Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
95 words
A method of loading a printed circuit board mounting line having a plurality of parts mounters, each mounter capable of mounting parts onto a printed circuit board, comprising the steps of: (a) extracting, from a memory, parts mounting data; (b) calculating a tact time for each parts mounter using said parts mounting data; (c) modifying said parts mounting data by reassigning parts to different parts mounters to improve tact time balance; and (d) loading parts into said parts mounters in accordance with said parts mounting data when tact time balance falls within a predetermined range.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
95 words
A method of loading a printed circuit board mounting line having a plurality of parts mounters, each mounter capable of mounting parts onto a printed circuit board, comprising the steps of: (a) extracting, from a memory, parts mounting data; (b) calculating a tact time for each parts mounter using said parts mounting data; (c) modifying said parts mounting data by reassigning parts to different parts mounters to improve tact time balance; and (d) loading parts into said parts mounters in accordance with said parts mounting data when tact time balance falls within a predetermined range.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein each parts mounter is a multi-function machine which can mount various types of parts.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein each parts mounter is a dedicated machine which can mount only a specific type of part, and a plurality of said dedicated machines of the same type are connected.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the type and the number of parts to be mounted on a printed circuit board may differ from one printed circuit board to the next.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of parts mounters includes at least one multi-function parts mounter.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of parts mounters includes at least one dedicated parts mounter.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
139 words
A method of a loading a printed circuit board mounting line having a plurality of parts mounters, each mounter capable of mounting parts onto a printed circuit board, comprising the steps of: (a) retrieving, from a memory, parts mounting data, including parts mounting data for every part to be mounted on a given printed circuit board; (b) using said parts mounting data to calculate a tact time for each of said mounters; (c) using said parts mounting data and said tact times to modify said parts mounting data by reassigning a given part from one mounter to another mounter, in accordance with a formula designed to better balance said line; and (d) loading a given part into a mounter in accordance with parts mounting data associated with said given part, when said line is balanced within a predetermined range.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
139 words
A method of a loading a printed circuit board mounting line having a plurality of parts mounters, each mounter capable of mounting parts onto a printed circuit board, comprising the steps of: (a) retrieving, from a memory, parts mounting data, including parts mounting data for every part to be mounted on a given printed circuit board; (b) using said parts mounting data to calculate a tact time for each of said mounters; (c) using said parts mounting data and said tact times to modify said parts mounting data by reassigning a given part from one mounter to another mounter, in accordance with a formula designed to better balance said line; and (d) loading a given part into a mounter in accordance with parts mounting data associated with said given part, when said line is balanced within a predetermined range.