Abstract: In an automated method for mounting a valve stem to the rim of an automotive vehicle wheel, rims are supplied in series by a conveyor to a gauging station where the location and alignment of a hole for receiving the valve stem is determined by a machine vision system. An electronic control system directs a robotic manipulator to grasp the rim, move it to a mounting station where a valve stem is retained, position the rim such that the hole is in alignment with the valve stem, and urge the rim toward the valve stem to insert the valve stem through the hole 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 to secure. As an alternative to the machine vision system, the gauging station may utilize a rotating table which rotates the wheel about its central axis, and an “electric eye” optical sensor which directs a beam of infrared light onto the rim.

Abstract: A rivet is inserted into a workpiece by apparatus that includes an internal roller screw linear actuator in which rotational movement of an internally threaded cylinder is converted into linear movement of a fastener insertion actuator assembly. The cylinder is driven in rotation by a servo-controlled motor. The angular velocity of the cylinder required to deliver the required energy to effect fastener insertion is calculated and the motor is first controlled to accelerate the cylinder up to the calculated angular velocity, the actuator assembly simultaneously being moved by the cylinder towards the workpiece. The motor is then controlled to maintain the angular velocity of the cylinder at not less than the calculated magnitude at least until insertion of the fastener. The cylinder stores kinetic energy by virtue of its inertia. Using this inertia to insert fasteners eliminates the need for position or force feedback control. The process allows for a rapid cycle time and the apparatus is compact.

Abstract: Apparatus and method precisely preload bearings onto shafts. A swivel plate swivels up to 360° and locks a rotary shaft axially with a motor shaft. A shim and bearing adjacent the shim preload onto shaft shoulder by lock nut secured to the threaded shaft. The lock nut forces the bearing inner race to expand outwardly, preloading the bearing. A force sensor measures torque on the bearing outer race. Measured torque is monitored within a predetermined range to establish the precisely loaded bearing. The method slides a shim onto support shaft shoulder. A bearing is slid onto tapered surface, and lock nut tightened onto the threaded shaft. The lock nut expands the bearing inner race, reducing the distance between the inner and outer races and preloading the bearing. The outer race at a predetermined, constant speed has torque monitored to a predetermined range to provide a precisely preloaded bearing.

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: Apparatus and method precisely preload bearings onto shafts. A swivel plate swivels up to 360° and locks a rotary shaft axially with a motor shaft. A shim and bearing adjacent the shim preload onto shaft shoulder by lock nut secured to the threaded shaft. The lock nut forces the bearing inner race to expand outwardly, preloading the bearing. A force sensor measures torque on the bearing outer race. Measured torque is monitored within a predetermined range to establish the precisely loaded bearing. The method slides a shim onto support shaft shoulder. A bearing is slid onto tapered surface, and lock nut tightened onto the threaded shaft. The lock nut expands the bearing inner race, reducing the distance between the inner and outer races and preloading the bearing. The outer race at a predetermined, constant speed has torque monitored to a predetermined range to provide a precisely preloaded bearing.

Abstract: A small footprint mechanical positioning stage capable of operating in two perpendicular orientations comprises a base plate, a carriage plate, linear bearings, a brushless linear motor, and a linear encoder. The linear bearings, the linear motor and the encoder scale are all parallel to the direction of travel of the positioning stage.

Abstract: A small footprint mechanical positioning stage capable of operating in two perpendicular orientations comprises a base plate, a carriage plate, linear bearings, a brushless linear motor, and a linear encoder. The linear bearings, the linear motor, and the encoder scale are all parallel to the direction of travel of the positioning stage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method according to the present invention actively monitors and controls the preload and rolling bearing resistance of angular contact pinion bearing sets for power distribution devices, such as axle pinion bearings, differential case bearings, power take-off units and the like. A hollow spindle is engageable with a drive flange for rotating a shaft. A central spindle is disposed coaxially with the axis of rotation of the hollow spindle and is sheathed within the hollow spindle. The central spindle has a socket engageable with a nut mounted on one end of the shaft for adjusting end play. Intermeshing gear teeth are interposed between the hollow spindle and the central spindle for driving the central spindle in rotation with the hollow spindle while allowing incremental rotation of the central spindle to adjust end play. First and second digital sensors monitor rolling drag resistance and torque applied to the nut.

