Robotic Vision Systems, Inc.

International Product Technology,inc.

Todd K Pichler

Merlin E Behnke

Donald P McGee

Steven J Bilodeau

Steven J Alexander

Robert G Bertz

Frank L Jacovino

Jon P Ubert

William Fusco, Jr

John Novak

Michael L Schneider

An apparatus for processing electronic circuit devices includes an infeed station, a first inspection station, an inverter station, a second inspection station, a sorting station, and an outfeed station. A linear transport mechanism having side edges transports a first work piece containing a plurality of electronic circuit devices through the stations along a linear path. The inverter station holds an empty second work piece above the transport mechanism in an inverted orientation. The inverter station also includes an elevator for lifting the first work piece vertically into an abutting relationship with the second work piece, and an inverting mechanism for inverting the first and second work pieces while maintaining them in the abutting relationship to position the electronic devices in the second work piece in the inverted orientation. The inverter station executes the work piece inverting action while maintaining the work pieces above the linear transport mechanism and between the side edges of the linear transport mechanism. Thus, the electronic circuit devices are inspected at the first inspection station in a first orientation in the first work piece, and are inspected at the second inspection station in an inverted orientation in the second work piece.

Inspection handler apparatus and method

A drive for a carrier tape used in conjunction with a pick and place module of a machine for inspecting and handling advances the carrier tape to its desired position in two steps. Using the number of sprocket holes between compartments in the tape (n holes), the first step is n&minus;1 sprocket holes. The second step takes the carrier tape the remaining distance to complete the advance to the distance equal to n sprocket holes. The tape is driven by friction rollers not by the use of the sprocket holes. The presence of a device in a compartment and its proper positioning in the compartment is also inspected.

Position sensing system for inspection handling system

A carrier tape drive used in conjunction with a pick and place module. The drive advances carrier tape to a desired position in two steps. The first step includes substantially stopping a carrier tape compartment short of a loading position, and the second step includes moving the compartment into the loading position.

Position sensing system and method for an inspection handling system

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New Berlin, WI, United States of America

Todd K Pichler