Abstract: An automatic collimator manufacturing apparatus includes a loading part being loaded a glass tube, into which a GRIN lens is fixedly inserted, and a pigtail formed with at least one fiber, an angle aligning part allowing the pigtail to be inserted into the glass tube and coaxially aligning the pigtail with the GRIN lens, a spot aligning part controlling an optical property between the pigtail and the GRIN lens, and a dispensing part fixedly attaching the pigtail to the glass tube. With this automatic collimator manufacturing apparatus, a product reliability increases, a production time period is shortened, and a productivity of a collimator is enhanced.

Abstract: A piston insertion machine for inserting piston assemblies into respective cylinders of an internal combustion engine. The piston insertion machine eliminates the need for individually lifting and inserting the piston assemblies into the respective cylinders. The piston insertion machine includes a barrel assembly for holding the piston assembly. A first set of components pivot the piston barrel assembly (and thus the piston assembly) from an upright position to a horizontal position. Another component inserts the piston assembly into the cylinder of the engine block.

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: The present invention concerns a controllable holding and mounting device for use with the construction of an insulated glass window. The mounting device includes a mounting frame and a tie-bar. A positioning laying-on device is connected to the tie-bar and adapted to support a spacer frame for the window. The spacer frame is fixed into position in the mounting device by a distance positioning supporting device that engages the spacer frame and fixes it between the supporting device and the laying-on device. A gripping device is provided that is adapted to support and position a muntin within the spacer frame. A screwing device that is movable relative to the spacer frame is also provided and is capable of driving a screw through the spacer frame and into the muntin to thereby secure the muntin to the spacer frame.

Abstract: A machine for automatically applying snap fasteners on a support, such as a fabric, comprises a sensor for sensing the instantaneous value of the riveting pressure applied to the machine punch elements. With respect to prior machines for automatically applying snap fasteners, the machine according to the invention provides the advantage that the snap fastener can be applied to a fabric with a proper riveting pressure, so as to prevent both excessive pressures, which could damage the fabric, and insufficient pressures, which could not provide a proper connection of the snap fastener on the support, from being generated.

Abstract: There is described a manufacturing system comprising a production system operable to process starting materials to output a product. In an embodiment, the manufacturing system includes a sensor which is operable to generate a data signal representative of a parameter of the production system, the sensor having associated therewith a signalling device comprising a retro-reflecting modulator which receives an incoming light beam from a good signalling device associated with a system manager, modulates the incoming light beam in accordance with the data signal, and retro-reflects the modulated light beam conveying the data signal back to the second signalling device.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically inserting insulating material into the slots of armatures of electric motors generally includes means for feeding a continuous web of insulating material beyond a cutting device, cutting the insulative material at a predetermined length, bending the insulative material to comport with the shape of an armature slot, inserting the insulative material into the slot, and indexing the armature for further insertion of insulative materials. The apparatus further comprises electronically programmable device for automatically determining and communicating the length of the insulative material to be cut based on the dimensions of the armature, automatically feeding, cutting, bending, and inserting the insulative material into the armature slot, and automatically indexing the armature for the insertion of additional insulative materials.

Abstract: A force-controlling robot having a function of drawing a fitting part from a receiving part. A fitting part held by a robot hand is moved form an approach start position in a set approach direction under speed and force control. When the fitting part comes in contact with a receiving part and a reaction force thereof exceeds a set threshold value, the fitting part is moved under speed and force control with the set target speed and force and in the set inserting/fitting direction so as to perform fitting. If stoppage occurs before the fitting is completed, the fitting part is moved under speed and force control in the set drawing direction and with the set target drawing speed and drawing force, to draw the fitting part from the receiving part. As the drawing operation is automatically performed, restoration is automatically made without manual operation even if stoppage occurs in the fitting operation. Further, assembled parts can be automatically disassembled.

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: A method as well as an apparatus manufactures a punch riveted joint, wherein at least two layers are pressed by a holding-down device against the die and a rivet, in particular a semitubular rivet, is provided for joining the layers. The holding-down device is connected by a coupling unit to the punch in such a way that during a punch riveting operation a coupling of the holding-down device to the punch may be varied between a substantially rigid coupling state and an uncoupled state.

