Abstract: A device for electrically connecting contact points of a test specimen (circuit board) to the electrical contact points of a testing device includes an adapter board having a plurality of contacts arranged on each side thereof. Cushion-like plugs made from an electrically conductive resilient material are provided on each of the contact points to equalize the height variations of the contact points of the test specimen. An adapter board is also provided made of a film-like material having inherent flexibility to equalize the height variations of the contact points of the test specimen. Furthermore, an adapter board is provided for cooperating with a grid made of an electrically insulated resilient material and having a plurality of plugs made from an electrically conductive resilient material extending therethrough.

Abstract: Light (19) is projected at an incidence angle (29) onto a plurality of leads (12, 13). The light (19) is simultaneously reflected from each of the plurality of leads (12, 13). The light that is simultaneously reflected (24, 26) from each lead (12, 13) is detected. A cotangent function of the incidence angle (29) is utilized to detect an amount of displacement (32) of at least one of the plurality of leads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a balance weight mounting apparatus for a tire wheel by which a balance weight can be automatically mounted on the tire wheel. A six-axes manipulator has a weight holder and hammer head provided at the distal end of the arm thereof. The weight holder and the hammer head can be moved by the operation of the manipulator to the location to which a balance weight is fed by a parts feeder and also can be moved within the plane perpendicular to the circumferential direction of a tire wheel supported by a tire wheel support unit. The balance weight of a predetermined weight fed by the parts feeder is gripped by the weight holder 32, abutted against that portion of the rim, on which this balance weight is to be mounted, of the tire wheel supported by the tire wheel support unit, and then mounted thereon by being driven by the hammer head.

Abstract: Device for the simultaneous positioning of a plurality of threaded connecting elements (1) carried by a supporting member (8) and intended for fastening a component (2) placed on an appliance (3), the component (2) having open-ended bores (5) for the passage of the threaded connecting elements (1), and the appliance having tapped holes (4) corresponding to the open-ended bores (5) and capable of receiving the threaded connecting elements (1), including provision for permanent checking and correction of the position of the axes of the threaded connecting elements (1) in relation to the axes of corresponding tapped holes (4), and of the horizontality of the supporting member (8), and a lifting beam.

Abstract: A cable making machine for making and electrically testing a cable assembly is disclosed. The machine includes a test circuit for effecting the electrical tests and a unique probe means for electrically connecting the test circuit to the contacts of the connectors being terminated to the cable. The probe means includes a plurality of relatively thin elongated metal probe members having a substantially rectangular cross section that slide in slots formed in an insulated block. Spring members bias the metal probe members toward the connector contacts. A cam, actuated by the ram of the machine causes the insulated block to move the metal robe members away from the connector contacts during the actual termination operation.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of determining the quality of a crimped electrical connection by collecting force and displacement data during the crimping cycle and comparing that data with data that represents standard crimped connections of known high quality. Of the collected data, selected portions are related to corresponding portions of the standard data and, if a deviation exists of more than a specific amount, a reject signal is generated and displayed to the machine operator. The standard data is continually updated to account for slowly changing environmental conditions that occur over a relatively long period of operation.

Abstract: A method of mounting an electronic component having a plurality of leads on a printed circuit board. The method includes the steps of roughly observing the position of an electronic component, held by a suction nozzle of a carrier turntable, by a camera constituting part of a recognition unit and determining the rough deviation of the observed position from a desired position, roughly correcting the relative position of the electronic component and the circuit board by relative movement of the circuit board and the suction nozzle in the X and Y directions of the circuit board and the direction .THETA.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically attaching end plates to the ends of a railroad tie. A web of material automatically is fed to a plate assembly position. A portion of the web of material is formed into an end plate at the plate assembly position. The formed end plate is removed from the web of material. The formed end plate then automatically is connected to one end of the railroad tie. The system also senses the size of the end of the railroad tie and the end plate formed at the plate assembly position automatically is sized to be about the same size as the sensed size of the end of the railroad tie.

Abstract: A crimping machine is disclosed for making a crimp connection of an electrical connector with an electrical conductor. A fixed tool receives the connector with crimpable prongs in a position for receiving the electrical conductor therebetween. A movable tool crimps the prongs against the conductor by a reciprocating stroke and a strain gage senses the force transmitted between the tools. A control device responds to a predetermined value of force for terminating the crimping stroke and measuring means measures the length of the crimping stroke. Indicating means indicates when the length of the stroke of the movable tool deviates from a predetermined stroke length as an indication of a defective crimp connection.

