Abstract: This invention relates to a self aligning, vacuum end effector which is capable of picking up objects which have a pick up surface which is not planar with the pick up surface of the end effector. The end effector is comprised of two parts: a nozzle base which fixedly attaches to an automatic assembly device, such as robotic arm; and a nozzle tip, which is the part of the end effector which actually comes in contact with the object to be picked up. The nozzle base and nozzle tip are secured together by a retention spring. The nozzle tip has a generally, semi-spherically shaped ball portion which is partly inserted into a bore within the nozzle base and rests against a quad ring which is secured within the bore. Consequently, when the nozzle tip makes contact with an object which is to be picked up and moved, the semi-spherical ball portion of the nozzle tip slides against the quad ring and the nozzle tip pivotally moves and aligns itself with the plane of the surface of the object to be picked up.

Abstract: This invention relates to a carrier for transporting integrated circuit devices. In particular, the carrier is configured to cradle devices which have preformed leads which usually extend around the perimeter of the device and tend to be fairly fragile. The carrier is made up of a carrier top and a carrier bottom, which are securely closed through the attachment of several spring clamps. The bottom provides a secure nest which is configured to the shape of the body of the device. The top includes a hold-down member which houses two rings, a compression ring and a contact ring, within a channel. The compression ring is made of a rubber like material that can elastically compress under contact pressure, while the contact ring is made of a hard material, which will not stick to the top of the device. The contact ring, which is positioned between the compression ring and the device, engages the device when the carrier top and the carrier bottom are mated.

Abstract: A masking comparison circuit outputs a signal "non-correspondence" if two binary signals received are unequal. However, there are provided masking means for masking this non-correspondence signal unless both binary signals for some time have been stable and, moreover, different. A comparison circuit of this kind forms part of, for example a data processing device based on redundancy.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method by which electronic components can be reclaimed from printed circuit boards. In the preferred embodiment, the reclamation system includes a conveyor which grasps the edges of the boards and holds them at an angle so that the component sides of the boards are facing downward. The conveyor carries the boards past infrared panels which heat each board, so that the solder bonding the components to a given board is made to reflow. While the solder is in a reflow state, each board is struck with a tapper, the impact of which has a tendency to dislodge the components. Falling components are caught in bins where they can be collected. In addition, the reclamation system is configured such that a number of operators are able to work in front of the boards passing on the conveyor. Therefore, if the tapper fails to dislodge any components on a given board, an operator can manually remove the components before the board is itself removed from the conveyor.

Abstract: An integrated installation assembly for removably supporting a hardware module within a computer cabinet. The integrated installation assembly comprises a substantially ridgid frame work having interconnected top frame member and bottom frame member which has a back portion. Also included is a cover spaced from the back portion of the bottom frame member. The frame members and the front cover define an interior support space in which a hardware module can be mounted. Shock absorbing means are connected to the framework of the assembly for minimizing the vibration of the hardware module. Ventilation is provided through the front cover and the top and bottom frame member for cooling the hardware module. The front cover also includes control elements for operating the hardware module and status information elements which give operating status information about the hardware module.