Abstract: A device for applying balancing weights to vehicle wheels in wheel balancing machines, comprising: a detector for the position of an indicator that can slide on rectilinear guides with respect to a wheel supported rotatable on the frame of a balancing machine; removable locking elements the indicator in at least one direction of sliding activatable when a preset position of the indicator is reached and comprising at least one first and second gears, supported rotatable on the wheel machine which mesh with each other; transmission elements for transmitting motion of the indicator to the first gear; and motion elements for moving a third gear between an inactive configuration, in which it is disengaged from the first and second gears, and a locking configuration, in which the third gear is engaged with the teeth of the first and second gears to prevent their rotation.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device and method obtains desirable crimp connections between a crimp connector and a wire, or bundle of wires, by assessing the desirability of connections made in a wire-to-wire connection and in other situations where two materials with good acoustic propagation characteristics are joined together via deformation. An embodiment of the device as a crimping tool comprises a compressing means, pulse-generating circuitry, at least one ultrasonic transmitting transducer, at least one ultrasonic receiving transducer, receiving circuitry, and a display. The user may return to a previously crimped connection and assess the desirability of the connection by compressing the device about the connection, sending an acoustic signal through the crimp, and comparing the received signal to a signal obtained from known desirable connections.

Abstract: To evaluate a fastener, a cam that is contoured to correspond to a relationship between a first dimension of the fastener and a second dimension of the fastener is utilized. The cam is movable between a first position and a second position and the fastener is evaluated based on whether an electrical connection is completed when contact occurs between the cam and the fastener while the cam is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A nail spacing verification assembly is provided which enables the spacing between nails contained in a collated nail strip, the collated nail strip advancing down a nail loading assembly of a nail gun, to be verified before the nail is allowed to advance. A first and second probe are operationally coupled with each other. If nail spacing is correct, the first probe engages the second probe causing both probes to rotate and the nail to pass. If spacing is incorrect, the first probe does not engage the second probe and the nail is hindered from advancing down a nail loading assembly.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and programmable apparatus for the assembly of body components to an automotive body that has undergone a progressive series of framing and welding steps so as to produce a structurally rigid body frame, termed a body-in-white. More specifically, this invention relates to creating a new net locating scheme (X-Y and Z Cartesian coordinate system) for a body-in-white to direct associated tooling to create net attachment features on a rigid body frame with respect to a new net locating scheme so that components may be attached to an automotive body at a net location eliminating the need for any slip plane attachment techniques.

Abstract: A crimp state estimation apparatus includes: an information input section for inputting information on an crimp contact terminal, an electric wire, an anvil, and the crimper and an input compression ratio of a core wire of the electric wire; and an estimation unit for calculating a total length of the bottom wall and the pair of crimp pieces after crimp in a cross section orthogonal to the core wire based on the information and the input compression ratio and estimating a cross-sectional shape of the bottom wall and the pair of crimp pieces after crimp based on the total length.

Abstract: An anti-electrostatic discharge (ESD) tool for engaging electronic device under test (DUT) boards whereby ESD damage to the tested devices is prevented. The tool includes an aluminum support frame, guides on opposing edges of one side of the frame for slidably receiving a DUT board, and at least one electrical shorting connector extending from the frame and electrically connecting and shorting socket connectors and leads of electronic devices when the DUT board is inserted into the guides. The electrical shorting connector preferably comprises an array of fine wire brushes which have sufficient rigidity and flexibility for engaging solder points on the DUT board for the socket connectors.

Abstract: A system and method for disassembling and assembling a product. The system includes a production facility for assembling a product, a processing facility for disassembling a used product and offering the unit or parts of the used product for assembling the product after the unit and parts are processed, and a commonly-used processing facility for practicing mutually reversible steps between the process of assembling the product and the process of disassembling the used product and offering the unit and parts for assembling the product and/or for practicing steps which are identical for the assembling and disassembling processes. The method includes the steps of performing an assembling process, performing a disassembling process, and performing in a commonly-used processing facility mutually reversible steps between the assembling and disassembling process and/or performing steps which are identical for the assembling and disassembling processes.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing a hydro dynamic bearing device is provided for the finishing treatment of lubricating oil after lubricating the hydro dynamic bearing device, specifically for properly and effectively wiping off the lubricating oil adhering to the outside of the housing and adjusting the oil-level height of the lubricating oil filled in the housing.