Abstract: A process apparatus for the manufacture of a permanent, tight pipe joint between a smooth pipe end and a press fitting surrounding it, includes the latter being pressed positively and non-positively onto the inserted pipe end by means of a pressing tool applied to it. The process is characterized by the fact that, after the application of the pressing tool, the pipe already inserted into the press fitting, or the press fitting pushed onto the end of the pipe, is exposed to an adjustable axial force by means of an apparatus located on the pressing tool, and the closing movement of the jaws for the pressing of the press fitting can only be triggered when this force has reached a value which is greater than a specified adjustable response level.

Abstract: A method for assembling exterior parts of a motorcar wherein assembling accuracy errors of a motor car body are determined by measuring positions of a plurality of reference points of said motorcar body. Correction data is calculated relating to respective assembling positions of plural kinds of the exterior parts which form an external shape of the motorcar, the calculation being performed on the basis of measured data obtained in the previous step, while maintaining a correlative relationship among said parts, to eliminate correlative misalignment among said parts due to the assembling accuracy errors of said motorcar body. Each of said parts is then assembled by respective assembling robots to respective assembling position which has been corrected in accordance with the calculated correction data.

Abstract: An apparatus for predicting twist out torque of a swage mount measures work done by a swage ram during a swaging operation. The apparatus includes a position sensor for sensing the position of the ram and a force sensor for sensing the force of the ram during the swaging operation. The apparatus gathers position and force information and calculates swaging work. Swaging work correlates with twist-out torque for a swage mount. Calculated swaging work is compared with a minimum acceptable swaging work value which is related to a minimum acceptable twist out torque level. If the swage work of a particular swage mount is below the minimum acceptable swage work level, an operator can reswage the mount and thereby strengthen the mount to avoid future failure due to rotation at the swage mount.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of determining the crimp height of an electrical terminal being crimped to a wire during the production crimping cycle. The method includes collecting a plurality of force and position data element pairs which are measured and sampled during the actual crimping operation. These data element pairs, representing the work curve of the operation and are analyzed to find the position of the ram when the crimping die set just disengages the terminal being crimped. The position of the ram at this point is then translated into the crimp height of the crimped connection. The analysis of the data element pairs includes a filter to remove inconsistent or extraneous data element pairs which could adversely affect the result by indicating an erroneous crimp height.

Abstract: In an image processor for detecting incomplete articles the image of a complete article is produced by a television camera so as to record the image, and the operator designates an area of the complete article that is considered to be essential in judging whether or not the subject of the inspection is complete while observing the reproduced image. Following this, the image of an inspection article is produced by another television camera. The video signals are binarized, and the number of the picture elements of the inspection article within the designated area is then counted. The inspection article is judged as being incomplete when this counted value fails to conform to the reference value obtained by statistically processing the number of the picture elements of the complete article.

Abstract: A semiautomatic machine for assembling components on a printed circuit board in which the components may have leads of different sizes, materials and diameters. The leads are automatically cut and bent in accordance with a predetermined program without stopping the operation of the assembly or restoring to manual adjustments.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting electronic components, having a head having a pick-up nozzle mounted thereon for rotation in a direction .THETA. around an axis perpendicular to a component held on the nozzle and along a path between the delivery means and an X-axis and Y-axis table means; a motor connected to the mounting head for rotating the nozzle in the direction .THETA.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining shim thicknesses used to position antifriction bearings on shafts located in recesses formed in a casing. The shafts, fitted with the bearings, are installed in the casing and located with compensating discs or shims. An apparatus plate of predetermined thickness is located between the flanges of two casing halves, split perpendicular to the shaft axis. An axial force measuring cell is fitted on the antifriction bearing and the two casing halves are clamped together with a predetermined load. Axial forces produced by the clamping action of the casing on the shafts are measured during operation and correlated with a predetermined, desired axial force by a computer. The optimum thickness of the compensating discs for the individual shafts is calculated from data supplied to the computer.

Abstract: A device for electrically connecting contact points of a test specimen (circuit board) to the electrical contact points of a testing device includes an adapter board having a plurality of contacts arranged on each side thereof. Cushion-like plugs made from an electrically conductive resilient material are provided on each of the contact points to equalize the height variations of the contact points of the test specimen. An adapter board is also provided made of a film-like material having inherent flexibility to equalize the height variations of the contact points of the test specimen. Furthermore, an adapter board is provided for cooperating with a grid made of an electrically insulated resilient material and having a plurality of plugs made from an electrically conductive resilient material extending therethrough.

