With Control Means Energized In Response To Activator Stimulated By Condition Sensor Patents (Class 29/709)
  • Patent number: 8359731
    Abstract: A manual tool for inserting a clip (10) with elastic coupling in a seat, having a body (23) from which protrudes a pusher (32) for the clip and a sensor (34) for detecting the thrust force of the pusher. An electronic controller (24) receives a force signal from the sensor (34) and emits a signal (25, 26) reporting correct or incorrect insertion depending on the pattern of the force signal detected during the insertion of a clip. A movable gauging element is advanced during the insertion thrust of the clip to detect the correct expansion of the clip at the end of insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Atlas Copco BLM S.R.L.
    Inventor: Angelo Chiapuzzi
  • Patent number: 8362360
    Abstract: A wired circuit board assembly sheet has a plurality of wired circuit boards, distinguishing marks for distinguishing defectiveness of the wired circuit boards, and a supporting sheet for supporting the plurality of wired circuit boards and the distinguishing marks. Each of the distinguishing marks has an indication portion for indicating a specified one of the wired circuit boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiki Naito, Tetsuya Ohsawa, Kouji Kataoka
  • Publication number: 20120314226
    Abstract: A crimp tool for crimping contacts onto wire cable ends includes an indentor mechanism having a plurality of moveable indentors for deforming a portion of a contact inserted into the mechanism. One of the indentors has a pressure responsive element for providing a signal indicative of the pressure exerted on the contact by the indentor. A device coupled to the pressure responsive element records pressure data and transfers data to an electronic control unit for determining operation of the mechanism. An automated inspection system uses light projection and a light sensor adapted for detecting light projected through a crimping die to measure dimensions and configurations of the crimping die. The system stores data representative of desired measurements of the crimping die and compares actual measurements to desired measurements. A set of fixtures are used for positioning the crimping die in the inspection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: William D. Kelly
  • Patent number: 8302288
    Abstract: A system and method for assembling a closure for a vehicle. The system includes first, second and third closure manipulators adapted to engage different areas of the closure, a first hinge manipulator configured to receive and fasten a first hinge to the closure, and a nab pin manipulator configured to position and secure a nab pin in a fixed position relative to the door and the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Richard Daniel Pastrick, Anthony Peter Young, Paul Temple
  • Patent number: 8290315
    Abstract: A temperature sensor array comprises an optical fiber (16) on which are a plurality of Bragg gratings (18) on respective spaced apart portions of the fiber. Each portion is in a housing (14) which freely houses the said portion substantially without axial strain on the fiber within the housing and which also isolates the grating from strain imposed on the fiber outside the housing. Thus substantially only changes in temperature affect the Bragg grating of that portion. The array may be used to detect and control the temperature of a tool (12) for forming a composite component amongst other uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: GKN Aerospace Services Limited
    Inventors: Paul Vincent Saunders, Giovanni Antonio Marengo
  • Patent number: 8286323
    Abstract: An assembly system and method for assembling an aircraft wing box or other structure that may define an interior area accessible through at least one access opening are provided. The method includes inserting a robot having an assembly tool mounted thereto into the interior area through the at least one access opening. The assembly tool may be positioned at a fastener location, and may be clamped to the structure. A hole may be made through the structure, and a fastener may be installed in the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Chin H. Toh, Edward Bruce Harman, Branko Sarh
  • Patent number: 8286337
    Abstract: A mattress material removal device for bedding mattresses comprising a fixed base member 15 in FIG. 4 with at least one side panel 4 and 5 in FIG. 1, at least one overhead portion 14 in FIG. 3 and at least one guide rail 2 in FIG. 1 adapted to secure and guide the mattress over the base member 15 as it moves through the removal device; at least one brush member 12 in FIG. 5 that makes contact with the top, bottom and side of the mattress; at least one suction member 6 in FIG. 5 positioned in close proximity to at least one brush member 12; at least one sprinkler device that is positioned in close proximity to the brush member 12; a conveyor mechanism 7 and 10 in FIG. 2 which is adapted to move the mattress so that it is in contact with the components of the removal device; a control device 16 in FIG. 5 that has at least one switch which is adapted to activate and de-activate one or more features of the mattress material removal device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Luke Mills
