Abstract: A system automatically moves large scale components of a vehicle such as an airplane, into final assembly alignment. A noncontact measurement system determines the locations of aerodynamically significant features on each of the components. The measured locations of the components are used to control an automated jacking system that includes assembly jacks for individually moving the components into assembly alignment. A system is provided for calculating the cruise configuration of the vehicle “as-built” and for transferring the cruise configuration into the vehicle where it is recorded in the form of a physical monument.

Abstract: The invention concerns a clip feed arrangement comprising a magazine bar having an entry and an exit for guiding a line of clips from a clip supply to a separating device of a closure apparatus, and a clip drive arranged in the region of the magazine bar. The clip drive has two drive elements which can be successively brought alternately into engagement with the line of clips and which are so designed that a first drive element in a condition of engagement travels in the advance direction on a first advance path in the form of a segment of a circle while a second drive element in a condition of being out of engagement travels in opposite relationship to the advance direction on a second advance path in the form of a segment of a circle and that the engagement and the travel direction of the drive elements are reversible, wherein the first and the second advance paths have the same axis of rotation about which the drive elements are reciprocatingly pivotable.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for assembling a plurality of lenses arranged on a tray according to a previously set order in a lens barrel, the apparatus including: a detector detecting a decenter of each of the plurality of lenses, the decenter that is a difference between a center of an effective diameter and a center of an outer diameter; a controller controlling the assembling of the lenses by determining a direction of the assembling the plurality of lenses according to the detected decenter of the each of the plurality of lenses; and an assembler sequentially assembling the plurality of lenses in the lens barrel according to a control of the controller.

Abstract: A device for applying a weatherstrip to a motor vehicle body, and a related method. The body bears an elongated receiving surface with a predetermined profile. The application device includes a plate for applying the weatherstrip on the receiving surface, a presser pressing the weatherstrip on the receiving surface, and a guide for guiding the application plate on a trajectory along the predetermined profile of the receiving surface The guide includes a programmable articulated mechanical element for moving the application plate, and that is programmable to adapt the trajectory of the application plate to different predetermined profiles corresponding to different vehicles.

Abstract: A device for mounting any type of seat covers (10) on foam cushion parts (12) of a seat, more particularly a vehicle seat, uses gripping elements (14) which form actuation groups (16, 18, 20, 22, 24) receiving the profiled strips (26, 28, 30, 32, 34) arranged on the seat cover (10). The gripping elements pull the profiled strips (16, 18, 20, 22, 24) into channel-like recesses (44, 46, 48, 50, 52) in the foam cushion part (12) by a positioning device (42). The positioning device allows a relative movement between the foam cushion part (12) and the corresponding gripping element (14) to fix the seat cover (10) to the foam cushion part (12).

Abstract: A electronic apparatus manufacturing cell defining an electronic apparatus manufacturing cell envelope having a first side and having a second side opposite the first side. According to one aspect, the electronic apparatus manufacturing cell comprises an infeed conveyor, a pass conveyor and a reject conveyor. The infeed conveyor extends from a point outside of the electronic apparatus manufacturing cell envelope on the first side to a point inside of the envelope. The pass conveyor extends from a point inside the electronic apparatus manufacturing cell envelope to a point outside of the electronic apparatus manufacturing cell envelope on the second side. The reject conveyor extends from a point inside the electronic apparatus manufacturing cell envelope to a point outside of the electronic apparatus manufacturing cell envelope on the first side.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) of the present invention is designed for assembling a load floor (12) having a peripheral slot (22) and an overlaying layer (24, 28). The apparatus (10) tucks the overhang of the overlaying layer (24, 28) into the peripheral slot (22). At least one holding device (52) holds the load floor (12). At least one tucking tool (54) tucks the overhang of the overlaying layer (24, 28) into the peripheral slot (22) to fold the overhang over the peripheral slot (22) and thereafter tucking the overhang into the peripheral slot (22). The invention includes a method of sequentially folding and thereafter tucking the overhang of the overlaying layers (24, 28) into the peripheral slot (22).

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.

