US2683205A - Machine for making crystal rectifiers and the like - Google Patents

Description

July 6, 1954 B. J. YANCHENKO MACHINE FOR MAKING CRYSTAL RECTIFIERS AND THE LIKE Filed Feb. 7, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Inventorw Basil J. Yanchenko,

by A V'DLW H is Atbowne y July .6, 1 B. J. YANCHENKO MACHINE FOR MAKING CRYSTAL RECTIFIERS AND THE LIKE Filed Feb. '7, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 E WN Inventor. Basil J. Yanchenko, mQM

H is Attcrney.

July 6, 1954 B. JQYANCHENKO MACHINE FOR MAKING CRYSTAL RECTIFIERS AND THE LIKE 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Feb. 7, 1951 Inventor: Basil J. YancHnko,

H is Attorney July 6, 195 B. .1. YANCHENKO MACHINE FOR MAKING CRYSTAL RECTIFIERS AND THE LIKE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 7, 1951 Ill Illlll |||||||l l| llllllllllllllllll-lllkl k w c o Q W W Y A nJ a Patented July 6, 1954 MACHINE FOR MAKING CRYSTAL RECTIFIERS AND THE LIKE Basil J. Yanchenko, Syracuse, N. General Electric Company, a

New York Y., assignor to corporation of Application February 7, 1951, Serial No. 209,826

Claims.

The present invention relates to an improved method of and semi-automatic machine for making crystal rectifiers and similar devices.

Rectifying devices of the type employing as essential elements, a wafer-like crystal of germanium, silicon or similar material, to the face of which is bonded the end of a fine wire or whisker have recently come into widespread commercial use. In one form of the device the crystal and whisker are connected respectively to suitable terminals received in an insulating case which positions and mutually insulates the terminals of the device. When a device of this general type is connected in an electrical circuit, it exhibits markedly differing resistance characteristics with respect to voltages of opposite polarity.

The present invention relates to an improved method of and machine for assemblying devices of the above type including the step of making a weld or bond between one end of the whisker and the crystal of the device It is an important object of the invention to provide for the more econominal production of these devices as well as to insure greater uniformity of the resulting product particularly with respect to its electrical characteristics and its ruggedness.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated, the device is first partially assembled into three major subassemblies; one of which includes one terminal and the crystal; a second of which includes the other terminal and the whisker and the third of which includes the insulating case which is suitably apertured to receive at its opposite ends the terminal subassemblies. The insulating case which is in the form of an open ended cylinder is placed in a suitable notch in the periphery of a supporting wheel which may be periodically indexed into a predetermined position. The terminal subassemblies are loaded into suitable work holders which are mounted for pivotal and reciprocating movement with respect to the wheel to insert the terminal subassemblies therein sufiiciently to bring the whisker into contact with the crystal. The work holders for the terminal subassemblies are mutually insulated and connected with a suitable control and welding current supply circuit to initiate the flow of welding current in response to contact of the whisker with the crystal. The welding current is automatically controlled to rise and fall in accordance with a predetermined pattern and after the completion of the welding cycle, the jaws or work holders release the terminals which are now permanently assembled in the insulating case and moved to a partially retracted position with respect to the wheel. The wheel is indexed to bring another case into position and the work holder fully retracted to loading position. The operator next loads a new pair of terminal subassemblies in the Work holders and the machine then is ready to initiate new assemblying and welding operations under the control of the operator.

The features and advantages which characterize the present invention will become more apparent as the following description proceeds reference being had to the accompanying drawing in which Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a completed rectifying device of the type that may be assembled in accordance with and by a machine of the present invention; Fig. 2 illustrates the three major subassemblies of the device of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an elevational View partially in section of a semi-automatic machine embodying my invention; Fig. 4 is an enlarged elevational view partially in section of a part of a machine of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is an elevational view, partially in section, of one of the components of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is an expanded perspective view illustrating the operative relationship of the parts of the machine and Fig. '7 is a schematic representation of the welding and control circuits of the machine.

Referring now to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawing, a device suitable for manufacture in accordance with my invention includes a cylindrical case I of insulating material such as a glass impregnated Bakelite or other resinous material. Terminal subassemblies 2 and 3 each include a terminal member 4 and conductor 5. The subassembly 2 includes a crystal 6 of germanium or the like and its terminal subassembly 3 includes a fine bent wire 1, commonly called a whisker, and secured at one end to the terminal 4. As illustrated the exterior of the casing I is tapered for the purpose of proper orientation in the machine as will be described later in the specification. The casing I is also provided with a suitable centrally located passage 8 terminating at the end of the casing in counter bores 8a which facilitate the insertion of the subassemblies. In order to increase the frictional engagement of the terminals 2 and 3, with the casing, the inner wall of the passage 8 is provided with suitable ridges 9. The counter bores 8a are filled after assembly of the device with a suitable sealing compound illustrated in Fig. 1 by the numeral l0.

