Abstract: A sill corner key for use in a sill assembly configured to be supported on a base surface, the sill assembly including a lineal base member and a vertical jamb. The sill corner key includes a vertical component having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an inner wall extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, the inner wall defining a sealant pathway formed therein. The inner wall is configured to slidably receive a portion of the lineal base member and the sealant pathway is configured to direct a fluid sealant to flow along the portion of the lineal base member within the inner wall.

Abstract: A sill corner for use in a sill assembly supported on a base surface, the sill assembly comprising a vertical jamb and a lineal base member. The sill corner comprises a vertical component with a top surface adapted to receive the vertical jamb and a bottom surface adapted to abut the base surface. A horizontal component extends transversely from the vertical component and the horizontal and the vertical components are a unitary element. The top and bottom surfaces of the vertical component are separated by a height, the height being between about 1.00 and about 3.00 inches.

Abstract: Replaceable component carriers (40) are adapted to be freely floating in belt apertures (74) and have alignment features (160), such as conical holes (170), mated to features (162), such as tapered pins (184), in processing stations to temporarily hold a carrier (40) and its components (10), such as resistors, in a fixed position during various processes, such as termination. The carriers (40) include a rigid substructure (50) and a more elastic coating (60) to provide receiving holes (46) that can be adapted to hold particular components (10). The carriers (40) can be replaced without removing the belt (72), whenever differently shaped holes (46) are desired or become too worn to reliably handle components (10), thereby reducing damage risk, replacement cost, and operational down time of the belt (72).

Abstract: Replaceable component carriers (40) are adapted to be freely floating in belt apertures (74) and have alignment features (160), such as conical holes (170), mated to features (162), such as tapered pins (184), in processing stations to temporarily hold a carrier (40) and its components (10), such as resistors, in a fixed position during various processes, such as termination. The carriers (40) include a rigid substructure (50) and a more elastic coating (60) to provide receiving holes (46) that can be adapted to hold particular components (10). The carriers (40) can be replaced without removing the belt (72), whenever differently shaped holes (46) are desired or become too worn to reliably handle components (10), thereby reducing damage risk, replacement cost, and operational down time of the belt (72).

Abstract: A laser beam (102) cuts through a component carrier mask (96) made of thin elastomeric material such as silicone rubber to form slots (98) having slot openings of a desired shape. In a preferred embodiment, a light absorptivity enhancement material such as iron oxide introduced into the silicone rubber causes formation of a flexible support blank that operationally adequately absorbs light within a light absorption wavelength range. A beam positioner (106) receiving commands from a programmed controller causes a UV laser beam of a wavelength that is within the light absorption wavelength range to cut into the mask multiple slots with repeatable, precise dimensions. Each of the slots cut has opposed side margins that define between them a slot opening of suitable shape to receive a miniature component (10) and to exert on it optimal holding and release forces.

Abstract: A laser beam (102) cuts through a component carrier mask (96) made of thin elastomeric material such as silicone rubber to form slots (98) having slot openings of a desired shape. In a preferred embodiment, a light absorptivity enhancement material such as iron oxide introduced into the silicone rubber causes formation of a flexible support blank that operationally adequately absorbs light within a light absorption wavelength range. A beam positioner (106) receiving commands from a programmed controller causes a UV laser beam of a wavelength that is within the light absorption wavelength range to cut into the mask multiple slots with repeatable, precise dimensions. Each of the slots cut has opposed side margins that define between them a slot opening of suitable shape to receive a miniature component (10) and to exert on it optimal holding and release forces.

Abstract: Replaceable component carriers (40) are adapted to be freely floating in belt apertures (74) and have alignment features (160), such as conical holes (170), mated to features (162), such as tapered pins (184), in processing stations to temporarily hold a carrier (40) and its components (10), such as resistors, in a fixed position during various processes, such as termination. The carriers (40) include a rigid substructure (50) and a more elastic coating (60) to provide receiving holes (46) that can be adapted to hold particular components (10). The carriers (40) can be replaced without removing the belt (72), whenever differently shaped holes (46) are desired or become too worn to reliably handle components (10), thereby reducing damage risk, replacement cost, and operational down time of the belt (72).