Abstract: A component tape comprising a base tape that includes pockets configured to house electrical components for placement on a printed circuit board and a cover tape, covering the base tape wherein a portion of the cover tape is configured to engage with a tape engagement feature of a component tape feeder.

Abstract: Provided is a component tape feeder apparatus comprising a single output module, a single component exposure module, operably connected to the single output module, and, a plurality of input modules, wherein each input module of the plurality of input modules is operably connected to the single exposure module. A corresponding method of feeding electronic components includes supplying a plurality of component tapes housing electronic components to the single exposure module, wherein the supplying involves receiving and forwarding of the plurality of component tapes by the plurality of input modules.

Abstract: A real-time, or synchronous, sensor data acquisition system acquires physical characteristics or properties associated with a structure or physical system using a plurality of sensors coupled in series to a single cable. The sensors may sense vibration, noise, temperature, acceleration, pressure, strain, force, etc. The sensors transmit data along the cable at greater than 100 dB dynamic range, with a bandwidth between about 5 to 20 KHz, and in a digital, single bit wide data stream. The sensors include modulators to code the data signals with distinct codes. A receiver has a demodulator to decode and separate the data signals.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for multiple-pitch carrier tape feeding, including a carrier tape reel support, a slidable tape window and cover tape peel edge for exposing a component at a pick location adjacent a peel edge, and a carrier tape drive mechanism for advancing the carrier tape through the tape guide. The feeder also includes a pitch selection cam having a plurality of positions, each corresponding to one of a plurality of carrier tape pitch sizes, wherein movement of said selection cam is directly translated into movement of the tape guide. A sensor is employed for detecting the position of the selection cam, and a control unit, responsive to the sensor, controls the carrier tape drive, thereby advancing the carrier tape a predetermined distance according to the selected pitch size.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for parting and peeling-back the cover tape on a carrier tape (consisting of a component tape with pockets therein and cover tape thereover) in order to expose the component for retrieval by an automated assembly system. More specifically, the cover tape is parted along one edge, or slit in the middle for wider component tapes. The cover tape flap(s) created by the parting operation are then retracted back away from the region above the component, whereby the component is exposed for retrieval at the pick-up location. Subsequent to the pick-up location the carrier tape, with the parted cover tape flap(s) still attached thereto, is directed to a waste receptacle or similar disposal mechanism, avoiding the need for a separate cover tape take-up reel.

Abstract: A protective glove with a plurality of fingers made of metal mesh material, adjacent fingers defining a crotch region therebetween and a plurality of web members each disposed across a crotch region joining adjacent fingers together providing a U-shaped cradle for improved comfort, stress relief, and wear.

Abstract: A direct die feeder picks known good die from a wafer and places them on a conveyor belt, which conveys the die to a pickup location. Frame (111) supports a wafer (105) which is a wafer that is sawed while adhered onto a flexible film, which is then stretched and mounted in a ring (110). A fork member (125), on which a pick head (150) is mounted slides along a horizontal axis and frame (111) slides along a vertical axis to allow the pick head (150) to access any die from the wafer. A camera (160) is directed downward at a 45° mirror (162) adjacent to the pick head to capture images of the wafer and determine the precise locations of die and qualify them. The pick head (150) can pick die from the wafer and place them directly on the conveyor belt (170) in the conventional orientation, or pass the die to a flip head (140) which then shifts to the left and lowers the die down past the pick head, placing the die on the conveyor belt in the flipped orientation.

Abstract: In a variable-pitch tape feeder for feeding parts to a pick and place machine used to produce electronic circuit boards, a switch assembly is provided which controls the limits of a shutter movement and the tape advance distance dependent upon the desired pitch. The tape feeder uses a carrier tape to deliver parts to the pick and place machine. The parts are inserted into depressions at regular intervals along the length of the tape. To accommodate tapes of varying pitches, i.e., distances between parts, the feeder uses an electronic control unit to drive the tape feed mechanism and actuate a shutter. The shutter prevents small parts from escaping their respective depressions prematurely. The switch provides a stop surface which limits the rearward travel of the shutter and a flag which is detected by optical sensors to determine the position of the switch and thus the pitch desired by the operator.

Abstract: A direct die feeder picks known good die from an expanded wafer and places them on a conveyor belt, which conveys the die to a pickup location. Frame (111) supports an expanded wafer (105) which is a wafer that is sawed and adhered onto a flexible film, which is then stretched and mounted in a ring (110). A fork member (125), on which a pick head (150) is mounted slides along an x-axis and frame (111) slides along a vertical axis to allow the pick head (150) to access any die from the expanded wafer. A camera (160) is directed downward at a 45.degree. mirror adjacent to the pick head to capture images of the wafer and determine the precise locations of known good die on the wafer. The pick head (150) can pick die from the wafer and place them directly on the conveyor belt (170) in the conventional orientation, or pass the die to a transfer head (155) which then shifts to the left and lowers the die down past the pick head, placing the die on the conveyor belt in the flipped orientation.

Abstract: A method for reinforcing a structure involves winding a cable around the structure and tensioning the cable after the ends of the cable are secured. Winding the cable around the structure involves winding a portion of the cable near the top end of the structure such that at least two windings of the cable are made with a first predetermined separation between the windings, and winding another portion of the cable near the bottom end of the structure such that at least two bottom windings of the cable are made with a second predetermined separation between the bottom windings. In one embodiment, the structure is a concrete column. In another embodiment, tensioning the cable involves installing a plurality of shims between the cable and the structure at spaced locations along the cable. A structure which is reinforced using such a method is also described.