Abstract: A method for operating a computer to control the manufacture process of zirconium tubes in a pilger mill operation, the computer including an electronic memory and being coupled to the pilger mill to receive, as input, data related to the operation of the mill. The method comprising, in one embodiment, the steps of storing in the computer memory respective test signals, each test signal corresponding to a signal obtained by inspecting a tube manufactured by the mill with a respective, known defective operation condition, inspecting a zirconium tube finished by the manufacture process and generating a signal representative of the physical dimensions and material configuration of the tube, comparing the generated representative signal of the zirconium tube with the stored test signals, alerting an operator if the generated representative signal of the zirconium tube correlates to a stored test signal, and identifying the defective operation condition which corresponds to the correlated stored test signal.

Abstract: An improved burn-in board cartridge for use in burn-in and testing of IC packages in an automated burn-in and test system is disclosed. The cartridge includes printed circuit cards mounted on a single or both side faces of the cartridge, thereby permitting IC packages to be mounted on either or both sides of the cartridge. The cartridge includes a sturdy frame holding in place the printed circuit cards and providing strength to reduce damage to the circuit cards. Attached to the frame are rails which are used to position the cartridge in various apparatus such as burn-in chambers. Cooling tubes and electrical components can be placed inside the two-sided cartridge, between the printed circuit cards. The burn-in chamber is divided into zones with each zone having a number of slots into which a burn-in board is placed. The chamber includes rotating air diverters positioned at each end of a zone which are capable of channeling the heated air within the chamber around any one zone.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process are provided for assessing the quality of crimped electrical terminations of a terminal to a wire. The apparatus includes a strain gauge incorporated into a crimp press for measuring the strain generated in the press during each crimping cycle. The strain gauge is operatively connected to a controller which generates appropriate signals in response to strain measurements that are not within an acceptable range. The crimp press may further be operative to selectively adjust the crimp height or the length of the crimp stroke. The adjustment may be operatively connected to the controller, such that the crimp press is self-adjustiong and accommodates the gradual wearing of the crimp tools.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for automatically mounting electronic components includes a take-out nozzle which is rotated by a nozzle rotating unit based on data on an angular position assumed by each chip-shaped electronic component firmly held on the take-out nozzle, in order to perform a correcting operation so as to allow the electronic component to assume an adequate angular position and, after completion of the correction operation, the respective electronic components are mounted on a printed-circuit board.

Abstract: An electronic component mounting apparatus wherein any unflatness value such as skew at each of predetermined points on the surface of a substrate supported at a component mounting position is measured by a non-contact type measuring instrument. Such unflatness value and a predetermined height of each electronic component to be mounted are calculated, and the descent stroke of each suction nozzle is adjusted in accordance with the result of such calculation in such a manner that the bottom face of the component is set exactly at the predetermined position on the substrate surface, thereby ensuring accurate mounting of the component on the substrate surface without causing any impact thereto to consequently attain proper attachment.

Abstract: An electronic parts mounting device roughly turns a mounting head to which an electronic part is sucked in multiple actions in a plurality of steps in accordance with the direction in which the electronic part is to be mounted. Then, the attitude of the electronic part is detected and the mounting head is precisely turned in accordance with the results of the detection so as to correct the attitude of the electronic part so that the electronic part can be accurately mounted on a printed circuit board.

Abstract: A machine automatically closes flip-top caps and tests their covers for proper opening and closing force. The machine has a pair of superimposed turntables separated by a wheel, the turntables and wheel turning as a unit about a common axis. The wheel has a plurality or pockets distributed around the periphery thereof to receive the open flip-flop caps after they are molded. The pockets are adjustable in size to accommodate caps of different diameters and heights. Cap gripping assemblies associated with each pocket firmly grip the cap to resist integral and vertical displacement of the cap. At least one and, in a preferred embodiment, both of the turntables have actuators positioned near each pocket on the wheel. Cams surround the turntables to raise and lower the actuators at selected locations. As the actuators raise and lower, the covers are flipped over to close the caps. Selected forces are applied through the actuators and corresponding cap opening fingers to reopen and reclose the covers.

