Abstract: An elongated socket having an opening for receiving a wire connector to connect at least a pair of wires inserted in the wire connector. The socket is formed in an elongated cylindrical body having a wire connector receiving end. The socket is formed with four bores of different cross sections. These include an outermost bore positioned adjacent the wire connector receiving end of the body. An innermost bore is positioned farthest axially away from the wire connector receiving end of the body. Two intermediate bores are located between the outermost and innermost bores. The bores decrease in cross section from the outermost to the innermost. Each of the bores is defined by an imperforate circumferential wall of the body and has alternately positioned ribs and grooves. The grooves of the outermost bore are dimensioned to receive wings extending from a skirt of a wire connector. One of the intermediate bores has grooves dimensioned to receive wings extending from a truncated conical body of a wire connector.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in attaching a head gimbal assembly (HGA) onto an actuator arm of an actuator assembly during an HGA installation process. The apparatus includes, a central body portion with a base support surface; and a pair of support arms extending from the central body portion forming a channel sized to accommodate expansion of an attachment aperture of an actuator arm during the installation process. Each support arm includes, a first and second support surface offset from and parallel to the base support surface. A first support arm thickness is formed between the first support surface and the base support surface, while a second support arm thickness is formed between the second support surface and the base support having a thickness less than the first support arm thickness. Each support arm thickness supports a corresponding HGA adjacent actuator arm during the installation process.

Abstract: A terminal mounting apparatus inserts press-fit terminals into a terminal housing for constituting a joint connector. The terminal mounting apparatus has a terminal positioning unit, a transfer unit, a carrier cutting unit, a tab bending unit, a separator, and an insertion unit. The terminal positioning unit adjusts spaces between adjacent ones of the terminals such that each of the terminals can enter one of the terminal insertion channels. The transfer unit transfers the terminals. The carrier cutting unit removes a desired joint portion jointing the terminals. The tab bending unit brings a desired contact tab, which can connect an upper one to a lower one of the terminals, into a connection state. The separator adjusts spaces between the terminals to correspond to spaces between terminal insertion channels. The insertion unit presses the terminals all at once into the terminal insertion channels.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a method of assembling a disc which can reduce an unbalance of a rotating portion.

Abstract: Machine components for use with automated machine tools such as base slides, thrusters, block slides and the like formed with mounting patterns of complementary holes comprising through bolt holes, tapped holes and dowel pin holes on the mounting surfaces thereof and arranged thereon in a predetermined manner whereby the respective base slides, thrusters, block slides and the like can be ganged in any of a multiple of different orientations to perform various machine operations by directly interconnecting them one to another without the need of individualized adapter plates or transition plates.

Abstract: A base plate and load beam for an HG assembly are formed in series, stacked, and transferred by a transfer system in the form of the stacked-layer series to undergo the necessary assembly processes such as layer joining, slider attachment, and electrical connections between the terminals thereon. When uncompleted HG assemblies are transferred for each of the manufacturing processes, the uncompleted HG assembly is mounted on the assembly jig such as a tray or a block for transference. For this reason, assembling jigs, the number of which is at least equal to the number of the uncompleted HG assemblies remaining at the respective assembly processes would be needed. Accordingly, the efficiency of work space is reduced, and a rise in manufacturing cost is brought about by the need for the assembling jigs.

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.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for mounting an underfloor electronic equipment to a rolling stock body having an underfloor storage portion formed under the floor in the longitudinal direction of the body as a portion of the body. The underfloor storage portion comprises a guidance tool for guiding and supporting the underfloor electronic equipment formed as a unit, a body-side connector corresponding to an electronic equipment-side connector formed to the electronic equipment, and a fixing tool for fixing the electronic equipment to the underfloor storage portion. The underfloor electronic equipment comprises a moving means guided by the guidance tool and the electronic equipment-side connector corresponding to the body-side connector.

