Computer Input Patents (Class 29/703)
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Publication number: 20080092372Abstract: A device for assembling a composite structure is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the device includes a table module, a first plurality of flipper devices carried by the table module and a second plurality of flipper devices carried by the table module in adjacent and adjustable relationship with respect to the first plurality of flipper devices, respectively. The first plurality of flipper devices and the second plurality of flipper devices are capable of accommodating a variation in thickness of the composite structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventor: Joseph E. Absalonson
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Patent number: 7291790Abstract: A method and apparatus for shaping signals transmitted via plated through holes (PTHs) utilizes standard back-drilling techniques to reduce the resonant stub lengths of ground PTHs in the vicinity of a back-drilled signal PTH.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Yuval Bachar, Michael Grobman
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Patent number: 7281319Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a wire wound filter screen from wrapping wrap wire over a set of rib wires has a frame, a spindle for supporting the rib wires in a longitudinal orientation, a wire guide for delivering wrap wire around the rib wires as the spindle rotates the rib wires, an electrode for welding the wrap wires to the rib wires at each intersection thereof, and a translating mechanism positioned on the frame for moving rib wires and the welded wrap wire longitudinal along the frame. A laser measures a gap between adjacent surfaces of wrap wire. A processor is used to adjust the translating of the rib wires relative to the gap. An air cushion urges the electrode against the wrap wire.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Inventor: Daniel Allford
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Patent number: 7278194Abstract: A tool, in particular a shaft tool, is inserted into and fixed in a clamping chuck. The actual position of the tool, particularly in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the tool or in the direction of insertion, is determined before and/or during the insertion of the tool into the clamping chuck. Based on the determined actual position, the tool is inserted into the clamping chuck until a setpoint position has been reached.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2003Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignees: E. Zoller GmbH & Co. KG, Einstell- und MessgeraeteInventor: Christian Pfau
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Patent number: 7182682Abstract: An apparatus for making a surface treating article, and in one embodment for making a plurality of surface treating articles. The apparatus includes an attaching means for attaching a fastener to a surface treating web and a cutting means for cutting the web around the fastener to provide a surface treating article. In one embodiment, a sensor, such as a machine vision system, senses a position of the fastener on the web, with this sensed position being used to direct operation of the cutting means.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2004Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Michael S. Bates, Stanley L. Conwell, Douglas E. Devaney, Darla A. Elgin, Peter J. Fritz, Richard L. Fry, Bruce W. Livermore, James W. Malaske, Bradley S. McKay, Paul J. Richtman
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Patent number: 7100260Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming attachment pads on a panel for attachment of a clinch nut thereto. The panel is formed between a forming die and a fixed anvil, which occupies a predefined net reference position. A face plate simultaneously “finds” the panel and is mechanically locked into position using a novel force applying device. The face plate maintains the location of the surface metal around the forming die, thereby forming a raised pad at the predefined net reference position. The novel force applying device includes self-contained piston modules positioned in tandem. Each module includes a housing having a void and a piston mounted within the void. The piston includes a driven and drive surfaces, wherein fluid pressure acts against the driven surface to drive the piston in an advanced direction such that the drive surface of the piston abuts another piston for cumulative effect.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2003Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Utica Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Savoy, Phillip J. Morgan
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Patent number: 7043835Abstract: A method and system for precisely centering a workpiece within a cylindrical bore such that the center of the workpiece is coaxial with the central axis of the bore. An arbor is used within the cylindrical bore to sense and calculate the location of the central axis. The position of the workpiece is also sensed so that it can be aligned with the central axis. A computer system is used to perform the calculations and provide an indication of alignment of the workpiece and the central axis. The position of the central axis and the workpiece are found via a location determining system that may incorporate electromechanical and optical position sensing systems. For instance, a plurality of light transmitters and light receivers may be used to generate and transmit beams of light used in determining positions. The method has particular application to free piston machines, and particularly free piston coolers.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Sunpower, Inc.Inventors: Robert B. Wiseman, Floyd Largent, David E. Weeks