Referring now to Fig. 3 of the drawing, the machine there illustrated includes a support or bed plate i i to which are secured a pair of longitudinally extending insulating plates i2 and llZ-x psitioned in longitudinally spaced relation. A wheel is supported between the inner ends of plates l2 and lid is suitably recessed on its periphery at equally spaced positions as illustrated at It for the reception of the casings l. The wheel is supported in suitable bearings carried by the supporting plates i2 and 52a as illustrated generally at I5 and i6. Plates ll located on opposite sides of the wheel l3 determine the endwise position of the casings loaded into the recesses i i and are provided with suitable notches 8 to allow for the passage of the terminal subassemblies therethrough.

The upper edges of the insulating andsupporting plates I2 and HM are recessed as shown at 13 and 2 63 for supporting in operative relation with respect to the wheel iii a pair of work holders or work supporting assemblies designated generally by the numerals 2i and 22. These work holders are for the purpose ofcarrying the terminal subassemblies 2 and 3 of the device and moving them into assembled position with respect to a casing i received within one of the notches of the wheel i3. These work holders also provide welding jaws or welding current supply conductors for supplying welding current'to bond the whisker and crystal of adevice together after they are in position in a casing l. The work holder assembly designated 2i is shown in section (Fig. 3) and includes a slide bar 23 and a pivoted slide bar guide 24. The guide 24 is pivoted to the side walls of the recess is as illustrated at 25 and is shaped toguide the reciproeating movement of the work holder 23. The work holder is biased to a retracted position with respect-to the guide 2 3 by means of a compression spring 25 housed between the work holder 25 and the guide 24 and bearing on suitablesurfaces of these two members. The limit of rearward motion of the work holder is determined by an adjustable stop 27. The work holder 2'3 .is suitably recessed at its outer end to receive the terminal subassembly 2 as illustrated at 28.

A spring biased clampin member 29 is pivotally mounted on the work holder 23 and adapted to engage the conductor 5 of a subassembly 2 when the work holder is moved from the loading position illustrated in Fig. 3. The biasing force is supplied by a spring as and the work holder is held out of work engaging position in the work r loading position of the machine by means of asuitable cam member 3i which cooperates with a cam follower 32 "provided on the'work clamping member 29. The work holder 22 is'in general the same as the work holder '2! and corresponding parts have been designated by the same reference numerals.

Suitable inclined guide blocks 33 and 34 are positioned on opposite sides of the casing supportin wheel 53 and secured to the insulating supports i2 and The inclined surfaces of the guide blocks direct the forward ends of the pivoted work holder assemblies 2i and 22 upwardly as they move towar the wheel is and bring them into alignment with the opening in a casing i received within the recess is at the top of the wheel.

The mechanism for efiecting movement of the work holders 2i and 21?. from the loading position shown in Fig. 3 to the assembled position of Fig. 4. will now be described with particular reference to Figs. 3 and 6 of the drawing. The machine is provided with a main drive shaft 35 extending through the support 12a and the easing 35 or" a drive unit designated generally by the numeral 33. The drive shaft 3.5 is driven by a gear 38 engaged by racks 39 and 40 connected respectively with pistom a! and 42. Piston Al may be designated the advancing piston and 42 the retracting piston in that actuation of the piston M in an upward direction moves the work holders into the position shown in Fig. 4 while actuation of the piston 42 in an upward direction retracts the Work holders from the position shown in Fig. 4 to the position shown in Figs.

3 and 6. Pistons ll and &2 are received within suitable cylinders 53 and M, the lower ends of which are connected to suitable fluid supply conduits 5 and 48 by solenoid operated valves 41 and 5.8. The solenoid valve t7 includes a valve casing 49 and an actuating solenoid 5Q. The.cas ing 59 is connected to the cylinder 33 by means of a conduit 5|. An exhaust conduit 52 is also connected with the valve casing to provide an exhaust passage for the cylinder as when the valve is actuated to connect conduits 5:! and 52. In a similar manner the solenoid valve 48 includes a valve casing 53 and an operating solenoid 54. The valve casing is connected to communicate with the cylinder as through a conduit 55 and is alternately connected with the supply conduit 46 and an exhaust conduit =56 on successiveuperations of the valve. Means for operatin the machine toward work loading position, the position shown in Figs. 3 and 6, is provided by a (suitable biasing spring 57 supported on the top of the gear housing 35 and within the housing =58. The spring 5? bears on a shoulder 59 of a rod to positioned in alignment with the end of the rack 39. As will be described at a later point the spring 53 eiiects only partial retraction of the work holders from the position shown in Fig. 4.

