Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for retaining thermal transfer pins in a spreader plate adapted to transfer thermal energy from an electronic component. The spreader plate includes pin holes that slidably receive the thermal transfer pins. The apparatus includes a retention member located proximate each pin hole. The retention member interferes with a range of motion of an associated pin in order to retain the associated pin within the pin hole.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for retaining thermal transfer pins in a spreader plate adapted to transfer thermal energy from an electronic component. The spreader plate includes pin holes that slidably receive the thermal transfer pins. The apparatus includes a retention member located proximate each pin hole. The retention member interferes with a range of motion of an associated pin in order to retain the associated pin within the pin hole.

Abstract: A method and structure is disclosed for providing a plurality of parts (34, 80, 110) to a tool (22) in a work station (20) for use in a manufacturing operation. The parts, such as electrical components, wire connectors or connector parts are arranged in a chain (40, 100) or block (112) wherein each part is separably connected to another part in the chain or block without the use of a carrier tape (10) or integral sections (14) that must be broken or removed and discarded. The parts are interconnected by means of first and second features (54, 66) that are formed integral to the parts. The first feature (54) is a projection and the second feature (66) is an opening that conformably receives the projection and, when mated, holds the two parts together. The chain may be stored on a reel and later dereeled to be fed into a tool for performing a manufacturing operation. A single part can easily be removed from the chain or block.

Abstract: A tape and terminal package (30, 84) is disclosed wherein terminals (52, 86, 88) of different relative sizes are positioned on a carrier tape (32) so that each is a standard height (64) above the surface (66) of the tape and a crimping zone (58, 96, 98) of each terminal is a standard distance (68) from a datum (62) on the tape. A shim tape (76, 92) is arranged between the smaller terminals (52-2, 88) and the carrier tape (32) to position them to the standard height (64), each different terminal having a specific thickness shim tape (76, 92). In this way, two or more different tape and terminal packages (30, 94), each package having terminals of a different size or type than the other packages, can be accommodated by a single applicator tool (50) without modification or adjustment. Additionally, a tape and terminal package having terminals of different sizes or types on the same carrier tape may be accommodated by a single applicator tool.

Abstract: A powered hand tool (10) is disclosed for crimping terminals (30) to a conductor. The tool includes a linear actuator (18) for driving a cam (70) along a linear path (272). The cam (70) interacts with a pair of followers (192, 194) to first cause the crimping mechanism (16) to crimp the terminal and then, during the last part of the power stroke, to open the crimping mechanism (16) so that the crimped terminal (30) can be removed during the return stroke. Additionally, during the last part of the power stroke the feed mechanism (22) is actuated to store energy so that during the return stroke the main mechanism can utilize the stored energy to effect the feeding of the next terminal into position for crimping.

Abstract: A magnet actuator assembly for reciprocating a ram shaft in a crimping press. The actuator assembly comprises stationary upper and lower electromagnet members and a movable central electromagnet member coupled to the ram shaft. The mating surfaces of the electromagnet members are formed of combinations of frusto-conical and planar regions so that an adequate force at a large separation between the upper and central electromagnet members is generated to raise the central electromagnet member and a relatively large force at a small separation between the central and lower electromagnet members is generated to effect the crimping function.

Abstract: The present invention is a crimping tool that utilizes a die member having a die opening for receiving a terminal therein to be crimped. The tool includes a crimping station that is within the die opening. The terminals are arranged on a carrier strip and are automatically fed into crimping position within the opening of the die while the terminal remains in position on the carrier strip. The feeding mechanism pivots the strip of terminals away from the crimping dies, feeds the strip of terminals one position, and then pivots the strip back into position so that the next terminal is moved into crimping position within the crimping die opening. A single cam member is provided that is moved by a linear actuator, such as an air cylinder, and effects and controls all functional operating motions for the mechanisms of the tool, including actuating the crimping dies and operating the terminal feed mechanism.

Abstract: Conductor feeding apparatus for selectively feeding conductors selected from a group or from feeding all of the conductors in the group comprises first and second clamping assemblies which are moveable towards and away from each other between remote and proximate positions. Each clamping assembly has a clamp for each one of the conductors. When it is desired to feed selected conductors, the selected conductors are clamped in the first clamping assembly and the non-selected conductors are clamped in the second clamping assembly. The second clamping assembly is moved towards the first clamping assembly so that the ends of the selected conductors project beyond the second clamping assembly. The projecting ends are gripped in a conductor puller and pulled along the feed paths.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated machine for making electrical leads and for automatically identifying and removing leads having defective terminal attachments. A crimp quality monitor device is used to monitor machine performance and to identify defective terminal attachments as they are made. When such a defective attachment is identified, the monitor generates a signal which causes a gate mechanism to route the defective lead to a particular tray. When a lead having a high quality terminal attachment is detected, the lead is routed to another tray so that the non-defective leads are not commingled with the defective leads.

Abstract: In-line lead making machine (30) has a wire transferring mechanism (18) for shifting the leading end of the wire (11), which extends from a barrel or other endless source (12), from the vicinity of the cutting and stripping blades (21) to a terminating machine (28). The wire (11) is then shifted back to the vicinity of the cutting and stripping blades (21) and fed from the source (12). The wire is then cut to produce the electrical lead (2). During shifting of the wire (11) from the terminating machine (28) to the vicinity of the cutting and stripping blades (21), the transfer mechanism (18) is pivoted upwardly and the wire feeding operation is started during shifting of the transfer mechanism. The wire (11) is thus fed over and above the severing and insulation cutting blades (21) rather than between these blades and the feeding step is started earlier in the cycle than would otherwise be possible.