Abstract: An automated feed mechanism (2) for retrieving a desired wafer assembly (20). The automated feed mechanism (2) has an elevator assembly (12) for storing a plurality of wafer assemblies (20) and the elevator assembly (12) is driven to facilitate retrieval of the desired wafer assembly (20). A pick and place assembly (16) retrieves electronic components (22), from a retrieved wafer assembly (20), and transports each retrieved electronic component (22) to a shuttle assembly (18). The shuttle assembly (18) comprises first and second shuttle platforms (34, 36), with one of the shuttle platforms (34 or 36) located adjacent the pick and place assembly (16) for loading electronic components (22) thereon, and the second shuttle platform (36 or 34) located at a dispensing position (D) for retrieval of the previously loaded electronic components (22) by an automated assembly machine (3).

Abstract: The geometric features of a supported component in a machine for mounting surface mount electronic components are either frontlighted or backlighted for inspection purposes. To backlight the features a fluorescent surface above the component is excited with UV light. Since UV light reflected from the component is invisible to the camera system, the features will appear black with a bright background. To frontlight the features, a light source is used which generates light outside the UV range and a) having a wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of the UV fluorescing surface so that no fluorescent is created or b) having a wavelength substantially different from the UV fluorescing surface that is absorbed by the surface without causing fluorescing to take place. This light when reflected from the features is seen by the camera and the features will appear bright in a dark background.

Abstract: A cropping mechanism for a surface mount machine is disclosed which cuts the feed tape supplying electronic components. The displacement of an actuator in one direction between end positions cycles the cropping blade from a start location to the cutting location and back to the start location. The actuator has a cam which rides in selectively configured slots defined in opposed, pivotally supported levers which support a pin received by the cutting element and controlling its displacement.

Abstract: The tool tip assembly has a fixed large tool tip and a movable telescoping tool tip which has a smaller area pick-up end. The telescoping tool tip is displaceable between fixed stops and the forward stop is defined by an annular bumper projecting rearwardly from the inner surface of the fixed tool tip proximate the forward bore portion. The telescoping tool tip can be quickly and conveniently accessed for repair, inspection or replacement by removing the molded elastomeric fixed large tool tip.

Abstract: A DIP insertion machine is disclosed wherein the feeder, inserter, valve stack for the feeder and inserter and electronic distribution panels for the valve stack, feeder and inserter are all mounted on a single plate which is secured to a mounting bracket attached to the bottom of the cross-beam on which the component magazines and shuttle are secured.

Abstract: A machine for inserting DIP components. A DIP component slides down a chute and onto a mandrel. A thruster advances to thrust the component against a stop which is secured to the mandrel. The precisely located component is gripped and the mandrel is retracted, whereupon component insertion takes place.

Abstract: A machine for inserting DIP components either into a circuit board or into sockets on the circuit board having two alternate heights. The insetion machine can be advanced a given distance by a fixed stroke cylinder, and the upper location of this stroke can be matched to the upper surface of the circuit board or to the top surface of either of the sockets by a cam which can be displaced horizontally to three distant locations.

Abstract: A machine for insering DIP components has two adjacent insertion stations so that DIP components having two different sizes can be inserted. The inserted leads of a component inserted at either location are backlighted and a compound mirror redirects the component image to a selected portion of the imaging areas of a camera where the leads appear as two spaced rows of black leads.

Abstract: An electronic component insertion machine includes an insertion head having a pair of finger assemblies which grip a component prior to insertion. Each finger assembly has an actuating lever secured to a pivot shaft and a finger holder releasably clamped to the pivot shaft. The actuating levers have surfaces which are maintained in engagement throughout their displacement so that rotation of one effects a conjoint rotation of the other and are displaced to advanced positions. The finger holders are then unclamped, oriented to their desired orientations relative to their actuating levers and then clamped in position.

Abstract: A cut-clinch head having a movable and a fixed knife assembly for cutting and forming lead wires of electrical components which extend down through openings in printed circuit boards. The movable knife and the fixed knife are easily removed from the head assembly for servicing. Further, the fixed knife is a tubular member that has a cutting edge formed out of the axis of the tube.

Abstract: A mounting for a cut-clinch mechanism having separate elevator means for each head assembly for movement of the head assemblies on a vertical axis toward and away from a printed circuit board. The separate elevator means are carried on a common U-axis mounting that can move the head assemblies toward and away from one another to accommodate variably spaced component lead wires.

Abstract: A head assembly for a cut-clinch mechanism that cuts and forms lead wires of an electrical component that extend down through openings in a printed circuit board. The assembly has a fixed knife and a movable knife driven by a pneumatic cylinder into cutting relationship with the fixed knife. The drive has a piston which encloses an electrical contact responsive to contact of the movable knife with a lead wire to signal the presence of the lead wire. The electrical contact is adjustable to fine tune the sensor.

Abstract: A "clip-on" probe for measuring electric currents by operation of the Hall effect comprises a ring of magnetizable material, at least part of which is mounted in a set of opposed jaws (4,5). The jaws are movable between an open position in which the jaws can be placed over a conductor and a closed position in which the jaws meet around the conductor and the ring is substantially complete. To facilitate removal of the probe when a heavy current is flowing through a conductor between the jaws, the jaws are provided with an opening mechanism with an actuator (7) so constructed and arranged that initial pressure on the actuator urges the jaws (4,5) apart from the closed position at a first mechanical advantage and, after an initial movement of the actuator, subsequent pressure urges the jaws towards the fully open position at a second lower mechanical advantage.