Abstract: A method is provided for installing circuit components, such as memory devices, in a support, such as a socket. The device to be installed is supported in a holder or shell. The holder is positioned over a support region in the receiving socket. A manual actuator is pressed into the holder to eject the device from the holder and to install the device in the support. The holder may be configured to hold a single device, or multiple devices aligned in slots defined by partitions. A multi-device tray may be provided for indexing devices toward an ejection slot, through which the devices are installed by manual actuation of an ejecting actuator. The technique provides protection for the device prior to and during installation, and facilitates manual installation of such devices without requiring direct hand contact with the device either prior to or during installation.

Abstract: A laser drilling system for drilling blind vias in printed circuit board panels, multichip modules and chipscale packages with top and bottom surfaces and which include multiple dielectric polymer and metal layers. The system includes a first laser module comprising a laser able to form at least one via per pulse through one or more polymer layers. The vias are circular or non-circular in shape. An articulated arm is adapted to move at a speed of about 200 inches per second and at an acceleration of about 5 g's or more. A beam delivery unit is attached to the articulated arm and a conveyor adapted to move panels at a constant speed. The first laser module positioned on a separate track from the conveyor moves at a faster rate than the conveyor to drill the top surface. A second laser module is positioned to move on another separate track from the conveyor movable at a faster rate so as to drill the bottom surface.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes picking up a clip with a chuck, and, while holding the clip with the chuck, picking up an integrated circuit (IC) die with the IC die in contact with the clip.

Abstract: A dicing tape attaching unit that can attach both a pre-cut dicing tape and a general dicing tape to a wafer in a semiconductor package assembling process, and an in-line system used in a semiconductor package process including the dicing tape attaching unit are provided. The dicing tape attaching unit supplies one of the pre-cut dicing tape and the general dicing tape and attaches it to a wafer according to the direction of rotation of a tape loader. Accordingly, without an additional pre-cut dicing tape attaching unit, either of the pre-cut dicing tape and the general dicing tape can be attached to the back side of the wafer by one and the same unit.

Abstract: An electric-component mounting system wherein a determining device is operated for presently required operations of working devices disposed on a common main body, to determine a cycle-time-determinant working device which determines a cycle time of the system such that the cycle time is determined by a required operating time of the cycle-time-determinant working device as calculated when the presently required operation is performed at predetermined maximum acceleration and deceleration values or a predetermined maximum operating speed, and a slowdown device determines actual acceleration and deceleration values or an actual operating speed of each of non-cycle-time-determinant working device, so as to be lower than the predetermined maximum acceleration and deceleration values or operating speed thereof, such that the presently required operation of each non-cycle-time-determinant working device can be completed within the cycle time determined by the cycle-time-determinant working device.

Abstract: The maintenance device comprises a robot (2) for carrying out maintenance work in a remote-controlled or programmed way in the maintenance region. The robot (2) comprises a supporting part (2a) connected to a clamping support (3) secured to a means (4) of transporting the maintenance device (1) between an introductory region and the maintenance region. The clamping support (3) comprises clamping shoes (11, 13a, 13b) which can be moved in roughly parallel and opposite directions so as to clamp the maintenance device (1) in the maintenance region. The transport means (4) may be constructed in the form of a carriage comprising two motorized wheelsets. The device and the method of the invention make it possible in particular to carry out machining or inspection work inside primary pipes of a pressurized water nuclear reactor.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing an operation on a circuit substrate, the apparatus including a plurality of operating devices which are provided in a space that is closed and opened by a safety cover and one of which performs the operation on the circuit substrate, a safety-cover switch which is switchable to an ON state thereof corresponding to a closed state of the safety cover, and to an OFF state thereof corresponding to an opened state of the safety cover, a maintenance-related control device which keeps, in a maintenance mode, at least one of the operating devices to a state thereof in which the one operating device is operable, and a maintenance-mode setting switch which cooperates with the safety-cover switch to provide a parallel circuit, and which is selectively operable to an ON state thereof in which the maintenance-mode setting switch allows setting of the maintenance mode, and to an OFF state thereof in which the maintenance-mode setting switch does not allow the setting of the maintenance mode.

