Abstract: A plant for reshaping plastic preforms into plastic containers, includes a heating device for heating the plastic preforms, and a device for reshaping the plastic preforms into the plastic containers, arranged downstream of the heating device in the transport direction of the plastic preforms, wherein the reshaping device includes a transport device, which transports the plastic preforms along a predefined transport path and wherein the transport device has a station carrier on which a multitude of reshaping stations are arranged, each having blow mold devices each arranged on blow mold carriers. The reshaping device includes a changing device, which is suited and intended for at least removing and/or attaching the blow mold devices to the blow mold carriers, wherein this changing device is further suited and intended for at least removing and/or attaching the changeable element to the heating device.

Abstract: A milking robot comprises a frame that is movable along a guide track that is positioned adjacent to a rotary platform such that the frame can move in conjunction with the movement of the rotary platform. The milking robot further comprises a moveable arm having a first end that couples to the frame and a second end that extends in a longitudinal direction, and at least one gripper coupled to the movable arm at the second end. The gripper is extendable in the longitudinal direction of the movable arm.

Abstract: A production apparatus for producing a component assembly by sequentially performing predetermined processes in a plurality of processing areas (A1 to A6) arranged in a ring formation and then, by separating a jig. The apparatus includes a rotational table main body (20), a plurality of holding/transfer units (30) rotatable integrally with the rotational table main body and capable of holding an object and transferring the same onto processing tables in the plurality of processing areas, a plurality of loading portions (40) provided on the rotational table main body corresponding to the plurality of holding/transfer units and capable of loading the jig, and a plurality of processing units (60 to 110) provided for performing predetermined processes in the plurality of processing areas.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a component handling assembly, comprising, an index table which comprises one or more nests each of which is configured to cooperate with a component to hold the component as the index table is indexed, wherein the one or more nests are configured such that a component which cooperates with a nest is supported above the nest so that the one or more nests can cooperate with components of various sizes, and an alignment means operable to move a component into a predefined orientation before a component co-operates with a nest on the index table. There is further provided a corresponding method of handling a component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing motor vehicle sub-assemblies with unrestricted model mix and quick changeover between models. The apparatus includes a track; a carriage mounted for longitudinal movement along the track between first and second positions; and first and second turrets rotatably mounted on the carriage at longitudinally spaced locations and each including a plurality of circumferentially spaced individual faces and unique tooling fixtures on the respective faces for receiving unique work piece components corresponding to a plurality of motor vehicle body styles.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading stator windings into a stator core includes an arbor member including a body having a central axis and an outer diametric portion provided with a plurality of slots. An insertion element is rotatably mounted adjacent the arbor member. The insertion element includes a plurality of slot elements that are configured to register with the plurality of slots. A loading member is rotatably mounted adjacent the insertion element. The loading member includes a plurality of slot members that are configured to register with the plurality of slot elements. The loading member is selectively operated to receive a stator winding into one of the plurality of slot members and transfer the stator winding into one of the plurality of slot elements. The at least one insertion element is selectively operated to transfer the stator winding into one of the plurality of slots of the arbor member.

Abstract: A roller hemming system for hemming nested panels includes a single hemming workstation providing for tooling exchange operations simultaneous with hemming operations. A plurality of robots that perform tooling exchange at the hemming workstation, movement of nested panels through the system, and hemming operations on nested panels at the hemming workstation. Nested panels are inputted into the system and hemmed nested panel assemblies are outputted from the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing motor vehicle sub-assemblies with unrestricted model mix and quick changeover between models. The apparatus includes a track; a carriage mounted for longitudinal movement along the track between first and second positions; and first and second turrets rotatably mounted on the carriage at longitudinally spaced locations and each including a plurality of circumferentially spaced individual faces and unique tooling fixtures on the respective faces for receiving unique work piece components corresponding to a plurality of motor vehicle body styles.

