A Punch-Card-Controlled Component-Part Insertion Machine

A new high-speed programmed insertion device for axial-lead component parts is described, which produces the "Y" coordinate motion by movement of the printed wiring board and the "X" and "Z" motion by movements of the insertion head. Although the basic idea is not new, it is claimed that its combination with novel mechanisms has resulted in a truly high-speed experimental programmed machine. Success of the machine is credited to a new small-and lightweight inserting tool, which allows high-velocity movement, using low power, and with reduced resonance. A series of pneumatic cylinders are shown, following the binary progression to provide specific strokes by IBM punched-card control, for both lead preparation and insertion. Salient features of the mechanism are described as follows: a) almost any part under a diameter of 0.250 inch and a length of 0.850 inch can be handled, b) component parts are center-taped on reels after wrap-around terminals have been added, c) torque sleeves and yokes remove component parts from the tape reels, d) cards are stacked and conveyor fed to the insertion head, e) the controller is in console form, and takes binary-coded cards directly without the need for a decoder, and f) 1,920 bits of information are available from only two cards. Factors which have been experienced in connection with the manufacture of Sage Computers at IBM Kingston are mentioned. It is claimed that for over two-million insertions, most failures have been eliminated, even though insertion is at the average rate of 60 per minute. Potential of the system is estimated at a maintained speed of at least 120 per minute, with its future hinted by the insertion speed of less than 0.1 second which has been attained. Possible utilization of the equipment for other purposes is stressed, such as for programmed drilling.