Responsive To Work Or Work-related Machine Element Patents (Class 29/714)
  • Publication number: 20130014369
    Abstract: A device for the automatic rotational orientation of a tube head (16) relative to a preferably stationary tube body (14), wherein the device has a sensor (18) for sensing a current rotated position of the tube head or tube body having a position indicator (21), the device further includes a positioning device (12, 20) which interacts with the sensor and is designed to effect a rotary movement of the tube head or of the tube body in reaction to a control signal from a control unit (22). The sensor is designed to generate a sensing signal corresponding to a rotary moment of the tube head or tube body and the control unit correlates the sensing signal with a reference signal and for generating a control signal from a characteristic value corresponding to a degree of correlation, in particular a maximum correlation or minimum correlation, for the positioning device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: PACKSYS GLOBAL (SWITZERLAND) LTD.
    Inventor: Oskar Schulthess
  • Patent number: 8344280
    Abstract: The invention relates to a joining head arrangement for joining components, such as studs, onto a workpiece. The joining head arrangement comprises a housing and a slide that is mounted on the housing and is movable, by means of a linear drive, in a joining direction in relation to the housing. The joining head further comprises a component holder, arranged on the slide, and operable to hold a component during a joining operation. A feed device delivers components, at a transfer location, to the component holder. The component holder is rotatable about an axis, which is aligned transversely relative to the joining direction, from a transfer position to a joining position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Michael Schneider, Karl Heinz Briehl, Alexander Schug, Jochen Hain
  • Patent number: 8317174
    Abstract: System for positioning a component on a frame relative to a reference. It comprises a ball assembly (4), composed of a rod (6), a ball (8) fixed to the rod (6) and a ball joint clamping system (10, 12) mounted on the rod to fix the ball assembly relative to the component; a vee assembly composed of a rod (16), a vee (18) fixed to the rod (16) and a ball joint clamping system (20, 22) mounted on the rod to fix the vee assembly relative to the frame; an elastic connecting element (26) to keep the ball (8) in contact with the vee (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie
    Inventors: Philippe Fayollas, François Macias
  • 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: 8286315
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mass-productive automatic rhinestone attachment apparatus. More particularly, disclosed is a mass-productive automatic rhinestone attachment apparatus capable of performing mass-productive processes for the attachment of symmetrical or asymmetrical rhinestone using a predetermined pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Kwang Teak Choi
  • Publication number: 20120249772
    Abstract: A component mounting device includes a transport unit which transports a substrate, a mounting unit which mounts a component on the substrate, a detection unit which is able to detect a first detection target which is provided on the substrate and a second detection target which is provided to be separated by a predetermined distance from the first detection target on the substrate at least in the transportation direction and is a reference position of a mounting action by the mounting unit, and a control unit which outputs a stop signal for stopping the transport of the substrate to the transport unit and detects the second detection target of the substrate which has been stopped using the detection unit based on the detection of the first detection target by the detection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8256090
    Abstract: A fastening system head for attachment to a movable frame, in particular to a robot, has a carrier to which a fastening tool is attached which is rotatable about an axis of rotation. The fastening tool has a holding device for an element fastenable to a component, and has a fastening drive device to move the holding device along a fastening direction for fastening. The axis of rotation is oriented crosswise to the fastening direction. A feed mechanism is included to feed elements to the fastening tool. At least one additional feed mechanism is provided on the fastening system head, for feeding elements to the fastening tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Alfred Gerhardt, Florian Steinmueller, Sascha Becker
  • Patent number: 8245385
    Abstract: Protective shoe covers have been widely used in health care setting and some industry environment that require clean room condition. To strip off the disposed shoe covers in a hand-free and automated fashion is very desirable to the users, which provide physical convenience, time saving and economic merits. This disclosed invention provides methods and an automatic system for stripping of disposable shoe cover from user's foot/feet that includes the electro-mechanical complex, a micro control unit and its embedded software programs, control algorithm to guide the execution of the stripping functions in automated and hand-free fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventors: Liam Minhai He, Yi Wang, Qiuhong Wang
  • Publication number: 20120205143
    Abstract: It is an objective of the present invention to eliminate wafer testing. Provided is a manufacturing apparatus comprising a detecting section that detects a position of a device terminal of a device; a generating section that generates a substrate-side terminal, which connects to the device terminal, on a substrate at a position corresponding to the device terminal; and a mounting section that mounts the device on the substrate and connects the device terminal to the substrate-side terminal. The detecting section captures an image of the device and detects the position of the device terminal based on the captured image, and the generating section prints a pattern of the substrate-side terminal on the substrate at a position corresponding to the device terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: ADVANTEST CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshio KOMOTO