Abstract: A production line used to assemble and test some electronic elements includes a first assembly line used to assemble some electronic elements requiring a relatively high requirements of cleanliness factor, a second assembly line used to assemble some electronic elements requiring a relatively low requirements of cleanliness factor, a first testing line used to do some testing items with a relatively high requirements of lightness, a second testing line used to do some testing items with a relatively low requirements of lightness, and a third testing line do some testing items requiring a relatively high requirements of cleanliness factor, the first assembly line, the second assembly line, the first testing line, the second testing line, and the third testing line are located adjacent to each other and connected together in series.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for separating interconnects between, for example, a card and a substrate. The apparatus includes one or more rotationally biased (e.g., spring-loaded, etc.) partial-circle structures (e.g., blades, squeegee, plow, etc.) and one or more temperature-sensitive releases connected to the partial-circle structures. The partial-circle structures are positioned to rotate and separate the interconnects when released by the temperature-sensitive releases. The invention can also include solder reservoirs positioned to receive solder from the interconnects separated by the partial-circle structures.

Abstract: A production apparatus of the present invention produces a component assembly to an object to be processed in which a jig for holding a subsidiary component is set to a main component by sequentially performing predetermined processes in a plurality of processing areas (A1 to A6) arranged in a ring formation and then, by separating the jig, and includes a rotational table main body (20) rotated and driven by steps of a predetermined angle, a plurality of holding/transfer units (30) arranged in a circumference direction so as to rotate integrally with the rotational table main body and capable of holding the object or the component assembly and transferring the same onto processing tables in the plurality of processing areas, a plurality of loading portions (40) provided on the rotational table main body corresponding to the plurality of holding/transfer units and capable of loading the jig, and a plurality of processing units (60 to 110) provided for performing predetermined processes in the plurality of proc

Abstract: An automatic assembling system and method for camera lens units are provided. The system includes a main workstation, a barrel-feeding station, a lens-feeding station, and a camera lens-removing station. The method includes (A) operating a plurality of barrel-clamping units of the main workstation cyclically and intermittently along a feeding direction; (B) moving a plurality of barrels from a barrel standby area of the barrel-feeding station onto the barrel-clamping units in sequence; (C) moving a plurality of lens units from a lens standby area assembly of the lens-feeding station into the barrels to form the camera lens units; and (D) moving the camera lens units from the barrel-clamping units into a camera lens-collecting area of the camera lens-removing station. The steps (B, C, D) are performed in cooperation with the intermittent operations of the barrel-clamping units.

Abstract: An apparatus for workpiece assembly is disclosed. In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus includes a carousel which rotates between a plurality of assembly stations for assembly. Workpieces are loaded onto or unloaded from the carousel at a load/unload station and the carousel rotates to position workpieces proximate to the plurality of assembly stations. As illustrated workpieces are loaded into a plurality of assembly nests on the carousel. The plurality of assembly nests include alignment fingers rotatable with the plurality of assembly nests or carousel to align components, for example to align discs of a hydrodynamic spindle assembly for merge operations.

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: The machine (4) operates continuously and is a single unit having a prismatic construction and a body with an upper base that incorporates a large rotary platen (1), a number of workstations (5) that are placed in said platen and are provided with diametrically opposite curling and sealing compound lining devices (6) and (7), one or more sets of feeding (8) and discharge (9) devices and common actuation means for these stations (5), internal to the machine (4), which machine may operate with any lids (2) or bases of any profile, adapting to any shape of these by rotating the lids (2) in the workstations (5).

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for applying melt flowable materials to components of articles of manufacture. The methods and apparatuses disclosed herein are concerned with formation of appropriate flowable materials, control over the manner in which the flowable materials are applied, treatment of the components prior to application of the flowable materials and the like. Moreover, the apparatuses and methods may be particularly suited for applying flowable materials to surfaces and components found in automotive, aerospace, and marine vehicles.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stator winding includes a twisting step of U-shaped conductor segments having a pair of straight portions by moving the straight portions in the circumferential direction while restraining the turn portions of the U-shaped conductor segments in the axial direction by a pressing tool. After the previously twisted U-shaped conductor segments are inserted into slots of a stator core, the straight portions are bent in the circumferential direction. The pressing tool is constituted of a stationary top plate that has recesses into which the straight portions are inserted and a movable top plate that is movable to close the recesses after the straight portions are inserted in the recesses.

