Tape packaging system with removeable covers
US5562384A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 8, 1993 |
| Grant date | Oct 8, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 8, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53261
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A micro-component feeder assembly supporting small, odd lot or odd shaped components and subassemblies from a sprocket driven tape carrier including seriatim, annular housings having removeable covers and component pallets. The housing walls include fastener portions which support each pallet and cover. One or more components are indexed to pallet apertures, cavities, projections or resilient restraints. Wound tape supply and take-up cartridges mount to a controlled drive housing which includes tape reel drive, tape splice, tape sprocket drive, cover removal, clamp/test and lift and locate assemblies. Full and depleted component tapes cyclically alternate between upper and lower cartridges. A multi-faceted tool head assembly is controlled to a defined pallet presentation and defined component positions at each pallet. A gripper assembly produces a uniform gripping and insertion action of each component. In a multi-feeder system, a cartridge server assembly maintains a continuous supply of full component cartridges. A robotic arm may be used to pick-and-place components to and from a tape at a supply conveyor or work station.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.