Abstract: A process for producing bundles of laminated sheet metal for magnet cores, wherein laminations are punched free along two longitudinal edges of a sheet metal strip, at least two sheet metal laminations of a magnet core are of a different width extending from one longitudinal edge to the other, and several laminations, which rest against each other, are connected with each other to form the bundle. To simplify the tool control, the two longitudinal edges of a lamination are punched in edge cutting stations, which are separate from each other and are arranged offset in the feed direction of the sheet metal strip. The edge cutting stations for cutting the longitudinal edges have a cutting die and an associated bottom die. The cutting die, together with the bottom die, is displaced for creating different laminate widths.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for replacing a defective PCB unit formed on a PCB panel with a nondefective PCB unit, in which the location of the nondefective PCB unit disposed on a location correcting table is corrected by a location correcting driver via the location correcting data read by a vision camera, realizing a precise alignment in replacing the defective PCB unit without using a precise mechanical jig.

Abstract: A substrate carrying device reduces time necessary for conducting changing work for changing the types of flat panel displays or the like. A substrate support member (10) has a support body (11) provided with an outer peripheral part (11a), which is joined to an inner peripheral part (21b) of an extension support member (20) to connect the substrate support member (10) to the extension support member (20). Only by the substrate support member (10) is used for supporting a small glass substrate (41) to carry the small glass substrate (41). A combination of the substrate support member (10) and the extension support member (20) is used for supporting a large glass substrate (41?) to carry the large glass substrate (41?).

Abstract: A process and system for mounting terminals with electric wires in cavities of connector housings. Press-connecting terminals are initially loaded in cavities arranged in an upper surface of a connector jig and electric wires are press-connected on the terminals in the jigs. Then, the terminals with electric wires are transferred from the connector jig to cavities arranged in a lower surface of a inserting jig by pins arranged to contact and push the terminals from below in the transfer direction. Then, the terminals are loaded from the inserting jig to cavities of connector housings from the back by blades arranged to contact and push the terminals from one end in the inserting directing.

Abstract: An electric terminal connector block is provided with oblong tool openings that communicate with interior channels of the connector block and with openings in the motor wiring electric terminals positioned in each channel of the connector block. The oblong shapes of the tool openings enable insertion of tool pins through the tool openings and openings of the electric terminals and movement of the tool pins along the lengths of the oblong tool openings whereby the tool pins engage with the electric terminals and move the terminals relative to the connector block to insure that the terminals are locked in place in the connector block. In addition, the tooling used with the connector block is operated according to a method that insures that the terminals of the motor winding are moved to a position relative to the connector block where the terminals are locked in place.

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: A system is provided for mounting a connecting device to a substrate. A connector housing is located at one side of the substrate, and a threaded fastening nut is engaged on the housing. A threaded fastener is engaged with the opposite side of the substrate and extends therethrough for tightening the nut toward the substrate in response to rotating the fastener. An assembly tool holds the fastening nut against rotation as the fastener is rotated. The tool includes a first portion for engaging at least a part of the housing to properly position the tool. A second portion of the tool engages the fastening nut to prevent rotation thereof. The second portion of the tool is aligned with the fastening nut automatically in response to engaging the first portion with the housing.

Abstract: A tool for inserting electrical wires into an electrical connector for mating with a plurality of electrical contact members fixedly mounted within the electrical connector comprises a base fixture upon which the electrical connector is to be installed, an insertion die holder upon which a set of insertion dies is mounted for encountering and forcing the plurality of electrical wires into the electrical connector, a driving assembly for moving the insertion die holder toward the base fixture so as to cause the set of insertion dies to force the plurality of electrical wires into the electrical connector and mate with the electrical contact members of the electrical connector, and structure fixedly mounted upon the base fixture for engaging the electrical connector so as to precisely locate and laterally immobilize the electrical connector upon the base fixture such that the set of insertion dies can accurately insert the electrical wires into said electrical connector.

