Abstract: A system for automatically adjusting a fastener screw of a pivot joint between first and second parts of a pair of scissors, each part having a blade and a respective handle. A part clamp engages and holds the handle of the first part. A torque arm engages and moves the handle of the second part relative to the first part about the pivot joint. A driver adjusts the fastener screw to provide a desired resistance to relative movement between the first and second parts. A position encoder is connected to the part clamp and torque arm to generate a position signal indicative of the position of the second part relative to the first part. A torque transducer is connected to the parts clamp and torque arm to generate a torque signal indicative of the resistance to relative movement between the first and second parts. A controller has inputs operatively connected to the position encoder and to the torque transducer and an output operatively connected to the driver.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an integrated circuit for temporary testing or the like. The mounting apparatus includes a stage or platform which is utilized to support an integrated circuit and which is mechanically biased into an upper position. The stage can be urged into a lower position and temporarily restrained in that position. The mounting apparatus includes a plurality of conductive elements disposed adjacent to the stage which are utilized to conductively contact the leads of an integrated circuit while the stage is restrained in the lower position. Upon the completion of testing or utilization the stage may be restored to the upper position, automatically releasing the integrated circuit.

Abstract: An improved driving mechanism particularly adapted for use with pick-and-place units wherein a pair of jaws are pivotally supported from a housing and movable towards and away from each other. In this manner objects may be grasped by the jaws or extension thereof and moved from one place to another and then released by reason of the aforementioned relative jaw movement. The jaws cooperatively form a socket in which a generally cylindrical bushing is mounted at opposite ends thereof in a drive member which in turn is adapted to reciprocate back and forth with respect to the housing so as to open and close the jaws. One of the jaws at the upper head portion thereof includes a laterally movable pin which acts to limit the relative movement of the jaws towards and away from each other.

Abstract: A pick and place machine operable to transfer a part from a loading station to a horizontally removed delivery station. Jaws for grasping and releasing the parts are mounted on the first of a pair of interrelated members, said first member being vertically slidable in relationship to the second member and both of said members horizontally slidable with respect to a supporting housing so as to accomplish part movement in an X-Y direction, i.e., an inverted U-shape path. The travel which such first member assumes is controlled by a follower attached thereto and in contact with a cam path defined within the housing and disposed adjacent the members. Motion imparted to the follower by a crank arm mounted for reciprocal motion as by an air cylinder or the like.