Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabrication and testing of a magnichanical sensor for proper operation in detecting the presence of a snap ring during manufacture of an object having the snap ring for clasping a bearing. The magnichanical sensor is comprised of a magnetic field generator and a magnetic switch that are properly aligned on a sensor circuit board. The present invention adjusts a second position of the magnetic switch with respect to a first position of the magnetic field generator on the sensor circuit board. The present invention includes an indicator assembly coupled to the magnetic switch for indicating when the second position of the magnetic switch is properly aligned with respect to the first position of the magnetic field generator on the sensor circuit board. The second position of the magnetic switch with respect to the first position of the magnetic field generator is adjusted for proper alignment for both situations when the snap ring is present and when the snap ring is not present.

Abstract: A surface mount placement system with one or more carriages includes, on each carriage, multiple groups of quills, each group being adjustable on one of two principal orthogonal directions of a plane containing a component mounting zone. The quills of each group are independently rotatable with respect to the quills of the other group and are further independently moveable in a third direction orthogonal to the two principal directions. A carriage is moved to the component mounting zone where the two groups are adjusted with respect to each other for placement of at least two components, one from each group, in a single place step.

Abstract: An electromagnetic motor generates thrust using Lorentz's forces, and is capable of providing a high thrust and high efficiency by generating high magnetic density, and does not affect magnets with a demagnetization field, thus preventing burning of the magnets. The electromagnetic motor includes a plurality of magnets in which same poles of adjacent magnets are opposed to each other. The plurality of magnets are aligned in one direction at a specified pitch P. A pole unit has a plurality of yokes that are interposed between the plurality of magnets and aligned in one direction with the pitch P. Armature coils are opposed to and spaced from the pole unit, and are surrounded by a space equal to the pitch P. A thrust generator has cores that anchor the armature coils so that they are aligned in one direction.

Abstract: An method and apparatus for the assembly of motors utilizing curable adhesives. The method includes stations for: treating motor components with adhesive, assembling the motor components piece by piece, holding assembled motor components under compressive tension, overgramming components as needed, and an operational and life testing station. Integral to using the method are multi-position preload/cure fixtures. These fixtures include frame and base pieces. The frame holds assembled and adhesive treated motor components under compressive tension with spring loaded guide shafts during the curing process. The frame rests on the base. The base features nests which align the motor components for engagement with the guide shafts. The base also features a retractor bar to facilitate the insertion and removal of motor components. The base also features an overgramming means which supplies a brief overgramming pressure on the motor components to fully seat motor components.

Abstract: An apparatus for leveling (136) a circuit board (105) against a rail (128, 130) of a part placement machine (102) comprises a plate (200) and at least one spring (404, 506, 507, 508). The circuit board (105) can have any one of a plurality of different predetermined thicknesses. The plate (200) is positioned beneath the rail (128, 130) and has first and second sides (204, 300). The first side (204) is dimensioned to support the circuit board (105). The plate (200) is moveable to a first predetermined distance from the rail (128, 130). The first predetermined distance is no smaller than a smallest one of the plurality of different predetermined thicknesses of the circuit board (105). The at least one spring (404, 506, 507, 508) is carried on the second side (300) of the plate (200) to bias the plate towards the rail (128, 130). The at least one spring (404, 506, 507, 508) is compressible to accommodate the circuit board (105) between the plate (200) and the rail (128, 130).

Abstract: A device for assembling a magnet assembly for a voice coil motor for a data storage device. The device including a base, spacer nests and first and second assembly blocks for supporting plates for assembly of the magnet assembly. The first and second assembly blocks including nest bases having an x-y axis and including x-y datum members. The plates are biased toward x-y datum members via clamps operably coupled to the nest base. Retainer members are operably coupled to the assembly blocks and aligned relative to the nest base to retain plate relative to nest base for assembly. The assembly blocks are movably coupled to the base to operate between a retracted position and an advanced assembly position. In the advanced assembly position, the first and second assembly blocks being aligned with the spacer nest supporting spacers for assembling the magnet assembly.

