Abstract: A vehicle body assembling apparatus includes a lower jig, an upper jig movable by an arm of a robot, and a joining device. The joining device performs joining operations for lower component parts (e.g., a temporary assembly of a rear floor frame) transported by the upper jig and positioned by the lower jig, upper component parts (e.g., a temporary assembly of a rear floor panel) held by the upper jig, and a temporary assembly of a vertical assembly (e.g., rear floor component) formed by overlapping the upper assembly with the lower assembly, above the lower jig at different timings.

Abstract: An add-on part on a vehicle body, where a plurality of body hinge halves are each installed on the vehicle body using a first reference point system comprising body reference points, at least one vehicle transverse axis coordinate of the installed body hinge halves is measured, a plurality of add-on part hinge halves are each installed on the add-on part by using the first reference point system and a second reference point system comprising add-on part reference points, at least one correction value for the add-on part hinge halves with regard to the transformed arrangement of the add-on part hinge halves in the vehicle transverse axis is determined from the measured vehicle transverse axis coordinate of the body hinge halves, and the at least one correction value is used in the installation of the add-on part hinge halves.

Abstract: A test gripper is provided that decreases an equipment cost and increases a test precision by integrating and simplifying a jig and a test apparatus into the gripper. The test gripper is configured to align and test a component and includes a frame that has a mounting part installed on a robot arm. In addition, a plurality of pins are installed on the frame and are fitted into apertures of the component to align the component and the test gripper. A measuring sensor is also installed on the frame and is configured to test a precision of the component.

Abstract: A system for dip coating articles, in particular vehicle bodies, which articles can be moved to at least one dip tank and away from it with the aid of a transport system. For being lowered into and raised out of the tank, they are placed onto a rotating platform of at least one stationary rotating station and are dipped into the treatment liquid and removed from it by rotation of the rotating platform. Each article is fastened with the aid of a fastening device on a skid which interacts with the transport system. The fastening device is configured such that the article fastened to the fastening device is at a smaller spacing from the rotating platform in the removed position than in the second, dipped position.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic placement of gaskets on a housing includes a base, the second feeding mechanism, a first detecting member, a bearing mechanism, an assembly mechanism, and a controller. The first detecting member can detect the position of the gaskets relative to the preset position. The detected results are transmitted to the controller by the first detecting member. The controller controls the second feeding mechanism to accurately adjust the position of the gaskets to preset position. Therefore, a projection of the gasket is accurately engaged in a mounting hole of the housing by the assembly mechanism.

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 mounting station for automatically assembling a razor that includes a shaving cartridge and a razor handle. The mounting station includes a razor handle and a shaving cartridge, which automatically connect a first rearwardly protruding connector of the shaving cartridge to the free end of the first handle connector of the razor handle. The mounting station then automatically connects the second rearwardly protruding connector of the shaving cartridge to the free end of the second handle connector of the razor handle thereby forming a razor.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for securing a component in a cushion to a device and includes a receiving module, a fetching module, a control module, a positioning module, and a mounting module. The fetching module is moveable to catch the cushion. The positioning module includes a stage and a pair of positioning members. The pair of positioning members is moveable between a locked position in which the pair of positioning members is deviated from the stage. The cushion being located between the pair of positioning members and the stage and an unlock position in which the pair of positioning members is located on the stage to position the cushion. The mounting module secures the cushion on the stage to the device.

Abstract: Apparatus for assisting in weld assembling a box column from a tack-welded pre-assembly of planar plate components. The apparatus features (1) an elongate frame defining a rotational-assembly axis, and (2) plural pre-assembly-receiving, rotational support structures mounted at spaced locations on the frame—each support structure including (a) an openable/closable yoke possessing a collar-reception zone, (b) an openable/closable collar rotatably receivable within this reception zone, and possessing a central throughpassage having a cross-sectional configuration which is larger than that of a box-column which is to be assembled, and (c) a pair of removably-collar-attachable, throughpassage clamping shoes for forming cooperatively, within the collar throughpassage, a window for complementarily, receiving extension therethrough of a box-column pre-assembly's cross section.

