Abstract: An installation (1) for continuous application of thermally or electrically insulating material (6) around an elongate element (2) having a generally circular cross-section. The installation includes a forcing device (3), in form of a conical tube into which the element (2) is fed simultaneously at the large base end of the conical tube, a sheet (4), on which the insulating material (6) is placed, means for translation of the element through a circular section (2) of the sheet (4), and a device (7) for depositing of insulating material onto the sheet. Such an installation produces thermally insulated tubes or electrically insulated cables.

Abstract: An assembly tool is provided. The assembly tool comprises a body, a first vacuum channel defined within the body, and a first locating pin attached to the body. The first locating pin has a shaft portion arranged within a surrounding portion of the body. The first locating pin is configured to engage a first alignment feature of a hard drive component at a first contact area to align the hard drive component with the assembly tool. The body is configured to couple the first vacuum channel to a vacuum source and to facilitate particle evacuation from the first contact area via the first vacuum channel when a vacuum is applied by the vacuum source.

Abstract: A method of using a tooling mandrel for assembling a disk drive is described. The method includes providing a head stack assembly including a shaft with an engagement feature, and providing the tooling mandrel including two tooling fingers, one of which is movable. The movable tooling finger is moved between a first configuration in which respective distal tips of the tooling fingers are insertable into and removable from the engagement feature and a second configuration in which the distal tips engage the engagement feature. The tooling mandrel further includes a tooling finger spreader coupled to the movable tooling finger to selectively move the movable tooling finger between the first and second configurations. The method further includes locating the distal tips at least partially within the engagement feature with the tooling fingers in the first configuration, and moving the movable tooling finger to the second configuration to engage the shaft.

Abstract: A bonding apparatus includes a frame, a first feeding mechanism, a second feeding mechanism, and a bonding mechanism. The first feeding mechanism is mounted on the frame and includes a turntable capable of rotating relative to the frame. A plurality of workpiece seats are arranged on the turntable. Each workpiece seat defines a plurality of first air holes. The second feeding mechanism is mounted on the frame and includes a first carrier and a second carrier. The first carrier includes a plurality of holding seats and the second carrier including a plurality of temporary holding seats. The first carrier is capable of rotating to stack on the second carrier. Each of the holding seats defines a plurality of second air holes. The bonding mechanism is movably mounted on the frame to correspond to the workpiece seats or the second carrier.

Abstract: An align fixture for aligning an electronic component having a receptacle adapted to receive the electronic component, the receptacle having a first abutting section and a second abutting section, the align fixture further having an elastic unit, one of the first abutting section and the second abutting section is flexibly mounted via the elastic unit, and the other one of the first abutting section and the second abutting section is fixedly mounted; the first abutting section and the second abutting section each form a stiff member and are adapted to engage the electronic component, the elastic unit is adapted to exert two force components on one of the first abutting section and the second abutting section, the force components being angled relatively to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for removal of a disk in a disk stack. The apparatus includes a shaft. The shaft has an end portion insertable into a disk remover tool. The shaft has a positioning portion at an end of the shaft opposite the insertable end portion. The positioning portion includes a surface de-tensionizer. The surface de-tensionizer provides disengagement of surface tension between the disk and a disk spacer during a disk removal process performed thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carriage assembly having a housing, having a cam disc and having a carriage which is guided in a linearly movable fashion, with the cam disc and carriage being operatively connected to one another. In order to specify a carriage assembly which is of the smallest possible construction, the invention proposes that a cam disc is arranged orthogonally with respect to a rear side of the housing.

Abstract: A substrate carrier system is provided for physical management of substrate(s) during a variety of assembly techniques performed on the both sides of the substrate(s) without dismounting or changing carrier systems.

Abstract: It is intended to allow for efficiently performing a feeder replacement operation. A feeder 50 is formed in a shape elongated in one direction to allow a replacement operation therefor to be performed in such a manner that it is inserted and pulled out relative to a feeder installation section 150, along a longitudinal direction thereof. A rear end 111 which is a trailing one of longitudinally opposite ends of each of a plurality of feeders 50A, 50B, - - - , in an insertion direction, is provided with a guide portion for guiding one 50C of the feeders to be installed in adjacent relation to ones of the remaining feeders. For example, the guide portion can be formed by rounding corners of the rear end 111 of the feeder 50.