Abstract: Method of fixedly connecting together externally and internally threaded tubes by tight engagement of externally and internally threaded portions of the tubes, wherein a wrenching operation is performed to rotate the externally and internally threaded tubes relative to each other with the externally and internally threaded portions engaging each other while an axial force is applied between the tubes. A physical quantity relating to a coefficient of friction between said tubes is obtained on the basis of a detected wrenching torque applied to rotate the tubes relative to each other and the axial force, and a terminating condition for terminating the wrenching operation is determined on the basis of the obtained physical quantity. The wrenching operation is terminated when the terminating condition has been satisfied. Apparatus for practicing the method and recording medium storing a control program for the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A production and/or assembly apparatus for processing workpieces has a stationary frame forming basic unit of the system. A motion device is movably supported on the frame. A plurality of workpiece carriers are moved in an indexed manner relative to processing modules and feeders arranged in a fixed position on the frame. The workpiece carriers and/or the processing modules and/or the feeders are detachably fastenable in their respective positions by fastening devices which have an identical design in each case for the workpiece carriers and/or the processing modules and/or the feeders. The apparatus can be reset or retooled by simply exchanging one or more of the workpiece carriers, one or more of the processing modules, and/or one or more of the feeders. The resetting and retooling thereby does not affect the frame forming the basic unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for compliant positioning of an object during an assembly operation wherein the apparatus includes a base plate, a locator plate for mounting an object such as a clamp or a tool spaced from the base plate and a plurality of linear actuators connected between the base plate the locator plate by universal joints providing six degrees of freedom of movement. According to the apparatus and the method a control is connected to the actuators for selectively moving the locator plate to a predetermined position relative to the base plate for contacting a component to be assembled with an object mounted on the locator plate. Tow or more of the actuators can be mechanically coupled to move the locator plate with less than six degrees of freedom. The control is responsive to a force applied to the locator plate through the object during assembly of the component for actuating the linear actuators to change the applied force.

Abstract: A flexible fixture system and method wherein a single fixture system can accommodate and hold a plurality of different workpieces, i.e. the various workpieces comprising the different flight surfaces of a wing. The flexible fixture system comprises a plurality of posts each including a plurality of different contoured formers, one former for each of the different workpieces to be accommodated and held by the flexible fixture system. Depending upon which workpiece is to be held by the fixture system, the required former on each post is selected automatically and moved into position for operative association with the workpiece. The contoured formers include powered clamps for holding details to be fastened to the workpiece. Each post of the flexible fixture system also includes a plurality of holding devices, such as suction cup type devices, which are moved into position to hold the workpiece and maintain its curvature.

Abstract: A system for adjusting an adjustable spacer is provided. A high-compression section is adapted to receive the spacer for a bearing assembly. A low-compression section is adapted to receive the bearing assembly. In one aspect, a transfer frame can serve as a mechanical interface between the high-compression section and the low-compression section. Also, the transfer frame can be adapted to transfer to the low-compression section a first travel indicative of a first compression of the spacer with the high-compression section. A sensor can be coupled with the high-compression section and the low-compression section. Further, the sensor can serve to limit the first compression according to a second travel indicative of a second compression of the bearing assembly with the low-compression section. Additionally, the first travel and the second travel are preferably related to provide a desired adjustment (e.g., preloading) to the spacer.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving a golf club and positioning the head of the club and holding it in a predetermined position and providing a visual indication of that position at a location proximate the extending end of the golf club shaft so that an installer can properly align a grip that is to be installed on the shaft of the club. The apparatus includes a golf club holding mechanism, a club head positioning device, a club head position indicator, an aligner mechanism and a circuit by which the installer controls and monitors the operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A bolt press fit apparatus comprising; a bolt press fit press machine, a hardware mounting members which can move between a press position of the bolt press fit press machine and a retracted position separated from this press position, and which has a predetermined number of bolt-insertion holes into which bolts are press fitted, bolt transfer mechanisms, and bolt temporarily-press fit mechanisms which insert and temporarily press fit the bolts from the bolt transfer mechanism in a corresponding manner with respect to the predetermined number of bolt-insertion holes.