Rotary motion of the main drive shaft 35 is converted into pivotal and reciprocating motion of the work holder 21 by means of a crank arm El and a connecting rod assembly 52 connected between the shaft 35 anda pinefa'secured in fixed relation to a suitable sleevefit on the 'work holder assembly 2!. An insert 52a of insulating material is interposed "in the connectin rod assembly B2 to maintain the work holders 2| and 22 in mutually insulated relation.

In a similar manner motion is transmitted from the drive shaft '35 to the work holder assembly 22 by means of crank arm 55 connected to the drive shaft, a connecting rod assembly and a pin Bl secured in fixed relation in a suitable sleeve 58 carried by the work holder 22. In order to provide for a movement of the slide member 23 of the work holder 22 independently of the motion of the drive shaft 35 an eccentric or cam sleeve $9 is interposed between the pin El and a yoke member '39 of the connecting rod assembly as. A manual actuating arm ii for the cam sleeve 53 is secured in fixed relation to the sleeve 59 and is biased by means of spring I2 to a. predetermined position to hold the sleeve 59 in a predetermined position with respect to the pin 57. It is apparent that depressing the lever '1! will rotate the eccentric with respect to the pin 57 and move the work holder 22 forward even though the shaft 35 is stationary. Suitable limit stops are provided by the arms '13 and 73a supported from the actuating arm l l.

In order to reduce the speed of the movement of the machine as the work holders 2I and 22 move toward assembled position of a rectifying device :a dash pct 15 is provided with a plunger I6 positioned to be engaged by an adjustable stop 11 carried by the drive shaft 35. As the drive shaft moves in a counterclockwise direction the stop II engages the actuating member I6 of the dash pot to retard the movement of the machine as it approaches final position.

In order to positively arrest the movement of the drive shaft and to hold the drive shaft and work holders in a predetermined position a solenoid brake is provided. This brake includes a pair of pivotally mounted shoes I8 and I9 which surround a pulley 80 secured to the drive shaft 35. The brake is operated by means of a pivoted :bell crank lever 81 and a connecting link 82 connected with the armature of a brake solenoid 83 including an operating winding 84. An electric switch 85 including an operating member 86 is supported to be actuated in accordance with the position of the brake operating link 82 by means of a finger 81 carried by the link 82.

As mentioned earlier in the specification the wheel I3 in which the casings I are supported is mounted for rotation with respect to the insulating supports=I2 and I2a. The wheel I3 is rotated by means of a drive shaft 88 journaled in the insulating support I2 and carrying on the outer or left-hand end thereof a ratchet mechanism 89. The ratchet mechanism is operated by means of a piston rod 90 and a piston 9I received within cylinder 92. Fluid under pressure is admitted to the cylinder 92 through a conduit 93 under the control of a solenoid valve 94 operable by means of a solenoid '95 which operates the valve to connect the conduit 93 selectively with a supply conduit 96 and an exhaust conduit 91.

The drive shaft 88 for wheel I3 also carries an indexing wheel 98 which cooperates with a suitable pivoted follower 99 for accurately positioning the shaft 88 after each operation of the indexing mechanism.

A control switch I for initiating return of the machine to work loading position includes an operating member I 0| which is engaged by the piston rod 90 to effect closure of the switch as the piston rod 90 completes the indexing motion. The machine also includes a air of manually operated switches I02 and I03 including operating members I04 and I05 respectively, which renders it necessary that the operator use both hands to initiate operation of the machine. A switch I 06 including an operating member I 01 is supported to be engaged by an extension of the pin 63 on work holder 23 when the work holders are in a position corresponding to complete assembly of a device in order to positively prevent indexing of the machine by actuation of the switches I02 and 103 while the work holders remain in Work engaging position.

A switch I08 of the type requiring resetting is provided with an actuating member I09 which is engaged by the operating lever II when it is depressed to advance the work holder 22. A switch IIO including an operating member III is positioned to be actuated by means of a lever II2 engaged by the crank 65 when the work holders 21 and 22 are in work loading position. Lever I I2 is also provided with a screw I I3 which resets the switch I08 when the parts of the machine are returned to work loading position as shown in Figs. 3 and 6.

The manner in which the electrical devices described above function to effect the desired control will become more apparent from a consideration of the welding and control circuits incorporated in the machine of the present invention. Referring now to Fig. 7 of the drawing the control circuit for the machine includes two major par-ts, the welding control enclosed within the dotted line of Fig. 7 and designated generally by the numeral 5 and the energizing circuit for the various electrical components referred in the foregoing description shown in the right-hand portion of Fig. 7 and designated generally by the numeral H6.

The welding circuit includes a welding current supply transformer I I! and a control transformer II8 each having a primary winding connected for energization from the alternating current supply conductors II 9 and I20. The secondary winding I2I of the welding current supply transformer I I1 is connected to supply welding current to a conductor I22 under the control of a gaseous type electric valve I23 having the anode connected to one terminal of the winding I2I and the cathode connected to ground. The other terminal of the transformer winding is connected through a suitable filter circuit I26 and ammeter I21, the operating coil I28 of a current responsive relay I29 to the conductor I22 which as will be described later is arranged to be connected with the work, to be welded automatically in response to the establishment of contact between the electrode assemblies 2 and 3. An adjustable calibrating resistor I 30 is connected in shunt with the operating coil I28 of the relay I29.

