Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive, the apparatus comprising a stator attachable to said top drive, and a supporting member for supporting a tool, wherein means are provided to allow substantially horizontal movement of said supporting member.

Abstract: A means and method for inserting drivers into a surgical stapling cartridge, including a pallet that holds the cartridge firmly. The pallet has a central slot and laterally positioned lip members that are biased toward the slot. The cartridge is positioned in the slot and the lip members are released to extend their lips over the lateral flanges on the cartridge, thereby holding the cartridge in position. A finger extends into a recess formed at one end of the cartridge, thereby positively positioning the cartridge in the slot. The cartridge is released for removal by a tongue inserted between the lip members, thereby separating them by displacement.

Abstract: A tag apparatus and method includes a nail gun with a tag positioning device. The tag positioning device is connected to a nail gun safety probe. Flexible tags are held in a tag magazine. Upon depression of the safety probe, a tag is rotated from its storage position within the tag magazine into position in front of the nail gun. According to one embodiment a scanning device is connected to the tag apparatus for obtaining data from tags after they are attached to an object.

Abstract: A grate for a swimming pool structure is constructed by placing a multiple of grate bars in an elevated position above the gutter which is parallel to the pools edge including any curvatures. The grate bars follow the curvatures of the pool's edge. When in the elevated position, the multiple of parallel grate bars are clamped together and a hole is drilled through all of the parallel grate bars. A retaining bolt is placed through all of the grate bars including the curvatures of the pools'edge and the bolts are fastened therein. There after, the assembled unit of grate bars is lowered into the gutter to be even with the surface of the deck and the water surface.

Abstract: A tool for forming a high strength reinforcing bar coupling driving self-locking wedge sleeves over each end of a contractible jaw assembly bridging the abutting ends of the bar to be joined. The sleeves are seated in collars engaged by the distal ends of arms driven for closure by a piston-cylinder power unit and a cam on at least one arm. In one form the cam on one arm is engaged by a roller connected by a tension link to the other arm. In another form cams are provided on each arm driven by rollers fixed with respect to each other. The collars include self-releasing collets seating the sleeves. The tool has other uses such as bar shearing or forming.

Abstract: An improved unloading apparatus for a plate-like workpiece cutting machine includes a platform, a faceplate, a lift device, and an intermediate member. The platform is provided with a channel recessed downwards from a top side thereof. The faceplate is mounted on the top side of the platform to seal the channel for putting to-be-machined plate-like workpieces thereon and is provided with a plurality of through holes. The lift device is mounted below the faceplate and includes a power unit and a supporting member, which can be driven to be lifted and lowered by the power unit. The intermediate member is disposed with a plurality of locating columns corresponding in locations to the through holes of the faceplate and is mounted on a top side of the supporting member.

Abstract: The bump ball crimping apparatus of the present invention is characterized in comprising an alignment plate 31 for aligning bump balls; a crimping table 32 on which the wafer to which bump balls are to be crimped is mounted; a crimping plate 42 that crimps the bump balls onto the bonding pads of the wafer; a Y-axis moving mechanism 35 that can move the alignment plate 31 in the Y direction and can fasten it at a predetermined position; an X-axis moving mechanism that can move the alignment plate 31 in the X direction and can fasten it at a predetermined position; and a second Y-axis moving mechanism 37 that can move the crimping table 32 in the Y direction and can fasten it at a predetermined position.

Abstract: In a method of constructing a rail track on a concrete slab, the concrete slab is poured around anchor members for fixing tie plates supporting the rails of the rail track. The method includes the following steps: suspending the rails premounted on their tie plates above the location at which the concrete slab is to be poured, each tie plate including a base under which is disposed a temporary tie plate for accurately guiding the anchor members, adjusting the position of the rails, pouring the concrete slab up to the height of the temporary tie plates, raising the rails and removing the temporary tie plates, and accurately positioning the rails premounted on their tie plates on the concrete slab in their final position and fixing the tie plates to the anchor members.

Abstract: A panel-securing system for various vehicle types is provided, in which various clamps and fingers for different panel shapes may be selected for operation by a single cylinder, the amount of space utilized to install the system is minimized, and parts used in the system are simplified. The panel-securing system for use in a production line for various vehicle types comprises a controller having stored therein panel information for various vehicle types, the controller generating and outputting a locator-selection control signal and a panel-securing control signal corresponding to panel information of the correct vehicle type; a first actuator for selecting a locator corresponding to the locator-selection control signal output by the controller; a second actuator for driving a locator corresponding to the panel-securing control signal output by the controller; and a panel-securing assembly including a plurality of locators, which correspond to panels of the various vehicle types.