  • Patent number: 8276260
    Abstract: A positioning device is provided for positioning of a spring leg and a shock damper motor axis when a connection to a body-shaped pieces of a suspension promoter suspended coach industry unit with a mounting stored chassis unit of the vehicle, with the positioning device includes an attachment element Fixture for fixing the direction positioning to mount one of the fixture resistance element jointed affiliated gripping central carrier with a gripper attached to appropriation reach of the spring leg and shock damper, with the gripping means by moving the grief-structural funds his joints in a rest medium defined rest positions to warden can be brought, namely a working position in which the grief by the central taken one spring leg or shock absorbers positioned, and the suspension strut or shock absorbers are not positioned normally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gerhard Köhler, Olaf Recha
  • Patent number: 8225494
    Abstract: A pallet includes a platform and a plurality of support assemblies located at multiple positions on the platform. One support assembly is associated with each location of the component to be supported. Each support assembly has a linkage assembly to support and enable movement of a support element. The support assemblies also each include multiple bases secured to the platform, to position the support element in a desired location for each version of a component. An alignment mechanism on each base allows for rotational alignment of the support element relative to the pallet. An error proofing mechanism compares the selected location of the support element for each of the plurality of support assemblies and provides confirmation and correction information as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nicolas Lauzier, Robin Stevenson
  • Patent number: 8220137
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing caps from tubular containers, including a fixed frame provided with a grasping unit for holding a container in a fixed vertical position and a head assembly which is movable above containers of variable height along the vertical axis thereof. The head assembly has a cap receiving cavity with an upper abutment surface for matching the upper surface of the cap of containers of variable size and is provided with a plurality of movable sharpened elements for catching the cap of the container when received in said cavity. There are provided a first driving unit for moving the sharpened elements towards the cap of the container to catch it and a second driving unit for moving the sharpened elements in at least one further direction to remove the cap from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: INPECO IP Ltd.
    Inventor: Gianandrea Pedrazzini
  • Publication number: 20120175055
    Abstract: A joining device for arranging a component on a component carrier is disclosed. The joining device includes an application system for positioning the component in the joining device and a receptacle for clamping the component carrier in the joining device. The component is arranged on the component carrier by an adapter. A method for arranging the component on the component carrier is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Martin Fessler-Knobel, Roland Huttner
  • Patent number: 8215004
    Abstract: A fabrication line that utilizes a jig pallet that is commonly used in processing equipment to efficiently finish and assemble semifinished products of plural shapes. The jig pallet includes a holding member D for holding a semifinished product W and an opening/closing device G1 for opening and closing the holding member D, and allows the semifinished product W to be mounted and dismounted by opening and closing the holding member D with the opening/closing device G1. The jig pallet is transported to processing equipment M1, M2, and M3 to allow the semifinished product to be processed in the fabrication line. An opening/closing driving device G2 that engages the opening/closing device G1 to open and close the holding member is provided along the fabrication line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Sintokogio, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Tomioka, Tomohisa Nakamura, Susumu Fujita, Takanobu Tozaki
  • Patent number: 8196295
    Abstract: There is provided a control means for controlling movement positions and movement timings of a nozzle elevating means and a nozzle moving means. The control means stores positions and heights of obstacles located between a component supply unit and a circuit board in advance. The control means moves down a nozzle in sync with the time when the nozzle has finished passing over each obstacle after an electronic component has been photographed by a component camera. Alternatively, the control means moves the nozzle in a path to avoid the obstacles. In addition, in a component mounting region, the nozzle moves at a component mounting region movement height and the component is mounted by the nozzle moved down from the component mounting region movement height. Accordingly, it is possible to shorten an elevating stroke of the nozzle (5). In addition, the nozzle can be elevated in an arc trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeki Imafuku, Takeyuki Kawase, Yoichi Tanaka, Osamu Okuda, Takanori Yoshitake, Toshiyuki Kino
