Abstract: A robot holds an untreated coarse aluminum casting that is located at a predetermined carrying-in corner with the holding means and carries it to the first machining unit. At the first unit it holds a treated casting treated by the first unit with the holding device as well as transferring the untreated casting from the holding device to the first unit. Then it carries the treated casting that has been treated by the first unit to a second machining unit. At the second unit it holds a second treated casting that has been treated by the second unit with the holding device as well as transferring the treated casting treated by the first unit from the holding device to the second unit. Then it carries the second treated casting treated by the second unit to a predetermined carrying-out corner.

Abstract: A pallet changer and a system and a method for using the same attach, secure and/or connect a part and/or pallet assembly to a receiver assembly for machining the part. A groove and/or a pull post of the pallet assembly is insertable between a first wedge arm and a second wedge arm in an interior of the receiver assembly. Springs within the interior of the receiver assembly exert forces against the first wedge arm and the second wedge arm to maintain the first wedge arm and/or the second wedge arm in a first position within the interior of the receiver assembly. A key and/or a cam moves and/or rotates to move the first wedge arm and/or the second wedge arm from the first position to a second position. A first tapering on the pallet assembly engages and/or corresponds to a second tapering on the first wedge arm and/or the second wedge arm to secure and/or to attach the pallet assembly to the receiver assembly in the second position.

Abstract: A power system includes a gas turbine engine. The gas turbine engine may include a first portion, a second portion, and a longitudinal axis. The power system may also include a first moveable support engaged to the first portion of the gas turbine engine. The first moveable support may be operable to at least partially constrain movement of the first portion of the gas turbine engine during operation of the gas turbine engine. Additionally, the first moveable support may be operable to at least partially support the first portion of the gas turbine engine as the first portion of the gas turbine engine is moved away from the longitudinal axis independently of the second portion of the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: Embodiments of tool mounted structural positioning devices and techniques are described. In one embodiment, a positioning device includes mountings to mount the device directly to a tool device configured to travel a path and perform a manufacturing operation on an element. Engagement mechanisms coupled to the positioning device are aligned to the predefined path and are configured to exert a clamping force upon the element such that the element is secured and positioned by the positioning device in constant relation to the predefined path as the operations are performed.

Abstract: A test apparatus for a rotor blade of a rotor includes at least one guide rail located in proximity to the rotor blade and at least one bearing secured to the rotor blade radially outboard of the at least one guide rail. The at least one bearing is in operable communication with a radially outboard surface of the at least one guide rail to be translatable thereon. At least one force applicator is in operable communication with the at least one guide rail and is configured to exert a force radially outwardly on the at least one guide rail. The force is transferred to the rotor blade via the at least one bearing and simulates a centrifugal force on the rotor blade. Further disclosed is a method for securing a rotor blade of a rotor in a test fixture.

Abstract: A holder for an intraocular lens during the processing and packaging of the intraocular lens. The holder having an upper member having a base portion extending from the upper member along a first longitudinal axis. Additionally, the holder has a lower member having a receiving member defining a cavity for receiving the intraocular lens and a coupling member for engaging the base portion. The receiving member extending from the lower member along a second longitudinal axis and having at least one channel extending substantially through the receiving member that is substantially transverse to the second longitudinal axis. The holder has a locked position such that the upper and lower members are locked with respect to each other and at least one channel provides unobstructed access into the cavity of the receiving member for obtaining dimensional and optical measurements of the intraocular lens when the holder is in the locked position.

Abstract: A chuck holds a disk by the inside diameter with a plurality of contact surfaces at the end of fingers. Axial motion of an actuator is translated into outward radial movement of the fingers to place the contact surfaces in contact with the inside diameter of the disk. The force that is applied to the disk is limited to reduce or eliminate warping or curvature of the disk, e.g., a sleeve that surrounds the fingers can be used as a hard stop to physically limit the range of outward radial movement of the fingers.

Abstract: By employing a simple structure, there is provided a device for holding a substrate, a process for holding a substrate, and a process for manufacturing laminated glass, which are capable of determining the position of a substrate to be held with good precision, ensuring a force enough to attract a substrate and preventing a substrate from coming off.

Abstract: A device for mounting and removing a substrate from a baseplate, in particular a substrate holder assembly device, including automated features for latching and unlatching a substrate, for use in a coating mechanism, from a baseplate, which includes an adjustable snap ring holder.

