Abstract: A means of integrating the materials and automating the actions required for the cleaning of optical fiber, where the present invention can hold cleaning material, dispense cleaning agent, and clean multiple fibers, while routing conduits and cleaning pads protect the optical fiber from mechanical stress.

Abstract: An overhead conveying device includes a conveying device mounted on supporting framework. The supporting framework and the conveying device form a conveying corridor. At least one securing element can be arranged at an input point and/or output point of the supporting framework, and the securing element can be moved between a securing position and an opening position. The securing element functions in the securing position as fall protection and at least partially blocks the initial cross-section and/or terminal cross-section of the conveying corridor. In the opening position, the securing element releases the initial cross-section and/or terminal cross-section of the conveying corridor for the transport of components with the help of the conveying device.

Abstract: A piston assembling apparatus includes a piston holding means including a guide tube portion which contains the piston and guides the piston into the cylinder bore. A guide tube support portion supports the guide tube portion to be displaceable in a radial direction thereof. A moving means moves at least one of the piston holding means and the cylinder block so as to locate them at an insertion preparation position where the guide tube portion and the cylinder bore are coaxial with each other. A pressing means presses the piston contained in the guide tube portion toward the cylinder block to insert the piston into the cylinder bore in a state in which the piston holding means and the cylinder block are located at the insertion preparation position, and the guide tube portion is supported by the guide tube support portion to be displaceable in the radial direction thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a roller hemming system for panels of a vehicle that may include: a marriage jig adapted to load thereon a part having an outer panel and an inner panel joined together; a clamping pad releasably mounted at a front end of an arm of a first handling robot, and adapted to clamp the part loaded on the marriage jig by a plurality of clamping means; a plurality of transfer rails adapted to intersect with each other at a center; a plurality of hemming dies, each being disposed on a predetermined transfer rail, being adapted to reciprocate on the transfer rail between the center and an initial position, and being adapted to receive thereon the part clamped by the clamping pad; and a plurality of hemming robots being disposed corresponding to each hemming die and provided with a hemming roller unit adapted to hem an edge of the part.

Abstract: A plant including: an assembly line along which a plurality of pallets are circulated in a closed loop, divided into a first section, where the pallets are loaded in a plurality of first stations with mechanical parts to be assembled, and into a second section, where the pallets advance along a plurality of second stations; a conveyor arranged at least partially parallel to and above the second section, along which a plurality of balance supports provided with bodies run; a coupling station, arranged immediately upstream of the second section, where the pallets are integrally coupled to the balance supports; and a decoupling station, where the pallets are separated from the balance supports; each pallet having selectively engageable and releasable fastening means for a balance support and elastic means able to receive the balance support resting thereon.

Abstract: A tire mounting apparatus is constructed from a first working mechanism and a second working mechanism that are separate from each other. The first working mechanism is provided with a tire holding device for holding a tire and with a temporary tightening device for temporarily tightening nuts onto hub bolts to which the tire is mounted. The second working mechanism is provided with a final tightening device means for finally tightening the temporarily tightened nuts. The final tightening device includes two nut runners and an interval adjuster for adjusting an interval between the two nut runners.

Abstract: A process for installing electrical box, wiring, and receptacles or switch simultaneously that allows electricians to perform all 3 tasks at one time without the need to return to install receptacles or switch after wallboard is installed comprises: Housing with built-in laser guide and attached magnetic spacers for metal studs or wooden studs that allow for correct alignment of receptacle or switch for applicable wallboard thickness used.

Abstract: Method for fitting caps by means of an automatic apparatus onto at least one end of a pipe, fed in a longitudinal direction by a pipe-feeding machine and directed to a machine for bundling the pipe, wherein said apparatus being movable alternately in both senses of the longitudinal direction between two opposite end-of-travel ends, i.e. rear end facing the feeding machine, and front end opposite to the rear end.

