A flexible feeding system including a tray configured to orient, segregate and singulate objects. The tray is operatively coupled to a multi-directional vibratory platform for causing movement of the objects in multiple different directions on the tray. The tray includes an orienting region having orienting slots for orienting the objects, and a divider that separates the orienting region from a singulating region of the tray. The divider includes openings that correspond with the orienting slots. The openings are configured to permit the objects which are oriented in the slots to pass across the divider into the singulating region, while restricting the misoriented objects from passing across the divider. The tray may include an upstream bulk region for containing a plurality of the objects in bulk form. The tray also may include a downstream pick region for confining the oriented objects at predetermined locations in each of the slots.

A device for forming and inspecting an end piece on a screw of a fastening ring includes a deck with a rotary disk, a control unit for driving the rotary disk, an inspection unit, a first riveting machine, an arm unit and a conveyor respectively and electrically connected to the control unit. The inspection unit, the first riveting machine, the arm unit and the conveyor are located around the rotary disk. Multiple holding devices are connected to the rotary disk and each holding device holds two fastening rings. The screw of each fastening ring is formed with an end piece by the first riveting machine, the arm unit and the conveyor. The inspection unit inspect the formation of the end piece and classifies defective products and non-defective products.

Systems and methods are provided for assembling a magazine for a swage tool. The method includes selecting a cartridge that comprises a first serpentine channel dimensioned for conveying collars, and further comprises an entrance and an exit of the first serpentine channel. The method also includes disposing the cartridge at a swage tool.

A linear conveyor device includes a slider having a linear motor mover; a straight-line conveyance part formed of a connected body of modules each having a linear motor stator and first and second guide rails for guiding movement of the slider on an upper surface of the module; and a cover member. The cover member covers the upper surface of the module so as to cover and conceal the linear motor stator and the first and second guide rails from above. The slider has a shape which allows the slider to be fitted on the cover member in a movable manner in an extending direction of the straight-line conveyance part.

A method and apparatus for automated handling a structure. A handler system comprises a plurality of towers and a plurality of end effectors coupled to the plurality of towers. Each of the plurality of end effectors is movably coupled to a tower of the plurality of towers. Each of the plurality of end effectors comprises an arm coupled to the tower and a coupling device for use in automated engagement of a corresponding fitting coupled to the structure.

A magazine for storing elements which each have a shaft and a head. The magazine includes a cylinder defining a shell surface in which is formed a helical-shaped groove. The shaft of each element to be stored can be inserted into the groove while the head of each element protrudes outward radially over the groove. The head of each element can be impacted in the peripheral direction by a suitable carrier in order to move the elements through the groove one after the other to an outlet end of the groove where the elements are ejected individually.

Techniques and devices are disclosed for fabrication layout device. The device includes a table with a work surface. The work surface being a continuous surface and configured to support a plurality of railing pieces for fabrication of a railing assembly. The device further includes a beam located above the work surface. The beam is operatively coupled to the table, such that the beam moves relative to the work surface in a first direction. Attached to the beam is an ink dispenser. The ink dispenser is configured to move along the beam in a second direction different from the first direction. The ink dispenser is further configured to dispense ink onto the work surface of the table in the form of a pattern of the railing assembly. Railing pieces are positioned on the pattern so that they can be assembled to one another.

Systems and methods are provided for assembling a magazine for a swage tool. The method includes selecting a cartridge that comprises a first serpentine channel dimensioned for conveying collars, and further comprises an entrance and an exit of the first serpentine channel. The method also includes disposing the cartridge at a swage tool.

A supply device for a joining element which has a shaft, extending along a joining element axis with a first diameter, and an adjacent head with a second diameter which is greater than the first diameter. The supply device comprising a base enclosing a first joining element channel, a second joining element channel and a third joining element channel, which are at least partially arranged in a common channel plane, and which each have a cross-section which is adapted to the shape of the joining element. And the first and the second joining element channels are orientated relative to each other at a switching angle which is in a range from 5 to 45, while the first and the second joining element channels merge into the third joining element channel at a junction with a switching arrangement.

Techniques and devices are disclosed for fabrication layout device. The device includes a table with a work surface. The work surface being a continuous surface and configured to support a plurality of railing pieces for fabrication of a railing assembly. The device further includes a beam located above the work surface. The beam is operatively coupled to the table, such that the beam moves relative to the work surface in a first direction. Attached to the beam is an ink dispenser. The ink dispenser is configured to move along the beam in a second direction different from the first direction. The ink dispenser is further configured to dispense ink onto the work surface of the table in the form of a pattern of the railing assembly. Railing pieces are positioned on the pattern so that they can be assembled to one another.