The control member I3I of the welding current control valve I23 is connected by conductor I32 to the cathode of a control valve I33. As illustrated the control valve I33 is of the high vacuum type having the anode cathode circuit connected between one terminal of the secondary winding I34 of the control transformer I I8 and an intermediate terminal I35 on a voltage dividing circuit established across one half of the winding I34 by means of a capacitor I36 and resistor I31. It will be apparent that the voltage of the cathode of the valve I33 and as a result the voltage of the control member I3I of the welding current control valve I23 will vary in accordance with the conductivity of the valve I33 which is in turn determined by the voltage appearing across a capacitor I39 connected directly between the control member and cathode of the valve I33. The voltage of capacitor I39 is determined by charging and discharging circuits therefor controlled respectively by the normally closed contacts I 40 and normally open contacts II of a relay I42 having an operating winding I43. The charging circuit includes a battery I44 and an adjustable resistor I45 connected in series with the normally closed contacts I40 and across the terminals of the capacitor. The discharging circuit includes an adjustable resistor I46 connected in series with the normally open contacts MI and across the terminals of the capacitor.

In accordance with one feature of the present invention initiation of the welder operation is accomplished in response to the establishment of a circuit between the crystal 6 and whisker I of one of the crystal rectifier devices being assembled. The transfer of the electrode assemblies and work holders in which they are received to the welding circuit is accomplished by means of a control tube I4! having the cathode thereof connected to ground and the anode connected through the operating coil 14s of a relay I 49 to an alternating current supply conductor I50.

The control member II of the valve I41 is normally maintained at a negative voltage by a bias- .ing: circuit including a battery I52, a resistor I53 andv the normally closed contacts I54 of the relay M9. Therelay I49- also includes normally open contacts I55 and I55.

In addition to the components already described the welding control circuit includes additional. control relays I51 and I58. The relay I51 includes an operating winding I59, normally closed contacts lfifl and normally open contacts I6I and I52. Control relay I53 includes an operating winding I53, normally closed contacts I54 and normally open contacts I65. The current responsive relay 129 also includes normally open contacts I66. The manner in which these relays operate to effect the desired sequence of operation of the welding circuit and of the electrical components of the assembly machine will become apparent at a later point in connection with the detailed description. of the operation of the system.

Referring now to the control circuit II6 the components previously identified in connection with the description of the assembly machine are identified by the same reference numerals. In addition to these elements the control circuit includes an alternating current supply conductor I210 connected for energization from supply conductor I and a grounded conductor I1I. A stepping relay i12 for connecting the supply conductor I18 alternately with conductors I13 and I14 in response to successive actuations of the manual switches IE2 and IE3 is provided. This switch includes three conducting segments, I15, I16 and I11 of approximately 120 degrees angular extent separated by suitable insert of insulating material 113. The supply conductor I19 is elec- 'trically connected to the hub I19 so that it is continuously connected with the segments H5, H6 and I11. The conductors I13 and I14 are positioned. so that one engages a conducting segment while the other engages an insulating segment and this relationship of conductors 13 and I14: is reversed for each 60 degree rotation of the switch; Therotation of the switch is accomplished in response to successive operation of switches I52 and 153' by a ratchet wheel I33 operated by a solenoid :81 including an operating winding Hi2.

The features and advantages of the present invention wfll become more apparent by a consideration of the operation of the machine in connection with the assembly of one complete rectifier device.