Abstract: A system for performing bonding of a first substrate including a first plurality of solder pads to a second substrate including a second plurality of solder pads comprises a first alignment mark set and a first plurality of dots on the first substrate. The system further comprises a second alignment mark set and a second plurality of dots on the second substrate. The second plurality of dots are configured to interlock and form an interlocking key with the first plurality of dots. The first alignment mark set is aligned with the second alignment mark set corresponding to the first and second plurality of dots being aligned and the first and second plurality of solder pads being aligned. The first and second plurality of dots are configured to remain substantially solid during a reflow of the first plurality of solder pads.

Abstract: A device and method for aligning a carrier roll to a riding ring on a rotating piece of equipment by checking the degree to which a plane on the face of the carrier roll is parallel to a plane on the face of the riding ring.

Abstract: Staking apparatus (22) disclosed performs a method for staking one or more fasteners (44) of a part assembly (18) are provided by a conveyor (14), a lower lift and lock assembly (24) including a lower lifter (28) and a lower lock (30), and an upper press (26). Lower and upper staking punches (40, 60) of the lower lifter (28) and the upper press (26), respectively, provide the staking while at least one and preferably a plurality of springs (36) resiliently support a pallet assembly (16) on which the part assembly (18) is positioned.

Abstract: A carrier assembly for temporary accommodation of one or more solar cell laminates while the solar laminates are conveyed through a lamination plant. The solar cell laminate comprises a solar cell layer of silicon material, an upper and a lower encapsulating layer of EVA material covering the top and bottom of the solar cell layer, an upper and lower protective layer covering the upper and lower encapsulating layer, respectively. The encapsulating layer has a specific melting temperature and a specific curing temperature; the melting temperature is lower than the curing temperature.

Abstract: A terminal reel cart that supports a reel of terminals and a terminal applicator such that the terminal applicator can be loaded with the strip of terminals and moved into position relative to a wire processing system. The terminal reel cart supports the reel of terminals and a terminal applicator. The reel cart includes a plurality of wheels that allow the cart to be easily moved throughout a processing facility. The reel cart includes a paper take up reel that is driven by a motor and collects the paper backing from the strip of terminals. The paper take up reel is driven by a drive motor on the wire processing system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for replacing an energy container supplying power to a driving engine of an automobile resting on the ground and including a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis and a vertical axis, the replacement method including a first step of positioning the automobile relative to the ground without any action from the driving engine of the automobile, characterised in that said method includes a step of releasing the linking restraints linking the energy container to the automobile.

Abstract: Multiple connector clips are bondable onto an electronic device simultaneously with a rotary clip bonder, wherein a pick head comprising a plurality of collets is positioned at a clip supply channel. A plurality of connector clips are picked up from the clip supply channel in a fixed orientation with the pick head and are conveyed to a clip bonding area where the electronic device is located. The pick head is rotated with a rotary motor about a rotational axis passing through a shaft connecting the rotary motor to the pick head in order to change the orientation of the plurality of connector clips, before the connector clips are bonded at the clip bonding area.

Abstract: A connector attaching tool is for attaching a coaxial cable connector to a coaxial cable by longitudinal compression of the coaxial cable connector. The tool includes a tool body defining therein a connector compression chamber and a plunger receiving chamber longitudinally adjacent thereto. A plunger having a plunger head is within the plunger receiving chamber and a plunger shaft extends outwardly therefrom. A handle is carried by the tool body and is movable from a retracted position to a compressed position for advancing the plunger shaft to drive the plunger head to longitudinally compress the coaxial cable connector within the connector compression chamber to thereby attach the coaxial cable connector to the coaxial cable. The tool body defines a connector magazine chamber for storing a plurality of coaxial cable connectors. A biasing member is within the connector magazine chamber for urging the coaxial cable connectors toward the connector compression chamber.

