Patent ID: 6966738
Filing Date: 2005-11-22
Classification: H01R,Y10T

Abstract:
1. In combination: a) a pick-and-place machine having a pickup member, said pickup member comprising: b) a feeder for individually dispensing components from a carrier tape containing in pockets loose piece components for pickup by the pick-up member, the carrier tape comprising a cover tape covering the pockets, the pick-and-place machine sending its pickup member to a pickup location on the feeder and the pickup member carrying a component returning to the pick and place machine, comprising: c) a winder for winding up the removed cover tape, the winder comprising first and second separable means forming a hub for receiving the removed cover tape, said first and second separable means when assembled forming a hub having a given diameter and when disassembled forming a hub that is smaller than said given diameter whereby a spool of removed cover tape formed on the given diameter hub is easily removed from the smaller hub formed when the first and second separable means are disassembled.