Patent Publication Number: US-6901658-B2

Title: Electric-component supplying apparatus and circuit-board assembling method for feeding a plurality of electric-component tapes

Description:
This is a Division of application Ser. No. 09/334,931 filed Jun. 17, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,694,606. The entire disclosure of the prior application is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to an apparatus for supplying electric components (i.e., circuit components used for providing electric circuits (e.g., electronic circuits)), and a method of assembling an electric circuit on a print-wired board, i.e., a circuit board, and in particular to the art of improving the supplying of electric components from an electric-component tape holding the electric components. 
   2. Related Art Statement 
   There is known an electric-component (“EC”) tape which includes a carrier tape and which holds a plurality of electric components (“ECs”) at a predetermined pitch in a lengthwise direction of the carrier tape, and there is known an EC supplying device which supplies ECs from an EC tape holding the ECs. The EC supplying device includes a feeding device which feeds the EC tape in its lengthwise direction so that the ECs are supplied, one by one, to an object device. If the ECs are supplied one after another and the EC tape is consumed near to the end, an operator connects an initial end portion of another EC tape to a terminal end portion of the current EC tape now supplying the ECs, before the ECs of the current tape are completely consumed. Thus, the ECs of the new tape are successively supplied after the ECs of the preceding tape, without interruption, as if the ECs were supplied limitlessly. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an electric-component supplying apparatus, an electric-component supplying system, and a circuit-board assembling method each of which detects a connection portion where two electric-component tapes are connected to each other and which can utilize the detected connection portion. 
   The present invention provides an electric-component supplying apparatus, an electric-component supplying system, and a circuit-board assembling method which have one or more of the technical features that are described below in respective paragraphs given parenthesized sequential numbers (1) to (27). Any technical feature which includes another technical feature shall do so by referring, at the beginning, to the parenthesized sequential number given to that technical feature. Thus, two or more of the following technical features may be combined, if appropriate. Each technical feature may be accompanied by a supplemental explanation, as needed. However, the following technical features and the appropriate combinations thereof are just examples to which the present invention is by no means limited.
     (1) According to a first feature of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for feeding a plurality of electric-component tapes each of which includes a carrier tape and holds a plurality of electric components in a lengthwise direction of the carrier tape, and supplying, from the each electric-component tape, the electric components, one by one, to an object device, the apparatus comprising: a feeding device which feeds a first electric-component tape in a lengthwise direction thereof; and a connection-portion detecting device which detects a connection portion where a terminal end portion of the first electric-component tape being fed by the feeding device is connected to an initial end portion of a second electric-component tape. The EC tape may be an embossed-carrier-type one, a punched-carrier-tape one, or a lead-wire-terminal-taped-type one. The embossed-carrier-type EC tape includes (a) a carrier tape which includes a pair of widthwise opposite end portions each extending in a lengthwise direction thereof, and a plurality of embossed portions each projecting downward from between the two end portions and each accommodating one EC, and (b) a top cover tape which is adhered to the carrier tape to close respective upper openings of the embossed portions. The punched-carrier-tape EC tape includes (c) a carrier tape which includes (c1) a base tape which is formed of, e.g., paper or synthetic resin and which has a plurality of through-holes formed through the thickness thereof and (c2) a bottom cover tape which closes respective lower openings of the through-holes to provide a plurality of EC accommodating pockets each accommodating one EC, and (d) a top cover tape which is adhered to the carrier tape to close respective upper openings of the through-holes or the EC accommodating pockets. The lead-wire-terminal-taped-type EC tape may be one which includes a carrier tape which is provided by a tacky tape and which holds a plurality of electric components whose respective lead-wire terminals are adhered thereto, or one which includes a carrier tape which includes a tacky tape and a support sheet and which holds a plurality of electric components whose respective lead-wire terminals are adhered thereto. The second EC tape may be a new one from which no ECs have not been taken, or a used one from which one or more ECs have been taken. The first and second EC tapes to be connected to each other must at least be of a same type, e.g., both of the embossed-carrier type, the punched-carrier tape, or the lead-wire-terminal-taped type, and must hold a same sort of ECs. The object device to which the present EC supplying apparatus supplies the ECs may be an EC mounting system as an element of a circuit-board (“CB”) assembling system, or an EC transferring device which transfers ECs from the EC supplying apparatus to a third device. However, the EC mounting system can be said as a sort of EC transferring device, because it transfers ECs from the EC supplying apparatus to respective EC-mount places on a print-wired board (“PWB”). The present EC supplying apparatus detects the connection portion of the two EC tapes connected to each other. Accordingly, for example, the present apparatus can judge whether the second EC tape actually connected to the first EC tape is a correct sort of EC tape to be connected to the first tape, and can monitor the amount of ECs remaining on the first EC tape, or the first and second EC tapes connected to each other.   (2) According to a second feature of the present invention that includes the first feature (1), the supplying apparatus further comprises a frame including a guide which guides the movement of each of the first and second electric-component tapes in the lengthwise direction thereof, and the connection-portion detecting device is supported by the frame in vicinity of a path of movement of the each electric-component tape. The connection-portion detecting device may be provided on the path of movement of each EC tape, or at a location somewhat distant from the path. In the case where the connection-portion detecting device is provided at a location largely distant from the path defined by the guide, each EC tape must take a circuitous route for the connection portion to be detected by the detecting device. In contrast, in the case where the connection-portion detecting device is provided in the vicinity of the path, the detecting device can directly detect the connection portion while each EC tape is moved on the path defined by the guide. In the latter case, a smaller space is needed for the movement of the EC tape, which contributes to reducing the overall size of the present EC supplying apparatus.   (3) According to a third feature of the present invention that includes the first or second feature (1) or (2), the connection-portion detecting device comprises a metal detector which detects a metallic connection member which connects the terminal end portion of the first electric-component tape and the initial end portion of the second electric-component tape to each other. The metallic connection member is formed of, e.g., steel, copper, brass, SUS, or aluminum. The connection member cooperates with the the terminal and initial end portions of the two EC tapes to provide the connection portion. The metal detector detects the connection member and thereby detects the connection portion.   (4) According to a fourth feature of the present invention that includes the third feature (3), the metal detector comprises a pair of electrodes which are distant from each other on a locus of movement of the metallic connection member when the two electric-component tapes connected to each other are fed in the lengthwise direction thereof, and which are electrically connected to each other by the metallic connection member; and a connection detecting circuit which electrically detects that the two electrodes are connected to each other by the metallic connection member. If the supplying of the ECs progresses after the connection of the two EC tapes, the metallic connection member eventually reaches the pair of electrodes, moves along the same, and contacts both of the same, thereby electrically connecting the same to each other. The connection detecting circuit produces a first signal when the two electrodes are electrically connected, and a second signal different from the first signal, when the two electrodes are not connected. Thus, the production of the first signal from the connection detecting circuit indicates that the metallic connection member is moving on the electrodes. In this way, the connection portion can be detected.   (5) According to a fifth feature of the present invention that includes the fourth feature (4), the connection-portion detecting device further comprises a pressing member which presses the metallic connection member against the two electrodes. Since the metallic connection member is positively pressed against the pair of electrodes by the pressing member, the two electrodes can be more reliably connected to each other by the metallic connection member. Thus, the metallic connection member or the connection portion can be more reliably detected.   (6) According to a sixth feature of the present invention that includes the fifth feature (5), the pressing member comprises a pressing roller which is movable toward, and away from, the metallic connection member, and which is rotatable about an axis line intersecting a direction of feeding of the two electric-component tapes connected to each other. Since the pressing roller presses the metallic connection member against the pair of electrodes while being rotated by the movement of the EC tape, the EC tape is subjected to only a low resistance to its movement.   (7) According to a seventh feature of the present invention that includes the fifth or sixth feature (5) or (6), the connection-portion detecting device further comprises a biasing device which biases the pressing member in a direction in which the pressing member is moved toward the two electrodes. The biasing device may be the self weight of the pressing member, or the sum of the self weight of the pressing member and that of a support member which supports the pressing member. Alternatively, the biasing device may be provided by a spring member as a sort of elastic member. The employment of the biasing device further improves the reliability with which the pair of electrodes are connected to each other.   (8) According to an eighth feature of the present invention that includes the third feature (3), the metal detector comprises a non-contact sensor which detects the metallic connection member, without contacting the connection member. Since the non-contact sensor does not contact the connection member, the sensor is prevented from wearing and accordingly enjoys a long life expectancy.   (9) According to a ninth feature of the present invention that includes the eighth feature (8), the non-contact sensor comprises an induction proximity sensor. The induction proximity sensor may be a high-frequency proximity sensor. However, it is possible to use a different sort of non-contact sensor, such as a capacitance proximity sensor.   (10) According to a tenth feature of the present invention that includes the first or second feature (1) or (2), the connection-portion-detecting device comprises an optical detector which detects the connection portion of the two electric-component tapes, based on a difference between an optical characteristic of the connection portion and an optical characteristic of respective remaining portions of the two tapes. The optical characteristic may be a color, a reflection factor, or a transparency. If there is a detectable difference between the optical characteristic of the connection portion and that of the respective remaining portions of the two EC tapes, the connection portion can be detected by the optical detector which can detect the difference.   (11) According to an eleventh feature of the present invention that includes the tenth feature (10), the optical detector comprises a light emitter which emits a light toward a portion of the connected electric-component tapes; a light receiver which receives the light which has been emitted by the light emitter and optically affected by the portion of the connected electric-component tapes; and a judging device which judges, based on a change of the light received by the light receiver from the light emitted by the light emitter, whether the portion of the connected electric-component tapes is the connection portion thereof. The light receiver may be one which receives the light which has been reflected by each EC tape, or one which receives the light which has been transmitted by each EC tape. The affection to the light by each EC tape may be the change of amount of the reflected or transmitted light, or the change of frequency component of the reflected or transmitted light. The latter optical affection may be detected by, e.g., a color sensor. In the case where the light receiver is one which receives the light reflected by each EC tape, the respective colors or reflection factors of each carrier tape and the connection member are so predetermined as to produce a distinguishable difference between the respective amounts or frequency components of the respective lights reflected from the each carrier tape and the connection member. Each carrier tape, each top cover tape, and the connection member may be formed of any material, and the connection member may be formed of metal, or may be provided by a connection tape formed of a synthetic resin. The connection tape has a tacky material or an adhesive material on one major surface thereof, and may be adhered to the respective carrier tapes of the two EC tapes. In the case where each carrier tape is formed of a transparent synthetic resin, the connection member may be provided by a connection tape formed of an opaque synthetic resin, or a metallic connection member. In this case, the connection member significantly changes the amount of the light transmitted by the two EC tapes connected to each other. Therefore, a transmission-type photoelectric sensor can detect the connection portion of the connected EC tapes. In the case where each carrier tape and the connection tape have different colors, the connection portion can be detected based on a difference between the respective frequency components of the respective lights transmitted by the each carrier tape and the connection tape. All of the above explanation is true with each of the embossed-carrier-type EC tape, the punched-carrier-type EC tape, and the lead-wire-terminal-taped-type EC tape. However, it is preferred that how to combine the connection member or tape and the light emitter and receivers and where the connection member or tape is placed relative to the carrier tapes to be connected be so predetermined as not to be affected by the ECs held by the carrier tapes. Even if the light received by the light receiver may have been affected by the EC or ECs, it is possible to remove that affection because the ECs are regularly held at the predetermined pitch by the carrier tapes. However, to remove the affection is cumbersome, which may lead to lowering the reliability of detection of the connection portion.   (12) According to a twelfth feature of the present invention that includes any one of the first to eleventh features (1) to (11), the supplying apparatus further comprises a tape-connection-relating-information producing device which produces first information when the second electric-component tape is appropriate, and second information when the second tape is not appropriate. The second EC tape is not appropriate, e.g., when the sort of the ECs held by the second EC tape is different from that of the ECs held by the first EC tape being fed by the feeding device, or when the type (the embossed-carrier type, the punched-carrier type, or the lead-wire-terminal-taped type) the second tape is different from that of the first tape. The first or second information may be utilized in various manners. For example, in the case where the second information is produced, it may be informed to an operator so that the operator can avoid the supplying of the ECs held by the inappropriate EC tape.   (13) According to a thirteenth feature of the present invention that includes the twelfth feature (12), the tape-connection-relating-information producing device comprises an input device which inputs identification information identifying the second electric-component tape; and an inappropriate-tape-connection-information producing device which is connected to the input device and which compares, in response to the detection of the connection portion by the connection-portion detecting device, the identification information input by the input device, with reference identification information and, when the input identification information is not identical with the reference identification information, producing, as the second information, inappropriate-tape-connection information indicating that the input identification information is not identical with the reference identification information. Identification information identifying an EC tape may include the identification number of the ECs held by the EC tape; the dimensions of each EC; the total number of the ECs; the production date of the ECs; the electric characteristic values of the ECs; the width of each EC; the pitch at which the ECs are held by the EC tape; the type of the EC tape; and the width of the EC tape. The Identification information may be represented by a bar code. The input device may be one which automatically inputs the identification information; or one which is operable by an operator for inputting the identification information. The former input device may be provided by a bar-code reader which automatically reads in a bar code representing the identification information; and the latter input device may be provided by a bar-code reader which is manually operable by the operator for reading in the bar code. Alternatively, the latter input device may be provided by, e.g., a keyboard which is manually operable by the operator for inputting the identification information. The input identification information identifies the second EC tape actually connected to the first EC tape being fed by the feeding device for supplying the ECs. The reference identification information identifies another EC tape which should be connected to the first EC tape being fed by the feeding device for supplying the ECs. The reference identification information may be input by an operator through an appropriate input device such as a keyboard, or otherwise may be given to the EC supplying apparatus from a controller or a computer different from a controller of the supplying apparatus. If the two pieces of identification information are compared with each other and judged as being identical with each other means, then it is judged that the second EC tape is an EC tape which should be connected to the first EC tape. However, if not, the second tape is not an appropriate tape. In the latter case, the inappropriate-tape-connection information is produced, and is utilized to treat the inappropriate tape connection, e.g., stop the operation of the CB assembling system. That is, the present EC supplying apparatus can treat, based on the detection of the connection portion, the inappropriate tape connection.   (14) According to a fourteenth feature of the present invention that includes the thirteenth feature (13), the tape-connection-relating-information producing device further comprises an inappropriate-tape-connection informing device which informs, based the inappropriate-tape-connection information, an operator of at least a fact that the second electric-component tape is not appropriate. The informing device may inform the operator of the fact, in various manners, e.g., by generating an alarm sound, lighting or flashing a lamp, or displaying an alarm message on an image screen.   (15) According to a fifteenth feature of the present invention that includes any one of the first to fourteenth features (1) to (14), the supply apparatus further comprises an input device which inputs identification information identifying the second electric-component tape; and an input judging device which is connected to the input device and which judges, in response to the detection of the connection portion by the connection-portion detecting device, whether the identification information has been input by the input device. In the case where the input device is adapted to automatically input identification information when the second EC tape is connected to the first EC tape, there is little possibility that the input device should fail to input the identification information. However, in the case where an operator inputs identification information through the input device such as a bar-code reader or a keyboard, the operator may fail to input the identification information. In the latter case, even if an inappropriate EC tape may be connected to the first tape, no inappropriate-tape-connection information is produced, so that ECs may be supplied from the inappropriate EC tape. In contrast, in the present EC supplying apparatus, the input judging device judges, in response to the detection of the connection portion, whether the identification information has been input by the input device. In this case, the present EC supplying apparatus may inform the operator of the negative judgment that no identification information has been input, so that the operator can stop the feeding of the inappropriate EC tape or the supplying of inappropriate sort of ECs from that EC tape.   (16) According to a sixteenth feature of the present invention that includes the fifteenth feature (15), the supplying apparatus further comprises a non-input informing device which informs, when the input judging device judges that the identification information has not been input by the input device, an operator of a fact that the identification information has not been input by the input device. The non-input informing device may inform the operator of the fact, in various manners, e.g., by generating an alarm sound, lighting or flashing a lamp, or displaying an alarm message on an image screen.   (17) According to a seventeenth feature of the present invention that includes any one of the first to sixteenth features (1) to (16), the supplying apparatus further comprises an input device which inputs identification information identifying the second electric-component tape; and a connection-relating-input judging device which is connected to the input device and which judges whether the identification information has been input by the input device in relation with the connection of the first and second electric-component tapes to each other. For example, the identification information on which the input judging device according to the fifteenth feature (15) makes a judgment needs to be the identification information input in relation with the connection of the second EC tape to the first EC tape currently supplying the ECs. If, after the mounting of ECs on a PWB is started, identification information is input at a time different than when two EC tapes are connected to each other, or if the identification information input at the time of the prior connection of two tapes remains, the identification information should not be used for the judgment of the above input judging device. Hence, the present EC supplying apparatus employs the connection-relating-input judging device which judges whether the identification information has been input in relation with the connection of the second EC tape to the first EC tape currently supplying the ECs. The connection-relating-input judging device may be one which judges whether the identification information has been input within a reference time period. The reference time period may be somewhat longer than an average time period between the connection of two EC tapes and the detection of the connection portion of the two EC tapes. If the connection portion is detected within the reference time period after the inputting of identification information, a positive judgment is made. The reference time period may be determined based on a time needed for the connection portion to be fed from a tape-connect position where two tapes are connected to each other, to a connection-portion-detect position where the connection portion of the two tapes is detected. This time depends on the distance between the tape-connect position and the connection-portion-detect position (i.e, the length of the first EC tape between the connection portion and the connection-portion detecting device when the two tapes are connected to each other); the pitch at which the ECs are held by each EC tape; and the rate at which the EC supplying apparatus supplies the ECs (e.g., whether the supplying apparatus continuously or continually supplies the ECs). A plurality of reference time periods may be determined exclusively for a plurality of sorts of EC tapes, respectively, or a single reference time period may be determined commonly for a plurality of sorts of EC tapes. In the latter case, the single reference time period may be determined based on the longest one of the respective times needed for the respective connection portions of the different sorts of EC tapes to be fed from the tape-connect