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

Abstract: A method for blocking and/or deblocking an optical lens (100) on a heat conducting holding unit (200) comprising an upper assembling surface (210) comprising the steps of: a) providing first layer consisting of an adhesive tape (330) on the upper assembling surface (210) of the holding unit; b) providing a second layer consisting of a layer (310 comprising a thermoplastic material arranged on said adhesive tape (330); c) providing the optical lens (100) with a third layer consisting of an adhesive tape (320) arranged on the bottom surface (120) of said optical lens; d) placing the optical lens (100) with the third layer (320) on the second layer (310) consisting of a layer comprising a thermoplastic material when the thermoplastic material is soften or melted. A method for deblocking said optical lens (100) thanks to heating the holding unit (200).

Abstract: A chuck and a chuck system, and a method for processing a toroidal structure such as a tire carcass. The carcass includes an internal circumference and tapered ends. The chuck system comprises a plurality of chucks wherein each chuck includes a circumferential or substantially circumferential external surface and a plurality of friction reducing members positioned on the external surface. The friction reducing members are positioned to engage the internal circumference of the toroidal structure such as a tire. The method of processing a tire carcass includes positioning the tire carcass on fixed diameter chucks having friction reducing members on the external surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a trim cover to a foam pad includes a base and a platform coupled thereto that defines a working surface for supporting the foam pad thereon. A plurality of actuators project from the working surface. Each actuator is capable of movement away from and toward the working surface and includes a pair of retaining fingers capable of movement between an open and closed position. In use, the retaining fingers grasp a first connecting member on the trim cover and move the first connecting member toward the working surface as the actuators are moved toward the working surface so as to engage the first connecting member with a second connecting member in the foam pad thereby securing the trim cover to the foam pad.

Abstract: A glass-setting apparatus may include an upper support arm and a lower support arm. The upper support arm may be attachable to a roof of a vehicle and may have a holding mechanism operable to hold a top edge of a sheet of material. The lower support arm may be attachable to a hood of the vehicle and may have one or more notches along a portion of the lower support arm that is operable to receive a bottom edge of the sheet of material.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus has been developed for coupling a tool member to the output shaft of a power tool without the use of auxiliary hands tools or a shaft-lock lever. The clamping apparatus includes a clamp member and a piezoelectric element. The clamp member is coupled to an output shaft of a motor. The piezoelectric element opposes the first clamp member and is configured to change from a first state to a second state in response to being coupled to a source of electrical energy.

Abstract: A lens holding tool (1) includes a cylindrical jig main body (10) having an opening (19), a vent hole (13), and a hollow portion (18), and a ring-like lens holding body (20) formed of an elastic body. The lens holding body (20) includes a holding portion (21) and a fitting portion (22). The fitting portion (22) is fitted on the outer surface of the jig main body (10). When the hollow portion (18) is evacuated, the holding portion (21) sucks and holds the outer peripheral edge (24) of a lens (100).

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

Abstract: A windshield installation device for use by a single technician in replacing a vehicle windshield. The device includes a first assembly attachable to a side window of the vehicle and a second assembly attachable to the windshield to be placed on the vehicle. The second assembly is adapted to couple to the first assembly and pivot with respect to the first assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for clamping and subsequently machining a disk- or ring-shaped workpiece, wherein the workpiece is set down on a contact surface of a contact member made from elastomeric material. The workpiece is axially pressed against the contact surface with an elastomeric-material clamping member of a clamping device and simultaneously fixed in place perpendicular to the workpiece axis. Subsequently, the workpiece is machined with a tool.

Abstract: Bracing means for supporting a moveably mounted or flexible component during a machining operation that has an expandable member adapted to fit between a component and a support surface. When the expandable member is expanded a bracing member will resist movement and/or flexing of the component caused by forces arising during the machining operation. The expandable member is deformable to substantially conform to the shape of the component and the support surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for locating a subframe to a vehicle body having a control hole. The device comprises a pin attached to the subframe and extending toward the vehicle body when the subframe is positioned for mounting to the vehicle body. The pin is adapted to engage the control hole to precisely align the subframe and the vehicle body. The invention also relates to a method for locating a subframe to a vehicle body having a control hole. The method comprises providing a pin on the subframe that extends toward the vehicle body when the subframe is positioned for mounting to the vehicle body, and engaging the pin with the control hole to precisely align the subframe and the vehicle body.