Abstract: A circuit board component installation tool includes a tool head having a surface receptive of a press; a seating member connected to the tool head and receptive of at least one circuit board component; and a post attached to and extending from a side of the tool head to ensure proper orientation of the tool with respect to the circuit board component or proper orientation of the component with respect to the circuit board.

Abstract: A retainer element for at least one electrical component for assembly on circuit supports, such as, e.g., on printed circuit boards. The retainer element is comprised of at least one body, which has at least one uptake for the component. The component can be inserted in the uptake, and the body has at least one fastening element, by means of which it can be fastened to the circuit support. For example, the fastening elements are configured as catch hooks.

Abstract: In a device for connecting microcomponents, in particular microreactors, which preferably have a plate-shaped design and preferably consist of silicon, a sealing plate having apertures which correspond to apertures in the microcomponents is arranged between the microcomponents.

Abstract: A method for swaging a suspension assembly to an actuator arm of a data storage device is disclosed. The method includes steps of inserting a deformable tubular stake into an aperture of an actuator arm and inserting an expandable swaging member into a channel of the tubular stake within the aperture of the actuator arm. Thereafter, the method includes the step of expanding the swaging member to deform the tubular stake to swage the tubular stake to the actuator arm of the data storage device.

Abstract: A beam configured pick and place machine has nozzles of differing lengths for carrying large components simultaneously.

Abstract: An improved structure of terminal connector pliers is disclosed.

Abstract: A fixing device for a printed circuit board (PCB) is comprised of an axis, a spring chip and a fixing pillar for fixing the PCB on a shell. This device has the functions of fixing, vibration buffer, and preventing electromagnetic interference (EMI). According to the invention, the axis penetrates through the PCB and the spring chip and connects to the fixing pillar on a shell, thereby fixing the PCB onto the shell. The spring chip is elastic such that it can absorb external vibrations and reduce damages to the PCB. By putting the spring chip into contact with the PCB, the electromagnetic wave is guided to the shell, thus avoiding the EMI.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a wiring harness or a substrate for wiring wherein the wiring diagram applied to the substrate is based on the wiring harness information. Entities representing connectors, binding parts, and wiring length information of wirings are input. The wiring arrangement diagram includes lines that correspond to the wirings and do not have a length corresponding to actual length of the wirings. The wiring harness is made using the information including total length of wiring between each of the connectors, harness information generated based on the entities, and the length information of the desired wiring arrangement. Alternatively, the wiring harness information is used to draw a wiring diagram for fixing on the substrate.

Abstract: The invention has an object of facilitating the detection of defective welds and improving the efficiency of manufacturing electrolyzer units.

Abstract: Intake device for connector modules between two treatment posts for these modules, the device having a holding arm for the modules provided with a comb positioned at the end of an arm, the comb coming to hold the connector at the level of the paddles joined with the contacts borne by the connector, the comb driving the modules between an intake post for the connectors and a crimping post for the flexible circuit onto the connector contacts.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for assembling a disk drive. The method comprises steps of clamping a number of head suspension assemblies in an actuator body such that base plate hubs in the suspensions are in alignment with corresponding boss holes in actuator arms extending from the actuator body, inserting closed jaws between the actuator arms and in alignment with the base plates, and opening the jaws a reach sufficient to urge each base plate hub into a corresponding boss hole. The jaws are opened by any suitable mechanism, for example by driving a wedge in between the closed jaws. A novel apparatus is employed for joining base plate hubs to actuator arms extending from an actuator body. The apparatus includes an actuator body clamp adapted to hold a number of suspensions in the actuator body, with hubs of the suspensions in alignment with boss holes in the actuator arms.

