Abstract: A method for assembling an electrical connector (10) to the edge (18) of a printed circuit board (12). A machine (50) incorporates an actuating mechanism that requires only a single input motion to achieve a variety of functional motions within the machine. The machine includes a carriage assembly (54) that moves substantially vertically within the frame of the machine to sense the thickness of the circuit board and then to align the centerline of the connector held on fixture (280) with the exact center plane (44) of the board. A slide member (140) then moves toward the connector, causing a pair of comb members (252,254) to close into position in front of the moving connector. The solder tails (38,40) of the connector (10) then enter spaced slots (260) in the edges of the comb members for support and the connector housing engages the face (272) of the combs, pushing them toward the circuit board.

Abstract: A machine (50) is disclosed that assembles an electrical connector (10) to the edge (18) of a printed circuit board (12). The machine incorporates an actuating mechanism that requires only a single input motion to achieve a Variety of functional motions within the machine. The machine includes a carriage assembly (54) that moves substantially vertically within the frame of the machine to sense the thickness of the circuit board and then to align the centerline of the connector held on fixture (280) with the exact center plane (44) of the board. A slide member (140) then moves toward the connector, causing a pair of comb members (252, 254) to close into position in front of the moving connector. The solder tails (38,40) of the connector (10) then enter spaced slots (260) in the edges of the comb members for support and the connector housing engages the face (272) of the combs, pushing them toward the circuit board.

Abstract: A tool (20) cooperates with a chip carrier socket (10) to insert and/or remove a chip carrier (2) therefrom. In operation, the tool (20) is positioned in alignment with the socket (10), the chip carrier (2), and a cover (32). The tool (20) is actuated, causing the engagement means (56, 58) to pivot about the pins (102). This pivoting action causes shoulders (94) to engage a respective surface of the chip carrier socket (10) or the chip carrier (2). Movable frame means (59) are provided on the tool (20). The movable frame means (59) being movable from a first position to a second position, such that when the frame means (59) is provided in the first position, the shoulders (94) engage the chip carrier socket (10) to insert the chip carrier (2) therein. When the movable frame means (59) is in the second position, the shoulders (94) engage the chip carrier (2) to extract the chip carrier (2) from the chip carrier socket (10).

Abstract: A tool (50) for inserting a chip carrier (2) into the recess of a chip carrier socket (10). In operation, the tool (50) is positioned in alignment with socket (10), chip carrier (2), and cover (32). The tool is actuated causing the engagement means (56, 58) to pivot about pins (102). This pivoting action causes shoulders (94) to engage a lower surface of the socket (10), thereby retaining the tool (50) in position as second major surface (62) of support block (54) inserts chip carrier (2) and cover (32) into socket (10). The retention feature of the shoulders (94) is insured due to the bowing action of spring member (96), which causes the shoulders to be tightly maintained in cooperation with the lower surface of the socket (10).