Abstract: A card assembly (10) comprises a polymeric layer (16) having a generally planar surface (24), an integrated circuit component (38) adjacent to the polymeric layer (16), and a loop antenna (24) formed of a bare conductor (32) having ends. The loop antenna (24) comprises a first section (26) embedded into the polymeric layer (16), a second section (28) embedded into the polymeric layer (16), and a transverse section (30) spaced apart from the first section (26) by a dielectric region. The transverse section (30) crosses the first section (26). The ends (34) are electrically coupled to the integrated circuit component (38). The dielectric region preferably comprises a reflowed flash region of the polymeric layer (16) such that the transverse section (30) is encapsulated within the polymeric layer (16). Alternately, the dielectric region comprises a dielectric insert separating the transverse section from the first section.

Abstract: A pick-and-place apparatus (404) for magnetically and vacuum coupling an item (1100) includes a base (516), a magnetic coupler (500), and a vacuum coupler (502). The magnetic coupler (500) includes a vertical member (506) and a magnetic body (504), where the vertical member (506) has a first end (501) coupled to a center (507) of the base (516) and a second end (503) coupled to the magnetic body (504). The vacuum coupler (502) includes a first tubular member (510), a first vacuum cup (508), a second tubular member (514), and a second vacuum cup (512). The first tubular member (510) has a first end (509) coupled to a first end (517) of the base (516) and a second end (511) having the first vacuum cup (508) attached thereto. The second tubular member (514) has a first end (513) coupled to a second end (519) of the base (516) and a second end (515) having the second vacuum cup (512) attached thereto.

Abstract: Labels (12) are disposed on a carrier strip (10), which is routed from a feed reel (22), over a guide (24), idlers (26 & 28), through a printer (30), over a peeler plate (32), and to a pick-up reel (34). The labels are cleaned of dust prior to printing by effectively rolling an adherent surface (36) over the printing surface (14) of each label as it moves past the guide.

Abstract: A labeling head (22) has an applicator surface (24) having an outward curvature for holding a label (12) and applying it to a labeling surface (16) of an article (14). The labeling head is rotatable about a pivot pin (38) which passes through a pivot end (28) of the labeling head, allowing a free end (26) of the labeling head to be biased toward the article at an initial angle of bias, as determined by, for example, an adjustment screw (40). The initial angle of bias and the curvature of the labeling head are such that the portion of the label nearest the free end is parallel to the labeling surface. As the labeling head is lowered, the label is applied with a substantial rolling motion to avoid trapped air bubbles.

Abstract: An unwelded battery assembly (32) is fed to a shuttle (36) which moves the unwelded battery assembly (32) to a moveable platform (46) in a raised position. The platform lowers the battery assembly into a nest (44) which rigidly supports the battery assembly. An ultrasonic horn is lowered into contact with the battery assembly and welds the battery cover (16) to the battery housing (14). The welded battery assembly (57) is then raised out of the nest by the moveable platform (46), and is moved to a second stage (48) while another unwelded battery assembly is shuttled to the platform. A central control circuit (49) operates and synchronizes the apparatus.

Abstract: A printed circuit assembly (5) has a surface mount electronic component (14), circuit board (10), and locating features to align (16) the surface mount electronic component on the printed circuit board. The locating features may comprise solder bumps (24) on the printed circuit board. The locating features are arranged on the surface of the printed circuit board to lie proximal to the main body (22) of the surface mount electronic component. The locating features prevent movement of the surface mount electronic component prior to soldering the surface mount electronic component to the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A shield (100) having a detachable grasp support member (140) is provided. The shield (100) includes a hollowed frame (110) having first and second surfaces (112, 114), and a cavity (130) extending from the first surface (112) to the second surface (114). A detachable grasp support member (140) is attached to the hollowed frame (110) and extends across at least a portion of the cavity (130). A second shield member (160) mounts onto the frame (110) and covers the cavity (130) along the first surface (112) to complete the shield (100).

Abstract: A gripper assembly for a robotic device includes a first vacuum nozzle (260) having a gripping surface (262), and a second vacuum nozzle (270) having a gripping surface (272). The first nozzle (260) is positioned within the second nozzle (270).

Abstract: A method of preparing a component for automated placement is provided. The method includes disposing tacking medium on a substantially transparent member (210); engaging the tacking medium with the component (230); and imaging the component through the substantially transparent member (240).

Abstract: A method for dispensing substantially moisture free electronic components (145) from a canister (150) includes filling the canister (150) with pressurized gas, dispensing components (145) mounted on a component carrier (140) through an opening (154) within the canister (150), conforming the opening (154) to the components (145) and to the component carrier (140) as the components (145) are dispensed, and maintaining sufficient gas pressure within the canister (150) to prevent air from entering into the canister (150). The canister (150) has an inlet (158) for receiving a gas and a seal (156) disposed about the opening (154) to reduce the amount of gas loss through the opening (154) when the components (145) are dispensed.