Position and direction sensing system for an inspection and handling system
US6311886A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 4, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 6, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 4, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2701/1942
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention provides a pick and place system having a taper module that determines both placement and direction of the carrier tape by optically counting sprocket holes as they move in either direction. Compartments in a carrier tape are serially spaced along the longitudinal axis of the tape. The tape also includes a plurality of sprocket holes serially spaced along a line that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tape. The distance between compartments corresponds to a predetermined number of sprocket holes. Two optical couplers are set at a predetermined distance smaller than the s pacing between consecutive sprocket holes. Signals from the couplers will have a unique sequence depending on the direction of the tape. By using direction and number of sprocket holes, the exact position of the tape can be determined.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.