Abstract: A method of assembling a steering assembly having a socket connected to a steering shaft via a steering joint which socket is to be serration-fitted to an input shaft of a gearbox which is mounted on a suspension assembly. The phase of the socket is measured at the time when a steering wheel is aligned in a neutral posture while the steering assembly is maintained in the same articulated condition as when the steering assembly is assembled to a car body and while the steering wheel is serration-fitted to the steering shaft of the steering assembly. The phase of the input shaft is adjusted such that the input shaft can be serration-fitted into the socket in the phase measured in the preceding step. The adjustment is performed by rotating the input shaft within an angular range corresponding to one half pitch of the serrations of the input shaft in either direction from a neutral posture in which the steering angles to the right and to the left are equal.

Abstract: A method of providing a pretested electric shift control apparatus for a motor vehicle including an operator input push-button unit for mounting in the instrument panel of the motor vehicle, a power unit for mounting on the transmission of the motor vehicle, and a logic unit for mounting on the motor vehicle in a position in which it is electrically interconnected between the push-button unit and the power unit and operates to transmit operator input signals from the push-button unit to the power unit to shift the transmission to the position corresponding to the operator input.

Abstract: A single purpose robot arm end effector having a ring shaped frame positioned around the periphery thereof with a plurality of extendable drivers mounted in the frame for movement between a nonfunctioning position and an operative position. Each of said drivers can be tooled up for unique or dedicated applications so that the arm will be performing many different functions during most of a manufacturing cycle, instead of only performing one function for a short period of time during the manufacturing cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling heat exchanger elements includes a pallet comprising a frame and a plurality of blocks slidably aligned on each side of the frame with opposed pairs of blocks slotted to receive pairs of plates dropped into the pallet. Lead screws driven by servomotors and engaging the blocks position the blocks at the loading station and control the block spacing (determined at each station by the screw pitch) to allow plate insertion or to allow insertion of fin elements between the plates. To quickly move the pallet into the station auxiliary lead screws connected to the main screws engage the blocks of the pallet outside the loading station to assert positive controlled advancement force on the pallet.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining present machining height during machining of a workpiece includes an analog resistive sensor, a discrete resistive sensor and a resistive integrity sensor. Analog sensor preferably has a plurality of resistive elements. Discrete sensor includes contact break points on resistive legs, each leg having a different resistive value to create a step-wise incremental change in resistance of discrete sensor as contacts are lapped away. Integrity sensor has resistive value in fixed relation to resistive value of discrete sensor such that ratio is indicative of integrity before machining. Invention enables use of electronic lapping guide with electrically conductive lap without shorting out. Discrete sensor value used to determine location of rear plane of analog sensor and analog sensor value used to confirm identity of break point as part of method for determining current lapping height.

Abstract: A cable loading machine for connecting a plurality of insulated conductors of a multiconductor cable to terminals of a connector one at a time, which includes a conductor separation unit (D) having a conductor separation assembly (3) with a conductor receptor (6) sufficiently large to receive separated conductors; a conductor pressure unit (L) for applying a pressure on the conductors in the conductor separation assembly in a direction from a conductor inlet (6a) to a conductor outlet (6b); a conductor separation member (14) having a row of teeth with conductor receiving channels (a) therebetween and laterally movable over the conductor outlet for inserting the conductors pushed out of the outlet into the conductor receiving channels one at a time and positioning the inserted conductors on an outlet side of the conductor receiving channels; a probe unit (E) having probing pins (25) for contact with the separated conductors to identify line pairs and line numbers; and a conductor push up unit (F) for pushing u

Abstract: The inductance value of air-core coils are adjusted using automated methods and inexpensive, noncomplicated apparatus. Adjusting tools are provided which displace coil turns in a linear motion with respect to the coil centerline. Specifically, the coil turns can be displaced by sliding perpendicularly to the coil centerline or by rotating a group of coils in order to modify the coil inductance. The adjusting tools used and the method of coil-turn displacement allow the automated method to reincrease the inductance of a coil in the event that displacement causes an over-decrease of inductance.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus for retaining rings has a tensioning arrangement which includes a measuring arrangement for determining the tension force on a retaining ring and a further measuring arrangement for determining the diameter of the retaining ring in the tensioned condition. An assembly arrangement is provided for receiving the tensioned retaining ring and inserting it in a corresponding annular groove. The correct seating can be tested by controlled movement of the assembly head.