Abstract: A board extraction device with integrated mounting includes a base portion configured to be disposed on an opening of a circuit board, a rivet extending from a surface of the base portion and configured to pass through the opening, a handle flexibly connected to the base portion, and a pin flexibly connected to the base portion. The rivet has a hole extending therethrough. The pin engages the hole so as to fix the base portion to the circuit board.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling chip devices on a wire, each chip device comprising two substantially parallel lateral walls, and a groove in one of the lateral walls for receiving said wire. The apparatus includes a pinching device having two opposing surfaces, the distance between the opposing surfaces being substantially constant and substantially equal to the distance between the two lateral walls of a chip device. A wire feeder is adapted to continuously feed the wire in contact with one of the opposing surfaces of the pinching device. A chip device feeder is adapted to drive chip devices, one at a time, between the opposing surfaces, with their grooves turned towards the wire. The pinching device may comprise two cylindrical rollers having rotation axes substantially perpendicular to the wire, the opposing surfaces being formed by respective surfaces of the rollers.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a feed apparatus, a feed channel and a setting device, that is used in connection with these specific apparatuses. The feed apparatus uses either a strip magazine or a rotary magazine. The feeding of the fastening elements proceeds stepwise using a movable slide, where with use of the rotary magazine a simultaneous loading and unloading of the rotary magazine at different positions is guaranteed.

Abstract: A weaving machine for an rotary electric machine coil assembly is disclosed including a rotating and driving section having timing belts causing rotary pulleys to rotate about their axes under the same attitudes while causing the rotary pulleys to rotate about an axis of a stationary pulley, movable members placed on the rotary pulleys to be movable in X- and Y-directions, coil feed magazines inclined such that coil wire segments have one ends slidably supported on the movable members and axes of the coil wire segments cross on a rotating axis of the rotary table, an orbit specifying member for specifying an orbit, in which the coil feed magazines are caused to rotate, in a rectangular shape, a rotating and driving member for permitting the coil feed magazines to perform synchronized rotating movements, and a coil transfer device operative to grip the coil wire segment for transfer.

Abstract: A positioning device to position one or more plates of electronic circuits with respect to an operating unit. The device comprises a rotary member which rotates selectively between a first operating position and a second operating position, and a positioning member mounted on the rotary member. The positioning member comprises a frame, which is mounted removably on the rotary member, and a strip of transpirant material on which each plate is rested. The strip is wound between a pair of winding/unwinding rollers, pivoted on the frame. The positioning member also comprises heating means able to heat the wafer to take it to a determinate operating temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for detaching a head slider bonded onto a mounting plate of a suspension includes a platform on which a head gimbal assembly is mounted; a heating device for heating a joint section between the head slider and the suspension to decrease the bonding force; a latching part for latching the mounting plate at a position on a center line of the mounting plate in the lengthwise direction and/or at positions symmetric about the center line; and a clamp device for moving the head slider in a direction along the center line with the heating to detach the head slider from the mounting plate.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a tool includes a carrier for supporting an adapter card, a lower retaining member extending from a lower portion of the carrier for securing the adapter card to the carrier, and an upper retaining member extending from an upper portion of the carrier for securing the adapter card to the carrier. In another embodiment, a system includes a tool and a computer system chassis having a feature for aligning the tool with a system board of the computer system. The tool includes a carrier for supporting an adapter card, at least one lower retaining member extending from a lower portion of the carrier for securing the adapter card to the carrier, at least one upper retaining member extending from an upper portion of the carrier for securing the adapter card to the carrier, and a positioning member extending from the carrier for aligning the tool.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus for a thin plate material having a positioning hole, correctly and speedily positions the thin plate material in an in-plane direction without deforming the positioning hole. The apparatus has a pilot holder having a hold face, a positioning pin having a tapered tip and supported by the pilot holder so that the tapered tip protrudes from the hold face of the pilot holder, a pad having a pad face that opposes the hold face of the pilot holder, and a movable member having a stop face that opposes the positioning pin and a relief hole for avoiding the tapered tip of the positioning pin from hitting the stop face, the movable member resiliently supported on the pad so that the movable member is vertically movable.

Abstract: A conveyor system is provided. The conveyor system includes a threshold assembly. The threshold assembly has a base plate that is secured to a floor, and the threshold assembly has a channel that is formed between two support beams that are secured to a base plate. A plurality of threshold center plates are provided, which span and enclose the channel formed by the support beams, such that each threshold assembly includes a modular printed circuit board that fits within the channel and is enclosed within the channel by threshold center plates. And, multiple conveyor segments are mountable to the threshold assembly. Other systems components and methods for making and operating the same are provided.

