Abstract: A cart assembly comprising a housing and a wheel assembly mounted in the housing, releasable locking means for selectively positioning said wheel assembly between operative and stored limit positions, a handle assembly and means for selectively positioning the handle between an outer operative limit position and an inner stored limit position inside the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides method and apparatus for determining lead integrity of IC devices characterized by an inspection arrangement which comprises optical elements for back lighting the leads disposed on either side of a trackway for the travel of the IC device thereon. The optical elements are arranged in such a fashion as to simultaneously produce a sharp backlit silhouette image of the leads protruding from either or both sides of the IC device. In accordance with the invention, means are provided for continuously and automatically feeding IC devices through an inspection station in the apparatus where an illumination source through the optical elements directs an intense light beam so that a sharp silhouette or backlit outline of the leads on both sides of the IC device is simultaneously obtained. A single camera is disposed to face the opposing direction of the illumination and optics to receive the silhouette or backlit outline of the IC device leads, as well as the top surface of the device.

Abstract: A lead scanning apparatus for scanning the lead to lead integrity of electronic devices having an axial length and leads extending from the sides thereof. The apparatus includes track means for moving individual devices axially along a path to a scanning station on the path. Stop pins stop each of said devices at predetermined locations on the path where a clamp rail assists in positioning the device in a scanning orientation. The scanning unit is movably positioned at the station for movement axially along the length of the device to generate signals upon intersection of leads extending from both sides of the device. Actual signals from the scanner are compared with predetermined signals to determine the existence and spacing of each lead with respect to a predetermined pattern. A signal based on the comparison for each device is generated.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for aligning the leads of electronic devices having a body portion and plurality of leads extending from the body portion having pads at the free terminal ends comprising means for positioning the electronic device at a lead straightening station. A pair of lead straightening heads comprised of a plurality of fingers engages between the leads on opposite sides of the electronic device. The lead straightening heads are actuated relative to the electronic device through a straightening cycle including a first phase where the fingers engage between leads of the electronic device while in a floating condition and a second phase after the electronic device is clamped in place on a support surface to pivot the leads on either side of a plane extending transversely to the body portion and thereby align each of the leads relative to this plane. Coplanarity means is provided for positioning the pads of the leads so that they all lie in a common plane.

Abstract: A switch track mechanism for selectively directing electronic components from a single trackway to one of a plurality of discharge or accumulator stations comprising a first fixed track sections adjacent the trackway, a second fixed track section adjacent to and downstream of the first fixed track section, movable first and second track members operatively associated with the first and second fixed track sections and each operable between first and second limit positions. The second movable track member has a plurality of track sectors disposed in an array, a plurality of accumulator stations downstream of the second track member corresponding in number to the number of track sectors, a cartridge for electronic components is mounted at each accumulator station. The movable track sections have actuable between limit positions whereby electronic components may be directed from the single trackway to a select one of the accumulator stations.

Abstract: In apparatus for disposing DIP leads in a predetermined and preselected condition of straightness and orientation, a trackway for operatively supporting and moving DIPs therealong from a loading station to a discharge station, a forming station positioned along the trackway subsequent to said entrance station. The forming station includes laterally spaced rotatable forming rollers on opposite sides of the trackway, anvils confronting the inner faces of the leads between the forming rollers and anvils. The rollers and anvil having cooperating confronting surfaces adapted to engage the DIP leads adjacent the shoulder to the outer terminal ends, the forming rollers cooperatively associated with the anvils and spaced therefrom to define a nip gap. DIPs are moved through the nip gap whereby DIP leads are contacted to align them in predetermined orientation and at a predetermined angle relative to the body portion.

Abstract: A switch track mechanism for selectively directing electronic components from a single trackway to one of a plurality of discharge or accumulator stations comprising a first fixed track sections adjacent the trackway, a second fixed track section adjacent to and downstream of the first fixed track section, movable first and second track members operatively associated with the first and second fixed track sections and each operable between first and second limit positions. The second movable track member has a plurality of track sectors disposed in an array, a plurality of accumulator stations downstream of the second track member corresponding in number to the number of track sectors, a cartridge for electronic components is mounted at each accumulator station. The movable track sections have actuatable between limit positions whereby electronic components may be directed from the single trackway to a select one of the accumulator stations.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining lead integrity of DIP devices, wherein the leads of the DIP devices extend from a track for supporting the DIP devices during passage through the apparatus. Included is a transmitting means for the transmission of a signal, positioned so that the leads of the DIP devices traveling on the track intersect the transmitted signals and a receiving means for receiving and converting a transmitted signal to an electrical signal, positioned so that as the leads of the DIP device intersect said transmitted signal, the receiving means generates an electrical signal reflective of the intersection for determining the integrity of the leads based upon the electrical signal. The receiving means includes receptors positioned on either side of the track such that each receptor receives the transmitted signal intersected by the leads as the DIP devices travel on the track.

Abstract: In apparatus for disposing DIP leads in a predetermined and preselected condition of straightness and orientation, a trackway for operatively supporting and moving DIPs therealong from a loading station to a discharge station, a forming station positioned along the trackway subsequent to said entrance station. The forming station includes laterally spaced rotatable forming rollers on opposite sides of the trackway, anvils confronting the inner faces of the leads between the forming rollers and anvils. The rollers and anvil having cooperating confronting surfaces adapted to engage the DIP leads adjacent the shoulder to the outer terminal ends, the forming rollers cooperatively associated with the anvils and spaced therefrom to define a nip gap. DIPs are moved through the nip gap whereby DIP leads are contacted to align them in predetermined orientation and at a predetermined angle relative to the body portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically or manually controlling the apparatus for trimming or cutting leads of electric devices of the type having an elongated body portion, and a plurality of leads extending from the opposite side edges of the body portion, more specifically for trimming leads of dual-in-line-devices (DIP devices) of a type used in conjunction with printed circuit boards (PCBs), wherein component dimensions and materials vary, and adjustments are provided to accomodate for different width and length sizes and more particularly to permit trimming of lead lengths to appropriate length for coaction with various PCBs.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically or manually controlling the apparatus for trimming or cutting leads of electronic devices of the type having an elongated body portion, and a plurality of leads extending from the opposite side edges of the body portion, more specifically for trimming leads of dual-in-line-devices (DIP devices) of a type used in conjunction with printed circuit boards (PCBs), wherein component dimensions and materials vary, and adjustments are provided to accommodate for different width and length sizes and more particularly to permit trimming of lead lengths to appropriate length for coaction with various PCBs.