Patent ID: 7562443

Claim:
A system for securing a spring unit to a frame, the spring unit comprising a plurality of modules arranged in respective rows, the system comprising: (a) a base for supporting the frame; (b) a framework; (c) a plurality of tools coupled to said framework, each tool having an associated module adjuster coupled thereto; (d) a vertical drive mechanism configured to provide relative vertical movement between the plurality of tools and the base such that each said tool may be disposed between a first vertical position relative to said base and a second vertical position relative to said base; (e) a horizontal drive mechanism configured to provide relative horizontal movement between the plurality of tools and the base; (f) each said tool configured to secure, when said tool is disposed at said second vertical position, a respective module of said plurality of modules within each row to a corresponding target location on said frame and each said associated module adjuster configured to align, when said tool is disposed at said second vertical position, said respective module with said corresponding target location; (g) a control unit configured to control the vertical drive mechanism, the horizontal drive mechanism and each tool, the control unit operable to: (i) control relative horizontal movement between the plurality of tools and the base such that each tool may be selectively horizontally positioned in substantial vertical alignment with a respective one of the said target locations and the respective module corresponding to said respective target location; (ii) control relative vertical movement between the plurality of tools and the base so as to move each said tool between said first vertical position relative to said base and said second vertical position relative to said base; and (iii) control the activation of each said tool so as to secure said respective module to said frame at said corresponding target location; and, (h) a plurality of sensors for sensing relative horizontal positions between the plurality of tools and the base, each sensor operable to generate a horizontal position signal upon sensing said relative horizontal positions.