Abstract: The present invention relates to a device used to read information from the EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) in motor vehicles. The device is an adapter (interface), installed detachable to the rear of the EIS, that reads information from an ignition switch of motor vehicles, using a pogo pin (a device used in electronics to establish connection between two printed circuit boards), and transfers the obtained information to devices like MBprog, SMOK, UPA programmer or XEP 100 programmer.

Abstract: A system includes a driver robot having a body with a pair of spaced apart flux conductors, and a follower robot having an articulated body with a pair of spaced apart magnets. The magnets are coupled to the flux conductors when the articulated body is in an engaged position. One of the magnets is decoupled from one of the flux conductors when the articulated body is in a flipping or stepping position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for inserting angle plates in transverse duct flanges. The apparatus is especially useful in inserting angle plates into transverse duct flanges of duct fittings. Packages for holding angle plates are also described.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved protective mat that includes a magnet at each end for temporally securing the mat to a pipe so that the mat remains in position during a welding process. The mat is flexible so as to conform to the curvature of the pipe and may be placed in any position preferable on the surface of the pipe. The positioned and secured mat prevents spatter from coming into contact with the external surface of the pipe lying under the positioned protective mat. The mat is preferably heat and fire resistant up to temperatures of about 1500° F. and may be a silicone-coated fiberglass mat. When the mat is not in use, the mat may be folded and the magnets may be used to secure the ends of the mat to one another.

Abstract: A component mounting system including mounting machines along a direction of conveying a circuit board; a feeder mount base in each of the mounting machines; a feeder removably mounted on the feeder mount base of each of the mounting machines; a mounting head in each of the mounting machines, the mounting head sucking a component supplied from the feeder for mounting on the circuit board; a moving mechanism in each of the mounting machines, the moving mechanism configured to removably mount and move the mounting head; an inspection camera unit configured to image an inspection target part of the circuit board; and an inspection image processing unit mounted, replaceably with the feeder, on the feeder mount base where the inspection camera unit is mounted, the inspection image processing unit processing an image signal output from the inspection camera unit to inspect the inspection target part.

Abstract: A translating radial compression and holding mechanism includes radially movable dies defining a cylindrical cavity with movable radius. Apparatus coupled to the dies for sequenced lateral movement of the dies in a first direction and an opposite direction, substantially parallel to the central cavity to convey the compressed article along the axis of the central cavity. A compliant tube with a central opening larger than an article to be held, a case surrounding the tube along the longitudinal axis, and a plurality of cylindrical bushings positioned between the outer case and the tube. Mechanism associated with the tube for compressing the tube along the longitudinal axis to reduce the diameter of the central opening for gripping a second article residing therein, and the cylindrical cavity of the dies being positioned in axial alignment with the central opening of the tube.

Abstract: A component-mounting apparatus and a component-positioning unit for positioning a component, having a simple structure with reduced manufacturing cost and a significantly higher component-mounting speed. The component-mounting apparatus includes a holding device that holds a component and moves horizontally and a positioning device having a sloped portion for positioning the component held by the holding device when the component comes into contact with the sloped portion. The positioning device comprises a first rotatable roller member having a sloped side surface with which the component comes into contact; and the horizontal movement speed of the holding device substantially agrees with the horizontal component of the peripheral velocity of the first roller member, with which the component comes into contact.

Abstract: A printed-board supporting apparatus includes a support pin that is attached to a pin-supporting table. An image of the support surface of the support pin is taken by a mark-image taking device, at a first position where a center of an image-take surface of the mark-image taking device is expected to coincide with a center of the support surface of the support pin. Another image of the support surface is taken at a second position where the center of the image-take surface is distant from the center of the support surface by a predetermined distance. At the second position, the image of the support surface is formed on the image-take surface at a position corresponding to the height of the support surface. Based on the position corresponding to the height of the support surface, the height of the support surface relative to the mark-image taking device is obtained.

Abstract: In a linear driving mechanism for electronic component mounting apparatus that performs mounting operation for mounting an electronic component on a substrate and linearly drives a transfer beam 8 in a Y direction using a linear motor, an object to be driven and the linear motor are disposed such that a position P of thrust generated by the linear motor for driving the transfer beam 8 in the Y direction approximately corresponds to a central position D1 of inertial resistance of the object to be driven comprising movable portions such as transfer beam 8, loading head 9, and transfer plate 12. Accordingly, twisting moment applied to the transfer beam 8 due to inertial force is eliminated in acceleration/deceleration, and loading position accuracy is ensured and a component life can be lengthened.

Abstract: An assembly for pre-stressing a canister within a magnetically coupled device having a housing body, a housing head and a canister connectable to the housing body, a pin and pin plate combination disposed between the housing head and the canister, and wherein the housing body, housing head, pin and pin plate combination and canister are adapted to cause the canister to stretch in a longitudinal direction when the housing head and canister are connected in sealing engagement with the housing body. A method of stretching a magnetic coupling canister also is disclosed.

