Abstract: The present invention relates to a central vacuum power unit comprising in combination a canister, a chamber for collecting debris, a first plate, a second plate, a third plate, a duct means, a motor-fan assembly, a filtering means, a first baffle means, means for generating a flow of cooling air for an electric motor, and means for reducing the emission of noise outside the canister. This central vacuum power unit is characterized in that a portion of said piping passes across a further opening is provided in the plate which is provided with the seat of resilient vibration dampening material and is receiving the motor-fan assembly, in that said portion of piping has a vertical axis substantially parallel to the axis of the intake of the vacuum fan, so that any deformation of the seat due to the vacuum existing underneath the motor-fan assembly will allow the piping to slide freely in said further opening without solid contact with said plate.

Abstract: A steering assembly, particularly for domestic and/or industrial cleaning machines, comprising a shaped tubular connector (15) to which one or more wheels (16) are pivoted; the connector has a first end (17) which can be connected to cleaning tools and a second end (18) which is rotatably coupled to the outlet of a duct located in the machine body (12).

Abstract: A convertible blower port for a vacuum cleaner includes a cylindrical port wall carried by a portion of a vacuum cleaner. The port wall has a first end facing inwardly toward the vacuum cleaner and a second end opposite the first end. The port wall defines a blower passage in communication with the plenum of the vacuum cleaner. A blower port outlet is provided on the second end of the port wall. A removable cap closes off the blower port outlet and has an exterior surface for gripping the cap and has a hub configured to fill the blower passage. The hub has a substantially smooth inner end face that is positioned generally across the first end of the port wall and faces the plenum of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool for cleaning machines, comprising a body that is interchangeably associable with a cleaning machine provided with an electric motor; the body is movable on wheels and a front advancement part thereof is arranged transversely to a main direction of motion so as to form a housing that is open downward and accommodates a bristled roller that is moved, by virtue of transmission elements, by an electric motor accommodated within the body; the body is articulated to a coupling element that is suitable to provide a detachable connection to the machine with a dirt suction duct. The tool further comprises a cover that is detachably associable below the housing at an open region where the roller is located, the cover having at least one suction slot and elements for closing the region to the rear of the roller between the housing and the floor.

Abstract: An upright-type vacuum cleaner in which a cyclone body is connected to and separated from a cleaner body without the use of a separate tool. The upright-type vacuum cleaner has a cleaner body having a suction brush formed at a lower part, and a vacuum-generating device built therein. A cyclone unit for separating dust from the air drawn through a suction passage is connected with the suction brush, and discharges the cleaned air through a discharging passage connected with the vacuum-generating device. A dust-container is removably connected with a lower part of the cyclone unit, for collecting the separated dust by the cyclone unit. The cyclone unit has a locking handle, and a handle connection portion for removably connecting with the locking handle, formed on a corresponding place on the cleaner body.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a vacuum cleaner appliance comprising a box-like body (1) made up of a top part (2) and a bottom part (3). The top part (2) includes a vacuum cleaning unit (16) provided with filter (20) and the bottom part (3) comprises a space (25) for the housing of an extractable filter container (15) and an opening (11) for the intake of dusty air (13) provided in one of its side walls. The bottom part is provided with a side door (8) that is openable for the extraction of the filter container (15).

Abstract: Vacuum cleaner with water filter constituted by an aspirator connected to an air inlet conduit controllable by an operator, and by a filtering chamber interposed between the conduit and the aspirator. The filtering chamber has in its own lower portion a tank for containing the water and dirt. Above the maximum level of filling of the containment tank the filtering chamber also has a first air inlet section connected to the inlet conduit, and an air outlet section connected to the aspirator. The filtering chamber further comprise at least a second air inlet section. The aspirator is also provided with first means for spraying the water contained in the containment tank towards the main path of the air that goes from the first inlet section to the outlet section, associated to the first inlet section, and second means for spraying the water contained in the containment onto the air flowing along the main path, and operatively connected to the second inlet section.