Abstract: Methods for making trellis support structures for use in supporting vine borne crops are disclosed. The support structure includes a metallic support member that is bent into a modified U-shape and attached to a metallic cross arm using a process that produces consistent results. The combination of the U-shaped member and cross arm is then attached to a vertical support post at two different locations: one attachment at the center of the U-shaped member, and the other attachment at the center of the cross arm in an axial alignment with the support post. The structure is extremely strong, capable of supporting considerable weight, not likely to shift, and less prone to failure from fatigue. The support structure is produced by first bending the central section of a metallic support member into a U-shape, placing the bent member on a specially designed adjustable jig, and attaching a cross arm.

Abstract: A machine and a method for assembling a vehicle body is disclosed as including a locating pin (26) formed with a seating flange portion (35) having a work seating surface (35a) and a clamp arm (39) contained in the locating pin to be operable in a clamping or unclamping movement responsive to an extrusion and retraction of a clamp cylinder (34). A detection pin (47) is mounted for an extruding and extracting movement from the work seating surface (35a), with the detection pin (47), a shaft (44) ad a proximity switch (48) forming a work seating detection mechanism (49). A mutual engagement between the locating pin (26) and a locating bore (R) allows a panel W3 to be positioned, simultaneously detecting the presence of seating of the panel W3 responsive to a movement of the detection pin (47).

Abstract: A process for aligning an optical component by plastic deformation comprises finding a desired position of an optical axis of the optical component relative to a rest position of the optical axis of the optical component. Then, a deformation force is exerted, which is greater than a yield force of the optical component to thereby plastically deform the optical component in a direction of the desired position. The alignment process addresses mechanical compliance in the alignment system and/or optical system during the plastic deformation of optical components of the optical system. This mechanical compliance arises from the fact that there is typically flexing in the alignment system between the encoders and the part of the alignment system that actually engages the optical component.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a test model of a gas turbine engine combustor dome, and the test model produced thereby. The method entails individually stamping a plurality of dome wall segments and first and second mounting band segments. Each wall segment comprises at least one cup between radially inward and outward edges of the wall segment, and an opening in the cup. At least one wall segment and its two corresponding mounting band segments are placed on a fixture that locates the opening of the wall segment, locates the first and second mounting band segments at the radially-inward and outward edges of the wall segment, and orients the wall segment to establish a dome angle of the fixtured dome assembly. The wall segment and mounting band segments are then joined while the fixtured dome assembly remains on the fixture to form at least a unitary sector of the test model.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of lattice fins for fluid-born bodies is provided. In one embodiment, lattice fins having a metallic cell structure are manufactured from strips or sheets of metal. In another embodiment, composite lattice fins are manufactured from a log assembly of elongated mandrels covered with a fiber reinforced composite material. After curing, individual fins are sliced from the log assembly. Upon removal of the mandrels, a cell structure is obtained. Combinations of the two embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A hinge that has a first mounting base for attachment to a first hinged object. The hinge also has first and second hinge members pivotally connected together. The first hinge member and the first base are configured and dimensioned for cooperatively positioning and aligning the first hinge member in a plurality of mounted positions along the base length. At least one first locking member is associated with the first hinge member and the first base for locking the first hinge member to the first base in one of the mounted positions. The hinge may also be segmented. A positioning tool may be connected to at least the first base with an attachment portion and configured for positioning the first base and attachment portion on a first hinged object at a predetermined distance from the second hinge member.

Abstract: A method for locking the sprockets or gears of a dual overhead camshaft engine in a fixed position includes two spaced bars with studs for engaging against the inside rim of the sprockets and a means for adjusting the spacing of the bars to frictionally maintain the sprockets in a locked position against the inside rims.

