Leslie A Anderson

US Patent:

47276371, Mar 1, 1988

Filed:

Jan 20, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/005242

Inventors:

Richard J. Buckwitz - Issaquah WA
Leslie A. Anderson - Bothell WA
Hugh R. Schlosstein - Renton WA
Alfred E. Walter - Everett WA

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Seattle WA

International Classification:

B23Q 1700
B23Q 1500
B23P 2100

US Classification:

29407

Abstract:

A contact which is attached to a wire is fitted in a hole of a connector by first identifying the wire to which the contact is attached. The location of the hole that is to receive the contact is determined automatically from an electronic data lookup table, and a signal is provided which positions an end portion of a fiber optic rod in line with the correct hole of the connector. The opposite end of the fiber optic rod is optically coupled to a source of light. The fiber optic rod is advanced so that it enters the hole and projects from the opposite side of the connector identifying the correct hole. Light emitted from the fiber optic rod facilitates visual identification of the hole from which the rod is projecting. Therafter, the fiber optic rod is retracted, and the contact is inserted into the hole.

US Patent:

48903825, Jan 2, 1990

Filed:

Dec 28, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/291557

Inventors:

Leslie A. Anderson - Bothell WA
Eric J. Selby - Everett WA
David L. Wagner - Kent WA
Alfred E. Walter - Everett WA

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Seattle WA

International Classification:

H05K 330
B21P 2100

US Classification:

29833

Abstract:

The present invention constitutes an apparatus for assembling multiple electrical contacts and filler elements into an electrical connector. The apparatus includes a filler assembly for automatically installing filler elements into the holes within the electrical connector which are to be unoccupied by electrical contacts, and a guide assembly which is functional for assisting the operator in manually inserting the electrical contacts into the correct holes within the connector by providing a visual indication of the holes into which the contacts should be inserted. The filler and guide assemblies operate on connectors held into position on a turntable-like indexing plate which allows the connectors to be rotated alternatively into position with respect to each of the assemblies. The filler assembly includes one or more filler element inserter tools which are adapted for inserting filler material from strands of such material into the holes within the connectors so as to form installed filler elements.