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Patent number: 7010850Abstract: Apparatus for configuring an externally coated workpiece are provided. In one example, the apparatus includes a tubular reconfiguration chamber having a plurality of slidably mounted outer walls, the outer walls slidably mounted along individual radial lines emanating from and orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis of the tubular reconfiguration chamber; and a device for adjusting and maintaining the temperature of the external coating of a work-piece located within the tubular reconfiguration chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2004Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Luuk Hijlkema, Michael Austin, Jan Weber
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Patent number: 6983532Abstract: An in-line programming (ILP) system and method for programming and testing programmable integrated circuit devices (PICs) and performing the assembly of printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs). Printed circuit boards enter and leave the ILP system on a conveyor system. PICs are loaded into the ILP system, and the ILP system automatically programs and tests the PICs and places them onto the PCBs as the PCBs arrive on the conveyor. The programming and testing operations are performed by the same piece of equipment that performs the PCBA assembly operation.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2004Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: BP MicrosystemsInventor: William H. White
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Patent number: 6941645Abstract: An automatic piston inserting equipment comprises a block positioning means for positioning a cylinder block B to a piston inserting position, a piston positioning means for moving and positioning a piston P with a connecting rod R for insertion thereof into a cylinder bore formed in the cylinder block B vertically from above, a cap positioning means for moving and positioning a connecting rod cap C to clamp it vertically from below to the connecting rod R inserted into the cylinder bore, a damp means for damping the connecting rod cap C to the connecting rod R, and a vision system. The vision system detects central position coordinates of the cylinder bore lying at the piston inserting position and central position coordinates of the piston P lying at a start-point chuck position, and on the basis of both such central position coordinates calculates a movement quantity for insertion of the piston P into the cylinder bore.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2003Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignees: Hirata CorporationInventors: Kazuhiro Kosuge, Katsuyoshi Tachibana, Yuichiro Ueda, Takenori Hirakawa
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Patent number: 6925705Abstract: Apparatus for making a cage having a number of peripheral and elongate components, and a wrapping component. The apparatus includes an elongate support frame, a mechanism for rotating the cage; a mechanism for dispensing the wrapping component onto the cage; a first carrier mounted on the frame for holding at least one peripheral component; and a second carrier mounted on the frame for holding at least one peripheral component, including a mechanism for adjusting the position of the second carrier on the frame relative to the position of the first carrier.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2003Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: NGR LimitedInventor: Kamal Neckoula
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Patent number: 6868596Abstract: A method for fabricating muntin grid pieces includes steps that attach a pair of material strips to opposed edges of the muntin bar element. The material strips may be provided in side-by-side strips that may be separated an simultaneously applied to the opposite sides of the muntin bar element. The connection between the material strips and the muntin bar element may be made with an adhesive or a mechanical connection. The method allows the material strips to be connected to the muntin grid pieces before the muntin grid pieces are assembled into a muntin bar grid for a window.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2004Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Edgetech I.G., Inc.Inventor: Gerhard Reichert
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Patent number: 6820318Abstract: A system for manufacturing interstitial radiation seed strand implants is provided. The system includes a seed dispenser, a member for handling an elongated half-shell member; and a controller in communication with the seed dispenser. The controller commands the seed dispenser to place the radioactive seed elements at desired locations in a first elongate half-shell member. The first half-shell member is mated with a second half-shell member to form a seed strand implant. The seed strand implant is axially stiff and longitudinally flexible, and constructed from bioabsorbable material.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: IdeaMatrix, Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Terwilliger, Gary A. Lamoureux
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Patent number: 6817077Abstract: An apparatus and method for sorting and selecting parts comprising a computer for designing a plurality of a first type of component parts and a plurality of a second type of component parts. Each job, which consists of the plurality of first component parts and the plurality of second component parts, is assigned a unique identification by the computer. In addition, the computer also assigns a part identification for each of the component parts. A first tooling machine computer-controller, coupled to the computer, receives the plurality of first component part designs, creates tooling instructions for the first component parts, and creates labels for each of the first component parts. The labels include the unique job identification and the part identification. A first tooling machine, coupled to the first tooling machine computer-controller, receives the first component part tooling instructions, receives material for the first component parts, and creates the first component parts.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Walsh-Atkinson Company, Inc.Inventor: Matthew J. Walsh
