A method and apparatus for building a fuselage assembly for an aircraft. A number of fixtures may be drive across a floor to an assembly area to form an assembly fixture. The fuselage assembly may be built on the assembly fixture.

A metallurgical technology probe insertion calibration method employing visual measurement and an insertion system thereof are provided. A vision sensor (5), a cylindrical rod (1), and a metallurgical technology probe (2) are used to construct an agreed region (6). In the agreed region (6), the vision sensor (5) acquires relative positions and orientations of the cylindrical rod (1) and the metallurgical technology probe (2), and an acquired position and orientation result is used to control a driving device (3) to insert the cylindrical rod (1) into the metallurgical technology probe (2). To improve the accuracy and reliability of the insertion, a standard probe (7) and a fixing device (4) are used together to perform effective calibration on an initial position, orientation, and axis in the insertion.

Presented are metalworking systems for forming metallic workpieces, methods for making/operating such metalworking systems, and battery module cell tabs bent by a multistage cluster-and-bend press. A metalworking system includes a grouping tool and a contouring tool that both align adjacent a workpiece support structure, such as a base plate of a battery module housing buttressing a stack of battery pouch cells. The grouping tool, which may include a first reciprocating plunger or plunger head, presses together a stack of metallic workpieces to thereby form a workpiece set having a first bend profile and a first length. The contouring tool, which may include a second reciprocating plunger or a pair of plunger fingers mounted on the plunger head, is attached to the grouping tool and bends the workpiece set to a second bend profile, distinct from the first bend profile, and a second set length, shorter than the first set length.

Presented are metalworking systems for forming metallic workpieces, methods for making/operating such metalworking systems, and battery module cell tabs bent by a multistage cluster-and-bend press. A metalworking system includes a grouping tool and a contouring tool that both align adjacent a workpiece support structure, such as a base plate of a battery module housing buttressing a stack of battery pouch cells. The grouping tool, which may include a first reciprocating plunger or plunger head, presses together a stack of metallic workpieces to thereby form a workpiece set having a first bend profile and a first length. The contouring tool, which may include a second reciprocating plunger or a pair of plunger fingers mounted on the plunger head, is attached to the grouping tool and bends the workpiece set to a second bend profile, distinct from the first bend profile, and a second set length, shorter than the first set length.

The present invention, in a non-limiting example embodiment provides a locking apparatus and method for securing locking hardware without the use of a key. In an example embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least a keyless insertion rotatable disk-style, barrel locking apparatus that, in a locked state can be inserted into a securing device without first unlocking, and then, thereafter, locking after insertion. In a nonlimiting example embodiment, unlocking and re-locking requires a key. The present invention, in an example embodiment, also provides features that allow the locking apparatus to enter and exit multiple apertures without requiring a key.

Devices, systems and methods to facilitate partially automated production of fluid-filled vaporizer cartridge are disclosed. A device can include a vaporizer cartridge configured to be sealable assembled by a press-fit after filling. Systems and methods include systems and methods for filling an array of partially-assembled vaporizer cartridges and for assembling an array of filled, partially-assembled vaporizer cartridges simultaneously.

Devices, systems and methods to facilitate partially automated production of fluid-filled vaporizer cartridge are disclosed. A device can include a vaporizer cartridge configured to be sealable assembled by a press-fit after filling. Systems and methods include systems and methods for filling an array of partially-assembled vaporizer cartridges and for assembling an array of filled, partially-assembled vaporizer cartridges simultaneously.

An alignment tool and method for mounting a flexible tube between a first pipe end and a second pipe end, where the alignment tool is adapted to be used to align the first pipe end to the second pipe end, where the alignment tool is provided with a semi-circular body having a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the flexible tube, where the length of the alignment tool corresponds to the length of the flexible tube, and that the alignment tool is adapted to bear on the flexible tube during the mounting of the flexible tube between the first pipe end and a second pipe end.

An alignment tool and method for mounting a flexible tube between a first pipe end and a second pipe end, where the alignment tool is adapted to be used to align the first pipe end to the second pipe end, where the alignment tool is provided with a semi-circular body having a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the flexible tube, where the length of the alignment tool corresponds to the length of the flexible tube, and that the alignment tool is adapted to bear on the flexible tube during the mounting of the flexible tube between the first pipe end and a second pipe end.

A method and apparatus for automated engagement of a fitting coupled to a structure. A first member of a first engagement device is moved relative to a base in a first direction substantially parallel to an x-axis such that a tapered end portion of the first member passes through a hole in the fitting and moves towards a channel within a second member of a second engagement device. The tapered end portion of the first member is secured within the channel of the second member to thereby engage the fitting between the first engagement device and the second engagement device.