Abstract: A system for verifying the quality of a pressing operation of a press-fit part onto a receiving portion of a receiving assembly. The system is applicable to the installation of a bearing cup onto a shaft, or a valve seat into a cylinder head. A probe measures a predetermined dimension of the press-fit part to establish a first measurement value. In the case of a valve seat installed a receiving pocket of a cylinder head, a measuring probe is inserted into the receiving pocket of the cylinder head to measure its depth. The depth is recorded as a second measurement value. The valve seat is then pressed into the pocket, and the residual depth is measured to determine the distance between the outermost surface of the pressed in valve seat and the outer surface of the receiving pocket. A computation compares the depth of the pocket against the thickness of the valve seat to determine a difference which is then compared to the residual depth.

Abstract: A system and method for assembling an internal combustion engine and for correlating engine information with a vehicle identification number. The engine includes an engine block and a plurality of pistons. The engine block has a plurality of cylinders formed therein, and the inner diameter of each cylinder is measured and recorded as cylinder information. A specific outer diameter of each of the plurality of pistons is measured and recorded as piston information. One of the pistons is selected for each cylinder based upon the recorded cylinder information and the recorded piston information so as to provide a desired piston clearance for each piston/cylinder combination. Engine information, which includes the piston information for each of the selected pistons and the cylinder information, is recorded, and the engine information is correlated with the vehicle identification number to permit the engine information to be accessed via the vehicle identification number.

Abstract: An in-line programming (ILP) system and method for programming and testing programmable integrated circuit devices (PICs) and performing the assembly of printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs). Printed circuit boards enter and leave the ILP system on a conveyor system. PICs are loaded into the ILP system, and the ILP system automatically programs and tests the PICs and places them onto the PCBs as the PCBs arrive on the conveyor. The programming and testing operations are performed by the same piece of equipment that performs the PCBA assembly operation.

Abstract: Monitoring of parameters using remote sensors, which are attached directly to the product material, allows for non-intrusive entry into the manufacturing area, via the same robotic handling or automated systems used to transport the standard product material. Data is recorded from the sensors, by wireless transmission, or when a signal is impassible, on-board memory will store the data for later downloading.

Abstract: A panel-securing system for various vehicle types is provided, in which various clamps and fingers for different panel shapes may be selected for operation by a single cylinder, the amount of space utilized to install the system is minimized, and parts used in the system are simplified. The panel-securing system for use in a production line for various vehicle types comprises a controller having stored therein panel information for various vehicle types, the controller generating and outputting a locator-selection control signal and a panel-securing control signal corresponding to panel information of the correct vehicle type; a first actuator for selecting a locator corresponding to the locator-selection control signal output by the controller; a second actuator for driving a locator corresponding to the panel-securing control signal output by the controller; and a panel-securing assembly including a plurality of locators, which correspond to panels of the various vehicle types.

Abstract: A build cell for manufacturing products according to customer orders includes a build station at which components are assembled according to a customer order to form an assembled product. The build cell also includes a burn station at which the assembled product is configured and tested to form a configured product. In addition, the build cell includes a finishing station at which the configured product is inspected to produce a finished product. A transportation device transports the finished product from the build cell to a transportation system for delivery to a boxing facility, such that the product is assembled, configured, tested, and inspected in the build cell and packaged at the boxing facility. In an illustrative embodiment, the product is a computer, the components include hardware components, which are assembled at the build station, and software is installed at the burn station.

Abstract: A method of picking a component having an alignment indicating fiducial marker according to a predetermined alignment is provided. The method includes detecting the alignment of the fiducial marker of the component, comparing the detected fiducial alignment with a predetermined fiducial alignment, determining an alignment offset and picking the component in accordance with the alignment offset.

Abstract: A manufacturing facility for manufacturing products according to customer orders includes a kitting facility at which components are collected for a product in a customer order. The manufacturing facility also includes a build cell in which the component are assembled, configured, and tested according to the customer order to form a product. The manufacturing facility also includes a boxing facility at which the product is packaged. A transportation system transports the two or more components from the kitting facility to the build cell and transports the product to the boxing facility, whereby the product is assembled, configured, and tested in the build cell and packaged at the boxing facility.