Abstract: A fixture (10) for supporting a workpiece (18) during a machining operation. The fixture comprising a base (12) provided with a channel (14) for receiving part (16) of the workpiece (18), the channel having a first wall (20) facing an opposing second wall (22). An inflatable diaphragm (24) is located on the first wall (20), and configured to engage with an engagement surface (36) on the workpiece and bias the workpiece against the second wall. The diaphragm comprises a deformable portion (26) spaced apart from the first wall of the channel, the deformable portion having ends (28,30) which provide a seal with the first wall to define a chamber (32) enclosed by the first wall and diaphragm.

Abstract: The method and the device are used for mounting forms of a heating process of tires that are produced from an elastomeric material. Form segments of the form are held detachably by a support device. Mounting pins of a guiding element supporting the form segments, said pins being provided with a mounting profile, are guided through an insertion recess of a fixation element disposed in the region of the support device. Thereafter, a locking element of the fixation element is positioned transversely to the longitudinal direction of the mounting pin and thereby locked by the mounting profile with respect to the fixation element. Before carrying out the transversal positioning of the locking element, a tensioning element, which adjusts the fixation element in a longitudinal direction of the mounting pin, is displaced against a spring force. Thereafter, the tensioning element is reset by the spring force in order to hold the mounting profile of the mounting pin in the region of the fixation element by positive fit.

Abstract: A bicycle steerer tube assembly having an oblong asymmetric cross section formed along a portion of the steerer tube. The asymmetric portion of the steerer tube has a first diameter that is generally aligned with an axis of rotation of the front wheel and a second diameter that is generally aligned with a plane of rotation of the front wheel. The first diameter is greater than the second diameter and provides lateral stiffness to the wheel assembly and the second diameter accommodates longitudinal impact absorption of the fork and wheel assembly.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a turbine nozzle assembly using a fixture includes providing a first position of the fixture, positioning at least one datum of the turbine nozzle assembly adjacent at least one datum location point on the fixture when the fixture is in the first position, coupling the turbine nozzle assembly to the fixture when the fixture is in the first position, rotating the fixture from the first position into a second position that facilitates manufacturing the turbine nozzle assembly, and performing a manufacturing process on the turbine nozzle assembly when the fixture is in the second position.

Abstract: One embodiment is a carrier for holding devices that includes a tray having one or more sites in which a device may be held, and a frame resiliently coupled to the tray so the tray is movable with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A method for making a workpiece having an operation station comprising the steps of: forming a passage communicating with said operation station of the workpiece; installing a predetermined link mounted in the operational station; and positioning resilient means on the link operable to return a portion of the workpiece to a ready position after use, a method and apparatus for forming said workpiece and the resulting workpiece.

Abstract: A conveyor belt clamp and method may comprise: first and second clamp beams for being placed against a conveyor belt, one or both of the clamp beams may be pre-stressed for deflecting a central region along its length. First and second end clamps are placed over the ends of the clamp beams, and each of the end clamps includes a tightening device for forcing the ends of the clamp beams closer together. The pre-stressed clamp beam is placed with its convex side against the conveyor belt. A conveyor belt clamp may comprise: first and second clamp beams for being placed against a conveyor belt, one or both of the clamp beams may include a center clamp for applying clamping force to the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A work (W) with a part assembling surface on many faces is rotated by a work holding jig (10) so as to sequentially convert each of the part assembling surfaces to the upward horizontal attitude, a bolt is fastened from above vertically while gripping an assembly part (B) by a part gripping device (12), and this is repeated so that an assembling operation can be carried out smoothly and an assembly space can be saved.