Abstract: A workpiece assembly system includes a first manual station in which a person performs an operation of providing a first component set onto a pallet; a first robot station in which a robot performs an operation of assembling the first component set into a workpiece on a surface plate; and a conveyor that conveys the pallet and the surface plate from the first robot station to a subsequent manual station. After the robot has removed the first component set from the pallet and before the robot finishes the operation in the first robot station, the pallet is conveyed to the subsequent manual station prior to the surface plate.

Abstract: A system for assembling a vehicle includes a first assembly line having a plurality of first stations, including a welding station for welding first structural components that define a vehicle body portion. The first structural components are formed of a first material. The second assembly line receives the vehicle body portion from the first assembly line and has a plurality of second stations, including a second welding station where a second structural component is secured to the first structural components. The second structural component is formed of the first material or a second material. The second assembly line is configured such that the second component is one of welded to the first components in the second welding station when the second component is formed of the first material and fastened to the first components in the second welding station when the second component is formed of the second material.

Abstract: A workpiece assembling apparatus includes: a conveyor configured to convey a workpiece; a plurality of robots arranged along the conveyor, the plurality of robots being configured to perform a same work on a workpiece conveyed by the conveyor; a parts-supplier configured to supply parts to the plurality of robots; and a controller configured to control the robots and the conveyor, wherein the controller controls the robot disposed at a downstream side to perform an unfinished work of the robot disposed at an upstream side in addition to a predetermined work in a case where the robot disposed at the upstream side has not completed a predetermined work.

Abstract: This invention provides a retainer assembling apparatus which assembles a retainer to a valve stem via a cotter which engage with an engaging groove formed on the valve stem. The cotter comprises a pair of cotter segments. The apparatus includes a cylindrical body, a holding portion which holds the retainer contacting a lower end of the cylindrical body, a push-up shaft which pushes up the pair of cotter segments into the cylindrical body, and an axial body which is arranged in the cylindrical body to be coaxial with the push-up shaft and to be coaxially movable. The cylindrical body includes a tapered inner circumferential portion on an inner circumferential wall lower portion thereof.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable processing apparatus includes a rotation table (conveyance section) which conveys a case that houses an optical fiber cable obtained by coating an optical fiber, and to which a plurality of work stations is set. The rotation table includes a case holding part, and the case holding part includes a cable holding section that holds the optical fiber cable. Further, a pulling station at an upstream side includes a pulling section that pulls out the optical fiber cable from the case by a predetermined length and causes the cable holding section to hold the optical fiber cable, and the work stations at a downstream side perform necessary work with respect to the optical fiber cable held by the cable holding section. Processing of the optical fiber cable in each work station can be easily performed.

Abstract: A method for connecting a first component to a second component, the method including: applying a fastening dome composed of material in a viscous state to the first component, hardening the fastening dome on the first component, and then inserting a connecting element through the first component, second component, and at least partially through the fastening dome.

Abstract: A machine for installing electrical box, wiring, and receptacles or switch simultaneously and a process that allows electricians to perform all 3 tasks at one time without the need to return to install receptacles or switch after wallboard is installed comprises: Housing with built-in laser guide and attached magnetic spacers for metal studs or wooden studs that allow for correct alignment of receptacle or switch for applicable wallboard thickness used.

Abstract: A facility for assembling aircraft fuselages comprises a plurality of movable cradles. Each cradle is configured to support a fuselage keel structure and assemble a panelized fuselage in a single upright build position.

Abstract: In a pocket coil spring structure assembling apparatus, a row-of-pocket-coil-springs auxiliary feed stock mechanism and a row-of-pocket-coil-springs delivery mechanism are connected together in series so as to form a row-of-pocket-coil-springs supply unit, a plurality of row-of-pocket-coil-springs supply units are disposed on an upstream side with respect to a sealing/cutting mechanism, a control apparatus is allowed to alternatively select a row-of-pocket-coil-springs supply unit to face the sealing/cutting mechanism from the plurality of row-of-pocket-coil-springs supply units, and a row-of-pocket-coil-springs supply unit alternatively selected is moved to face the sealing/cutting mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems for assembly of a component, in particular a roof panel, on a motor-vehicle body structure. One system comprises a device designed to clamp the component on the body structure in the proper position; a centre for welding the component on the body structure; and a conveying line for carrying to and from the welding centre a succession of the body structures. The clamping device is provided with means for gripping the component and comprises first manipulator means for bringing the device into connection with the component in a pick-up position according to a predetermined mutual positioning, and for carrying the device connected to the component to a body structure that is located in a position on the conveying line, upstream of the welding centre, for constraining it to the body structure according to a mutual positioning whereby the component is in the proper position of assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for assembling a vehicle body, and more particularly to a device for assembling a vehicle body that is capable of corresponding to various models of vehicles in a process of manufacturing a vehicle body.