Abstract: A driving anvil washer retaining apparatus (12) for a rivet gun (14) includes a magnetized element (21). The magnetized element (21) is coupled to the rivet gun (14) and retains an anvil washer (52) during installation of a rivet (82). A method of installing a rivet (82) includes inserting a stem (46) of a rivet assembly (80) into a rivet gun nose (22) having at least one magnetized portion (21). A rivet (82) of the rivet assembly (80) is inserted into at least one object. The stem (46) is removed from the rivet assembly (80). A driving anvil washer (52) is retained via the magnetized portion (21).

Abstract: A device for positioning and affixing magnets on a magnetic yoke member of an electric motor includes: a nonmagnetic support for receiving the magnets; a magnetic element for holding the magnets in position on the nonmagnetic support arranged on the other side of the nonmagnetic support with respect to the magnets, the attraction exerted by this element on the magnets greater than that exerted by the magnetic yoke member during positioning of the device with respect to the yoke; a device for varying the magnetic forces present, whereby the magnetic attraction of the magnetic yoke member and/or the magnetic element on the magnets may be varied such that the magnetic force of attraction exerted by the yoke on the magnets becomes greater than that exerted by the magnetic element on them, thus provoking transfer of the magnets to the yoke.

Abstract: An automated fabrication system is provided that utilizes electromagnetism to manipulate and/or sense the location of raw materials on a platform. Tools located around said platform may be utilized to fabricate a predetermined structure out of the raw materials. Tags that can be electromagnetically manipulated and sensed may be placed on passive raw materials. Structures fabricated from such a system may be, for example, a roof truss. Additionally, the fabrication system may be mobilized by way of a truck such that structures may be built on-site.

Abstract: An electronic component includes a semiconductor chip with a chip topside, an integrated circuit, and a chip backside. The chip backside includes a magnetic layer. The electronic component further includes a chip carrier with a magnetic layer on its carrier topside. At least one of the two magnetic layers is permanently magnetic such that the semiconductor chip is magnetically fixed on the chip carrier.

Abstract: The fastener to shaft insertion tool is disclosed which consists of a shaft holding member, a fastener insertion member, and force transmitting member. The fastener holding member facilitates the holding of the fastener and the application of forces to the fastener necessary for its proper insertion onto a shaft. Forces are provided to the fastener holding member by way of a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator. The fasteners are inserted adjacent a ring or gear being coupled to the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for safe and easy installation of wall-mounted electrical switches utilizing a multi-function tool. The tool is provided, in the form of an insulated handle that is detachably engaged with a wall switch. The wall switch device is temporarily attached to a switch fixture using one or more magnets. The tool further includes built-in electrical wire measuring, stripping and bending structures.

Abstract: A crimping mechanism installed in the two jaws of a telephone connector crimper and moved with the jaws relative to each other for crimping holding down blocks and metal conducting strips on a telephone line in a telephone connector is disclosed to include a holder member, which has a first holder chamber and a second holder chamber for accommodating telephone connectors of two different specifications, and a crimping member, which has pressure bars and crimping tips for crimping holding down blocks and metal conducting strips on a telephone line in a telephone connector set in the first holder chamber or second holder chamber of the holder member.

Abstract: A substantial apparatus width along a board carrying direction of an electronic component placing apparatus for placing electronic components on a board having a length L along the board carrying direction is a total dimension 4L+SL. Specifically, 4L denotes a length of the sum of the lengths of a first board retreat position, a first component placement position, a second board retreat position and a second component placement position. Further, SL denotes a length of the sum of the lengths of the spaces for positioning a board stop mechanism provided at each of the first board retreat position, the first component placement position, the second board retreat position and the second component placement position. Finally, the substantial apparatus width is between 450 mm and 1000 mm inclusively.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method for handling integrated circuit (IC) chips such as thin small outline package (TSOP) IC chips. Embodiments of the invention are directed toward removal of TSOPs from device under test (DUT) boards. By use of magnetic forces generated by the invention, in combination with physical manipulation of the DUT boards and transfer structures, IC chips are quickly and efficiently transferred.

