Patent ID: 6402452
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: H05K,Y10T

Abstract:
A component feeding apparatus for supplying components to an automated assembly system, said system using a component feeding means having a length of carrier tape with a plurality of regularly spaced pockets in the component tape, each pocket holding a component therein, and a cover tape layer thereover to retain the components within each pocket until the component approaches a pick-up location, comprising:means for parting the cover tape so as to partially expose the component while keeping at least one edge of said cover tape affixed to the component tape; a channel for guiding a cover tape flap around the pick-up location, whereby said channel folds said cover tape along a line adjacent to a second edge and at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to an upper surface of the carrier tape, and where the component is completely exposed and the cover tape flap will not interfere with retrieval of the component at the pick-up location; and wherein said parting means includes a heating element for applying heat to the cover tape along the edge to be parted.