Patent ID: 6892976
Filing Date: 2005-05-17
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. An automated semiconductor tape and reel changing method comprising: providing a tape and reel handler; mounting a plurality of receiving reels onto a shaft of an automated reel changer; positioning a first receiving reel of the plurality of receiving reels at a position on the shaft to receive a first carrier tape from the tape and reel handler; receiving the first carrier tape from the tape and reel handler into a receiving opening of the automated reel changer and responsively grasping a first end of the first carrier tape; inserting the first end of the first carrier tape into the first receiving reel then releasing the first end; rotating the first receiving reel at a first rate while winding the first carrier tape onto the first receiving reel; moving a securing device to contact a second end of the first carrier tape and responsively attaching the securing device to the second end of the first carrier tape after the first carrier tape is wound onto the first receiving reel; stopping rotation of the first receiving reel after attaching the securing device; and removing the first receiving reel from the shaft while moving a second receiving reel of the plurality of receiving reels to the position to receive a second carrier tape from the tape and reel handler.