Abstract: A mounting station for automatically assembling a razor that includes a shaving cartridge and a razor handle. The mounting station includes providing a razor handle and a shaving cartridge, automatically connecting a first rearwardly protruding connector of the shaving cartridge to the free end of the first handle connector of the razor handle, and then automatically connecting the second rearwardly protruding connector of the shaving cartridge to the free end of the second handle connector of the razor handle to form a razor.

Abstract: A system for servicing a nuclear reactor module comprises a crane operable to attach to the nuclear reactor module, wherein the crane includes provisions for routing signals from one or more sensors of the nuclear reactor module to one or more sensor receivers.

Abstract: The invention notably relates to a method and device allowing an operator to exchange a discharged traction battery (113) of an electric or hybrid vehicle (3) for a recharged traction battery (114). The device comprises a pit in which are located lifting means (21) for lifting the vehicle, which comprise means (219) for immobilizing the vehicle in a reference position with respect to the direction longitudinal to the vehicle (X) and means (219, 220, 221) for immobilizing the vehicle in a reference position with respect to the direction transverse to the vehicle (Y). The device also comprises means for immobilizing the vehicle in a reference position with respect to the vertical direction (Z) and lifting means (24) for raising and lowering means for unlocking the discharged battery from the vehicle or locking the recharged battery to the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of final assembly for constructing homes from substantially planar floor and wall sections. The method includes assembling a house from floor and wall sections in a final-assembly section of a final assembly facility. The final-assembly section is at an intersection of a crane section that is adjacent to a final assembly line. The crane section has at least one roof assembly area used for assembling the roof. The final assembly line further has a plurality of additional stations within the final-assembly section that are in-line with the at least one station. The method also includes lifting a roof assembled in the roof assembly area onto the house, and further finishing the house at each of the plurality of additional stations.

Abstract: A component supplying apparatus includes a motor, a rotating body, a transmitting mechanism, and a predicting section. The rotating body engages with a carrier tape in which a plurality of components to be mounted on a circuit board by a component mounting apparatus are accommodated at predetermined pitches and pays out the carrier tape at the predetermined pitches for supplying the plurality of components. The transmitting mechanism transmits a driving force of the motor to the rotating body. The predicting section predicts a deviation amount of a supplying position of each of the plurality of components based on a model formula expressing a periodical fluctuation of the supplying position of each of the plurality of components that is due to the transmitting mechanism and caused at a time the carrier tape is paid out by the rotating body.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing motor vehicles at a manufacturing location (S), from which ready-assembled motor vehicles are built in a planned number and order of output. First modules (MA) are delivered in a specific assembly stage discontinuously from a first production shop (PA) to the manufacturing location (S) and are fed continuously into a manufacturing line (F) in which the modules (MA) are manufactured into motor vehicles (A). Second modules (MB) be fed in a specific assembly stage from a second production shop (PB) into the joint manufacturing line (F) at a sequencing station (5) alternately with the modules (MA). Thus, vehicles of first and second model series can be manufactured on one and the same manufacturing line.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for pre-assembly of a solar panel string for a solar canopy, the process comprising aligning a plurality of solar panels onto an edge conveyor, wherein belts of the edge conveyor contact and support the bottom of the plurality of solar panels at opposite longitudinal ends of each solar panel and aligning a solar panel support channel below the plurality of solar panels; and attaching the solar panel support channel to the plurality of solar panels, thereby forming a solar panel string assembly.

Abstract: A fence panel construction device includes a structural member and a pair of post members coupled to the structural member. Each post member includes a pair of attachment devices configured to removably attach a pair of fence stringers to the pair of post members. A pair of actuator mechanisms are coupled to a respective one of the pair of post members to position the pair of post members corresponding to a pair of fence posts on a property. A finishing assembly is coupled to the structural member and includes at least one fastening device and at least one trimming device both operable to move vertically. The finishing assembly is operable to move horizontally while the at least one fastening device fastens fence boards to the pair of fence stringers and at least one trimming device trims the fence boards. A method of making a fence panel is provided.