Abstract: There is provided a plurality of component mounting apparatuses for sucking a plurality of components by a mounting head section and successively mounting the components onto a board located at a board positioning section. The component mounting apparatuses are arranged in parallel to one another, and a board transfer path is provided so that it penetrates the component mounting apparatuses. Even when the number of components to be mounted onto the board increases, the components are mounted on the component supply tables of the component mounting apparatuses as distributed thereto, and therefore, the whole apparatus is not dimensionally increased. The component supply tables are fixedly installed so as to become free of vibration, and the mounting head section executes the suction and the mounting of the plurality of components. Therefore, the component mounting operation speed can be remarkably increased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for automatic bow adjustment for a venetian blind assembly machine, said bow adjustment station comprising rollers (48; 104, 106) for guiding, bending and leveling a strip material (43; 112), and further comprising a forming section (36; 102) where mating concave and convex upper and lower form rollers (50; 108, 110) are arranged for creating a transverse curvature in the strip material, further comprises the steps of: providing leveling through means for offsetting (34; 100, 102) in order to straighten the bow of the strip material (43; 112) within a predetermined deviation on a predetermined length of strip material; measuring the deviation through optical means (146) providing a deviation signal; and adjusting the leveling by said means for offsetting (34; 100) through the deviation signal, if said measured deviation exceeds a predetermined deviation, in order to keep the deviation within said predetermined deviation.

Abstract: A heat exchanging tube assembling apparatus is adapted to a heat exchanger having an outer casing in which is arranged a partition plate formed with holes through which heat exchanging tubes, each having a U-shape in an outer appearance, are inserted from an open end side of the casing in a full automatic manner. The heat exchanging tube assembling apparatus comprises a tube grasping device for grasping a plurality of U-shaped tubes in a lump at a working position, a tube positioning device for positioning the grasped tubes to positions from which the U-shaped tubes are inserted into the holes formed to the partition plate, a tube taking-out device for sequentially taking out one by one the U-shaped tubes grasped by the tube grasping device, and a tube feed device for feeding the taken-out tubes toward the partition plate and inserting the tubes into the holes of the partition plate.

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 apparatus and a method for compliant positioning of an object during an assembly operation wherein the apparatus includes a base plate, a locator plate for mounting an object such as a clamp or a tool spaced from the base plate and a plurality of linear actuators connected between the base plate the locator plate by universal joints providing six degrees of freedom of movement. According to the apparatus and the method a control is connected to the actuators for selectively moving the locator plate to a predetermined position relative to the base plate for contacting a component to be assembled with an object mounted on the locator plate. Two or more of the actuators can be mechanically coupled to move the locator plate with less than six degrees of freedom. The control is responsive to a force applied to the locator plate through the object during assembly of the component for actuating the linear actuators to change the applied force.

Abstract: A machine for installing a plurality of cables together in a duct comprising a cable pushing machine and a cable wrapper. The cable wrapper comprises a platform rotatably attached to a mount. The platform and mount have aligned bores therethrough. Coils of winding media are attached to the platform. Cables pass through the bores, and the winding media is dispensed onto the cables. The platform rotates as the winding media is dispensed, thus wrapping the winding media around the cables. The cables are then passed through the cable pusher and into the duct. The rotation of the platform may be driven by the movement of the cables, or by independent means such as a motor.