Abstract: A parts assembling apparatus for assembling an electronic part onto a printed circuit board by inserting leg portions such as lead pins of the part into the assembling holes formed in the board comprises a movable arm, holding mechanism, force sensor and discrminating device. A part is held at a preset position by the holding mechanism which is vertically reciprocated by the movable arm to the part assembling position over the board. The reaction force from the board which acts on the holding mechanism is detected by the force sensor when the part is assembled. On the basis of the sensor output, the discriminating device determines whether the lead pins have been correctly inserted into the part assembling holes of the board or not.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a non-contact three-dimensional inspection of a surface-mount component prior to placement on a printed circuit board. Specifically, an arrangement to ensure acceptable alignment (i.e. coplanarity) of all component heads in the XZ or YZ plane, where XY is the plane of the component. The apparatus is embodied within a conventional pick and place machine and performs critical, in-process, lead coplanarity inspection.

Abstract: An electric wire harness assembly apparatus having a wiring board on which computer controlled lighted termination modules are mounted. The wiring surface includes wiring guides for indicating the configuration of the harness. The module is removable and is wired directly to the computerized control. An array of lights are mounted on each module to indicate to the assembler which assembly point in the harness connector is to receive the wire termination. In response to the assembly of a harness wire, a central control automatically scans the harness wires to test the harness.

Abstract: An improved burn-in board cartridge for use in burn-in and testing of IC packages in an automated burn-in and test system is disclosed. The cartridge includes printed circuit cards mounted on a single or both side faces of the cartridge, thereby permitting IC packages to be mounted on either or both sides of the cartridge. The cartridge includes a sturdy frame holding in place the printed circuit cards and providing strength to reduce damage to the circuit cards. Attached to the frame are rails which are used to position the cartridge in various apparatus such as burn-in chambers. Cooling tubes and electrical components can be placed inside the two-sided cartridge, between the printed circuit cards. The burn-in chamber is divided into zones with each zone having a number of slots into which a burn-in board is placed. The chamber includes rotating air diverters positioned at each end of a zone which are capable of channeling the heated air within the chamber around any one zone.

Abstract: An armature core subassembly and a commutator to be assembled thereon are each centered on a common axis and rotated relative to one another until a desired angular alignment is obtained between a side edge of a commutator bar and the armature core slots. This orientation is maintained while the commutator is advanced to and pressed onto the armature shaft. A commutator placing machine is described in which a tang-oriented commutator is loaded into the nosepiece of a ram assembly and the ram assembly is rotated by a stepper motor until an edge of a commutator bar is detected at a predetermined location by an optical edge detector. Prior machines for tang-orientation and orientation by insulating gaps between commutator bars are also described.

Abstract: An automatic wheel mounting apparatus provided with a robot for positioning a wheel on a hub of an automobile and for tightening nuts onto hub studs, which has a lifting device for lifting the hub in a direction to cancel the camber angle, a head positioned by the robot, and a measurement and positioning unit disposed on the head and having a hub center measuring device, a hub stud positioning device, and a hub inclination measuring device, whereby an inclination condition of the hub surface due to steering angle or the like is detected by the hub inclination measuring device to cause the measurement and positioning unit to confront the hub, the hub center is measured by the hub center measuring device to align the center of the measurement and positioning unit with the hub center, and then the hub is rotated by the hub stud positioning device to position the hub studs at predetermined positions.

Abstract: A test board is provided with a plurality of cavities that are covered by a film and arranged in a know pattern to coincide with the components to be inserted. The component lead is inserted through the film and into the cavities on the test board. The component lead is removed from the test board. The location of the resulting hole in the film is measured and compared to its intended target to determine the accuracy of the insertion equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the surface pore size in an externally enhanced evaporator tube. Basically, the apparatus includes a pressure housing and gage that are sealingly engagable around a portion of the surface of the enhanced tube, so that fluid pressure flows into the housing and then through the pores and subsurface channels on the tube and then to the outside of the housing. The pressure drop across the pores and subsurface channels of the tube relates to the size of the pores.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting the leads of an electronic part inserted into a printed board and simultaneously detecting the insertion of said leads and/or the characteristics of said electronic part, said apparatus comprising:a first blade means having an electrically conductive surface;a second cutting blade means positioned in a cooperating relation to the first cutting blade means so as to cut the lead, said blade means having a substrate made of an electrically non-conductive material, a blade edge provided at one end of the substrate, and at least one wear-resisting electrode coating secured to the substrate in the vicinity of the blade edge so that the electrode coating is electrically in communication with the first cutting blade means through the lead only at the time of the cutting of the lead, said coating being made of a metal having wear resistance or an electrically conductive ceramic; andmeans for electrically connecting said electrode coating to said first blade member and for detecting the inserti

Abstract: An apparatus for fitting proper sizes of balance weights to the inner and outer rims of a wheel at proper positions. The apparatus includes a wheel balance measuring station and a balance weight fitting station arranged side by side. In the balance weight measuring station, the wheel is measured to detect unbalance of the wheel so as to determine sizes of balance weights to be fitted to the rims and positions at which the balance weights are fitted. According to the determination, weight size signals and position signals are provided and sent to the balance weight fitting station.