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120167379
    Abstract: A pressure-sensitive cover installer includes a base, a fixing body defining a recessed portion for receiving a main body, a support portion, an air cylinder movably connected to the support portion, a positioning fixture defining a number of through holes therein, and for receiving a number of covers, a controller, a motor for controlling movement of the air cylinder, a pressure sensing member fixed below the air cylinder, and a display. The air cylinder is forced by the motor to drive the pressure sensing member to press the covers onto the main body; the main body resists the pressure sensing member to generate a pressure of a resistance. The pressure sensing member senses the pressure of the resistance to generate a pressure signal to the controller. The controller analyzes the pressure signal to generate a pressure value to be displayed on the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FU TAI HUA INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHI-AN YU, YAN-HAO LI, SHI-HONG LAI, ZHI-QIANG ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20120168135
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a lamination module and procedure for cooling the edges of a partially formed thin film solar module to substantially the same temperature as the central region of the module just prior to compressing and bonding the layers of the heated module. The lamination module may include a cooling module having a plurality of nozzles configured to apply a curtain of cooling fluid to leading and trailing edges of the partially formed solar module after heating the module and just prior to compressing the module. The nozzles may further be configured to apply a curtain of cooling fluid to side edges of the partially formed solar cell module as it passes through the cooling module. As a result, the chance of bubble formation within the bonding material in the edge regions of the completed solar cell module is significantly lowered with respect to conventional lamination processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert C. LINKE, Martin S. WOHLERT, Adam BRAND, Ofer AMIR
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120105543
    Abstract: There are provided an inkjet head package, an apparatus and a method for assembling the same. The inkjet head package may include a plurality of inkjet heads each having an ink channel so as to eject ink through a plurality of nozzles formed on one surface thereof, and a frame having one surface to which another surface of the plurality of inkjet heads is fixed while facing the one surface thereof, the frame including an opening for exposing a portion of the another surface disposed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Won Chul Sim, Jae Woo Joung, Yong Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 8166634
    Abstract: When a lift moves up, the lift is moved by a lifting guide under an urging force of urging means in a direction opposite to a direction of movement of a hanger. Consequently, a synchronizing bar of the lift approaches the hanger and makes contact with a front surface in the direction of movement of the hanger in a sure and also soft manner, thus resulting in synchronization between the hanger and a self-propelled lifting carriage, regardless of a relative speed between the hanger and the self-propelled lifting carriage. Therefore, because no excessive impact is applied to the synchronizing bar and thereby a necessity to provide excessive strength in the synchronizing bar and the neighboring part thereof is eliminated, the self-propelled lifting carriage can be avoided from becoming large in size or being increased in weight. In addition, acceleration, deceleration, and quick stop of the self-propelled lifting carriage also become easy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinji Tohyama, Koji Tomida
  • Publication number: 20120079714
    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: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: 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: 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: 8095237
    Abstract: A method of three-dimensional object location and guidance to allow robotic manipulation of an object with variable position and orientation using a sensor array which is a collection of one or more sensors capable of forming a single image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: RoboticVISIONTech LLC
    Inventors: Babak Habibi, Simona Pescaru, Mohammad Sameti, Remus Florinel Boca
  • Publication number: 20110308070
    Abstract: Provided are an imaging device production system, an imaging device inspection system, and an imaging device inspection method. The imaging device production system includes a assembling process for assembling each components constituting an imaging device, an inspection process in which the imaging device assembled in he assembling process is continuously transferred without being stopped except for emergency when two inspection tasks adjacent to and different from each other are performed, and a packaging for packaging the imaging device which passes through the inspection tasks to confirm quality of the imaging device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Myeong-Woo Kim, Jin-Sang Ah, Jae-Hyun Kim
  • 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: 8046908
