Patents by Inventor Crawford A. Matson

Crawford A. Matson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4727647
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for gripping DIP components automatically without the need for shutting down the machine to change the tooling assembly when handling components which differ in width. Two sets of fingers are provided, with one set inside the other, such that engagement of the inner pair with a wide component causes automatic retraction of them sufficiently for gripping of the component by the outer pair. In the absence of a component, the inner pair of fingers is automatically extended for subsequent component handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Crawford A. Matson, Roy G. Space
  • Patent number: 4403726
    Abstract: Under direction of a machine controller, an endless chain conveyor is incrementally passed by a plurality of loader heads. The loader heads receive a series of components taped on a reel supplied substrate, sever individual taped components from the supply, and load the individual taped components onto clip carriers of the endless conveyor, on command, in a preferred sequence. The clip carrier mounted components are then indexed past a cutter assembly for trimming the lengths of the leads and removing the substrate, and a positioning disc assembly for positioning the components in the clip carriers before being passed to a rotary transfer assembly. The rotary transfer assembly removes individual components from the conveyor and rotates to an unload position above a linear loader, which laterally transfers the components from the rotary transfer to an insert head assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1983
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Snyder, Crawford A. Matson
  • Patent number: 4398658
    Abstract: Under direction of a machine controller, an endless chain conveyor is incrementally passed by a plurality of loader heads. The loader heads receive a series of components taped on a reel supplied substrate, sever individual taped components from the supply, and load the individual taped components onto clip carriers of the endless conveyor, on command, in a preferred sequence. The clip carrier mounted components are then indexed past a cutter assembly for trimming the lengths of the leads and removing the substrate, and a positioning disc assembly for positioning the components in the clip carriers before being passed to a rotary transfer assembly. The rotary transfer assembly removes individual components from the conveyor and rotates to an unload position above a linear loader, which laterally transfers the components from the rotary transfer to an insert head assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1983
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Snyder, Weibley J. Dean, David L. Merithew, Philip A. Ragard, Crawford A. Matson
  • Patent number: 4356949
    Abstract: Under direction of a machine controller, an endless chain conveyor is incrementally passed by a plurality of loader heads. The loader heads receive a series of components taped on a reel supplied substrate, sever individual taped components from the supply, and load the individual taped components onto clip carriers of the endless conveyor, on command, in a preferred sequence. The clip carrier mounted components are then indexed past a cutter assembly for trimming the lengths of the leads and removing the substrate, and a positioning disc assembly for positioning the components in the clip carriers before being passed to a rotary transfer assembly. The rotary transfer assembly removes individual components from the conveyor and rotates to an unload position above a linear loader, which laterally transfers the components from the rotary transfer to an insert head assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1982
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Snyder, Crawford A. Matson
  • Patent number: 4343589
    Abstract: Under direction of a machine controller, an endless chain conveyor is incrementally passed by a plurality of loader heads. The loader heads receive a series of components taped on a reel supplied substrate, sever individual taped components from the supply, and load the individual taped components onto clip carriers of the endless conveyor, on command, in a preferred sequence. The clip carrier mounted components are then indexed past a cutter assembly for trimming the lengths of the leads and removing the substrate, and a positioning disc assembly for positioning the components in the clip carriers before being passed to a rotary transfer assembly. The rotary transfer assembly removes individual components from the conveyor and rotates to an unload position above a linear loader, which laterally transfers the components from the rotary transfer to an insert head assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1982
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Snyder, Crawford A. Matson
  • Patent number: 4245385
    Abstract: Under direction of a machine controller, a traversing shuttle automatically selects one component among a plurality of radially leaded components stored on continuous component belts, centers the component, shears the selected component from the belt, and conveys the component to a pivotable insertion head. The insertion head clamps onto the component leads, pivots and inserts the component leads into predrilled holes in a positioned printed circuit board. A mechanism beneath the board, cuts the leads and clinches the shortened leads to the board. The board is repositioned and another radial lead component of the same or different type and electrical size is selected and the cycle is repeated. Different spacings of components on the storage belts and different lead spacings are automatically accommodated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1981
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Albert W. Zemek, Frederick G. Tomko, Crawford Matson, Burr Darrow
  • Patent number: 4203583
    Abstract: Under direction of a machine controller, a traversing shuttle automatically selects one component along a plurality of radially leaded components stored on continuous component belts, centers the component, shears the selected component from the belt, and conveys the component to a pivotable insertion head. The insertion head clamps onto the component leads, pivots and inserts the component leads into predrilled holes in a positioned printed circuit board. A mechanism beneath the board, cuts the leads and clinches the shortened leads to the board. The board is repositioned and another radial lead component of the same or different type and electrical size is selected and the cycle is repeated. Different spacings of components on the storage belts and different lead spacings are automatically accommodated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1980
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Albert W. Zemek, Frederick Tomko, Crawford Matson, Burr Darrow
  • Patent number: 4151637
    Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously cutting and clinching both parallel rows of leads of DIP type electronic components. The apparatus operating adjacent the undersurface of a printed circuit board into which component leads have been inserted includes a cutter capable of clinching the lead rows either inward toward each other or outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1979
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Albert W. Zemek, Crawford A. Matson
  • Patent number: 4135558
    Abstract: An electronic component lead cutting and clinching mechanism having means for operating substantially simultaneously on a plurality of aligned leads. The cutting edges are angularly oriented to align with the component leads and raised to a position adjacent the undersurface of the wiring board into which the component leads have been inserted. Pneumatic cylinders actuate the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1979
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip A. Ragard, Crawford A. Matson
  • Patent number: RE31530
    Abstract: An electronic component lead cutting and clinching mechanism having means for operating substantially simultaneously on a plurality of aligned leads. The cutting edges are angularly oriented to align with the component leads and raised to a position adjacent the undersurface of the wiring board into which the component leads have been inserted. Pneumatic cylinders actuate the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1984
    Assignee: Universal Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip A. Ragard, Crawford A. Matson