Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for discharging serial arrays of solid components contained in a three dimensional matrix of feeding positions, into a delivery track, one serial array at a time. The matrix of feeding positions is comprised of trays each having a row of component containing channels. The trays are stacked one on top of another, and loaded in a box-like container. The container is lowered, presenting one tray at a time to a plurality of funnel-shaped discharge openings. A shuttle, capable of selectively blocking the discharge openings, is aligned with one opening at a time, and is operative to receive a serial array of components contained in a channel aligned with that opening. Upon receiving the components, the shuttle returns to a home position in alignment with the delivery track, whereupon it discharges the components into the track.The shuttle is indexed along a row of channels, one channel at a time, until the tray is emptied.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a method and apparatus for accurately positioning solid components for a robotic pickup mechanism having a floating gripper head, are described. In a first arrangement, connectors are transported along a guide track, with linear arrays of solid projections depending from each connector received in slots formed in the track. Conveyance of the connector is completed when a leading projection contacts an accurately positioned stop wall located in one of the projection receiving slots. An alignment bar, generally coextensive with the linear array of solid projections, presses the projections against a track wall communicating with the slot. In a second arrangement, a gauge block is elevated to receive the solid projections of the connector, and is thereafter translated to a final loading position adjacent a robotic pickup mechanism. In a third embodiment, a shuttle mechanism for use with a gauge block is disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable crimp die assembly adapted to be mounted in a press for crimping a plurality of terminals onto stripped insulated wire leads. The crimp die assembly includes a base with a terminal supporting structure having a crimp station whereat a terminal is crimped onto a wire lead, punch asssembly opposite the crimp station, and a terminal feed assembly associated between the punch assembly and the terminals for feeding the terminals one at a time to the crimp station in response to the movement of the punch assembly. The crimp die assembly has an adjustable terminal feed assembly including a pawl member and a cam assembly operably associated between the punch assembly and the pawl member for moving the pawl member in response to the movement of the punch assembly whereby the terminals are fed to the crimp station. The cam assembly is changeable so as to change the distance the pawl member feeds the terminals to the crimp station.