Abstract: A freely positionable placement head (1) removes presented flip chips (6) from a wafer (5), the connection side of said chips being directed upward. The placement head has a turning device (9), in which, by the time they are placed onto a substrate (8) to be provided with placed components, the flip chips are turned in such a way that they can be placed with their connection side onto the substrate. This makes it possible to dispense with a complex turning device assigned to the wafer (5).

Abstract: An assembly machine comprises a machine frame, a plurality of work stations arranged on a circular carrier plate secured on the surface of the machine frame, and a rotary dish that is rotationally driven in cycles and arranged concentrically with the carrier plate. The rotary dish protrudes along the circumference of the carrier plate and forms a ring-shaped support surface for work pieces that surround the carrier plate. The machine frame is a cast machine component that comprises a table-like substructure and a console on the top side with a ring-shaped mounting surface for receiving a drive for the rotary dish. The rotary dish drive is a direct drive that comprises a ring-shaped stator with electrical windings that is secured on the mounting surface, and a rotor fitted with permanent magnets. The rotor forms a carrier for and is detachably connected with the rotary dish.

Abstract: In an apparatus for corking bottles, the corks are fed in succession within the cavities of a plurality of vice-like devices, which are driven in rotation by a carousel device and which are designed to be radially compressed by the vice-like devices before their insertion into the respective bottles. The cavity of the vice-like device that each time comes to occupy the position for receiving the cork is set in communication with a negative-pressure source, which sucks the cork downwards, causing it to drop into the cavity, and maintains it in the correct vertical position. Preferably, a similar suction device is provided at the outlet end of feed channel for feeding the corks, which brings the corks to a loading station. A transfer wheel with a vertical axis transfers the corks in succession from the loading station to the starting station of the corking apparatus, where the corks are received within the respective vice-like devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding and inserting in caps liners made of plastic material dispensed by an extruder, comprising: a dosage carousel; a molding carousel; an insertion carousel; a cap feeder for feeding the insertion carousel with caps, the carousels being rotatable about vertical axes and provided with seats for supporting multiple shuttles that are angularly equidistant concentrically to the rotation axes of the respective carousels, the dosage carousel having assemblies for taking in succession doses of plastic material from the extruder and depositing them onto the shuttles, the molding carousel having assemblies for molding in succession liners on the shuttles and the insertion carousel having assemblies for removing in succession the liners from the shuttles and inserting them in respective caps fed by the feeder; and a first, second and third star, for shuttle transferring at the respective carousels.

Abstract: A system including an apparatus and method for assembling an insert and a cutter bar into a subassembly for use in dental floss dispensers. The insert includes a body portion defining an arbor for rotatably supporting a spool of dental floss and a superstructure contiguous with the body portion. The superstructure includes cutter bar receiving structure adapted to be grippingly engaged by a cutter bar having a cutting blade portion. The apparatus includes a rotatable assembly wheel having multiple pockets for receiving inserts, which wheel is rotatable into a plurality of positions corresponding to a plurality of assembly stations. An insert is inserted into a wheel pocket in a first direction at a first assembly station, a cutter bar is pushed onto the insert's cutter bar receiving structure at a second assembly station and the subassembly is discharged in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion at a third assembly station.

Abstract: An assembly machine comprises a machine frame, a plurality of work stations arranged on a circular carrier plate secured on the surface of the machine frame, and a rotary dish that is rotationally driven in cycles and arranged concentrically with the carrier plate. The rotary dish protrudes along the circumference of the carrier plate and forms a ring-shaped support surface for work pieces that surround the carrier plate. The machine frame is a cast machine component that comprises a table-like substructure and a console on the top side with a ring-shaped mounting surface for receiving a drive for the rotary dish. The rotary dish drive is a direct drive that comprises a ring-shaped stator with electrical windings that is secured on the mounting surface, and a rotor fitted with permanent magnets. The rotor forms a carrier for and is detachably connected with the rotary dish.

