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:
Jun. 24, 2003
Filed:
May. 24, 2000
Michael E. Salmon, Madison, AL (US);
Gary L. Dumer, Union Grove, AL (US);
Martin F. Folgmann, Madison, AL (US);
William S. Hyde, Decatur, AL (US);
Trans Tron Ltd., Inc., Huntsville, AL (US);
Abstract
Apparatus having a mandrel, and a ring having an aperture therein, the ring being slidable over the mandrel. A multilead electronic component having electric leads extending therefrom is positioned atop the mandrel. The ring is pressed over the mandrel, bending the electric leads downward. When the ring is retracted, springback forces within the bent electric leads forces them against the inside of the ring; and the multilead electronic component is retained therewithin. The ring is then used, either manually or robotically, to position the component proximate a printed-circuit board with the electric leads aligned with connection apertures in the printed-circuit board. The multilead electronic component is pressed toward the printed-circuit board, forcing the leads through the connection apertures; and the ring is withdrawn for subsequent use. Another embodiment provides a pusher, which is manually or robotically slidable within the ring aperture, to press the multilead electronic component toward the printed-circuit board.