Abstract: A computer keyboard assembling apparatus includes a holding plate, a support plate and a pushing mechanism all mounted on a work table. The holding plate is movable relative to the support plate to hold the a metal plate and an insulation pad that are received within a keyboard support tray positioned on the support plate in position. The movement of the holding plate also triggers a micro-switch to actuate the pushing mechanism to apply a force to the metal plate through a side opening formed on the keyboard support tray so as to horizontally move the metal plate relative to the insulation pad to have engaging members thereof engaging and secured to each other.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a magnetic device and a manufacturing tool employing the methods. One of the methods includes the steps of: (1) applying an adhesive between opposing end faces of first and second core-portions of a magnetic core of the magnetic device, (2) placing the first and second core-portions proximate a permanent magnet during a cure-time of the adhesive, the permanent magnet causing the first and second core-portions to be magnetically attracted to one another to fix the first core-portion relative to the second core-portion and (3) separating the permanent magnet from the first and second core-portions following expiration of the cure-time, the adhesive thereafter fixing the first core-portion relative to the second core-portion.

Abstract: There is here disclosed a printed board positioning method in which various types of printed boards different in rigidity are positioned horizontally with a good operation efficiency. Relative to a printed board laid on a first guide portion and a second guide portion, a movable clamp is advanced. The printed board is clamped from opposite sides by the movable clamp and a fixed clamp. Subsequently, after a first vertically movable clamp is lowered to press one end of the printed board onto the second guide portion, the movable clamp is retreated to release the opposite side clamping condition. Thereby, the deflection of the printed board is eliminated and the printed board is placed in a horizontal attitude. Subsequently, a second vertically movable clamp is lowered to press the other end of the printed board onto the first guide portion.

Abstract: An elongate electrical resistance heating element of coiled material is secured to a support of insulating material by means of staples driven into the support. A jig is employed having an elongate slot open to a face of the jig for receiving the heating element. A movable elongate base member is provided in and co-operating with the slot, the base member having projections extending in a direction towards the face of the jig, the projections being arranged in predetermined spaced relationship along the base member. Grooves are provided at opposite sides of the slot for receiving staples, bridge members first, into the elongate slot from the face of the jig with the legs of the staples slidably received in the grooves. The grooves are positioned such that the bridge members of the staples are contactable by the projections on the base member.

Abstract: An electronic component supplying apparatus including a frame member, component supplying units each including a movable member movable along a reference line, first drive sections each provided on a corresponding one of the movable members of the units, a second drive section provided on the frame member, first control devices each provided on the corresponding one movable member, a power source, a second control device provided stationarily relative to the frame member, a supplying device which includes a first supplying section provided on the frame member and second supplying sections each provided on the corresponding one movable member, has no wire connection between the first supplying section and the each second supplying section, and supplies the electric energy from the power source to the each first control device, while permitting the one movable member to be moved along the reference line, and a transmitting device which includes a first transmitting section provided on the frame member and secon

Abstract: A retainer (A) aligns and retains ends (E) of branch wires (W1) and wires (W2) to be connected with the branch wires (W1) through the use of a wire retaining portion (U). The wire retaining portion (U) is formed with cavities (42) which have a specified depth and into which the wires (W1, W2) are individually inserted, and contact members (60) for coming into contact with the wires (W1, W2) inserted into the cavities (42). The contact members (60) prevent the wires (W1, W2) from coming out of the cavities (42). The contact members (60) also move away from the wires (W1, W2) when necessary. The ends (E) of the branch wires (W1) and the wires (W2) to be connected with the branch wires (W1) can be aligned and retained during a wire arranging operation. After forming a bundle of wires, the wires (W1, W2) can be released from the retainer (A) with their ends (E) aligned. The aligned ends (E) can be easily processed at one time. The number of the wires (W1, W2) to be retained can be easily confirmed.

Abstract: A component mounting apparatus for automatically mounting components on a circuit board includes a mounting unit for picking up a component from a component pickup location and mounting it at a mounting location. The mounting table can be driven to the pickup location and can removably secure a cassette table that can support a plurality of components that are to be mounted on the circuit board. A cassette table can be removable clamped to the mounting table. A carrier cart can transport the cassette table to a position for attachment to the mounting table. The carrier cart can be appropriately aligned and secured relative to the mounting table to enable the cassette table to be removably attached to the mounting table.

