Abstract: Techniques are provided for managing Presentation Time in a digital rendering system for presentation of temporally-ordered data when the digital rendering system includes a Variable Rate Presentation capability. In one embodiment, Presentation Time is converted to Data Time, and Data Time is reported instead of Presentation Time when only one time can be reported. In another embodiment, a predetermined one of Presentation Time and Data Time is returned in response to a request for a Current Time.

Abstract: A tool comprises clamping members spaced from each other on a plate that clampingly engage a coaxial cable. Drill guide members hingedly connected together are latchably secured together onto the plate and they include opposing holes centrally disposed relative to the clamped cable to enable a drill bit to pass therethrough to drill opposed openings through the jacket and shielding and into the dielectric sheathing around the center conductor, whereafter the drill bit and drill guide members are removed. A housing of the coaxial connector containing stationary and movable signal probes is mounted on the plate to position the signal probes relative to the drilled holes whereafter the signal probes are moved into electrical connection with the center conductor and ground conductor members penetrate the jacket and electrically connect with the shielding.

Abstract: An electrical connector pick-up station for use, for example, with a pick and place robot having a pick-up head for picking up electrical connectors and for placing them on a circuit board, comprises a base, upon which is mounted for tilting movement about a horizontal axis, a support frame for a magazine containing a supply of electrical connectors. A support surface for the magazine is provided nearest one end of the upper side of the frame and a connector locating comb is provided at the opposite end of the frame. Between the magazine support surface and the comb are ribs for guiding connectors from the magazine towards the comb. The ribs are spaced from the comb and the connectors are arranged to be guided between the ribs and the comb by guide slots in which terminal tails depending from the connectors engage.

Abstract: An electrical connector pick-up station for use in feeding electrical connectors from a magazine into an electrical connector transfer nest, for transfer to a work station, comprises a cable supporting the magazine, a seat for the nest having guide rollers for guiding the nest onto the seat, and a feed ram which is movable under the base of the magazine to insert a connector into the nest. The ram is provided with an end for engaging the connector to insert it, and a guide plate extending beyond that end for guiding the connector into a predetermined position in the nest, in which position it is releasably latched in the nest. Where the connectors are provided with mating covers, the guide plate acts as a separator which extends between the connector and its cover so that these are inserted into the nest in properly spaced relationship.

Abstract: A cable severing station for severing a flat cable at a position adjacent to electrical connectors to which the cable has been terminated, comprises a cable gripping unit having cable grippers which can be moved between an open position to allow the cable with the connectors thereon to be fed therethrough and a closed cable gripping position; and a cutting second unit for gripping the cable and the connectors and for severing the cable at positions close to the connectors. The cable is first fed through the grippers of the cable gripping unit when these are in an open position, and the cable cutting unit is then moved into the cable gripping unit to carry out the cable severing operations.

Abstract: In an assembly for connecting electrical connectors to flat multi-conductor cable, an arm of a robot is provided with a connector transfer nest into which a connector can be fed at a connector feed station, for transfer by the robot to a press through which the cable has been fed. The nest is inserted into the press by the robot so that the cable extends through the nest and the press is then operated to actuate means in the nest to force conductor receiving portions of terminals in the connector through the cable to receive the cable conductors. The robot is then operated to withdraw the nest from the press leaving the connector on the cable and the cable is fed forward to allow the robot to apply a further connector thereto and so on. Means may be provided for severing the cable with the connectors thereon to provide separate electrical harnesses.

Abstract: An electrical connector transfer nest for use in transferring an electrical connector from a connector pick-up station to a work station, comprises a frame in which are slidably mounted, a pair of plungers, one of these having means for releasably retaining a connector thereon. The nest is arranged to receive a flat cable between the plungers, so that by moving the plungers towards one another, against the action of a return spring, conductor receiving portions of terminals of the connector can be forced through the cable to receive the conductors. Means are provided for releasing the connector from the nest, after it has been terminated to the cable and as the plungers are moved apart by the return spring. The other plunger may be arranged, releasably to receive, a cover for the connector, the cover having means for stuffing the cable conductors into the wire receiving portions of the terminals.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating individual conductors of a ribbon cable comprises a pair of rollers having annular teeth which intermesh to split the cable as the rollers are moved together. The cable is clamped in a stationary frame and the rollers are mounted for rotation in a carriage which moves linearly in the frame to separate the conductors along a length of the cable.

Abstract: A tool comprises clamping members that clampingly engage a coaxial cable. Drill blocks are secured together onto a plate to which the clamping members are secured and they include opposing holes centrally disposed relative to the clamped cable to enable a drill to pass therethrough to drill opposed openings through the jacket and shielding and into the dielectric sheathing around the center conductor, whereafter the drill blocks are removed. A housing of the coaxial connector containing stationary and movable signal probes is mounted on the plate to position the signal probes relative to the drilled holes whereafter the moveable signal probe is moved into electrical connection with the center conductor and ground conductor members penetrate the jacket and electrically connect with the shielding.

Abstract: A coaxial cable tap having two opposed probes, having a stepped profile, comprising a conical forward tip, and a smaller dimensioned axial segment contiguously joined to the base of the conical tip by an integral step. One of the probes is spring loaded and the other is stationary, with the stationary probe achieving the electrical contact, and the spring loaded probe maintaining appropriate counter force upon the cable center conductor.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an assembly of electrical contacts with a center conductor and a ground conductor on a coaxial cable, the assembly including further a one-piece housing having two parts hinged to each other for closure together, thereby terminating the conductors to the contacts and providing an enclosure for the terminated conductors. The contacts protrude from the housing for pluggable connection into apertures of a printed circuit board.