Abstract: The invention provides a manufacturing device for improving working property and reducing the burden of a worker in manufacture of support parts. This manufacturing device has a conveying device for intermittently conveying a main body of the support parts respectively having a bearing press-fitting portion and a bolt press-fitting hole along a predetermined conveying path while the main body is temporarily stopped every constant conveying distance. Plural holding members for holding the main body in a constant posture every constant clearance in a conveying direction of the conveying device are arranged. One stopping position of the holding members in the conveying path is set to a supply setting portion of the main body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for assembling and packing small-sized articles consisting of at least two components. A first component is here supplied to a handling device; a second component is assigned to the first component. The article which has been assembled from the first and second components is then packed. Being held between an input position and a discharge position by the handling device, the first component is guided by controllable pairs of gripper means along a curved path, the first components being received in the input position, guided along the curved path and transferred in the discharge position by the pairs of gripper means of the handling device to a transfer means. The second component is also supplied to the handling device, isolated and connected to the first component.

Abstract: A placement robot includes a micro alignment pick-up head (MAP) to hold a component for placement on a substrate. The MAP includes a retention member that may be a vacuum pick-up nozzle for component retention and has two main parts: an upper body and a lower body. The upper body and the lower body are separated from one another by an air bearing which provides near-frictionless performance and allows the lower body a range of motion relative to the upper body. The MAP is either “attached” or “loose.” Micropositioning actuators provide fine positioning in the X and/or Y directions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assembly multi-piston pumps such as the type used in air conditioning compressors. The conveyor is used to releasably retain the required number of pistons which is then moved to an assembly station wrapping the conveyor and pistons around a swashplate which is held there in place. The conveyor retains the pistons in the appropriate circumferential and radial positions about the swashplate. The cylinder block is in partially inserted over the pistons after which the conveyor can be moved back to the loading station releasing the pistons therefrom. After the pistons are released from the conveyor and held in place by the cylinder block the pistons may then be fully inserted into the cylinder block forming a pump subassembly which may then be used to form a complete pump.

Abstract: A predetermined number of sprags 21 are consecutively inserted into sprag pockets 45 in a boss 44 on a rotary index table by a sprag inserting section 50. Then, a ribbon spring 22 is fitted to the boss 44 by a ribbon-spring fitting section 60, and an outer retainer 23 is fitted thereto by an outer-retainer fitting section 70. At the same time, the boss 44 is continuously rotated to move the sprags 21 radially outward by centrifugal force, thereby allowing the sprags 21 to be inserted and fitted into sprag inserting windows 28 and 30 of the ribbon spring 22 and the outer retainer 23. Further, an inner retainer 24 is fitted to the boss 44 by an inner-retainer fitting section 80 to insert and fit the sprags 21 into the sprag pockets 45 of the inner retainer 24.

Abstract: A system including an apparatus and method for assembling an insert and a cutter bar into a subassembly for use in dental floss dispensers. The insert includes a body portion defining an arbor for rotatably supporting a spool of dental floss and a superstructure contiguous with the body portion. The superstructure includes cutter bar receiving structure adapted to be grippingly engaged by a cutter bar having a cutting blade portion. The apparatus includes a rotatable assembly wheel having multiple pockets for receiving inserts, which wheel is rotatable into a plurality of positions corresponding to a plurality of assembly stations. An insert is inserted into a wheel pocket in a first direction at a first assembly station, a cutter bar is pushed onto the insert's cutter bar receiving structure at a second assembly station and the subassembly is discharged in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion at a third assembly station.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stator of a rotary electric machine is comprised of the following steps: providing a plurality of U-shaped basic conductor segments and a plurality of U-shaped connection conductor segments; forming the U-turn portions and straight portions into crossover portions, inserting the pair of straight portions of the basic and connection conductor segments into prescribed two slots of a stator core from one end thereof to extend from the other end, bending one of the pair of straight portions in the direction opposite to the other of the pair of extended straight portions so that the edges of straight portions extending from the prescribed slots can adjoin each other, connecting the adjoining edges to form a plurality of phase coils, and removing the U-turn portion of the connection conductor segments to form terminals of the phase coils.