It is assumed that the operator has placed casings I ma number of the receses I4 of the wheel I3. and that the top recess contains one of the casings. It is also assumed that the operator .has placed the terminal assemblies 2 and 3 in switch to conductor I13, switch I08, switch 85 and the operating coil 53 of the closing solenoid 41 tolgrounded conductor I1I. As clearly shown in Fig. 6. operation of the solenoid valve 41 admits further motion of the work holders. of the solenoid brake also moves the finger 81 fluid under pressure to the lower side of piston 4| to effect upward movement of the piston and rotation of the main drive shaft 35 in a counterclockwise direction. Through the cranks GI and and the connecting rod assemblies 62 and 6.6 this rotation of the shaft 35 rotates the work holders 2I and 22 downwardly toward the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 4 (for the holder 22) at which time the movable part of the. work holder 23 of each Work holder assembly rests on the inclined surface of the blocks 33 and 34 respectively. As the movement of the shaft continues the work holders 23 move forward against the action of the springs 25 and guided by the incline of the blocks 33 and 34 insert the terminal assemblies within the casing I. As these work holders approach the limit of movement their motion is retarded by the action of the dash pot 15. The instant at which dash pot action is applied to the drive mechanism is determined by the adjustment of the stop 11 which engages the actuating member 15 of the dash pot. The forward motion of the Work holders is completely arrested in response to the establishment of an electric circuit between the crystal 6 and the whisker 1 or" the particular device being assembled. This circuit is completed from the grounded conductor I1I through normally closed contact I5!) of relay I59 normally closed contact I5 i of relay I59 to connect the control member PM of electric discharge device M1. directly to ground. Prior to this time the control member has been maintained at a negative voltage by the connection with battery I52. As soon as the grid is grounded the device M1 conducts through a circuit including supply conductor I15, contact I15, conductor I13, switch 158, switch H5, conductor I55 and the operating coil I48 of relay I49. This current through valve. I41 is suflicient to actuate relay I49 to open contact I54 and close contacts I55 and I55. The opening of contact I54 and closure of contact I55 establishes a direct connection to ground for the control member I5I to maintain the valve I61 conducting. Closure of the contact 156 performs two functions: First the operating coil 84 of the solenoid brake is energized by completing a circuit from the conductor 1553 to the ground conductor I56 and the'contact-I53 of relay I59. --'I'he actuation of the solenoid brake clamps the drive shaft 35 in fixed position and restrains any Operation from the switch 85 to deenergize the coil 59 of solenoid valve 51. This disconnects the closing piston 4| from the air supply and connects with exhaust conduit 53. Energization of the relay E51 transfers the circuit of the crystal rectifier including the crystal 6 and whiskey 1 from the control circuit of the discharge valve 551 to the welding current supply conductor I22 as a result of closure of contact IEI'. Operation of relay I51 also effects closure of contact Ifs2 to complete an energizing circuit for the operating coil I43 of relay 52. Up to this time no welding current has flowed through conductor I22, the crystal 6 and whisker 1 since the electric valve I23 in the welding current supply circuit has been nonconducting. The control member of this valve is connected with the cathode of the control valve I33 which, during the deenergized condition of relay M2, is also nonconducting. As relay I42 is operated and the contact I4I- is closed the negative bias on the Control member of valve tude of resistor I43 and as the conduction of this valve I33 increases the conduction of valve I23 increases to supply a current of increasing magnitude to the welding circuit including the parts of the crystal rectifier. When the welding current reaches a predetermined value as determined by the characteristics oi the current responsive relay I29, and the shunting or calibrating resistor I30, the relay I29 is operated to close contact I66. Closure of this contact in turn completes an energizing circuit for the coil of relay I58. Operation of this relay completes a holding circuit for energizing the coil thereof independently of the contacts 66 and also Opens the energizing circuit of the relay I42 by opening the contact I54. Deenergization of relay I42 causes contact I to reclose and contact I4I to open, establishing the circuit for charging capacitor I39 back to the negative voltage of battery I44 at a rate determined by the magnitude of resistor I45. After a predetermined interval determined by the magnitude of resistor I45, valves I33 and valve I23 become nonconductive and the welding current ceases. The ammeter I2! provides the operator with a visual indication of the welding current and it is readily apparent when the welding operation is completed.

The operator at this time depresses a lever lI shown in Figs. 3 and 6 and also shown in detail in Figs. 4 and 5 to effect a predetermined advance of the work holder 22 and as a result further insertion of the terminal assembly 3 into the casing I for the purpose of further bending the whisker after the weld is completed. The eccentric S9 is rotated by depressing the lever I I to move the pin 6'! and as a result the work holder assembly 22 to the left by an amount depending upon the eccentricity of the collar 69 and the amount of movement of the lever H which is adjusted by means of the stops I3 and 73a.

Depressing lever II also engages the actuating member I09 of switch I08 to open the circuit of supply conductor I and in this way to deenergize the operating coil of relay I49 which in turn deenergizes the coil of relays l5'I and I53. Opening of the contacts of the switch III) also deenergizes the operation winding 84 of the solenoid brake to release the work holders and associated mechanism. As a result of the compression springs 26 in the work holder assemblies and also the biasing spring 51 connected with the closing piston 4| the work holders tend to retract and drop down to the position indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 4, thus clearing the ends of terminals of the completed crystal rectifier device. This movement of the Work holder 2I also allows the contact of switch I06 to close to permit actuation of the stepping relay I12 in response to the closure of the manual operating switches I02 and I03. The closure of these switches by the operator is now effective to operate the stepping switch I72 sixty degrees in a counterclockwise direction (120 degrees in a clockwise direction from the position illustrated in Fig. 7) to establish an energizing circuit for conductor I14 through segment I15 of the rotary switch and thereby complete an energizing circuit for the operating coil 95 of the indexing solenoid valve 94. As will be apparent from an inspection of Fig. 6 operation of valve 94 and admission of air under pressure to the rear of piston 9| is effective to index the wheel I3 one position to bring the next recess in assembly position and carry with it a casing which has been previously loaded by the operator. As the indexing piston rod 9t moves to the left as viewed in Fig. 6 the switch I 05 is operated to closed position to establish an energizing circuit for the winding of the opening solenoid valve Operation of this valve in turn admits fluid under pressure to the upper side of piston 42 to return the main drive shaft and associated mechanism to the position shown in Figs. 3 and 6, at which time the work holders 2! and 22 are ready to receive terminal assemblies 2 and 3. It will also be noted that the spring associated with the work holders 2i and 22 are moved to a retracted position as the machine is moved into the position illustrated in Figs. 3 and 6. Movement of the parts into the position shown in these figures effects the opening of switch iiii which insures that the welding circuit will be deenergized during the loading operation, as the parts return to the positions illustrated in Figs. 3 and 6 the switch Hi8 is reset to the closed position by means of lever II2.