Abstract: Doors D (collectively representing doors D1 and D2) are removed from a vehicle body W, and are mounted to door holders 4 which are put laterally outside a base 2. While a carrier 1 is conveyed downstream with the door holders 4 kept holding the doors D and put outside the base 2 in the lateral directions, and, components are assembled to the doors D. Thereafter, the doors D to which the components are assembled are removed from the door holders 4, and are mounted to the vehicle body W.

Abstract: A device and method for assembling parts, products or machines in a random build order that integrates or combines the delivery of loose components to be assembled on a carriage that itself supports the device being assembled along an assembly line path of travel. The loose parts onboard the carriage that also supports the device being progressively assembled substantially improves the logistics in an assembly plant and efficiency in building the part, product or device, for example a vehicle sheet metal body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing the delivery of component parts and tooling to a robotic welding assembly positioned on a motor vehicle body assembly line. Automatic guided vehicles deliver component parts from a source of parts to a parts staging area on the robotic welding assembly including a substage awaiting area, a substage in-use area and a substage empty area, and further automatic guided vehicles deliver tooling from a tooling management area to the robotic welding assembly whereafter the tooling, upon model changeover, is moved to a tooling use area proximate the assembly line whereafter, upon further model changeover, the tooling is removed from the tooling use area and loaded onto an automatic guided vehicle for return to the tooling management area.

Abstract: A positioning device is provided for positioning of a spring leg and a shock damper motor axis when a connection to a body-shaped pieces of a suspension promoter suspended coach industry unit with a mounting stored chassis unit of the vehicle, with the positioning device includes an attachment element Fixture for fixing the direction positioning to mount one of the fixture resistance element jointed affiliated gripping central carrier with a gripper attached to appropriation reach of the spring leg and shock damper, with the gripping means by moving the grief-structural funds his joints in a rest medium defined rest positions to warden can be brought, namely a working position in which the grief by the central taken one spring leg or shock absorbers positioned, and the suspension strut or shock absorbers are not positioned normally.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a system that can be used to form a photovoltaic device, or solar cell, using processing modules that are adapted to perform one or more steps in the solar cell formation process. The automated solar cell fab is generally an arrangement of automated processing modules and automation equipment that is used to form solar cell devices. The automated solar fab will thus generally comprise a substrate receiving module that is adapted to receive a substrate, one or more absorbing layer deposition cluster tools having at least one processing chamber that is adapted to deposit a silicon-containing layer on a surface of the substrate, one or more back contact deposition chambers, one or more material removal chambers, a solar cell encapsulation device, an autoclave module, an automated junction box attaching module, and one or more quality assurance modules that are adapted to test and qualify the completely formed solar cell device.

Abstract: A method for mounting interior components in an aircraft includes premounting a first interior component and premounting a second interior component. At least one of the first and the second interior component is secured to a mounting device and the first and second interior components are connected to form an individual module. A plurality of individual modules secured to the mounting device are interconnected to form a large module which is secured to the mounting device. The large module is detached from the mounting device and transported to a final-mounting position in an aircraft fuselage element. The detached large module is then mounted in the aircraft fuselage element.

Abstract: A machine for installing electrical box, wiring, and receptacles or switch simultaneously, A process that allows electricians to perform all 3 tasks at one time without the need to return to install receptacles or switch after wallboard is installed, Comprised of: Housing with built-in laser guide and attached magnetic spacers for metal studs or wooden studs that allow for correct alignment of receptacle or switch for applicable wallboard thickness used.

