Abstract: A system to assemble a large number of component parts that are located in various positions and brought together to an assembly position. The system contemplates a pair of intermediate stations located adjacent to the assembly position to which a supply of components are brought prior to being moved to the assembly position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for soldering miniaturized electrical components to the surface of PC boards. A layer of solder paste is provided, into which the contact portions of electrical component leads are pressed. The component with solder paste adhering to the leads is moved to its placement station on the board and placed thereon with the leads contacting their respective pads.

Abstract: The lead of an electrical component that extends from the bottom of a printed circuit board that is being assembled is inserted through an aperture in a fixed, rigid cutting finger. A cutting sleeve fits over the finger and is rotatable coaxially thereabout. A cutting blade on the rotatable sleeve wipes past the aperture and cuts the lead. As the blade cuts the lead it also clinches, or bends, the lead toward the bottom of the circuit board. Two such mechanisms operate simultaneously to cut and clinch both leads of an electrical component such as a capacitor or resistor.

Abstract: Visual guidance methods and apparatus are provided for directing the treatment of workpieces, such as the assembly of printed circuit boards, by providing a full-size optical image of each successive treatment step in turn, superimposed on the operator's actual view of the workpiece itself. The workpiece is viewed through a half-silvered mirror which also delivers an image of a programmed mylar film with instructional steps and parts shown as full-size partial images superimposed on the operator's view of the workpiece itself. Simultaneous actuation of parts storage bin trays automatically delivers the required parts for each assembly step. Indexing of the apparatus moves the mylar film to exhibit the next treatment step, aligned with the workpiece, by index code indicia accompanying each partial image to be superimposed on the view of the workpiece, and simultaneously exposes the next parts storage bin for delivery of the next required component part to the operator.