Abstract: An optical component manipulation system has two opposed jaws, which can each be independently positioned relative to each other in a coordinate plane to thereby effect the desired positioning of optical components within the larger system. Z-axis rigidity is provided by air-bearings. Laser heating of the jaws is used for solder, or similar heat driven bonding, processes.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sub-harness comprises the steps of:

Abstract: An apparatus for installing rivets or other fasteners through a workpiece includes an automated machine disposed on one side of the workpiece and a hand-held tool that is manipulated by a single worker located on the opposite side of the workpiece. The automated machine includes an end effector supporting tools such as a drill and a riveter. The automated machine also includes a guide structure adapted to be releasably affixed to the workpiece, and a carriage that travels along the guide structure and supports the end effector so that the end effector can be positioned in various locations along the surface of the workpiece where fasteners are to be installed. The end effector includes an electromagnetic clamping device, and the hand-held tool includes a magnetic clamping block that is attracted by the clamping device to clamp the workpiece therebetween. The end effector generates a positioning signal and the hand-held tool includes a detector for detecting the positioning signal.

Abstract: There is provided a feeder device for a pick-and-place machine used to surface mount connectors on printed circuit boards. The feeder is designed for use with matrixes of connectors, such as pin headers. The feeders, with the proper conversion kits, can be configured to feed any type and/or size of the connector. Individual connectors are separated from the matrix by the feeder using a rotating clamping device. Preferably, the feeders are microprocessor controlled, use an edge conveyor to transport the strips to the pick point, and pneumatic cylinders to break each pin header from the strip.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for constructing a segmented annular permanent magnet from a predetermined number of previously magnetized segments of predetermined shape and size comprising a rotateable carrousel, at least two of a plurality of removable ferromagnetic segments, an introducing means and a removing means.

Abstract: A method of examining a position of at least one board-support pin which is positioned on a board-support base for supporting a printed-circuit board under a back surface thereof, the method including the steps of taking an image of the board-support pin, at a position opposed to a free end of the pin, judging whether the position of the board-support pin is appropriate, based on the taken image, and producing judgment information indicative of a result of the judgment.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing rivets or other fasteners through a workpiece includes an automated machine disposed on one side of the workpiece and a hand-held tool that is manipulated by a single worker located on the opposite side of the workpiece. The automated machine includes an end effector supporting tools such as a drill and a riveter. The automated machine also includes a guide structure adapted to be releasably affixed to the workpiece, and a carriage that travels along the guide structure and supports the end effector so that the end effector can be positioned in various locations along the surface of the workpiece where fasteners are to be installed. The end effector includes an electromagnetic clamping device, and the hand-held tool includes a magnetic clamping block that is attracted by the clamping device to clamp the workpiece therebetween. The end effector generates a positioning signal and the hand-held tool includes a detector for detecting the positioning signal.

Abstract: A bolt retaining device for a nutrunner which includes a socket having a longitudinal axis and being sized to fit the bolt, the device having an electromagnet positioned with respect to the socket to generate a magnetic field directed along the axis of the socket to hold the bolt in the socket when the field is present, and a controller connected to the electromagnet controlling the magnetic field. The bolt retaining device wherein the electromagnet is a coil co-axially mounted with respect to the socket. Each nutrunner can include a motor, a socket, and a shaft connecting the motor to the socket. One or more nutrunners can be provided on a movable frame.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) device is mounted onto a printed circuit board (PCB) by inducing a magnetic field of a selected strength at the surface of the PCB to temporarily hold the IC device onto the PCB. The IC device is provided with magnetic material which is attracted by the magnetic field. The magnetic field is maintained while the IC device and PCB are tested, and then subsequently during soldering when the IC device is permanently bonded to the PCB.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) device is mounted onto a printed circuit board (PCB) by inducing a magnetic field of a selected strength at the surface of the PCB to temporarily hold the IC device onto the PCB. The IC device is provided with magnetic material which is attracted by the magnetic field. The magnetic field is maintained while the IC device and PCB are tested, and then subsequently during soldering when the IC device is permanently bonded to the PCB.

Abstract: To planarize an electroformed, magnetic metal sheet having micropatterns, the metal sheet is clamped on a magnet and is mechanically processed on the back side of the metal in such a way that it assumes a plane-parallel shape. Metal sheets can be used which are not stress-free and are obtained in a fast electroplating process. Multiple copying is possible.

Abstract: An article, such as a swing arm for a glider chair, includes an elongated structural member made of high strength aluminum, and a pair of cast-in place preassembled bearings located in opposing ends of the structural member and facing in opposite directions. The preassembled bearings each include a first cup-shaped bearing member defining an outer depression for secure engagement by the material of the structural member and an inner ring-shaped ball race or track. The preassembled bearings each further include a second tubular bearing member defining an outer ring-shaped ball race or track and an internal passageway. Ball bearings are positioned between the first and second ring-shaped races for movably supporting the second bearing member on the first bearing member. Lubricant can be added through the passageway in the second bearing member into the area of the ball bearings for lubricating the ball bearings.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) device is mounted onto a printed circuit board (PCB) by inducing a magnetic field of a selected strength at the surface of the PCB to temporarily hold the IC device onto the PCB. The IC device is provided with magnetic material which is attracted by the magnetic field. The magnetic field is maintained while the IC device and PCB are tested, and then subsequently during soldering when the IC device is permanently bonded to the PCB.