Abstract: A novel feeder construction, and method of operation, for feeding components arranged in pockets in a carrier tape to a conventional pick-and-place machine. In a preferred embodiment, the carrier is fed in a line spaced laterally from the pickup location. The lead component when separated from the carrier must then be moved laterally to the pickup location. The invention includes a novel winder for the waste generated when the typical cover strip is removed from the carrier in order to remove its components. The invention also includes a vacuum nozzle construction that is capable of picking-up components such as pins and posts without altering the angular orientation of the component from the orientation it had while at the pickup location.

Abstract: Apparatus for merging a disc drive head disc assembly (HSA) with a disc stack. The HSA comprises a flexure which supports a data transducing head and the disc stack comprises a disc having a data storage surface. A merge assembly includes a shipping comb attached to the HSA, the shipping comb having a first alignment member and a first flexure support member. The merge assembly further includes a merge comb having a second alignment member and a second flexure support member. The merge comb is advanced by a robotic arm to a position where the second alignment member engages the first alignment member. This aligns the shipping comb with the merge comb and allows transfer of support of the flexure to the second flexure support member at an elevation suitable to subsequently pass the head in a safe, clearing relationship over the data storage surface.

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

Abstract: A wire connection apparatus having a connector holder, a press-contacting device such as a stuffer, and a guide member. The wire connection apparatus has a wire end alignment mechanism which includes a vertical surface of the connector holder, the press-contacting device and the guide member. In operation, the press-contacting device moves along the vertical surfaces of the connector holder and presses wires into the connector while unaligned tips of the wires abut the vertical surface. As the tips of the wires are pressed by the press-contacting device, excess lengths of the wires are moved upstream through the fixed wire guide. When the wires are at an appropriate length, they are press-contacted by the press-contacting device and connected to the connector.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus for a magnet assembly is disclosed. The assembly apparatus includes first and second assembly nests and an assembly slide operable between an advanced position relative to the assembly nests and a retracted position for assembly. As disclosed the assembly apparatus is used to assemble spacer posts between opposed magnet/backiron assemblies. The assembly apparatus includes spacer nests proximate to the assembly nests for assembly of spacers between the opposed magnet/backiron assemblies.

Abstract: A surface mounter includes: a component supply unit in which a plurality of components to be mounted are placed; a head unit which mounts a component on a circuit board by lifting the component from the component supply unit with suction; and a transfer unit including a carry-in portion with a single distribution lane, a mounting portion with dual working lanes, and a carry-out portion with a single carry-out lane, wherein a circuit board is transferred along the distribution lane and distributed to the mounting portion, components are mounted on the circuit board stopped at a position of the mounting portion, and the circuit board with the components mounted thereon is transferred out of the transfer unit along the carry-out lane. In the surface mounter, a number of circuit boards can be distributed to dual working lanes via a single distribution lane, not via common dual carry-in lanes, at higher working speed, so that working efficiency is improved. In addition, the surface mounter occupies less space.

Abstract: A method of detecting a relative positioning error between a fiducial-mark imaging device and a substrate-holding device in an electric-component mounting system wherein the fiducial-mark imaging device is arranged to take an image of at least one substrate fiducial mark provided on a circuit substrate, and a positioning error of the circuit substrate as held by the substrate-holding device is detected on the basis of the image of the at least one substrate fiducial mark, so that an electric component is mounted by a mounting head onto the circuit substrate, so as to eliminate the positioning error of the circuit substrate, wherein the fiducial-mark imaging device is operated to take an image of at least one holding-device fiducial mark provided on the substrate-holding device, and the relative positioning error between the fiducial-mark imaging device and the substrate-holding device is detected on the basis of a positioning error of the image of the holding-device fiducial mark within an imaging area of the

Abstract: The present invention discloses a transfer for a tray feeder comprising: a base frame; a support frame installed at both sides of the base frame; first and second linear motion guiders installed oppositely and longitudinally to the inside of the support frame and having a plurality of first and second linear motion guide rails; first and second plates installed to an upper portion of the first and second linear guides and having a cylinder block capable of supporting a side of the tray received an electronic parts and the like; and a driving unit installed to a side portion of the support frame and for making the movement of the first and second plates; wherein the first and second plates can move along the first and second guide rails, crossing with each other.

