Abstract: A method of installing a rotor assembly in a generator stator including a central bore is provided. The method includes coupling at least one of a first rotor section and a second rotor section of the rotor assembly to a conveyor such that at least a portion of the rotor assembly is supported by the conveyor. The method also includes moving the rotor assembly into position within the stator bore using the conveyor.

Abstract: An automotive body transfer method and a transfer system are provided in which, when carrying out handing over of a body (B) between transfer means (5, 6) and transferred-to means (3) in an automobile production process, one longitudinal half (Ja) of each of front and rear pairs of left and right jack-up brackets (J, J; J, J) formed in lower parts of left and right side sills (Bs, Bs) of the body (B) is supported by the transfer means (5, 6), and the other longitudinal half (Jb) of each of the jack-up brackets (J, J; J, J) is supported by the transferred-to means (3), thereby enabling the shape and structure of the transfer means and the transferred-to means to be simplified.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laying vehicle for laying electric lines (8) in the grooves (6) of an inductor (4), for example a longitudinal stator of a maglev railway. The laying vehicle contains a first, preceding vehicle part (11) comprising a bending and offset unit (14) for configuring winding undulations, a second following vehicle part (16) comprising a pressing station (18) for pressing limbs (8a) of the undulations into the grooves (6), the second vehicle part (16) being displaceable in relation to the first vehicle part (11) and a slide (15) that is coupled in a driven manner to the first vehicle part (11), for transferring the undulations to the second vehicle part (16). According to the invention, a delivery unit (27), which is coupled to the second vehicle part (16), is located between the slide (15) and the pressing station (18), said unit receiving the limbs (8a) from the slide (15) and transferring them to the pressing station (18) at essentially constant intervals.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus formed so as to selectively move a to-be-conveyed object support table (3) installed on a conveying traveler body (1) to a lifted position by pushing up the support table by cam rails (40) laid down in the specific section of a conveying route, wherein the holding function of the to-be-conveyed object support table (3) at the lifted position is increased to enhance safety. A to-be-latched portion (33) reciprocatingly moving in a roughly horizontal direction according to a standing/falling motion of the crosslink mechanisms (12) and latches (34) for locking automatically engaged with the to-be-latched portion (33) when the to-be-conveyed object support table (3) is lifted to a predetermined position are installed on the conveying traveler body (1) sides of the crosslink mechanisms (12) liftably supporting the to-be-conveyed object support table (3).

Abstract: Method and arrangement for supplying essentially hollow bodies with equipment wherein the hollow bodies each have a transverse dimension and a longitudinal dimension being larger than the transverse dimension. The bodies have at least one opening for accessing their interior from outside along their longitudinal dimension. The hollow bodies are arranged essentially side-by-side along the longitudinal dimension and they are moved along their transverse dimension in a clocked fashion. An arrangement comprises a plurality of conveyor means for moving hollow bodies, wherein the conveyor means are arranged such that the hollow bodies are arranged side-by-side along their longitudinal dimension and moved along their transverse dimension in a clocked fashion.

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 stabilising 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).

Abstract: A printed wiring board for mounting electronic components includes an insulating layer and a wiring pattern formed on one surface of the insulating layer, wherein one end portion of a filled via 4 is connected with the wiring pattern and the other end portion is overlaid with a covering layer 9 obtained by applying a conductive paste to cover at least the boundary between the filled via 4 and the insulating layer 2; alternatively, a plating resist 7 is formed at the other end portion to cover at least the boundary between the filled via 4 and the insulating layer 2, and is removed after an end portion of the filled via 4 enclosed within the plating resist 7 is plated to produce a terminal layer, thereby preventing a wet processing liquid such as a tin plating solution from leaking in between the filled via 4 and the insulating layer 2.

Abstract: A fixture exchange rail system is provided having first and second fixture assemblies movably mounted with respect to respective first and second stationary rails. A movable rail is disposed substantially adjacent to, and movable between, the first and second stationary rails. The movable rail is sufficiently configured to selectively receive the first and second fixture assemblies thereon. A method of operating a workstation having a fixture exhange rail system operable to enable work on a workpiece is also provided including the steps of: A) determining the style of workpiece present at the workstation; B) aligning a movable rail with one of a first and second stationary rail having a respective first and second fixture assembly mounted thereto corresponding to the style of workpiece; and C) moving the fixture assembly corresponding to the style of workpiece from the stationary rail to the movable rail.