Abstract: A method for self-programming a computerized power nutrunner control system for tightening a number of similar screw joints to a desired final torque level (MF) is provided. The method includes the steps of: (i) tightening initially at a low speed one of the screw joints up to the final torque level (MF), while detecting and analyzing one or more screw joint characteristics, (ii) adjusting successively during a number of succeeding tightening processes one or more nutrunner operating parameters with respect to the detected and analyzed screw joint characteristics, and (iii) locking the self-programming after the nutrunner operating parameters have been adjusted to accomplish a safe tightening of respective following ones of the screw joints to the final torque level (MF) at a satisfactory short time interval.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing rivets or other fasteners through a workpiece includes an automated machine disposed on one side of the workpiece and a hand-held tool that is manipulated by a single worker located on the opposite side of the workpiece. The automated machine includes an end effector supporting tools such as a drill and a riveter. The automated machine also includes a guide structure adapted to be releasably affixed to the workpiece, and a carriage that travels along the guide structure and supports the end effector so that the end effector can be positioned in various locations along the surface of the workpiece where fasteners are to be installed. The end effector includes an electromagnetic clamping device, and the hand-held tool includes a magnetic clamping block that is attracted by the clamping device to clamp the workpiece therebetween. The end effector generates a positioning signal and the hand-held tool includes a detector for detecting the positioning signal.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the configuration of component feeders in a placement machine having a series of feeder slots for holding the component feeders. The system includes slot markers for installation on the placement machine to correspond to the feeder slots, feeder markers for installation on the component feeders of the placement machine, and a marker detector (e.g., a bar code scanner) adapted to monitor the arrangement of slot markers and feeder markers in the machine while the machine is in operation.

Abstract: Method and system for assembling a multisensor device that includes at least two sensors operable to provide a respective stream of pulses indicative of angular information of a rotating object are provided. The sensors are assembled so that the streams of pulses have an accurate phasing relationship relative to one another. The method allows to provide a sensor carrier. The method further allows to locate the sensor carrier to have a predefined spatial relationship relative to a target wheel. The sensor carrier includes a passageway for receiving each of the sensors. The passageway allows slidable movement to selected ones of the sensors along a phasing axis. As relative movement between the target wheel and the sensor carrier occurs, each of the sensors is energized to provide a respective stream of pulses. A determining action allows to determine the phasing relationship of each stream of pulses relative to one another.

Abstract: An electronic parts mount apparatus for taking out electronic parts from a parts supply section 3 by a transfer head 9 and transporting and mounting the electronic parts to and on a board 2 has a board recognition camera 15 moving independently of the transfer head 9 and advancing to and retreating from the board 2 positioned on a transfer passage 1 for picking up an image of the board 2 to detect the position thereof. The image pickup step of the board 2 by the board recognition camera 15 and the parts taking out step in the parts supply section by the transfer head 9 are performed concurrently. Thus, the tact time can be shortened and the electronic parts can be mounted on the board efficiently.

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: 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 for merging the disc pack, E-block and magnet of a disc drive, the disc pack conveyed to a first selected position in a merge assembly station and moved to a merge slide assembly where calibration measurements of disc pack height and squareness are made at a reference position. The merge slide assembly moves the disc pack from the reference position to a shuttled position, the E-block is moved to an E-block nest assembly where the load arms of the E-block are spread in response to the calibration measurements, and the discs of the disc pack are interweaved between opposing read/write heads of the E-block. A magnet slide assembly positions the magnet to straddle the E-block. The disc pack, E-block and magnet are moved together, maintaining the merged interrelationship, to the basedeck and fastened to the basedeck.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus and method for attaching a ferrule to a fiber, such as an optical fiber. The apparatus may include a ferrule supply, a ferrule support, an adhesive dispenser and a fiber support. Components may be computer controlled and the method may provide for automatic attachment of a ferrule to an optical fiber.

