Abstract: The present invention features a method wherein a component in a multi-head component placement machine is rejected during the placement cycle. A component is imaged and the image processed using an automated vision system. The image processing determines whether the component is placeable based upon a comparison of the component image to preprogrammed mechanical parameters for the component. A non-placeable component is rejected into a reject station, which is contiguous with the head. Because a component can be rejected during the placement cycle, there is no slowdown of the placement machine cycle rate.

Abstract: An adapter is attached to the end of a vacuum spindle in order to facilitate automated fastening and unfastening therewith of various vacuum nozzles. During fastening of a nozzle, vacuum is utilized to pull and hold the adapter and nozzle together with a force which is much greater than the mechanical detenting which is conventional in this art. The various nozzles may have component engaging tips of different sizes and configuration such that each nozzle is selectable as appropriate to the size and contour of the component to be held by vacuum drawn through the spindle. A novel reservoir housing a multiplicity of replaceable vacuum nozzles is also disclosed whereby the nozzles may be exchanged without any external separation or attachment force supplied by the downward or upward movement of the spindle.

Abstract: Pressures applied to a component for pickup and placement thereof are each selectable, according to introduction of gas under pressure into a piston and cylinder configuration defined by a tool, such as a vacuum spindle, telescopically supported in a tool holder. An actuator with closed loop velocity and displacement control moves the tool holder to and fro along a longitudinal axis according to a known programmable controller. Thus, compression of the gas and relative displacement between the tool and holder allows controlled pick and place pressures to be varied and monitored programmably. The pressurized gas also acts to prevent dirt contamination of the bearing surface between the tool and holder and consequent impairment of telescoping and rotational movements therebetween.

Abstract: A component lead tip protruding from a hole of a circuit board is split and displaced in order to attach the component to the circuit board. Trimming of the lead to a preferred length generally simultaneously with the splitting is also possible.