Abstract: A depaneling system having multiple router stations. A feeder station in the dual routing station receives a panel from a feeder station. The feeder station then selectively delivers the panel to one of the router stations. The router station then severs all of the connections between the panel and the PC boards. The multiple router stations can also share a common router that is used by each station to sever the connections. In order to use a common router the router station have a movable receiving base which moves along a first axis. The router then moves along the second axis. The router and receiving base are then moved along the first and second axises independently to sever the connections.

Abstract: Automated parts assembly station comprising positioning means (11) having surfaces (15a, 16a) defining the desired mutual position of the parts to be assembled and assembly means (13) connecting the parts. At at least some of said surfaces (15a, 16a) there are measurement means (18) for the distance between said at least some surfaces and facing surfaces of the parts being assembled.

Abstract: The safety device includes an opening/closing cover which isolates a takeout part and an accommodating part of a component feeder unit from each other and which has a sensor for detecting a closed state. The component feeder unit includes the component accommodating part, a feed-out part and the takeout part, and sensors for transmission through voids common to the plurality of set component feeder units. Upon a detection by any one of the sensors during the operation of the machine, the machine is halted. For replacement of the component feeder units, a changeover switch is pressed, by which the detecting function is paused for a specified time period. Thus, a safety device which allows the component feeder units to be replaced even during the operation of the machine can be obtained.

Abstract: A vertical assembly table is designed to automatically assemble an insulated glass window structure consisting of two identical glass lites and an edge seal. The seal is added to one glass lite after washing, but prior to conveying to the vertical assembly table. The vertical assembly table includes two independent conveyor tables, each having a plurality of conveyor rolls. A pivotable subframe is associated with each roller table, with each subframe having a plurality of support arms coupled to a common pivot shaft. Each support arm is positioned between the rolls of the associated roller table. Each subframe is moved between a retracted position below a pass line of the roller table and a transfer position adjacent the other subframe in the transfer position. A transfer mechanism is provided for transferring a glass workpiece from one subframe to the adjacent subframe when the subframes are in the transfer position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for continuous manufacture of a fiber-optic cable. According to the method, single optical fibers of certain length are formed into a fiber-optic cable enclosed by a secondary sheath. Further, a certain length of the optical fibers is accumulated into an active buffer, and the end of an exhausting fiber is connected by a splice to the end of a new fiber, while the fiber is being fed into the process during the splicing operation from the buffer.

Abstract: An automated parts assembly station includes positioning means (11) having surfaces (15a, 16a) for defining a desired mutual position of the parts to be assembled and assembly means (13) connecting the parts. At some of the surfaces (15a, 16a) there are measurement means (18) for measuring a distance between the surfaces and facing surfaces of the parts being assembled. A method is provided for the timely detection of the assembly tolerances. The method includes the steps of performing with the positioning means a permanent positioning of the parts being assembled, operation of the assembly means for connecting the parts, and releasing of the positioning means. Additionally, there is a measurement of the distance between the assembled parts and some of the surfaces. This measurement includes a comparison of the measured distances with maximum admissible distances.

Abstract: A flexible fixture system and method wherein a single fixture system can accommodate and hold a plurality of different workpieces, i.e. the various workpieces comprising the different flight surfaces of a wing. The flexible fixture system comprises a plurality of posts each including a plurality of different contoured formers, one former for each of the different workpieces to be accommodated and held by the flexible fixture system. Depending upon which workpiece is to be held by the fixture system, the required former on each post is selected automatically and moved into position for operative association with the workpiece. The contoured formers include powered clamps for holding details to be fastened to the workpiece. Each post of the flexible fixture system also includes a plurality of holding devices, such as suction cup type devices, which are moved into position to hold the workpiece and maintain its curvature.

Abstract: The apparatus for manufacturing a wiring substitute comprises a transporter having a circuit where a sheet is circulated; a screen printer for printing a conductive paste on the sheet; a counter for counting the number of times to print the conductive paste on the sheet; and a distributor for ejecting the sheet from the circuit when the counted number reaches a preset number. Thus, the conductive pillars having uniform properties can be formed automatically on the conductive foil with high productivity.

