The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 29, 1990
Filed:
Apr. 07, 1989
Jon W Harwood, Toledo, OH (US);
Wayne A Karlgaard, Dyersburg, TN (US);
Michael W Clegg, Toledo, OH (US);
AP Parts Manufacturing Company, Toledo, OH (US);
Abstract
Apparatus and process are provided for assembling an exhaust system which includes a stamp formed muffler and pipes connected thereto. The muffler is assembled on an indexable fixturing apparatus having a plurality of stations for receiving the formed components of the muffler. Robotic gripping apparatus are provided in proximity to the indexable fixturing apparatus for moving aligned components of the muffler to welders for securely connecting the aligned components to one another. Simultaneously the pipes for the exhaust system are bent into their required configuration by programmable pipe benders. The assembled muffler and the bent pipes are then delivered to a second indexable fixturing apparatus. The loosely assembled components of the exhaust system are indexed into proximity to programmable welders which securely connect the exhaust system components together. The completed exhaust system is indexed into a position for unloading and subsequent shipment.