Abstract: There is provided a feeder device for a pick-and-place machine used to surface mount connectors on printed circuit boards. The feeder is designed for use with matrixes of connectors, such as pin headers. The feeders, with the proper conversion kits, can be configured to feed any type and/or size of the connector. Individual connectors are separated from the matrix by the feeder using a rotating clamping device. Preferably, the feeders are microprocessor controlled, use an edge conveyor to transport the strips to the pick point, and pneumatic cylinders to break each pin header from the strip.

Abstract: In a component mounting device in which a component is picked up and mounted on a circuit board by a suction nozzle, an amount of displacement between a center position of the suction nozzle 11 and that of the picked-up component 12 is measured, and when it is larger than a preliminarily determined value, a warning is generated indicating that the parts cassette 3 from which the component 12 has been fed is in abnormal condition, as well as the mounting action of the component 12 is stopped.

Abstract: A system and method for aligning aircraft coordinate systems includes determining a first coordinate in the first coordinate system from a first reflector using a first coordinate positioning device, and determining second and third coordinates in the second coordinate system from second and third reflectors, respectively, using a second coordinate positioning device. The second and third reflectors are disposed at predetermined distances from the first reflector. The system aligns the first and second coordinate systems based on the first, second, and third coordinates and the predetermined distances using a processor.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An automated screening and splining apparatus for continuously seating an elongated flexible spline material in a screen frame having a screen retaining channel along first, second, third and fourth perimeter sides and corners of the screen frame and defining a spline sealing area within the screen retaining channel for receiving spline material therein, and the screen frame having first, second, third and fourth perimeter edges, comprising: (a) frame assembly; (b) slide carriage device mounted on the structural support device having first moving device for latitudinal movement along a y-axis between a third position and a second position, and for latitudinal movement along the y-axis between third position and fourth position; and the slide carriage device having second moving device for longitudinal movement along an x-axis between a second position and a third position, and for longitudinal movement along the x-axis between a fourth position and first position; and (c) a spline dispensing head assembly mou

Abstract: A transfer control system for enabling technicians to insert a piston assembly into a cylinder of an engine block. The transfer control system ensures that only one technician at a single time is capable of controlling the insertion of the piston assembly into the cylinder of the engine block. The transfer control system has a proximity sensor and a first control system in communication with the proximity sensor. A second control system is in communication with the first control system.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a hookplate to a bedrail, including a device that transports bedrails into a hookplate receiving position, a hopper that stores hookplates, a first hookplate pusher sliding under the hopper and pushing a fallen hookplate, a second hookplate pusher clamping onto the hookplate and pushing the hookplate into a hookplate mounting position, a pin supply chamber, pin drivers to determine whether the apertures in the bedrail and hookplate are properly aligned, a holding plate temporarily holding pins, the pin drivers then driving their respective pins into the apertures in the bedrail and hookplate to securely fasten the assembly.

Abstract: A method of producing and checking a screw connection of parts by a screw under the effect of a predetermined initial tension force. Moreover, a connecting device controls the sequence of process steps automatically. A screw is especially designed for the use together with the connecting device. The effective initial tension force within the screw shaft is measured during production of the connection by a pulling force measuring device, for instance a wire strain gauge, arranged at a screw head pulling device of the connecting device. A predetermined initial tension force can be produced first by pulling on a screw head, and then maintained by tightening the screw so far that the screw head contacts a contact area outside of one of the parts to be connected.