Abstract: An assembling device for assembling an electronic device which includes a front shell, a rear shell, a lens cover mounted on one of the front and rear shells includes a supporting member and a pressing member. The supporting member includes a base and a positioning block according to the lens cover to be assembled. The base defines a well for receiving the electronic device to be assembled. The positioning block is positioned in the well and has an adjustable height relative to the bottom surface of the well. The pressing member includes a pressing portion which is configured for pressing one of the front and rear shells of the electronic device. Thereby when assembling the electronic device, the height of the positioning block can be adjusted to press or not press the lens cover depending on which of the front and rear shells is assembled.

Abstract: An installation device for a gradient coil module in a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus has a loading cart that moves the gradient coil module away from and to the magnetic resonance tomography apparatus. A bearing girder having a track is fastened to the loading cart. Track rollers can be installed on the gradient coil module such that the gradient coil module can be moved relative to the loading cart by means of the track rollers resting on the track.

Abstract: A harness making device having at least two receiving sections, a pivoting gripping device, a cable preparation device, and a cable transfer. Each receiving section is utilized for receiving a connection mechanism. The connection mechanism, in each case, connects an end portion of a cable to a connector. The gripping device is located in a fixed position between the at least two receiving sections, and is constructed to guide the end portion of the cable to the connection mechanism. Additionally, a cable preparation device is positioned to prepare a cable loop with the cable. The cable transfer, which is constructed to receive the at least one cable from the cable preparation device, positions the cable to the pivoting gripping device.

Abstract: A method for handling a stator bar at a stator bar facility having a stator bar workstation, an in-ground pit proximate to and at an elevation below the workstation and a stator bar transport proximate to the in-ground pit including: loading the stator bar onto the stator bar transport; turning the stator bar at least 45 degrees in a vertical plane; positioning at least a third of a length of the stator bar down into the in-ground pit, aligning a first end of the bar with the workstation, and turning the bar to reverse positions of the ends of the bar, such that a second end of the bar is aligned with the workstation.

Abstract: The application discloses an assembly tool for installing a disc clamp on a spindle hub. In the illustrated embodiments, the assembly tool includes a head including an inner portion, an intermediate portion and an outer portion configured to install a disc clamp on a spindle motor assembly. In the illustrated embodiments, the inner portion includes a raised portion and datum surface that interface with the spindle hub to align the spindle hub for installation of the disc clamp.

Abstract: A machine is provided for making a fluid level sender assembly having a first mounting member with a flange and a fluid level sender including a second mounting member that telescopically connects with the first mounting member. The machine has a base, a holding member to support the first mounting member, a head member having an outer ring configured to rotate the flange, the head member moving between a first and second position to allow placing the first mounting member on the holding member and a second position to allow the outer ring to rotate the flange and a sensor receiving member to engage the fluid level sender. The sensor receiving member may move with respect to the holding member to telescopically position the fluid level sender and the plurality of different longitudinal positions such that a plurality of differently sized fluid level sender assemblies can be constructed.

Abstract: A fixation system for fixing wind turbine elements of a wind turbine to a vehicle is provided. The fixation system includes a first fixation device for fixing a first portion of a wind turbine element pivotably around a first axis of the first fixation device and around a second axis of the first fixation device to the vehicle. A second fixation device fixes a second portion of the wind turbine element pivotably around a first axis of the second fixation device and around a second axis of the second fixation device. One of the first fixation device and of the second fixation device is adapted for providing a translation movement of the wind turbine element with respect to the vehicle along a third axis. The first axis, the second axis and the third axis are different.

Abstract: Described in one embodiment is a system that has a multiple number of different stations for forming solar cell modules. Described in another embodiment is a system that includes a cutting station, a setting station, and an interconnection station to create different series-connected flexible solar cell modules. Described in still another embodiment is a monolithically integrated multi-module power supply.

