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.

A muntin bar fabrication system can be used to efficiency produce a wide variety of different types of muntin bars, allowing the fabrication of both standard and custom muntin bar assemblies for doors, windows, and other fenestration products. In some examples, the fabrication system includes a muntin bar stock storage assembly that holds multiple different types of muntin bar stock. The system also includes a muntin bar stock extraction device that extracts one of the different types of muntin bar stock from the storage assembly and conveys the extracted muntin bar stock to a feed device. The feed device feeds the extracted piece of muntin bar stock into a cutting system that includes a multi-axis cutter. The cutting system that performs one or more cutting operations on the extracted muntin bar stock so as to fabricate one or more individual muntin bars from the extracted muntin bar stock.

The present invention includes systems, assemblies, and methodologies for inhibiting combustion within fluid containers, enhancing the safety of such containers. One aspect includes a novel base module from which assemblies of varying shape and size, suitable for disposing within a variety of different fluid containers, are created. In one embodiment, the base module is made from an expanded mesh which is rolled in a novel cylindrical configuration according to a novel methodology. In another embodiment, the base module may be combined with other base modules to form an assembly. The present invention is also directed to an apparatus and method for creating base modules which allows for varying density of the base modules and therefore varying flexural strength and rigidity of the assemblies. As such, the packing density of assemblies within containers may be optimized to produce the desired effect of inhibiting combustion within the container.

A tendon processing system includes at least one tub for supporting a tendon, and an indexing assembly for moving the tub to and between a plurality of processing locations. Each processing location is associated with at least one respective processing device.

The present invention includes systems, assemblies, and methodologies for inhibiting combustion within fluid containers, enhancing the safety of such containers. One aspect includes a novel base module from which assemblies of varying shape and size, suitable for disposing within a variety of different fluid containers, are created. In one embodiment, the base module is made from an expanded mesh which is rolled in a novel cylindrical configuration according to a novel methodology. In another embodiment, the base module may be combined with other base modules to form an assembly. The present invention is also directed to an apparatus and method for creating base modules which allows for varying density of the base modules and therefore varying flexural strength and rigidity of the assemblies. As such, the packing density of assemblies within containers may be optimized to produce the desired effect of inhibiting combustion within the container.

An assembly apparatus (10) is provided. The assembly apparatus (10) includes a first feeding mechanism (12) arranged in use to feed a series of first components (14), a holding mechanism (16) arranged in use to hold consecutive ones of the first components (14) in place, a cutter (18) arranged in use to separate individual ones of the first components (14) while being held in place by the holding mechanism (16), an inserter (20) arranged in use to push a separated first component (14) into a corresponding opening in a second component (22), and a drive mechanism (24) coupled to each of the first feeding mechanism (12), the holding mechanism (16), the cutter (18) and the inserter (20). The drive mechanism (24) is arranged in use to synchronize movement of the first feeding mechanism (12), the holding mechanism (16), the cutter (18) and the inserter (20).

A cable processing apparatus includes a trimming and insulation stripping unit with cutting blades for severing the cable, first insulation-stripping blades for stripping insulation from a rear end of the severed cable piece, and second insulation-stripping blades for stripping insulation from a front end of the remainder of the cable, and a crimping press with a first crimping tool for connecting the rear end of the trimmed cable piece to a first crimp contact and with a second crimping tool for connecting the front end of the remainder of the cable to a second crimp contact. A lifting element formed by a carriage and displaceably mounted on a machine housing of the cable processing apparatus operate both the trimming and insulation-stripping unit and the first and second crimping tools. The lifting element is moved up and down by an eccentric shaft driven by a motor.

A blanking die apparatus includes a lower die in which a plurality of working stations are arranged, and an upper the which moves upward and downward with respect to the lower die. A progressively fed sheet is sequentially blanked or stamped out respectively in the working stations to form iron core pieces, and then to laminate the iron core pieces to form a laminated iron core. The lower die includes a lifter part which lifts the sheet from the lower die when the sheet is progressively fed. The lifter part first lifters installed in an outer peripheral area in each of the working stations, and second lifters installed on an upper surface of a blank die which has a blanking hole formed for blanking the iron core pieces in an external form, or on an upper surface of a blank die holder.

A muntin bar fabrication system can be used to efficiency produce a wide variety of different types of muntin bars, allowing the fabrication of both standard and custom muntin bar assemblies for doors, windows, and other fenestration products. In some examples, the fabrication system includes a muntin bar stock storage assembly that holds multiple different types of muntin bar stock. The system also includes a muntin bar stock extraction device that extracts one of the different types of muntin bar stock from the storage assembly and conveys the extracted muntin bar stock to a feed device. The feed device feeds the extracted piece of muntin bar stock into a cutting system that includes a multi-axis cutter. The cutting system that performs one or more cutting operations on the extracted muntin bar stock so as to fabricate one or more individual muntin bars from the extracted muntin bar stock.

A portable cutting line may include a frame and a lazy susan. The portable cutting line may also include a cutting line main table, the cutting line main table operatively connected to the lazy susan and one or more tubs, the tubs operatively connected to the cutting line main table. The lazy susan, the cutting line main table, and the one or more tubs may be positioned within the frame when in transport position.