Abstract: A predetermined number of sprags 21 are consecutively inserted into sprag pockets 45 in a boss 44 on a rotary index table by means of a sprag inserting section 50. Then, a ribbon spring 22 is fitted to the boss 44 by means of a ribbon-spring fitting section 50, and an outer retainer 23 is fitted to the boss 44 by means of an outer-retainer fitting section 70. At the same time, the boss 44 is continuously rotated to move the sprags 21 toward the radially outward side of the boss 44 by the centrifugal force acting in the sprags 21, thereby allowing the sprags 21 to be inserted and fitted into sprag inserting windows 28 and 30 of the ribbon spring 22 and the outer retainer 23. Further, an inner retainer 24 is fitted to the boss 44 by means of an inner-retainer fitting section 80 to insert and fit the sprags 21 into the sprag pockets 45 of the inner retainer 24.

Abstract: An encapsulation method of organic electroluminscence device is provided. An organic electroluminescent device is formed on an indium-tin-oxide glass substrate. A metal electrode is formed on the organic electroluminescent device. The organic electroluminescent device is encapsulated by a nitride layer or a carbide layer formed by using segmental sputtering at a low temperature. The substrate is soldered on a metal plate and covered by a metal cap.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a photo film unit has a dark box, which has supply openings into which parts are supplied, and an exit opening from which the body loaded with the photo film is exited. Intermediate cells of the dark box shield ambient light and include interlocked outer shutter plates and inner shutter plates which are disposed in the supply openings and the exit opening. A cassette supplying loader and a robot hand transfer the cassette into the dark box, while a leading tongue of the photo film is protruded from the cassette shell, with a remaining portion of the photo film contained as a roll. A roll forming fork device winds the photo film to a predetermined length from the cassette and forms the photo film into the roll. A photo film mounting mechanism swings the roll and the cassette shell together to change orientation thereof, and loads the roll and the cassette shell into the body.

Abstract: A semi-automated machine for singulating individual surgical needles from an bulk supply and attaching a suture to the surgical needle is described. Each of the surgical needles has a suture receiving opening formed therein for receiving a suture. The machine includes a needle singulation station, a precise positioning station, a suture feeding station, a swage station, a pull-test station and an off-load station. A universal gripper mounted on a rotary indexing device automatically receives each individual needle in a predetermined orientation and conveys the needle for sequential processing from station to station to form the needle-suture assembly. A suture feeding and cutting station automatically cuts an indefinite length of suture material to a definite length suture strand and automatically inserts an end of the definite length suture strand into the suture receiving opening formed in the needle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a differential pressure apparatus that transports a component to a receptacle and activates a positive air flow that nutates component about the receptacle until properly aligned so that a negative air flow or gravity forces engagement of the aligned component into the receptacle. The present invention also provides a method of assembling a connector assembly using a differential pressure apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for processing a plurality of small work-pieces which each weighs under five pounds using a robot gripping a rotatable pallet for holding an array of small parts. The robot has a removable tooling plate mounted on its head for mounting an array of processing tools operating on the rotatable pallet such as pick-and-place tools, work-piece ejection tools, vertical and horizontal video cameras, reflective photocell sensors, and laser distance ranging sensors. The tools operate under control of the robot and in conjunction with rotation and elevation of the rotatable pallet with respect to the tool array. The tools are mounted by an interchangeable, standard bracket to permit quick installation or removal of the tool mounting plate and addition or placement of individual devices and sensors appropriate to particular robotic tasks.

Abstract: An automated means for hydrating a molded hydrophilic contact lens is provided in which a first robotic assembly removes a plurality of contact lens molds from a production line carrier, each of the lens molds having a contact lens adhered therein. The first robotic assembly transports the molds to a first staging area where the lens molds are sandwiched between a lens mold carrier and a top chamber plate to form a first hydration carrier. A first rotary transfer device then hands the first hydration carrier to a second robotic assembly which immerses the first hydration carrier in a hydration bath to hydrate the lens and to release the lens from the lens mold. While the lens is immersed in the hydration bath, each lens is transferred from its respective mold to a lens transfer means found within the top chamber plate.

