Abstract: A system and method for guaranteeing that a torque application operation proceeds in a predetermined order. The system and method of the present invention can be used in processes that require the completion of one or more preparatory or post-torque application process steps. The steps of the overall process can be interlocked, so that the order of the process is controlled. Power to certain tool(s) used in the process may be withheld until certain process steps are accomplished, and said tool(s) may be automatically de-energized after the torquing operation is completed. Similarly, power to downstream tools may be withheld if the torquing operation is determined to be unsatisfactory or incomplete. A torque monitor/controller is provided to ensure that all elements requiring torquing are properly serviced, and that the amount of torque applied to each element is satisfactory.

Abstract: A truss fabrication system for fabricating trusses includes a table, a gantry press and an obstruction detection device. A top of the table receives truss components arranged with at least some connector plates engaging at least some of the truss members. The gantry press includes a gantry mounted for movement along a path relative to the table for pressing the connectors into the truss components for joining the truss members together. An obstruction detection device is mounted on the gantry for detecting obstructions in the path of the gantry. The detection device defines a vertical detection plane located a predetermined distance from the gantry and is adapted to detect the presence of all obstructions entering the plane at substantially the same time for stopping movement of the gantry.

Abstract: A machining system (SYS) for carrying out manufacturing in assembly lines is provided with individual tool units (WE1, WE2, . . . , WEn) that each include a holding device (3-1, 3-2, . . . , 3-n). The individual tool units (WE1, WE2, . . . , WEn) also comprise a position determination device (PBE1, PBE2, . . . , PBn) that determines the position of the tool unit along a retaining rail (4), in which the tool units are suspended. A control unit (ST1, ST2, . . . , STn) adjusts machining parameter sets according to the position of the tool units detected in the aforementioned manner. The retaining rail (4) is preferably provided in the form of a retaining rail, in which a conductor rail (11) and a data rail (10) are integrated whereby rendering trailing of the cable unnessary for conducting data communications and for supplying power.

Abstract: A spring (18) is interposed between the sliding carriage (6) carrying a hammer (13) for driving-in and the actuator rod. The spring is mounted on the head (15) of a push rod, which carries a push contact (16) surrounded by an insulating washer (17). A O pad (20) is housed in the central opening of another insulating washer (19) supported by the spring. These detection means are activated when the spring is compressed in response to the stapling effort required at the moment when a staple comes up against the frame mouldings to be assembled. Application in frame-assembling machines.

Abstract: A method for the automatable insertion or removal of an integrated circuit board is disclosed. One or more linear actuators or similar devices are coupled to one or more cards of an electronic device (e.g., a telecommunications switch or the like) by one or more brackets, to permit substantially automatic card withdrawal/insertion cycles. A controller is operably coupled to the actuators. The controller controls the actuators to operate through a plurality of cycles in a substantially unattended fashion. Measurement and recording or logging systems can measure the occurrence or duration of service disruptions and maintain a log of test results.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided with position sensors. When the apparatus has moved one tubular into alignment with another tubular a button on a remote control console is pressed to memorize the position. After the next tubular has been gripped by the apparatus a “recall” button is pressed and the apparatus automatically moves the next tubular to the memorized position. This saves vital seconds in joining tubulars and also reduces the likelihood of threads being damaged due to misalignment of the tubulars.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus 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.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing an operation on a circuit substrate, the apparatus including a plurality of operating devices which are provided in a space that is closed and opened by a safety cover and one of which performs the operation on the circuit substrate, a safety-cover switch which is switchable to an ON state thereof corresponding to a closed state of the safety cover, and to an OFF state thereof corresponding to an opened state of the safety cover, a maintenance-related control device which keeps, in a maintenance mode, at least one of the operating devices to a state thereof in which the one operating device is operable, and a maintenance-mode setting switch which cooperates with the safety-cover switch to provide a parallel circuit, and which is selectively operable to an ON state thereof in which the maintenance-mode setting switch allows setting of the maintenance mode, and to an OFF state thereof in which the maintenance-mode setting switch does not allow the setting of the maintenance mode.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of a fastening system includes a self-piercing fastener having a thread-like pattern. In another aspect of the present invention, a fastener insertion machine employs an electromagnetic actuator without fluid actuation. A further aspect of the present invention uses a rotary-to-linear transmission within the machine to advance the fastener. In still another aspect of the present invention a self-piercing fastener is a clinch nut or a clinch stud.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a track mounted in the inlet of a compressor. A manipulator is mounted for movement about the track and carries three modules, the last of which mounts a tool head for movement in a Cartesian coordinate system and about the track. A measuring head measures the location of the airfoil surface. An abrading tool mounted on the third module removes surface material from the airfoil. Subsequently, a shot-peening device, either a flapper with embedded shot or free shot is impacted against the abraded surface to strengthen the surface. Final inspection is performed by a light and camera head mounted on the third module.