Abstract: A device for fitting substrates with electric components includes a stationary carrier supporting a positioning device. The carrier is arranged above at least two fitting stations that are located one after the other in a conveying direction. A chassis of the device includes end supports and central supports that are connected to the carrier.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus capable of coping with high density mounting, narrower pitch mounting, cavity mounting and the like. In the apparatus, displacement amounts of a chip that is picked up from a wafer by a pick-up nozzle to be held by the pick-up nozzle, with respect to a reference attitude, are obtained, and when the chip is delivered to a mounting nozzle for actually mounting the chip onto a substrate, the displacement amounts are corrected while taking the displacement amounts into consideration, so that the mounting nozzle always holds the chip in a fixed attitude.

Abstract: An electric-component holding apparatus including a component holder which holds an electric component and includes an engaging portion, a holder-holding member to which the component holder is detachably attached, a lock member which consists of a substantially rigid body, and which is supported by the holder-holding member such that the lock member is movable relative to the holder-holding member, and is engaged with the engaging portion of the component holder to lock the component holder to the holder-holding member, and a locked-state maintaining device which includes an operable member and an elastic member and which maintains, owing to an elastic force of the elastic member, a locked state in which the lock member is engaged with the engaging portion of the component holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling electronics is provided, comprising a support frame, at least one pick-and-place mechanism, at least one device-engaging component, a feed device, and a programmer or tester. The pick-and-place mechanism is secured to the support frame. The device-engaging component is secured to the pick-and-place mechanism. The feed device has a slender body secured to the frame to feed a plurality of electronic devices to a feed location. The programmer or tester has a slender body secured to the support frame in a side-by-side relationship relative to the feed device. The programmer or tester has a socket located at an intermediate location. The devices are movable by the device-engaging component from the feed location to the socket at the intermediate location.

Abstract: An attachment for a tool used to attach and remove load break elbows and protective caps from bushings disposed on a transformer is provided. The tool attachment includes an elbow engaging member that is positionable around a load break elbow or cap fixed to a bushing. The engagement member is fixedly secured to a horizontal bar that includes a number of aligned openings extending through the bar. These openings are selectively alignable with a pair of openings disposed on a vertical bar to pivotally attach the vertical and horizontal bars to one another. The vertical bar also includes an opening through which a pulling eye on the elbow or cap can extend when the tool attachment is positioned on the elbow or cap.

Abstract: A shifting device for shifting two rows of continuous terminals includes a body and a shaft. The body is formed with a hole and an inlet and an outlet both communicating with the hole. A direction into the inlet and a direction out of the outlet are the same. The inlet is shifted a predetermined distance away from the outlet. The shaft is fitted with the hole of the body and defines a spiral channel with the body after fitting with the hole of the body. The spiral channel corresponds to the inlet and the outlet of the body According to the structure, one row of the continuous terminals enters the body from the inlet and travels along the spiral channel and travels out of the body from the outlet with a predetermined distance shifted away from the other row of the continuous terminals.

Abstract: A supply module for feeding electrical components to an automatic component-mounting machine has a locking element which is a piezoceramic bending transducer that extends in the longitudinal direction of the supply module along a supply path for the components. A free end of the locking element projects into a window of the supply module to an extent such that the locking element is located slightly above the component which has been conveyed there and is ready for removal. By applying an operating voltage to the locking element, the locking element can be deflected laterally to an extent such that it is moved out of the coverage region over the component transversely with respect to the component advancing direction.

Abstract: A device for the insertion and extraction of a plug-in module into a module frame which has at least one front module bar, contains a swivel-mounted lever which is located in the front area of the plug-in module and whose short lever arm has at least one lever cam and a push-off nose and a pressure piece which is fastened to the module bar. The pressure piece absorbs the forces transferred from the lever, whereby the pressure piece has at least one recess, in which the lever cam of the lever reaches into during the insertion of the plug-in module. Furthermore the pressure piece has at least one push-off shoulder against which the push-off nose of the lever pushes off during the extraction of the plug-in module.

