The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 04, 1989
Filed:
Aug. 18, 1987
Carl Campisi, Chicago, IL (US);
Andrew Kaliszek, Phoenix, AZ (US);
Elmer M Klein, Mundelein, IL (US);
Richard G Schmid, Glenview, IL (US);
Thomas J Bradfish, West Chester, IL (US);
Zenith Electronics Corporation, Glenview, IL (US);
Abstract
An electronic component lead or tab crimping apparatus adapted for use with a conveyor system in the assembly of printed circuit (PC) boards includes an upper assembly having an upper interchangeable plate and a lower actuator plate and further includes a pneumatically actuated lower assembly. The interchangeable plate includes a plurality of spaced apertures within each of which is disposed a lead/tab engaging, crimping element. The upper assembly is initially displaced upward by the pneumatically actuated lower assembly to a position in close proximity to and in alignment with the lower surface of a PC board such that each of the crimping elements is disposed in close proximity to a lead, or leads (or tabs), of an electronic component positioned on the PC board. The lower assembly then displaces the actuator plate upward by cam action such that the actuator plate simultaneously engages and pivotally displaces the crimping elements resulting in crimping of the electronic component leads or tabs. The actuator plate of the upper assembly is then lowered by the lower assembly allowing for disengagement of the leads/tabs by the crimping elements, followed by further lowering of the upper assembly by the lower assembly to permit the PC board with crimped leads/tabs to be displaced by the conveyor system and another PC board to be moved in position for lead/tab crimping.