Abstract: In a method of injecting an electrically conductive epoxy into blind vias during drilling or shortly thereafter in order to avoid oxidation of the copper or other metal of the imbedded layer, a machine tool is provided with at least one controllable spindle and at least one injection device. Alternatively, two machine tools, one with at least one controllable spindle and one with at least one injection device, may be provided. A printed circuit board mounted on the machine tool table for drilling is registered in the usual way for the particular machine tool. The machine tool part program then drills a particular pattern for the circuit board for mounting of circuit board components. All of the blind vias as well as through hole vias are drilled at one time by the machine tool by the tools mounted in the spindle or by laser drilling systems, but may also be drilled and filled in any sequence.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading components such as circuit boards from a transport unit to a work station. The apparatus includes a flexible tape which is wound on a storage drum and selectively extended or retracted relative to the drum. Components are included to drive the drum, elevate the extended tape, sense the position of the tape and the like.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a movable upright registration pin extending above a horizontal work surface for locating workpieces on the tooling plate of a computer controlled drilling machine. A straight edge member, disposed in a channel in the surface of the tooling plate, provides two vertical reference surfaces which are precisely located to define a line of position for the registration pin. The registration pin is maintained upright in a carrier that is slidably disposed in a channel in the straight edge member between the two reference surfaces. The rotation of a cam bar disposed adjacent the carrier applies force to the carrier which causes the registration pin to bear against the two vertical reference surfaces to precisely and securely locate the pin on the line of position. The registration pin may be pushed by the spindle of the drilling machine along the line of position and then locked in the registration position under the automatic control of the drilling machine.

Abstract: In a drilling machine having a movable worktable and a spindle assembly having a pressure foot, a spindle, and a removable pressure foot insert in the pressure foot, an insert changer is provided for automatically removing and reinserting the insert from the pressure foot to permit a drill tool change to be effected in the spindle. The insert changer has a gripper for gripping the insert and disengaging the insert from the pressure foot. A vacuum is preferably provided on the gripper for creating a vacuum seal region between the gripper and insert to create a gripping force on the insert. A lifter is provided on the insert changer to move the gripper into and out of contact with the insert.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a movable upright registration pin extending above a horizontal work surface for locating workpieces on the tooling plate of a computer controlled drilling machine. A straight edge member, disposed in a channel in the surface of the tooling plate, provides two vertical reference surfaces which are precisely located to define a line of position for the registration pin. The registration pin is maintained upright in a carrier that is slidably disposed in a channel in the straight edge member between the two reference surfaces. The rotation of a cam bar disposed adjacent the carrier applies force to the carrier which causes the registration pin to bear against the two vertical reference surfaces to precisely and securely locate the pin on the line of position. The registration pin may be pushed by the spindle of the drilling machine along the line of position and then locked in the registration position under the automatic control of the drilling machine.