    Abstract: A press for attaching nuts to pipes has an upper base, a lower base, a movable support having a base end supported at a rear end of the lower base and a front end extending to the front end side of the lower base, a nut receiving recess provided in a piston of a hydraulic cylinder at the front end of the movable support and disposed at the upper end of a lower pattern, a lifter for the movable support, a stopper for the middle position of the movable support, a crimping die as an upper pattern mounted on the upper pattern support and movably disposed vertically on a same axial line as the lower pattern, and a hydraulic cylinder for pressing an upper pattern disposed on the upper base, and pressing the crimping die downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Shinjo Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Shinjo
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110173793
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a substrate; an optical component having a first surface on which light from the substrate is incident and a second surface from which the incident light goes out after the incident light is refracted; an adjustment unit that adjusts a position of the substrate and a position of the optical component by moving the substrate and the optical component relatively with the first surface of the optical component and the substrate being opposed to each other; an imaging unit that is arranged in an optical path of the light that goes out from the second surface; and a control unit that controls an amount by which the adjustment unit moves the substrate and the optical component relatively according to image data which is captured by the imaging unit, and that mounts the optical component on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroyuki MOTOHARA
  • 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: 7926161
    Abstract: A fastening system head for attachment to a movable frame, in particular to a robot, has a carrier to which a fastening tool is attached which is rotatable about an axis of rotation. The fastening tool has a holding device for an element fasteneable to a component, and has a fastening drive device to move the holding device along a fastening direction for fastening. The axis of rotation is oriented crosswise to the fastening direction. A feed mechanism is included to feed elements to the fastening tool. At least one additional feed mechanism is provided on the fastening system head, for feeding elements to the fastening tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Alfred Gerhardt, Florian Steinmueller, Sascha Becker
  • Publication number: 20110056858
    Abstract: A receptacle for receiving fastening elements for connection of two components of a unit to be assembled, the receptacle has means for providing a separate reception of different fastening elements which differ from one another with regard to a shape, and/or a size, and/or a material, such that different ones of the fastening elements with which the receptacle is charged are coordinated with the components which are respectively to be connected, and a number of the fastening elements to be received by the receptacle corresponds at least to a number of connection sites on the components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Kenneth BENCZKOWSKI, Brian O'ROURKE, Mark A. WILLER, JR.
  • Patent number: 7900331
    Abstract: A work (W) with a part assembling surface on many faces is rotated by a work holding jig (10) so as to sequentially convert each of the part assembling surfaces to the upward horizontal attitude, a bolt is fastened from above vertically while gripping an assembly part (B) by a part gripping device (12), and this is repeated so that an assembling operation can be carried out smoothly and an assembly space can be saved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Yoshida, Muneki Yamada, Tetsuo Ishii, Takaji Mukumoto
  • 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: 20100319182
    Abstract: A device for mounting a vehicle instrumental panel has an assist machine and work robots. The assist machine has instrument panel holding means for holding an instrument panel, conveys the instrument panel, and has an assist function for holding the weight of the instrument panel. The work robots have connection means removably connected to the instrument panel holding means and operate the instrument panel holding means to place the instrument panel in a vehicle interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Sugimoto, Mitsugu Takahashi, Masaru Maruo
  • Patent number: 7814644
    Abstract: A positioning assembly for a composite structure is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the positioning assembly includes at least one vertical carriage support, at least one vertical carriage carried by the at least one vertical carriage support, at least one vertical motor drivingly engaging the at least one vertical carriage, a transverse carriage support carried by the at least one vertical carriage, a riser block carried by the transverse carriage support and at least one horizontal motor drivingly engaging the riser block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: John D. Harrison
  • Patent number: 7793407
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for enclosing the exposure wire parts of a spring assembly for a bed mattress which can automate the work process according to the enclosure of the exposure wire parts of a spring assembly, thereby maximizing convenience of the enclosing process and work productivity. According to the inventive apparatus for enclosing exposure wire parts 115a of coil springs 115 in a spring assembly 100 for a bed mattress, the enclosing work of the exposure wire parts protrudingly formed in the spring assembly is performed automatically so that various work loads and the number of work processes according to the enclosing work can be minimized to thereby maximize the work productivity as well as the relevant cost according to the enclosing work is reduced, thereby saving the production cost of the mattress and improving the product competitiveness of the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Ace Bed Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung Ho Ahn
  • Patent number: 7793412