Abstract: Method for component verification during operation of a placement machine having a series of feeder slots for holding component feeders with feeder markers. For verification, whether the right component has been picked up, it is necessary to determine the ID of the actual slot. The method according to the invention determines the actual slot ID from the sequence list of the placement machine.

Abstract: The machine includes a movable carriage (5) carrying an application gun (8) filled with pins for application, which is movable above a work station composed of a table (1) carrying an endless belt (2). The machine is provided with a rack (10) for storing a plurality of guns (8) pre-filled with pins, which rack can be accessed by a gripping holder (7) carried by the carriage (5). A detector mounted on the gun can ascertain the absence of a pin in the frame at the application location and instruct the movement of the holder towards the rack.

Abstract: A system for verifying the quality of a pressing operation of a press-fit part onto a receiving portion of a receiving assembly. The system is applicable to the installation of a bearing cup onto a shaft, or a valve seat into a cylinder head. A probe measures a predetermined dimension of the press-fit part to establish a first measurement value. In the case of a valve seat installed a receiving pocket of a cylinder head, a measuring probe is inserted into the receiving pocket of the cylinder head to measure its depth. The depth is recorded as a second measurement value. The valve seat is then pressed into the pocket, and the residual depth is measured to determine the distance between the outermost surface of the pressed in valve seat and the outer surface of the receiving pocket. A computation compares the depth of the pocket against the thickness of the valve seat to determine a difference which is then compared to the residual depth.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for loading and assembling disposable hand-held label applicators (“labelers”) in which individual unbacked labels are cut and loaded in a stacked arrangement into a tubular labeler. The labeler is operable in the rapid and flexible fashion necessary to utilize the devices on irregularly shaped objects, as well as flat surfaces, without the need for mechanisms designed to peel away a backing material or rollers to apply moisture or adhesive to a label before application.

Abstract: An electrically operated chucking apparatus including (a) an electrically operated chuck including at least two movable members movable toward and away from each other, and at least two drive devices which include respective electrically operated actuators operable to move the at least two movable members, respectively, toward and away from each other, and (b) a control device operable to control the at least two drive devices, and wherein the control device includes: a drive control portion operable to control the at least two drive devices such that each of at least one of an actual position and an actual speed of movement of the at least two movable members changes toward a predetermined target value; and a load detecting portion operable to detect a load acting on the at least two movable members during operation of the drive control portion to control the at least two drive device.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system are for operating an automatic component mounting unit for mounting an electrical component onto a substrate of an electrical assembly. The automatic component mounting unit utilizes a number of different mounting members, such as a head, feeding and sensor members, for mounting a variety of different components. Each of the mounting members includes a data storage device. The automatic component mounting unit also includes a control device for communicating with a data storage device of each of the mounting members for processing an amount of process data that is specific to each of the mounting members and that is generated prior to installation. As a result, the mounting members are readily configured for optimal use upon installation of the mounting members.

Abstract: A mounting head unit for an electronic component for making a pick-up operation of the electronic component and loading operation thereof is removably attached to a head mounting bracket of an electronic component mounting device. Each mounting head unit is provided with a control board for controlling the a mounting mechanism including a plurality of unit mounting heads each equipped with an adsorption nozzle for holding the electronic component. In the mounting operation, on the basis of the operation command from a main unit control section for controlling the entire operation of the electronic component mounting device, the control board controls the operation of each of the unit mounting heads. In this way, the replacement of wirings in replacing the mounting head can be easily made and the time delay in signal processing can be removed to realize the high speed operation.

Abstract: The bump ball crimping apparatus of the present invention is characterized in comprising an alignment plate 31 for aligning bump balls; a crimping table 32 on which the wafer to which bump balls are to be crimped is mounted; a crimping plate 42 that crimps the bump balls onto the bonding pads of the wafer; a Y-axis moving mechanism 35 that can move the alignment plate 31 in the Y direction and can fasten it at a predetermined position; an X-axis moving mechanism that can move the alignment plate 31 in the X direction and can fasten it at a predetermined position; and a second Y-axis moving mechanism 37 that can move the crimping table 32 in the Y direction and can fasten it at a predetermined position.