Abstract: A universal fixture for holding printed circuit board assemblies during stencil printing and other PCB assembly processes. In one embodiment, a universal printed circuit board holder has a plurality of supports adapted to be moveably connected to a platform of a printed circuit board processing machine. Each support has a connection end for engaging the platform, a support end to support a first side of a printed circuit board populated with components, and an attachment element at the support end to releasably hold the PCB to the support. The connection ends of the supports are moveably attachable to the platform at a plurality of different positions to selectively locate the attachment elements in alignment with support points on the first side of the printed circuit board. Accordingly, the universal printed circuit board holder preferably supports the populated first side of the printed circuit board in a manner that allows the second side to be manipulated by the printed circuit board processing machine.

Abstract: A machine (40) is disclosed for crimping a terminal (12) onto a wire (10) thereby forming a crimped wire assembly (32). The machine includes a crimping bar 64 and a mating anvil (60) for performing the crimping operation. A terminal feed unit (70) is provided for feeding a strip (24) of terminals. The machine includes a wire guiding device (80) having an upper half (82) attached to the crimping bar (64) and a lower half (84) attached to the anvil (60). Each of the upper and lower halves include two wire guide members (88) that slide toward and away from a central axis (116) extending through the barrel (22) of the terminal (12) to be crimped. The ends of the four wire guide members (88), each having a quarter of a conical surface (118) formed thereon, are arranged so that the four surfaces form a complete conical section for guiding the wire (10) as it is being inserted into the barrel (22) of the terminal (12).

Abstract: A component mounting device mounts electronic components from several component stages on a printed circuit board. The component mounting device includes a mounting head, a camera unit, and a selection unit. The mounting head, movably installed between the component stage and the printed circuit board, includes a suction element and a position determination chuck. The suction element picks up and thereafter supports the component, and the position determination chuck corrects the position of the supported component. The camera unit, installed within a movement range of the mounting head, receives an image of the component supported by the suction element. The selection unit selects either the position determination chuck or the camera unit to correct the position of the component supported by the suction element.

Abstract: A piling machine includes a table with a plurality of step-shelves, a slider and a stopper. One of a plurality of iron strips is placed in a prescribed order on each of the step-shelves, caught by the slider one by one, and piled together as the slider proceeds. When the slider is stopped by the stopper, all the strips are piled up to form a strip assembly. The stopper has a curved front surface to neatly hold the strip assembly, thereby easily forming the strip assembly into a desired shape.

Abstract: A terminal inserting guide assembly includes a pair of guide hooks for guiding a terminal into a connector housing. A first upper guiding surface is formed at an upper end of a cut-out portion inside a first one of the pair of guide hooks. A terminal side guiding projection is formed in a second one of the pair of guide hooks. A second upper guiding surface is formed in the tapered extending portion. The terminal side guiding projection and the tapered extending portion are received in the cut-out portion of the first one of guide hooks, when the pair of guide hooks are closed, in their lateral direction, without a terminal.

Abstract: A seating tool 10 for installing connectors on a circuit board comprises a base plate 12, an alignment plate 40 and fasteners 60 to fasten them together at respective fastening locations. The alignment plate 40 has at least two connector alignment surfaces 42, 44 at different locations thereon and a set of at least two fastening locations 46, 48 associated with a respective alignment surface for securing the alignment plate 40 to the base plate 12 in at least two orientations relative to the base plate 12 to accommodate board-mounting of differing connectors having different dimensions of the posts from the front faces of the connectors.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning an electric wire within a terminal application system for installing an electric terminal on an electric wire, includes at least one claw, having an axis of rotation and a longitudinal axis extending generally transversely from the axis of rotation, and connected to the shank holder through the axis of rotation so that the claw is free to rotate about the axis of rotation with respect to the shank holder while connected to the shank holder, and being rotatable from a wire positioning condition to an open condition. A support member connected to the shank, supporting the claw and allowing the claw to move from the open condition to a wire positioning condition when the shank and moveable mold are moved toward the stationary mold is also included. Biasing members, such as springs, may also be included.

Abstract: To position a wire-connected terminal TW and cope with a multitude of kinds of wire-connected terminals TW, a block 30 is provided for each wire-connected terminal TW. The block 30 includes recesses 34, 37 for detachably accommodating the wire-connected terminal TW. A part of the accommodated wire-connected terminal TW is exposed such that it can be gripped by hands 51, 52. The block 30 also includes a positioning means 38 for positioning the terminal TW accommodated in the recesses 34, 37 with respect to the hands 51, 52. Since the terminal TW is securely positioned in a transferring step of transferring the wire-connected terminal TW to the hands 51, 52, the succeeding step performed by the hands 51, 52 can be securely performed.