Abstract: A valve stem installation system includes a robotic arm for moving a valve stem insertion device around the lip of wheel. The system also includes a pair of valve stem aperture sensors positioned on the robotic arm adjacent the valve stem insertion device and moveable around the lip of the wheel. The sensors can be positioned on opposite sides of the valve stem insertion device. When the first sensor locates the valve stem aperture, movement of the robotic can be slowed. When the second sensor locates the valve stem aperture, movement of the robotic arm can be stopped. The conveyor unit can include an identification station to sense the configuration of the wheel. A controller can select the appropriate valve stem to insert in the valve stem aperture in response to the sensed configuration of the wheel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enhanced method and apparatus for locating a valve stem aperture in a wheel. The invention includes a locating station having an overhead camera to scan the wheel. The scanned image of the wheel is received by a controller and is divided into radial zones. The controller locates the radial zone that defines the valve stem aperture from the scanned image of the wheel. The wheel then moves along an assembly line to a stemming station. A robot is positioned at the stemming station. The robot supports a valve stem insertion tool and a valve stem aperture locating sensor. When the wheel reaches the stemming station, the robot moves the valve stem insertion tool and the valve stem aperture locating sensor to the radial zone that defines the valve stem aperture. The robot moves the valve stem aperture locating sensor along the radial zone that defines the valve stem aperture and locates the valve stem aperture.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes an X-Y table for holding a board onto which components are to be mounted, and drive units for moving a mounting section by which the components are to be mounted, and also moving individual sections. When an effective torque calculated by an effective torque detecting section is decided by an effective torque deciding section as having exceeded a specified upper-limit value, rotational speed of a corresponding one of the drive units is decreased.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a wire wound filter screen from wrapping wrap wire over a set of rib wires has a frame, a spindle for supporting the rib wires in a longitudinal orientation, a wire guide for delivering wrap wire around the rib wires as the spindle rotates the rib wires, an electrode for welding the wrap wires to the rib wires at each intersection thereof, and a translating mechanism positioned on the frame for moving rib wires and the welded wrap wire longitudinal along the frame. A laser measures a gap between adjacent surfaces of wrap wire. A processor is used to adjust the translating of the rib wires relative to the gap. An air cushion urges the electrode against the wrap wire.

Abstract: Core sand elements are rapidly and reliably retained by driving one or more smooth surface fasteners, such as staples, nails or brads, into the core elements. In production, after the core sand elements are assembled, the core assemblies are placed on a moving belt conveyor, movement of core assemblies on the moving belt conveyor is intercepted and momentarily stopped at a fastening station and the momentarily stopped core assemblies are lifted from the moving belt conveyor to a fastening position at which a plurality of smooth surface fastener guns are moved into position against the core assembly and located to simultaneously drive a plurality of smooth surface fasteners into the core elements of the core assembly.

Abstract: A device for applying balancing weights to vehicle wheels in wheel balancing machines, comprising: a detector for the position of an indicator that can slide on rectilinear guides with respect to a wheel supported rotatable on the frame of a balancing machine; removable locking elements the indicator in at least one direction of sliding activatable when a preset position of the indicator is reached and comprising at least one first and second gears, supported rotatable on the wheel machine which mesh with each other; transmission elements for transmitting motion of the indicator to the first gear; and motion elements for moving a third gear between an inactive configuration, in which it is disengaged from the first and second gears, and a locking configuration, in which the third gear is engaged with the teeth of the first and second gears to prevent their rotation.

Abstract: Method for support control in machine tools where it is controlled whether an object is arranged correctly on a support surface in the machine tool, where a duct system is used which ends in the support surface, and conducts a medium, and can be pressurized, the final opening of the duct system is covered by the object, and in the duct system the pressure of the medium is reduced at a choke point, the differential pressure is determined before and after the choke point, and is evaluated for support control.