Abstract: A processing speed of each mechanisms in a cutting section is controlled such that all polarizing films housed in a container in advance are used in a joining process and simultaneously a new container with polarizing films housed therein that are cut by a size of a liquid crystal panel is loaded from the cutting section. Here, a fracture included in the polarizing film is cut and removed in the cutting section while a delayed time due to this process is shortened by controlling at least a processing speed in a processing mechanism in a cutting mechanism among mechanisms provided in the cutting section and the joining section.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly line includes a plurality of carriers that support respective vehicle bodies to which vehicle underbody parts, which are parts that are fitted to the vehicle bodies from below the vehicle bodies, are fitted, and convey the vehicle bodies along the vehicle assembly line. The carriers support the vehicle bodies in such a manner that the longitudinal direction of each of the vehicle bodies is perpendicular to the conveyance direction in which the vehicle bodies are conveyed.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus (2) for components (3), which has at least one movable loading station (20) designed as a tool magazine (13) and having reception points (39) with different tools (4, 5, 6, 7) for different component types A-I. The loading station (20) is connected to one or more machining stations (20, 22?) at which at least one machining device (23) and at least one handling device (24) for handling and releasing the components (3) from the tool (4, 5, 6, 7, 8) are arranged. The selected Figure is FIG. 5.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for installing an especially dome-shaped pressure bulkhead on a one-piece, substantially conical rear section for an aircraft, wherein said rear section comprises a connection area and an end area, comprising the steps: a) horizontally accommodating a prefabricated rear section in a horizontal support, b) inserting the rear section into a pivoting frame, c) pivoting the rear section into a vertical position using the pivoting frame, wherein the connection area of the rear section points upward, d) horizontally placing and centering the pressure bulkhead on the connection area, and e) joining of the pressure bulkhead with the rear section in the area of the connection area. The invention further relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method using a pivoting frame for tilting the rear section into a vertical position for installing the pressure bulkhead.

Abstract: A device and method for the molding of plugs as part of a pipe connection wherein the pipe connection is constructed as a sealing plug-in connection with a connecting piece and a plug that can be locked with the connecting piece. A molding slot is placed in the material of the plug with an expanding tool acting in a radial direction and a sensor subject to the radial deformation is arranged in the expanding jaw. The sensor records the radial deformation work of the expanding jaw and regulates the expanding drive.

Abstract: A plant for assembling mechanical parts on bodies of motor-vehicles comprises an endless conveying line and a plurality of pallets movable along the conveying line, each receiving mechanical parts of the motor-vehicle along a first section of the line. Means for loading a respective motor-vehicle body on a respective pallet at a loading station, located at the beginning of a second section of the conveying line, downstream of the abovementioned first section with reference direction of movement of the pallets are provided. At least one bolting station for bolting the mechanical parts on the respective body along the abovementioned second section is provided. The abovementioned second section of the line is superimposed to the first section and aligned therewith, so that the pallets move along a closed loop in a vertical plane, moving along the upper section in a direction opposite to their direction of movement along the lower section.

Abstract: In a pocket coil spring structure assembling apparatus, a row-of-pocket-coil-springs auxiliary feed stock mechanism and a row-of-pocket-coil-springs delivery mechanism are connected together in series so as to form a row-of-pocket-coil-springs supply unit, a plurality of row-of-pocket-coil-springs supply units are disposed on an upstream side with respect to a sealing/cutting mechanism, a control apparatus is allowed to alternatively select a row-of-pocket-coil-springs supply unit to face the sealing/cutting mechanism from the plurality of row-of-pocket-coil-springs supply units, and a row-of-pocket-coil-springs supply unit alternatively selected is moved to face the sealing/cutting mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for producing fire rated doors having added strength, better finishing and low cost manufacturing flexibility. The fire rated doors are made from two panels “sandwiched” together. An optional interior layer (e.g., fire resistant material, lead sheeting, steel or Kevlar) can be added between the door panels for various purposes. Splines, stiles or sticks are inserted in longitudinal channels in the door panels to provide assistance in aligning the door panels and greater hardware holding strength. An intumescent banding material concealed by a banding material around the perimeter of the door seals the door within its frame during a fire. The door design and the automated manufacturing process provide greater design choice, reduced cost and faster fabrication.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for producing fire rated doors having added strength, better finishing and low cost manufacturing flexibility. The fire rated doors are made from two panels “sandwiched” together. An optional interior layer (e.g., fire resistant material, lead sheeting, steel or Kevlar) can be added between the door panels for various purposes. Splines, stiles or sticks are inserted in longitudinal channels in the door panels to provide assistance in aligning the door panels and greater hardware holding strength. An intumescent banding material concealed by a banding material around the perimeter of the door seals the door within its frame during a fire. The door design and the automated manufacturing process provide greater design choice, reduced cost and faster fabrication.

