Abstract: A tool holder assembly of the present invention that includes a main tool holder body having an inner section and an outer section that may be one or more pieces. The inner section comprises at least one inner section tool receiving aperture and the outer section comprises at least two outer section tool receiving apertures that both substantially align with the inner section tool receiving apertures and the inner and outer sections form an elongated insert receiving space and a removable, elongated, elastomeric insert optionally spaced within the elongated insert receiving space. The insert comprises an insert tool receiving aperture that substantially aligns with the inner and outer section tool receiving apertures such that tools of various shapes are substantially retained by the tool holder assembly when a tool is placed within the tool receiving apertures of the inner section, the outer section, and the insert.

Abstract: A tool holder assembly of the present invention that includes a main tool holder body having an inner section and an outer section that may be one or more pieces. The inner section comprises at least one inner section tool receiving aperture and the outer section comprises at least two outer section tool receiving apertures that both substantially align with the inner section tool receiving apertures and the inner and outer sections form an elongated insert receiving space and a removable, elongated, elastomeric insert optionally spaced within the elongated insert receiving space. The insert comprises an insert tool receiving aperture that substantially aligns with the inner and outer section tool receiving apertures such that tools of various shapes are substantially retained by the tool holder assembly when a tool is placed within the tool receiving apertures of the inner section, the outer section, and the insert.

Abstract: The orientation of a polarized capacitor is determined by applying a voltage signal to one of the leads of the capacitor and a reference signal to the other lead. The magnitude of the electric field thus generated by the capacitor is measured. Then the voltage signal and the reference signal are reversed. The magnitude of the new electric field thus generated by the capacitor is measured. The ratio of the magnitudes of the first measured electric field to the second measured electric field is computed. If the ratio is greater than one, then the capacitor is determined to be properly oriented. If the ratio is less than one, then the capacitor is determined to be improperly oriented.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining nets among nodes in a circuit board that includes applying a potential to a reference conducting surface oriented with respect to the board; measuring a parameter of an electrical response at a node of interest; and comparing the measurements to determine a plurality of nets among the nodes. The tentative net list developed from the measured parameters is then verified using continuity testing.

Abstract: The orientation of a polarized capacitor is determined by applying first and second signals to the inner and outer conducting plates of the capacitor, the first signal being out of phase with the second signal, such that the outer plate of the capacitor generates an external electric field responsive to its respective signal which is greater in magnitude than the external electric field generated by the first plate. The electric field is sensed proximate to the capacitor and a third signal is output responsive to the electric field. The phase of the third signal is used to determine the orientation of the capacitor.

Abstract: A component, and system including the component, are disclosed which provide for improved continuity testing after board assembly. The component includes an additional diode, connected between a terminal of the component which is connected in parallel to other components and a test terminal. The test terminal is dedicated to the component, and is not connected, during continuity testing, to other lines or to other components. Test of electrical continuity between the component and the circuit board on which it is mounted is made by biasing the line which is intended to be connected to the test terminal, relative to the line which is intended to be connected to the parallel terminal, in such a manner that the additional diode will be forward biased, if continuity is present. Measurement of the impedance (either measurement of the voltage if current is sourced, or measurement of current if voltage is sourced) between the test line and the signal line will indicate continuity or absence thereof.