Texas Instruments Corporation

Claude D Head, Iii

Anthony L Adams

Ridge W McNeir

An automated assembly line is operated and controlled by a computer system. The assembly line includes of a plurality of machines which are each segmented into its basic unit operations providing work stations. The work stations are then controlled by the computer system and operated asynchronously with respect to the other work stations of the assembly line.

Process of manufacturing

An automated assembly line is controlled by a computer system. The assembly line is comprised of a plurality of machines which are each segmented into its basic unit operations providing work stations. The work stations are then controlled by the computer system and operated asynchronously with respect to the other work stations of the assembly line.

Assembly line system and apparatus controlling transfer of a workpiece

An automated assembly line is operated and controlled by a computer system. The assembly line is comprised of a plurality of machines which are each segmented into its basic unit operations. The segments are then controlled and operated asynchronously with respect to the other segments of the assembly line.

Method of manufacturing a product from a workpiece

Segmented asynchronous operation of an automated assembly line

An automated assembly line is operated and controlled by a computer system. When one or more work stations are inherently 'unsafe' to the workpieces which enter them if such workpieces remain at the unsafe work stations for an extended length of time, the computer is operated to prevent a workpiece from entering such 'unsafe' work stations, until the closest 'safe' downstream work stations are vacant.

Unsafe machines without safe positions

A system for the alignment and orientation of disc-like objects having transport means to move the object gently onto a turntable and against an arcuate resilient stop to a centered position on the turntable; an array of non-contact sensors is advanced toward the rotational axis of the turntable until one of the sensors detects the edge of the object; the turntable is rotated until the sensors detect an indexing flat on the object; the sensor arrays advance and the turntable rotated until the sensors indicate the desired alignment and orientation of the object has been achieved. Logic circuitry controls the sensor and turntable positions automatically in response to signals received from the sensors.

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Dallas, TX, United States of America

Claude D Head, Iii