Abstract: A lever-type connector (A) has male housing (10) with a receptacle (13) and a female housing (20) that is insertable into the receptacle (13). The lever (30) has inclined guides (36) that contact an edge of the mount hole (H) and guide the connector (A) smoothly to a proper position with respect to the mount hole (H). A rear surface (20R) of a female housing (20) is before the guide (36) when the female housing (20) is fit into the receptacle (13) and with a lever (30) at a standby position. Thus, fingers that push the rear surface (20R) of the female housing (20) do not touch the guides (36) when the female housing (20) is fitted into the receptacle (13).

Abstract: A hubless caster assembly includes a caster body and at least one wheel, the wheel comprising a toroidal member having a bearing race, and a complementary bearing race supported by the caster body. Bearing elements in the races support the wheel in free rotation. The caster body may comprise a ring body having an axial opening, whereby the caster assembly has a large central aperture extending entirely therethrough. A centering ring may be secured in the axial opening with the complementary bearing race formed therein. A hub cap with visual treatment may be secured over the central aperture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a caster assembly having at least one caster wheel attached to a wheel axle that is, in turn, attached to a caster body, wherein the caster body has at least one cap-orientation indexing rib and at least one indention. A connector assembly having at least one indexing slot for receiving the at least one indexing rib of the caster body and at least one detent element for forming an interlocking connection with the at least one indention of the caster body is also to the caster body. The connector assembly is also attached to a caster cap, such that the caster cap is attached to the caster body.

Abstract: A wheel mechanism for controlling turning of the front wheel of a stroller includes a vertical axle and a latch mechanism. The upper end of the vertical axle is pivotally connected to the frame of the stroller. The lower end of the vertical axle is fixed to a horizontal axle of the wheel. The latch is movably mounted along the vertical axle and the frame and selectively moved between a released position and a locked position. When in the released position, the wheel can freely turn around the vertical axle. When in the locked position, the wheel cannot turn on the vertical axle but only rotates with the horizontal axle in a certain direction.

Abstract: A removable handle and method for use including a grip having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end, a back end, a button orifice, a locking wire channel, and a pair of recesses disposed on the front end of the grip. A locking wire including a hook end is disposed in the locking wire channel and the hook end is configured to engage the cooking implement. A pair of support posts is disposed in the pair of recesses and the support posts include a pair of support post ends configured for insertion into the cooking implement. A button is disposed in the button orifice and is arranged and configured to deflect the hook end between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

Abstract: A door hinge mask completely protects a door hinge during painting, is reusable, can be used on a hanging door easily and allows movement of the door during the painting process. The device includes two portions used in combination; one portion for protecting the hinge plates and a portion for protecting the hinge cylinder. The hinge plate protector is made from a flexible material and removably attaches to the hinge plates using a magnetic material. The hinge cylinder protector is also made from a flexible material and removably attaches to the hinge cylinder using a magnetic material. The two portions used in combination completely protect the door hinge during painting.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive hinge system or mechanism that may apply to the front panel or door so as to obtain an easy access to the inside without making the mechanism much more complicated or expensive. The hinge mechanism for a front panel or door is hingedly connected to an enclosure (or cabinet case) and comprises an axis (or shaft) and an axis supporting member having an opening that supports the axis at a first position for door swinging, at a second position for holding the door in a certain state, and at an intermediate position for the axis moving with or without any turning.

Abstract: A hinge joining two rigid pieces. A first hinge joint protrudes from a first piece of rigid-plastic material, and has two surfaces. Each of the two surfaces of the first hinge joint has a hinge hole with a tubular shape. A second hinge joint protrudes from a second piece of rigid plastic material. The second hinge joint has a first hollow and a second hollow. The space between the first hollow and the second hollow define a gap length which approximately is equal to the hinge-joint length such that the first hinge joint fits between the near-end surfaces of the first hollow and the second hollow. Each of the near-end surfaces of the first hollow and the second hollow has a keyhole-shaped passage. The hinge pin passes, aligned, through the hinge hole of the first hinge joint, and the tubular central portion of each of the keyhole passages. The hinge pin hinges together the first piece and the second piece.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus capable of making a folder of a portable communications terminal to stop in any desired angular positions in accordance with an eye level of its user. The hinge apparatus includes a main body having a pair of hinge arms on opposite sides of its opposed end, a folder having its one end a center hinge arm, a hinge housing fixed to the cavity of the center hinge arm, a hinge shaft having an extension part and a sliding peak disposed opposed to the extension part, a hinge cam having a slot for engaging the sliding peak of the hinge shaft. The hinge cam rotates together with the hinge housing. A hinge spring is disposed between the other end of the hinge housing and one end of the hinge cam.

