Abstract: A method for tuning resonant spring assembly systems used in appliances such as power toothbrushes, particularly leaf spring systems, includes the step of measuring the frequency-dependent amplitude of the appliance workpiece, and then removing a portion of the spring member so as to decrease its spring rate sufficiently that the resonant frequency of the spring member closely approximates the drive frequency of the appliance.

Abstract: A method for tuning resonant spring assembly systems used in appliances such as power toothbrushes, particularly leaf spring systems, includes the step of measuring the frequency-dependent amplitude of the appliance workpiece, and then removing a portion of the spring member so as to decrease its spring rate sufficiently that the resonant frequency of the spring member closely approximates the drive frequency of the appliance.

Abstract: The apparatus for converting side-to-side to rotational motion for a workpiece includes a spring assembly with a movable base mounting element which is driven in a slightly arcuate reciprocal side-to-side motion and a fixed mounting element spaced apart from the base element and mounted in the appliance so that it does not rotate or move in operation of the apparatus. A spring member, such as two planar leaf springs positioned at an angle to each other, is mounted between the movable base element and the fixed mounting element. A drive shaft member extends from the movable base element through the fixed mounting element and beyond. A workpiece such as a brushhead is mounted on the distal end of the drive shaft. The spring member is configured so that it is substantially less resistant to twisting action than bending action, such that the side-to-side motion of the base element results in rotation of the workpiece.

Abstract: The apparatus for converting side-to-side to rotational motion for a workpiece includes a spring assembly with a movable base mounting element which is driven in a slightly arcuate reciprocal side-to-side motion and a fixed mounting element spaced apart from the base element and mounted in the appliance so that it does not rotate or move in operation of the apparatus. A spring member, such as two planar leaf springs positioned at an angle to each other, is mounted between the movable base element and the fixed mounting element. A drive shaft member extends from the movable base element through the fixed mounting element and beyond. A workpiece such as a brushhead is mounted on the distal end of the drive shaft. The spring member is configured so that it is substantially less resistant to twisting action than bending action, such that the side-to-side motion of the base element results in rotation of the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a workpiece to a known position without regard to the angularity of the surface of the workpiece at the point of contact with the apparatus includes a disk shaped, substantially flat contact pad for engaging the workpiece. The surface of the contact pad opposite the workpiece is substantially spherical and fits in a conical seat so that the center point of the upper surface of the contact pad is always at an known position when the contact pad is seated, without regard to the angularity of the contact pad. A proximity detector determines when the contact pad is seated providing an indication to an operator that the workpiece is properly engaged by the apparatus. The contact pad is contained within the interior of a suction cup that engages the workpiece whereupon externally supplied vacuum pulls the suction cup and the workpiece together.

Abstract: A component pocket tape feeder system employs a registration mechanism to precisely position a component within a pocket tape just prior to retrieval of the component by a robotic assembly device. The registration mechanism precisely aligns the part thus enabling the robot to locate the part. The registration mechanism includes hold down and tamp apparatus for preventing tumbling of the part during alignment and an alignment mechanism which extends through apertures in the component tape to engage portions of the component and move the component, which was theretofore loosely held within the tape. The alignment mechanism is removable to allow other alignment mechanisms to be attached to the system to enable use with various components.