A method for assembly manufacturing may include the steps of: (1) positioning, by a material-handling system, an unassembled workpiece in a first assembly position within a tacking cell, (2) performing, by a first plurality of fastening machines, a tack fastening operation on the unassembled workpiece to form a partially assembled workpiece, (3) transferring, by the material-handling system, the partially assembled workpiece from the tacking cell to a fastening cell, (4) positioning, by the material-handling system, the partially assembled workpiece in a second assembly position within the fastening cell, and (5) performing, by a second plurality of fastening machines, a final fastening operation on the partially assembled workpiece to form an assembled workpiece.

A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises an actuation system for selectively generating a plurality of rotary motions, and an end effector operably coupled to the actuation system. The end effector comprises a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners arranged in at least two spaced fastener lines, a drive shaft configured to rotate in response to the rotary motions, a plurality of fastener deploying surfaces, and an actuation member operably interfacing with the drive shaft. The actuation member is translated axially within the fastener cartridge between a starting position and an ending position when the drive shaft is rotated. The fastener deploying surfaces are rotated in response to the actuation member being translated from the starting position to the ending position. The fasteners are sequentially ejected as the actuation member is driven from the starting position to the ending position.

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.

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.

A surgical stapling instrument. Various embodiments include an actuation system for selectively generating a plurality of control motions. A surgical end effector is operably coupled to the actuation system. The actuation system interfaces with an actuation member configured to operably engage rotatable camming members to fire staples within the end effector into forming contact with an anvil portion of the end effector.

An automated reloading system for replacing a used end effector is disclosed. Various embodiments include a drive assembly configured to apply a rotary decoupling motion to a used end effector and a rotary coupling motion to a new end effector. An end effector support member is configured to support the new end effector and support and receive the used end effector while defining a decoupling orientation.

A manufacturing device includes a first hinge defining a first axis of rotation and having an arm connected thereto. A parallel link mechanism includes a second hinge connected to the arm and first and second links pivotably connecting the second hinge to an attachment such that the attachment is vertically movable relative to the second hinge. A nut runner is configured to rotatably drive a fastening tool about a third axis of rotation and is connected to the attachment. A first motor is provided on the first hinge and is configured to horizontally rotate the arm about the first axis of rotation. A second motor is provided on the second hinge and is configured to horizontally rotate the parallel link mechanism about a second axis of rotation that is parallel to the first and third axes of rotation.

An apparatus for assembling a repelling magnet combination, comprising a first and second magnet, a first and second holding magnet, a first holding base with a first holding base first end, and a second holding base with a second holding base first end. The first and second holding magnets are positioned at the first and second holding base first ends, and the first and second magnets are magnetically attached to the first and second holding magnets respectively, with outward faces exhibiting like magnetic polarities. The first and second magnets are brought into contact by moving the first and second holding base first ends into close proximity, whereby the first and second holding magnets exert holding forces on the first and second magnets which overcome a repelling force generated therebetween, allowing a repelling force countering means, such as an adhesive, to bond the magnets together into a repelling magnet combination.

An assembly machine includes a plurality of track modules, each track module including a section of track, the plurality of track modules connectable to form a continuous circuitous track, the continuous circuitous track configured to receive a dispensing head, the dispensing head configured to rotate about the continuous circuitous track and at least partially assemble an unfinished product. The machine includes a first feeder module attached to a first length of the continuous circuitous track configured to feed a component to the dispensing head, and a first placement module attached to a second length of the continuous circuitous track configured to receive the unfinished product. The dispensing head is configured to place the component on the unfinished product. The assembly machine is reconfigurable by attaching or removing one or more of the plurality of track modules, the first feeder module and the first placement module.

A surgical stapling instrument. Various embodiments include an actuation system for selectively generating a plurality of control motions. A surgical end effector is operably coupled to the actuation system. The actuation system interfaces with an actuation member configured to operably engage rotatable camming members to fire staples within the end effector into forming contact with an anvil portion of the end effector.