  • Patent number: 8191226
    Abstract: A device and method for coupling a pipe and a fitting. The device includes a pipe holder for releasably gripping a pipe, a fitting retainer for releasably retaining a pipe fitting substantially coaxially with a pipe in the pipe holder, and a drive mechanism for driving together the pipe holder and the fitting retainer along a longitudinal axis in a relative motion between them. The device may optionally slide a reinforcing sleeve along the pipe to cover the end of the pipe on the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Sagiv Shitfut Chaklait Be'am
    Inventor: Moty Avnon
  • Patent number: 8186047
    Abstract: The invention is directed to prevention of interference of an operation of mounting proper electronic components and improvement of usability without reduction of a manufacturing speed of printed boards. Suction states of electronic components held by suction by suction nozzles are detected by a line sensor unit. When the detection result shows that there is an improper electronic component, the improper electronic component is disposed of, and after the disposal a component recognition camera takes images of electronic components judged proper as a result of the detection and a recognition processing device performs a recognition process. When the recognition result shows that there is an improper electronic component, the improper electronic component is disposed of, and after the disposal only electronic components judged proper as a result of the recognition are mounted on a printed board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Instruments Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Aoki, Makio Kameda, Yoshihara Fukushima, Katsuyuki Seto, Hideaki Fukushima
  • Publication number: 20120124799
    Abstract: A security system installation kit carries a coded designation of the characteristics of the components of the kit. An installer can use a wireless telephone, which is executing a scanning application, to sense or read the coded designation. The telephone can transmit the component parameters to an installation server. The server can transmit installation instructions back to the telephone. Those instructions can be visually or audibly presented to the installer facilitating the process. The installer, via the telephone and the server, can test the installed components for proper operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Addy
  • Patent number: 8181335
    Abstract: Apparatus for assembling a core for wound sheet material, comprising a tube, a first end member, and a second end member; the apparatus comprising a base, a first chuck for insertion in the first end member, a second chuck for insertion in the second end member, a ram for applying axial pressure such that the first end member is forced into the first end of the tube and the second end member is forced into a second end of the tube, drill devices for drilling fixing apertures, and a monitor device for sensing ambient temperature and enabling the length of the core to be measured at the time of the assembly of the core in the ambient temperature so that the length of the core falls in temperature and length parameters set for subsequent winding of the sheet material on the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Real Time Logistics Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Antony Stanley Milton, Sean Edward Greene
  • Patent number: 8171631
    Abstract: A positioning system used in assembling a scroll-type fluid machine exerts a horizontal thrust on a stationary scroll in a direction opposite to a direction in which an eccentric shaft end portion formed at one end of a rotary shaft is oriented while turning the rotary shaft, and determines an orbital path of the stationary scroll by measuring horizontal displacements thereof. While exerting the horizontal thrust, the positioning system incrementally presses the stationary scroll against a guide frame until a stable orbital path of the stationary scroll is obtained. When the orbital path is judged to be stable, the positioning system determines a fixing point on which the stationary scroll should be fixedly centered with respect to the guide frame, so that a scroll wrap of the stationary scroll and a scroll wrap of an orbiting scroll are correctly intermeshed, forming a series of pockets therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Shinobu Kokubun, Toshiaki Iwasaki, Tomohiro Shirahata
  • Patent number: 8166654
    Abstract: A positioning system used in assembling a scroll-type fluid machine exerts a horizontal thrust on a stationary scroll in a direction opposite to a direction in which an eccentric shaft end portion formed at one end of a rotary shaft is oriented while turning the rotary shaft, and determines an orbital path of the stationary scroll by measuring horizontal displacements thereof. While exerting the horizontal thrust, the positioning system incrementally presses the stationary scroll against a guide frame until a stable orbital path of the stationary scroll is obtained. When the orbital path is judged to be stable, the positioning system determines a fixing point on which the stationary scroll should be fixedly centered with respect to the guide frame, so that a scroll wrap of the stationary scroll and a scroll wrap of an orbiting scroll are correctly intermeshed, forming a series of pockets therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Shinobu Kokubun, Toshiaki Iwasaki, Tomohiro Shirahata
