Abstract: Various component supplying cassettes contain components of different kinds and feed predetermined numbers of the components to take-out openings of the cassettes. A tool supplying cassette contains several kinds of tools for use with the components or for use in assembling the components and selectively feeds the tools to a take-out opening of the cassette. The component and tool supplying cassettes are set in or removed from a component/tool supplying unit of an apparatus using the components and tools in accordance with operating procedures of the apparatus and the quantity of consumption of components, thereby allowing supply of necessary components and tools to the apparatus for every necessary occasion.

Abstract: A rectilinear motion apparatus includes two shafts arranged in parallel, a driving motor and a driving pulley coupled to one of the two shafts, an idler pulley coupled to the other of the two shafts, an endless toothed belt arranged between the driving pulley and idler pulley, and a slider disposed between the driving pulley and the idler pulley. The slider includes a first moving pulley and a second moving pulley of a diameter larger than a diameter of the first moving pulley. The first and second moving pulleys are integrally fixed to one another for rotation about the same axis so as to rotate simultaneously. A first pair of guide rollers are disposed on the slider adjacent the first moving pulley to guide a lower run of the toothed belt, and a second pair of guide rollers are disposed on the slider adjacent the second moving pulley to guide an upper run of the toothed belt.