Abstract: A system for forming composite material parts comprises a charge station, a tool station, a forming station, a cooling station, a pick and place apparatus, and a transfer unit. The charge station may receive a first charge. The tool station may receive a first tool. The forming station may form a second charge against a second tool. The cooling station may cool a third charge and a third tool. The pick and place apparatus may retrieve the first charge from the charge station and the first tool from the tool station and transport both the first charge and the first tool to the forming station. The transfer unit may transport the second charge and the second tool from the forming station to the cooling station while at the same time transporting the third charge and the third tool from the cooling station to the tool station.

Abstract: An alignment device has a carriage, two rails on the carriage that are configured for a workpiece to pass therebetween, and a finger that protrudes a distance from the carriage. The finger is configured to be disposed on a carrier for the workpieces. The workpieces may be solar cells and may pass through the rails on a conveyor belt. The alignment device may move in order to align the workpieces as the workpieces are loaded into a carrier.

Abstract: In a framing system for framing motor-vehicle bodies or sub-assemblies thereof, the body to be framed is located and clamped in position during the assembling operations by side locating and clamping structures (8). Each of these structures comprises a rigid supporting structure (82) including a base platform (82a) and a frame (81) which carries locating and clamping devices (D). The base platform (82a) is dimensioned in the direction parallel to a body conveyor line with a standard length proportionated to the length of the longest body type on which the system is to operate. Pillars (82b) for supporting the frame (81) are mounted on the platform (82a) at positions which are selected between different possible positions, displaced relative to each other longitudinally and/or transversely. Thus, the side locating and clamping structures (8) can be configured easily for different types of body and the system is able to operate on body types having also very relevant differences in length and/or width.

Abstract: A modular manufacturing facility and method of construction includes a plurality of service and equipment modules which are readily sized and oriented to be packaged, shipped to a desired location, assembled and connected to local resources to form a fully operational assembly or build facility substantially or wholly independent of any resident building structure at the selected site.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a side panel of a vehicle, the system including upper running rails and lower running rails to provide a movement path of a cart, the cart having a support frame, a transfer roller, and a friction bar provided at a bottom surface of the support frame, wherein the side panel may be mounted on the cart and the cart moves selectively along the upper running rails and the lower running rails, at least a friction drive unit and at least a friction wheel disposed along the upper and lower running rails wherein the at least a friction drive selectively rotates the at least a friction wheel to move the cart by selectively engaging at least one of the friction wheels with the friction bar of the cart, and an external unit supporting an edge portion of the side panel during key welding process.

Abstract: A washer arranging apparatus (10) includes a washer arranging portion (11) for positioning a plurality of washers (53) in predetermined arranging positions (?), and a washer supplying portion (12) for supplying the washers (53) to the washer arranging portion (11). The washer supplying portion (12) includes a holding portion (20) that has a horizontal floor portion (a bottom surface portion 21a of a base portion (21)) and is a portion for holding the washers (53) loaded into the washer supplying portion (12), and a vane member (23) that rotates above the bottom surface portion (21a) about an axis of the washer arranging portion (11) and pushes the washers (53) held in the holding portion (20) in a direction parallel to the bottom surface portion (21a).

Abstract: In a method for servicing an apparatus having a compressor (22) mounted to a support structure (32, 38, 40), a guide structure (102, 104; 202, 204) is placed adjacent to the support structure. The compressor is lifted from an installed position. The compressor is withdrawn by rolling the compressor along the support structure and guide structure.

Abstract: A method of producing an electronic module with at least one electronic component and one carrier. A structure is provided on the carrier so that the electronic component can take a desired target position relative to the structure. The structure is coated with a liquid meniscus suitable for receiving the electronic component. Multiple electronic components are provided at a delivery point for the electronic components. The carrier, with the structure, is moved nearby and opposite to the delivery point, where the delivery point delivers one of the electronic components without contact, while the structure on the carrier is moving near the delivery point, so that after a phase of free movement the electronic component at least partly touches the material, and the carrier, with the structure, is moved to a downstream processing point, while the electronic component aligns itself to the structure on the liquid meniscus.