Abstract: The fastener to shaft insertion tool is disclosed which consists of a shaft holding member, a fastener insertion member, and force transmitting member. The fastener holding member facilitates the holding of the fastener and the application of forces to the fastener necessary for its proper insertion onto a shaft. Forces are provided to the fastener holding member by way of a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator. The fasteners are inserted adjacent a ring or gear being coupled to the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a valve stem to the rim of an vehicle wheel includes engaging a valve stem with a robotic manipulator, moving the valve stem relative to the rim along a programmable path of travel, coaxially aligning the valve stem with the aperture in the rim, and inserting the valve stem through the aperture in the rim. Preferably, the aperture location in the rim is determined at a gauging station by a machine vision system. If necessary, a power-actuated nut runner is used to tighten a nut over the valve stem. Alternately, the gauging station can use a table which rotates the wheel about a central axis, and an optical sensor detects the location of the aperture. Optionally, a probe mounted on the gauging station can be extended into the aperture to confirm the aperture position and to reposition the rim slightly if required.

Abstract: A valve stem installation system includes a robotic arm for moving a valve stem insertion device around the lip of wheel. The system also includes a pair of valve stem aperture sensors positioned on the robotic arm adjacent the valve stem insertion device and moveable around the lip of the wheel. The sensors can be positioned on opposite sides of the valve stem insertion device. When the first sensor locates the valve stem aperture, movement of the robotic arm can be slowed. When the second sensor locates the valve stem aperture, movement of the robotic arm can be stopped. The conveyor unit can include an identification station to sense the configuration of the wheel. A controller can select the appropriate valve stem to insert in the valve stem aperture in response to the sensed configuration of the wheel.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a fixture and a method to assist in the alignment of the inlet end of a transition duct and a combustor component in a turbine engine. The fixture includes a plurality of pressure transducers spaced on a mandrel so as to correspond to the target alignment location of the transition. The plurality of pressure transducers produce signals, which can be converted by a signal processor into an actual alignment location signal. A display can be provided for presenting graphical images of the target alignment location and the actual alignment location responsive to the actual alignment location signal received from the signal processor. Thus, a user can view the movement of the graphical image of the actual alignment location relative to the graphical image of the target alignment location such that the user can adjust the transition's position until the graphical images are substantially aligned.

Abstract: The invention relates to a unit (10) for the production of track elements (32), comprising a number of retaining devices (14), arranged serially in the longitudinal direction of the unit. Said units each comprise a base element (20), which can be moved on wheels (34) and at least one support device (28), connected at least indirectly thereto. The above is arranged, such that a section (30, 172) of a pre-assembled track element (32) may be placed thereon, in the alignment which essentially corresponds to that of the most recent fitting position. Furthermore, the above may be positionally adjusted relative to the base element (20).

Abstract: Apparatus for installing a rivet nut or the like having an intentionally threaded shaft wherein the apparatus includes a hydraulically geared power tool having an inner hydraulic fluid containing a chamber and a screw adapted to engage the threaded shaft of the nut wherein the power tool rotates the screw when actuated. A fluid outlet is coupled to the chamber and is coupled to a gauge controlled power supply, the power supply being fluidly coupled to the power tool whereby the power supply includes torque predetermining device for determining when a predetermined torque is placed on the screw, this stopping rotation thereof and resuming rotation in an opposite direction to withdraw the screw from the nut.

Abstract: A pinch grip hanger mechanism dispenses pinch grip hangers, one at a time, and then opens the pinch grips for insertion of a garment. The insertion of a garment triggers the closing of the pinch grips, and reciprocation of a hanger feed push plate to dispense another hanger. The device may also automatically attach size indicia to the hanger as the hanger is dispensed. The closing of the pinch grips is initiated by safety triggers, which are triggered by insertion of a garment. This provides a safety feature for the device, since the operator needs to use both hands to hold the garment taut for insertion. Thus, both hands are away from the device at the time the pinch grips are opened and closed.