  • Patent number: 8166655
    Abstract: A positioning system used in assembling a scroll-type fluid machine exerts a horizontal thrust on a stationary scroll in a direction opposite to a direction in which an eccentric shaft end portion formed at one end of a rotary shaft is oriented while turning the rotary shaft, and determines an orbital path of the stationary scroll by measuring horizontal displacements thereof. While exerting the horizontal thrust, the positioning system incrementally presses the stationary scroll against a guide frame until a stable orbital path of the stationary scroll is obtained. When the orbital path is judged to be stable, the positioning system determines a fixing point on which the stationary scroll should be fixedly centered with respect to the guide frame, so that a scroll wrap of the stationary scroll and a scroll wrap of an orbiting scroll are correctly intermeshed, forming a series of pockets therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Shinobu Kokubun, Toshiaki Iwasaki, Tomohiro Shirahata
  • Patent number: 8141236
    Abstract: An apparatus for removal of retentive mechanisms retaining a cover of a component device. The apparatus includes a structure. The apparatus also includes a component device positioner coupled to the structure. The apparatus additionally includes a plurality of retentive mechanism removers coupled with the structure. Each of the plurality of retentive mechanism removers are configured for interoperability with each retention mechanism retaining a cover of a component device having a plurality of retention mechanisms disposed therein. The apparatus further includes a drive mechanism that is coupled with the structure. The drive mechanism is for rotation of each of the plurality of retentive mechanism removers, causing removal of each retention mechanism retaining the cover of the component device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Khaled M. Fawzi, Chandrasekaran Nagappan
  • Patent number: 8132316
    Abstract: A tappet clearance setting apparatus includes a screwdriver, a pneumatic portion, and a controller. The screwdriver engages the tappet screw and the pneumatic portion provides a monitored and air flow through an engine cylinder. The controller directs the screwdriver to tighten the tappet until the air flow through the cylinder is indicative of a valve opening. The controller then directs the screwdriver to reverse directions until the sensed air flow indicates that the valve has closed, which further indicates that the tappet screw is in a reference position. From the reference position, the controller directs the screwdriver to loosen the tappet a predetermined amount to establish the desired tappet clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Brent Rankin, Marc McDaniel
  • Patent number: 8117740
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a probe card, a plurality of probe modules, including a sacrificial substrate and probes on the sacrificial substrate, is prepared. The probe modules are mutually aligned to form a probe module assembly having the aligned probe modules and a desired size. The probe module assembly is then attached to a probe substrate. Thus, the probe card having a large size may be manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Phicom Corporation
    Inventors: Ki-Joon Kim, Yong-Hwi Jo, Sung-Young Oh, Jun-Tae Hwang
  • Patent number: 8117725
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of molded components including (a) providing a carrier to a manufacturing assembly; (b) forming the molded components on the carrier, the molded components having a sacrificial portion secured to the carrier and being movable along the carrier, and a functional portion extending from the sacrificial portion, adjacent sacrificial portions are spaced from one another by a first distance; (c) winding the carrier in a forward direction onto the uptake device; and (d) unwinding the uptake device in a reverse direction such that the carrier and molded components move toward the source device, one of the molded components contacts the latch preventing the molded components from moving in the reverse direction such that adjacent sacrificial portions are moved closer together to a second distance that is less than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventor: Vitaly Pesikov
  • Patent number: 8099857
    Abstract: The electrical pin installation apparatus provides a user with a real time video display of the process of pinning an electrical connector body. Such real time video display substantially improves the user's ability to accurately and effectively install electrical pins into electrical connectors without the attendant electrical test equipment and fixturing of prior art devices. The apparatus assists in the pinning process by providing various prompts and guides to guide the user in error-proof pin installation. The apparatus further includes built-in electrical pin insertion and retention load assessment to assure proper insertion and retention loads are applied during the pin installation process. Additionally, the apparatus may include storage of manufacturing data as it is inputted into the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Cirris Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Marlin C. Shelley, Kevin W. Shelley, Michael B. Daley, Scott D. Meredith, Todd D. Rich, Jon A. Bertrand, Brett C. Zufelt, Kevin M. Denning