Abstract: Positions of attachment of door-side hinge arms (2) of doors (Df, Dr) are previously determined. At a temporary door-fixing step (b, c) before coating, positions of hinge positioning and retaining means (30fa, 30fb; 30ra, 30rb) of a door hinge-assembling jig (J) set at a predetermined position on an automobile body (B) are adjusted, while taking account of the correction of the ill-fitting such as an inclination of the door due to its own weight or the like to be generated when the door (Df, Dr) will be attached to the automobile body (B) at a final door-attaching step (g) after the coating, and body-side hinge arms (1) of door hinges (Hfa, Hfb; Hra, Hrb) retained on the hinge positioning and retaining means (30fa, 30fb; 30ra, 30rb) are attached to the automobile body (B). Thus, the final attachment of the doors can be conducted properly without correction of any ill-fitting of the door after equipping.

Abstract: A transport and assembly device for assembling a shaft seal, particularly one with a seal lip directed radially toward the inside, into a camshaft arrangement for an internal combustion engine is designed to simplify the assembly of the shaft seal. The device includes a first intake area for the shaft seal, a second intake area for a signal generator wheel, and an installation area for installation onto the camshaft arrangement during assembly.

Abstract: In an engine having a rocker member adapted to rock about an axis intermediate the rocker member and a pushrod extending from a lower body to an upper body and engaging an end of the rocker member, a gasket for sealing the lower body to the upper body is provided. The gasket includes a sealing portion adapted to substantially seal at least a portion of the upper body to the lower body, and a pushrod support portion extending outwardly from the sealing portion adapted to engage the pushrod. At least a portion of the pushrod support portion engaging the pushrod is constructed from a material that is softer than the material of the pushrod.

Abstract: A tool for reattaching a leader pin assembly to the data tape of a data tape cartridge utilizes a base that snaps onto the cartridge body. The tool opens the door of the cartridge and the loose leader tape inside the cartridge is laid in an alignment channel. A leader pin is inserted into a set of receptacles over the tape, and a clip is inserted into a pocket within an arm on the tool. The tape is then folded and pulled down over the leader pin and held in the alignment channel with a finger of the user. The arm of the tool, which retains the clip, is then pivoted from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The clip snaps over a center section of the leader pin and the folded tape to form a leader pin assembly, thereby securing the tape in the leader pin assembly.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ink jet head having a substrate that has a plurality of energy generating elements used for generating energy that in turn is used to discharge ink. The substrate has recessed portions separating the energy generating elements, and a wall member is provided having depending flow passage walls which are joined respectively to the recessed portions. The energy generating elements act on the ink and discharge it through the flow passages.

Abstract: An ignition coil cassette having bushings retained by an irregularity of the bushings being encased by epoxy. As a result, the process by which the bushings are installed into the ignition coil cassette avoids the cost associated with the overmolding installation process, and further avoids the potential for damage associated with the ultrasonic insertion process. The irregularity is located generally adjacent one end of each of the bushings and may be, for example, in the form of an undercut or a protrusion.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a heat exchanger includes processes of: arranging tubes at a predetermined pitch on a set base; inserting fins into spaces each defined between the tubes; compressing the tubes and the fins in the direction of arrangement thereof; mounting hollow headers to longitudinal ends of the tubes, each header having slits engaged with a corresponding end of the tubes; and attaching end covers to both ends of the headers, each cover closing holes which open at the corresponding end of the headers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deploying assemblies, for example, for surveillance equipment, in which a single remotely-operated carriage is used to position each assembly, in turn, on a respective upright support pole. The carriage can be moved away from the assembly when the assembly is located at a desired position on the support pole. Assemblies may, therefore, be deployed more cost effectively than by existing methods and apparatus, which require each assembly to be motorized.

Abstract: Tools and method for aligning a first polyhedral workpiece with a central axis and for joining the first workpiece with a second workpiece also aligned with the central axis. The aligning tool includes two sets of urging members offset from one another along the central axis of the first workpiece, each set including urging members biased to urge the first workpiece in a direction transverse to the central axis and opposite from the bias direction of the other set. The invention is useful for example in aligning and joining a rotatable prism to a rotor.

Abstract: A method of assembling a developing apparatus comprises, forming a recess in the outer circumference of a pair of holding members, fitting a first positioning pin of an adjustment jig into the recess without a clearance, after the fitting, fitting a concave support member on a second positioning pin without a clearance, and positioning and mounting them, after the fitting, separating the first and second positioning pins of the adjustment jig from the recess and the support member, after the separation, assembling a pair of holding members in one body with a predetermined interval, and after the assembly, mounting a plurality of developing rollers by fitting both ends of the center shaft into the recess of the pair of holding members and the concave support member, respectively.