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.

Abstract: A method for notifying installers 14–22 of the existence, type, and location of a portion 26 of an item within an assembly line 10. The notification allows the installers 14–22 to respectively ensure that the components 40 which are needed to be placed upon the portion 26 are available for use by the installer 14–22 in a timely manner.

Abstract: A manufacturing system for assembly of component parts to produce an article includes a plurality of separate process modules for executing the various process steps, and a plurality of magazine units, which can be coupled to the process modules, for storage and transport of article components produced in the process steps. The process modules have a substantially identical base structure which can be suited to the respective process steps.

Abstract: A device is provided for installing at least one linear motor line in the grooves (14) of an inductor (15) which is situated underneath a cover plate (10). The device includes a vehicle (31) which can be moved on the cover plate (10), a supply (34) of line (16), a device (36, 40) for forming the meander of the line (16), a device (35) for drawing the line (16) from the supply (34) and for delivering the line (16) to the device (36) and a tool (42) for pressing the line (16) into the grooves (14). The line may be installed automatically, even if the spacing of the grooves varies in dimension, by providing for an assembly slide (46) which can be moved in relation to the vehicle (31). The slide is located at least partially under the cover plate (10) and the device (36, 40) and tool (42) are located thereon.

Abstract: A method for installing an automated material handling system in a semiconductor fabrication facility capable of accommodating a predetermined number of fabrication bays. The handling system has a set of elements including material storage, interbay transport, and intrabay transport elements corresponding to the predetermined number of fabrication bays. The method comprises arranging at least some of the material storage, interbay transport and intrabay transport elements into handling system subsets, and installing one or more of the subsets into the fabrication facility. Each subset has at least one or more corresponding ones of the material storage, interbay transport and intrabay transport elements so that when installed each subset forms a transport circuit allowing substantially unrestricted bi-directional travel of semiconductor device holders between the material storage and at least one of the fabrication bays.

Abstract: A chip mounting system includes a substrate supply apparatus and a chip supply apparatus. The substrate supply apparatus includes a transport conveyor formed to be moved for a length corresponding to the size of a discrete substrate and a stage with a disposition surface corresponding to the size of the discrete substrate. In the chip supply apparatus, the lowermost chip tray of a plurality of stacked chip trays is sequentially transported to a chip supply stage, and a tray stage is disposed near the chip supply stage. In addition, the chip supply apparatus includes a box for surrounding an area in which the substrate and the chip are transported as a substantially closed space and a clean fan for flowing clean air into the closed space.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus that may easily conform to increase in production volume and change in specifications of parts, and exhibits high production efficiency is provided. The assembly apparatus 1 includes a part-supplying station 2 in which an operator 8 supplies parts to a conveyor pallet 5, a part-assembling station 3 in which assembly robots R1, R2 assemble the parts in the conveyor pallet 5, and a conveyor means 4 that conveys the conveyor pallet 5 from the part-supplying station 2 to the part-assembling station 3. After the assembly robots R1 have finished assembling the parts on one conveyor pallet 5 in a work area A1, the conveyor means 4 conveys the one conveyor pallet 5 from the work area A1, and concurrently conveys the next conveyor pallet 5 following the one conveyor pallet 5 in the work area A1.

Abstract: A more reliable and fool-proof method and apparatus for assembling an article of assembly (e.g. with predetermined screw torque requirements) in which the article of assembly has multiple fastening locations. The method comprises holding the article of assembly fixed while providing at least two different types of targets fixed relative to the article of assembly that correspond to the individual fastening locations. Fasteners are fastened into the article of assembly at the fastening locations. When fastening is occurring at one of the fastening locations, one of the targets is being sensed. Based on the target sensed, a target output is generated that differentiates between different types of targets thereby indicating fastening location of the fastening tool. The electronic target output is used for electronic control such as for stopping a conveyor to keep the article of assembly at an assembly station until the fastening operations have been completed.

Abstract: A pallet system 10 for use in a manufacturing process. The pallet system includes several pallets 14 which are adapted to receive and support a portion of a product, such as a vehicle underbody 12. The system 10 uses simplified pallets 14 having externally actuated clamping assemblies 62, 64, 66, and 68. A docking station 16 receives the pallets 14 and includes a pair of robots 24, 26 which detect the proper positioning of the underbody 12 upon the pallet 14 and externally activate the clamping assemblies 62, 64, 66, and 68 thereby securing the underbody 12 to the pallet 14. A controller 82 is communicatively connected to the robots 24, 26 and activates a conveyor assembly 20 which transports the pallet 14 to manufacturing stations 21 once the underbody 12 is properly secured to the pallet 14.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly line for automatically and continuously assembling vehicle components to a vehicle assembly. The vehicle assembly line can include multiple stations such as a component assembly station, module assembly station, fluid filling station, door assembly station, wheel alignment station, and brake test station.

