An example method of correcting a defect in a seat comprises the steps of: (a) imaging a seat to obtain an image of the seat, a portion of the seat having a defect; (b) applying a localized boundary around the portion of the seat having the defect within the image of the seat; (c) translating the localized boundary into a seat specific map of a baseline model of the seat such that a portion of the baseline model of the seat that corresponds to the portion of the seat having the defect within the image of the seat is disposed within a translated localized boundary; (d) selecting a predetermined path for an automated device to correct the portion of the seat having the defect based on the portion of the baseline model of the seat; and (e) correcting the portion of the seat having the defect.

An example method of correcting a defect in a seat comprises the steps of: (a) imaging a seat to obtain an image of the seat, a portion of the seat having a defect; (b) applying a localized boundary around the portion of the seat having the defect within the image of the seat; (c) translating the localized boundary into a seat specific map of a baseline model of the seat such that a portion of the baseline model of the seat that corresponds to the portion of the seat having the defect within the image of the seat is disposed within a translated localized boundary; (d) selecting a predetermined path for an automated device to correct the portion of the seat having the defect based on the portion of the baseline model of the seat; and (e) correcting the portion of the seat having the defect.

An apparatus for upholstering a truss allows an operator to staple a fabric web to the truss, rotate the truss, further staple the semi-finished truss and cut the fabric web. The truss is fully upholstered after the end surfaces of the truss are wrapped up in fabric and the fabric stapled in place. The apparatus may accommodate different size trusses. A web of fabric is pulled around at least one roller in the apparatus by rotation of two vise mechanisms on opposite sides of the truss.

Disclosed is an apparatus for manufacturing an internal tension member of an inflatable product, the apparatus comprising: a support frame; a base plate arranged to pass through the inside of the support frame; a base strip conveying device comprising two inner base strip reels, two outer base strip reels and a traction wheel which are used for continuously supplying base strips, the traction wheel pulling four base strips to continuously move; a wire winding device comprising a rotation device arranged around the base plate and wire winding guide shafts symmetrically arranged on two sides of the base plate, the rotation device winding a wire on two inner base strips in a rotating manner; and a welding device positioned between the wire winding device and the traction wheel, the welding device respectively welding the two inner base strips to the corresponding two outer base strips. Further disclosed are a method for manufacturing an internal tension member of an inflatable product, an internal tension member of an inflatable product, and an inflatable product.

An apparatus for upholstering a truss allows an operator to staple a fabric web to the truss, rotate the truss, further staple the semi-finished truss and cut the fabric web. The truss is fully upholstered after the end surfaces of the truss are wrapped up in fabric and the fabric stapled in place. The apparatus may accommodate different size trusses. A web of fabric is pulled around at least one roller in the apparatus by rotation of two vise mechanisms on opposite sides of the truss.

A method and apparatus for deconstructing a mattress of the type having steel coil springs held within fabric pockets. The apparatus includes a frame and an opener mechanism mounted to the frame and operable for opening a plurality of fabric pockets at a first end thereof to create an opening in the first end of the fabric pockets and expose the steel coil springs contained therewithin. A gripper mechanism is provided for gripping the plurality of fabric pockets at a second end thereof, opposite the first end. An extractor mechanism is mounted to the frame for extracting the steel coil springs from the fabric pockets through the openings formed in the first end of the fabric pockets.

Apparatus for forming a resilient unit comprises a conveyor 210 and first and second spring supply stations 212 and 214, arranged in use to deposit respectively first and second spring types 216 and 218 under compression onto the conveyor. The conveyor is arranged in use to convey a row of the springs 216, 218 in a direction shown by Arrows A4 towards pocketing station 220. At the pocketing station 220 the springs are urged from the conveyor into positions between upper and lower sheets 222 and 224, by a plurality of inserter devices 226 that move together in a reciprocating fashion in the direction of arrow A5, before retracting to the position shown. After each row of springs is inserted between the sheets 222, upper and lower computer-controlled welding tools (not shown) come together at positions P between the springs to join the sheets together, forming pockets in which the springs are encased. After each welding event the resilient unit is indexed forwards a distance equal to one pocket width in the direction of Arrows A6 by computer-controlled drive means (not shown). The next row of springs is then conveyed into position ready for insertion between the sheets of material, and the process is repeated. The two spring supply stations are arranged to supply springs that differ from one another in at least one characteristic.

Apparatus for forming a resilient unit comprises a conveyor 210 and first and second spring supply stations 212 and 214, arranged in use to deposit respectively first and second spring types 216 and 218 under compression onto the conveyor. The conveyor is arranged in use to convey a row of the springs 216, 218 in a direction shown by Arrows A4 towards pocketing station 220. At the pocketing station 220 the springs are urged from the conveyor into positions between upper and lower sheets 222 and 224, by a plurality of inserter devices 226 that move together in a reciprocating fashion in the direction of arrow A5, before retracting to the position shown. After each row of springs is inserted between the sheets 222, upper and lower computer-controlled welding tools (not shown) come together at positions P between the springs to join the sheets together, forming pockets in which the springs are encased. After each welding event the resilient unit is indexed forwards a distance equal to one pocket width in the direction of Arrows A6 by computer-controlled drive means (not shown). The next row of springs is then conveyed into position ready for insertion between the sheets of material, and the process is repeated. The two spring supply stations are arranged to supply springs that differ from one another in at least one characteristic.

A method and apparatus for deconstructing a mattress of the type having steel coil springs held within fabric pockets. The apparatus includes a frame and an opener mechanism mounted to the frame and operable for opening a plurality of fabric pockets at a first end thereof to create an opening in the first end of the fabric pockets and expose the steel coil springs contained therewithin. A gripper mechanism is provided for gripping the plurality of fabric pockets at a second end thereof, opposite the first end. An extractor mechanism is mounted to the frame for extracting the steel coil springs from the fabric pockets through the openings formed in the first end of the fabric pockets.

In order to manufacture an innerspring unit comprising pocketed springs and having an increased stability at its edge regions, in a first step, an innerspring main body comprising a plurality of first strings of pocketed springs is provided. In a subsequent second step, at least one second string of pocketed springs is attached to a lateral surface of the innerspring main body, so that the at least one second string of pocketed springs extends in a longitudinal direction of the innerspring main body. The springs of the at least one second string of pocketed springs have a spring characteristic or a spring geometry different from the springs of the plurality of first strings of the innerspring main body. The at least one second string of pocketed springs forms together with the innerspring main body the innerspring unit.