Abstract: An assembly system comprises a supply jig for holding and positioning a plurality of parts one by one, a supply center for inserting a plurality of parts into the supply jig, a plurality of assembly centers for taking out the parts from the supply jig and assembling the parts into products in parallel processing, carrier conveyor for carrying the supply jig from the supply center to the assembly centers and return conveyor for returning the supply jig from the assembly centers to the supply center. The supply jig supplies the common parts which are required in all of the assembly centers, while each of the assembly centers comprises individual supply means for supplying a non-common part. Thus, this system can cope with assembling various types of products simultaneously, and can eliminate line stoppage upon occurrence of a trouble or for periodic inspection in any one of the centers, thereby production capability is improved.

Abstract: An assembly system comprises a supply jig for holding and positioning a plurality of parts one by one, a supply center for inserting a plurality of parts into the supply jig, a plurality of assembly centers for taking out the parts from the supply jig and assembling the parts into products in parallel processing, carrier conveyor for carrying the supply jig from the supply center to the assembly centers and return conveyor for returning the supply jig from the assembly centers to the supply center. The supply jig supplies the common parts which are required in all of the assembly centers, while each of the assembly centers comprises individual supply means for supplying a non-common part. Thus, this system can cope with assembling various types of products simultaneously, and can eliminate line stoppage upon occurrence of a trouble or for periodic inspection in any one of the centers, thereby production capability is improved.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a multiple component article such as an optical fiber connector and inspecting assembled multiple component articles. The apparatus includes a fixture or nest for retaining an elongated body of the connector in a selected orientation. Stations of the apparatus are included for placing the elongated body in the fixture in a selected orientation, placing a biasing component on the elongated body, placing a coupling nut on the elongated body over the exposed end and abutting the biasing component, and applying a retaining component to an outside surface of the elongated body for retaining the biasing component between the elongated body and the coupling nut in a compressed state. The inspection system includes a fixture for retaining the multiple component article in a selected orientation in which a portion of the elongated body and a portion of the coupling nut are exposed for inspection.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a photo film unit has a dark box, which has supply openings into which parts are supplied, and an exit opening from which the body loaded with the photo film is exited. Intermediate cells of the dark box shield ambient light and include interlocked outer shutter plates and inner shutter plates which are disposed in the supply openings and the exit opening. A cassette supplying loader and a robot hand transfer the cassette into the dark box, while a leading tongue of the photo film is protruded from the cassette shell, with a remaining portion of the photo film contained as a roll. A roll forming fork device winds the photo film to a predetermined length from the cassette and forms the photo film into the roll. A photo film mounting mechanism swings the roll and the cassette shell together to change orientation thereof, and loads the roll and the cassette shell into the body.