Abstract: A punch apparatus for punching and laminating simultaneously a plural number of thin sheets is disclosed. This punch apparatus includes a punch provided on an upper portion of the punch apparatus, a die provided on a lower portion of the punch apparatus and used for punching a material to be processed, a stripper for guiding the punch during punching operation, a device for laminating punched materials using the punch as a laminating axis, a device for adjusting a relative position between the punch and the stripper when the upper and the lower portions of the punch apparatus are separated, and a device for adjusting a clearance between the die and the stripper during punching operation. The punch apparatus can open precisely almost straight very fine through-holes of a diameter of 100 ?m or less even in a sheet of thin, soft and deformable material.

Abstract: A method and system for transferring a plurality of integrated circuit dies from a first surface to a second surface is described. Each hollow barrel of a plurality of hollow barrels is applied to a respective die residing on the first surface. The respective die is caused to move into each hollow barrel in parallel. These steps are repeated until each hollow barrel contains a stack of dies of a predetermined number. A die from each hollow barrel is deposited onto the second surface until the stack of dies contained by each hollow barrel is substantially depleted.

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: An apparatus for performing treatments to the surface of disk-shaped workpieces/substrates, as in the manufacture of multi-layer, thin-film recording media. The apparatus includes treatment stations for performing treatments to a surface of each of the disk-shaped workpieces/substrates; a pallet adapted for mounting the disk-shaped workpieces/substrates, a plurality of bias potential sources; and a transporting source to transport the pallet past the treatment stations. The pallet includes electrically conductive segments and each segment is electrically insulated from other segments; is adapted to mount and expose at lest one surface of a disk-shaped workpiece; and includes an electrical contact for providing electrical contact with the bias potential source of the apparatus.

Abstract: An outer sheath of a shield wire is stripped by a predetermined length from an end of the shield wire to expose a knitted layer of the shield wire. A shield stopper is mated over the exposed knitted layer until the shield stopper abuts against a stripped end of the outer sheath. A metal shell piece is preparatorily mated over an inner sheath of the shield wire while the metal shell piece expands the knitted layer. The shield stopper is clamped by a clamp means, and the mated metal shell piece is pushed to engage with the shield stopper. In the engagement state, the shield stopper overlaps a forward end portion of the metal shell with the knitted layer therebetween. A first cutter is guided by a pipe member so that the first cutter engages with an outer peripheral surface of the second cutter. Thereby, the shearing movement of the cutters cuts the exposed knitted layer near a rear end of the shield stopper.

Abstract: A compliance mechanism for manipulating a control object by an end effector supported by a robotic arm. The robotic arm is supported by a combination of linear slides for two-axis freedom of movement. A locking arm is attached to the robotic arm and the locking arm is moveable between a locked and an unlocked position. The locking arm is biased in the locked position to restrict movement of the robotic arm along the two axes. A plunger extends adjacent the end effector. Upon engagement with an alignment feature associated with the control object, the plunger moves the locking arm from the locked to the unlocked position, thereby introducing compliance along the two axes manipulation of the control object.

Abstract: In this electronic component mounting apparatus, a mounting head is movably arranged between the electronic component supplying unit and the board holding unit. A first camera for taking an image of the board in the board holding unit and detecting an electronic component mounting position, and a second camera for taking images of the chips of the electronic component supplying unit are arranged in such a manner that the first camera and the second camera can be entered/evacuated as against the electronic component supplying unit. Therefore, the electronic component supplying unit and the board holding unit are defined as a range to be transported, and the mounting head, the first camera, and the second camera are relatively traveled in conjunction to each other, a loss-time in both the electronic component supplying unit and the board holding unit can be avoided, and tact time can be shortened to improve a work-efficiency.

Abstract: A disk clamp for securing disks to the hub of a spindle motor in a disk drive has symmetrically spaced apart countersunk apertures in the top surface of the disk clamp. The apertures enable the disk clamp to maintain a proper orientation before the fasteners are attached. This design overcomes issues related to rotation and displacement of the clamp while it is being fastened to the hub, and reduces the complexity of the tooling and fixtures required to complete the assembly. Less tooling complexity also allows multi-fastener driver systems to be employed so that all of the fasteners required to complete the assembly may be simultaneously attached arid driven into the disk clamp. The countersunk apertures on the disk clamp are designed to couple with tapered sleeves on the installation tool to quickly and precisely center the fasteners in the disk clamp while providing anti-rotation torque for the disk clamp.