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

Abstract: A mechanism and method are provided for assembling a printed circuit board having a first surface, a second surface and an edge. The printed circuit board may include at least one female member to receive a corresponding male member. The mechanism may include an extension board having an edge to couple to the edge of the printed circuit board. The extension board may include a male member to extend from the edge of the extension board and to couple to the at least one male member so as to couple the extension board to the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A tool (1) to insert a plurality of elongated flexible electric conductors (4) into the slots (3) of an elongated flexible insulating housing (2). The tool (1) has a passage (13) through which the housing (2) and conductors (4) move to have the conductors (4) urged into the slot (3). The passage (13) is bordered by a plurality of ramps (10) which engages the conductors (4) to urge them into the slot (3).

Abstract: A preferred method for coupling a transmission line to a circuit board includes the steps of: providing a circuit board with a first side and an opposing second side; dispensing solder upon the first side of the circuit board; providing a first coupler having a conductive lead portion and a ductile conductive tube portion extending from the conductive lead portion; engaging the conductive lead portion with the solder dispensed upon the first side of the circuit board; heating the circuit board, the solder and the conductive lead portion so that the solder reflows, thereby securing the first coupler to the first side of the circuit board; inserting an extremity of the first conductor into the ductile conductive tube portion; and crimping the ductile conductive tube portion so as to provide crimped retention of the first conductor therein. Circuit boards, devices and systems also are provided.

Abstract: A swaging device for connecting suspension assemblies to an actuator block of a disc drive. The swaging device includes an expandable member which is designed for insertion into channels of tubular stakes coupled to suspension assemblies to swage the tubular stakes relative to a hole of an actuator arm. The expandable member is expandable between an insertion dimension and a swaging dimension. In the insertion dimension, the expandable member is sized for insertion into the channels of the tubular stakes. The expandable member is inserted into stake channels and is expanded to the swaging dimension to impart a swaging force to connect tubular stakes to actuator arms.

Abstract: A vertical member having a sliding member and the like is installed on the upper face of a base member which covers a cutting blade in a condition in which the cutting blade can slide in a horizontal plane. An operational lever is provided to extend from the vertical member and a rotational member, having a fixed sandwiching member and a rotational sandwiching member, is installed on the vertical member perpendicular thereto and in a condition in which it can be freely rotated. The band part is fastened by rotating the rotational member in a condition in which the band part of a band is sandwiched by the fixed sandwiching member and the rotational sandwiching member, and the cutting blade is moved by downward movement of the sliding member to cut and remove the band part.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved support structure for the components of a removable hard disk drive system, particularly for use in recording and archiving of digital video and other data. The invention generally makes use of a base formed by stamping sheet metal. This stamping process can be used to define cartridge engaging surfaces within the base, as well as mounting pads for the data transfer head support structure, spindle drive structure, a head load ramp, and the like.

Abstract: Hand operated press for installing cable connectors basically includes two handle bars; a receptacle; and a nose, wherein each handle bar has a grip at its lower end and compression part at its upper end. The receptacle and the base are fixed to receptacle compression parts, and a terminator and an adapter are set on the receptacle and the base. When a compressive force is applied between two grips, both receptacle and base move inward simultaneously so as to engage the adapter and the terminator in one piece. Moreover, the receptacle and the base are replaceable with various sized ones to meet the requirement of compressing terminators of different sizes.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for aligning device interconnections, which includes a structure (20) having at least one reference plane (38, 39). The structure (20) further includes a number of device bays (22). The apparatus (10) also includes at least one interconnect assembly (40), and at least one clamp (71) for locking the interconnect assembly (40) in fixed spatial relation to the reference plane (38). A clamp release (72) is provided for releasing the clamp (71) so that the interconnect assembly (40) is free to move with respect to the reference plane (40). A positioning guide (98) is provided for positioning the interconnect assembly (40) at an appropriate location with respect to the at least one reference plane (38, 39) for proper alignment while the clamp (71) is released, before again being clamped in a fixed position with respect to the reference plane (38). A method for aligning device interconnections is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for merging magnetized magnet segments to form a composite magnet for assembly in a voice coil motor for a disc drive. The apparatus includes first and second magnet segment nests for removably supporting magnetized magnet segments for assembly. The magnet segment nests are supported for operation between first and second positions. In the first position, the first and second magnet segment nests are spaced and in the second position, the first and second magnet segment nests are located in close proximity to merge first and second magnet segments.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for assembling a disk drive. The method comprises steps of clamping a number of head suspension assemblies in an actuator body such that base plate hubs in the suspensions are in alignment with corresponding boss holes in actuator arms extending from the actuator body, inserting closed jaws between the actuator arms and in alignment with the base plates, and opening the jaws a reach sufficient to urge each base plate hub into a corresponding boss hole. The jaws are opened by any suitable mechanism, for example by driving a wedge in between the closed jaws. A novel apparatus is employed for joining base plate hubs to actuator arms extending from an actuator body. The apparatus includes an actuator body clamp adapted to hold a number of suspensions in the actuator body, with hubs of the suspensions in alignment with boss holes in the actuator arms.