Abstract: A vehicle body assembly line (10) and method for assembling vehicle bodies utilizes electromagnetic gauging apparatus (44) to generate production gauge data of an assembly of formed sheet metal components, and an electrical controller (38) compares the production gauge data to design gauge data to detect any production deviation and is electrically connected to the assembly line to adjust the assembly of the formed sheet metal body components to correct any production deviation detected.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a workpiece, such as an automotive fuel tank, that includes a connection between a male connector and a female connector, one of which includes a tab that is only removable following the connection. The tab includes a computer-readable code that is read by the computer. During manufacturing, the workpiece is loaded into a workstation, the connection is made, and the tab is removed. The tab is presented to a computer to verify the connection. In the event that a command is received to release the workpiece and the computer has not verified the connection, the computer issues an alert. In a workstation that comprises a computer-controlled release mechanism, a preferred alert comprises a refusal to release the workpiece prior to verification of the connection.

Abstract: A recognition camera images an electronic component, and a recognition processing unit performs recognition processing of the electronic component based on the result of the imaging. The recognition processing is performed using the component data of group 1 data, group 2 data, group 3 data, and group 4 data that are stored for the images taken in a random access memory (RAM). The group 1 data is used for lead inspection (for inspecting positioning error and bending of the lead), the group 2 data and the group 3 data are used for calculating amounts of adjustment in the X and Y directions, and the group 4 data is used for calculating the amount of adjustment in the &thgr; direction. This makes it possible to mount accurately components with pins and extrusions extruded from the molding, such as connectors, such that the pins and extrusions are accurately engaged with the holes formed in a print board.

Abstract: A system for verifying the quality of a pressing operation of a press-fit part onto a receiving portion of a receiving assembly. The system is applicable to the installation of a bearing cup onto a shaft, or a valve seat into a cylinder head. A probe measures a predetermined dimension of the press-fit part to establish a first measurement value. In the case of a valve seat installed a receiving pocket of a cylinder head, a measuring probe is inserted into the receiving pocket of the cylinder head to measure its depth. The depth is recorded as a second measurement value. The valve seat is then pressed into the pocket, and the residual depth is measured to determine the distance between the outermost surface of the pressed in valve seat and the outer surface of the receiving pocket. A computation compares the depth of the pocket against the thickness of the valve seat to determine a difference which is then compared to the residual depth.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing or processing articles includes smart microcontroller boards which cooperate with sensors and a communication system to monitor and control manufacturing processes. Microcontroller boards disposed within a container create a microprocessor module which is secured to the apparatus for controlling the same responsive to information provided to them. Sensors are provided for monitoring operation of the apparatus and providing such information to the microcontroller boards. The communication system provides for communication between the sensors and the microcontroller boards, among microcontroller boards and between the microcontroller boards and other portions of the apparatus which are to be subjected to responsive control. In a preferred embodiment, the microcontroller boards are positioned within a container which is secured in a recess in the apparatus and has an overlying material covering the boards. A plurality of microcontroller modules may be employed in a system.

Abstract: A system and method for disassembling and assembling a product. The system includes a production facility for assembling a product, a processing facility for disassembling a used product and offering the unit or parts of the used product for assembling the product after the unit and parts are processed, and a commonly-used processing facility for practicing mutually reversible steps between the process of assembling the product and the process of disassembling the used product and offering the unit and parts for assembling the product and/or for practicing steps which are identical for the assembling and disassembling processes. The method includes the steps of performing an assembling process, performing a disassembling process, and performing in a commonly-used processing facility mutually reversible steps between the assembling and disassembling process and/or performing steps which are identical for the assembling and disassembling processes.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for calibrating the position of a wafer platform in an ion implanter, and particularly in a medium current ion implanter. The apparatus is constructed by a curvilinear piece formed in a half-circular shape, a pair of linear rods for supporting the curvilinear piece, and at least one cross-bracing rod connected in-between the pair of linear rods for providing rigidity of the apparatus. When the inside peripheral surface of the curvilinear piece intimately engages an outside peripheral surface of the wafer platform of the ion implanter, or when the first and second linear rods fit snugly on the implanter indicative that the wafer platform is properly calibrated at a zero-angle position. When such fitting is not possible, the wafer platform is then adjusted until a snug fitting is made possible.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for quickly and accurately determining the amount of metal to be removed from the lower portion of an engine block when the engine is to be stroked, i.e. have a longer, replacement, connecting rod installed to increase the engine's cylinder displacement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mask for evaluating selective epitaxial growth process. The disclosed mask comprises a mask pattern for resistance measurement to measure sheet resistance of grown single crystal silicon in a first area, a mask pattern for selectivity evaluation to evaluate selectivity of single crystal silicon growth in a second area diagonal to the first area, mask patterns for facet generation evaluation, having different shapes, to evaluate facet generation of grown single crystal silicon in a third area, mask patterns for loading effect evaluation, having different shapes, to evaluate growth of single crystal silicon by loading effect in the upper part of a fourth area and a mask pattern for uniformity evaluation to evaluate uniformity of grown single crystal silicon in the lower part of the pattern for loading effect evaluation in the fourth area.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for the assembly of body components to an automotive body that has undergone a progressive series of framing and welding steps so as to produce a structurally rigid body frame, termed a body-in-white. More specifically, this invention relates to creating a new net locating scheme (X-Y-Z coordinate system) for a body-in-white to direct associated tooling to create net attachment features on said rigid body frame so that components may be attached to said automotive body at a net location eliminating the need for any slip plane attachment techniques.