Abstract: A device for fitting printed circuit boards (5) with contact pins (7), comprising at least one insertion device (1) for inserting at least one contact pin (7) into a printed circuit board (5), at least one measuring device (3) for measuring the angle of insertion (?) between the at least one inserted contact pin (7) and the printed circuit board (5), wherein the measuring device (3) comprises a sensor assembly (9) having at least two sensors (11) arranged at different heights above the printed circuit board (5) in such a way that the contact pins (7) can be detected by the sensors (11). At least one of the sensor assemblies (9) and the printed circuit board (5) are capable of being displaced in a plane parallel to the printed circuit board (5).

Abstract: A head gimbal assembly (HGA) connector pad alignment jig is disclosed. One embodiment provides an HGA testing jig for holding an HGA, the HGA testing jig including an opening at a location of the HGA connector pads. In addition, an HGA testing apparatus including a disk for testing the HGA and a controller with a plurality of pin connectors for providing control information to the HGA during a testing process. Thus, the present technology provides an alignment adjuster for adjusting the location of the pin connectors with respect to the connector pads to ensure a good electrical connection between the HGA connector pads and the pin connectors.

Abstract: A tape feeder for a chip mounter is provided. The tape feeder includes a frame, a first link, a second link, and a middle link. A tape is fed along the frame. The first link includes a guide unit guiding the tape and a first end rotatably connected to the frame. The first link is capable of being rotated between a closed position in which the guide unit couples with the frame to guide the tape and an open position in which the guide unit is placed away from the frame. The second link is rotatably connected to the frame and includes a first end supported relative to the frame. The middle link includes a first end rotatably connected to a second end of the first link and a second end rotatably connected to a second end of the second link.

Abstract: Component placement apparatus (1, 21) comprising a storage device (2) for storing components, means (5, 25, 71, 81, 91) for transporting a component from the storage device (2) to a transfer device (6, 26) comprising at least one component pickup position (11), and a component pick and place device (7) for picking up a component from the pickup position and placing the component on a desired location on a substrate (8) positioned on a substrate support. The transfer device (6, 26) is movable between a position relatively close to the stationary storage device (2) and a variable desired position above the substrate support relatively close to the movable pick and place device whilst the means (5, 25, 71, 81, 91) for transporting a component from the storing device to the transfer device (6, 26) comprise guiding means for guiding a tape (4) comprising components from reel (3) located in the storage device (2) into the component pickup position (11) on the transfer device (6, 26).

Abstract: A tool assembly for removing an article from, or inserting an article onto, a printed circuit board which includes a tool housing having a handle portion and an article receiving portion, a plate slidable within the housing, the plate having a handle portion at a first end adjacent to the handle portion of the housing and two receiving portions at a second end, and two lever arms within the housing, each lever arm having a first end pinned to the housing and a second end of each lever arm inserted into the receiving portion of the plate such that each of the lever arms pivots about the pinned first end upon movement of the plate. The tool further comprises a pair of flexible rods located in respective recessed channels on either side of the article receiving portion, with one end of the flexible rods affixed to a first end of each of the lever arms, each of the flexible rods having a free end for interacting with an article retention device.

Abstract: A robotic tool for assembling a portion of a disk drive includes a movable end effector that includes a first portion and a second portion that is movable relative to the first portion. The first portion may be configured to engage the actuator assembly and the second portion may be configured to engage the flex circuit connector. A controller may be provided to control the movable end effector, causing the end effector to pick up the head stack assembly in a first configuration, move the second portion of the end effector relative to the first portion thereof so as to articulate the head stack assembly into a second configuration that is different than the first configuration, and place the head stack assembly into the base.

Abstract: The invention provides for a clamp assembly for an assembler for assembling printhead integrated circuits on a carrier. The assembler has an enclosure with a support assembly for operatively supporting a wafer with dies thereon, a die picking assembly for picking dice from said wafer, a die placement assembly for placing the dies onto the carrier, a die conveyance mechanism operatively conveying the dies from the die picking and placement assemblies, and a control system controlling the assembler. The clamp assembly includes an elongate clamp body, the body shaped and configured to be received by the die placement assembly, and a pair of elongate retaining plates mounted on top of the body. The clamp also includes an insert shaped and dimensioned to be received in the body below the plates, the insert operatively receiving said carrier, as well as a diaphragm positioned in the body, the diaphragm pneumatically displaceable to operatively urge the insert against the retaining plates.

