Abstract: A part supply step feeder or flighted belt conveyor lifts parts from a hopper in a metered fashion to a transfer area, and there supplies parts to a vibratory feeder, which carries the parts from the transfer area through orientation features to an output end. If a part does not achieve the correct orientation before reaching the output end, then at some point it is rejected, passively or actively, preferably back to the part supply hopper, by gravity or by a conveyor, for example.

Abstract: The apparatus accurately and automatically orients a shaft with an eccentric end portion for positioning in an eccentric chuck. An unoriented shaft is deposited on a support assembly. The shaft is supported by the eccentric and adjacent the end remote from the eccentric. The shaft is rotated, preferably by a magnet, to orient the eccentric at a precise angular orientation. Preferably, a proximity sensor verifies that successful orientation has been achieved. Once the shaft is properly oriented, it is removed by a pick and place robot, for insertion into the chuck.

Abstract: The system is for loading or unloading parts onto or from trays. The same system may be used for either function. A stack of trays loaded on a cart is wheeled into a first cart docking bay. A second cart is positioned in a second cart docking bay beside the first bay, to receive processed trays. A first tray elevator lifts the first cart and trays, or just the trays, to align the uppermost tray with a tray singulator and clamping mechanism. The tray is singulated, i.e. first supported at a lip by retractable opposing support rails and then separated from the stack by operation of the elevator to lower the tray stack, and is then clamped in a precise position. It is subsequently unclamped and shuttled laterally into alignment above the second cart, onto identical retractable support rails, where it is similarly clamped in a precise position.

Abstract: A molding apparatus utilizes two conventional single-injection molding machines and a rotatable disk positioned between those machines. The disk has four workstations, a first one and a second one opposite respective molding machines, and a third one at which molded items are removed. The molding apparatus has the advantages of lower cost and greater flexibility over double-injection molding machines.

Abstract: A method of reflow soldering a row of electrical component leads to a printed circuit board using a heater bar is disclosed. The method involves the steps of, firstly, moving the heater bar to a position above the location of the leads and allowing the heater bar to rock within its plane to float into proper position, and secondly, then clamping the heater bar, supplying voltage to heat the heating element portion of the heater bar, and applying soldering pressure. Corresponding apparatus is disclosed, in which the heater bar is adapted to rock within its plane. The heater bar has a support arm projecting upwardly from the heating element portion. A carriage includes a channel which accommodates the support arm and is somewhat larger in the horizontal dimension in the plane of the heater bar, thereby allowing the heater bar to rock. A clamping bar is movable into the channel for clamping the heater bar via the support arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing around an insert in a molded part to avoid the escape of flash including a mold cavity cooperatively defined by at least two mold blocks, at least one of the mold blocks having at least one insert opening communicating with the cavity. A plunger chamber is substantially co-axial to the insert opening and communicates with the cavity via the insert opening, the plunger chamber having generally greater radial dimensions than the insert opening, thereby defining a generally inwardly-directed flange with respect to the walls of the plunger chamber. The surface of the flange remote from the cavity constitutes a seating surface within the insert opening. A resilient seal is fitted within the plunger chamber against the seating surface in proximity to the insert. A plunger is positioned within the plunger chamber for relative movement generally towards and away from the cavity to compress the resilient seal against the seating surface.