Automatic frequency adjusting method for mechanical resonators

Abstract

A method for automatic frequency adjustment of mechanical resonators, in which plural target frequencies are specified spaced across the distribution curve of the initial resonance frequencies of the mechanical resonators; an output quota for finished resonators is specified at each target frequency; the initial resonance frequency of each resonator is measured, and the resonator is then transferred to an automatic trimming machine; and the adjusting frequency of the automatic trimming machine is reset, for that particular resonator, to the particular one of the target frequencies which is next higher than the initial resonance frequency of the mechanical resonator. However, if the output quota for that target frequency has already been filled, a still higher target frequency is specified instead. If the output quotas have been filled for all target frequencies within a permissible adjustment range, then the resonator is returned for coarse adjustment. Additionally, the resonance frequency of the resonator may be monitored during the adjustment process in the trimming machine, and, if the resonance frequency of the resonator rises above the target frequency by more than a permissible margin of error during the trimming process, the resonator is recycled to be readjusted by the same process to a higher target frequency.