Abstract: A precision assembly table and method includes a plurality of rigid bars connected to adjustable support members which can individually adjust the position of the rigid bars above a surface and a frame to create a desired contour. The structure to be assembled, such as a magnetic levitation guideway, is positioned and held in place on top of the rigid bars which have been positioned so as to define a desired contour of the structure and to which the structure will mechanically conform. The position of the rigid bars is monitored and adjusted by a computer to maintain the desired contour while the structure resting on the rigid bars is being assembled.

Abstract: A solder ball mounting device for mounting solder balls on a workpiece is disclosed. A solder ball supplying section in which the solder balls are stored; a sucking head having a plurality of solder ball sucking holes in a lower surface thereof; sucking means coupled to the sucking head so as to suck the solder balls in the solder ball sucking holes; lift means for vertically moving the sucking head; and pressure adjusting means for adjusting and setting degree of vacuum in the sucking head to a first pressure for sucking the solder balls, and to a second pressure which is lower in the degree of vacuum than the first pressure and is high enough to hold the solder balls sucked, are provided.

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 assembly process apparatus includes an assembly robot for assembling parts to a workpiece which is a main body, a part supply apparatus for supplying parts to the workpiece, a work pallet for supplying workpieces to an assembly station of the assembly robot, and a tool pallet for supplying assembly process modules interchangeable with respect to the assembly robot. The part supply apparatus is made up of a plurality of part supply modules interchangeable with respect to the assembly robot. With the assembly process apparatus as one unit, it is constructed to assemble parts one unit only or with a plurality of units combined. Accordingly, an assembly process apparatus achieves excellent productivity with which it is possible to expand or cut line equipments easily according to production volume, and it is possible to achieve utilization of surplus assembly robots.

Abstract: A parts distributing method for distributing parts to mounting units in a parts mounting system having a plurality of mounting units, said method comprising the steps of: specifying parts of specific kinds which can be mounted with each mounting unit as division-specified parts; distributing parts specified for a specific mounting unit to the mounting unit; repeating operations to distribute parts having a maximum mounting time, out of remaining parts other than the division-specified parts, to mounting units which sequentially have a minimum mounting time; and repeating operations to distribute the division-specified parts one by one to mounting units which sequentially have a minimum mounting time. 1 TABLE I Tacts for high-speed Tacts for multi-function Part name Quantity mounting uuit mounting uuit Electronic 6 0.15 0.25 Part A Electronic 5 0.20 0.30 Part B Electronic 5 — 0.40 Part C Electronic 4 0.15 0.25 Part D Tact: mounting time per part (sec.

Abstract: A sucker rod tool system for oil wells monitors both torque and angular displacement of a three-element sucker rod connection. The tool system engages two sucker rods that are at least partially screwed into opposite ends of a sucker rod coupling. The system, however, does not engage the coupling adjoining both rods. The system determines whether a connection has been properly tightened by sensing the torque and angular displacement of the connection as it is being tightened, and comparing the data to a stored reference set of data or curves. In some embodiments, a properly tightened connection is based upon the number of straight lines that are needed to adequately approximate a plotted curve of the sensed torque versus angular displacement. Tightness of each connection of a string of sucker rods is recorded with reference to each connection's depth within a well to later serve as an aide in diagnosing connection failures. In some cases, the energy required to unscrew a connection is also recorded.

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: A sucker rod tool system for oil wells monitors both torque and angular displacement of a three-element sucker rod connection. The tool system engages two sucker rods that are at least partially screwed into opposite ends of a sucker rod coupling. The system, however, does not engage the coupling adjoining both rods. The system determines whether a connection has been properly tightened by sensing the torque and angular displacement of the connection as it is being tightened, and comparing the data to a stored reference set of data or curves. In some embodiments, a properly tightened connection is based upon the number of straight lines that are needed to adequately approximate a plotted curve of the sensed torque versus angular displacement. Tightness of each connection of a string of sucker rods is recorded with reference to each connection's depth within a well to later serve as an aide in diagnosing connection failures. In some cases, the energy required to unscrew a connection is also recorded.