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Patent number: 6796016Abstract: An injection mould which comprises at least five modules aligned with each other. The five modules correspond to a first mould module and a second mould module to form a product cavity, a drive module for driving of sliders, an engaging module adapted, by application of a force, to prevent dividing between the first and the second mould module when introducing product material into the product cavity, and an ejector module for ejecting a completed product from one of the first and the second mould module. The method for making injection moulds comprises the steps of receiving a product pattern, defining function holes and function recesses, and defining, separate from and parallel to the construction of function holes and function recesses, a product cavity and the parting plane of the mould. Moreover the method comprises the step of mechanically machining a plurality of modules essentially simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Nolato ABInventor: Lars Persson
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Publication number: 20040143960Abstract: A billet of veneer sheets is constructed using parallel sheet conveying conveyors for simultaneous building of partial fans that are combined and transferred to the trailing end of the billet. Encoders, detectors and computer controls control the conveyors for precise placement of the sheets in building a fan and precision placement of the fan to the trailing end of the billet.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2003Publication date: July 29, 2004Inventors: Martin J. Utecht, Michael S. Dahrens, Jason A. Holbert, John C. Holbert
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Patent number: 6748638Abstract: A window alignment device for use in a door having a recess and a peripheral edge and a window regulator is provided. A window panel is adjacent to the window regulator. The panel has a peripheral edge and a portion adapted to conform to the shape of the door and disposed in the recess of the door. Additionally, a locator member is adjacent to the peripheral edge; the locator member is disposed between the door and the window panel. When the panel is fixedly fastened to the regulator, the locator member is removed to form a predetermined gap between the edge of the window panel and the corresponding seal in the door or the body.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Paul M. Dedrich, Casimir R. Kiczek, Michael G. Linihan, William T. Dufour
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Patent number: 6735856Abstract: The present invention includes a component placement apparatus that can obtain information on the presence/absence of hold members inexpensively and easily, and a component placement method carried out by the component placement apparatus. A replacement hold member detector for detecting the presence/absence of replacement hold members at a hold member change part is installed at a placement head. The presence/absence is detected by moving an XY-robot so as to scan the hold member change part equipped with the replacement hold member detector. At the same time, type information attached to the replacement hold members is rendered readable by the replacement hold member detector. One replacement hold member detector is enough according to the apparatus and method of the present invention. The presence/absence information of the hold members can be obtained inexpensively and easily.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1999Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naoyuki Kitamura, Osamu Okuda, Noriaki Yoshida, Akira Kabeshita
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Patent number: 6732417Abstract: A dismantling system (automobile dismantling system) 1 of a product for dismantling the product having plural kinds has input means (terminal) 30a, 30b, 40a, 40b, - - - for inputting information of the dismantled product; memory means (a memory device of a host computer 2) for storing the information inputted from the input means 30a, 30b, 40a, 40b, - - - ; lot determining means (means constructed within the host computer 2) for classifying the product into the same kind or the approximately same kind on the basis of the stored product information, and determining a product number as a lot when the number of products of the same kind or the approximately same kind reaches a predetermined number; and dismantling means (automobile dismantling means) 61 for dismantling the product; wherein the product is dismantled by the dismantling means 61 every lot.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2001Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Akira Kaburagi, Fumihiro Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 6732423Abstract: When ring components 4 of layers to assemble a laminated ring 3 are unloaded from a component storage facility 10, a computer 13 generates lamination combinatorial data representing a combination of ring components of layers. A target frequency distribution of circumferential length values of ring components 4 of each layer is established, and lamination combinatorial data including ring components of a class where an error of an actual inventory frequency with respect to a target frequency is large are selected in a layer where an error between the target frequency distribution and an actual inventory frequency distribution is maximum. Ring components 4 of all layers corresponding to the selected lamination combinatorial data are unloaded from the component storage facility 10.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2003Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koji Saito, Yoshihiko Suzuki, Katsumune Inaki, Tetsuo Sugizono