Abstract: A vibration control system comprising an actuator, and a sensor useful for controlling vibrations in systems for fabricating electronics equipment. The actuator may comprise one or more plates or elements of electro-active material bonded to an electroded sheet.

Abstract: An assembly system for automatic installation of a roof module in a vehicle body comprises an adhesive bonding station, in which a cylindrical dose of adhesive is applied to the inside of the roof module, and an assembly robot, whereby the roof module is then inserted into the body delivered on an assembly line. For accurate positioning and fixing of the roof module in the roof opening of the body, the assembly robot is provided with a floatingly mounted assembly tool. On the assembly tool are provided centering tools by which the assembly tool can be positioned with high accuracy relative to the roof module and the body. In addition, fixing hooks are provided on the assembly tool and permit a controlled firm pressing on the roof module into the roof opening of the body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an apparatus for pressing an optical component into an optical housing. The apparatus generally includes a fixture configured to support the optical housing, a press tool configured to press the optical component into the optical housing, and a controller in electrical communication with the press tool, the controller being configured to control the press operation. The apparatus may further include a camera positioned in an optical path of the optical housing, the camera being configured to receive an optical output of the optical component and transmit data representative of the output to the controller for use in controlling the press operation. The controller is generally configured to use the optical measurements taken by the camera to control the pressing operation such that the optical source or lens is pressed to an optimal longitudinal position within the optical housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling motorcycle frames includes a conveyor defining a path of travel and at least one pallet movable along the conveyor through at least one workstation. The pallet supports at least one rotatable frame for receiving individual components and/or sub-assemblies in fixed relationship with respect to one another in a geometry fixture. The angular position of the rotatable frame and supported geometry fixture can be reoriented about an axis of rotation by engagement with a drive motor. The rotatable frame is normally locked in an angular orientation with respect to the pallet. When the movable section of the conveyor and supported pallet are moved, the movable section of the conveyor is guided between raised and lowered positions with respect to the workstation, and the support pallet is accurately and repeatably positioned with respect to the workstation for automated processing operations at the workstation.

Abstract: An automated de-banding machine which can perform by scanning the surface of the pallet to determine the number and position of bands to be removed. The machine also is capable of analyzing to determine the overlay bands from underlay bands. The overlay bands are removed first and typically fed individually to a chopper which chops the bands into pieces for recycling. The band information may be recorded and used to facilitate handling of a similar type of pallet in future operations to eliminate any stoppage for determination of retooling or adjustment.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for and a method of transporting sliders to the slider insertion area (27) of a slider insertion device (18). A first sensor (30) on a sender track (20) detects a lack of sliders (21) in the sender track. A signal is sent from the first sensor (30) to a controller (24) to actuate a vibratory bowl (14) of sliders (21), and a first solenoid operated plunger (34) thereby releasing the sliders (21) to the sender track (20). Air connections (38) pneumatically push the sliders (21) along the sender track (20) to a second solenoid-operated plunger (44). When a second sensor (46) detects a lack of sliders in the loading rack (26), the second sensor (46) signals the controller (24) to actuate a second solenoid-operated plunger (44) and a solenoid-operated pneumatic valve (48). The second solenoid-operated plunger (44) opens a passage and the pneumatic valve (48) opens to provide an air blast, thereby launching the sliders (21) into the feed tube (22) and onto the slider insertion area (27).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a valve stem to the rim of an automotive vehicle wheel includes rims being supplied in series by a conveyor to a gauging station where the type and/or size of the rim and the location and alignment of an aperture for receiving the valve stem is determined by a machine vision system. An electronic control system directs a robotic manipulator to grasp either the valve stem or the rim, move the valve stem or the rim to a mounting station, position the valve stem or the rim with respect to the other such that the aperture in the rim is in coaxial alignment with the valve stem, and insert the valve stem through the aperture in the rim. If necessary, a power-actuated nut runner, mounted on the robotic manipulator or adjacent the mounting station, is used to tighten a nut over the valve stem.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a sensing element in a sensing chamber defined by two cases, one of which is crimped to the other. An internal pressure of the chamber is affected by a crimping force. In the manufacturing process of the pressure sensor, the internal pressure is monitored during crimping the cases. To monitor the internal pressure, the sensing element of the pressure sensor is used. An output signal of the sensing element is sent to a crimping machine. The crimping machine controls a crimping force based on the output signal.

