ASSEMBLY APPARATUS

Apparatus for assembling component pairs comprising a nest structure for receiving first and second components in aligned relation, a rotary drive for the nest, a clamp structure for securing the first component in the nest to prevent rotation relative thereto comprising a pair of cooperating pincher elements which are pivotally mounted within a slot in the nest structure and which have finger portions to engage the component to be clamped and foot portions against which a member bears to cause rotation of the pincher elements and clamping of the first components, and an axial drive for causing movement of the second component against the first component. Also apparatus for the automatic high-rate assembly of such pairs of components which includes a turret having a plurality of such nest structures rotatably mounted thereupon, rotary drives for rotating the turret and for rotating the nests relative thereto, delivery systems for delivering first and second components in aligned relation sequentially to said nest structures, a system to remove the pair from said nest structure after assembly, a shuttle mounted adjacent the turret including the axial drive, and means for causing the shuttle to rotate such that the axial drive is aligned with a nest structure for a portion of each complete revolution of the turret and for actuating the axial drive when so aligned.