Abstract: A device for assembling a magnet assembly for a voice coil motor for a data storage device. The device including a base, spacer nests and first and second assembly blocks for supporting plates for assembly of the magnet assembly. The first and second assembly blocks including nest bases having an x-y axis and including x-y datum members. The plates are biased toward x-y datum members via clamps operably coupled to the nest base. Retainer members are operably coupled to the assembly blocks and aligned relative to the nest base to retain plate relative to nest base for assembly. The assembly blocks are movably coupled to the base to operate between a retracted position and an advanced assembly position. In the advanced assembly position, the first and second assembly blocks being aligned with the spacer nest supporting spacers for assembling the magnet assembly.

Abstract: A component mounting device adapted to mount components such IC or the like on a printed circuit board that includes replaceable pick up nozzles to accommodate different types of components to be picked up. A sensing station is provided that permits the pick up nozzle to be verified as the correct one. The same sensing station is employed to sense both the orientation of a component that is picked up and also whether the component is correctly oriented for deposit. This is done by measuring projected lengths in a plane with a photo sensitive device and by making calculations in accordance with trigonometric relationships.

Abstract: A hammer for forming bulges in an array of compliant pin blanks by compressive deformation to thereby attach the array of pin blanks to a printed circuit board is provided. Each of the compliant pin blanks has a substrate engaging portion and a compliant section spaced from the substrate engaging portion projecting from the printed circuit board. The compliant section of each pin blank defines at least one protrusion extending outwardly farther than the remaining portions of the compliant section of the pin blank. The circuit board has a plurality of holes receiving the pin blanks. A hammer is provided which has a body defining a substrate facing surface for facing the printed circuit board and defining a plurality of holes extending from the substrate facing surface for receiving the compliant sections of the pin blanks. The holes in the substrate facing surface have a bulge cavity larger than the cross-section of the portion of the pin receiving blank therein.