Abstract: This invention describes a process flow and method to assemble triple IG units without contaminating the center glass lite. A non-contact vacuum pad is used to lift a glass lite off from a horizontal or vertical support that conveys it from a glass washer to an assembly station. Each of multiple pads has a capacity to lift approximately seven to ten pounds. Use of multiple pads per glass sheet or lite allows lites having dimensions up to 70 by 100 inches (assuming glass thickness of one quarter inch) to be assembled.

Abstract: A multiple tube processing coil for processing two or more elements that are ring-shaped in the processing area thereof, are made of an electrically conductive material and each element tightly encompasses a pressing zone of a mating piece. The multiple tube processing coil includes a pulsed power source and an electric conductor that is connected thereto, entirely surrounds the elements in the processing area thereof and is U-shaped. The two legs of the U-shape are each provided, across from one another, with at least one concavity. The internal edges of the two opposite concavities jointly have a shape that is complementary to the external edge of the cross-section of the elements and is equidistantly enlarged. At least the concavities on the internal faces of the two legs of the U-shape are covered with an electrically insulating layer.

Abstract: A six degree of freedom servo driven robot having a seventh axis servo motor for rotating servo driven nut runners affixed to swing arms about a radius. The robot offering flexibility within high production manufacturing and automotive assembly processes by realizing translational movement of servo driven nut runners about seven degrees of translation for fastening component parts of a work product within a work envelope.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for handling at least one part in a station for fixing two parts one on the other, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: positioning the parts in a station using a support (4); starting the fixing operation; replacing the support with a gripping robot (6) when the fixing operation has progressed sufficiently to lock the relative positioning of the two parts; mounting new parts in the support when the replacement has been made; and after the parts have been fixed, removing the thus fixed parts from the station using the gripping robot.

Abstract: A vehicular body panel or component part having a reinforcing backing plate reconciled or joined to a part of a blank material at a position wherein a bending formation is implemented. The backing plate has one or more apertures formed in at least one lateral row at a location equivalent to the position of the bending formation. When forming the blank material and the backing plate concurrently by a bending operation, the backing plate becomes intimately associated with the blank sheet to avoid the backing plate from locally separating from the blank material and from forming a gap relative thereto, with a resultant improved product quality.

Abstract: Methods relating to and apparatus such as floating nut plates may include complementary surfaces limiting movement of a retainer toward or away from side walls of a receiver, such as wherein a nut element is positioned between the retainer and the receiver. One of the complementary surfaces may be a groove formed in the retainer. In one configuration, the receiver and/or retainer are non-metal.

Abstract: A fixture with a shaped molding may hold a first micro-actuator part and a second micro-actuator part in place for coupling while maintaining the structure of the first micro-actuator part. The first micro-actuator part and the second micro-actuator part may be a frame or a strip of piezoelectric material. A vacuum nozzle system embedded in the fixture may hold the first micro-actuator part in place. A mobile vacuum nozzle system may hold the second micro-actuator in place and positions the second micro-actuator part relative to the first micro-actuator part. A camera system may monitor the process. A dispense may apply epoxy between the first and second micro-actuator part. An ultraviolet source may provide ultraviolet radiation for curing.

