Patent ID: 6194679
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: B07C,G01R

Abstract:
In a machine for testing and sorting miniature electrical inductors of the type having spaced-apart, opposed first and second metal-terminated ends, wherein the machine includes a feed station having an inlet, an outlet and is adapted to receive bulk quantities of inductors, a rotatably mounted transport wheel said wheel having an outer rim portion that includes a plurality of separate, spaced-apart compartments adapted to receive inductors from the feed station whereby each of the compartments has a central axis that is oriented perpendicular to the axis of the wheel, a test station including testing apparatus, and a sorting station operatively connected to the testing apparatus whereby an electrical inductor that is within the sorting station can be directed by a transfer means into one of as least two receiving means based on the testing performed at the test station, wherein when an electrical inductor is located in one of the compartments of the wheel, it is transported from the feed station to the test station and then to the sorting station while remaining in the compartments, the improvement in the ability to test the inductor using four separate electrical contacts simultaneously comprising:a) a first fixed electrical contact and a second electrical contact, said second electrical contact moveable in a direction toward and away from the wheel, said first and said second electrical contacts in side-by-side, spaced-apart, arrangement in the test station and configured to contact the metal-terminated first end of the electrical inductor, wherein said fixed first electrical contact comprises an elongated surface that provides fixed support to the inductor while it is in the test station and wherein said elongated surface of said fixed first electrical contact is preceded by a dielectric surface over which the first metal-terminated end of the inductor is moved before entering the testing station; and,b) third and fourth electrical contacts, each said contact moveable in a direction toward and away from the wheel for contacting the metal-terminated second end of the electrical inductor;c) said first, second, third and fourth electrical contacts arranged to contact the metal-terminated first and second ends of the electrical inductor simultaneously so that electrical tests can be performed on the inductors using all four electrical contacts.