Abstract: In assembling a vehicle body frame for a motorcycle by welding front and rear frame subassemblies to each other, the following steps are carried out: a step of positioning left and right rear portions of the front frame subassembly by a pair of front positioning device movable at least in a widthwise direction of the vehicle body frame, a step of clamping a head pipe by a front clamp device which is capable of being moved in vertical and longitudinal directions of the vehicle body frame and is capable of being tilted longitudinally, a step of positioning left and right rear portions of the rear frame subassembly by a pair of rear positioning device movable in the longitudinal, widthwise and vertical directions of the vehicle body frame, a step of clamping left and right front portions of the rear frame subassembly by a pair of rear clamp means movable in the longitudinal, widthwise and vertical directions of the vehicle body frame, and a step of welding the front and rear frame subassemblies to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically loading spokes in to the hub of a spoked wheel. The spokes are inserted one at a time through the holes of the flanges of the hub. The direction of the hub axle is horizontal and the spoke inserters are moved toward the flanges. The holes in the flanges are detected by means of a sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for the maintenance of a needle-bearing plate of a needle-punching machine equipped with an operating head movable in two perpendicular directions in a parallel relation to the plate mounted on the apparatus. The operating head includes a unit for extracting a damaged or worn needle, a unit for positioning a new needle in the respective seat of the plate, a data processing and storage unit for the operating control and for storing the needle map of each plate. The apparatus further has a unit for detecting the position of the needle seats cooperating with the data processing unit for carrying out the mapping of each plate. The apparatus also has a unit for detecting the presence of a needle in the respective position on the plate to indicate whether the needle is damaged or not.

Abstract: The present invention is to avoid an occurrence of an suction error caused by a deviation with respect to a component of an suction nozzle, namely, an accident of a failure in capturing a component. A deviation amount is detected between a center of a component absorbed by an suction nozzle and an suction position of the suction nozzle. Also, a value in which this deviation amount is multiplied by a sensitivity coefficient is added as a positional correction at a next time of suction by the suction nozzle. Accordingly, when the suction nozzle absorbs the component at the next time, the suction nozzle normally absorbs the component at the position substantially corresponding to the center.

Abstract: A method for assembling seatbelt webbing with a sill-end bracket using an apparatus for feeding seatbelt webbing through a sill-end bracket has a form-feeding member with a tapered channel for receiving one end of a length of seatbelt webbing on an assembly line. A webbing pull-through member is fed through the sill-end bracket and engages one end of the webbing. The pull-through device is then drawn back through the sill-end bracket thus drawing the webbing through the tapered channel of the form feeding member.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing rivets or other fasteners through a workpiece includes an automated machine disposed on one side of the workpiece and a hand-held tool that is manipulated by a single worker located on the opposite side of the workpiece. The automated machine includes an end effector supporting tools such as a drill and a riveter. The automated machine also includes a guide structure adapted to be releasably affixed to the workpiece, and a carriage that travels along the guide structure and supports the end effector so that the end effector can be positioned in various locations along the surface of the workpiece where fasteners are to be installed. The end effector includes an electromagnetic clamping device, and the hand-held tool includes a magnetic clamping block that is attracted by the clamping device to clamp the workpiece therebetween. The end effector generates a positioning signal and the hand-held tool includes a detector for detecting the positioning signal.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for mounting a wire assembly made up of a ferrite and terminal-provided wires into a connector housing (C). The connector housing (C) includes a main body (C1) and a cover (C2) that are connected by a connecting piece. Operations are automated a mechanism (50) for mounting a portion of a wire assembly (AY) into a housing main body (C1), a mechanism (20, 25) for turning a cover (C2) after the wire assembly (AY) is fully mounted, a mechanism (40, 60) for connecting the cover (C2) with the main body (C1), and a mechanism (40, 70) for inserting a lock into a connector housing (C).

Abstract: A technique and machine for transferring discrete areas of material, such as hot stamping foil, from a carrier onto positions spaced apart along a substrate, such as paper. The carrier is dispensed at a rate that is much less than the speed of movement of the substrate. During transfer, a segment of the carrier is moved at the same speed as the substrate while, in between such material transfers, the speed of the carrier is sharply reduced and even reversed in direction in order to maintain the average speed of this carrier segment equal to the reduced speed at which the carrier is being dispensed. This is accomplished by a shuttle mechanism that is moved by its own motor, under control of a microprocessor-based motor control system, in synchronism with the speed of the substrate and transfer operations. This significantly improves the utilization of the material on the carrier, with an improved flexibility to adapt to various substrate speeds and ease of implementation in machinery.