From the foregoing detailed description it is apparent that the present invention provides an improved semi-automatic machine and method for eilecting the assembly and Welding together of the components of a crystal rectifier device starting with three major subassemblies. It will also be apparent that in its broader aspect invention is not limited to the specific application but may be utilized where similar assembly movements and operations are required.

While a particular embodiment of the invention has been described and illustrated it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the present invention in its broader aspects and it is intended that all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention shall be covered by the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

l. A machine for inserting a pair of electric terminal assemblies into a casing and effecting a weld between said electric terminal assemblies comprising a bed plate, a wheel having a plurality of recesses spaced apart on the periphery thereof for receiving casings, said wheel being journaled for rotation with respect to said bed plate, a pair of terminal holding assemblies mounted on opposite sides of said wheel for pivotal rotation about axes perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said Wheel, each of said assemblies including a guide member, a pair of slide bar members respectively positioned on said guide members for linear movement therealong, first spring means provided between said guide members and said slide bars for biasing said slide bars in retracted positions, a pair of cam followers pivotally mounted on said work holders, electric contact means attached to said cam followers, second spring means positioned between said electric contact means and said work holders to bias said electric contact members in a position to make contact with said electrical terminal assemblies located in said work holders, and a pair of cams mounted on said bed plate to coact with said cam followers to remove said electric contact means from engagement with said electric terminal assemblies when said work holders are in the retracted position; a main drive shaft, crank and connecting rod assemblies connected to and operated in response to rotation of said main drive shaft for converting rotary motion of said shaft to reciprocating motion of the rod, said rod being pivotally connected to the slide bar of said work holders; a pair of inclined guide blocks located on opposite sides of the wheel and having guides on the surface thereof for accommodating said slide bars, said blocks being positioned to intercept said slide bars in their downward travel and guide said'slide bars in their motion against said first spring means, Welding jaws provided on said slide bars for holding said electric terminal assemblies and for making good electrical contact therewith, electric circuit means controlling operation of said main drive shaft and ior controlling welding current in said electric terminal assemblies including means responsive to electric contact between terminal assemblies mounted in said work holders for interrupting rotation of said main drive shaft and for initiating welding current between said terminal assemblies, and means for rotating said drive shaft to retract said work holders upon completion of said welding cycle and for causing the rotation of said wheel to a position where another of said recesses are aligned with the guides in said guide blocks whereby the machine is ready for inserting another pair of terminal assemblies in another casing and for welding together the assemblies.

2. In a machine for assembling a pair of electric terminal assemblies in a casing, a casing support, a pairof terminal assembly holders positioned on opposite sides of said support, each of said holders including a guide member mounted for pivotal movement toward said support, and a slide bar mounted on said guide member for movement therealong, reciprocating motion means, pivotal connections between said reciprocating motion means and said slide bars, and guide blocks positioned on opposite sides of said casing to intercept said slide bars in their pivotal movement toward said support, whereby electric terminal assemblies carried by said slide bars are inserted into a casing carried by said casing support.

3. A machine for assembling an electric device including-a casing and a pair of terminal assemblies comprisinga casing support; a pair of electric terminal assembly holders positioned on opposite sides of said casing support, each of said holders including a pivotally mounted guide member, a slide bar positioned for movement along said guide member, and a sprin interposed between said guide member and said slide bar to bias said slide bar in a retracted position; reciprocating motion means pivotally connected to said slide bars for moving them toward said casing support; and inclined guides located on opposite sides of said casing support for guiding said slide bars upward in their motion toward said casing support, whereby terminal assemblies carried bysaid holders are inserted into a casing carried by said casing support.

4. A machine for assembling an electric device including a casing and a pair of terminal assemblies comprising a wheel having means located on the periphery thereof for holding casings; a pair of electric terminal assembly holders positioned on opposite sides of said wheel, each of said holders including a guide member mounted for pivotal movement about an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said wheel, a slide bar positioned for movement therealong, and a spring interposed between said guide member and said slide bar to bias said slide bar in a retracted position; reciprocating motion means pivotally connected to said slide bar; and a pair of inclined i2 guides located on opposite sides of said wheel for guiding said slide bars upward in their motion toward said wheel, whereby terminal assemblies carried by said holders are inserted into a casing carried by said casing support.