Abstract: An improved fixture and method for assembling a structure, wherein the improved fixture comprises a frame and a pair of position compliance devices. The compliance devices are attached to a selected one of the ends of the fixture frame for engagement with the arms of a selected one of a headstock and a tailstock used to rotate the fixture and structure to be assembled. The compliance devices each comprise a slidable block having a locating pin rotatably mounted therein, which enables the fixture to be accurately and removably positioned between a headstock and a tailstock, serving to reduce unwanted stress on the fixture and the structure to be assembled during rotation. Removability of the fixture and structure to be assembled facilitates convenient loading/unloading of the structure and 360 degree access to the structure and fixture by an operator.

Abstract: A production system for manufacturing a workpiece comprises an index system including a plurality of index devices removably mounted on the workpiece at known longitudinally spaced locations therealong, and a longitudinally extending index member releasably engaged with at least two of the index devices such that a position and orientation of the index member are fixed relative to the workpiece by the index devices, the index member having position-indicating features distributed therealong. The production system further comprises a machine module mounted for longitudinal movement along the index member and operable to perform an operation, the machine module being operable to detect the position-indicating features on the index member and thereby determine a position of the machine module relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: A carrier alignment tool system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a tool and method of using the tool, which emulates the door of a substrate carrier having a removable door. The tool permits the alignment between a door opener mechanism and the load-port or other handler, on which a carrier is to be supported to be tested and corrected, until proper alignment is achieved prior to beginning substrate processing.

Abstract: A chopper for chopping continuous items like fiber, fiber strand, yarn, string, wire, tape or ribbon, etc. which enters the chopper in unwound form at a high linear speed is disclosed having improvements and permit the chopper to tilt to change the angle of discharge of the chopped items(s). Also disclosed is a fast acting roll retainer and a chopper having the fast acting roll retainer that permits a backup roll and a blade roll to be removed and replaced in a faster and lesser damaging manner. Methods of chopping and changing rolls on an apparatus using the disclosed apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A compensating device assembly and method for tolerating mis-alignment of a machine mounting on linear guides supported by a moving axis is disclosed. The compensating device includes a plurality of mounting blocks wherein the blocks include at least one datum block and at least three non datum blocks each attached to a support structure wherein the non datum blocks have error alignment element. The alignment element is provided by slots therein and sliding friction therebetween for errors in alignment between the blocks can be accommodated to thereby reduce the loads induced in the guides from misalignment.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for assembling individual body components of a body-in-white vehicle with respect to one another to form a unitary vehicle body including a framing workstation for receiving and positionally locating an underbody member of the vehicle, and for receiving and positionally locating at least one upper body member of the vehicle with respect to the underbody member. The framing workstation establishing a predetermined geometry of the individual body components, while forming the unitary vehicle body. At least one self-piercing rivet tool for securing the at least one upper body member of the vehicle to the underbody member of the vehicle to form and maintain the predetermined geometry of the unitary vehicle body with self-piercing rivets.

Abstract: Temperature related changes in dimension in a column system, having at least one separating column, a column vessel and a coldbox with coldbox casing, can be compensated for by providing for axial and/or radial movement. The column vessel is connected to the coldbox casing slidably in the axial and/or radial direction by means of radial, rigid connecting members (3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d).

Abstract: A hardened metal part is created having a pair of opposite faces and a dimple open at one of the faces and forming a pocket. This hardened metal part is installed in a motor vehicle over an element of the vehicle with the one face turned toward and the dimple aligned with a specific region of the element. Then at a later date when the region needs to be accessed, the dimple is ground off so as to form the pocket into a throughgoing hole and thereby expose the region through the hole so that a tool can act on the region through the hole.

Abstract: A method and kit for retrofitting an inertia reel door onto the seat back of a pre-constructed ejection seat. The method includes removing existing rivets from the seat back exposing rivet holes. Alignment holes are then drilled into the seat back. An aperture is cut into the seat back along flanges of an upper support bracket and a drogue chute bracket. A doubler is aligned with the rivet holes and alignment holes in the seat back and then attached to the seat back. A track is attached to a wall of the aperture and an inertia reel is mounted to the track. An inertia reel door is attached to the doubler.