Abstract: In a production system general-purpose cell for general-purpose use in processing and transportation of a received workpiece in a production system of processing and delivering the workpiece, the production system general-purpose cell includes a base unit having a planar shape of quadrangle and supporting at least a robot for use in transportation of the workpiece such that the robot is movable on the planar area of quadrangle, a parts supply unit for supplying parts of the workpiece to the robot supported by the base unit, and a processing area extending outside the base unit. The robot supported by the base unit having a motion range set in a range from inside to outside the base unit in a form including at least part of the processing area.

Abstract: A seat assembling method for assembling at least one seat into an airplane, the method having the steps of position a seat installing device at a predetermined assembly position in the airplane, convey the at least one seat into the interior of the airplane to the seat installing device by means of a seat conveying device, transfer the seat from the seat conveying device to the seat installing device, and install the seat by means of the seat installing device which is positioned at the assembly position.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for holding multiple locking clips and applying a single locking clip to an article resting on a surface in which a pivotable feed detent lever insures that only one clip is provided at a time and the clip has a frangible member that maintains the side members of the clip in an open position until the clip reaches the articles whereupon the frangible link is broken permitting the clip to be locked about the articles.

Abstract: A vehicle body assembly and sequencing system includes the advantages of a batch vehicle body build sequence with the advantages of a random sequence of vehicle body styles transferred to a painting area. The build system includes using automated guided vehicles which transfer and store assembled, un-painted vehicle bodies in a storage area and sequentially transfers selected bodies from the storage area to the painting area achieving a random or variable supply of different vehicle bodies to be painted a certain color.

Abstract: A system and associated method for disengaging a shrink coupling that secures a shaft to a drive train component, such as a gearbox, includes a reaction plate erected around the shaft at a location displaced from the shrink coupling, with the reaction plate being anchored in place relative to the shaft. A plurality of jacking devices, such as hydraulic jacks, are operationally disposed between the reaction plate and shrink coupling and spaced circumferentially around the shaft. The jacking devices have a first end engaged against the reaction plate and a second opposite end mechanically fastened to the shrink coupling. To remove the shrink coupling from the drive train component, the shrink coupling is released from its clamped state and the jacking devices are activated to exert a pulling force on the shrink coupling, which causes the shrink coupling to be pulled off of the drive train component and moved axially along the shaft to a resting position on the shaft.

Abstract: Device and method are disclosed for feeding drippers into a produced dripping line in speeds as high as 1800-2000 drippers a minute. The drippers are fed into the production line by a cylindrical feeder equipped with a helix worm made on its cylindrical face, which is adapted to engage the helix into a respective recession or protrusion made on a dripper, and to linearly forward it toward a dripping pipe production section while providing accurate control on the speed of movement of the dripper and the spacing between each two consecutive drippers in the produced pipe. The use of a helical worm to engage the drippers provides smooth and gradual mechanical engagement of the feeding device with each dripper, thus ensuring silent and non-vibrating assembly even when in very high production speeds.

Abstract: A plate joint for joining two plates together includes a first plate and a second plate, with each of the first plate and second plate having a first edge and an opposite and generally parallel second edge. The first plate and second plate are connected together in a generally orthogonal orientation relative to each other with a finger joint defined by a notch in each plate which interlock with each other. The first edge of the first plate and the first edge of the second plate each have a groove therein which axially align with each other in and end-to-end manner. A locking pin is press fitted into the grooves in each of the first plate and the second plate.