Abstract: A method for regulating a device used for fixing aircraft airframe pieces in connection with assembly of airframe parts, where the device consists of a rig comprising a matrix of rails that can slide in such a way that a number of fixing elements attached to the rails can be positioned freely along three co-ordinates x, y, z in space within a given volume, where a manipulator grasps a fixing element after which the fixing element is moved by the manipulator to the given co-ordinate, and where the rails on which a fixing element is arranged is locked in relation to the rig by an automatic locking function initiated by the manipulator, thereby fixing the fixing element's position in space and the setting procedure is repeated for a predetermined number of fixing elements on the rig.

Abstract: A method and system for transferring a plurality of integrated circuit dies from a first surface to a second surface is described. The second surface is positioned to be closely adjacent to the first surface that has a plurality of dies attached thereto. A distance is reduced between the first surface and the second surface until the plurality of dies contact the second surface and attach to the second surface due to an adhesiveness of the second surface. The first surface and second surface are moved apart. The plurality of dies remain attached to the second surface.

Abstract: The invention describes a displacement unit (1) for example for supply, manipulation, guiding or control systems of mounting parts (2), with components (3, 4) that can be adjusted relative to one another by means of a drive unit (5) and with at least one guiding device (6) for at least one of the components (3; 4) and a control unit (7). At least one member (8) of the control unit (7) used for processing logic information or bus information is integrated into the drive unit (5) and/or into at least one of the components (3; 4) and/or is mounted on one of the components (3; 4).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a workpiece, such as an automotive fuel tank, that includes a connection between a male connector and a female connector, one of which includes a tab that is only removable following the connection. The tab includes a computer-readable code that is read by the computer. During manufacturing, the workpiece is loaded into a workstation, the connection is made, and the tab is removed. The tab is presented to a computer to verify the connection. In the event that a command is received to release the workpiece and the computer has not verified the connection, the computer issues an alert. In a workstation that comprises a computer-controlled release mechanism, a preferred alert comprises a refusal to release the workpiece prior to verification of the connection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing a honeycomb body, which comprises a roll part for supplying a thin metal flat sheet via several rolls; a part for measuring the length of feed of the flat sheet which is fed through said roll part for supplying a flat sheet; a roll part for supplying a corrugated sheet to overlap the same onto said flat sheet via several rolls; a winding roll of a honeycomb body which is made by folding the overlapping flat and corrugated sheets in feed into a roll; a part for measuring the rotation angle of said winding roll; and a control part, which is connected respectively to said part for measuring the length and said part for measuring the rotation angle, wherein said control part controls the amount of winding of a honeycomb body by receiving and computing the measurement values therefrom.

Abstract: A self-piercing type rivet setting system 30 comprises: a rivet swaging assembly 35; a robot 6 which moves the rivet swaging assembly 35 to put it in position relative to a predetermined site on a workpiece to be riveted; a single integrated controller 31 made up by an integration of a controller for controlling a riveting operation of the rivet swaging assembly and a controller for controlling the motion of the robot; and a rivet feeder 9 for automatically feeding a self-piercing type rivet to the rivet swaging assembly. From the integrated controller 31, a interface cable 33 extends to the robot 6 and another interface cable 34 extends to the rivet feeder 9, and the rivet swaging assembly 35 is integrally incorporated into the robot 6.

Abstract: A chip transfer apparatus includes a first carrier for feeding chips and a second carrier for carrying works on it. The transfer apparatus also includes a transfer engine including two or more coaxial revolvers, which can revolve coaxially with each other. Each of the coaxial revolvers includes an end-effector for receiving a chip from the first carrier and transferring the received chip onto a work on the second carrier. The end-effectors of the coaxial revolvers are arranged in a circle coaxial with the revolvers. The end-effectors sequentially receive chips from the first carrier at substantially zero speed relative to the first carrier and transfer the received chips onto works on the second carrier at substantially zero speed relative to the second carrier. While the end-effectors are revolving, they undergo periodic speed change control for timing adjustment and speed adjustment for the chip reception and transfer.