Abstract: Machines for ultra-rapidly conditioning cotton fiber. In one embodiment, a machine includes a conditioning chamber for receiving cotton fiber formed into a sheet-like body. The conditioning chamber is defined on one side by an impervious plate and on an opposite side by a perforated plate. The sheet-like body of cotton fiber is pressed between the impervious and perforated plates. An air conditioner is connected for driving a conditioned gas flow through the perforations and then laterally through the sheet-like body of cotton fiber. In another embodiment, a conditioning chamber is defined on one side by an impervious plate and on an opposite side by a distribution plate having a series of alternating passages connected for respectively delivering gas flow to the cotton and for allowing gas flow to exit from the cotton. As a result, relatively short path lengths are achieved. An air conditioner is connected for driving a conditioned gas flow through the passages for delivering gas flow.

Abstract: A closure is made up of a strap (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) and a holder (130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630) that engages with the strap while it tightens and loosens, and a retainer (170, 270, 370, 470, 570, 670), which retains the holder in one of the two positions relative to the strap. For items opening lengthwise (e.g., sneakers), the closure includes a lace (795). To unlock the closure, the user moves the holder to the unlocked position. To lock the closure, the user pulls the strap, which automatically moves the closure back to the locked position. The strap has two sets of teeth (112, 114, 212, 214, 312, 314, 412, 414, 512, 514, 612, 614). One set (112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612), the switching teeth, automatically moves the holder from the unlocked position to the locked position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cuff link for attaching to a shirtsleeve. The cuff link includes a holder and at least one insert member. The insert member is relesably retained in the holder by a pivotal latch member of the holder. The insert member can include an insert of various materials such as gems or precious metals.

Abstract: A shoulder mounted cord retaining clip including a shoulder pad portion positionable on a shoulder of a user. The shoulder pad portion has a forward end and a rearward end. A forward length of line adjustably extends outwardly of the forward end of the shoulder pad portion for attaching to a segment of the cord of the electrical appliance. A rearward length of line adjustably extends outwardly of the rearward end of the shoulder pad portion for attaching to a segment of the cord of the electrical appliance.

Abstract: A magnetic snapping member includes a magnet which is received in a hole in a plate. A top layer and a bottom layer respective seal the hole in the plate and the magnet is enclosed between the top layer and the bottom layer.

Abstract: A zipper slide for invisible zipper is constructed to include a slide base, a hook plate, a spring element, a locating plate, and a pull tab, the slide base having a longitudinally extended partition block and a recessed receiving chamber in the partition block, the recessed receiving chamber having a hook hole, a first receiving space, a second receiving space and a retaining portion for the positioning of the hook plate and the spring element, the pull tab being coupled to the hook plate by a coupling ring, the slide base, the hook plate, the spring element and the connecting plate being fully automatically fastened together by an automatic stamping machine.

Abstract: A zipper slide for invisible zipper is constructed to include a slide base, a hook plate, a spring element, a locating plate, and a pull tab, the hook plate being secured to the slide base at a top side, the hook plate having a hook tip hooked up with a coupling ring at one end of the pull tab, the spring plate being pressed on the hook plate, the slide base, the hook plate, the spring element and the connecting plate being fully automatically fastened together by an automatic stamping machine.

Abstract: For securing a fitting to any point of an extruded section by a clamping device, the extruded section has two spaced apart parallel webs between which a holding part of the fitting can be inserted which is supported on the edge faces of the webs facing one another. The holding part has support flanges which can contact the outer sides of the webs. The holding part is provided with at least one bore in which a pin carrying the clamping element is rotatably held such that as a result of its turning the clamping element engages at the inner sides of the webs and tensions the support flanges against the outer sides of the webs.

Abstract: A clip device includes a first board with a T-shaped connection plate extending from a first surface thereof. The T-shaped connection plate includes a first plate extending vertically from the first surface of the first board and a second plate is connected on a top edge of the first plate. A second board has a groove defined in a first surface thereof and two receiving spaces are defined in the groove. The second plate is engaged with one of the two receiving spaces of the groove. Two flaps of a box are received in two sides of the clip device.

