초록 ▼

A generally spherical bead on the floor of a compartment is prevented from lying in the path of insertion of an elongated member into the compartment when the compartment is located at a site. A drive mechanism first moves the compartment relatively slowly and a small distance away from the site so

A generally spherical bead on the floor of a compartment is prevented from lying in the path of insertion of an elongated member into the compartment when the compartment is located at a site. A drive mechanism first moves the compartment relatively slowly and a small distance away from the site so that the inertia of the bead causes it to move with the compartment away from the insertion path. The compartment is then moved relatively quickly back to the site so that the inertia of the bead prevents it from moving with the compartment, to thereby position and maintain the bead away from the insertion path. The compartment has a relatively planar floor integral with side walls. When the compartment is at the site, a first side wall is adjacent to the insertion path and a second opposed side wall is remote from the insertion path. The bead is rollable between the opposed side walls on the floor along the general line of movement of the compartment, the bead initially occupying and remaining in one of its numerous possible positions on the floor when the compartment is first moved slowly. The floor of the compartment moves under the bead until the second side wall contacts it and its inertia holds it thereagainst when the compartment is then moved quickly.

대표청구항 ▼

In an apparatus including a bead on a floor of a compartment, an elongated member insertable into the compartment along an insertion path when the compartment is located at a site, wherein the improvement comprising: control means for controlling movements of said compartment; and means responsive t

In an apparatus including a bead on a floor of a compartment, an elongated member insertable into the compartment along an insertion path when the compartment is located at a site, wherein the improvement comprising: control means for controlling movements of said compartment; and means responsive to the control means for ensuring the bead does not lie on said insertion path of said elongated member, said means for ensuring comprising (a) first moving the compartment at a first rate a distance away from the site so that the inertia of the bead during said moving causes the bead to move with the compartment away from the insertion path and (b) for then moving the compartment back to the site at a second rate greater than the first rate so that the inertia of the bead during said moving back at said second rate prevents the bead from moving with the compartment, to thereby position and maintain the bead away from the insertion path.