5. In a machine for assembling an electric device, a casing support, terminal assembly holders pivotally mounted on opposite sides of said support, means for pivoting said holders, abutments provided on opposite sides of said casing supports, clamping members pivotally mounted on said holders, spring means interposed between said clamping members and said work holders to bias said clmping members against said holders, and cam followers mounted on said clamping members to coact with said abutments to force said clamping members against said spring means when said work holders are positioned so that the cam followers are pressed against said abutments.

6. In a machine for assembling an electric device, a wheel having means located on the periphery thereof for holding casings, a pair of terminal assembly holders mounted on opposite sides of said wheel for pivotal movement about axes perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said wheel, clamping members pivotally mounted on said work holders, spring means interposed between said clamping members and said holders to bias said clamping members against said holders, cam followers mounted on said clamping members, and abutments located on opposite sides of said Wheel to intercept and coact with said cam followers during the pivotal movement of said holders to force said clamping members against said springs, and reciprocating motion means pivotally connected to said holders including a main drive shaft and crank and rod assemblies, whereby electric terminal assemblies carried by said holders are in an assembly position.

7. A machine for assembling an electric device including a support casing and pair of terminal assemblies, a casing support; a pair of work holders for carrying said terminal assemblies, said work holders positioned on opposite sides of said casing support and comprising pivotally mounted guide members, and slide bar members mounted for movement along said guide members, a pair of cams, clamping members pivotally mounted on said slide bar members, and cam followers mounted on said clamping members to coact with said cams to force said clamping members away from said slide bar members when said Work holders are positioned so that said cam followers are pressed against said cams, reciprocating motion means, pivotal connections between said means and said slide bars, and guide blocks positioned on opposite s des of said support to intercept said slide bar in its pivotal movement toward said support, to insert electric terminal assemblies carried by said slide bars into a casing carried by said support.

8. In a machine for assembling electrical device including electric terminal assemblies and casings, a wheel having a plurality of recesses spaced apart on the periphery thereof for receiving casings, said wheel being journaled for rotation, terminal assembly holders mounted on opposite sides of said wheel, each of said holders including a guide member mounted for pivotal movement about an axis perpendicular to the axes of rotation of said Wheel, a slide member mounted on said guide for movement therealong, first spring means interposed between said members to bias said slide member in a retracted position; clamping members pivotally mounted on said slide members, second spring means interposed between said clamping members and the associated slide members to bias said clamping member against said slide member, cam followers mounted on said clamping members, cams mounted to intercept said cam followers when said holders are in a retracted position, reciprocating motion means including a drive shaft and crank and rod assemblies connected thereto for converting rotary motion of said shaft to reciprocating motion of said rod, a pivotal connection between said rods and said slide bars to effect pivotal movement of said holders in response to reciprocating motion of said rods, and inclined guide blocks positioned on opposite sides of said wheel to intercept said slide bars in their pivotal movement toward said wheel, whereby electric terminal assemblies carried by said holders are inserted into a casing carried in one of the notches of said wheel.

9. In a machine for assembling a pair of electric terminal assemblies in a casing, a casing support, a pair of terminal assembly holders positioned on opposite sides of said support, each of said holders including a guide member mounted for pivotal movement toward said support, and a slide bar mounted on said guide member for movement therealong, reciprocating motion means, a, pivotal connection between said means and said slide bars, and guide blocks positioned on opposite sides of said casing to intercept said slide bars in their pivotal movement toward said support, electric means for arresting the movement of reciprocating motion means when electric contact is made between electric terminal assemblies carried by said work holders, and'a welding circuit connected to supply current to the junction of the electric terminal assemblies when contact therebetween is made, whereby electric terminal assemblies carried by said holders are inserted into a casing carried in one of said notches and welded together.

10. A machine for assembling an electric device including a casing and a pair of terminal assemblies comprising a casing support; a pair of electric terminal assembly holders positioned on opposite sides of said casing support, each of said holders including a pivotally mounted guide memher, a slide bar positioned for movement along said guide member, and a spring interposed between said guide member and said slide bar to bias said slide bar in a retracted position; reciprocating motion means pivotally connected to said slide bars for moving them toward said casing support; and inclined guides located on opposite sides of said casing support for guiding said slide bars upward in their motion toward said casing support, electric means for arresting the movement of said reciprocating motion means when electric contact is made between electric terminal assemblies carried by said work holders, and a welding circuit connected to supply current'to the junction of the electric terminal assemblies when contact therebetween is made, whereby electric terminal assemblies carried by said holders are inserted into a casing carried in one of said notches and welded together.