Abstract: Connector mounting jigs for simultaneously positioning and mounting a plurality of electrical connectors on a printed circuit board include a base member, and at least two sets of pairs of synthetic resin posts extending from one surface of and formed integrally with the base member for frictional engagement of respective corners of a cavity of each connector to support respective connectors in a predetermined positional relationship to each other.

Abstract: To effect accurate positioning and avoid interference of a terminal fitting with a wire guide member. By lifting and lowering guide members 112, 113 formed with Y-shaped wire guide slots 112F, 113F, respectively, a wire W is brought to a terminal mounting position. The wire W and the terminal fitting mounted on the wire W will not interfere with the guide members 112, 113, and the wire W can be more accurately positioned by the Y-shaped wire guide slots 112F, 113F.

Abstract: Disclosed is method for aligning and mounting electrical components, such as packaged integrated circuits, to a printed circuit board. During an alignment phase, a sample component is attached to a stand-in circuit board at a component site. A base plate, having alignment elements, is then fitted to the board proximate the attached sample component. Next, a chuck is mounted to the sample component, and an alignment plate positioned to engage the alignment elements of the base plate, and affixed to the chuck, forming a chuck assembly that is aligned to the base plate and registered to the component site of the circuit board. During a production phase, the base plate is placed on a printed circuit board at a location substantially identical to that on the stand-in printed circuit board. A chuck assembly, configured substantially identical to that formed during the alignment phase, and carrying a component to be mounted, is attached to the base plate so that the alignment plate engages the alignment elements.

Abstract: An IC mounting/demounting system comprising a centering unit including first and second centering tools where socket pushers are constructed integrally with centering recess portions respectively. The centering unit is detachably fitted to a head body and replaceable with a centering unit corresponding to an IC having a different size. Accordingly, the replacement of the whole mounting/demounting head that normally accompanies the change in the kind of IC becomes unnecessary, thus enhancing work efficiency.

Abstract: A method for producing interconnect structures and circuit boards including placing an area array component having connection bumps on the corresponding metal contacts on a substrate disposed on a backing plate, providing heat curable joining material in communication with the bumps and contacts, contacting a gas nozzle directly to a portion of the substrate surrounding the component to press the substrate between the nozzle and the backing plate to restrain the substrate from wrapping, heating the component, the joining material and the substrate proximate the metal contacts while maintaining the nozzle on the substrate to cure the joining material, and cooling the component, the joining material and the substrate. Selected components can also be replaced utilizing the gas nozzle for restraining the substrate from wrapping.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for securing an electrical component to a pin grid array (PGA) socket that has a substantially planar body portion and a plurality of conductor pins, which are electrically connectable to a circuit board and project outwardly in a direction substantially perpendicular to the planar body portion. The device comprises a base member that has a plurality of conductor pin apertures which extend through the base member. Each of the conductor pin apertures are registered to receive therethrough a corresponding one of the plurality of conductor pins, to thereby sandwich the base member between and anchor the base member to the circuit board and the PGA socket when the PGA socket is electrically connected to the circuit board. The device further comprises a retainer for releasably securing the electrical component to the PGA socket.

Abstract: An apparatus for rapidly and automatically handling packaged integrated circuits (ICs) during the loading or unloading of burn-in boards. The apparatus also segregates and offloads packaged ICs into a plurality of reservoirs for controlled delivery into suitable transport media on the basis of the level of functionality attained by each part during the burn-in process. The apparatus is computer controlled, with operator interface and an electronic control panel. The apparatus employs a linear induction motor drive system to rapidly, precisely and accurately move the ICs both between a loading/unloading location and a staging location, and at the staging location itself during the segregation and offloading steps. The system may be extended to operate in either the single or dual mode, employing two sorting and offloading components to unload a single device under test board.