position to the connection-portion-detect position. The connection-relating-input judging device may be one which judges whether the identification information has been input within a time period needed for supplying a reference number of ECs. The reference number may be somewhat more than an average number of the ECs which are supplied between the connection of two EC tapes and the detection of the connection portion of the two tapes. In the latter case, the judging device makes a positive judgment if the number of the ECs supplied after the inputting of the identification information and before the detection of the connection portion of two tapes is smaller than the reference number. The reference number may be determined based on the distance between the tape-connect position and the connection-portion-detect position and the pitch at which the ECs are held by each EC tape. The connection-relating-input judging device may be omitted, e.g., in the case where no identification information is input except when two EC tapes are connected to each other, or in the case where even if identification information may be input at a time other than when two EC tapes are connected to each other, the input identification information is deleted without fail after being utilized. The connection-relating-input judging device may be employed in the EC supplying apparatus according to the thirteenth feature (13). In the last case, the inappropriate-tape-connection-information producing device is prevented from comparing the reference identification information with the identification information which has not been input in relation with the connection of two EC tapes, and producing the inappropriate-tape-connection information though the tape connection is appropriate, or vice versa.   (18) According to an eighteenth feature of the present invention that includes any one of the thirteenth to seventeenth features (13) to (17), the input device comprises a bar-code reader which reads in a bar code as the identification information identifying the second electric-component tape. Information relating to the second EC tape can be easily and quickly input by utilizing the bar code and the bar-code reader. The more the identification information is, the more advantageous the bar code and the bar-code reader are. The bar code may be automatically read in by the bar-code reader, or may be read in by an operator through the bar-code reader operated by the operator.   (19) According to a nineteenth feature of the present invention that includes any one of the first to eighteenth features (1) to (18), the supplying apparatus further comprises an electric-component counter which counts a number of electric components supplied by the apparatus after the connection-portion detecting device detects the connection portion. The EC counter can be used to control the supplying of the ECs. For example, in the case where the present EC supplying apparatus includes an initial-amount obtaining device which obtains, as an initial amount, an initial number of ECs which are initially present on the second EC tape newly connected to the first EC tape; and a subtracting device which subtracts the number counted by the EC counter, from the initial number obtained by the initial-amount obtaining device, the supplying apparatus can obtain the amount of the ECs which currently remain on the second EC tape. In the case where the second EC tape is a new one, the initial-amount obtaining device may obtain the initial amount of the ECs held by the new tape, from the identification information (e.g., bar code) input by the input device (e.g., bar-code reader). In the case where the second EC tape is a used one, the initial-amount obtaining device may obtain the initial amount of the ECs held by the used tape, from information other than the identification information identifying the used tape, for example, from the information that is input by the operator through a keyboard including numeric keys. The EC counter may be set at an initial number based on the initial amount obtained by the initial-amount obtaining device, and the initial number may be decreased by one by a subtracting device each time one EC is supplied. In the latter case, the current count number of the EC counter indicates the current amount of the ECs remaining on the second EC tape. Thus, the EC counter is used as a decreasing counter (or a remaining-amount counter). In the case where the EC supplying apparatus further includes a subtracting device which subtracts the remaining amount from the initial amount, the supplying apparatus can obtain the number of the ECs which have been supplied from the second EC tape. In the last case, the subtracting device also functions as a device which obtains the number of the supplied ECs.   (20) According to a twentieth feature of the present invention that includes any one of the first to eighteenth features (1) to (18), the supplying apparatus further comprises a counter which changes a count number by one each time one of the electric components is supplied by the apparatus; an initial-amount obtaining device which obtains, as an initial amount, an initial number of the electric components which are initially present on the second electric-component tape connected to the first electric-component tape; and a remaining-amount obtaining device which cooperates with the counter, the initial-amount obtaining device, and the connection-portion detecting device to obtain, as a remaining amount, a current number of the electric components which are currently present on the second electric-component tape. The counter may be an increasing counter which increases its count number, or a decreasing counter which decreases its count number. In the case where the counter is the increasing counter, the remaining-amount obtaining device sets the increasing counter to its initial count number, in response to the detection of the connection portion by the connection-portion detecting device, and obtains the remaining amount, as needed, by subtracting the current count number of the increasing counter, from the initial amount. The initial count number of the increasing counter may be zero in the case where the required accuracy of the remaining amount obtained by the remaining-amount obtaining device is low. However, in the case where the required accuracy is high, the increasing counter must be set to an initial count number equal to a number obtained by subtracting, from zero, the number of the ECs remaining between an EC-supply position of the EC supplying apparatus and the