11. A machine for assembling an electric device including a casing and a pair of terminal assemblies comprising a wheel having means located on the periphery thereof for holding casings, a pair of electric terminal assembly holders positioned on opposite sides of said casing support, each of said holders including a guide member mounted for pivotal movement about an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said wheel, a slide bar positioned for movement along said guide memher, and a spring interposed between said guide member and said slide bar to bias said slide bar in a retracted position, reciprocating motion means pivotally connected to said slide bar and a pair of inclined guides located on opposite sides of said wheel for guiding said slide bars upward in their motion toward said wheel, electric means for arresting the movement of said reciprocating motion means when electric contact is made between electric terminal assemblies, and a welding circuit connected to supply current to the junction of the electric terminal assemblies carried by said holders, whereby electric terminal assemblies carried by said work holders are inserted into a casing carried in one of said notches and welded together.

12. In a machine for assembling an electric device, a casing support, terminal assembly holders pivotally mounted on opposite sides of said support, a pair of cams, clamping members pivotally mounted on said holders, spring means in-- terposed between said clamping members and said work holders to bias said clamping members against said holders, and cam followers mounted on said clamping members to coact with said cams to force said clamping members against said spring means when said work holders are positioned so that the cam followers are pressed against said cams, electric means for arresting the movement of said source of reciprocating motion when electric contact is made between electric terminal assemblies carried by said work holders, and a welding circuit connected to supply current to the junction of the electric terminal assemblies when contact therebetween is made, whereby electric terminal assemblies carried by said holders are inserted into a casing carried in one of said notches and welded together.

13. A machine for assembling an electric device including a support casing and pair of terminal assemblies, a casing support; a pair of work holders for carrying said terminal assemblies, said work holders positioned on opposite sides of said casing support and comprising pivotally mounted guide members, and slide bar members mounted for movement along said guide members, a pair of cams, clamping members pivotally mounted on said slide bar members, and cam followers mounted on said clamping members to coact with said cams to force said clamping members away from said slide bar members when said work holders are positioned so that said cam followers are pressed against said cams, reciprocating motion means, pivotal connections between said means and said slide bars, and guide blocks positioned on opposite sides of said support to intercept said slide bar in its pivotal movement toward said support, electric means for arresting the movement of reciprocating motion means when electric contact is made between electric terminal assemblies when contact therebetween is made, means including an electric circuit for indexing said casing support, and switch means for preventing indexing of said support when said work holders are in work inserting position.

14. A machine for assembling an electric device including a support casing and pair of terminal assemblies, a casing support; a pair of work holders for carrying said terminal assemblies, said work holders positioned on opposite sides of said casing support and comprising pivotally mounted guide members, :and slide bar members mounted for movement along ,said guide members, a pair creams, clamping members pivotallyzmounted on said slide bar members, and cam followers mounted on said clamping members to coact with said cams to force said clamping members away from said slide bar members when said work holdersare positioned so that .said cam followers are pressed against said cams, reciprocating motion means, pivotal connections between said means and said slide bars, and guide blocks positioned on opposite sides of said support to intercept .said slide bar in its pivotal movement toward said support, electric means for arresting the movement of said reciprocating motion means when electric contact is made between electric terminal assemblies when contact therebetween is made, and a welding circuit connected to supply current to the junction of the electric terminal assemblies carried by said holders, whereby electric terminal assemblies carried by said Work holders are inserted into a casing carried in one of said notches and welded together.

15. In a machine for assembling an electrical device; a casing support; a work holder, said work holder including a guide member mounted for pivotal motion toward said support, a sliding member mounted on said guide member for motion :therealong, and spring means interposed between said members for biasing said sliding memher in a retracted position; reciprocating means pivotally connected to said sliding member for moving it toward said casing support; and aguide block .mounted next to said casing support to intercept said sliding member in its pivotal motion and guide it in its motion toward said casing, whereby a terminal assembly carried by said work holder is inserted in a casing carried by said casing support.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name .Date

723,995 Ellis Mar. 31, 1903 1,050,827 Heany Jan. 21, 1913 1,213,852 Pagan et a1 Jan. 30, 1917 1,462,305 Snyder July 17, 1923 1,507,953 Codina Sept. 9,1924 1,867,225 Le Van July 12, 1932 1,953,476 Gilbert Apr. 3, 1934 2,006,459 Jones et al July 2, 1935 2,113,664 Simmie Apr. 12, 1938 2,137,181 Quackenbush Nov. '15, 1938 2,183,600 Werner et al Dec. 19, 1939 2,255,199 Van Hamersveld Sept. 9, 1941 2,284,690 Stern June 2, 1942 2,316,597 Kershaw Apr. 13, 1943 2,339,807 Rau Jan. 25, 1944 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 283,843 Germany May 1, 1915 378,774 Great Britain Aug. 18, 1932

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