  • Patent number: 8099860
    Abstract: The invention prevents reduction of a pickup rate even when a storage tape in use and a new storage tape are connected to each other with a connection tape. A component recognition camera takes an image of an electronic component held by a suction nozzle, and a recognition processing device performs recognition processing. When a positional shifting amount calculated by CPU based on the recognition processing result is more than ?, a board recognition camera takes an image of a storage portion of a storage tape storing a next electronic component to be picked up. When a positional shifting amount of the storage portion calculated based on the recognition processing result is more than ?, the CPU enables seam passage processing. Based on the image taking of the storage portion by the board recognition camera and the recognition processing by the recognition processing device which are performed each time the storage tape is fed N times, the CPU controls correction of a pickup position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Instruments Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akio Watanabe, Takuya Imoto, Yoshiharu Fukushima
  • Patent number: 8099856
    Abstract: A crimping system for a fill tube of an industrial process transmitter system comprises a collar, a fill tube and crimp jaws. The collar comprises a passageway for receiving the fill tube, and a seat surrounding the passageway. The fill tube extends through the passageway and seat of the collar. The crimp jaws are positioned within the seat to surround the fill tube, and are inserted into the seat to crimp the fill tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Lutz
  • Patent number: 8096044
    Abstract: An apparatus for setting side glass in a convertible vehicle body, prior to assembly of a convertible top on the vehicle body, includes a fixture adapted to engage multiple convertible top locating points on the vehicle's header and rear deck-lid shelf. Sensors mounted on the fixture detect the position of the raised side glass relative to the locating points and provide relative position information to an assembly operator, for example, through use of LED arrays, whereby the assembly operator can quickly set the side glass to a target position with which to achieve a desired side glass engagement with the convertible top, upon subsequent assembly of the convertible top to the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Jerald P. Roach, Jeffery L. Geill, David F. Hirschmann, Richard Kleinhoffer, Claude Bou-Waked, Richard Holland, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8087140
    Abstract: A processing speed of each mechanisms in a cutting section is controlled such that all polarizing films housed in a container in advance are used in a joining process and simultaneously a new container with polarizing films housed therein that are cut by a size of a liquid crystal panel is loaded from the cutting section. Here, a fracture included in the polarizing film is cut and removed in the cutting section while a delayed time due to this process is shortened by controlling at least a processing speed in a processing mechanism in a cutting mechanism among mechanisms provided in the cutting section and the joining section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Koshio, Kazuo Kitada, Tomokazu Yura, Takuya Nakazono
  • Patent number: 8065790
    Abstract: A sensor assembly includes an insert mounted within a fixed structure and tabs that engaged the insert to secure the sensor assembly in a desired orientation. A cap is assembled over the sensor assembly and the interface between the tabs and the insert to prevent undesired removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Russell Clark
  • Patent number: 8061028
    Abstract: In a positioning apparatus (40), a fixed scroll (34) is positioned with respect to an assembly body (11) in which a compressor motor (25) has been incorporated. In positioning the fixed scroll (34), electric power is supplied to the compressor motor (25) from an inverter (81) to rotate a crank shaft (20) by the compressor motor (25), thereby shifting a movable scroll (31). In the positioning apparatus (40), the shift of the movable scroll (31) leads to calculation of an appropriate position of the fixed scroll (34). A striking unit (70) applies impact force to the fixed scroll (34) to stir the fixed scroll (34) to the appropriate position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Takahashi, Toshihiro Susa, Kazuhiro Furusho, Atsushi Suhara, Takashi Hirouchi, Tetsuo Nakata
  • Patent number: 8051547