Abstract: A component mounting device adapted to mount components such IC or the like on a printed circuit board that includes replaceable pick up nozzles to accommodate different types of components to be picked up. A sensing station is provided that permits the pick up nozzle to be verified as the correct one. The same sensing station is employed to sense both the orientation of a component that is picked up and also whether the component is correctly oriented for deposit. This is done by measuring projected lengths in a plane with a photo sensitive device and by making calculations in accordance with trigonometric relationships.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling an electronic component, such as a ladder-type filter, having at least one element being held between terminal plates under pressure and stored in a case. First, the terminal plates are inserted in a cavity of a base so as to align the terminal plates along a direction of thickness thereof. Then, the element is inserted between the terminal plates in the cavity, and a spring plate is inserted in the cavity at an outside of one of the terminal plates. Thereafter, all parts inserted in the cavity are compressed by a presser along the direction of thickness so that an overall thickness of the parts is smaller than an inner size of the case. Then, the case is set on the base, and all parts are inserted from the cavity into the case simultaneously. Electrode surfaces of the element are not damaged since they are not in sliding contact with the terminal plates, and working efficiency is improved by this compressed insertion.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for inserting workpieces such as electrical components into a workpiece holder. The apparatus includes a housing with push pins mounted on a press plate for engaging and inserting the workpieces into receptacles in the workpiece holder. The pins are mounted in such a manner that if the entire housing is pushed downward in the direction of the exposed pin shafts and perpendicular to the plane of the bottom surface of the press plate, and if a given pin shaft encounters a restrictive force greater than or equal to a predetermined safe resistance, that pin shaft will be allowed to travel upward vertically through the plate frame. This escape release feature thus has the effect of a vertical "clutch," preventing damage to the pins, the loading plates, and the components whenever the pin shaft encounters excessive resistance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting components comprising at least one pick up device carried by a carriage and adapted to pick up a component and bring it into registry with a sensing device for sensing the component and oriented it. The device operates so that the sensing operation is performed during the movement of the pick up device so as to speed up the operation. Embodiments are shown wherein a plurality of pick up devices are carried by the same carriage and various feeders arrangements are disclosed so as to permit simultaneous pick up of a plurality of components.

Abstract: A device has a plurality of push pins for inserting workpieces into a device for securely retaining the workpieces. The push pins are resiliently biased to prevent damage to the components or the pins themselves. The pins may be mounted by springs which are stressed to a predetermined force, and the displacement of the pins may be sensed by mechanical or optical sensors. Alternatively, the pins themselves may be compressible to prevent damage to the device.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously receiving objects arranged in a first positional arrangement and for simultaneously delivering such objects arranged in a second positional arrangement, and a method of using such device. More particularly, the apparatus includes a plurality of movable object carriers which can slide freely relative to each other on a predetermined path and which can be brought into the position corresponding to the desired distances with a programmable positioning device. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus can be used in an installation for automatically inserting contact elements in supports for pin and socket connectors and enables the contacts of the pin and socket connectors to be mounted in positions corresponding to a freely chosen pattern.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided which allows simultaneous placement of electrical components on to a printed circuit board (PCB). Further, verification of the proper placement of these components on the PCB is provided such that an operator can immediately replace any components having pins which are bent, deformed, or the like. A press is included with moveable platens which receive a product specific assembly that is used in the manufacture of a particular type of PCB. For example, a PCB may require a number of electrical components, such as card connectors to be affixed thereto. This product specific assembly includes a top plate, pressure bar, which contacts the component being pressed into place, and an intermediate spring. A bottom plate is provided and includes a test block assembly. The test block serves to support the PCB receiving the electrical component and verifies the presence of each pin of the component in its respective via.

Abstract: A manipulating apparatus includes a first linear axis element (X), comprising two parallel individual axis elements (20a, 20b). The first linear axis element (X) includes a double slider (25, 27). The double slider runs on the profiles of the two individual axis elements (20a, 20b). The double slider is coupled with a drive means of the one individual axis element and runs without drive means on the profile of the other individual axis element. This manipulating apparatus permits the largest possible number of motion possibilities and motion processes along several coordinate directions within a smallest possible space.

Abstract: A wire transfer device for a harness making machine includes feed tracks (24) which carry a plurality of shuttle members (30). The shuttle members (30) are pushed down the tracks (24), and incrementally push the next shuttle member (30) further down. The shuttles (30) carry the wire for the harness further down the track (24) to further wire processing stations. When the wire shuttles (30) reach the elevator member 28, the shuttle member (30) is lowered to the level of the lower track (22), where it is pushed in the opposite direction via the air cylinder (34). The shuttle members (30) are thus continuously moving in a closed loop to move wires from a pick up position to a further processing station.