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Patent number: 6718610Abstract: A system and method for assembling a fuel tank is disclosed. A measuring device is mounted on a carriage on which at least one machine tool (e.g., saw, router) is also mounted. This carriage is operatively interconnected with a computer and may be longitudinally moved between a headstock and tailstock which are longitudinally displaced and on which various subassemblies of the fuel tank may be mounted during the assembly of a given fuel tank. Length measurements are preferably made of each fuel tank subassembly prior to any machining operation being executed thereon, as well as after each such machining operation, by monitoring/knowing the longitudinal position of the carriage via the measuring device. These length measurements may be automatically recorded on an appropriate computer-readable storage medium in relation to the subject fuel tank subassembly and the subject fuel tank.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2001Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Richard K. Hansen, Jeffrey M. Simonson
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Patent number: 6687986Abstract: An in-line programming (ILP) system and method for programming and testing programmable integrated circuit devices (PICs) and performing the assembly of printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs). Printed circuit boards enter and leave the ILP system on a conveyor system. PICs are loaded into the ILP system, and the ILP system automatically programs and tests the PICs and places them onto the PCBs as the PCBs arrive on the conveyor. The programming and testing operations are performed by the same piece of equipment that performs the PCBA assembly operation.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: BP MicrosystemsInventor: William H. White
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Publication number: 20040020033Abstract: Apparatus for making a cage having a number of peripheral and elongate components, and a wrapping component. The apparatus includes an elongate support frame, a mechanism for rotating the cage; a mechanism for dispensing the wrapping component onto the cage; a first carrier mounted on the frame tor holding at least one peripheral component; and a second carrier mounted on the frame for holding at least one peripheral component, including a mechanism for adjusting the position of the second carrier on the frame relative to the position of the first carrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Applicant: NGR LimitedInventor: Kamal Neckoula
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Patent number: 6684474Abstract: A method for fabricating muntin grid pieces includes steps that attach a pair of material strips to opposed edges of the muntin bar element. The material strips may be provided in side-by-side strips that may be separated an simultaneously applied to the opposite sides of the muntin bar element. The connection between the material strips and the muntin bar element may be made with an adhesive or a mechanical connection. The method allows the material strips to be connected to the muntin grid pieces before the muntin grid pieces are assembled into a muntin bar grid for a window.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Edgetech I.G., Inc.Inventor: Gerhard Reichert
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Patent number: 6640431Abstract: An apparatus for moving an operative suction nozzle which holds an electric component. The apparatus mounts the electric component held by the operative suction nozzle on a circuit board. The apparatus includes a device which supplies the electric component to the operative suction nozzle; a device which supports the circuit substrate; a nozzle storing device which stores normal suction nozzles; and a nozzle moving device. A nozzle-defect detecting device which detects a defeat of the operative suction nozzle is provided. Also provided is a nozzle exchanging device which automatically operates the nozzle moving device to move the defective suction nozzle having the detected defect, to the nozzle storing device so that the defective suction nozzle is exchanged with the normal suction nozzle stored by the nozzle storing device.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2000Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Fuji Machine Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Minoru Yoriki, Mitsuo Imai, Jiro Kodama, Kimihiko Yasuda
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Publication number: 20030177624Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a spring core, in which a plurality of springs are connected to one another, is designed such that after the connection of the springs, automatic defect control is performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2003Publication date: September 25, 2003Inventor: Gerd Uwe Schmidt
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Patent number: 6606784Abstract: A pallet system 10 for use in a manufacturing process. The pallet system includes several pallets 14 which are adapted to receive and support a portion of a product, such as a vehicle underbody 12. The system 10 uses simplified pallets 14 having externally actuated clamping assemblies 62, 64, 66, and 68. A docking station 16 receives the pallets 14 and includes a pair of robots 24, 26 which detect the proper positioning of the underbody 12 upon the pallet 14 and externally activate the clamping assemblies 62, 64, 66, and 68 thereby securing the underbody 12 to the pallet 14. A controller 82 is communicatively connected to the robots 24, 26 and activates a conveyor assembly 20 which transports the pallet 14 to manufacturing stations 21 once the underbody 12 is properly secured to the pallet 14.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Brad Huff, Joseph L. La Pres, James Wayne Lowe