Abstract: A braking mechanism according to the present invention for braking the wheels of a wheeled truck assembly includes a handle mounted to one beam which, when braking force is applied, urges a rod toward the other beam. The rod operates a lever mounted to the other beam which engages the actuation rod of the vehicle's pneumatic braking system, thereby operating the linkage included in the pneumatic system to separate the beams, bringing the brake pads into contact with the wheels to brake the wheels.

Abstract: A cementitious structural member has a high volume of encapsulated captive air and has an unusually high compressive and shear strength.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simulating a human mastoid is disclosed. The apparatus includes a diaphragm having a mass, springiness and damping means sufficient to more closely replicate the impedance of a human head bone and skin overlying the same, than prior art testing devices. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes placing the diaphragm over the central opening of an artificial ear and placing a bone conduction hearing aid on top of the diaphragm. A microphone disposed below the opening measures the sound generated by the vibration. These measurements provides an indication of whether the bone conduction hearing aid is functioning properly. The apparatus and method are not only easier to use and less expensive than prior art devices and methods, they are also as accurate, if not more accurate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simulating a human mastoid is disclosed. The apparatus includes a diaphragm having a mass, springiness and damping structure sufficient to more closely replicate the impedance of a human head bone and skin overlying the same, than prior art testing devices. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes placing the diaphragm over the central opening of an artificial ear and placing a bone conduction hearing aid on top of the diaphragm. A microphone disposed below the opening measures the sound generated by the vibration. These measurements provides an indication of whether the bone conduction hearing aid is functioning properly. The apparatus and method are not only easier to use and less expensive than prior art devices and methods, they are also as accurate, if not more accurate.

Abstract: An intensity acoustic calibrator is disclosed including at least two wave guide channels. A speaker adjacent each wave guide channel emits sound to develop a standing wave pattern at the opposing end of the channel. The test microphone is positioned in the calibrator so as to be in acoustic communication with the wave guide channel so that the microphone can be calibrated respective to the standing wave pattern. By having two separate wave guide channels and speakers, the test microphones can be subjected to arbitrary magnitude changes and phase differentials. Additionally, a reference microphone may be positioned adjacent each wave guide channel to monitor the sounds generated by the speakers to ensure that the speakers are emitting sounds at the desired magnitude, phase, etc.

Abstract: A folded-up corrugated fiberboard casket having top and bottom framing members on its exterior is provided with a decorative covering in the form of a laminate comprising a layer of a pliable, foldable and creasible cellulosic material, for example E-flute corrugated fiberboard, bonded to a thinner decorative exterior layer of a material which is also pliable, foldable and creasible, for example wood-grain paper. The laminate covering obliterates minor irregularities on the exterior surfaces of the inner casket box, and also provides sharp profile angles for the casket. The laminate covering is preferably formed by providing a flat blank which is scored and cut-out at appropriate places and is self-supporting to facilitate application of the covering to the casket box. The blank is then folded, and the framing strips glued to the laminate. This assembly is then placed against and glued to the exterior of the casket box.

Abstract: A casket is made by covering one side of a flat precursor blank of corrugated fiberboard with a liquid-impervious flexible liner and the other side with a pliable decorative cloth, shipping the thus-covered blank to a point of use, and then folding it up into a complete lined and covered casket. Appropriate foldable flaps are provided at the ends of the precursor, and framing strips are secured along the sides of the blank for support prior to folding-up of the casket precursor to form the casket. The end flaps are held in their folded-up positions by manually insertable fasteners, and the hinges for the lid of the casket are secured by hand-stapling to the tops of the framing members. The triangular folds formed in the liner at its corners when it is fold up are tucked between the end flaps as they are being folded. The entire casket body can be shipped as a flat blank, and easily assembled manually at a remote location by unskilled persons.

Abstract: Selective collating and binding processes for manufacture of digest-size mail order catalogs, magazines or other materials. Such "books" are most economically collated and bound in pairs on a "2-up" line that simultaneously produces two output streams of books. Mail order retailers and others require that the books be organized according to postal zones for favorable mail rate treatment. They also frequently prefer that various sets of customers receive various editions of the book; repeat buyers, for instance, may receive a more complete edition of a catalog than other buyers. Similarly, two or more mailers may desire that their mailing be combined, so that two or more sets of catalogs are packaged together for the same postal zones in order to receive favorable mail rate treatment. Processes of the present invention provide selective binding and collating on a 2-up line of such different catalogs, different editions of the same catalog, or different editions of different catalogs, or "versions.

Abstract: Selective collating and binding processes for manufacture of digest-size mail order catalogs, magazines or other materials. Such "books" are most economically collated and bound in pairs on a "2-up" line that simultaneously produces two output streams of books. Mail order retailers and others require that the books be organized according to postal zones for favorable mail rate treatment. They also frequently prefer that various sets of customers receive various editions of the book; repeat buyers, for instance, may receive a more complete edition of a catalog than other buyers. Similarly, two or more mailers may desire that their mailing be combined, so that two or more sets of catalogs are packaged together for the same postal zones in order to receive favorable mail rate treatment. Processes of the present invention provide selective binding and collating on a 2-up line of such different catalogs, different editions of the same catalog, or different editions of different catalogs, or "versions".