Abstract: A technique and machine for transferring discrete areas of material, such as hot stamping foil, from a carrier onto positions spaced apart along a substrate, such as paper. The carrier is dispensed at a rate that is much less than the speed of movement of the substrate. During transfer, a segment of the carrier is moved at the same speed as the substrate while, in between such material transfers, the speed of the carrier is sharply reduced and even reversed in direction in order to maintain the average speed of this carrier segment equal to the reduced speed at which the carrier is being dispensed. This is accomplished by a shuttle mechanism that is moved by its own motor, under control of a microprocessor-based motor control system, in synchronism with the speed of the substrate and transfer operations. This significantly improves the utilization of the material on the carrier, with an improved flexibility to adapt to various substrate speeds and ease of implementation in machinery.

Abstract: A system and method for aligning aircraft coordinate systems includes determining a first coordinate in the first coordinate system from a first reflector using a first coordinate positioning device, and determining second and third coordinates in the second coordinate system from second and third reflectors, respectively, using a second coordinate positioning device. The second and third reflectors are disposed at predetermined distances from the first reflector. The system aligns the first and second coordinate systems based on the first, second, and third coordinates and the predetermined distances using a processor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly system employing at least a robotic or automated assembly apparatus to manipulate the components to be assembled and at least a first vision alignment system to align the components prior to their assembly. An adhesive dispense system is provided to connect, attach or otherwise adhere the components together. In a method in accord with the present invention for assembling components, a source of the components is provided is located relative to a global reference system. The components held by the source are then located relative to the global reference system based upon the determined location of the source. An adhesive is dispensed onto a first of the components and a second component is manipulated into an initial attachment position relative to the first component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are for use in the manufacture of self-sealing reinforcement tie rods for reinforcing HVAC ducts, of the type including an elongated threaded rod having fastened inwardly of each end thereof an abutment structure comprising an elongated hollow tubular body having a bore therethrough for coaxially receiving the rod, the tubular body having a longitudinally inwardly located tubular crown portion for attachment to the rod, and a longitudinally outwardly located, radial outwardly protruding annular flange portion for abutting and bracing a duct wall. The apparatus includes a work plate having in the upper surface thereof a slot having a lower wall which slopes downwardly and radially inwardly towards the center of the work plate, on which are positioned a single file line of abutment structures, flange down.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling seatbelt webbing with a sill-end bracket has a form-feeding member with a tapered channel for receiving one end of a length of seatbelt webbing on an assembly line. A webbing pull-through member engages one end of the webbing. A bracket sensor senses the presence of a bracket at a correct position in the bracket support. Means responsive to a signal from a sensor may be provided for indicating the correct positioning of the sill-end bracket for feeding the pull-through member through the sill-end bracket. Means for driving the webbing into the tapered channel are provided so that said one end is located at a predetermined position relative to the form-feeding member. A method of manual or automatic assembling seatbelt webbing with a sill-end bracket is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling seatbelt webbing with a sill-end bracket has a form-feeding member with a tapered channel for receiving one end of a length of seatbelt webbing on an assembly line. A webbing pull-through member engages one end of the webbing. A bracket sensor senses the presence of a bracket at a correct position in the bracket support. Means responsive to a signal from a sensor may be provided for indicating the correct positioning of the sill-end bracket for feeding the pull-through member through the sill-end bracket. Means for driving the webbing into the tapered channel are provided so that said one end is located at a predetermined position relative to the form-feeding member. A method of manual or automatic assembling seatbelt webbing with a sill-end bracket is also disclosed.

Abstract: The system includes means for moving a rivet or a collar from a storage bin to an initial position for the respective gripping assemblies. The presence of the rivet and/or collar is recognized as it moves through a feeding mechanism. After the rivet or collar is gripped, they are moved either into an opening in the workpiece, in the case of a rivet, or onto the tail of a lockbolt, in the case of a collar. The gripping assembly is then released from the rivet or the collar, with the gripping means moving back to an initial position. Further operations can then be carried out on the rivet or collar.