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Patent number: 6571459Abstract: With reference to FIG. 3 the present invention relates to a method of manufacture of a product from a first component (4) of deformable material and a second component (5), the method comprising the steps of: inserting a portion of the first component (4) through an aperture predefined in the second component (5); and subsequently deforming the material of the first component (4) to form a pair of spaced apart shoulders (50) integral with the first component (4), the spaced apart shoulders (50) holding therebetween the second component (5) and thereby preventing the second component (5) sliding along the first component (4); wherein: each shoulder (50) is formed by applying tool means (20, 21) to a surface of the first component (4) to create a recess in the surface and to form the shoulder (50) adjacent to the recess with the shoulder (50) being formed by displacement of the deformable material of the first component (4) during the creation of the recess.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2002Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Adcock Technology LimitedInventor: Neil Adcock
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Patent number: 6481095Abstract: A cup attaching apparatus includes: a cup attaching system for moving a cup to a lens placed at a predetermined position, and attaching the cup onto the lens; a detecting system, provided with a measurement optical system having a measurement light source, a measurement index plate and an photoelectric detector, for detecting a position of an optical center of the lens; a display system for displaying a positional offset of the lens relative to a predetermined reference position based on a result of detection by the detecting system; a data-input system for inputting data on a target lens shape or a traced outline and a layout of the lens; a memory for storing data on shapes of plural types of cups; and a selecting system for selecting a cup, which will not interfere with an abrasive wheel during processing of the lens, based on inputted data and stored data on the shapes of the cups.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2000Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshiaki Mizuno
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Patent number: 6324749Abstract: A vehicle assembly line comprising, laid out in the order mentioned, a wire leading/transfer trimming zone (20) where components for wire leading/transfer trimming are sequentially assembled to a paint-finished vehicle body (11) for inspection and, if needed, repairing, an interior zone (30) where interior components are sequentially assembled for inspection and, if needed, repairing, an under-floor trimming zone (40) where under-floor dress-up components are sequentially assembled for inspection and, if needed, repairing, an exterior zone (50) where exterior components are sequentially assembled for inspection and, if needed, repairing, and a combined guarantee zone (60) where components not repaired in zones (20) to (50) are inspected and repaired, wherein inspection and repair are conducted in inspection sections and repair sections individually attached to individual functional zones.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2000Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Norio Katsuura, Hideaki Sasaki
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Patent number: 6317973Abstract: In a mounting system including a loading station having a transport conveyor for conveying printed circuit boards, a mounting machine for fabricating circuit devices by attaching electronic assemblies on printed circuit boards supplied thereto from said loading station, and a unloading station having a transport conveyor for conveying circuit devices supplied thereto from the mounting machine, the loading station includes a discriminating device for discriminating the kind or type of printed circuit boards and generating a discrimination signal for instructing the kind or type of the printed circuit board. A mounting process in the mounting machine in selectively set by the discrimination signal from the discriminating device. According to this mounting system, even when many kinds of circuit devices are fabricated by many kinds of printed circuit boards, mounting processes can be successively carried out by one mounting line.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1999Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Sony Video (M) SDN.BHDInventors: Tokio Kuriyama, Masao Tomioka
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Patent number: 6292714Abstract: A robot control part connected to a robot moving according to control for controlling the motion of the robot; and a media reproduction part to keep scenarios which describes changes in images to the passage of time, and are corresponding to events, present images according to the passage of time following the above scenario, and notify the passage of time at each frame to the robot control part; characterized in that the above robot control part keeps motion procedures denoting changes, which are corresponding to the frame, in the postures of the above robot to the passage of time; receives notifications of the passage of time from the above media reproduction part; and moves the above robot according to the above motion procedures, in the corresponding frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2001Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Miwa Okabayashi