Abstract: An automated fabrication system is provided that utilizes electromagnetism to manipulate and/or sense the location of raw materials on a platform. Tools located around said platform may be utilized to fabricate a predetermined structure out of the raw materials. Tags that can be electromagnetically manipulated and sensed may be placed on passive raw materials. Structures fabricated from such a system may be, for example, a roof truss. Additionally, the fabrication system may be mobilized by way of a truck such that structures may be built on-site.

Abstract: A screwing station, in particular along an assembly line, comprises at least one machine frame and a screwing tool adjustably supported relative thereto between at least one retracted and one operative position and connected to a supply and, optionally, a measuring line. To improve a screwing station of this type in such a way that less mass has to be moved while the screwing station is of a simple construction, so that wear, maintenance work and energy consumption are reduced and a concurrent movement of supply and measuring lines is prevented at the same time, which might otherwise result in damage to the lines, the screwing tool comprises a drive shaft supported on the machine frame and a wrench head telescopically displaceable relative to said shaft, the drive shaft and wrench head being drivingly connected and the wrench head being movable by means of a lifting and lowering means between retracted and operative position.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment of hydraulic valves for controlling working devices of heavy equipment is provided, which can reduce a lead time for attaching and assembling a main control valve, an accessory valve, and valve blocks for jointly connecting the respective valves with hydraulic piping, to an upper swing structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a trim cover to a foam pad includes a base and a platform coupled thereto that defines a working surface for supporting the foam pad thereon. A plurality of actuators project from the working surface. Each actuator is capable of movement away from and toward the working surface and includes a pair of retaining fingers capable of movement between an open and closed position. In use, the retaining fingers grasp a first connecting member on the trim cover and move the first connecting member toward the working surface as the actuators are moved toward the working surface so as to engage the first connecting member with a second connecting member in the foam pad thereby securing the trim cover to the foam pad.

Abstract: An opposed current flow magnetic pulse forming and joining system in electrical communication with a magnetic pulse power supply having a positive connection and a negative connection. The system may be used in forming individual workpieces or joining multiple workpieces, including joining by magnetic pulse welding. The system includes a first section, a second section, an insulator, and a first and a second pair of conductors. The first and second sections cooperate to enclose the workpiece(s) and function to create an electromagnetic force similar to that produced by a single closed coil. The system is configured to achieve desirable current flow by minimizing inductance, inductive reactance, and impedance in the conductors. The pairs of conductors may incorporate closely spaced individual conductors, braided conductors, and coaxial conductors. The current flow in the individual conductors of each pair of conductors is opposed, as is the current flow through the sections.

Abstract: A combined punching and welding or punching and bonding apparatus for workpieces (1), e.g. bumpers of motor vehicles, is described. The apparatus has a punching station (3) having at least one punching yoke (4), a welding or bonding station having at least one welding or bonding tool, and a shuttle table (21) which is able to be moved between the stations and carries a workpiece holder (22). In accordance with the invention, the punching yoke (4) and the welding or bonding tools are arranged to be stationary whereas the holder (22) is mounted to be movable up and down on the shuttle table (21) (FIG. 2).

Abstract: In a water diversion system, in a preferred embodiment, a first fold of a deflector is disposed into a first hanger cavity and a second deflector fold is disposed into a second hanger cavity. The first fold of the deflector cooperates with the first cavity of the hanger to allow a resistance hinge-like action of the deflector. The deflector may be lifted open by compression of a curve of the deflector to remove the second fold of the deflector from the second hanger cavity. Methods are provided in which, in a preferred embodiment, a deflector-forming machine is disposed above a trough-forming machine and the deflector-forming machine is moveable forward and backward relative to the trough-forming machine.

Abstract: In a transport system for flow line production, especially in the car manufacturing industry, workpieces are movable along at least two first guides between working stations in transportation direction. At least one working station is configured as a screwing and/or assembling means which particularly comprises a plurality of working tools. To improve such a transport system in a way that with little constructional efforts and at reduced costs the assignment of working station and workpiece to be worked thereby is simplified and made possible in an accurate and reproducible manner, the screwing and/or assembling means is integrated into the transport system and is movable at least over a working path in parallel with the first guides in the transport system.