Abstract: An assembly for aligning a component, comprising an alignment guide positioned on a first device and at least one attachment point on the first device. The component is included in a second device, and the component is aligned by the alignment guide as the second device is attached to the first device. A flexible portion of material can be attached to the component and positioned over the mounting structures. The alignment guides retain the flexible portion of material with respect to the mounting structures as the second device is attached to the first device, thereby aligning the component in three dimensions.

Abstract: In an apparatus for corking bottles, the corks are fed in succession within the cavities of a plurality of vice-like devices, which are driven in rotation by a carousel device and which are designed to be radially compressed by the vice-like devices before their insertion into the respective bottles. The cavity of the vice-like device that each time comes to occupy the position for receiving the cork is set in communication with a negative-pressure source, which sucks the cork downwards, causing it to drop into the cavity, and maintains it in the correct vertical position. Preferably, a similar suction device is provided at the outlet end of feed channel for feeding the corks, which brings the corks to a loading station. A transfer wheel with a vertical axis transfers the corks in succession from the loading station to the starting station of the corking apparatus, where the corks are received within the respective vice-like devices.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for inserting a so-called inserted workpiece (100) into a receiving workpiece (200) comprising a reception zone (210) therefor by means of a machine-tool whereon is installed an inserting device (D) including receiving means and positioning means (420). The invention is characterized in that it consists in causing the end of the inserting device (D) to penetrate into the reception zone (210) and urged to be supported on the receiving workpiece (200) so as to form a vise whereof the actuation of the jaws formed by the support point (410) on said receiving workpiece (200) and by the receiving means and positioning means (420) of the insertion workpiece (100), brings the insertion workpiece (100), installed on the inserting device (D), towards the reception zone (210) of said receiving workpiece (200) and inserts it therein. The invention also concerns the device for implementing said method. The invention is useful for inserting workpieces from a machine-tool.

Abstract: In the process, doors are used in which a framework and an outer covering panel are constituted by two separated members, provided with reciprocal fixing means arranged in positions such as not to be visible from the outside of the finished motor vehicle. The painting of a body lacking the doors and the painting of the outer covering panels is executed. The fittings are installed on the framework of each door lacking the outer covering panel. Once the fittings are installed, each door framework lacking the outer covering panel is installed in the respective opening of the body. Finally, the respective outer covering panel is applied and fixed to the framework of each installed door.

Abstract: An automatic collimator manufacturing apparatus includes a loading part being loaded a glass tube, into which a GRIN lens is fixedly inserted, and a pigtail formed with at least one fiber, an angle aligning part allowing the pigtail to be inserted into the glass tube and coaxially aligning the pigtail with the GRIN lens, a spot aligning part controlling an optical property between the pigtail and the GRIN lens, and a dispensing part fixedly attaching the pigtail to the glass tube.

Abstract: A method to manufacture a golf club head includes the steps of casting a head shell and welding a face plate on the head shell, polishing the golf club head, making transversal channels on the face plate, clamping the head on a vise, drilling, discharging sweeps and waste liquid from the golf club head, installing a shaft tube, polishing welded portions around the shaft tube, removing ears, and painting.

Abstract: A method for patterning different types of surface features on a semiconductor substrate (e.g. metal pads, etched pits and grooves) where the features are accurately located by a single mask. First, a dielectric layer is formed on the substrate. Next, an etch-resistant metal layer is formed on the dielectric and patterned according to a mask. Then, a patterned resist mask (e.g. PMMA) is formed on the patterned metal so that areas of the dielectric are exposed. The resist mask has edges that lie on top of the patterned metal layer. Therefore, the exposed dielectric areas are bounded by patterned metal. Then, the dielectric layer is etched using a directional dry etch to expose the underlying semiconductor substrate. Then, the semiconductor substrate is etched. The dielectric layer functions as a mask in the substrate etching step. Since the metal pattern determines the areas of the substrate that are etched, all the features are located according to the original mask that defined the metal pattern.