    Abstract: An assembly system and method for assembling an aircraft wing box or other structure that may define an interior area accessible through at least one access opening are provided. The method includes inserting a robot having an assembly tool mounted thereto into the interior area through the at least one access opening. The assembly tool may be positioned at a fastener location, and may be clamped to the structure. A hole may be made through the structure, and a fastener may be installed in the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Chin H. Toh, Edward Bruce Harman, Branko Sarh
  • Patent number: 8020301
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hydro dynamic bearing device is provided for the finishing treatment of lubricating oil after lubricating the hydro dynamic bearing device, specifically for properly and effectively wiping off the lubricating oil adhering to the outside of the housing and adjusting the oil-level height of the lubricating oil filled in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Kaimi, Kazuto Shimizu, Kimihiko Bitou, Nao Ishiyama, Nobuyoshi Yamashita
  • Patent number: 8020271
    Abstract: A self-raising form control system and method is provided that that may be used to form elevator shafts and other vertical building structures. The apparatus includes one or more form elements for defining an area to receive a formable material, such as concrete. Each element is attached to the form structure. A lift apparatus is provided for lifting the form elements. The lift apparatus comprises a measurement device for measuring the position of said lift apparatus relative to a fixed point. The lift apparatus is connected to the form structure. A control unit is provided for controlling the lift apparatus. The control unit is signal connected to the measurement device and is signal connected to the lift apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Norton Baum
    Inventors: Norton Baum, Norman John Dziedzic, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8015695
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for internally reinstating a connection in a lined conduit is provided. The connection may be a branch pipe or corporation stop that may or may not protrude into the conduit. It may be milled prior to lining. The process includes the step of locating the connection visually or with a probe, such as all eddy current probe. forming at an opening in the lining at the connection and then installing a T-nut with a sealing gasket facing the liner to hold the liner in place and form a seal between the T-nut and liner and the connection. The apparatus includes a motor coupled to a turntable with drive to install the T-nut and a supply of T-nuts mounted on a slide for loading the T-nuts onto the drive for installation of the T-nuts without having to remove the assembly between each installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: INA Acquisition Corp.
    Inventors: Richard C. Polivka, Keith B. Oxner, Stephen B. Heuiser
  • Patent number: 8006378
    Abstract: A positioning system used in assembling a scroll-type fluid machine includes a radial thrust mechanism driving motor for turning a radial thrust mechanism in synchronism with rotational phase of a rotary shaft, a vertical pressing mechanism for producing a vertical pressing force for pressing a stationary scroll against a frame, a displacement sensor for measuring horizontal displacements of a stationary scroll retaining mechanism from at least two directions, a first processor for calculating an orbital path of the stationary scroll from obtained measurement values, a second processor for evaluating stability of the orbital path of the stationary scroll based on vertical pressing force data and the orbital path of the stationary scroll, and a third processor for calculating a fixing point on which the stationary scroll is to be fixedly centered with respect to the frame when the orbital path of the stationary scroll is judged to be stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Shinobu Kokubun, Toshiaki Iwasaki, Tomohiro Shirahata
  • Patent number: 8001674
    Abstract: An exemplary automatic disassembly machine is used for detaching a cover from a main body of a portable electronic device. The cover defines a hole therein. The automatic disassembly machine includes a holder, a mechanical hand, a power source, and a controller. The mechanical hand is fixed on the holder. The mechanical hand has an inserting element, and a positioning element. The inserting element is configured for inserting into the hole of the cover and lifting the cover up from the portable electronic device. The positioning element is configured for positioning the cover. The power source connects to the mechanical hand for driving the mechanical hand. The controller connects to the mechanical hand and the power source for respectively controlling the positioning element and the inserting element to detach the cover from the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kun Chen, Chin-Tsan Huang, Dong-Cheng Liu
  • Patent number: 8001673
    Abstract: The present invention provides a clamping device for a vehicle body transfer cart, in which a rotation unit for rotating a cart unit, an air supply unit for supplying air to the cart unit, and an electrical signal unit for transmitting an electric signal to the cart unit are installed in a single processing device such that the structure of the device is simplified, the number of components is decreased to reduce manufacturing and installation costs, the structure of the cart unit is improved to be suitable for the clamping device, and thus the weight of the cart unit is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Myeon Gi Hur