Abstract: A jig switching apparatus includes a locator jig slidably arranged on a transport carriage and having at a front end a locate pin with clamp function. The locator jig has two switching positions selectively switched in accordance with the type of a vehicle body to be positioned. A lock mechanism with an operating screw is disposed on the transport carriage. Through the operating screw operated by a nut runner, the lock mechanism mechanically positions and locks the locator jig in one of the switching positions with respect to a reference member disposed on the transport carriage.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a handling device (36) for one or more clamping frames (14) for components (3), especially shells of vehicles, in processing stations (1). The handling device (36) has one or more rotatably driven connecting rods (10), which are mounted in a carriage (5) that can be moved by a motor along a transfer line (2) at one of their ends and have a holding device (13) for receiving the clamping frame (14) at their other ends. Two connecting rods (10), which are arranged in two coupled carriages (5) in the manner of a four-bar chain and are rotatable around parallel axes (11), are preferably present. The handling device preferably generates a feed movement of the clamping frames (14) which is essentially linear and is directed at right angles to the transfer line (2).

Abstract: An assembling apparatus assembling a body side of an automotive vehicle includes: a moving body provided in a transfer line; a clamp device mounted to the moving body fixing and positioning a body side outer in an upright position in which the body side outer is fixed in such a manner that a roof rail end of the body side outer is positioned substantially above the side sill end of the body side outer; and a welding robot disposed in a side of the transfer line. The welding robot assembles the body side by welding the body side outer positioned by the clamp device.

Abstract: A pair of axles are mechanically lifted onto the underside of a vehicle chassis to facilitate an axle-mounting process. The lifting action is achieved with a scissors jack that is powered by a hydraulic cylinder supplied with hydraulic fluid from an accumulator. The accumulator is initially charged by a hydraulic pump that is driven by an air motor.

Abstract: An assembly system and method thereof for manufacturing an outdoor unit of a dual-unit type air conditioner employs an assembly system in which the outdoor unit is assembled, a refrigerant charging section in which the assembled outdoor unit is charged with a refrigerant, a testing section in which the outdoor unit charged with the refrigerant is tested, and a packaging section in which the outdoor unit after passing the test in the testing section is packaged and forwarded. The outdoor unit is carried on a mobile cart through the assembly section, the refrigerant charging section, and the testing section.

Abstract: An automobile door assembly line is provided which comprises a conveyor arranged in substantially a straight line with a plurality of right door pallets and a plurality of left door pallets for carrying right and left doors respectively, alternatingly positioned on the conveyor. The right door pallets and the left door pallets face in opposite directions such that right and left doors therein face in opposite directions. Right door associate work positions are located on one side of the conveyor, and left door associate work positions are located on the other side of the conveyor. The right door associate work positions and left door associate work positions are located relative to one another such that the work positions correspond to alternatingly positioned right door pallets and left door pallets.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly line has a first line for a first mobile conveyor and a second line for a second mobile conveyor and the first line is connected to the second line with two hanger conveyor lines. Two working robots are disposed to the first mobile conveyor, one being positioned within a cabin of an upper body section and the other being positioned in front of the upper body section. The second mobile conveyor has a mechanism for altering a posture of the upper body section and a height position thereof. To the upper body section are mounted various small parts such as grommets with the first working robot during the course of running the first mobile conveyor in the first line. The second line has plural stations for mounting larger parts such as bumpers to the upper body section which is loaded on the second mobile conveyor and whose posture and position are aligned with the working robots disposed in the plural stations before entering the stations.

Abstract: A machine for supporting and lifting an automotive chassis module into position for assembly with a vehicle body being conveyed overhead along an assembly line includes a mobile vehicle having at least one fixture arranged above the vehicle for receiving and supporting the chassis module, and a guided lift mechanism for moving the fixture vertically between lowered and raised positions. The lift mechanism includes a push chain that is coupled to the fixture and a sprocket that engages the chain and is operative when driven to displace a section of the chain vertically to move the fixture. The lift mechanism further includes at least one support member extending between the fixture and the vehicle which operates to guide the fixture in the vertical direction while isolating the push chain from any loads transverse to the vertical direction.