Abstract: High precision work is performed on a work target (workpiece) during conveyance, irrespective of the oscillations accompanying conveyance. A work method includes steps of: predicting a predicted oscillation pattern occurring in a workpiece (W) afterwards from the measurement results of oscillation occurring in the workpiece (W) during conveyance by way of a workpiece conveyance device (2); controlling a robot (131) so as to operate at an oscillation according to the predicted oscillation pattern thus predicted; detecting oscillation occurring in the robot (131) during the step of controlling; and comparing the oscillation occurring in the robot (131) with the predicted oscillation pattern, and in the case of differing, adjusting so that the oscillation of the robot (131) matches the predicted oscillation pattern, in which each of these steps is completed before the robot (131) performs work on the workpiece (W).

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for applying tags with attached elastic anchor bands onto the tops of objects such as bottles in a high speed packaging application. The apparatus includes an infeed assembly for feeding a web, a conveyor assembly that receives a web and conveys it along a path in an upstream direction, a rotating selector wheel, a placement assembly, a pair of rotating jaw assembles, a vacuum cup of the selector wheel, and stretched elastic bands over the tops of respective bottles being conveyed along a path below the placing assembly. The elastic bands then snap onto the tops of their respective bottles to secure the tags to the bottles.

Abstract: A method of riveting comprising using a punch (1) to push a rivet (9) through a workpiece (5) such that a shank (10) of the rivet (9) is received in a die (3) defined by a die body (3) which is in contact with the workpiece, a slug of material (16) being removed from the workpiece (5) by the rivet (9) and being received in the die, the method further comprising closing or substantially closing the die using a rod (4) and using the rod to upset the shank of the rivet.

Abstract: An assembly method is capable of assembling a transfer mechanism which transfers a target and includes a pick unit for holding the target, a slide unit for sliding the pick unit and a drive unit for driving the slide unit. The assembly method includes installing a lifting mechanism for lifting the units at a ceiling portion of a transfer chamber where the transfer mechanism is accommodated; and assembling the units loaded into the transfer chamber inside the transfer chamber by using the lifting mechanism.

Abstract: An assembling device (a production system) includes robots that produce a piping component from a plurality of types of parts, and a display that accepts an input of lot information of at least one of the plurality of parts used in producing operations by the first to third robots and that outputs unsuitable condition information when an unsuitable condition in any of the parts is detected, the unsuitable condition information identifying a lot of the any of the parts in which the unsuitable condition is detected.

Abstract: A device for mounting a vehicle instrumental panel has an assist machine and work robots. The assist machine has an instrument panel holding mechanism for holding an instrument panel, conveys the instrument panel, and has an assist function for holding the weight of the instrument panel. The work robots have connection mechanisms removably connected to the instrument panel holding mechanism and operate the instrument panel holding mechanism to place the instrument panel in a vehicle interior.

Abstract: A product line assembly includes a plurality of containers detachably connected. Each of the plurality of containers includes a case and equipment received in the case. Each container is configured for performing an individual working procedure.

Abstract: Apparatus for separately conveying a plurality of discrete parts from a web and applying each of the discrete parts to a substrate includes a plurality of transfer pucks and a drive assembly. The drive assembly is configured to rotate each of the transfer pucks such that a plurality of pairs of discrete parts is applied to the web. Each applied pair of discrete parts includes a first discrete part and a second discrete part spaced a first distance from the first discrete part, wherein adjacent pairs of discrete pairs are spaced a second distance that is different from the first distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a multi-part medical marker (1) comprising a marker core (2) consisting of at least two corresponding parts (2a, 2b) and comprising a detectable surface, said method comprising the following steps:—providing the parts (2a, 2b) of the marker core (2);—applying a detectable layer (4) to the surface (3) of the parts (2a, 2b) of the marker core (2); and—joining the parts (2a, 2b) of the marker core (2) together to form a marker (1). The present invention also relates to a multi-part medical marker comprising a marker core consisting of at least two corresponding parts (2a, 2b) and comprising a detectable surface, wherein the surface is substantially formed from a detectable coating (4) which is applied to the surface (3) of the parts (2a, 2b) of the marker core (2).