Abstract: A splice head for use with a modular wire connector, to work with and hold the wires while installing them in the connector, particularly for wires of differing diameters. The splice head includes a coil spring loosely arranged on a bar and movable axially thereon. By selecting an appropriate location for the starting point on the spring and selection of the spring position on the bar, different sized wires can be fixed by the coils of the spring. The bar may be circular in cross-section to allow the spring to slide easily forward and backward. This construction allows simpler placement of the wires since the coil spring does not need to to replaced for wires of different sizes, and there is no requirement that the splicing operation begin at one particular end of the coil since neither end is fixed.

Abstract: A method for forming a support fixture for a PC card having components on side 1 of the PC card. A compliant porous member is placed on a vacuum platen. Side 2 of the PC card is placed on the compliant member. A membrane is placed over the PC card and the compliant member. Subsequently, a vacuum is drawn to cause the membrane to conform to the geometry of the components of side 1 of the PC card. A perimeter is formed around the PC card to define a mold. Casting material is poured into the mold to conform to the surface geometry of the components on the PC card. The casting material forms a nest which is a mirror image of the components on side 1 of the PC card.

Abstract: A circuit board locating assembly for locating a circuit board during a manufacturing operation such as a solder paste printing operation performed on the board, the locating assembly comprising a tooling platen for supporting during the operation a plurality of individual board support means, a magazine for storing the board support means when the board support means are removed from the area in which the board is supported during the operation, and conveying means adapted to convey the board support means from the magazine and to position the board support means in selected positions on the tooling platen.

Abstract: A fixture for making laminated integrated circuit devices from layers of integrated circuits includes a base and at least two side body portions for substantially enclosing the sides of the laminating integrated circuit layers. The side body portions have inside surfaces for engaging the layers of integrated circuits so as to hold the layers in a desired alignment during curing. Structure is provided for retaining the side body portions in position so as to hold the layers in the desired alignment.

Abstract: A tool which accurately controls the thickness of a thermal grease applied to an integrated circuit that is mounted to a printed circuit board. The tool includes a bracket that supports the printed circuit board and the integrated circuit. A thermal grease is applied to the top surface of the integrated circuit. A lid is attached to the bracket to capture the printed circuit board. The lid has a platen that is separated from the integrated circuit by a space which has a predetermined thickness. The space defines the thickness of the thermal grease. Any excess thermal grease is pushed out of the space by the lid so that a consistent thickness of thermal grease is applied for each integrated circuit assembly. The bracket, lid, integrated circuit and printed circuit board can be mounted to a motherboard as a single integrated circuit module. Alternatively, the lid can be detached from the base so that the grease covered integrated circuit can be removed from the tool for subsequently assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for support and alignment of electronic modules. Electronic modules have V-shaped grooves in their top and bottom surfaces. A rack assembly includes an upper frame and a lower frame, each having a plurality of parallel guide members attached to a support member. The upper and lower frames are advantageously constructed as mirror images of each other. The guide members are adapted to be received in the grooves in the electronic modules, the guide members of the upper frame receiving the grooves in the top surfaces of the modules and the guide members of the lower frame receiving the grooves in the bottom surfaces of the modules. A module is installed in the assembly by aligning the grooves in the module with the corresponding guide members of the frames and pushing the module into the rack assembly.

Abstract: A terminal applicator (10) is provided for attaching terminals to electrical conductors. The applicator (10) includes a frame (12) having a base plate (28) and two upright plates (34,38) extending upwardly from the base plate. The two upright plates (34,38) are rigidly attached to each other along a surface (42,44) adjacent an edge of each so that they form a right angle. One end of each of the upright plates (34,38) is rigidly attached to the base plate (28) at right angles thereto. A ramway (50) is rigidly attached to one of the upright plates (34) and is in sliding engagement with an opening (94) in a ram (14). The ram (14) is arranged for reciprocating motion toward and away from the base plate (28) and includes outer surfaces (112,114,116,118) for mounting crimping tooling and cams (120) or other power takeoff devices.

Abstract: A fixture (90) is disclosed for repositioning at least one mispositioned component (28, 78) mounted via at least one deformable connector (74,76) on and extended outward from a circuit board (20). The fixture includes a base (92); means (94-116, 126-134) supported by the base for simulating a mounting geometry for the circuit board in an apparatus (10) into which the circuit board is to be installed; and camming means (118-124) supported by the base for engaging the component to deform the connector and thereby reposition the component to a desired position for installation in the apparatus. When the circuit board is placed on the means for simulating, the component engages the camming means to deform the connector and reposition the component to the desired position. A corresponding method is disclosed.