Abstract: A function monitor (10) broadly comprises a detector (14) to sense a condition, a transmitter (18) to monitor the detector (14), and a base unit (20) to receive a status signal from the transmitter (18) indicative of the detector's status. The detector (14) may comprise a pressure switch, a position switch, a level switch, a temperature switch, and/or virtually any device that may be used to electrically monitor the condition. The transmitter (18) preferably receives power through a wireless connection to the base unit (20). The base unit (20) preferably receives the status signal from the pallet transmitter (18) over the wireless connection and actuates a output (30) according to the status signal. The output (30) that may be used to warn an operator of the condition, or take other necessary actions, such as preventing a pump from running.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a fixture for assembling an optical component. The fixture generally includes a substantially rigid base member having a measurement aperture formed therein, a pair of upstanding frame members, each of the upstanding frame members having a pivotal mount and a vertical slot formed therein, and a support press slidably positioned within the vertical slot. The fixture may further include a component support assembly positioned below the support press, and a pivot arm connected to the support press at a first end, pivotally connected to the pivot mount at a middle portion, and a screw actuator at a second end.

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: An optical component manipulation system has two opposed jaws, which can each be independently positioned relative to each other in a coordinate plane to thereby effect the desired positioning of optical components within the larger system. Z-axis rigidity is provided by air-bearings. Laser heating of the jaws is used for solder, or similar heat driven bonding, processes.

Abstract: A door hinge mounting system includes a first multi-sided rotating member and a second multi-sided rotating member that are provided with at least two mounting surfaces. Each of the mounting surfaces of the first and second multi-sided rotating member is provided with a door hinge mounting unit.

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: 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 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 device supplies a connecting element to a processing unit, in particular supplies punch nuts or rivet nuts to a punching head of a press, by a conveyer belt. The device contains a feed element, which has a flap that can be displaced in the conveyer belt and has a feed surface. The flap is retained in the conveyer belt by a passive force. The flap can be withdrawn or displaced from the conveyer belt by a connecting element that has been supplied to the belt and causes sensor actuation.

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: 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 system and method for precision fastening of a fastener. The fastening system includes a motor and a sensor that provides a feedback signal from the motor to a controller. The controller compares the feedback signal to a threshold value to determine if an error condition exists. If the error condition exists, the controller oscillates a rotor to the motor between a first and a second position. In one construction, a resolver provides a signal to the controller representing a position of the oscillating rotor. The oscillating rotor vibrates the housing, thereby alerting an operator of the error condition. In one construction, the fastener device can alert the operator that the fastener is not tightened to a proper torque, and that the fastener is not rotated through a proper angle of rotation.

Abstract: A production system for manufacturing a workpiece comprises an index system including a plurality of index devices removably mounted on the workpiece at known longitudinally spaced locations therealong, and a longitudinally extending index member releasably engaged with at least two of the index devices such that a position and orientation of the index member are fixed relative to the workpiece by the index devices, the index member having position-indicating features distributed therealong. The production system further comprises a machine module mounted for longitudinal movement along the index member and operable to perform an operation, the machine module being operable to detect the position-indicating features on the index member and thereby determine a position of the machine module relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: A panel-securing system for various vehicle types is provided, in which various clamps and fingers for different panel shapes may be selected for operation by a single cylinder, the amount of space utilized to install the system is minimized, and parts used in the system are simplified. The panel-securing system for use in a production line for various vehicle types comprises a controller having stored therein panel information for various vehicle types, the controller generating and outputting a locator-selection control signal and a panel-securing control signal corresponding to panel information of the correct vehicle type; a first actuator for selecting a locator corresponding to the locator-selection control signal output by the controller; a second actuator for driving a locator corresponding to the panel-securing control signal output by the controller; and a panel-securing assembly including a plurality of locators, which correspond to panels of the various vehicle types.

Abstract: An automatic stapling apparatus and method is disclosed which may have a stapling mechanism moved by a stapler engaging mechanism into a stapling position in relation to a stack of sheets to be stapled, inserted through a stack insertion opening, and adapted to staple a stack of sheets up to a maximum thickness, and may comprise: a sheet stack thickness gauging apparatus adapted to move into a sheet stack thickness gauging position prior to the stapling mechanism being moved by the stapler engaging mechanism into the stapling position; the sheet stack thickness gauging apparatus being further adapted to engage any object within the insertion opening in position to be engaged by the stapler which is of a thickness greater than or equal to a pre-selected thickness; and, a safety disconnect apparatus adapted to prevent the operation of the stapler in the event that the sheet stack thickness gauging apparatus engages an object in the insertion opening in position to be engaged by the stapler which is of a thickne