    Abstract: A component-embedded board fabrication method includes detecting, before the board is covered with a first insulating layer, the actual position of a first electronic component formed on a surface of the board, calculating a displacement between the design position of the first electronic component on the surface of the board and holding the displacement as first displacement data, and correcting, based on the first displacement data, design data to be used for processing the board after the board is covered with the first insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Akagawa, Kazunari Sekigawa, Shinichi Wakabayashi
  • Publication number: 20100132180
    Abstract: Make-up speed for a tongs drive system is monitored and controlled to maintain the speed within a limited target range either throughout the make-up process or during the final portion of the make-up process, thereby improving make-up consistency and allowing for improved evaluation or torque during the make-up process. An encoder generates speed and position data during the make-up process. The speed data is compared to a target speed, which is based on rod and/or tongs characteristics. If the speed does not match the target speed or is not within a range of the target speed, a signal is transmitted to the tongs drive to adjust the speed accordingly. Furthermore, position data from the encoder, or other position sensors, provide position data for the rod during the make-up process to limit or vary the speed control parameters during different portions of the make-up process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Key Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Conquergood, David Lord
  • Patent number: 7721421
    Abstract: A wire setting device includes a first optical detecting portion that detects a setting of the wire in a groove based on a first light beam passing across the wire insertion groove, a second optical detecting portion that detects abutting contact of the distal end of the wire with a proper point on a wire abutment surface based on a second light beam in a direction intersecting the wire, a wire clamp between, and a control portion that determines that the wire is properly positioned in the wire insertion groove based on detection signals from the first and second optical detecting portions, and controls the wire clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Masaki Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 7721418
    Abstract: A valve stem installation system (10) includes a conveyor (24) for moving wheel (14). A controller (60) is adaptable for segmenting the wheel (14) into a plurality of sections (S1-S11). A detector (70) identifies and signals a general location of the aperture (12) to the controller (60) to identify a target section (S11) transmitted to the controller (60) by a first signal. A robotic manipulator (110, 112) is operably connected to the controller (60) and adaptable for inserting the valve stem into the aperture (12). A sensor (153) is connected to the robotic manipulator (110, 112) and is adaptable for visually identifying the target section (S11) and transmitting the general location of the aperture (12) within the target section by a second signal. The controller (60) generates a target signal transmitted to the robotic manipulator (110, 112) to increase the speed and accuracy of mating the valve stem into the aperture (12) in response to the target signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Durr Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene M. Mondrusov, Ben Giacona, Brian Hoy, Dan Pellerin
  • Patent number: 7717034
    Abstract: A pallet nail press for embedding outwardly extended fasteners of a pallet, particularly a block-type pallet having a top surface formed by a plurality of top-deck panels. The press includes a main support frame and an anvil surface having a plurality of plates resiliently attached to the press frame. The hammer beam and the anvil plates are vertically aligned. A mechanism for compressing the pallet between the hammer beam and the plurality of anvil plates is used for pressing the outwardly extended fasteners against the resiliently mounted anvil plates for embedding the fasteners in the top surface of the top-deck panels of the pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Millwood, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam J. Madgar
  • Patent number: 7685700
    Abstract: A compensating unit for a tool unit for inserting an element into a workpiece, in particular a setting unit for inserting a joining element into a workpiece. The tool unit is fastened to a mounting and being mounted, oriented in an axial direction, in such a way that, during the machining operation, a compensating movement in a plane oriented at least approximately perpendicular to the axial direction is made possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Richard Bergner Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Dehlke, Christian Böhner, Gerd Hartrampf
  • Publication number: 20100018038
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting component attachment of the present invention includes a detection head (70) for detecting presence or absence of a component or whether or not a component is attached, and a driving mechanism (80) for driving the detection head in an attachment direction of the component. The detection head (70) includes a movable element (72) having a distal end portion capable of being brought into contact with a predetermined portion of the component, a guide passage (71c) for guiding the movable element in the attachment direction so as to be capable of reciprocal motion, a fluid passage (71d) for passing a fluid when the distal end portion is brought into contact with the predetermined portion and pushed and the movable element is moved to a predetermined position, and a detection portion for detecting a pressure or a flow rate of the fluid flowing through the fluid passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Hidehiro Ukai, Ryota Asai
  • Patent number: 7647693