Abstract: An automatic assembling system for assembling a product constituted by a plurality of parts, includes a group cell having a plurality of assembling cells and inspecting cells, pallets loaded with the same type of parts or products, at least one buffer for holding a plurality of pallets, and at least one pallet hand-over mechanism for transferring pallets between the buffer and each cell. At least one of the buffers is provided in common for a plurality of cells, and at least one of the pallet hand-over mechanisms is provided to the common buffer.

Abstract: An automotive framing system for positioning a lower body component and at least two upper body components together at precise positions relative to each other prior to fixedly securing the body components together. The framing system includes a conveyor for sequentially moving body preassemblies to a predetermined assembly station. A frame of integral construction is positioned around the body at the assembly station. A lifter at the assembly station lifts the lower body component and upper body components from the conveyor together with the frame to a predetermined elevated position in which the lower body component abuts against the upper body components. With the body preassembly positioned within the assembly station, clamps on the frame engage predetermined location points on the upper and lower body components to hold the upper and lower body components together at preset positions relative to each other whereupon the body components are fixedly secured together.

Abstract: In an assembly line system, a self-propelled carrier 51 carrying thereon assembly workpieces is brought to a halt at an assembly station 11. When the assembly of the assembly workpieces is completed at the assembly station 11, the carrier 51 is driven out therefrom. More specifically, three pairs of assembly stations 11 are disposed in serial alignment and each assembly worker A-c is placed between his/her assembly station pair. Arranged on one side of the row of these three assembly station pairs is a guide line 2d. Station guide lines 12 respectively branch off from the guide line 2d so as to establish connections between the guide line 2d and the individual assembly stations 11. A carrier orientation reversing station 15 is connected to the guide line 2d located upstream of the upstreammost assembly station 11 so that carriers 51 enter ones of the assembly station pairs, in the reverse-orientation state.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling mechanical components, and particularly in a mass-production line, includes a fixture to clamp and support the component and a flexible connector for supporting the combined weight of the fixture and the component. The fixture is particularly configured to position the center of gravity of the fixture and the component in substantial vertical alignment with the flexible connector so that the component is oriented for direct assembly to the structure. The apparatus is particularly useful for assembling the components of an automobile, such as the doors, to its body with little or no manual manipulation on the part of a worker.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus for assembling a sub-assembly of a swash plate type fluidic apparatus includes a holder adapted to hold an end of a driving shaft, a horizontal rail, a curved rail connected with the horizontal rail, a plurality of carriers adapted to seat pistons and a pair of hemispherical shoes as well and to move on the horizontal rail and the curved rail, transporting means adapted to move the carriers on the horizontal rail and the curved rail, a first orienting member adapted to positioned the shoes in spherical seats of the pistons with its surfaces, and a second orienting member disposed connectably with the first orienting member and including surfaces which incline gradually to an inclination angle of a swash plate. The carriers are moved continuously on the horizontal rail and the curved rail by the transporting means.

Abstract: A method of transferring an instrument panel assembly from a pick-up station to the interior of an automotive vehicle body for installation while the body moves along a path spaced laterally from the pick-up station, A bridge extends between the pick-up station and the path and a transfer unit is moved along the bridge to the pick-up station where it picks up an instrument panel assembly. The transfer unit and attached instrument panel assembly are moved to a position adjacent the path and the instrument panel assembly is introduced into said moving body. The bridge is moved with the body during the introduction of the instrument panel assembly into the body so that the transfer unit and instrument panel assembly likewise move with the body. The instrument panel assembly is installed in the body and the transfer unit withdrawn. An attachment unit moves along a second bridge which is generally parallel to the first. The attachment unit completes the attachment of the instrument panel assembly.

Abstract: Left side panels and right side panel are produced in a left side panel production line and a right side panel production line, respectively By vertical lifters, each left side panel and each right side panel are lifted at the delivery stations and then transferred to runners at work transfer positions. The runner with the left side panel held thereon travels along a rail while the runner with the right side panel held thereon travels along a rail. Both runners are stopped at a standby position and then conveyed to a runner transfer position simultaneously. The runners with the left and right side panels held thereon, respectively, are loaded on the traverser and then conveyed to a drop lifter arranged above a main body assembly line. The left and right side panels are transferred to the drop lifter. The drop lifter then descends and feeds the left and right side panels simultaneously on opposite sides of a floor panel in the main body assembly line.