Abstract: Methods of making slide-zippered reclosable packages are provided. In one embodiment, a pair of opposing film extensions are provided on each package between which a zipper and slider are attached. In another embodiment, sliders are inserted on to zippered packages output from a form-fill-seal machine or the like. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and then a slider is inserted on to the zipper. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and a slider is inserted on to each zipper, either before or after zipper sealing.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle is provided which can prevent ejection of a tongue plate caused by so-called reverse G without increasing release force for releasing a lock state. The seat belt buckle comprises a latch including a latch swinging end portion, a lock member including a lock swinging end portion, which is made to swing between a lock position, at which at the time of latching, the lock swinging end portion swings on the latch swinging end portion and engage to stop the latch swinging end portion in a state of pressing the latch swinging end portion toward engagement holes of a tongue plate and a base while pressing the same in a tongue plate insertion direction, thereby locking the latching, and a lock release position, a lock operation end portion for releasing the locking and a weight portion formed at the side of the lock swinging end portion.

Abstract: An attachment assembly and method for attaching closed loops of lanyards to dust covers. The attachment assembly and method eliminate the need for tools and enable plastic and other materials to be used in the construction of the lanyard. In one embodiment, the attachment assembly includes a groove and a flange with a slot in it. A closed loop can be attached to the dust cover using this attachment assembly by placing a section of the closed loop in the slot and then rotating the dust cover relative to the closed loop.

Abstract: A shoelace protection device includes a first part fixed on one flap of a shoe and a second part fixed on the other flap of the shoe. A first engaging member is connected to the first part and a second engaging member is connected to a second end of the second part. The first part is overlapped on the second part to cover shoelace therebeneath, and the first engaging member is engaged with the second engaging member.

Abstract: A hinge joining two rigid pieces. A first hinge joint protrudes from a first piece of rigid-plastic material, and has two surfaces. Each of the two surfaces of the first hinge joint has a hinge hole with a tubular shape. A second hinge joint protrudes from a second piece of rigid plastic material. The second hinge joint has a first hollow and a second hollow. The space between the first hollow and the second hollow define a gap length which approximately is equal to the hinge-joint length such that the first hinge joint fits between the near-end surfaces of the first hollow and the second hollow. Each of the near-end surfaces of the first hollow and the second hollow has a keyhole-shaped passage. The hinge pin passes, aligned, through the hinge hole of the first hinge joint, and the tubular central portion of each of the keyhole passages. The hinge pin hinges together the first piece and the second piece.

Abstract: A pipe sealing structure for forming a thermal pipe is formed by steps of performing a reduced cross sectional area less than the cross sectional area of the opening thereof to form an extended region, clamping a portion of the extruded region into a collapsed portion, cutting the outer end of the collapsed portion, and peforming a spot welding on the cut outer end of the collapsed portion. Furthermore, additional steps including selectively determining a predetermined length of the thermal pipe, forming a reduced size portion of the pipe at the predetermined length are added to the manufacturing procedure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vacuum chamber comprises the steps of: preparing a first plate material to be a wall portion of the vacuum chamber more than twice a height of a wall portion of the vacuum chamber, forming joints at side portions of the first plate material, welding the joints together by electron beam welding to form a tubular wall, and dividing the tubular wall by cutting into a plurality of tubular wall parts. The tubular wall part is connected with a second material to be a bottom portion of the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A photographic film cassette manufacturing apparatus, has a perforator for providing a long film with perforations and a cutter for cutting the long film into individual filmstrips to be contained in the film cassette driven synchronously with transport of the long film. A magnetic recording head for recording data on a magnetic recording layer of the long film is driven in synchronism with the perforator and the cutter. The long film is transported in a first direction before being cut into the individual filmstrips. In cooperation with the cutting, a trailing end of the individual filmstrip in the first direction is moved in a direction which is reverse to the first direction to secure the trailing end to the spool. A cassette shell consisting of a pair of shell halves is temporarily assembled by mating the shell halves together while containing a spool inside the shell halves, and thereafter opened to an extent that confining elements still confine the position of flanges of the spool.