Abstract: A sucker rod tool system for oil wells monitors both torque and angular displacement of a three-element sucker rod connection. The tool system engages two sucker rods that are at least partially screwed into opposite ends of a sucker rod coupling. The system, however, does not engage the coupling adjoining both rods. The system determines whether a connection has been properly tightened by sensing the torque and angular displacement of the connection as it is being tightened, and comparing the data to a stored reference set of data or curves. In some embodiments, a properly tightened connection is based upon the number of straight lines that are needed to adequately approximate a plotted curve of the sensed torque versus angular displacement. Tightness of each connection of a string of sucker rods is recorded with reference to each connection's depth within a well to later serve as an aide in diagnosing connection failures. In some cases, the energy required to unscrew a connection is also recorded.

Abstract: A method of examining a position of at least one board-support pin which is positioned on a board-support base for supporting a printed-circuit board under a back surface thereof, the method including the steps of taking an image of the board-support pin, at a position opposed to a free end of the pin, judging whether the position of the board-support pin is appropriate, based on the taken image, and producing judgment information indicative of a result of the judgment.

Abstract: An apparatus for tagging pieces of lumber including a motor-driven chain for positioning adjacent a lumber conveyor. A stapler is positioned adjacent one end of the chain for affixing a tag to a piece of lumber on the conveyor. A tag feeding attachment urges one tag of a contiguous sequence of tags into alignment with the stapler and severs the tag from the contiguous sequence of tags. A photosensor is positioned adjacent the stapler for detecting the presence of lumber upon the conveyor and for generating an electrical signal in response thereto. Upon receiving an electrical signal from the photosensor, a central processing unit energizes the stapler and the tag feeding attachment in a predetermined sequence.

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 apparatus having a base for automatically opening interdigitated tab fingers formed on a hang strip. The base includes an item advancement station and an item attachment station is disposed at an edge of the base. A supply of hang strip material is provided at a base edge opposite the item attachment station. The hang strip supply is mounted to the base and is fed through the advancement station and across and through a tab retainer that maintains at least one of the interdigitated tab fingers open until the tab station is guided to the item attachment edge of the base. At the item attachment edge, perpendicular transversal of a corner or edge of the base causes one set of the interdigitated fingers to open, while at least one interdigitated tab finger opened at the item advancement station clears the back edge of the retainer.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for efficiently placing a respective fuzz button into each of a high number of button holes on a fuzz button contactor while also efficiently filtering out defectively shaped fuzz buttons. The fuzz buttons are placed into rows of a predetermined number of button holes on the fuzz button contactor. A slot plate has the predetermined number of slots aligned as a row of slots, and fuzz buttons are placed into each of the slots of the slot plate. The present invention also includes a contactor jig having at least one row of the predetermined number of jig holes. These jig holes are disposed on the contactor jig as a mirror image of the at least one row of the predetermined number of button holes on the fuzz button contactor when the contactor jig is properly aligned with the fuzz button contactor.

Abstract: A rotary-type circuit-component supplying apparatus including a plurality of feeders each of which stores a plurality of circuit components of a same sort and which supplies the components one by one from a component-supply portion thereof, at least one rotary table which is rotatable about a first axis line which is substantially vertical and which holds the feeders such that the respective component-supply portions of the feeders are arranged along a circle having a center on the first axis line, and a table-driving device which rotates and stops the rotary table to position the component-supply portion of each of the feeders at a predetermined component-supplying position, the feeders including at least one pendent feeder which includes a main portion which is held by the rotary table such that the main portion extends in a substantially horizontal direction, and which supports a tape-feeding mechanism which feeds a tape carrying the circuit components to the component-supply portion of the pendent feeder,

