Patents Assigned to Universal Instruments Corporation
  • Patent number: 8898893
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for applying a fluid to a component during a placement cycle. The method includes providing a component placement machine including a housing having a frame attached thereto, the frame having a pick and place head. The method includes providing a fluid application station contiguous with the housing and adapted to apply fluid to the component, moving the housing to a pick location, picking the component from a supply of components using the pick and place head, moving the housing to a location, applying fluid to the picked component, and placing the picked component with the fluid applied onto the printed circuit board at the location. The fluid application step is accomplished during the moving step or placing step. The method may further include repeating the steps for another component where the fluid application step is accomplished during the repeated picking step of the additional component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: Koenraad Gieskes
  • Patent number: 8490271
    Abstract: Apparatus and method to aid in the reproducible and reversible tensioning of flexible substrates, such as polyimide or other file, to ensure planarity before, during, and after processing while mounted in tensioning apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Laurence A. Harvilchuck, George R. Westby
  • Patent number: 8234780
    Abstract: A substrate carrier system is provided for physical management of substrate(s) during a variety of assembly techniques performed on the both sides of the substrate(s) without dismounting or changing carrier systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Laurence A. Harvilchuck, George R. Westby
  • Patent number: 8151449
    Abstract: A component placement machine for assembling at least one component on to at least one printed circuit board (PCB) is provided. The component placement machine comprises at least one head configured for picking a component from at least one feeder and placing the picked component on to a PCB of a first PCB product. The component placement machine also includes at least one feeder bank system separate from the head, wherein the feeder system includes a first feeder bank and a second feeder bank and a positioning system for moving both the entire first feeder bank and the entire second feeder bank in both a horizontal X direction and a perpendicular horizontal Y direction, wherein the feeder bank system is configured to enable a setup of a second PCB product on the component placement machine while the component placement machine assembles the PCB of the first PCB product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Andrew Coots, James Daniel Lamuraglia
  • Patent number: 7836582
    Abstract: Provided is a PCB assembly machine including a board handling system configured to transport a PCB through the PCB assembly machine, wherein the PCB assembly machine further includes a pick and place system configured to pick and place electrical components onto the PCB. The PCB assembly machine also includes a feeder system configured to supply the electrical components, wherein the board handling system mounts directly to the feeder system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Koenraad Alexander Gieskes, John Edward Danek
  • Publication number: 20090146355
    Abstract: Apparatus and method to aid in the reproducible and reversible tensioning of flexible substrates, such as polyimide or other file, to ensure planarity before, during, and after processing while mounted in tensioning apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Laurence A. Harvilchuck, George R. Westby
  • Patent number: 7428326
    Abstract: The present invention features a method whereby each vacuum nozzle in a multi-spindle component placement machine is inspected placement cycle. This process also allows for updating calibration of the nozzle position as well as immediate feedback regarding the condition of the vacuum nozzle. A chipped orifice or otherwise damaged nozzle is detected using a vision system and comparing the currently acquired image of each nozzle with the image of an “ideal” nozzle. Likewise, contamination such as adhesive on the nozzle is detected before that contamination can affect placement accuracy. Because of the nozzle inspection during the placement cycle, there is no slowdown of the placement machine cycle rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: Koenraad Gieskes
  • Patent number: 7281339
    Abstract: A structure and associated method to accurately read an encoder tape in an encoder system. The encoder system comprises, a read head, a shoe structure adjacent the read head, and an encoder tape. The encoder tape is adapted to be read by the read head. The shoe structure is adapted to locally support the encoder tape and locally dampen a vibration of the encoder tape as the encoder tape is read by the read head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Snyder, Koen A. Gieskes
  • Patent number: 7267382
    Abstract: The present invention features a system to generate vacuum for picking up and holding a component in a component placement machine wherein the arrangement of the elements comprising the system prevents the flow of foreign matter back through the system. One arrangement locates a venturi between a valve and nozzle, thereby minimizing where vacuum exists within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Koen A. Gieskes, John D. Danek
  • Patent number: 7146717
    Abstract: The present invention features a method and apparatus wherein a component in a component placement machine is rejected during the placement cycle and subsequently retained in a component rejection station. 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 with means to retain the component. Because a component can not escape the reject station, there is no degradation of the placement machine performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: Jack A. Kinback
  • Patent number: 7089074
    Abstract: The present invention features a method and apparatus for feeder setup validation on a component placement machine. Provided are a host computer in communication with a feeder setup station operable with a feeder identifier for identifying a feeder and a component identifier for identifying a component in the feeder working in conjunction with a location to determine if a component stored in a feeder mounted in a location on the component placement machine is correct for a program corresponding to operation of a system for assembling component products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Bollinger
  • Patent number: 7040137
    Abstract: The present invention features a method whereby the vacuum nozzle of each extendable vacuum spindle in a multi-head component placement machine may be calibrated during component pick/place cycles. Calibration of each vacuum nozzle ensures accurate location of the vacuum nozzle over a component at a component pick station. This is particularly important with extremely small components where a slight misalignment of a vacuum nozzle with a component to be picked could result in a missed pick. Because of the vacuum nozzle inspection and calibration on the fly during the placement cycle, there is no slowdown of the placement machine cycle rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: Koenraad Gieskes
