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 mechanical assembly to precisely position large objects and align them to be joined with other objects with precision. The assembly does not require power to operate and can therefore be used in a variety of remote and harsh locations.

A bolt installation and removal (BIR) system is used for assembling and disassembling a nuclear vessel. The BIR system includes a platform with a stand for supporting the nuclear vessel. A track extends around an outside perimeter of the platform and multiple tool carts include wheels that roll on the track. Tool towers are located on the carts and include tool assemblies configured to install and remove bolts on the nuclear reactor vessel. Magazine towers also extend up from the tool carts next to the tool towers and include magazines that hold bolts for exchanging with the tool assemblies. Drive mechanisms move tool heads in the tool assemblies around a first vertical axis, vertically up and down, and laterally to more simply and reliably install and remove the bolts in a radioactive underwater environment.

A system for manufacturing homes is provided. An embodiment includes a final assembly facility located proximal to a subdivision where a plurality of the custom homes is to be situated. The final assembly facility is for receiving the planar sections from the sub-assembly plant and for constructing the homes from planar portions according to the production schedule.

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 frameeach 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. A so received pre-assembly is rotatable about the rotational-assembly axis to position the existing seams of adjacency between the pre-assembly plate components for full-strength welding by an automated, traveling welding instrumentality.

A system for manufacturing homes is provided. An embodiment includes a final assembly facility located proximal to a subdivision where a plurality of the custom homes is to be situated. The final assembly facility is for receiving the planar sections from the sub-assembly plant and for constructing the homes from planar portions according to the production schedule.

The present invention discloses a vacuum glass middle support placing system that includes a glass plate placing station, a middle support placing station, a vacuum sealing station, a pallet and a conveyor. The pallet is directly conveyed by the conveyor to transfer it among the stations and the glass plate is placed on the pallet at the glass plate placing station. The pallet includes a supporting face that is matched with a surface of the glass plate and a glass plate positioning structure. A magnetic attraction surface array made of permanent magnets and corresponding to the middle supports to be placed on the glass plate is arranged on the supporting face.

A system for manufacturing homes is provided. An embodiment includes a sub-assembly plant for assembling planar sections of a home according to production schedule for custom homes. The embodiment also includes at least one final assembly facility located proximal to a subdivision where a plurality of the custom homes are to be situated. The final assembly facility is for receiving the planar sections from the sub-assembly plant and for constructing the homes from planar portions according to the production schedule.

A plant including: an assembly line along which a plurality of pallets are circulated in a closed loop, divided into a first section, where the pallets are loaded in a plurality of first stations with mechanical parts to be assembled, and into a second section, where the pallets advance along a plurality of second stations; a conveyor arranged at least partially parallel to and above the second section, along which a plurality of balance supports provided with bodies run; a coupling station, arranged immediately upstream of the second section, where the pallets are integrally coupled to the balance supports; and a decoupling station, where the pallets are separated from the balance supports; each pallet having selectively engageable and releasable fastening means for a balance support and elastic means able to receive the balance support resting thereon.