Abstract: A machine and a method for fabricating structural wood components, such as joist building components, is described. The machine comprises a component assembling jig for assembling pre-cut wood pieces at predetermined positions corresponding to a structural wood component design. Magnetic elements are adapted to position connector plates at predetermined locations in the machine. The assembled wood pieces of the jig are displaced to a transfer platform where they are clamped with the wood pieces positioned at interconnecting junctions. The transfer platform then displaces the assembled and held wood pieces to a position adjacent magnetic connector plate applicators whereby the plates are secured to the wood pieces at the interconnecting junctions to interconnect the wood pieces together to form an assembled structural component which is then displaced and discharged from the machine.

Abstract: A vehicle body (B) is lowered toward a frame (F) from above, and fixed to the frame (F) via a mount insulator (MI). Prior to fixing, a locating jig (1) is attached to the frame (F). A locating hole (E) is formed in the body (B). While lowering the body (B), the horizontal position of the body (B) is adjusted such that the locating jig (1) penetrates the locating hole (E). The body (B) is aligned accurately with the frame (F) when a predetermined state of engagement is reached between the locating jig (1) and locating hole (E). In this state, a fastening bolt (G) which is passed through the mount insulator (MI) is used to fix the body (B) to the frame (F), and thus the fastening bolt (G) can be tightened without applying an eccentric load on the mount insulator (MI).

Abstract: A robot control system is provided for facilitating coordination amongst various robotic machines. The robot control system includes a plurality of robot controllers, such that each robot controller having an associated motion system adapted to control at least one robotic machine and the associated motion system is adapted to receive motion control commands from more than one robot control program. The robot control system further includes a remote instruction source that supplies motion control commands to the robot controllers, and a mutual exclusion mechanism residing on either the remote program instruction source or one of the robot controllers, where the mutual exclusion mechanism prevents simultaneous access by more than one robot control program to a given robotic machine. In operation, motion control commands are propagated from the remote program instruction source over a computer network to a selected group of the robot controllers.

Abstract: A method for aligning a clutch assembly having a clutch shaft and a housing with a plurality of threaded first fasteners. The method includes the steps of attaching the clutch assembly to a driveshaft of an engine mounted on a support frame having a plurality of second threaded fasteners. The method includes the steps of mounting a support plate to the housing and support frame and extending the first fasteners and second fasteners through mounting holes. The method also includes the steps of deflecting the clutch shaft relative to the driveshaft and disposing spacers over the first fasteners and second fasteners adjacent the support plate. The method includes the steps of engaging the first fasteners and second fasteners with third fasteners to seat the spacers against the support plate and fixedly securing the spacers to the support plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a picture frame joint includes a support plate with a pair of fences mounted thereto. A pair of impact pins are slidably mounted through apertures in the support plate and are interconnected to one another via a cam linkage arrangement to enable the impact pins to be actuated simultaneously using one air cylinder. The pins are mounted on trucks that slide within respective brackets on the bottom surface of the support plate. Two mating picture frame members are loosely assembled with an impact sensitive connector therebetween. The pair of impact pins simultaneously impact the connector on its opposing ends to respectively secure the connector to the picture frame members thereby securing them together to form a completed picture frame corner joint.

Abstract: A method for installing an expandable stiffener includes providing an assembly including a first sidewall and a second sidewall connected at a leading and trailing edge such that a cavity is defined therebetween, forming an opening extending through the first sidewall and the second sidewall, inserting a first expandable sleeve through the assembly opening such that the sleeve extends between the first and second strut sidewalls, and coupling the sleeve to the first and second sidewalls.

Abstract: A blade handle mounting fixture (224) is disclosed. A wafer (130) is positioned on the fixture (224). This wafer (130) includes a plurality of cutting blades (56). Blade handles (24) may be mounted on each of the various cutting blades (56) while the wafer (130) is positioned on the fixture (224). Thereafter, the wafer (130) may be removed and transferred to a blade separation fixture (300). Here the blades (56), with handles (24) having been previously mounted thereon, are separated from the wafer (130).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus that proactively ensures alignment (parallelism) of the connectors on the circuit board during the solder assembly of the connectors to the circuit board. The apparatus includes an alignment fixture that has been specifically designed to ensure parallelism of straddle-mounted connectors during the solder reflow assembly process. The fixture has connector slots and a circuit board slot. The slots help to detect whether the connectors meet the X- and Y-axis alignment requirements after the insertion process (after the connectors have been placed onto the circuit board). That is, if the X- and Y-axis alignment specifications are met, the circuit board with its attached connectors can be completely fitted into the slots of the alignment fixture.