Abstract: A separator tool specifically designed for pressure fitted bearings, sprockets, pulleys and flanges is disclosed. The separator tool is threaded and presents a ball bearing on one end and a means to rotate the tool on another end. The ball bearing is held in place by a magnet to permit ease of rotation without loss of such ball bearing. Rotating means can be a conventional hexagonal bolt head.

Abstract: A device for decoupling an inner part and an outer part of a constant velocity joint from each other has a fastening element for gripping the inner part, an annular part placed in the end of the outer part of the joint and a nut that fits to the thread in the end of the outer part, which nut is wider than the hole in the annular part and the parts can be decoupled in a simple and safe way and without breaking the parts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting syringes containing radioactive material. The apparatus includes a radiopharmaceutical pig having an inner chamber in which a sharps container can be secured. The sharps container has a housing and an attachable cap. The method includes assembling the radiopharmaceutical pig so that the chamber of the radiopharmaceutical pig contains the syringe in the sharps container housing. The radiopharmaceutical pig is disassembled, where upon the syringe is removed, discharged, and then replaced in the sharps container housing. The cap of the sharps container is affixed to the housing of the sharps container, thus enclosing the contaminated syringe therein. The radiopharmaceutical pig is assembled so that its chamber contains the sharps container and the syringe. The radiopharmaceutical pig is transported to a disposal area, where it is disassembled and the sharps container containing the syringe is placed in a particular disposal container.

Abstract: An apparatus which reduces the surface area with which a carrier film adheres to a die, including a plate member including laterally spaced supports. Preferably, the apparatus also includes a vacuum source operatively connected to the plate member. Upon placement of a carrier film having an array of semiconductor dice adhered thereto onto the plate member, the dice are proximate the supports. The vacuum pulls air from the spaces between the supports, which partially releases the carrier film from the bottom surface of at least some of the dice. The apparatus may also include a die removal mechanism such as a vacuum collet type die pick-up mechanism, an extendable member die plunge-up mechanism, or a combination thereof. The present invention also includes a method for reducing the surface area with which a carrier film adheres to a die to facilitate removal thereof.

Abstract: A transportation container comprises: a container body for housing a plurality of semiconductor wafers; a detachable lid adapted to engage in and cover an open front face of the container body via a seal gasket; and a locking mechanism adapted to fix the lid engaged into the open front face of the container body. The locking mechanism has a pair of protrusions formed at the opposing sides of a rim of the open end face of the container body. The locking mechanism also has a pair of clamp plates which are pivotally supported on the opposing sides of the lid to clamp the protrusions. Each protrusion has, on the back thereof, a groove with a semi-circular cross-section to be clamped. Each clamp plate has attachment shafts for the lid formed in one end of the clamp plate. The clamp plate also has operated parts for automatized operation formed in the other end of the clamp plate. The operated part has a Y-shape in cross-section.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for setting grommets around the perimeter of a tarp. The apparatus includes a feed reel from which a rolled tarp may be unwound; a table, across which a said tarp may be drawn; a take-up reel, onto which a said tarp may be rolled; and a grommet setter positioned relative to said table to permit an operator to set grommets on a said tarp as said tarp is drawn across said table. The apparatus also relates to a method of setting grommets around the perimeter of a tarp.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a covered endoprosthesis employs a conformed polymeric coating about an expandable stent. The expandable stent has an open tubular construction. A first polymeric liner is positioned about an inner surface of the tubular stent and a second polymeric liner is positioned about an outer surface of the tubular stent. The first and second polymeric liners are conformed to the tubular stent and laminated together through the open construction of the stent at a location coextensive with the inner surface of the tubular stent.

Abstract: A disc drive disc stack assembly and a method for forming the disc stack assembly to reduce servo pattern runout. The disc stack assembly includes a number of prewritten discs having a servo pattern and a disc alignment mark. The first step is to place a first disc about a spindle motor hub of the disc drive. The second step is to align a disc alignment mark of the first disc in relation to a direction of a biasing force. The third step is to apply the biasing force to the first disc to engage the first disc against the spindle motor hub. The fourth step is to repeat the first three steps for each remaining disc in the disc stack assembly. The final step is to clamp the prewritten discs with a disc clamp to secure the position of each prewritten disc relative to the spindle motor hub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spindle motor with a magnetic seal. A method and an apparatus are described for sealing spindle motors, preferably those used for disk storage units.