  • Patent number: 7963017
    Abstract: The method is used for automated tightening of a screwed joint (16), which is fitted to a component (10) in advance and contains a screw (12) and a nut (14), using a programmable industrial robot system (18). In this case, the invention provides that the industrial robot system (18) has a first robot (20) with a screw driving head (22) and a second robot (24) with a mating holding head (26). In order to tighten the screwed joint (16) on the component (10), the screw driving head (22) is positioned in a defined screw driving position, and the mating holding head (26) is positioned in a defined mating holding position in order to produce an interlocking connection, which is suitable for tightening of the screwed joint (16), between the mating holding head (26) and the nut (14), as well as between the screw driving head (22) and the screw (12). The screwed joint (16) on the component (10) is tightened with a predeterminable fixing torque. The interlocking connections are then disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Ehleiter, Willi Klumpp, Uwe Pfister, Thomas Prager, Michael Schunko
  • Patent number: 7954231
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clip machine comprising two closing tools that are movable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position in order to close clips, and further comprising adjusting means designed to set the neutral position of a closing tool and hence the gap between the closing tools, in particular in their closed position (closure gap). The clip machine includes a measuring device configured to measure a closing force applied when closing a clip, or a parameter proportional to said closing force, and to output a measured value representing the closing force or the parameter proportional thereto. The invention also relates to a method for adjusting such a clip machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Poly-clip System GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Meyrahn, Detlef Ebert
  • Patent number: 7900344
    Abstract: A cable assembly apparatus for coupling a connector to a cable having a base supporting an interface pedestal dimensioned to receive the connector; an inductor coil coupled to an inductor coil actuator operable to move the inductor coil between a load position and an operation position proximate the interface pedestal; a grip clamp operable by a clamp actuator to move between an open position and a closed position above the interface pedestal; and a temperature sensor configured to read a temperature proximate the interface pedestal. A method for using the apparatus retains the pre-assembled connector and cable in an aligned orientation for controlled heating by the induction heater to heat a solder preform to solder the connector to an outer conductor of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventors: Raymond H. Ng, James B. Davis, Jim Carlock, Mike Quinlan, Rich Gudgel
  • Patent number: 7895733
    Abstract: A screwing apparatus includes a support member having a horizontal support surface. A single urging member has an urging surface opposed to the support surface. The urging surface is set parallel to the support surface. A driving mechanism is configured to drive at least one of the support member and the urging member to move to change the distance between the support member and the urging member. Driver bits have the tip ends opposed to the support surface, respectively. The driver bits are driven to move toward and away from the urging surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toshiba Storage Device Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Ishibashi, Satoru Osada
  • Publication number: 20110023650
    Abstract: A clamp replacing apparatus includes a robot arm, a clamp and a connecting assembly configured for detachably connecting the clamp to the robot arm. The connecting assembly includes a first rotator and a second rotator. The first rotator is fixed to the robot arm and comprises a number of first locking portions each defining a receiving groove. The second rotator is fixed to the clamp and comprises a number of second locking portions corresponding to the first locking portions and each defining a bolt portion. The bolt portion can be received in the corresponding receiving groove or escaped from the receiving groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: SHEN-CHUN LI, SHOU-KUO HSU
  • Patent number: 7874056
    Abstract: An assembling machine with a feeder is provided. The feeder feeds receiving components into an assembler, where a moveable coupling mechanism couples attaching components to the receiving components. Transporting mechanisms coupled to a plurality of drive trains deliver the receiving components across the feeder table and to the assembler. The transporting mechanisms alternate between a plurality of speeds so as to deliver the receiving components to the assembler such that the moveable coupling mechanism may operate at a continuous, periodic rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Box Partition Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon H. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20100275438