Abstract: A parts feeding system includes an unmanned conveying machine, capable of conveying a parts carriage holding a plurality of parts cassettes thereon and movable along a guide track which is laid on a floor, one or more parts mounters and a logistics base provided with a parts stocker. The parts carriage is returned to the logistics base by the unmanned conveying machine for supply or exchange of parts. The work in the logistics base is performed by a worker or robots. The parts carriage loaded with required parts cassette is delivered to an assigned parts mounter by the unmanned conveying machine. Each of the parts mounters includes a track for a carriage carrier moving thereon, which includes a work station where the parts are picked up, and a carriage change station where the parts carriage is loaded to the track from the unmanned conveying machine or vice versa.

Abstract: An installation for carrying out assembly of metallic reinforcements for construction and public works, in which trestle bents (A-frames) are arranged on moving wagons or carts that slide along rails. The workers remain stationary while the reinforcements move to their work stations so that each of their sections can be bound together. There is one area for loading, another for the binding itself, and a third for unloading, preferably arranged in a closed circuit.

Abstract: An automatic assembly system transports workpieces to a work station whereat the workpieces are processed into an assembled product. The automatic assembly system conmprises a monorail that defines a path above the work station. A trolley travels along the monorail supporting a workpiece carrier by means of a pair of latches pivotally connected to the trolley. A lowerator mechanism is mounted to the monorail above the work station. When a trolley stops above the work station, the lowerator mechanism thereat operates to lift the workpiece carrier from the trolly latches. The trolley latches retract and the lower mechanism then lowers the carrier and workpieces to the workstation without lowering the trolley or the monorail. A safety interlock prevents uncontrolled lowering of the carrier and workpieces.

Abstract: In an automobile assembly line wherein a car body is hung and conveyed by a hanger; an apparatus for aid in attaching a wheel in which the wheel is set on a pair of wheel supporting structures (12, 12) at a wheel placement position, a base plate (10) is held in a balanced state by an air cylinder (16) interposed between a pole (8) and a vertical motion unit (9), the base plate (10) supporting the wheel is approximated to a wheel attachment position in the car body (1) while being synchronously moved by a synchronous motion unit (5), and the wheel is moved horizontally and vertically by turning an annular handle (15) with its balanced state kept by the air cylinder (16), thereby to effect the positioning between the wheel and a hub on the car body (1), so that an operator need not directly lift up the wheel.

Abstract: An improved corrugating roll unit exchanging apparatus for a single facer is disclosed. Guide rails directed in an axial direction of corrugating rolls are disposed horizontally above a single-facer. One end of a beam is supported so as to be movable along the guide rails, and the other end thereof is supported by posts which are horizontally movable in the axial direction of the corrugating rolls. A suspending device for suspending a corrugating roll unit is held by the beam. Preferably, the beam is supported by the guide rails via drive wheels. Further preferably, the posts are formed in a gate shape, and the lower ends of the posts are supported by driven wheels adapted to roll along a pair of parallel rail tracks.

Abstract: In a flexible manufacturing system for assembling various types of vehicle bodies, there is employed a work piece carrier on which a work piece positioning device is mounted. The work piece positioning device has a plurality of position changeable work piece holders which are grouped into a plurality of groups each having its own power input device. When the carrier comes to a type switching stage together with the work piece positioning device, a power source installed in the type switching stage is brought into connection with the power input device of one of the groups thereby to changing the positions of the corresponding work piece holders. Then, the power source is brought into connection with the other power input device of the other group to change the positions of the corresponding work piece holders.

Abstract: In a system for fully automatically assembling a plurality of parts into a workpiece, each part is conveyed to the respective work stations in a holder which is associated with the workpiece at the work station where the part is removed from the holder and assembled.

Abstract: A device for removing a winding of an electric linear motor which winding is arranged in downwardly open grooves of a bundle of laminations fastened to a support. The individual strands of the winding are held fast in the grooves on holders. The holders have feet with webs which extend out of the grooves, the feet engaging in mounted position in undercuts in the grooves. The device includes at least one removal device arranged on a vehicle which is moveable on the support, the device having at least one pressing tool and at least one pulling tool coupled with it. The pressing tool has two bevels extending in V-shape to each other which are intended to come against the webs of the feet, by which bevels, upon the downward movement of the removal device, every two webs present on opposite sides of the holder are pressed towards each other.