Abstract: A cable connecting machine which includes a base member (1); a first cable retainer (E) provided on said base member for holding a first cable in place; a second cable retainer (F) provided on said base member for holding a second cable on top of said first cable; a pair of cable pressure elements (28, 29) provided on said first cable retainer such that they are vertically adjustable; a lock device (G) provided on said base member for locking said second cable retainer; and an operation mechanism (H) provided on said base member for simultaneously releasing said lock device and said first and second cable retainers.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing cam shafts in which cam members are held in respective rotatable axially aligned rings by holding members connected within the rotatable rings so that a pipe member cam be inserted through respective aligned holes of the cam members. The rings are individually rotatable so as to rotate the cam members by respetive predetermined angles. After a pipe member is inserted in the holes of the individually rotated cam members, a bulging process device seals respective opposite ends of the pipe member and forces a pressurized fluid into the pipe so as to bulge the pipe to fix the pipe in the respective holes, thereby to form the cam shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for printed wiring board assembly provides for the populating with components of a printed wiring board having at least one adjacent pair of pad rows onto which solder has been deposited. A curable adhesive strip is applied between the adjacent pair of pad rows. The adhesive strip has a first adhesive side which adheres to the printed wiring board and an opposed, second adhesive side onto which the components are selectively mounted so that the component's leads are aligned with the pad rows. A predetermined constant force is applied to the components and the adhesive strip is cured. The apparatus supports the printed wiring board and maintains a predetermined constant force on the components. A frame defining a generally U-shaped member has an upper and a lower surface. The U-shaped member has a slot therein for receiving the printed wiring board therein. An upper and a lower cover member are removably secured to the U-shaped member to generally enclose the printed wiring board.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly machine for loading an insulating housing having a plurality of parallel apertures with a plurality of contacts. It consists of a housing support for supporting the insulating housing; a table having a plurality of parallel channels at equal intervals and in registration with the parallel apertures for receiving the contacts; a pusher disposed over the table so as to be movable vertically and laterally along the parallel channels and having a plurality of grooves for receiving conductor sections of the contacts when the pusher is lowered. The grooves each have at the front edge a jaw portion for pushing forward crimped strain relief tabs of the contact.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing a crimp seal pleated filter assembly having a two piece housing with a filter media disposed within the housing and having a plurality of alternating pleats. The apparatus includes a first and second jig for supporting the housing halves and an odd number of at least three or more movable pleat forming blades on one side of the apparatus. The odd number of blades are movable through one of the supporting jigs with blade edges opposing the other supporting jig. The odd number of blades includes an independently movable center blade and a first pair of outer blades with opposing surfaces of adjacent blades defining a first plurality of pleat forming spaces. An even number of pleat forming blades are positioned with blade edges opposing the first plurality of pleat forming spaces and are spaced apart from and in alignment with the opposing pleat forming blades.

Abstract: The multiple strands of a multi-strand round wire electric cable are stretched over a frame to form a grid of closely spaced parallel strands. The strands are simultaneously cut off so that the strand ends are coplanar and the grid is pressed on a strip of pressure sensitive tape to retain the strands in the grid pattern which is similar to the individual strands in a flat electrical cable. The grid is released from the frame and terminated as a flat electrical cable.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating chip type circuit elements on a printed circuit board includes an accommodating assembly for temporarily storing said circuit elements supplied from hoppers, a movable shutter placed under the accommodating assembly, and which supports and rotates circuit elements within the accommodating assembly, and a template placed under the shutter to receive the circuit elements dropped from the accommodating assembly when the shutter is removed laterally from under the accommodating assembly.

Abstract: A method whereby chip type circuit elements are mounted at predetermined locations on a printed circuit board by a suction means and apparatus for performing the method are disclosed. The suction means picks up each circuit element from a respective stack supported in a vertical magazine and transfers and positions them above the predetermined locations on the printed circuit board which can have a predetermined pattern of laminar conductors on the upper surface thereof. The circuit elements are then released by termination of the applied suction and adhered to the board by a thermoplastic adhesive setting operation.