connection portion at the time of detection of the connection portion. Since, usually, the EC-supply position is distant from the connection-portion-detect position, the first EC tape being fed by the feeding device for supplying the ECs still has some remaining ECs between the two positions at the time of detection of the connection portion. Hence, in the case where there is the need to control accurately the amount of the ECs remaining on the second EC tape, the number of the ECs present on the first EC tape between the above two positions should be taken into account. The latter number can be estimated based on the length of the first EC tape between the above two positions and the pitch at which the ECs are held by the first tape. Meanwhile, in the case where the counter is the decreasing counter, the remaining-amount obtaining device sets, in response to the detection of the connection portion, the decreasing counter to an initial counter number based on the initial amount obtained by the initial-amount obtaining device, and reads out the current count number of the decreasing counter, as needed. The initial count number of the decreasing counter may be the initial amount or number itself in the case where the required accuracy of the remaining amount obtained by the remaining-amount obtaining device is low. However, in the case where the required accuracy is high, the decreasing counter must be set to an initial count number equal to a number obtained by adding, to the initial amount or number, the number of the ECs remaining between the EC-supply position and the connection portion at the time of detection of the connection portion. In either case, the present EC supplying apparatus can obtain the amount of the ECs remaining on the second EC tape. Otherwise, the remaining amount of the ECs on the second EC tape may be obtained by setting the counter to an initial count number when the remaining amount of the ECs on the first EC tape decreases to zero. However, since the present EC supplying apparatus sets the counter to an initial count number in response to the detection of each connection portion, the supplying apparatus can avoid the accumulation of errors and can obtain accurate remaining EC amounts. When a remaining EC amount decreases to a predetermined small amount, the supplying apparatus may inform an operator of the fact.   (21) According to a twenty-first feature of the present invention that includes the twentieth feature (20), the initial-amount obtaining device comprises an initial-amount input device for inputting the initial amount. The initial-amount input device may be a bar-code reader which is operated by an operator to read in a bar code representing the initial amount, or a keyboard which includes numeric keys and which is operated by an operator to input the initial amount. Thus, the initial-amount obtaining device obtains the initial amount. Otherwise, the initial-amount obtaining device may be one which reads out an initial amount corresponding to the particular sort of the second EC tape, from a memory of a computer which controls the EC supplying apparatus, or one which receives an initial amount from a computer different from the above computer.   (22) According to a twenty-second feature of the present invention, there is provided an electric-component supplying system comprising a plurality of electric-component supplying units each of which comprises an apparatus according to any one of the second to twenty-first feature (2) to (21); and a table which supports the respective frames of the electric-component supplying units, such that each of the respective frames attached to the table is detachable from the table, and such that respective electric-component-supply positions of the supplying units are arranged along a reference line on the table. The reference line may be a straight line, a full circle, an arc, or a curve, or a combination of two or more of them. Each of the first and second EC tapes may be stored in various manners, for example, wound on a supply reel, or stored in a storing container. Each of the EC supplying units may comprise a main frame which includes an EC storing portion, such as a supply-reel holding portion or a storing-container holding portion. Alternatively, each EC supplying unit may comprise an EC storing device separate from its main frame. The respective separate EC storing devices of the EC supplying units may be provided on the table with the respective main frames thereof, or may be provided away from the table.   (23) According to a twenty-third feature of the present invention, there is provided a method of feeding a plurality of electric-component tapes each of which includes a carrier tape and holds a plurality of electric components in a lengthwise direction of the carrier tape, supplying, from the each electric-component tape, the electric components, one by one, to an electric-component mounting system, and operating the electric-component mounting system to sequentially mount the electric components at respective positions on a print-wired board, thereby assembling an electric circuit on the print-wired board, the method comprising the steps of feeding the plurality of electric-component tapes including two electric-component tapes one of which holds a first sort of electric components and the other of which holds a second sort of electric components different from the first sort of electric components, supplying, from each of the two electric-component tapes, the electric components of a corresponding one of the first and second sorts, one by one, to the electric-component mounting system, connecting, to a terminal end portion of a first one of the plurality of electric-component tapes that currently supplies the electric components to the electric-component mounting system, an initial end portion of a second one of the plurality of electric-component tapes that holds the electric components of a same sort as the electric components held by the first electric-component tape, inputting, at a timing around a timing at which the first and second electric-component tapes are connected to each other, identification information identifying the second tape, into the electric-component mounting system, detecting a connection portion where the terminal end portion of the first electric-component tape and the initial end portion of the second electric-component tape are connected to each other, comparing, in response to the detection of the connection portion, the input identification information, with reference identification information pre-stored in the electric-component mounting system and, when the input identification information is not identical with the reference identification information, stopping the operation of the electric-component mounting system. According to this method, the EC mounting system is stopped when an incorrect sort of EC tape is connected to the first EC tape. Thus, the EC mounting system is prevented from mounting an incorrect sort of ECs on a PWB.   (24) According to a twenty-fourth feature of the present invention that includes the twenty-third feature (23), the step of inputting the identification information comprises reading in, with a bar-code reader, a bar code as the identification information identifying the second electric-component tape.   (25) According to a twenty-fifth feature of the present invention that includes the twenty-third or twenty-fourth feature (23) or (24), the assembling method further comprises a step of obtaining a remaining amount of the electric components which currently remain on the second electric-component tape, based on the number of the electric components supplied from the second tape after the detection of the connection portion and an initial number of the electric components which are initially present on the second tape connected to the first tape. The remaining amount of the ECs on the second EC tape can be obtained in the same manner as that employed in the EC supplying apparatus according to the twentieth feature (20). In the case where the remaining amount is controlled with accuracy, the number of the ECs present on the first EC tape between the EC-supply position and the connection-portion-detect position should be taken into account. However, in the case where no accurate remaining amounts are needed, the above number may be neglected.   (26) According to a twenty-sixth feature of the present invention, there is provided a method of feeding a plurality of electric-component tapes each of which includes a carrier tape and holds a plurality of electric components in a lengthwise direction of the carrier tape, supplying, from the each electric-component tape, the electric components, one by one, to an electric-component mounting system, and operating the electric-component mounting system to sequentially mount the electric components at respective positions on a print-wired board, thereby assembling an electric circuit on the print-wired board, the method comprising the steps of feeding the plurality of electric-component tapes including two electric-component tapes one of which holds a first sort of electric components and the other of which holds a second sort of electric components different from the first sort of electric components, supplying, from each of the two electric-component tapes, the electric components of a corresponding one of the first and second sorts, one by one, to the electric-component mounting system, connecting, to a terminal end portion of a first one of the plurality of electric-component tapes that currently supplies the electric components to the electric-component mounting system, an initial end portion of a second one of the plurality of electric-component tapes that holds the electric components of a same sort as the electric components held by the first electric-component tape, detecting a connection portion where the terminal end portion of the first electric-component tape and the initial end portion of the second electric-component tape are connected to each other, and obtaining a remaining amount of the electric components which currently remain on the second electric-component tape, based on the number of the electric components supplied from the second tape after the detection of the connection portion and an initial number of the electric components which are initially present on the second tape connected to the first tape.   (27) According to a twenty-seventh feature of the present invention that includes the twenty-sixth feature (26), the assembling method further comprises a step of informing, when the obtained remaining amount is not more than a reference amount, an operator of a fact that the obtained remaining amount is not more than the reference amount. The operator has only to connect another EC tape to the current EC tape, when he or she is informed of the fact that the remaining amount is not more than the reference amount. That is, the operator need not always monitor the remaining amount of the current EC tape. Thus, the operator can easily control the remaining amount of each EC tape. An alarm device, a display device, or both of them may be employed to inform the operator of the fact. Each of the twenty-third to twenty-seventh features (23) to (27) relating to the CB assembling method may be combined with each of the first to twenty-second features (1) to (22) relating to the EC supplying apparatus or system, so as to enjoy the effects and advantages of the each feature (1) to (22).   

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above and optional objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic front elevation view of a circuit-board (“CB”) assembling system including an electric-component (“EC”) supplying system to which the present invention is applied; 
       FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of one of the EC-supply units; 
       FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of respective portions of the EC-supply units that are positioned relative to a table; 
       FIG. 4  is a plan view of a portion of a bucket which holds a plurality of EC-supply reels of the EC-supplying system of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a plan view of a portion of an EC tape held by one of the EC-supply units; 
       FIG. 6  is a front elevation view of the EC tape of  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectioned, side view of the EC tape; 
       FIG. 8  is a plan view of another sort of EC tape which holds ECs at a different pitch; 
       FIG. 9  is a plan view showing the state in which two EC tapes are connected to each other with a connection member and a connection tape; 
       FIG. 10  is a front elevation view showing the state in which the two EC tapes are connected to each other with the connection member and the connection tape; 
       FIG. 11  is a plan-view of the connection member; 
       FIG. 12  is a front elevation view of the connection member; 
       FIG. 13  is a side elevation view of the connection member; 
       FIG. 14  is a side elevation view of a Y-shaped projection of the connection member; 
