Feed mechanism and method for feeding minute items
US7604451B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 2003 |
| Grant date | Oct 20, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 2, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/1776
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A feeding mechanism and method for feeding minute items, such as capacitors, resistors, or solder preforms. The mechanism is adapted to receive a plurality of the randomly-positioned and randomly-oriented extremely small or minute items, and to isolate, orient, and position one or more of the items in a specific repeatable pickup location wherefrom they may be removed for use by, for example, a computer-controlled automated assembly machine. The mechanism comprises a sliding shelf adapted to receive and support the items; a wiper arm adapted to achieve a single even layer of the items; and a pushing arm adapted to push the items into the pickup location. The mechanism can be adapted for providing the items with a more exact orientation, and can also be adapted for use in a liquid environment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.