Universal Instruments Corporation

Paul M Overby

Weibley J Dean

Jack A Kinback

Robert R Rohde

An adapter is attached to the end of a vacuum spindle in order to facilitate automated fastening and unfastening therewith of various vacuum nozzles. During fastening of a nozzle, vacuum is utilized to pull and hold the adapter and nozzle together with a force which is much greater than the mechanical detenting which is conventional in this art. The various nozzles may have component engaging tips of different sizes and configuration such that each nozzle is selectable as appropriate to the size and contour of the component to be held by vacuum drawn through the spindle. A novel reservoir housing a multiplicity of replaceable vacuum nozzles is also disclosed whereby the nozzles may be exchanged without any external separation or attachment force supplied by the downward or upward movement of the spindle.

Apparatus for replacement of vacuum nozzles

The novel tester comprises jaws for orienting the component about a longitudinal axis of the tester in order to ensure proper positioning of the electrical connectors for engagement by test contacts of the tester. Each component usually has a mounting surface for engaging a dot of glue by which the component is held to the circuit board, and the novel tester provides means for generally preventing tilting of this mounting surface relative to longitudinal axis of the tester during testing.

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Endicott, NY, United States of America

Paul M Overby