Abstract: A writing magnetic pole portion composed of a first magnetic film and a second magnetic film formed on the first magnetic film via a gap film is fabricated on a given wafer. Then, the writing magnetic pole portion is swung forward and backward around a rotation standard axis parallel to a center line of the writing magnetic pole portion in a direction parallel to a surface of the. Then, the writing magnetic pole portion is milled during the swing of the writing magnetic pole portion to define the width of the writing magnetic pole portion.

Abstract: A method for making a pressure actuated switching device includes applying a conductive coating to the release surface of a transfer substrate to form a conductive electrode film. The conductive film is brought into contact with a surface of a first substrate under conditions of heat and pressure sufficient to cause the conductive film to transfer from the release surface of the transfer substrate to the first surface of the first substrate. The first substrate is then positioned in juxtaposition with a second substrate having a conductive layer film of the first substrate. Also provided herein is a method for spring loading a terminal plug to the pressure actuated switching device.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method of producing electric cells which can improve the production yield, and for that purpose there is provided a method of producing an electric cell, wherein an acidic solution as an electrolytic solution and electrically conductive rubber as an exterior material are used, characterized in that sealing both of the positive electrode and the negative electrode piled via the separator with both of the gasket, through which the stainless needle is inserted, and the electrically conductive rubber, performing a vulcanization binding, after said vulcanization binding, forming a hole by pulling off the stainless needle from the gasket, injecting the electrolytic solution through said hole and sealing said hole; thus obtaining electric cells at high production yield.

Abstract: A DSX jack assembly removal system, including an apparatus and a method, which includes a jack mount structure with a front end, a rear end, an upper support and a lower support and a jack aperture, a jack adapted to be slidably mounted in the jack aperture defined between the top and bottom supports of the jack mount structure, the jack including a jack body which defines a plurality of plug apertures sized to receive plugs having tip and ring contacts, and a tool aperture in one of the jack mount structure and the jack body, the tool aperture being configured to allow a jack removal tool to be inserted between the jack mount structure and the jack, such that the jack removal tool may utilize the jack mount structure as a fulcrum in removing the jack from the jack mount structure. The tool may be a bantam jack plug, a screw driver or many other prods.

Abstract: A fixture to couple an integrated circuit to a circuit board is disclosed and claimed. The fixture includes a base member and a holder to retain the circuit board in a selected position relative to the base member. A clamp assembly is included to hold a package containing the integrated circuit in a predetermined position on the circuit board and to cause electrical contact between the integrated circuit and the circuit board.

Abstract: The component suction device includes a suction nozzle (10) for sucking and holding a component (20), a nozzle turning device (25) for holding the suction nozzle and turning the suction nozzle, and a nozzle up-and-down device (26) which is located upward of the nozzle turning device and which is connected to the suction nozzle to serve for moving up and down the suction nozzle along an axial direction of the suction nozzle.

Abstract: In processing a head unit in which a head relative height Y is Y′ with a grinding amount &Dgr;GD of &Dgr;GD′, the relationship between distances Bo between a vertex of a curved surface as a front face of a head chip and a head gap before and after grinding the front face of the head chip and a gap depth dimension GD, is predetermined with respect to a head unit in which the head relative height is substantially equal to Y′, through which Bo1 as the value of Bo before grinding corresponding to a target value of the value of Bo after grinding is determined and used as Bo1 of the head unit in which the head relative height Y is Y′. Thus, grinding of the front face of the head chip is conducted after Bo1 corresponding to the target value is determined. Hence, a head unit with the value of Bo after grinding falling within the range of standard values can be manufactured efficiently, and accordingly the yield can be improved.

Abstract: A gripper unit including a mounting bracket, a housing with a rotatable carrier and a height adjuster having a cylinder unit and guides, which are connected at the other end with the housing. The carrier is rotatable about a first axis by a first drive. Arranged at the carrier are a first gripper module with a first gripper and a second gripper module with a second gripper. The grippers can be spread apart or spread out by gripper drives. The second gripper module is rotatable about a second axis by a second drive. By this gripper unit, leads are brought together by rotary movements in order to be subsequently connected together in common with a contact by crimping technique.