Patent ID: 6820401
Filing Date: 2004-11-23
Classification: B65B,H05K

Abstract:
A part packaging apparatus for packaging parts in a carrier tape having serially spaced-apart compartments and at least one resilient flange extending alongside the compartments and having an at-rest condition, and for applying a cover tape over the carrier tape, the apparatus comprising:a part placement head adapted to position parts in the carrier tape compartments; a cover tape applicator for laying the cover tape over the carrier tape such that the cover tape defines a cover tape plane; a sealing apparatus operable to seal the cover tape to the carrier tape flange and trap the part in the compartment; and a deflecting member supporting the flange and deflecting the flange and the portion of the cover tape over the flange away from the at-rest condition and at a non-zero angle with respect to the plane while the sealing apparatus seals the cover tape to the carrier tape flange; wherein the carrier tape flange resiliently returns to its at-rest condition after sealing to thereby tighten the cover tape across the carrier tape compartments.