Abstract: A fastener delivery and installation system is provided that comprises an end effector mounted on an automated machine and operable to drill a hole through a workpiece and insert a fastener through the hole, and a fastener feed unit operable with the automated machine to deliver the fasteners through the end effector and into the workpiece. Further, a hand-held tool is operable against a second surface of the workpiece and is aligned with the end effector. Once the hand-held tool is positioned properly, a magnetic field is generated and the workpiece is clamped to enable the end effector to drill a hole through the workpiece and insert a fastener therethrough. Additionally, a detector is located on the hand-held tool for generating guidance information to inform an operator where to move the hand-held tool so as to align the hand-held tool with the end effector.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A fastener system for multi-piece swage type fasteners, including a pin and a collar, and providing a stump type fastener constructed to be set as a pull type fastener with the fastener pin having a threaded gripping portion and including a compact installation tool having a swage anvil and a rotary threaded member adapted to be threaded onto the threaded pull portion of the pin whereby a relative axial force is applied between the pin and the collar via the rotary threaded member and swage anvil to cause the anvil to radially overengage the collar to swage it into locking grooves on the pin and the pull portion remaining on the pin after installation and with the swage anvil being connected to a piston rod of a piston for axially reciprocating movement for swaging the collar with the rotary threaded member being axially fixed and with the swage anvil and rotary threaded member being offset from the remainder of the tool whereby the tool can be used to install such fasteners in applications of limited clearan

Abstract: A more reliable and fool-proof method and apparatus for assembling an article of assembly (e.g. with predetermined screw torque requirements) in which the article of assembly has multiple fastening locations. The method comprises holding the article of assembly fixed while providing at least two different types of targets fixed relative to the article of assembly that correspond to the individual fastening locations. Fasteners are fastened into the article of assembly at the fastening locations. When fastening is occurring at one of the fastening locations, one of the targets is being sensed. Based on the target sensed, a target output is generated that differentiates between different types of targets thereby indicating fastening location of the fastening tool. The electronic target output is used for electronic control such as for stopping a conveyor to keep the article of assembly at an assembly station until the fastening operations have been completed.

Abstract: A system for verifying the quality of a pressing operation of a press-fit part onto a receiving portion of a receiving assembly. The system is applicable to the installation of a bearing cup onto a shaft, or a valve seat into a cylinder head. A probe measures a predetermined dimension of the press-fit part to establish a first measurement value. In the case of a valve seat installed a receiving pocket of a cylinder head, a measuring probe is inserted into the receiving pocket of the cylinder head to measure its depth. The depth is recorded as a second measurement value. The valve seat is then pressed into the pocket, and the residual depth is measured to determine the distance between the outermost surface of the pressed in valve seat and the outer surface of the receiving pocket. A computation compares the depth of the pocket against the thickness of the valve seat to determine a difference which is then compared to the residual depth.

Abstract: A miniaturized integrated sensor (50) useful for indicating the presence of a sample analyte is disclosed. The sensor (50) has a platform (52) with an upper surface (53) and a detector (62), light source (60), waveguide (58), and reflective fixtures (60, 62) embedded in the platform (52). The light source (60) is preferably a light emitting diode and sits in a cup-shaped dimple (68) that directs light from the light source (60) toward one of the reflective fixtures (64) to uniformly distribute light across the waveguide (58). The waveguide (58) is coupled to an upper surface (53) of the sensor platform (52) and is coated with a thin film of indicator chemistry (70) which interacts with the sample analyte to produce optic signal changes that are measurable by the detector (62). A lead frame (51) in the platform (52) has pins (54, 55, 56) which provide the interface to the outside world.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing or processing articles includes smart microcontroller boards which cooperate with sensors and a communication system to monitor and control manufacturing processes. Microcontroller boards disposed within a container create a microprocessor module which is secured to the apparatus for controlling the same responsive to information provided to them. Sensors are provided for monitoring operation of the apparatus and providing such information to the microcontroller boards. The communication system provides for communication between the sensors and the microcontroller boards, among microcontroller boards and between the microcontroller boards and other portions of the apparatus which are to be subjected to responsive control. In a preferred embodiment, the microcontroller boards are positioned within a container which is secured in a recess in the apparatus and has an overlying material covering the boards. A plurality of microcontroller modules may be employed in a system.