Abstract: In attaching a work to a car body, the work (W) set on a work support unit (9) is positioned relative to the car body (1) in such a way that positioning pins (10) erected on a jig (8) are inserted into gauge holes (1a) formed in a lower surface of the car body (1), whereby an operator can attach the work (W) without carrying it up.

Abstract: A die cart adapted to be used for the removal and installation of a cut-off die set from the carriage of a cut-off press. Whereby a slide member operating on a set of guide rails mounted to an independent frame and driven by a drive screw assembly is coupled to the die set. The drive screw assembly is then rotated to pull the die set off the carriage of the cut-off press onto the die cart and the die cart is then removed. Further, the guide rails are pivotal about a point on the frame to enable the die cart to install and remove cut-off die sets secured from the inclined carriage of a cut-off press.

Abstract: In a flexible manufacturing system for assembling various types of vehicle bodies, there is employed a work piece carrier on which a work piece positioning device is mounted. The work piece positioning device has a plurality of position changeable work piece holders which are grouped into a plurality of groups each having its own power input device. When the carrier comes to a type switching state together with the work piece positioning device, a power source installed in the type switching stage is brought into connection with the power input device of one of the groups thereby to change the positions of the corresponding work piece holders. Then, the power source is brought into connection with the other power input device of the other group to change the positions of the corresponding work piece holders.

Abstract: The vehicular driving shaft is oriented and conveyed vertically around to plural assembling stations where component parts of a first joint unit are assembled to a lower end of the shaft whereupon the shaft is reversed and the component parts of the second joint unit are thereafter assembled to the now lower other end of the shaft. Plural carriers hold the shaft vertically as they are driven intermittently to plural stations, each station having an appropriate assembling device, the stations being grouped to first assemble the first joint unit and then to assemble the second.

Abstract: The present invention is a vehicle body welding assembly system including at least one working cell. The assembly system also includes a carrier for transporting preassembled vehicle bodies to the working cell. A pallet is operatively connected to the carrier and suspended above a support surface by the carrier. A plurality of locator pins are operatively attached to the pallet means for supporting the vehicle body in spaced relation to the pallet means. A plurality of clamping means are secured to the support surface in precise positions for locating and removably securing the locator pins to the clamping means to allow successive vehicle bodies to be accurately and repeatedly located in a precise spaced relation within the one or more successive working cells.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension having a shock absorber and a coil spring is assembled while the parts of the suspension such as the shock absorber and the coil spring are placed on a pallet and conveyed by a conveyor line. The pallet is provided with a shock absorber holding mechanism which holds the shock absorber in an upstanding state, compressing claws which are engaged with an upper end portion of a coil spring and a feed mechanism which moves up and down the compressing claws and holds it in a desired position. The conveyor line is provided with a driving mechanism which drives the feed mechanism.

Abstract: A working apparatus for a work being conveyed wherein a movable base is provided alongside of a conveyor conveying a plate-like workpiece mounted on a carrier in such a manner that the workpiece is held in an upright posture with its side surfaces facing sideward, the movable base being movable in the longitudinal direction in which the workpiece is conveyed, and a robot mounted on the movable base is used to apply predetermined working to the workpiece being conveyed by the conveyor. A clamping device for clamping the carrier is provided on the movable base and operated by signals from a detecting device that detects the carrier. A positioning mechanism is also provided on the movable base, for positioning the workpiece on the carrier in three orthogonal directions with respect to the movable base and holding the workpiece in that position.

Abstract: An apparatus according to the present invention disassembles bearing caps from a cylinder block and assembles upper metals to the cylinder block and lower metals to the bearing caps. The apparatus is provided with a movable base which is reciprocally moved between a position above a lower metal assembling station and a position above a conveyor lines. A bearing cap disassembling mechanism and upper metal holding mechanism are commonly attached to the movable base. The bearing cap disassembling mechanism disassembles the bearing caps tentatively assembled to the cylinder block and the upper metal holding mechanism holds and assembles a plurality of upper metals to the cylinder block.

Abstract: A positioning system for installing body side moldings on cars or trucks is disclosed. The system automatically positions first and second spaced apart portions of a side molding platen in precise positions with respect to widely spaced locations on assembly line cars or trucks where successive vehicles have slightly differing pitch, yaw and roll orientations with respect to the positioning system.