Abstract: A rivet setting tool is provided with a cycle control whereby a pressure switch or pressure transducer enables the electronic logic controller to monitor tool hydraulic pressure. When the pressure reaches a predetermined threshold and subsequently drops below a second threshold valve the controller deduces that a rivet has been set and removes pressure from the tool so that the tool can be immediately reset, thus reducing the tools cycle time. Upon determining that a rivet has been set, a mandrel collection window is set. The controller monitors whether a mandrel is returned to the mandrel collection system prior to the expiration of the timed window, and if not, the controller provides a fault signal to the operator. Multiple windows are utilized so that more than one mandrel can be in the return tube at one time without delaying operation of rivet setting system. The pressure sensors can also be utilized to confirm that a rivet has been loaded into the rivet setting tool without the use of a rivet sensor.

Abstract: In a component mounting device in which a component is picked up and mounted on a circuit board by a suction nozzle, an amount of displacement between a center position of the suction nozzle 11 and that of the picked-up component 12 is measured, and when it is larger than a preliminarily determined value, a warning is generated indicating that the parts cassette 3 from which the component 12 has been fed is in abnormal condition, as well as the mounting action of the component 12 is stopped.

Abstract: A method for assembling an aircraft includes determining a three-dimensional representation of a first aircraft structure and a second aircraft structure using an optical positioning device. A predicted mate of the first aircraft structure and the second aircraft structure is generated from the three-dimensional representation of the first and second aircraft structures using a processor. The method further includes adjusting the predicted mate of the first and second aircraft structures to enhance performance characteristics of the aircraft using the processor.

Abstract: A car glass mounting system includes a glass-species classifying and glass feeding device. The glass-species classifying and glass feeding device is loaded with species-classified front and rear glasses each with a glass spacer to automatically select and feed the required species of front and rear glasses onto a glass serve line. A glass spacer separating device separates the glass spacers from the front and rear glasses fed through the glass serve line. A glass lifting and positioning device correctly controls positions of the front and rear glasses fed through the glass serve line. A glass lifting and turning device correctly controls positions of the front and rear glasses fed through the glass serve line such that the front glass is attached with a first rubber dam and a room mirror, and the rear glass is attached with a second rubber dam.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pressing device (1) for joining workpieces, in particular press fittings to a pipe, having an electric drive (6) and a pressing tool (2) attached replaceably thereto, and is characterized in that control parameters for the drive (6) are stored on the pressing tool (2).

Abstract: An assembly line for mounting tires on wheels, for inflating the tire mounted on a wheel, for placement of the bead heels of the tire and for balancing which also includes apparatus for checking the conformity of the diameter of the tire to be mounted and for checking the conformity of the dimensions of the wheel.

Abstract: The cycle time for mounting electronic components supplied from a tray can be shortened. An electronic component feeder (16) for mounting electronic components has a plurality of height levels (L1, L2, and L3) and can move tables (19, 20, 21) horizontally at the respective levels (L1, L2, and L3). A plurality of conveyers (22, 23, 24) are provided for the respective tables to move them to a pickup stage (A) from a standby stage (B). Transfer head (13) includes nozzles (14a, 14b, 14c) for attracting electronic components by suction, and an upward-downward moving mechanism which moves the nozzles in accordance with the height level of each tray on the pickup stage (A). Since the trays are arranged at the different height levels at the pickup stage position, the conveyers can be moved independently and the transfer heads can individually move the nozzles between the position at which each nozzle picks up electronic components and another position at which the nozzle does not interfere with the pickup operation.

Abstract: An electronic parts mounting method in which chips in a plurality of parts feeders are picked up respectively by at least three nozzles, and a lowered mounting efficiency is avoided when any of the nozzles becomes bad, thereby mounting the chips on a board with a good operation efficiency. In a normal condition, the chips in the parts feeders are simultaneously picked up respectively by the first, second and third nozzles, and are transferred to and mounted on the board. When any of the three nozzles becomes bad, the mounting of the chips by this bad nozzle is stopped while the mounting of the chips by the other normal nozzles is effected as scheduled in a program, and thereafter those chips scheduled to be mounted by the bad nozzle are mounted by the normal nozzles. Therefore, the number of the pick-up operations is reduced as much as possible, so that the mounting efficiency can be enhanced.