    Abstract: A riveting system is operable to join two or more workplaces with a rivet. In another aspect of the present invention, a self-piercing rivet is employed. Still another aspect of the present invention employs an electronic control unit and one or more sensors to determine a riveting characteristic and/or an actuator characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: NEWFREY LLC
    Inventors: Dieter Mauer, Hermann Roeser, Reinhold Opper, Andreas Wojcik, Christian Schoenig
  • Patent number: 7818863
    Abstract: A window glass can be accurately and preferably mounted by correcting a displacement of a curved surface shape of the window glass in the crosswise direction even when there is a displacement of the curved surface shape of the window glass in the crosswise direction. A slit laser beam is irradiated with from slit laser beam irradiators 12c and 12d across the right and left ends of the window glass 6, the circumference of a window glass mounting opening 8, and a windshield pillar section 11; rotation adjustment of the window glass 6 is performed, based on a processed image obtained by image processing of images, which have been photographed with a CCD cameras 10c and 10d, of the slit laser beams, in such a way that clearances in the pressing direction at the right and left ends of the window glass 6 are the same as each other; and the window glass 6 is pressed onto a window glass mounting surface on the circumference of the window glass mounting opening 8 for mounting onto the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiichiro Maekawa, Toshihisa Shimoda, Kenji Kusumegi, Takafumi Murakoshi
  • Publication number: 20100229377
    Abstract: An image taking system including: (a) a CMOS or CCD image sensor; (b) an interest-region setter configured to set regions of interest within an image taking area of the image sensor; (c) an acquiring-condition determiner configured to determine an image-data acquiring condition required for acquiring at least two image data generated in at least two of the regions of interest; and (d) an image-data acquirer configured to acquire the at least two image data. The acquiring-condition determiner includes an exposure-time determining portion configured to determine, as the image-data acquiring conditions, at least two different exposure times required for acquiring the at least two image data generated in the at least two regions of interest. The image-data acquirer includes an exposure-time-based-image-data acquiring portion configured to acquire the at least two image data, such that the acquired at least two image data are based on the at least two different exposure times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: FUJI MACHINE MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takahiro JINDO, Kimihiko YASUDA, Tetsunori KAWASUMI, Yasuhiro YAMASHITA
  • Publication number: 20100230910
    Abstract: A fitting for an active air suspension includes a housing with a central bore and a rigid tube having a first tube end inserted into the central bore with a second tube end extending outwardly of the housing. The first tube end includes a plastically deformed portion that prevents the rigid tube from being removed from the housing. A retention collar is used to secure a hose end to the second tube end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Mark Allen Kleckner, Bryan W. Cicinelli, Jeffrey M. Lloyd, Brian Saylor
  • Patent number: 7780825
    Abstract: A substrate holding and transporting assembly is disclosed. The substrate holding and transporting assembly includes a base plate and a pair of clamps connected to the base plate in a spaced apart orientation, the spaced apart orientation of the pair of clamps enable support of a substrate with at least two independent points. The substrate holding and transporting assembly also includes an electrode assembly connected to the base plate at a location that is substantially between the pair of clamps. The electrode assembly defined to impart an electrical contact to the substrate when present and held by the pair of clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Aleksander Owczarz, Robert Knop, Mike Ravkin, Carl A. Woods
  • Publication number: 20100180432
    Abstract: An actuator mounting assembly includes a cap, a rod, a spring mechanism, and a switch assembly. The cap is adapted to couple to an actuator. The rod extends through the cap and includes a first end adapted to extend through the actuator and a second end adapted to attach to a fixed location. The spring mechanism is disposed in the cap cavity, is compressible, and has a predetermined preload. The switch assembly is disposed in the cap and adapted to sense relative positioning between the rod and the cap and to provide signals based on the sensed relative positioning. When the rod and the cap are in a first relative position, the switch assembly provides a first signal to the actuator to allow the cap to move axially relative to the rod, but when in a second relative position, the switch assembly discontinues providing the first signal to the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: David A. Payne, Jim Kern, Stephen Birn