Importance

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Abstract

An automatic key programming and connector transfer system and method for electrical connectors (10) having keying means (40) thereon. According to one aspect of the invention, an automatic key programming apparatus (51) for electrical connectors (10) is provided which comprises a supply station (56) for storing a plurality of connectors (10) having keys oriented in a predetermined orientation, a programming station (57) for receiving connector (10) having keys oriented in a predetermined orientation from the supply station (56) and for programming the keys of the connectors, the programming station (57) including a programming device (100) for programming the keys of the connectors (10) in accordance with programming instructions applied thereto, and an output station (58) for receiving connectors (10) having programmed keys from the programming station (57). According to a further aspect of the invention, the system also includes a robotic transfer apparatus (52) for automatically picking up connectors (10) having programmed keys from the output station (58) of the programming apparatus ( 51) and for transferring the connectors (10) to a printed circuit board or other utilization device (53). The invention permits connectors (10) having keys oriented in a predetermined orientation to be programmed one at a time to a desired orientation, and then transferred and positioned on a printed circuit board or other utilization device (53) automatically without human intervention.

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First Claim