Abstract: An in-line programming (ILP) system and method for programming and testing programmable integrated circuit devices (PICs) and performing the assembly of printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs). Printed circuit boards enter and leave the ILP system on a conveyor system. PICs are loaded into the ILP system, and the ILP system automatically programs and tests the PICs and places them onto the PCBs as the PCBs arrive on the conveyor. The programming and testing operations are performed by the same piece of equipment that performs the PCBA assembly operation.

Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus including a wafer stage that carries a semiconductor wafer. The wafer stage is formed at its wafer carrying surface with a porous metal portion, thus allowing the attractive force arising from the Coulomb force between the wafer and wafer stage to be reduced and avoiding sticking of the wafer to the wafer stage.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an electric-component mounter including a substrate supporting device which supports a circuit substrate, an electric-component supplying device which supplies a plurality of electric components to be mounted on the circuit substrate, a mounting device which receives the electric components from the electric-component supplying device and mounts the electric components on the circuit substrate supported by the substrate supporting device, and a base member which supports the substrate supporting device, the electric-component supplying device, and the mounting device, the apparatus including at least one elastic member which is provided between the base member and a surface of a floor which supports the base member, and at least one damper which damps vibration of the base member and the floor surface relative to each other, the vibration resulting from elastic deformation of the elastic member.

Abstract: There are provided a fixed-scroll moveable device which is capable of moving a fixed-scroll of a scroll compressor in the directions of an X axis and a Y axis, and an orbiting-scroll revolution compensation device which is capable of revolving an orbiting-scroll in a &thgr; direction by way of a main frame. An optimum angle of the fixed-scroll relative to the orbiting-scroll and an optimum wrap clearance are determined at the same time while orbitally moving the orbiting-scroll. Thereby, alignment of a scroll compression section is performed in a short time with a high precision including positioning of a rotating direction of the fixed-scroll relative to the orbiting-scroll.

Abstract: An inspection and sorting system for part repair includes at least one sensor for inspecting a part. The sensor is configured to obtain inspection data for the part. A comparison module is configured to receive the inspection data, to generate a repair profile for the part using the inspection data, and to compare the repair profile with a baseline to arrive at a repair recommendation for the part. A method includes inspecting a part with at least one sensor to obtain preliminary inspection data for the part. The method further includes generating a preliminary repair profile from the preliminary inspection data, comparing the preliminary repair profile with a baseline, and arriving at a repair recommendation for the part based on the comparison.

Abstract: An vehicle lamp assembling apparatus including a jig which supports a lamp component, an apparatus main body having disposed thereon positioning and fastening mechanisms (plungers and engagement holes) for positioning and fastening the jig to the apparatus main body. Some equipment (contact units) is disposed on the apparatus main body, and/or on the jig, for carrying out a predetermined processing, such as working or inspection, on the lamp component supported by the jig. Further, a control part is disposed on the apparatus main body, for drive control of the equipment. An ID plate that stores processing information, such as driving procedures and driving amount of the equipment, is disposed on the jig, whereas a non-contact memory reader is disposed on the apparatus main body so as to oppose the ID plate when the jig is fastened to the apparatus main body. The control part drives the equipment based on the processing information read from the ID plate via the memory reader.