  • Patent number: 7042177
    Abstract: System for braking either linear or rotary electric motor having no permanent magnets comprising at least one servo amplifier and an electronic circuit for generating a pulsed control signal for controlling the braking of the motor. The electronic circuit of the present invention may be responsive to any emergency such as loss of the line power, a motion controller failure, or actuation of a limit switch by a driven member. A method of braking is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Darrin M. Weiss, Andrew Zalesski
  • Patent number: 6267020
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for a variable center distance component insertion machine having a pair of component insertion tooling assemblies mounted adjacent each other so as to be laterally adjustable inwardly and outwardly relative to each other. Each tooling assembly has a gear rack mounted at its top. The racks engage an elongated pinion gear mounted proximate the toolings so as to engage the pair of tooling assembly gear racks. A servo motor rotates the pinion and, thereby, reciprocates the tooling assemblies toward and away from a circuit board. The tooling assemblies are adjusted laterally by a second servo motor coupled to the tooling assemblies by a double screw lead. During the lateral adjustment of the tooling assemblies the pair of rack gears remain in constant mesh with the elongated pinion gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Macchiarella, Peter J. Dionne
  • Patent number: 6260261
    Abstract: An assembly tool for attaching components such as connector plugs or receptacles to a printed circuit board includes a printed circuit board support plate and a sliding member. The sliding member is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the support plate. A holder is pivotally connected to the sliding member and carries a component to be attached to the printed circuit board. A first actuator is connected to a sliding member and moves the sliding member between the first and second positions. A second actuator is connected to the holder and pivots the holder between a receiving position and a mounting position. A component is brought into proximity with the holder and checked for alignment and polarity. Once checked, the component is placed on the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Marks, Andrzej H. Lux
  • Patent number: 6247581
    Abstract: An adjustable conveyor for conveying a printed circuit board includes a frame, a first track including a first conveyor belt, a second track including a second conveyor belt, wherein the first track and the second track are mounted on the frame so that the first track and the second track are parallel to each other. Each of the first track and the second track includes a first element and a second element that are slidably connected to each other so that a space between the first element and the second element is adjustable so as to change a length of the respective track. Each of the first elements includes a plurality of slide blocks. The slide blocks are slidably mounted on the first elements in an overlapping manner so that an amount of overlap between the slide blocks is adjustable as the space between the first element and the second element is adjusted. The conveyor also includes a device for simultaneously driving the first and second conveyor belts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Oswald, Roger T. Foster
  • Patent number: 6161443
    Abstract: A drive and actuation mechanism for a component insertion machine having a lead screw mounted to a housing by a ball nut and a spline nut so as to be movable longitudinally and rotationally. The lead screw has a hollow shaft in which a push rod is disposed. An arm support is mounted to the lead screw so as to move vertically with the lead screw. An actuation arm is connected at a first bearing point to the push rod and connected at a second bearing point to the arm support. The actuation arm is driven by a crank motor, which is connected to the actuation arm at a third bearing point, to move the push rod. The ball nut and spline nut are also driven by motors to move the lead screw vertically and rotationally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas A. Biesecker, Charles G. Speicher, Lee E. Stephens, Gary R. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6160620
    Abstract: An optical sensor for use on an electronic component placement machine. A spindle tip on a placement head for the machine holds the electronic component to be placed on a printed circuit board by means of, for example, a vacuum. A spindle driver housing is mounted surrounding the spindle-spindle tip combination such that the spindle tip can move relative to the spindle driver housing vertically, due to bias mounting. A light beam from an optical emitter passes through an opening in the spindle driver housing to a first mirror mounted at 45.degree. on a first inside surface of the spindle driver housing. The light is reflected from the first mirror to a second mirror on a second inside surface of the spindle driver housing. The second mirror is also at 45.degree.. The light beam is then reflected from the second mirror through a second opening on the other side of the spindle driver housing to an optical receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: John E. Danek
  • Patent number: 6078114
    Abstract: A variable reluctance linear motor has a stator and an armature mounted so as to be movable along the length of the stator. Armature bearings are mounted to the armature via mechanical vibration dampers and contact the stator so that vibrations in the stator are transmitted to the bearings and dissipated in said vibration dampers. A sensor is mounted to the armature for obtaining position data for the armature with respect to the stator. A controller then calculates the phase currents for the motor phases based on the position data and a desired force value. The phase currents are calculated to maintain a minimum normal force between the armature and said stator, thereby further reducing vibrations. A conditional filter is applied when armature is within a predetermined distance from a desired location. The conditional filter, after a time delay, clamps the velocity feedback to a predetermined range and simultaneously reduces the velocity loop gain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Bessette, Charles A. Coots, James E. York, Andrew Zalesski
  • Patent number: 6041964
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying components wherein a plurality of components are placed on a first end of a track. The components are urged towards a second end of the track with a component stop slidingly mounted at the second end of the track. The urging of the components is discontinued and a vacuum is applied to the first component by the stop. The stop is moved away from the plurality of components to separate the first component from the remaining components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald F. Tokarz, John I. Burgin, Jr.