Abstract: A fixturing apparatus for locating and supporting a panel, such as an automotive body panel is provided. The fixturing apparatus includes a support structure having at least three generally spherically shaped contactors. The panel includes at least three extending channels sufficiently configured to receive a respective one of the at least three generally spherically shaped contactors to locate and support the panel. At least one clamping arm is operable to selectively retain one of the at least three extending channels with respect to the respective one of the at least three generally spherically shaped contactors. A method of fixturing a panel employing the above described fixturing apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A hand assembled MEMS apparatus includes meso-scale microfabricated components adapted for being moved by hand relative to one another from a loose-fit preliminary alignment orientation to a relatively tight-fit assembled orientation. A microfabricated spring member is integrally disposed on one of the components to bias the other component towards the assembled orientation. A cam surface disposed on the other component is configured to slidably engage and move the spring member against its bias upon continued hand movement in the assembly direction. A microfabricated abutment is disposed to limit relative movement of the components in at least one direction other than the assembly direction. A microfabricated tactile feedback member is configured to disrupt the hand movement in the assembly direction once the components have substantially reached the assembled orientation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatus for supporting substrates during processing. One embodiment of the present invention provides a substrate carrier comprising a body configured to provide structure support to one or more substrates. One or more pockets are formed in the body from a top surface. Each pocket is configured to retain one substrate by contacting only a portion of a back side of the substrate. Each pocket has a bottom surface and sidewalls surrounding the bottom surface. The sidewalls define an opening larger than a surface area of the substrate so that at least a majority portion of a bevel edge of the substrate is not in contact with the sidewalls.

Abstract: A rigid holder is provided for supporting a flexible article. The rigid holder may include a first frame member and a second frame member which are held together through magnets.

Abstract: A plurality of air levitation units that jet air to the lower surface of a substrate are placed below the substrate, and the substrate is supported in a noncontact manner so as to be substantially horizontal. Further, a portion subject to exposure of the substrate is held by a fixed-point stage from below in a noncontact manner, and the surface position of the portion subject to exposure is adjusted in a pinpoint manner. Accordingly, exposure can be performed on the substrate with high precision, and a configuration of a substrate stage device can be simplified.

Abstract: A method of post-processing a plurality of electronic components in a post-processing machine after fabrication of the electronic components including providing a carrier with align fixtures, which align fixtures have a clamping mechanism, actuating the clamping mechanism to enlarge a size of receptacles, each of the receptacles is assigned to one of the align fixtures and the enlarged receptacles are larger than the electronic components to be received, positioning the electronic components in the receptacles of the align fixtures, actuating the clamping mechanism to reduce a size of the receptacles so that the electronic components are aligned within the receptacles of the carrier, placing the carrier in the post processing machine, and subjecting the electronic components to operations of the post-processing machine while the electronic components maintain in aligned positions in the receptacles of the carrier.

Abstract: A reconfigurable fixture device system, including: a base member; a reconfigurable pad disposed on the base member, wherein the reconfigurable pad comprises a shape memory material configured to selectively conform to a surface contour of a workpiece; an activation device in operative communication with the shape memory material; a controller in operable communication with at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the activation device, and the base member; a plurality of sensors for sensing a parameter associated with at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the base member, the fixture device, and the workpiece, wherein the plurality of sensors is in operable communication with the controller; and an actuator in operable communication with the controller and the at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the base member, the fixture device, and the workpiece.

Abstract: The process provides an expandable chuck with a variable diameter bulb having a variable wall thickness, the chuck being operatively designed to stretch the bulb to reduce its diameter for insertion into a photoreceptor pipe and upon relaxation to the compress the bulb so as to increase its diameter. The design provides a universal chuck to reduce the cost of changing to different diameter chucks in accommodating different size photoreceptors during the coating and drying process.

Abstract: A rotating saw clamp for clamping a product roll to be sawn. The rotating log saw clamp includes a first portion disposed for rotation about an axis and a second portion disposed for rotation with the first portion and movable relative to the first portion between an open position and a clamping position. The second portion is rotatable from the clamping position to the open position in rotation of the first and second rotating portions in a common direction.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a housing, a core located in the housing, a coil unit associated with the core and located in the housing, and a backing plate made of a high-permeability material. The apparatus may be used for generating high clamping forces between materials that are interposed between the core and the backing plate such that manufacturing operations can be carried out. The core has a cross section with an elongate shape. The coil unit is configured to generate magnetic fields and has the elongate shape.

Abstract: An automotive body transfer method and a transfer system is operable to transfer a vehicle body between a transfer mechanism and a stationary assembly station in an automobile production process. In the method and system hereof, one longitudinal half of each of front and rear pairs of left and right jack-up brackets, formed in lower parts of left and right side sills of the body, is supported by the transfer mechanism, and the other longitudinal half of each of the jack-up brackets is supported by the stationary assembly station, thereby enabling the shape and structure of the transfer mechanism and the stationary assembly station to be simplified.