Abstract: A device for feeding apertured parts by inserting a guide rod for a feed rod into the aperture of a part in the temporarily secured state. This device is characterized in that the feed rod has a flat cross-section and the amount of removal of its material on one side thereof is greater than on the other side, and in that a part locking section is provided on the ceiling of the temporarily securing chamber on the side where the amount of removal is greater. Further, a guide member is provided which extends parallel with the guide rod for preventing rotation of parts. The length of the guide rod is less than that of the guide member to provide a rolling space for parts.

Abstract: A method for assembling an assembled shaft from a tubular or bar-shaped base member (R) and individual slid-on elements (N), especially a camshaft, with the elements being for example cams, gears or bearing bushes. In the method, the elements (N) are slid on to the base member (R) and are held in the required angular position to be fixed on the base member by magnetic forces. An apparatus for carrying out this method comprises a guiding device (13) for guiding the elements into their axial positions and magnetic holding means (5) operable to hold the elements in the required angular position.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a wheel attaching unit for use in a vehicle assembly line having a pallet capable of mounting at predetermined positions thereof a front assembly including a front wheel attaching unit and a rear assembly including a rear wheel attaching unit; a pallet conveyor for conveying the pallet through a setting area and a securing area of the front and rear units and a body; and a body conveyor for conveying the body to a position above the setting area and for lowering the body to set the front and rear assemblies to the body. The pallet includes a holding portion for the front assembly and/or a holding portion for the rear assembly with the holding portion being position adjustable in forward and rearward directions thereof.

Abstract: A precision automatic assembly apparatus for inserting an insertable part into a hole formed in a member includes a movable hand incorporating a movable body to which the insertable part is attached, and an electromagnetic wrist mechanism having a plurality of electromagnets for supporting the movable body and controlling the movable body along a plurality of axes. When the part is inserted into the hole formed in the member, an external force which acts upon the part and the position of a point at which the part contacts the member are estimated by a control unit via position sensing means incorporated in the hand. Currents supplied to the excitation coils of the electromagnetic devices are controlled on the basis of the estimate to adjust the state (position and attitude) of the insertable part, whereby the part is fitted into the hole smoothly and automatically.

Abstract: A precision automatic assembly apparatus for inserting an insertable part into a hole formed in a member includes a movable hand incorporating a movable body to which the insertable part is attached, and an electromagnetic wrist mechanism having a plurality of electromagnetic devices including air core coils and magnetic poles for supporting the movable body and controlling the movable body along a plurality of axes. When the part is inserted into the hole formed in the member, an external force which acts upon the part and the position of a point at which the part contacts the member are estimated by a control unit via position sensing means incorporated in the hand. Currents supplied to the excitation coils of the electromagnetic devices are controlled on the basis of the estimate to adjust the state (position and attitude) of the insertable part, whereby the part is fitted into the hole smoothly and automatically.

Abstract: A precision automatic assembly apparatus for inserting an insertable part into a hole formed in a member includes a movable hand incorporating a movable body to which the insertable part is attached, and an electromagnetic wrist mechanism having a plurality of electromagnetic devices including air core coils and magnetic poles for supporting the movable body and controlling the movable body along a plurality of axes. When the part is inserted into the hole formed in the member, an external force which acts upon the part and the position of a point at which the part contacts the member are estimated by a control unit via position sensing means incorporated in the hand. Currents supplied to the excitation coils of the electromagnetic devices are controlled on the basis of the estimate to adjust the state (position and attitude) of the insertable part, whereby the part is fitted into the hole smoothly and automatically.

Abstract: An integrated and automated multistation machine is provided for placement and attachment of electrically conductive interconnectors onto solar cells and the like. The machine comprises a rotatable turntable for supporting a plurality of solar cells in respective association with a corresponding plurality of operating stations and then for indexing the solar cells to the next operating stations in sequence. More particularly, the machine includes a cell loading station for transfer of a solar cell from a loading magazine and for precision placement onto one of a plurality of cell-supporting fixtures carried by the turntable. The turntable indexes the solar cells one at a time on the fixtures from the cell loading station first to a flux station whereat a liquid flux material is applied to predetermined points on the cell.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided with a component feeding member for feeding electronic components having lead wires in a tape-bonded state, an insertion head for separating the electronic components fed from the feeding member from the tapes and inserting to holes of a board, and a fixing head facing the insertion head via the board for cutting and folding the lead wires of the inserted electronic component in the board thereby fixing the electronic component to the board. AC servo motors operating independently of each other are individually set in the insertion head and the fixing head, which are controlled by a device so as to be synchronous with each other.