is maintained coaxially on the bore centerline by a guide inserted in one end of the bore while the bushing is extracted from the other end of the bore. The force to press the bushing out of the bore is exerted by a pulling tool to which the mandrel is coupled, and that force is transmitted through the mandrel to the bushing by way of a collar attached to the mandrel. The force of the pulling tool exerted on the mandrel is reacted through an anvil attached to the barrel of the pulling tool and in contact with a cup having a cylindrical sidewall surrounding the bushing to be extracted and in contact with the side of the part opposite from which the bushing is being extracted from the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jerry L. Boyd, Kenneth C. Cameron, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5396697
    Abstract: A method of assembling composite billets of circular section for manufacturing multifilament superconducting strands, in which a cylindrical body is initially filled with jig bars having at least one axis of symmetry of order n stacked inside the cylindrical body. As the jig bars are removed, one by one, each jig bar is replaced by a multi-part bar made up of unit rods stacked in ordered and compact manner to occupy minimum space. Each multi-part bar has the same section as the jig bar that it replaces. The jig bars are preferably rectangular, and more preferably square in section, and the multi-part bars that replace them are made up of unit rods that are rectangular and preferably square in section. The method facilitates and speed up assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Alsthom Intermagnetics SA
    Inventors: Francois Peltier, Gia K. Hoang, Philippe Sulten, Gerard Grunblatt
  • Patent number: 5373633
    Abstract: This invention has as its object to provide an ink-jet head assembling apparatus, which can improve productivity by omitting the step of temporarily fixing a top plate and a heater board using an ultraviolet curing adhesive.In order to achieve this object, an ink-jet head assembling apparatus of this invention includes a plurality of work stations, an index table, upper and front pressing members, arranged at a position on the index table corresponding to at least one of the plurality of work stations, for holding the top plate on the heater board, and first and second driving mechanisms, arranged outside the index table, for switching the holding member between a holding state wherein the top plate member is held on the heater board, and a non-holding state attained by releasing the holding state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsunenobu Satoi, Tsuyoshi Baba, Tsuyoshi Orikasa, Takashi Oba, Masatoshi Kato
  • Patent number: 5365651
    Abstract: A system for installing the keyed stud of a cylindrical inflator into a keyed opening in the endwall of a passenger side airbag reaction module canister includes a special alignment tool. The tool has a profile which matches that of the stud and opening. It is inserted into the opening and engages and aligns the stud which is then moved into the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Morton International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Rogers, Bradley L. Orme, Larry D. Rose
  • Patent number: 5359764
    Abstract: A method for disassembling and assembling a mold enables a return pin to be safely attached or detached against an elastic force of the return spring. The fitting length between the return pin and the sliding hole formed in the movable mold plate is so determined that a fitting state of a predetermined length remains between the return pin and the sliding hole when the elastic force of the return spring is released to a practically safe level, and the return pin has, at the end, a threaded hole for fitting an operation male screw to be used for disassembling and assembling of the mold. While the male screw is screwed into the threaded hole through the sliding hole from the fixed side, the male screw is fed to move the return pin in the sliding hole, until the elastic force of the return spring is released to a practically safe level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuki Sasaki, Shigeo Negataki
  • Patent number: 5357668
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning the top surface of a workpiece in proper relationship with respect to tooling including a fully extended upper clamp bushing, or for positioning the fully extended upper clamp bushing in proper relationship with respect to the top surface of a workpiece, which establishes a desired workplane wherein the top surface of the workpiece is always disposed in a normal position with respect to the lowermost surface of the upper clamp bushing and just in contact with the lowermost surface even though the top surface was disposed either below or above the desired workplane at the commencement of the clamping operation. The method and apparatus is capable of moving the top surface of the workpiece or the tooling into a desired workplane and also of determining whether or not the top surface of the workpiece adjacent the area which is to be fastened lies within the desired workplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Gemcor Engineering Corp.