    Abstract: A valve stem installation system (10) includes a conveyor (24) for moving wheel rims (14). A detector (50) is comparable with the conveyor (24) to detect size of the wheel rim (14) and a location of an aperture (12) of the wheel rim (14) to receive various valve stems (16, 18). Two robots (110, 112) are adaptable for matably moving the valve stem (16, 18) to the wheel rim (14). A controller (60) is operably communicated with the robots (110, 112) and the detector (50) for receiving a signal from the detector (50) as the detector (50) identifies configuration of the wheel rim (14) and then transmitting the signal to the robots (110, 112) thereby directing the robots (110, 112) to selectively engage the valve stem (16, 18) to be inserted into the aperture (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Schenck Rotec Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene M. Mondrusov, Ben Giacona, Brian Hoy, Dan Pellerin
  • Publication number: 20100005639
    Abstract: A joining unit contains a spindle drive in the form of a hollow shaft motor that encloses a spindle. The hollow shaft motor serves to achieve a linear movement of a joining tool for the execution of a joining process. The joining unit contains instruments for the presetting and/or determination of the forces exerted and/or the movement of the joining tool during the joining process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Kistler Holding AG
    Inventor: Alexander Müller
  • Patent number: 7600306
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a valve stem to the rim of a vehicle wheel includes locating apparatus that determines the location of an aperture on the wheel rim for receiving the valve stem, the locating apparatus preferably including a machine vision system at a gauging station. A programmable, robotic manipulator capable of compound, multi-axial movement and capable of engaging the valve stem is controlled by a controller to engage a valve stem, move the valve stem to the aperture in the wheel rim, coaxially align the central axis of the aperture with the longitudinal axis of the valve stem, and insert the valve stem through the aperture along the aligned central and longitudinal axes. Optionally, the robotic manipulator may include a nut runner to tighten a nut over the valve stem. Alternately, the gauging station may include a rotating table to rotate the vehicle wheel and an optical sensor for detecting the location of the aperture for the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Burke E. Porter Machinery Company
    Inventors: Lawrence Lawson, Karl D Sachs
  • Publication number: 20090229116
    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: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Jerald P. Roach, Jeffery L. Geill, David F. Hirschmann, Richard Kleinhoffer, Claude Bou-Waked, Richard Holland, JR.
  • Patent number: 7578052
    Abstract: A valve stem installation system (10) includes a conveyor (24) for moving wheel rims (14). A detector (50) is cooperable with the conveyor (24) to detect size of the wheel rim (14) and a location of an aperture (12) of the wheel rim (14) to receive various valve stems (16, 18). Two robots (110, 112) are adaptable for matably moving the valve stem (16, 18) to the wheel rim (14). A controller (60) is operably communicated with the robots (110, 112) and the detector (50) for receiving a signal from the detector (50) as the detector (50) identifies configuration of the wheel rim (14) and then transmitting the signal to the robots (110, 112) thereby directing the robots (110, 112) to selectively engage the valve stem (16, 18) to be inserted into the aperture (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Durr Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene M. Mondrusov, Ben Giacona, Brian Hoy, Dan Pellerin
  • Patent number: 7578051
    Abstract: A press machine for press fit assembly of a torsion bar to a pinion gear of a power steering system includes a controller and a support structure. A first holder supports a pinion gear, and a second holder supports a torsion bar of a spool-valve assembly of a power steering system. The press machine also includes a sensor adapted to determine a position of a torsion bar in the second holder relative to a pinion gear in the first holder. At least one powered actuator is connected to the support structure and the first or second holders. The powered actuator provides controlled translational and rotational motion to press fit a pinion gear to a torsion bar. The controller causes the powered actuator to rotate one of the holders relative to the other of the holders based, at least in part, upon the position of the torsion bar relative to the pinion gear to thereby provide proper alignment of the torsion bar and pinion gear upon completion of the press fit operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Autocam Corporation
    Inventors: Edward W. Hekman, John E. Swistak, David J. Ruthven, David P. Deyoung
  • Patent number: 7559136
    Abstract: A press for attaching nuts to pipes has a lower holder (6) fitting in and holding a pipe (60). A basal portion of this holder supported on the rear part of a lower base (2) moves up and down, and its forward portion extends to the front part of a lower base. Lifters (30) bear against and support the forward portion so as to keep it lifted a slight distance. Stoppers (31) bear against and support an intermediate region of the holder to be lifted a slight distance, and also bear against an end of the pipe (60) and retaining it at a prescribed position. A nut feed passage (10) extends in an outer surface of the lower holder from its basal to forward portion, and a nut pusher (14) is disposed in the forward portion. A cam rod (21) inserted in the lower holder (6) has a frontal oblique cam surface (22) for driving the pusher (14) to a nut releasing position (12), and a cam actuating means (25) is for the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Shinjo Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Shinjo, Takashi Otani