Abstract: A component mounter which picks up components from two or more tape feeders aligned in a component feeder carriage, and mounts them a board. Suction nozzles for vacuum-holding components are disposed on the transfer head at a predetermined basic pitch in the X direction (tape feeders alignment direction) to form a nozzle line. Two or more nozzle lines are aligned in the Y direction (perpendicular to the X direction). These suction nozzles pick up two or more components from the tape feeders simultaneously, enabling to reduce the space required for installing the mounter and making the mounter more compact. Increased feasibility of simultaneous pickup of several components also improves mounting efficiency.

Abstract: A method of attaching a component having a fiducial marker to a substrate is provided. The method includes detecting alignment of the fiducial marker, aligning the component such that the fiducial marker matches a predetermined fiducial alignment, and attaching the component to a substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for measuring and adjusting the pitch and roll angle in the suspension head for magnetic readers for disk drives. The system includes a linear advancement system, a measurement system, an adjustment and heat treatment system and control algorithms TO measure, adjust and correct the roll and pitch in a suspension head.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly line for automatically and continuously assembling vehicle components to a vehicle assembly. The vehicle assembly line can include multiple stations such as a component assembly station, module assembly station, fluid filling station, door assembly station, wheel alignment station, and brake test station.

Abstract: An integrated wafer level board/card assembly method combines wafer level packaging, testing and assembly process. The integrated process includes the steps of first wafer sorting, laser repairing, second wafer sorting, wafer level burn-in, wafer level packaging, final testing, wafer sawing and board/card assembly. Information including wafer mapping and yield data of a process step is used as the input data to a next process step. Burn-in circuits and internal probing pads are built in the dice of the wafer to enable wafer level burn-in. A wafer cassette is used to move wafers between steps. Probers are used as the primary equipment in many steps to provide automatic wafer loading and testing. A multi-chip module die bonder, an IR re-flow system and an open/short tester form an automatic in-line system to accomplish the step of assembling a plurality of integrated circuit chips on a PC board.

Abstract: A system for verifying the quality of a pressing operation of a press-fit part onto a receiving portion of a receiving assembly. The system is applicable to the installation of a bearing cup onto a shaft, or a valve seat into a cylinder head. A probe measures a predetermined dimension of the press-fit part to establish a first measurement value. In the case of a valve seat installed a receiving pocket of a cylinder head, a measuring probe is inserted into the receiving pocket of the cylinder head to measure its depth The depth is recorded as a second measurement value The valve seat is then pressed into the pocket, and the residual depth is measured to determine the distance between the outermost surface of the pressed in valve seat and the outer surface of the receiving pocket. A computation compares the depth of the pocket against the thickness of the valve seat to determine a difference which is then compared to the residual depth.

Abstract: A case of a stepping motor is divided by a partition. One of divided portions of the case contains a rotor and a stator of the stepping motor. A small-sized drive gear is fixed to a drive shaft integrally rotated with the rotor. The drive gear is meshed with a larger gear of a transmission gear. This transmission gear includes a smaller gear integrally rotated with the larger gear. The smaller gear is meshed with a large-sized output gear fixed to an output shaft of the stepping motor. Two pairs of the reduction gear mechanisms transmit a rotation of the drive shaft to the output shaft in a reduced state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for quickly and accurately determining the amount of metal to be removed from the lower portion of an engine block when the engine is to be stroked, i.e. have a longer, replacement, connecting rod installed to increase the engine's cylinder displacement.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a distributed computerized control and information system for a manufacturing system which generates a product from distinct components, where the manufacturing system includes a plurality of processing machines which generate signals indicative of parameters of the processing machines' operation. The system includes a plurality of sensors in communication with an associated processing machine for non-intrusively obtaining parameter signals in real-time from the processing machine so as to not interfere with the parameter signal generation and transmission. Also included is a plurality of command apparatus in communication with an associated sensor for providing real-time analysis of the received parameter signal of the associated processing machine, and a summary station in communication with the plurality of command apparatus for providing real-time summary and detailed analysis of received parameter signals from associated processing machines.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for aligning and supplying an electrical component capable of aligning a first electrical component to be mounted on a second electrical component relative to a suction head without using a pre-alignment stage. On supplying an IC chip being the first electrical component to a position at which the IC chip is mounted on a liquid crystal panel being the second electrical component with the suction head sucking the IC chip, after the suction head sucks the IC chip in a recessed portion in a container, the suction head is moved in an X direction and the container is moved in a Y direction to thereby cause the IC chip abut a wall of the recessed portion, and thereafter the movements in the X and Y direction are still carried out to thereby displace the suction position of the IC chip relative to the suction head to achieve the alignment thereof.