Abstract: An automatic piston inserting equipment comprises a block positioning means for positioning a cylinder block B to a piston inserting position, a piston positioning means for moving and positioning a piston P with a connecting rod R for insertion thereof into a cylinder bore formed in the cylinder block B vertically from above, a cap positioning means for moving and positioning a connecting rod cap C to clamp it vertically from below to the connecting rod R inserted into the cylinder bore, a damp means for damping the connecting rod cap C to the connecting rod R, and a vision system. The vision system detects central position coordinates of the cylinder bore lying at the piston inserting position and central position coordinates of the piston P lying at a start-point chuck position, and on the basis of both such central position coordinates calculates a movement quantity for insertion of the piston P into the cylinder bore.

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 mounting apparatus capable of coping with high density mounting, narrower pitch mounting, cavity mounting and the like. In the apparatus, displacement amounts of a chip that is picked up from a wafer by a pick-up nozzle to be held by the pick-up nozzle, with respect to a reference attitude, are obtained, and when the chip is delivered to a mounting nozzle for actually mounting the chip onto a substrate, the displacement amounts are corrected while taking the displacement amounts into consideration, so that the mounting nozzle always holds the chip in a fixed attitude.

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: A position detecting device and a takeout apparatus capable of obtaining information on height or stage number of an object in a stack of objects by a two-dimensional image capturing device for an operation of taking out the object by a robot. A CCD camera is arranged at a position above a place where workpieces stacked in multiple stages are provided. An image processing device determines a size of the image of the uppermost workpiece in a two-dimensional image captured by the camera. The height or stage number of the workpiece is determined from the size of the workpiece image using a stored relation table or arithmetic expression representing relationship between the height or stage number of the workpiece and the size of the workpiece. For a plurality of kinds of workpieces, the relation table/arithmetic expression is stored for each kind of workpiece and selectively used in accordance of a mark on the workpiece which indicate the kind of workpiece.

Abstract: A hand held spin-pull tool for securing a hollow threaded insert into a substrate.

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 work chucking/inserting device for chucking and inserting a work into an insertion hole (cylinder bore) in alignment with the hole, including three or more chuck fingers, the chuck fingers being arranged in circumferentially spaced positions and mounted for advancing and retracting radially. Inner surfaces of the chuck fingers serve as chuck surfaces for chucking the work, and outer surfaces of the chuck fingers are tapered at least at tip end portions radially inward toward the tips for contact with an inlet of the insertion hole. The work chucking/inserting device further includes a tracer mechanism which causes the axis of a conical surface defined by the outer surfaces of the chuck fingers to become aligned with the axis of the insertion hole when the outer surfaces of the chuck fingers contact the inlet of the insertion hole. A pushing mechanism is included for pushing the work toward the insertion hole.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and holding a golf club for installation of a golf club grip comprises a shaft cradle, a shaft clamp and a positioning device. The positioning device comprises a platen that is moveable toward and away from the axis of the golf club shaft when the golf club shaft is positioned in the apparatus. Mounted to the platen are a fixed stop and an opposing moveable ram. The fixed stop has a stop surface that is adapted to engage the face of the club so that as the opposing moveable ram presses the golf club head against the fixed stop, the face will assume an orientation flush against the surface of the fixed stop, thus aligning the club face with the stop surface. The entire platen assembly is moveable toward and away from the axis of the golf club shaft so as to accommodate golf clubs having different offsets.

Abstract: A piston assembling apparatus for a swash plate type compressor has a cylinder block-fixing means; vacuum absorbing means; absorbing angle-maintaining means capable of entering the cylinder bores from under the cylinder block and leaving out of the same; assembly-descending means, and elevating/descending for elevating the absorbing angle-maintaining means into the cylinder bores to contact the absorbing angle-maintaining face with a lower end of each of the pistons and for descending the absorbing angle-maintaining means at a rate substantially equal to a descending rate of the assembly-descending means at actuation of the assembly-descending means.