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Patent number: 6115908Abstract: An apparatus is provided with a component feeding member for feeding electronic components having lead wires in a tape-bonded state, an insertion head for separating the electronic components fed from the feeding member from the tapes and inserting to holes of a board, and a fixing head facing the insertion head via the board for cutting and folding the lead wires of the inserted electronic component in the board thereby fixing the electronic component to the board. AC servo motors operating independently of each other are individually set in the insertion head and the fixing head, which are controlled by a device so as to be synchronous with each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1998Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuzuru Inaba, Kiyoshi Imai, Hideaki Watanabe, Hiromi Kinoshita
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Patent number: 6092275Abstract: The present invention relates to a system control for directing and monitoring the operation of an automatic fastening machine, such as automatic drilling and riveting machine, by gathering, recording, and processing relevant data from each drilling and riveting cycle. The cycle data then becomes part of a master record that is useful for logging maintenance schedules, for establishing real-time cycle trends and for historical purposes. Real-time cycle trends are particularly beneficial to effect corrections in subsequent cycles.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1997Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Assignee: General Electro-Mechanical Corp.Inventors: Robert J. Kellner, Mark F. Cassidy, Jr.
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Patent number: 6061887Abstract: In an assembly line in which at least two kinds of workpieces are transported by mixture and in which each of the workpieces is transported by a self-propelling transporting member, a transporting pitch for each kind of workpiece is set in advance based on a difference in the number of assembling man-hours required for each of them. The timing for starting the transporting member off a starting end of the assembly line is controlled according to the transporting pitch such that a pitch between a preceding transporting member and a succeeding transporting member becomes equal to that which is set for a workpiece to be transported by the preceding transporting member.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1992Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshinobu Kawasaki, Shigehiro Nakajima, Yoshimasa Ota, Koichi Kida, Noriyuki Unose, Yasuo Watanabe, Mitsugu Takahashi, Makoto Urano
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Patent number: 6041500Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically assembling a plurality of identical first articles onto a second article. The second article is supported by a platform which is movable about three linear axes and three rotational axes by a six-axis positioning device. The first articles are held in a fixed position and the second article is positioned so as to insert the first articles into the second article as required. In the preferred embodiment, a torque converter turbine drum is supported by the platform to engage turbine blades which are supported in fixed position with respect thereto. The turbine drum is rotated with respect to the blades so as to permit the insertion of the blades into the drum by rotation and positioning of the drum in six axes.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1998Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: Giddings & Lewis, Inc.Inventor: Paul D. Terpstra
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Patent number: 6002650Abstract: A method for forming mounting data, includes reading component text data corresponding to to-be-mounted components of individual mounting positions stored in a component electronic catalog, according to mounting-position data including mounting angles relating to the mounting positions formed on the to-be-mounted components, by using the component electronic catalog that has stored image data concerning various types of components including the to-be-mounted components as well as component text data necessary for component mounting including configurations and dimensions of the components. The method also includes forming mounting data for a mounter to receive components and mount them to specified mounting positions according to the mounting-position data as well as the component text data read for the individual mounting components concerning the to-be-mounted components corresponding to the mounting-position data.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1997Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Matsushita Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Kuribayashi, Yasuhiro Maenishi, Hiroyoshi Nishida, Nobuyuki Nakamura
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Patent number: 5893203Abstract: A process for seating a tight-fitting headed fastener in a hole in a workpiece so that the head of the fastener contacts the surface of the workpiece. The process includes inserting a distal end of the fastener, opposite its headed end, into the hole so that the distal end is tightly wedged into the hole and the headed end of the fastener is spaced from the workpiece surface. A driver of an electromagnetic impulse actuator is extended into contact with the fastener head, and the position of the driver when it is in contact with the fastener head is sensed and recorded to determine how far the fastener must be driven into the hole to seat the fastener head against the workpiece surface. A desired off-set distance of the driver from the fastener head is calculated which will result in seating of the fastener when the electromagnet impulse actuator is actuated, but will not cause excessive impact of the fastener head with the workpiece surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1997Date of Patent: April 13, 1999Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: James N. Buttrick Jr.