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle body assemble system that includes a moving unit loaded with a floor panel of a vehicle body that is configured to move the floor panel to a working place of a main buck process. A robot hanger clamps a side panel transferred to the working place from an inside of the side panel and rotates the side panel accordingly. An arranging jig is disposed on each side portion of the working place and is moveable up and down and arranges the side panel rotated by the robot hanger in an upright position. A side common jig is mounted to a handling robot and clamps the side panel on the arranging jig. Finally, a side post unit is disposed each side of the floor panel, clamps the side common jig, and moves the side common jig to each side of the floor panel.

Abstract: A technique which can assemble a mandrel having a substantially cylindrical shape and being dividable into plurality of segments, which is used for manufacturing, for example, a fuselage of an aircraft, with high position accuracy and an easy manner. In a segment fastening step, a segment which is a fastened target is fastened to a specified fastening portion which is one of a plurality of fastening portions set along a pair of support rings placed to face each other. In a rotation step, before the segment fastening step, the support rings are rotated so that the specified fastening portion is located at an uppermost portion of the support rings. In the segment fastening step, the segment which is the fastened target is placed between the support rings and lifted vertically up to a height corresponding to the specified fastening portion and then fastened to the support rings.

Abstract: The transport of work carriers on an assembly line is performed by the use of novel linear motors in which the primary part has both solenoids and permanent magnets and in which the secondary part has no permanent magnets of its own. By the provision of a magnetically soft plate, a work carrier has uniformly spaced clearances with respect to the secondary part and can be moved by the suitably arranged primary part. On an assembly line, it can be provided that the primary parts supplement the unction of an existing transporting bet. It may also be provided that a transporting belt is completely replaced by such primary parts.

Abstract: A production line for vehicles of different models is disclosed, wherein vehicle bodies for ordinary automobiles and vehicle bodies for compact automobiles are incorporated on the same production line, and multiple components are installed. Two compact vehicle bodies are carried on a conveyance device which is designed for carrying a single ordinary vehicle body. The number of components of a compact automobile is approximately half the number of components of an ordinary automobile, and therefore compact automobiles can be produced efficiently without any downtime.

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: An assembly device includes a shaft assembly having a plurality of pistons installed on an outer peripheral portion of a swash plate via shoes. The assembly device has a shaft support portion which supports a shaft having the swash plate in a vertical axis posture, a guide member, a shoe incorporation mechanism, a carriage which conveys the plurality of pistons in the vertical axis posture, and a piston holding portion which holds the plurality of pistons. The guide member is equipped with a first guide surface and a second guide surface.

Abstract: A device is provided for repairing a damaged location in an underwater region of a wall of a vessel or pool, in particular in the region of a wall of a pool of a nuclear reactor plant. The device includes a guiding system, which can be attached along a side wall at a distance therefrom and can be fixed thereto, for guiding a carriage which can be made to move in a longitudinal direction of the guiding system. Arranged on the carriage is a displaceably mounted holder for a repair support, which can be placed with an adhesive surface against the wall region containing the damaged location. With such a device, wall regions that are at a great depth and can only be accessed through narrow gaps can be repaired quickly and reliably.

Abstract: A system for use in a manufacturing process comprises a series of tables with clamping and conveying/lowering mechanisms. The tables are arranged to facilitate alignment of successive composite dry freight panels. Tables may include a plurality of transfer mechanisms, such as ball rollers, to assist an operator in moving the panels into place. Once a new panel is in place, the rollers may be pneumatically or mechanically lowered to form a new joint. A clamping mechanism can be used to secure the new joint with adhesive.

Abstract: A changeover device (8) is provided for tenter frames (5,6,7) in a treatment station (1) for vehicle bodies. The changeover device comprises at least one frame store (9,10) that can be rotated about a rotational axis (11) and is arranged at a distance from a working point (39), and a transport device (17) provided with a guide (18) and a controllable towing device (28) for the tenter frames (5,6,7). The transport device (17) has a guide (18) on the bottom side, for transporting the tenter frames in a vertical position, and also comprises a bottom-side or lateral stabilizing device (64). A towing device (28) for the tenter frames (5,6,7) is arranged in the bottom region of the transport device (17) with at least one driven carriage (29,30).