Abstract: A pressing unit 9 pressing the back surface of a flexible circuit board 8 having a case and a plurality of plate-like pressing members 23 which are accommodated in the case while being superposed on each other. Each pressing member 23 has a base portion 23a, a pressing portion 23b, and a spring portion 23c integrally connecting them. The pressing portion 23b is extended along a direction of arrangement of connecting terminals 4 arranged on electric components. The pressing member 23 presses the back surface of the flexible circuit board 8 by utilizing the elasticity of the spring portion 23c, and therefore can bring the connecting terminals 4 of the electric components and connecting terminals 11 of the flexible circuit board 8 into contact with each other by a generally equal contact pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus (40) is disclosed for crimping a terminal (12) onto a wire (10) thereby forming a crimped wire assembly (32). The apparatus includes an upper die form tool (78) and a mating lower deep crimping nest (74) for performing the crimping operation. A terminal feed unit (86) is provided for feeding a strip (24) of terminals along a feed path (180) and positioning each terminal, in turn, in crimping position between the mating tooling. A lifting arm (134) is provided for separating the crimped wire assembly (32) from the deep crimping nest (74). The arm is pivotally attached to the apparatus and includes a first end having a camming surface (160, 162) arranged to engage the crimped wire assembly, and upon pivoting of the arm, the camming surface cams the crimped wire assembly (32) out of the deep crimping nest (74) in a direction (178) substantially perpendicular to the feed path (180) and then moves the wire assembly (32) in a direction along the feed path.

Abstract: A tool for batch processing the definition of air bearing surfaces on rows comprising a plurality of sliders is disclosed. The tool has a main body member having a length defining a y-axis direction, a width defining an x-axis direction, and a thickness defining a z-axis direction. The main body member has a top surface defining an upwardly facing z-axis base surface. The main body also defines a y-axis alignment reference surface, and an x-axis alignment reference surface. The rows are positioned on the tool for processing, where the upper surface of the platform engages the lower surface of the plurality of rows to provide proper z-axis positioning on the tool. The y-axis alignment reference engages one longitudinal side of an anchor row to provide proper y-axis positioning, and the x-axis alignment reference surface abuts the second end of the plurality of rows to provide proper x-axis positioning. The top surfaces of the rows lie in a common plane.

Abstract: A surface mount placement system with one or more carriages includes, on each carriage, multiple groups of quills, each group being adjustable on one of two principal orthogonal directions of a plane containing a component mounting zone. The quills of each group are independently rotatable with respect to the quills of the other group and are further independently moveable in a third direction orthogonal to the two principal directions. A carriage is moved to the component mounting zone where the two groups are adjusted with respect to each other for placement of at least two components, one from each group, in a single place step.

Abstract: A method for fixing members includes a step of inserting a conductive thermosetting adhesive between the members to be bonded with each other, and a step of flowing a current directly through the conductive thermosetting adhesive so that the adhesive is cured itself due to Joule effect caused by the current flowed through the adhesive.