Abstract: This invention relates to an indexer for providing rotation of a part from a first index position to a second index position. The indexer comprises an indexer frame and a part for rotation. The indexer frame has at least one index feature, and the part has at least one index feature, wherein the at least one index feature on the indexer frame is co-operable with the at least one index feature on the part so as to provide two or more index positions of the part with respect to the indexer frame. In use the part locates with the indexer frame so as to form an axis about which the part is able to rotate relative to the indexer frame, the axis being kinematically located.

Abstract: Described herein is an assembly and alignment tool for aligning leaflets of a soft leaflet prosthetic heart valve and fix the leaflets to each other and/or to a wireform or stent. In embodiments, the assembly or alignment tool includes a mandrel configured to support one or more leaflets of a prosthetic valve. The mandrel includes at least one suture hole disposed on the surface thereof to allow a needle to pass through when sewing the one or more leaflets to a wireform.

Abstract: A device for mounting a vehicle instrumental panel has an assist machine and work robots. The assist machine has instrument panel holding means for holding an instrument panel, conveys the instrument panel, and has an assist function for holding the weight of the instrument panel. The work robots have connection means removably connected to the instrument panel holding means and operate the instrument panel holding means to place the instrument panel in a vehicle interior.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method are provided for positioning a workpiece. A workpiece positioner has a fixed base., and a support member is connected to the base by a joint that permits selectively articulating the support member with respect to the base. A plate defines a feature sized for operably supporting the workpiece. A connector is used to connect the plate to the support member. The connector fixes the plate in articulation with the support member so that a selected articulation of the support member with respect to the base defines a corresponding plane in which the plate is disposed. The connector also permits sliding movement of the plate in any direction within the corresponding plane to orient the workpiece in a desired position.

Abstract: A device for temporarily supporting a component being attached in a rack which has two front vertical corner members and two rear vertical corner members where each front corner member has openings aligned with openings in the opposing rear corner member. Located within the space defined by the four corner members is a support member for holding up the component. A first coupling pin that is supported by a front corner member and an opposing rear corner member on one side of the rack provides support for the support member along a first side. A second coupling pin that is supported by a front corner member and an opposing rear corner member on the other side of the rack provides support for the support member along a second opposite side.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of weld repairing an impeller by use of a weld restraining fixture. The fixture is used to sandwich the impeller between a base plate and a top ring such that a plurality of tangs located on the top ring rest on the plurality of valley faces of the impeller. The top ring and base plate are bolted together while the restrained impeller is welded and heat treated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (11) for handling an article (13) such as a coil spring, and to an installation for handling an article. The device (11) comprises a body (10) having an internal housing (12) suitable for containing said article (13), said housing (12) presenting at least one open end (10A, 10B) and a constriction zone (14) that is suitable in a stable state, in which said constriction zone (14) presents a reduce dimension (D14X) that is reduced in a first direction (X), for retaining said article (13) inside the body (10), and for being deformed to adopt a deformed configuration enabling said article (13) to be inserted into the housing (12) or enabling said article (13) to be extracted from the housing (12). The installation includes force-application means for acting on the device to change it between its stable state and its deformed configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning objects may be present. A locating pin may be positioned relative to secondary holes in a plurality of objects. The locating pin may comprise a segment with a cross section having an elliptical shape, a surface, and an indicating feature associated with the segment. The locating pin may be inserted into the secondary hole, wherein a number of portions of the surface align the secondary holes.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for supporting tubes in extrusion lines. A tube support mechanism is adaptable to a respective tube diameter being transported, and includes at least one articulated link chain configured to rest against at least part of a circumference of a tube, and comprises chain links having end faces directed toward the tube. The chain links are disposed in at least two planes, and overlap one another from plane to plane in overlap zones. The chain links are pivotably connected to one another in such overlap zones. Facing ends of the chain links of a given plane of chain links have identical gear wheel contours that mesh with one another. Adjustment of the tube support mechanism from one nominal diameter to another is effected by a pressure effect, onto the tube support mechanism, of a conical tube transition piece that results during the change in diameter during continuing operation. An angle of contact of the tube support mechanism against a tube successively changes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of bonding refractory metal alloys together by use of a modified clamping arrangement.