Abstract: A terminator assembly for a terminal crimping machine includes a drive member and a first ram member coupled to the drive member. The drive member moves the first ram member in a first direction toward a crimping zone of the terminal crimping machine, and a second direction away from the crimping zone of the terminal crimping machine. The terminator assembly also includes a second ram member movable with respect to the first ram member to control the crimp height of the terminal crimping machine. The second ram member includes a base portion configured to engage at least one of an applicator assembly and crimp-tooling. An adjusting mechanism is coupled to each of the first and second ram members. The adjusting mechanism is configured to adjust a relative position of the first ram member with respect to the second ram member. A motor is operatively coupled to a drive shaft, and the drive shaft engages the adjusting mechanism for driving the adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: A tape feeder for precisely advancing a component-carrying tape to present sequential electronic components disposed at a pitch in the tape to a pick-and-place machine. A feed sprocket and an encoder disc are operatively associated with each other and rotatably disposed on a common axis within a housing. A motor is operatively connected to the feed sprocket to repetitively rotate the feed sprocket over an angle corresponding to the pitch of the component-carrying tape. An encoder is disposed to read the encoder disk and provide a feedback signal indicating the angular position of the feed sprocket.

Abstract: A machine (10) for processing electrical wires (80) during the manufacture of a product includes a wire feed mechanism (28) and a wire movement measuring mechanism (82). A wire guide apparatus (122) is disposed between the feed and measuring mechanisms to limit lateral movement of the wire (80). The wire guide apparatus (122) includes wire guiding surfaces (228, 248) that are adjustable to accommodate wires having different outside diameters within a range of diameters. The wire guide apparatus (122) includes a block (128), attached to the machine (10), having a fixed guide surface (200) and two opposed rails (132,134) in sliding engagement with the block. Each of the sliding rails (132, 134) includes a movable guide surface (228, 248) that cooperates with the fixed guide surface (200) to constrain lateral movement of the wire (80) during feeding.

Abstract: A wire defect detection apparatus (70) is disclosed for use in a machine (10) that process wire (48) during the course of a sequence of manufacturing operations. The defect detector (70) includes a pair of rollers (80, 86), one being a follower roller (86), between which the wire is passed. The follower roller (86) is journaled for rotation on one end (88) of a pivoting arm (72), the other end (104) of the arm having an accelerometer (100) attached thereto. During operation of the machine (10), the accelerometer (100) produces a signal (118) that is received by a detection circuit (108). If the signal (118) is above or below predefined limits, indicating a defect in the wire (48), another signal (120) is sent to the controller (114) of the machine to either stop the machine or to execute some other change in the sequence of operations of the machine. Otherwise the machine (10) is permitted to continue operating uninterrupted.

Abstract: A crimping apparatus includes a pair of relatively movable jaws (22) carrying a mating pair of crimping dies (25). Stop surfaces (30) on respective ones of the jaws are in abutting relationship when the dies are fully closed. A flat film sensor (40) on one of the stop surfaces is coupled in an electrical circuit so as to produce an electrical signal when the stop surfaces come together and a force is imposed on the sensor. The electrical signal may be used to illuminate a visual display, generate an audio tone, or trigger an actuator which causes the jaws to retract to an open position.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring crimp height between crimped opposite sides of a terminal which has been crimped to an element is provided. The apparatus is particularly useful for measuring the crimp height of a terminal when one or more of the crimped opposite sides has a surface profile that is non-planar, or when a soft insulation sleeve is present on the terminal in the crimp area. The apparatus includes a pair of opposed probe members which are relatively movable between open and closed positions. In the open position the probe members are spaced apart- In the closed position the probe members are biased against the crimped opposite sides by springs. The probe members are specially configured to match the surface profiles of the crimped opposite sides.

Abstract: A machine for cutting pin headers of a desired length from a standard length of pin header stock is disclosed. A vertically disposed track is provided for receiving the standard lengths of pin header stock. The stock is allowed to fall by gravity to a cutting station where a single cutting blade cuts individual pin headers from the end of the stock. The cut pin headers are deposited into a bin for convenient unloading. Leftover, or residual pieces of stock are directed into another bin for discarding or salvage.

Abstract: A machine for cutting pin headers of a desired length from lengths of pin header stock is disclosed. A mechanism is provided for adjusting the width of the track opening that receives the pin header stock so that stock of various widths may be accommodated in the machine. A portion of the track is continuously movable, that is, it is never rigidly clamped in a stationary position, but rather, its position relative to a stationary portion may be adjusted by a single control element.

Abstract: This invention relates to a contact system (50) which includes spring contacts (54, 56) of a geometry and position to mate with the contacts (26, 38) of differing geometries of plug (12) and receptacle (14) connectors and particularly to the use of such system to test connectors of different geometries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ram actuating mechanism in a press for terminating wires, or the like. The actuating mechanism imparts movement to the ram in two distinct portions. An air cylinder or other low pressure linear actuator is utilized to effect the relatively long stroke of the first portion of movement. The second portion of movement, which must overcome relatively high insertion forces but over a relatively short distance is effected by a cam and cam follower arrangement. This permits sufficient clearance between the terminating punch and die when the ram is retracted to pass other wire handling mechanisms while at the same time providing a relatively compact mechanism.