Abstract: A fixture having an open ended housing cavity defined by an inwardly inclined wall, and including at least one moveable segment having an inwardly facing wall which defines one wall of a stack cavity configured for receiving a plurality of circuits chips positioned one over another for bonding together in a stack configuration, and an outwardly facing wall of the segment is inclined at the angle of the inclined wall of the housing and arranged in mating relation therewith such that when the segment is moved in one direction along the inclined wall of the housing, it will be urged inwardly to align the circuit chips within the stack cavity, and when urged in an opposite direction it can move outwardly to expand the stack cavity for loading and unloading.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a multiple component article such as an optical fiber connector and inspecting assembled multiple component articles. The apparatus includes a fixture or nest for retaining an elongated body of the connector in a selected orientation. Stations of the apparatus are included for placing the elongated body in the fixture in a selected orientation, placing a biasing component on the elongated body, placing a coupling nut on the elongated body over the exposed end and abutting the biasing component, and applying a retaining component to an outside surface of the elongated body for retaining the biasing component between the elongated body and the coupling nut in a compressed state. The inspection system includes a fixture for retaining the multiple component article in a selected orientation in which a portion of the elongated body and a portion of the coupling nut are exposed for inspection.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight apparatus for moving a splice body with respect to a cable includes a first clamp member for engaging the cable, a second clamp member for engaging the splice body and a mechanism for moving the first clamp member and the second clamp member with respect to one another. The moving mechanism can include at least one gear rack extending between the first and second clamp members, and a pinion gear operably engageable with the rack. Sheathing can be provided for the rack between the first clamp member and the second clamp member to prevent entry of foreign material into teeth of the rack. In addition, an enclosure can be provided for housing a portion of the elongated rack extending outwardly beyond the first or second clamp members to prevent entry of foreign material into the teeth of the rack.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling an electronic component, such as a ladder-type filter, having at least one element being held between terminal plates under pressure and stored in a case. First, the terminal plates are inserted in a cavity of a base so as to align the terminal plates along a direction of thickness thereof. Then, the element is inserted between the terminal plates in the cavity, and a spring plate is inserted in the cavity at an outside of one of the terminal plates. Thereafter, all parts inserted in the cavity are compressed by a presser along the direction of thickness so that an overall thickness of the parts is smaller than an inner size of the case. Then, the case is set on the base, and all parts are inserted from the cavity into the case simultaneously. Electrode surfaces of the element are not damaged since they are not in sliding contact with the terminal plates, and working efficiency is improved by this compressed insertion.

Abstract: An apparatus for wiring a connector (1), in particular a connector with a plurality of contacts (2) comprises an elongated holder (3) for the connector to be wired, the elongated holder being aligned with an axis in the x-direction, at each longitudinal side of the holder a tool (5) movable back and forth in any-direction transverse to the holder for applying a wire into a contact aligned with the tool, wherein a wire guiding means (6) is provided for the tool, the wire guiding means being aligned with the tool, and means for moving the tool with respect to the holder in the x-direction.

Abstract: A connector holding device (A) is provided which is adapted to hold a connector (C) having a terminal insertion opening formed on a rear face (40) thereof and a retainer attachment opening (45) formed on an upper or lower face thereof. The connector holding device includes a pivot member (20) having a distal end portion (20b) which is to be engaged with the retainer attachment opening (45) with the connector C being held by a connector holding portion (14). The distal end portion (20b) is formed with an inclined face (22). With the connector (C) being set in position, the inclined face (22) is engaged with the retainer attachment opening (45) in such a manner that the engagement depth gradually becomes greater along a terminal insertion direction.

Abstract: A method of automatically inserting terminals with wires into desired terminals accommodating cavities in a connector housing after putting neighboring wires aside, and a wire sweeping arm and a driving device for the sweeping arm. The method includes the steps of: grasping the terminal with wire by terminal supporting hands and wire supporting hands; moving the wire sweeping arm in the direction that the wire sweeping arm sweep wires which are already accommodated in neighboring terminal accommodating cavities, the wire sweeping arm being disposed between the terminal accommodating cavities and the terminal supporting hands so as to move back and forth; moving the wire supporting hands and the terminal supporting hands toward the connector housing to insert the terminal with wire into the terminal accommodating cavity.

Abstract: A family of retainer clip holders can each be adjusted to properly position a retainer clip at a desired location on a wire harness. In the past, it has sometimes been complicated to properly position a retainer clip holder relative to the base, and mount the holder base on a jig for assembling wire harnesses. There have typically been too many fixtures required on the jig. Thus, the prior art has attempted to assemble the retainer clips by individually tailoring hundreds of retainer clip holders for the particular orientation demanded by the particular retainer clip application. The inventive family of retainer clip holders allows the selection of the proper adjustable retainer clip holders and the adjustment of that retainer clip holder to accommodate the particular retainer clip application demanded. In this way, the invention replaces the hundreds of previously required holders with seven basic tools.

Abstract: An apparatus for winding a heating wire on a core for forming the inner periphery of an electric melt-bonding joint which comprises a core in a generally cylindrical shape which is capable of rotating around its axial center, the core being relatively moved in the axial direction with respect to a heating wire, an engaging piece mounted on the core, which has a holding portion for holding a heating wire, and a fixing means to fix a terminal pin to the leading end of the heating wire. The engaging piece has a holding portion for holding the terminal pin, whereby the heating wire is wound on an outer peripheral portion of the core by rotating the core.