Abstract: When any of facilities of a film producing and packaging system suffers a failure, a film processing controller shuts off the film producing and packaging system. The operator repairs a failing facility and manually discharges a length of an elongate film which may possibly be defective. After the failing facility is repaired, the film processing controller is restarted to operate the film producing and packaging system, which then automatically discharges a length of the elongate film corresponding to a preset number of sized films. It is possible to easily and quickly discard a portion of the elongate film which has been made defective by the facility failure.

Abstract: A computer hard drive assembly device is described which can include a turntable, a motor, and a control. The turntable can include a platform configured to secure computer hard drive components to the turntable. The motor can be coupled to the turntable by a rotating drive shaft which allows the motor to rotate the turntable. The control can be coupled to the motor and is coupled to engage the motor. A method for computer hard drive assembly using the device is also provided.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus that may easily conform to increase in production volume and change in specifications of parts, and exhibits high production efficiency is provided. The assembly apparatus 1 includes a part-supplying station 2 in which an operator 8 supplies parts to a conveyor pallet 5, a part-assembling station 3 in which assembly robots R1, R2 assemble the parts in the conveyor pallet 5, and a conveyor means 4 that conveys the conveyor pallet 5 from the part-supplying station 2 to the part-assembling station 3. After the assembly robots R1 have finished assembling the parts on one conveyor pallet 5 in a work area A1, the conveyor means 4 conveys the one conveyor pallet 5 from the work area A1, and concurrently conveys the next conveyor pallet 5 following the one conveyor pallet 5 in the work area A1.

Abstract: A method of assembling end caps (14, 16) within a body (12) is provided. The body (12) is measured to obtain a body measurement and the end cap (14, 16) is sized based on the body measurement. The sized end cap (14, 16) is coupled to the body (12). An end cap size (10, 170) for sizing end caps (14, 16) to mate with a body (12) is also provided. The end cap size (10, 170) includes a device (23, 171) that is movable between a position to receive one of an end cap (14, 16) and a body (12) and another position to engage the one of the end cap (14, 16) and body (12). The end cap size (10, 170) also includes a control system (25, 173) configured to move the device (23, 171) to a body measurement position to obtain a body measurement of the body (12) and move the device (23, 171) to a position to size the end cap (14, 16) based on the body measurement.

Abstract: A placement robot includes a micro alignment pick-up head (MAP) to hold a component for placement on a substrate. The MAP includes a retention member that may be a vacuum pick-up nozzle for component retention and has two main parts: an upper body and a lower body. The upper body and the lower body are separated from one another by an air bearing which provides near-frictionless performance and allows the lower body a range of motion relative to the upper body. The MAP is either “attached” or “loose.” Micropositioning actuators provide fine positioning in the X and/or Y directions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical terminal implementation device that fabricates individual terminals, positions the terminals at their point of use, and connects the terminals to the subject components. The present device may also include apparatus for attaching the terminals to a component, testing the connection between the terminal and the component, coating the terminals with flux, shaping the terminals, and burnishing the component. More specifically, the present invention includes a terminal feeder by which integrated terminals are fed into the device. The integrated terminals are directed from the feeder toward a punch by a selector assembly. Before an individual terminal is cut from the integrated terminals by the punch, a loader assembly grips the individual terminal. Once separated from the integrated terminals, the individual terminal is moved by the loader assembly to the positioner assembly.

Abstract: In a production method and system, a set of camera frame assemblies are partially assembled and a film unit is loaded. Each camera frame assembly is disposed on a pallet. Each pallet has a unique machine-readable designator. Defects are found in one or more members of the set of camera frame assemblies and a record is made of the respective designators of the pallets bearing the camera frame assemblies having defects. Assembly of the camera frame assemblies is then concluded. Afterward, camera frame assemblies on pallets having designators in the record of defects are culled. The assembly has the pallets, a transporter, a plurality of assembly devices, a series of defect inspectors, and an alteration unit that prepares for culling film rolls of camera frame assemblies having defects. The alteration unit transmits camera frame assemblies that are free of the defects without the preparing.