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

Abstract: A calibration tool for centering an inner tube with respect to an outer tube of a vertical furnace for semiconductor manufacturing including a first alignment member having a plurality of engagement surfaces simultaneously movable radially outward an equal radial distance for engagement with a base structure of a vertical furnace to center the calibration tool with respect to the base structure and the outer tube; a second alignment member having a plurality of engagement surfaces simultaneously movable radially outward an equal radial distance to engage the inner tube and to move the inner tube to a position centered with respect to the outer tube of the vertical furnace.

Abstract: An apparatus for crimping a ferrule onto a cable includes a base to rest the cable on, and a cable stop spaced from the base. The cable stop has a surface to rest a connector connected to an end of the cable. The surface is slanted downward and away from the connector.

Abstract: A lead insertion machine includes a substrate supply, a conductive lead supply, and an lead insertion mechanism. The conductive leads are inserted into lead passages formed in side walls of the substrate. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor die carrier including the steps of forming a plurality of conductive leads, forming a substrate for holding a semiconductor die, the substrate having a plurality of insulative side walls defining an exterior surface of the substrate, each of the side walls having a plurality of lead passages formed therethrough, and simultaneously inserting at least one of the conductive leads into the lead passage of one of the side walls for retention therein and at least one other of the conductive leads into the lead passage of another of the side walls for retention therein.

Abstract: A mounting system for mounting an electronic component on a substrate includes a component identifying apparatus that identifies an electronic component to be mounted on the substrate. The component identifying apparatus includes a holding mechanism that holds the electronic component, a color-perceptive sensor that perceives a color of a predetermined region on the electronic component, and a data processor that identifies the electronic component on the basis of the color perceived by the color-perceptive sensor. The mounting system also includes a controller that controls an electronic component mounting operation on the basis of a result of identification obtained by the component identifying apparatus.

Abstract: A method of changing a width of a variable-width substrate conveyor including a feeding device for feeding a circuit substrate along the guide rails, a pair of guide rails having guide surfaces for guiding the circuit substrate being fed by the feeding device, in a longitudinal direction of the guide rails, and a width changing device for moving the guide rails relative to each other toward or away from each other, to change a distance between the guide rails, wherein an image-taking device is operated to take an image of a portion of at least one of the guide rails, and the width changing device is controlled on the basis of the image taken by the image-taking device.

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: There are disclosed an apparatus for mounting electronic components, with which the electronic components can be reversed, up and down, and mounted onto a circuit board in a short mounting process time by performing picking up, delivering and receiving of components between heads, and mounting of the components onto the circuit board in parallel. A plurality of reverse-supply heads are mounted on a component supply holder for performing indexing rotation, while a plurality of mounting heads are mounted on a component mounting holder for performing indexing rotation in synchronization with the indexing rotation of the component supply holder. By (i) picking up an electronic component, (ii) delivering the electronic component from the reverse-supply head to the mounting head, and (iii) mounting the electronic component onto the circuit board at prescribed positions, operations from (i) to (iii) can be carried out in parallel.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting terminals carried on a carrier strip into cavities in a housing having a slide assembly with a cam track movable between a first and a second position, and a pivoting lever with a cam follower. The cam follower is positioned in and cooperates with the cam track. The lever is movable between an open and closed position and has first and second shearing blades. An eccentric pin extends through the lever and is attached to a rotary actuator. The eccentric pin is positioned to act as the pivot point for the lever. The rotary actuator is movable between an engaged and disengaged position. As the lever is moved to the closed position, the first shearing blades engage and shear a first portion of the carrier strip. As the rotary actuator moves to an engaged position, the second shearing blade engages and shears a second portion of the carrier strip.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the insertion and extraction of a PC board into and from a card cage, comprising a mounting body, an engager, and an actuator. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus has a ring-shaped mounting body having a clearance hole therethrough. The apparatus is slidably and rotatably mounted on a cylindrical rod through the clearance hole such that the apparatus is slidably rotatable along the length of the cylindrical rod. In operation, the engager is positioned in physical contact with the PC board in a notch in the board such that when a force is applied to the actuator, the engager is effected to urge the board to move in the direction of the force.

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.