    Inventor: Bradley M. Roberts
  • Patent number: 5351334
    Abstract: A rotation and alignment device for assembling of an optical fiber connector with a lower connection loss. This device image-processes the distribution of optical intensity of light emitted from an end surface of an optical fiber of a ferrule and derives an optical peak intensity point of the end surface of the optical fiber such that the point is placed in a predetermined region of a rectangular coordinate system. This device comprises a rotation and marking part for controlling a rotational position of a marker with respect to the ferrule and marking the optical peak intensity point on an outer surface of the ferrule. A ferrule fixture part is coupled to the rotation and marking part and fixes the ferrule such that the outer surface of the ferrule is marked with the optical peak intensity point by the marker. A vertical supporting part supports the rotation and marking part and the ferrule fixture pat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignees: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, Korea Telecommunication Authority
    Inventors: Oh G. Chun, Seung H. Ahn, Myung Y. Jeong, Tae G. Choy
  • Patent number: 5345675
    Abstract: A pair of second cameras mounted on a robot are located in front of, and symmetrically with respect to the center of a wheel hub of a vehicle, according to approximate coordinates of the center of the wheel hub calculated from an image of the wheel hub taken by a first camera. Revised coordinates of the center of the wheel hub, a rotational displacement from a standard rotational position of the wheel hub, and a turning angle of the wheel hub toward the right or left with respect to a progressive direction of the vehicle are calculated from the images obtained by the second cameras. A wheel is then automatically mounted to the wheel hub by the robot, according to the results of calculation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasurou Yamanaka, Junichi Yamanaga, Akira Morizono, Akira Miyazaki, Noriyuki Unose
  • Patent number: 5333369
    Abstract: A method for positioning both dies set to both movable and stationary platens of a plastic molding machine to form a cavity by fitting convex and concave portions formed on the facing surfaces of the dies into a spigot respectively, wherein a movable die is set to the movable platen at the retreat position to secure the movable die to the home position and a stationary die is temporarily clamped at the home position of the stationary platen by pressing the stationary die in the lateral direction by a repulsive member, the movable die is advanced against the stationary die under the above state, die matching of the stationary and movable dies is performed by fitting the convex portion to the concave portion, and thereby positioning of the stationary die is performed by correcting the position of the die before permanently clamping the stationary die to the stationary platen under the state in which the both dies are fastened by the movable platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuki Miyairi, Akira Iijima
  • Patent number: 5325585
    Abstract: The front portion of a roof panel has left-hand and right-hand roof opening sections, each roof opening section being wide open without a roof side rail on its transversely outer side. A movable roof member is mounted on the roof opening sections so as to be movable longitudinally through a base frame fixed to the body of a vehicle, thereby opening the roof opening sections when the movable roof member is moved in its rear position and closing it when it is moved in its front position. The base frame contains a front section to be mounted to a front header of the body, a rear section to be mounted to a front edge portion of a rear roof panel section, a middle section for connecting middle portions of the front section and the rear section, and a guide section extending rearward from a transversely outer side portion of the rear section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuaki Sasaki, Tomonori Otsubo, Tomoo Taguchi, Yoshihiro Konno, Yasukazu Watanabe, Shigefumi Kohno
  • Patent number: 5322463
    Abstract: A process for assembling a laser and an apparatus used to assemble a laser is disclosed. The laser contains, among other components, a semiconductor chip, a lens and an optical fiber. The chip and lens are disposed in a housing. The optical fiber is disposed in a transmission assembly. The process replaces a tedious manual method for aligning the lens housing and the transmission assembly. The process uses an apparatus which separates each of the plurality of leads on the lens housing from each other. The apparatus restrains the lens housing while the housing is placed in contact with the transmission assembly. The apparatus provides electrical contacts which are placed into electrical connection with the leads on the lens housing. Electrical current is then provided which is conducted to the chip. The chip generates a beam of light which is focused by the lens into the fiber and then transmitted by the fiber. The power of the beam of light in the fiber is measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: AT&T Bell Laboratories
    Inventor: Li Young
  • Patent number: 5305521
    Abstract: Disclosed in an ink-jet head assembling method for executing alignments between a top plate and a heater board. The method comprises steps of holding the top plate by fingers, moving the fingers to bring the top plate to a position above the heater board with adhesives having been applied, releasing the holding of the fingers, enabling them to engage with an ink reception port of the top plate, and moving the fingers sideways to abut against the ink reception port, and adjusting a relative position between heaters of the heater board and nozzles of the top plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaki Inaba, Tsuyoshi Baba, Tsuyoshi Orikasa, Takashi Ohba, Toshio Tsuda
  • Patent number: RE34978
    Abstract: An assembly for the coupling of a multi-duct conduit system for sealing the outer and inner ducts of adjacent conduit sections in end to end relationship. There is provided a primary coupling housing which includes preferably a premolded body portion which is insertible into the outer most housing of a ducted system. The body system in the body portion comprises first and second half body portions. Each first and second half body portion is adapted to receive a plurality of ducts into bores in the body housing so that a first plurality of ducts enters and is insertible into the body portion at a first end and the second adjoining plurality of duct members are insertible into the body portion on the second end, the first and second portions of ducts being slidably engaged into the body portion and meeting substantially at a center point within the body portion, for defining a continuous pathway within the ducts for housing transmission lines therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Opti-Com Manufacturing Network Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert Adams, Andrew J. Cousin