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Patent number: 5829123Abstract: An apparatus and method for setting a door glass of a vehicle door to a vehicle body includes a frame for attachment to an inner panel of a vehicle door, at least one slide assembly to engage a vehicle body and to move a door glass of the vehicle door, and at least one locator on the slide assembly to locate and set the door glass relative to the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1996Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Shashlo, Steven A. Tracy
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Patent number: 5826317Abstract: A system for manufacturing blinds comprises a processor unit, at least one manufacturing facility for carrying out a manufacturing step and a communication device for exchanging data between the processor unit and said at least one manufacturing facility. To arrange for efficient and economical manufacturing, whereby manufacturing time and scrap are relatively low, the processor unit is adapted to generate data for controlling the system taking into account an order portfolio and at least one parameter from said at least one manufacturing facility.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1996Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: Hunter Douglas International N.V.Inventors: Peter van Oostrom, Carl A. Knikkenberg, John Peter Prins, Adri Steffen, Reine Larsson, Peter Berntsson, Peter Gawell
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Patent number: 5797178Abstract: An apparatus is provided with a component feeding member for feeding electronic components having lead wires in a tape-bonded state, an insertion head for separating the electronic components fed from the feeding member from the tapes and inserting to holes of a board, and a fixing head facing the insertion head via the board for cutting and folding the lead wires of the inserted electronic component in the board thereby fixing the electronic component to the board. AC servo motors operating independently of each other are individually set in the insertion head and the fixing head, which are controlled by a device so as to be synchronous with each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1996Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuzuru Inaba, Kiyoshi Imai, Hideaki Watanabe, Hiromi Kinoshita
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Patent number: 5794329Abstract: Pin placement and support apparatus for a circuit board that has a rigid support table, a supply of pins, a pin placement head, and an X-Y transporter that moves the pin placement head relative to the table so as to place the pins at desired and variable locations on the table. To facilitate defining pin locations, the apparatus includes a computer that is programmed to display a board area of the table and pins at user-selected locations within the board area.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1995Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: MPM CorporationInventors: Mark E. Rossmeisl, Edna M. Murby
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Patent number: 5706576Abstract: A lifting mechanism is arranged between a cartridge main body and a reel support member. With the cartridge main body set in a parts mounter, the lifting mechanism allows the reel support member to be supported by the cartridge main body so that the reel support member can be pivoted upward at a predetermined pivoting angle (set position PA.fwdarw.bar code read position PB). While cartridges are kept placed in the parts mounter, a parts supply reel attached to a given cartridge is made to project from other reels. This enables a bar code reader to read the parts code of a label adhered on one side surface of that reel.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1996Date of Patent: January 13, 1998Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Hiroyuki Iwasaki, Mitsushi Sonoda, Hiroyuki Takenaka
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Patent number: 5692292Abstract: A transfer type circuit board fabricating system having a plurality of working modules each including (a) a conveyor device for transferring circuit boards in a predetermined transfer direction, (b) a working device for performing a predetermined operation on the circuit boards, and (c) a controller constituted principally by a computer, for controlling the working device, wherein the conveyor devices transfer the circuit boards one after another in the predetermined transfer direction through the working devices of the working modules, the system further having a coordinating control device constituted principally by a computer, for controlling the controllers of the working modules, on the basis of predetermined working schedule information stored therein, and status information which is received from the controllers of said working modules and which indicates operating states of the working modules.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1995Date of Patent: December 2, 1997Assignee: Fuji Machine Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koichi Asai, Kunio Oe, Masayuki Shimmura
