Patent ID: 6294747
Filing Date: 2001-09-25
Classification: B07C,Y10S

Abstract:
A visual inspection machine for six-sided, surface mount passive components comprising:a) a rotating loader wheel defined by an outer rim for accepting there against at least one 3-dimension miniature capacitor chip for visual inspection;b) a first inspection means, external said rotating loader wheel, for viewing at least a first side surface of the capacitor chip during its movement on said loader wheel;c) a rotating transfer wheel defined by a smooth outer marginal edge, said wheel arranged planar to said loader wheel and in coordinated juxtaposed movement therewith, for relocating the capacitor chip from said outer rim of said loader wheel to said outer marginal edge of said transfer wheel;d) a second inspection means, external said transfer wheel, for viewing the other external side surfaces and, optionally, the top and bottom surfaces of the capacitor chip during its movement on said transfer wheel;e) computer/processor means for tracking the positions of capacitor chips that have passed and failed inspection by said first and said second inspection means;f) removal means for ejecting chips that have failed inspection from said outer marginal edge of said transfer wheel for capture in a location; and,g) removal means for removing chips that have passed inspection from said outer marginal edge of said transfer wheel for capture in a different location.