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a drainage line unit. The apparatus includes a mandrel having an inner cavity. Rear, upper and front openings communicate with the mandrel cavity. Preferably, a controller connected to at least one sensor is operably positioned to control the apparatus. A pipe feeder feeds perforated vent pipe through the inner cavity of the mandrel from the rear opening to the front opening and therethrough. The pipe is positioned within the inner tube cavity so as to define a void space between the pipe and the wall of the mandrel. A hopper assembly has an exit port positioned for feeding a plurality of plastic bodies into the cavity. A blower produces a sufficient air flow through the mandrel cavity for moving the plurality of plastic bodies to substantially fill the void space so that the pipe emerges from the front opening of the mandrel surrounded by the plurality of plastic bodies.

Abstract: An apparatus for disassembling and assembling a gas turbine combustor comprises a hand assembly for holding a combustor component of a gas turbine, an inserting and drawing section which supports the hand assembly and moves the same in parallel to a central axis of the combustor component and a retainer for securing the inserting and drawing section onto a casing which constitutes an outer section of the gas turbine.

Abstract: A force-controlled robot system with a visual sensor capable of performing a fitting operation automatically with high reliability. A force sensor attached to a wrist portion of a robot detects force in six axis directions for force control, and transmits the results of detection to a robot controller. Position and orientation of a convex portion of a fit-in workpiece held by claws of a robot hand and position and orientation of a concave position of a receiving workpiece positioned by a positioning device are detected by a three-dimensional visual sensor including a structured light unit SU and an image processor in the robot controller, and a robot position to start an inserting action is corrected. Then, the convex portion is inserted into the concave portion under the force control. After the inserting action completes, it is determined whether or not the insertion state of the fit-in workpiece in the receiving workpiece is normal.

Abstract: An improved assembly apparatus and method of assembling workpieces together. The apparatus includes a drive linkage with a linearly movable ram for pushing one workpiece toward the other. The drive linkage also includes a rotatable drive train. In the improved assembly apparatus, a transducer is provided to determine the load existing in the drive linkage, and a resolver is provided to determine the stage of the assembly cycle. A programmable controller is used to correlate this information, and a device is provided for communicating a message related to the correlated information. The transducer may be a strain measuring device or a pressure transducer measuring the pressure in an hydraulic cylinder in the drive linkage. The communications device may be a visual monitor, alarm, recording device, or similar communicator.

Abstract: The tool of the present invention includes a body portion, a coupling portion and a gauging portion. The coupling portion is coupled to the body portion and includes a beam member and a tool centering structure. The beam member is adapted to engage the latch ratchet of a latch mechanism and the tool centering structure is adapted to engage either the latch mechanism or the closure member to which the latch mechanism is coupled. The coupling portion maintains the body portion in a predetermined orientation relative to the latch ratchet. The gauging portion is adapted to contact a striker structure when the tool is coupled to the latch mechanism and the closure member is moved toward the closed position. Depending upon the configuration of the gauging portion, one or more indicator lights may be employed to notify the technician of the out-of-tolerance condition. Alternately, the gauging portion may be configured to permit the technician to obtain variable data on the position of the striker structure.

Abstract: The device for insertion and assembly of workpieces relating to the present invention is a device for insertion and assembly of workpieces for insertion and assembly of a first workpiece to a positioned second workpiece, and comprises means for advancing and retreating which causes the advance and retreat of the first workpiece toward said second workpiece, and means for rotating to rotate either workpiece around an axis Z being a line extending in the direction of advance and retreat of the first workpiece with respect to said second workpiece; wherein said means for advancing and retreating comprises a slider supported advanceably and retreatably with respect to the second workpiece by a body portion, means for holding connected to said slider and holding the first workpiece, and means for applying resilient energy to provide a prescribed resilient energy between the slider and said means for holding.