Abstract: A platform for constraining a workpiece includes x-y stage connected to a base, wherein the x-y stage includes a floor and a y-axis datum and a x-axis datum aligned along a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, respectively, and a primary constraint mechanism on the x-y stage. The primary constraint mechanism includes an x-axis wedge, a primary y-axis wedge and a primary z-axis clamp, and a primary linear actuator with a rod extendable and retractable parallel to the second axis. A primary linear actuator slides the x-axis wedge away from the x-axis datum, slides the primary y-axis wedge away from the y-axis datum, and rotates the primary z-axis clamp away from the workpiece. The primary z-axis clamp is attached to a cam with a pinion gear that engages a rack gear connected to the rod of the primary linear actuator.

Abstract: An automated pin anvil press for connecting a workpiece pair at a plurality of pin locations with a plurality of pins includes a platform, an anvil paired with a puncher, and a position control camera capable of taking position alignment images. The platform includes a base, an x-y stage including a floor with a central opening and a y-axis datum and a x-axis datum aligned along a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, respectively, and a primary constraint mechanism on the x-y stage wherein activation of the primary constraint mechanism constrains at least one of the workpiece pair on the x-y stage. The platform also includes x-axis and y-axis carriages connecting the x-y stage to the base, wherein activation of an x-axis actuator connected to the x-axis carriage moves the x-y stage parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: A system places a pin into at least one hole on an article. The system generally includes a moveable base on which the article is located, a press head for holding and inserting the pin into the hole, a first vision system to capture a first image of a designated hole on the article, and a second vision system to capture second and third images of the held pin relative to the press head respectively from two vantage points. A computing unit is configured to assign a relative coordinate consisting of a X-value and a Y-value being correspondingly indicative to an actual location of the hole, compute relative deviations presented between the held pin and the designated hole, and move the base to adjust the article in a manner correcting or compensating for the computed deviation prior to inserting the held pin into the hole.

Abstract: A system places a pin into at least one hole on an article. The system generally includes a moveable base on which the article is located, a press head for holding and inserting the pin into the hole, a first vision system to capture a first image of a designated hole on the article, and a second vision system to capture second and third images of the held pin relative to the press head respectively from two vantage points. A computing unit is configured to assign a relative coordinate consisting of a X-value and a Y-value being correspondingly indicative to an actual location of the hole, compute relative deviations presented between the held pin and the designated hole, and move the base to adjust the article in a manner correcting or compensating for the computed deviation prior to inserting the held pin into the hole.

Abstract: An automated pin anvil press for connecting a workpiece pair at a plurality of pin locations with a plurality of pins includes a platform, an anvil paired with a puncher, and a position control camera capable of taking position alignment images. The platform includes a base, an x-y stage including a floor with a central opening and a y-axis datum and a x-axis datum aligned along a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, respectively, and a primary constraint mechanism on the x-y stage wherein activation of the primary constraint mechanism constrains at least one of the workpiece pair on the x-y stage. The platform also includes x-axis and y-axis carriages connecting the x-y stage to the base, wherein activation of an x-axis actuator connected to the x-axis carriage moves the x-y stage parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: A platform for constraining a workpiece includes x-y stage connected to a base, wherein the x-y stage includes a floor and a y-axis datum and a x-axis datum aligned along a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, respectively, and a primary constraint mechanism on the x-y stage. The primary constraint mechanism includes an x-axis wedge, a primary y-axis wedge and a primary z-axis clamp, and a primary linear actuator with a rod extendable and retractable parallel to the second axis. A primary linear actuator slides the x-axis wedge away from the x-axis datum, slides the primary y-axis wedge away from the y-axis datum, and rotates the primary z-axis clamp away from the workpiece. The primary z-axis clamp is attached to a cam with a pinion gear that engages a rack gear connected to the rod of the primary linear actuator.

Abstract: A head slider of a suspension supports a read/write head for data transfer to and from a data storage disk. A mounting structure is conventionally used for holding the suspension. A positioning finger applies a force to the suspension for and thereby positions a head slider to a static height for simulating the “flying” action of the head slider in the data storage device. A measuring device measures the static height of the head slider and transmits the same to a controller which generates a control strategy for positioning the head slider of the suspension to the fly-height. An embodiment of the invention uses a common mounting assembly for receiving a plurality of suspensions. The use of a common positioning assembly for simultaneously positioning the head sliders of the plurality of suspensions substantially reduces time consumed and improves efficiency.

Abstract: A slider head of a suspension supports a read/write head for data transfer to and from a data storage disk. Deviation from a pitch static attitude and a roll static attitude of the suspension arises due to manufacturing variations, resulting in inefficient data transfer. The deviation results in pitch and roll errors. Various methods have been provided for correcting the pitch and roll errors. The application of conventional methods using conventional apparatus results in the suspension either being damaged or experiencing bending cross-talk. An embodiment of the invention provides two pairs of probes with each probe having a free end for abutting and thereby cooperating for gripping the suspension. Each pair of probes allows for two degrees-of-freedom for respectively adjusting the roll static attitude and the pitch static attitude of the suspension. The contact configuration of the probes substantially reduces bending cross-talk while substantially alleviating damage to the suspension.