A device for furnishing screws, in particular on automated screwing systems includes a changing magazine having a plurality of screw holders that each have a closed position for holding in each case one screw in a non-positive manner and an open position for releasing the screw. The screw holder remains in its open position or in its closed position in the absence of a supply of energy A method for furnishing screws, in particular on automated screwing systems, relates to the device.

A device for furnishing screws, in particular on automated screwing systems includes a changing magazine having a plurality of screw holders that each have a closed position for holding in each case one screw in a non-positive manner and an open position for releasing the screw. The screw holder remains in its open position or in its closed position in the absence of a supply of energy A method for furnishing screws, in particular on automated screwing systems, relates to the device.

A fastening apparatus includes: a main structure, a movable structure mounted to be vertically movable with respect to the main structure, a support connected to the movable structure, a plurality of fastening devices mounted on the support, and a variation mechanism to vary fastening positions of the fastening devices. In particular, the variation mechanism changes the fastening positions on a 2-dimensional coordinate, and also individually moves the plurality of fastening devices along a radial coordinate and an angular coordinate of a polar coordinate system.

Systems, methods and apparatus for automated vehicle wheel removal and replacement are provided. One system includes a computer system with applications for scheduling the replacement of tires for the vehicle. An electronically controlled lift device and robotic apparatus is configured for interaction with the computer system. The lift device mechanically adjusts arms for placement on lift points of vehicles. The robotic apparatus detects positioning of lug nut configuration for a wheel, removes lug nuts, and then removes the wheel from the wheel hub with gripping arms. The wheel and tire are then handed off to a separate tire changing machine. When a new tire is replaced the robotic apparatus then mounts the wheel to the original wheel hub, and then secures the lug nuts to the lug nut bolts.

Systems, methods and apparatus for automated vehicle wheel removal and replacement are provided. One system includes a computer system with applications for scheduling the replacement of tires for the vehicle. An electronically controlled lift device and robotic apparatus is configured for interaction with the computer system. The lift device mechanically adjusts arms for placement on lift points of vehicles. The robotic apparatus detects positioning of lug nut configuration for a wheel, removes lug nuts, and then removes the wheel from the wheel hub with gripping arms. The wheel and tire are then handed off to a separate tire changing machine. When a new tire is replaced the robotic apparatus then mounts the wheel to the original wheel hub, and then secures the lug nuts to the lug nut bolts.

In one aspect there is provided a pipe spinner and lifter for supporting and rotating a cylindrical member having a longitudinal axis. The pipe spinner and lifter comprises a pair of jaws that pivot about a pivot member, to allow the pipe spinner and lifter to actuate between an open configuration and a closed configuration. A plurality of rollers are mounted on the jaws, each rotatable about a rolling axis. When the pipe spinner and lifter is in the closed configuration, the cylindrical member can be rotatably captured by the pipe spinner and lifter, allowing the cylindrical member to rotate about its longitudinal axis. Preferably, the plurality of rollers are arranged in a substantially mirrored arrangement on the jaws. More preferably, the rolling axis of each of the rollers is substantially parallel to the cylindrical member's longitudinal axis.

A method for producing an assembly unit includes providing the assembly unit with an assembly part and at least one welding element serving for the thermal joining of the assembly part to a basic construction. The welding element is fixed in a through opening of the assembly part with at least one form-locking connection acting in the direction of the center longitudinal axis of the through opening and having a first end face, a second end face facing away from the first, and a peripheral surface that interconnects the end faces. The welding element has two side faces running parallel to each other and pointing away from each other, a profile that ensures the at least one form-locking connection and two transverse surfaces which connect the side faces one to the other.

A screw tightening apparatus includes a magazine plate with a through hole formed in a first direction, a rotary rod device configured to rotate a rotary part having a tip portion, a servo motor which moves the magazine plate in a second direction, a cylinder device which moves the rotary rod device in the first direction, and a screw tightening control unit which controls the servo motor so as to locate the tip portion of the rotary rod device coaxially with the through hole, and controls the cylinder device so as to cause the tip portion of the rotary part to pass the through hole and to abut on the head of the bolt.

A screw tightening apparatus includes a magazine plate with a through hole formed in a first direction, a rotary rod device configured to rotate a rotary part having a tip portion, a servo motor which moves the magazine plate in a second direction, a cylinder device which moves the rotary rod device in the first direction, and a screw tightening control unit which controls the servo motor so as to locate the tip portion of the rotary rod device coaxially with the through hole, and controls the cylinder device so as to cause the tip portion of the rotary part to pass the through hole and to abut on the head of the bolt.

The invention concerns a rod tensioning device having a first actuator, at least a second actuator and a tubular support sleeve dedicated to radially surround a threaded rod. Each of the actuators provides a cylinder, and a piston sliding in the cylinder and forming with the cylinder an annular chamber dedicated to be supplied with pressurized fluid. According to the invention, the at least second actuator is temporary axially arranged between the first actuator and the tubular support sleeve for a temporary blockwise assembly, the pistons of two axially adjacent actuators being indexed in rotation together.