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Patent number: 5671530Abstract: A vertical wafer compact flip chip feeder device includes a loading station for providing a loading location where a flip chip wafer having first and second planar surfaces is received such that the first and second planar surfaces are substantially perpendicular to a first plane. The flip chip feeder device further includes a pick-up station for providing a pick-up location where individual flip chips are retrieved from the flip chip wafer. A wafer translating assembly translates the flip chip wafer between the loading and pick-up stations with the first and second planar surfaces of the flip chip wafer remaining substantially perpendicular to the first plane. A chip pick-up assembly retrieves the individual flip chips from the flip chip wafer at the pick-up station and flips the individual flip chips to a flipped position such that first and second planar surfaces of the individual flip chips are substantially parallel with the first plane.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1995Date of Patent: September 30, 1997Assignee: Delco Electronics CorporationInventors: Christopher David Combs, Andrew Russell Baker, Steven Lee Davidson, Thomas Rezsonya
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Patent number: 5655289Abstract: A blind-rivet setting device, includes a tension device, an intermediate storage and computing device, an evaluation device and an electrical circuit. The tension device is driven by an electric motor having an input current and provides a tensile force on the blind-rivet. The intermediate storage and computing device stores and computes a rated current range depending on the material and dimensions of the blind-rivet. The evaluation device has a comparator for monitoring the input current received by the electric motor. The electrical circuit produces an error message when the maximum value of the input current is not within the rated current range.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1994Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: GESIPA Blindniettechnik GmbHInventors: Lothar Wille, Hubertus Klein
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Patent number: 5653005Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1993Date of Patent: August 5, 1997Assignee: Gemcor Engineering Corp.Inventors: Thomas H. Speller, Sr., Jeffrey P. Weaver
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Patent number: 5615474Abstract: The present invention relates to a system control for directing and monitoring the operation of an automatic fastening machine, such as automatic drilling and riveting machine, by gathering, recording, and processing relevant data from each drilling and riveting cycle. The cycle data then becomes part of a master record that is useful for logging maintenance schedules, for establishing real-time cycle trends and for historical purposes. Real-time cycle trends are particularly beneficial to effect corrections in subsequent cycles.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1994Date of Patent: April 1, 1997Assignee: Gemcor Engineering Corp.Inventors: Robert J. Kellner, Mark F. Cassidy, Jr.
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Patent number: 5604974Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1994Date of Patent: February 25, 1997Assignee: Gemcor Engineering CorporationInventors: Bradley M. Roberts, James J. Birke, Joseph Dionne, Kurt R. Kubanek
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Patent number: RE40283Abstract: An apparatus is provided with a component feeding member for feeding electronic components having lead wires in a tape-bonded state, an insertion head for separating the electronic components fed from the feeding member from the tapes and inserting to holes of a board, and a fixing head facing the insertion head via the board for cutting and folding the lead wires of the inserted electronic component in the board thereby fixing the electronic component to the board. AC servo motors operating independently of each other are individually set in the insertion head and the fixing head, which are controlled by a device so as to be synchronous with each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2005Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuzuru Inaba, Kiyoshi Imai, Hideaki Watanabe, Hiromi Kinoshita