Patent ID: 7070384

Claim:
An apparatus for arranging components into an assembly, comprising: a first conveyor means for receiving and for transporting successive layers of components to a distribution position; a distribution means located at the distribution position for selectively repositioning the successive layers of components from the first conveyor means; a second outfeed conveyor means for receiving from the distribution means selected layers of the successive layers of components repositioned on the second outfeed conveyor means by the distribution means and for transporting the selected layers of the successive layers of components to an outfeed conveyor position; a third tine conveyor means for receiving from the distribution means other selected layers of the successive layers of components repositioned on the third tine conveyor means by the distribution means and for transporting components of the other selected layers of the successive layers of components to a tine conveyor position; a separating means positioned with the third tine conveyor means for separating the components of the other selected layers of the successive layers of components repositioned on the third tine conveyor means into an arrangement of rows spaced apart to provide for at least one opening in the arrangement of rows to form a tine receiving layer; a carriage means for transporting the tine receiving layer from the tine conveyor position to the outfeed conveyor position and for positioning the tine receiving layer at the outfeed conveyor position of the second outfeed conveyor means; and a transferring means for positioning at least one layer of components including the tine receiving layer for forming an assembly of components including the at least one opening in the tine receiving layer.