Abstract: An automated continuous manufacturing system which includes a rotatable work table having a plurality of work piece supports for maintaining work pieces during operation of said system, and a plurality of work stations for performing cleaning, pretreatment, treatment or assembly tasks on work pieces secured to said work piece supports. Each of the tasks performed at the work table is performed at a respective work station. Certain of the work stations comprise a removable station subassembly for performing a specific task. The removable station subassemblies are removably engagable with the rotatable work table and may be replaced with an alternate removable station subassembly for performing a desired alternate task. One of the work stations is an assembly station engaged with the rotatable work table for receiving work pieces from their individual work piece supports. The assembly station further includes a removing subassembly for removing the work pieces from the work piece supports for further assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing pieces of flexible material from a length thereof (such as tubes 30 from plastics tubing 4) has a rotor 6 with a port 9 through which the tubing 4 is fed. Rotation of the rotor about its axis 7 displaces an end 4' of the tubing over a cutter 15 to cut the tube piece. The tube piece 30 may be gripped by jaws 23 on a turret 20 and carried to a transfer station 31 at which the tube piece 30 may be picked up by jaws 71 on a vertically displaceable head 60 of a locating unit 3. The head 60 rotates with a turret 56 and is displaced vertically under cam control 62, 63 for fitting an end 30A of the tube piece into a component, such as an open topped container 40, in a seat 52 beneath the head 60. The container 40 may be conveyed to the seat 52 in a filling and sealing line for forming a beverage package.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which provides for holding a closure that has threads stationary and rotating the container about its longitudinal axis to apply the closure on the container. Preferably the closure and container are in inverted position. The method of cutting provides for holding the container and closure in inverted positioned, gripping the container and moving a knife transversely of the longitudinal axis of the container to sever the bottom from the container.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for processing a plurality of small work-pieces which each weighs under five pounds using a robot gripping a rotatable pallet for holding an array of small parts. The robot has a removable tooling plate mounted on its head for mounting an array of processing tools operating on the rotatable pallet such as pick-and-place tools, work-piece ejection tools, vertical and horizontal video cameras, reflective photocell sensors, and laser distance ranging sensors. The tools operate under control of the robot and in conjunction with rotation and elevation of the rotatable pallet with respect to the tool array. The tools are mounted by an interchangeable, standard bracket to permit quick installation or removal of the tool mounting plate and addition or placement of individual devices and sensors appropriate to particular robotic tasks.

Abstract: A rotor assembly machine for assembling spring biased starter pawls to a rotor. The machine includes three loaders. A first loader positions a coiled spring around a post of a rotor. A second loader connects the starter pawl onto the post. The third loader moves a first end of the spring into operable biasing engagement with the starter pawl. The machine is substantially entirely automated with various testing stations along the assembly line path. The machine uses various novel methods at the loaders that allow a substantially trouble free automated assembly.

Abstract: An automated machine for attaching a suture to a surgical needle having a suture receiving opening formed therein, and for packaging the same in a package tray comprises a first workstation including a device for sorting a plurality of needles and orienting each needle for automatic feeding to a second swaging workstation, a second workstation including a device for automatically cutting an indefinite length of suture material to a definite length and a device for automatically swaging the needle to close the suture receiving opening about a free end of the suture to secure the suture thereto and form a needle-suture assembly, a needle packaging station including a device for sequentially receiving at least one of the needle-suture assemblies in a package tray in synchronism with the second workstation, the needle packaging station having a device for automatically winding the depending suture portion of the needle-suture assembly into the package tray, a first indexing device for sequentially receiving indiv

Abstract: A machine for securing a thermoplastic coated paper handle to a paper cup, the machine including a mandrel turret mounted for rotary motion on a frame, the turret including a plurality of mandrels and a pair of clamp assemblies for clamping the cups onto the mandrels, a die assembly mounted on the frame for stamping paper handles from a strip of thermoplastic coated paper and a transfer turret for transferring the paper handles from the die assembly to the mandrel turret for attachment to the cups.

Abstract: An apparatus for the assembly of grommets on electrical cables for use in an automatic cable-processing machine, which is simple and cost effectively constructed so as to achieve a shorter assembly time, per grommet, and utilizes a step-wise rotatable turning device which includes several mandrels whereby, in a first setting (I), always one grommet is pushed onto a mandrel while in a second setting (II) of the turning device, the grommet is pushed, via a slip-on unit, onto a thicker portion of the mandrel for the purpose of expansion, with an assembly head including a grommet-receiving portion and an expanding portion by means of which, in a further setting (IV) of the turning device, the grommet is pulled from the mandrel, whereby the grommet is held in an expanded state, using the expanding portion and pushed onto the cable.

Abstract: A method of making an injection and sampling site adapted to receive a blunt cannula. The method comprises providing an elastomeric septum, and a housing adapted to receive that septum; making a slit in the elastomeric septum; inserting the elastomeric septum into the passageway of the housing; and swaging an outer annular ledge on the housing inwardly over the septum until a septum-engaging portion of the swaging tool applies a predetermined amount of force to the septum. Before the swaging step, a pin is inserted into the passageway of the housing against the inside end of the septum to inhibit deformation of the septum during swaging.