Abstract: A process for designing spacecraft structural elements (20, 30) that increases spacecraft structure intrinsic damping to relax stiffness design constraints that are necessary for precision pointing requirements. The process includes specifically designing the spacecraft structural elements (20, 30) to have a stiffness that is intrinsically not suitable to meet mission pointing performance requirements in order to reduce weight and volume. To overcome this deficiency, the structural elements (20, 30) are equipped with strain energy control elements (44) that sense strain in the structural elements (20, 30) from on-board and external disturbances, and provide actuation of the structural elements (20, 30) to counteract the sensed strain. The strain energy control elements (44) can be any suitable control element that senses strain and actuates the structural element (20, 30), such as piezoelectric electric or electrostrictive control elements.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing or processing articles includes smart microcontroller boards which cooperate with sensors and a communication system to monitor and control manufacturing processes. Microcontroller boards disposed within a container create a microprocessor module which is secured to the apparatus for controlling the same responsive to information provided to them. Sensors are provided for monitoring operation of the apparatus and providing such information to the microcontroller boards. The communication system provides for communication between the sensors and the microcontroller boards, among microcontroller boards and between the microcontroller boards and other portions of the apparatus which are to be subjected to responsive control. In a preferred embodiment, the microcontroller boards are positioned within a container which is secured in a recess in the apparatus and has an overlying material covering the boards. A plurality of microcontroller modules may be employed in a system.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus (with a corresponding method) for manufacturing a magnetic wound core of a toroidal transformer. The apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a control device for controlling the apparatus based on parameters of the core material and the wound core, a supplying device for providing the core material ribbon, a cutting device for cutting the lateral edges of the core material ribbon under the control of the control device, and a winding device for receiving and winding the core material ribbon into the wound core.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for the assembly of body components to an automotive body that has undergone a progressive series of framing and welding steps so as to produce a structurally rigid body frame, termed a body-in-white. More specifically, this invention relates to creating a new net locating scheme (X-Y-Z coordinate system) for a body-in-white to direct associated tooling to create net attachment features on said rigid body frame so that components may be attached to said automotive body at a net location eliminating the need for any slip plane attachment techniques.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention concerns a process for forming an elongated strip for use in making two tone muntin bars. An elongated strip of muntin bar material is provided that has been treated on at least a portion of one side to define an exposed surface of a completed muntin bar fabricated from the muntin bar material. An elongated strip of covering material is also provided for controlled application onto a specified portion of a surface of the muntin bar material. The elongated strip of covering material includes an adhesive for adhering the covering material to the muntin bar material. The muntin bar material and the covering material are brought into contact with each other thereby causing the covering material to overlie and adhere to the muntin bar material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a machine and a method for assembling blower wheels. The machine comprises a drive motor rotatably coupled to a first die, whereon a plurality of blower wheel components reside. A second die is oppositely disposed from the first die, and is operable to engage one or more of the plurality of blower wheel components. A transfer gear assembly rotatably couples the first die and the second die, wherein a rotation of the first die generally transfers to the second die, and wherein the rotation of first die and the second die is generally synchronized. A two-stage press is coupled to the first die and the second die, and is operable to axially compress the blower wheel components between the first die and the second die. A deforming member is operable to deform the hub during the compression of the blower wheel components. One or more springs couple the second die to the press, wherein the second die is operable to axially translate with respect to the press.

Abstract: An assembly tool for insertion of engine piston/rod assemblies into an engine cylinder includes a frame, a support arm pivotally carried on the frame, an insertion cylinder carried by the support arm and including an extendable insertion rod having an end adapted to engage a piston in position for insertion; a positioner for positioning the support arm in an insertion position with the rod end engaging a piston; and a control for actuating the insertion rod to insert a piston/rod assembly into the cylinder. Various additional features of an exemplary embodiment are also disclosed.

Abstract: A crimping installation with first and second crimping stations includes at each station a device platform with device stations and a crimp press. A cable is advanced by a tape drive whereby the leading cable end is taken over by a first grip arm arranged on a first swivel arm, which supplies the stripped cable end to the first crimping station. After the leading cable end is provided with a crimping contact, a first swivel arm moves backwards into an axis of the tape drive. Then the tape drive continues to advance the cable until the desired length of a cable section is reached. A separation and a stripping station separates the cable section from the cable and removes the insulation at the cable ends. The lagging cable end of the cable section is taken over by a second grip arm arranged on a second swivel arm which supplies the lagging cable end to the second crimping station for assembly with a crimping contact.

Abstract: 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.