Abstract: A circuit board assembly fixture is used in assembling a circuit board assembly. The fixture includes supporting surfaces each including a first side and an opposite second side, wherein each first side receives at least one of the fixed circuits to be coupled together using at least one flexible circuit. The fixture also includes at least one hinge to couple the supporting surfaces together, wherein the hinge enables the supporting surfaces to be folded into a desired alignment relative to each other and provides structural support for the assembly. Moreover, the fixture includes at least one fastening mechanism extending from the surface first side to retain the fixed circuits in position relative to the supporting surfaces. Further, the fixture includes at least one retainer coupled to at least one of the supporting surfaces to retain an alignment of each of the supporting surfaces relative to each other.

Abstract: A magnet comprising grains of a ferromagnetic material whose main component is iron and a fluorine compound layer or an oxy-fluorine compound layer of fluoride compound particles of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and rare earth elements, present on the surface of the ferromagnetic material grains, wherein an amount of iron atoms in the fluorine compound particles is 1 to 50 atomic %.

Abstract: Stock having printed circuits thereon is conveyed in a transport plane by a conveying device, and electronic components carried by a transfer belt are transferred to the stock under pressure exerted by the belt. The electronic components are transferred to the belt by a feed device individually in such a way that the electronic components are accurately positioned on the stock by the transfer device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a digital X-ray detector is provided with a detector assembly that includes a support panel, a digital detector array with a rear side of the detector array being secured to a front side of the support panel, a backscattered X-ray and reflected light absorption layer disposed between the detector array and the support panel, a rear shock absorbing structure secured to a rear side of the support panel, and a front shock absorbing structure secured to a front side of the detector array. The digital X-ray detector further includes a shell assembly surrounding the detector assembly and secured to the rear shock absorbing structure. In another embodiment, a method is provided for assembling a digital X-ray detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to assembly techniques. According to the present invention, the alignment and probing techniques to improve the accuracy of component placement in assembly are described. More particularly, the invention includes methods and structures to detect and improve the component placement accuracy on a target platform by incorporating alignment marks on component and reference marks on target platform under various probing techniques. A set of sensors grouped in any array to form a multiple-sensor probe can detect the deviation of displaced components in assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to assembly techniques. According to the present invention, the alignment and probing techniques to improve the accuracy of component placement in assembly are described. More particularly, the invention includes methods and structures to detect and improve the component placement accuracy on a target platform by incorporating alignment marks on component and reference marks on target platform under various probing techniques. A set of sensors grouped in any array to form a multiple-sensor probe can detect the deviation of displaced components in assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for aligning a first article relative to a second article, for example for aligning a nanoimprint template with a semiconductor wafer. The method comprises the steps of: providing said second article with at least one flexible structure fixed relative thereto at least one point, providing a first article having at least one surface relief marking thereon, providing a detector for measuring an interaction of the flexible structure with the surface relief marking and generating detector signals relating to said interaction, identifying with the help of the detector signals the position of the flexible structure and thus of the second article with respect to the surface relief marking and generating relative movement between the first and second articles to achieve a desired alignment between the first and second articles defined by the surface relief marking. In this method and apparatus the flexible structure is brought into contact with the surface relief marking.

Abstract: An insulated electric wire having a conductive core and an insulation jacket is center stripped by cutting a pattern in one side of the insulation jacket with a laser beam, and then cutting a coordinated pattern in an opposite side of the insulation jacket with a laser beam to produce two axially spaced circumferential cuts connected by a plurality of generally axial cuts that define at least two removeable insulation slugs for exposing the conductive core while the insulation jacket on either side of the exposed conductive core is left intact. An in-line center stripping device or a multiple wire rotation device may be used for center stripping the insulated electric wire. The insulated slugs may by removed by an insulation removal device on an offal removal assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for the horizontal stacking of laminations 10 and donuts to form a stator core. A stator generator frame 2 has multiple keybars 6 that run the axial length of the frame. The laminations 10 have grooves 12 there-in that engage the keybars to provide a secure fit of the laminations to the generator frame. By extending two or more of the keybars 6, these extensions 7 may be used as rails on which the laminations may be horizontally inserted into the stator frame.