Abstract: Method for the simultaneous manufacturing and testing of a cable harness assembly having one, or a plurality of spaced apart connectors, of the insulation displacement type, terminated to a planar multi-conductor cable. The system can be programmed to cut or shear the cable immediately after a test thereof fails to verify an appropriately terminated connector or continuity in the cable, or after the cable harness assembly length is reached. By such a system, a minimum of cable is lost to scrap due to the failed electrical testing thereof.

Abstract: A machine for driving and variable length cutting of the paper used in the armature of an electric motor rotor. The machine comprises a feed distance covered by the paper between shaping rollers, over which a pressure wheel is located which pushes the paper against a ledge and then slips. A paper cutting blade is inserted between the wheel and the ledge. Transfer devices located between the blade and the ledge transfer the cut paper to a bending fixture, which gives the paper the shape of the rotor slot. The paper is pushed into the rotor slot by inserting devices. The rotor is moved from the conveyor on which it is supplied to a suitable position to receive the paper. Locking elements connected to the ledge vary the length of the cut paper with respect to the height of the rotor slots where the paper is inserted.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the accurate and automatic determination of crimp height of a terminal being crimped onto a wire. The crimping apparatus includes a conventional crimping press having a reciprocating ram and base, each carrying a mating half of a crimping die set. A strain gage is arranged to measure crimping forces imposed on the terminal being crimped and a linear sensor measures the position of the ram during the crimping process. As the ram descends and the crimping begins, the force as indicated by the strain gage is monitored until it reaches a predetermined value. Monitoring continues until the force reaches substantially zero, at which time the position of the ram, as indicated by the linear sensor, is translated into crimp height.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting irregular coupling elements from continuously running slide fastener chains is essentially comprised of a light source including a light emitter and a light receptor, an optical fiber extending from the light source and having a leading end arranged to face a row of coupling elements along their rounded corners, and a comparator connected to the light source. The light emitter cooperates with the optical fiber in emitting light rays onto the coupling elements, and the light receptor receives via the optical fiber light rays reflected from the rounded corners and converts the reflected rays to electrical signals. The comparator successively compares the signals to the reference standard to detect irregular coupling elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring, automating and controlling the various operations performed on different products, e.g. the testing and/or repair of printed circuit boards, is presented. The apparatus includes one or more work stations and conveyor units to transport products and other components required to perform the operations on such products between such stations. The products are mounted in standardized carriers which facilitate intermixing different sizes and shapes of products without requiring adjustment to the conveyor units. The other components are adapted to also be transportable by the same conveyor units. The apparatus further includes buffering stages associated with each station for temporarily storing products and other components, and a distributed control system to facilitate the parallel processing of different types of products in accordance with a dynamic priority rating system and a preemptive scheduling technique.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring, automating and controlling the testing and/or repair of printed circuit boards is presented. The apparatus includes one or more test and/or repair stations and conveyor units to transport PCB's and other components required to test and/or repair such printed circuit boards between such stations. The printed circuit boards are mounted in standardized carriers which facilitate intermixing different sizes and shapes of boards without requiring adjustment of the conveyor units. The other components such as the fixture assemblies required to electrically access the printed circuit boards are adapted to also be transportable by the same conveyor units.

Abstract: A machine for driving and variable length cutting of the paper used in the armature of an electric motor rotor. The machine comprises a feed distance covered by the paper between shaping rollers, over which a pressure wheel is located which pushes the paper against a ledge and then slips. A paper cutting blade is inserted between the wheel and the ledge. Transfer devices located between the blade and the ledge transfer the cut paper to a bending fixture, which gives the paper the shape of the rotor slot. The paper is pushed into the rotor slot by inserting devices. The rotor is moved from the conveyor on which it is supplied to a suitable position to receive the paper. Locking elements connected to the ledge vary the length of the cut paper with respect to the height of the rotor slots where the paper is inserted.