       FIG. 15  is a side elevation view of an inverted-J-shaped projection of the connection member; 
       FIG. 16  is a partly cross-sectioned, front elevation view of a detecting head of a metal detector of each of the EC-supply units; 
       FIG. 17  is a side elevation view of the detecting head; 
       FIG. 18  is a plan view of the detecting head; 
       FIG. 19  is a front elevation view of the EC-tape feeding device of each of the EC-supply units; 
       FIG. 20  is a plan view of a front portion of each EC-supply unit; 
       FIG. 21  is a side elevation view of an upper portion of each EC-supply unit; 
       FIG. 22  is a cross-sectioned, side elevation view of each EC-supply unit, taken through a sprocket and a ratchet wheel thereof; 
       FIG. 23  is a cross-sectioned, side elevation view of each EC-supply unit, taken through a rotation-stop-position sensor thereof; 
       FIG. 24A  is a front elevation view of a tape-guide member and a cover member of one of the EC-supply units, showing the state in which the cover member takes a first position relative to the tape-guide member; 
       FIG. 24B  is a front elevation view of the tape-guide member and the cover member, showing the state in which the cover member takes a second position relative to the tape-guide member; 
       FIG. 25  is a cross-sectioned, side elevation view of the tape-guide member and the cover member, taken through a portion of the cover member that is connected to the tape-guide member; 
       FIG. 26  is a chart representing a relationship between the rotation angle of a plate cam of the EC-tape feeding device and the action, displacement, velocity, and acceleration of each of two pivotable members of the feeding device; 
       FIG. 27  is a front elevation view of a top-cover-tape (“TCT”) treating device of one of the EC-supply units; 
       FIG. 28  is a cross-sectioned, side elevation view of a TCT feeding device as an element of the TCT treating device; 
       FIG. 29  is a partly cross-sectioned, side elevation view of the TCT feeding device; 
       FIG. 30  is a collecting box as an element of the TCT treating device; 
       FIG. 31  is a diagrammatic view of a control system of the CB assembling system; 
       FIG. 32  is a flow chart representing a connection monitoring routine which is stored in a read only memory (“ROM”) of a computer of a unit controller of each of the EC-supply units; 
       FIG. 33  is an illustrative view of a structure of a random access memory (“RAM”) of the computer; 
       FIG. 34  is a front elevation view of a particular portion of another EC-supply unit as a second embodiment of the present invention in which a high-frequency-oscillation proximity sensor is provided; 
       FIG. 35  is a partly cross-sectioned, side elevation view of the particular portion of the EC-supply unit of  FIG. 34  in which the high-frequency-oscillation proximity sensor is provided; 
       FIG. 36  is a view for illustrating the principle of operation of the proximity sensor of  FIG. 35 ; 
       FIG. 37  is a schematic view of a transmission-type photoelectric sensor which is employed in another EC-supply unit as a third embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 38  is a schematic view of a reflection-type photoelectric sensor which is employed in another EC-supply unit as a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 39  is a view for illustrating the principle of operation of a color sensor which is employed in another EC-supply unit as a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Hereinafter, there will be described a circuit-board (“CB”) assembling system  10  including an electric-component (“EC”) supplying device to which the present invention is applied, by reference to the drawings. The CB assembling system  10  carries out a CB assembling method to which the present invention is also applied. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , the CB assembling system  10  includes a base  12 , a print-wired-board (“PWB”) conveying device  14  and an EC mounting system  16  which are provided on the base  12 , and an EC supplying system  18  which can be connected to the EC mounting system  16 . The EC mounting system  16  takes ECs from the EC supplying system  18 , and mounts the ECs on a PWB  20  which is conveyed, and is positioned at a predetermined position, by the PWB conveying device  14 . Thus, the CB assembling system  10  assembles an electric circuit on the PWB  20 , i.e., a CB (circuit board). The EC mounting system  16  includes an EC sucker  22  as an EC holder that sucks each EC by applying a negative air pressure thereto; a Z-direction moving and rotating device  24  which supports the EC sucker  22  such that an axis line of the EC sucker  22  extends in a vertical direction (hereinafter, referred to as the Z direction), moves the EC sucker  22  in the Z direction, and rotates the EC sucker  22  about its axis line extending in the Z direction; and an X-Y-direction moving device  26  which supports the Z-direction moving and rotating device  24 , and moves the same  24  in each of two directions perpendicular to each other in a horizontal plane (hereinafter, referred to as the X and Y directions). One of the X and Y directions that is parallel to the direction in which the PWB  20  is conveyed will be referred to as the X direction. Strictly, the PWB  20  should be called as a CB after the ECs are mounted thereon by the EC mounting system  16 . However, in the present embodiment, the PWB  20  is called as the PWB as before, even after the ECs are mounted thereon. Similarly, the PWB conveying device  14  is called as before even after the ECs are mounted on the PWB  20 , although the device  14  should be called as a CB conveying device. 
   The EC supplying system  18  includes two tables  30  (only one table  30  is shown in FIG.  1 ), and a plurality of EC-supply units  32  which are detachably attached to each of the two tables  30 . Each of the EC-supply units  32  provides an EC supplying device. Each of the two tables  30  is mounted on a car  34 , and can be moved relative to the EC mounting system  16 . When the EC supplying system  18  supplies the ECs to the EC mounting system  16 , each of the two cars  34  is connected by a connecting device  36  to the base  12 , so that the EC supplying system  18  is connected to the EC mounting system  16 . The base  12  provides a frame of the EC mounting system  16 , and each of the two tables  30  is connected to the frame of the system  16  via the corresponding car  34 . Thus, the EC supplying system  18  supplies the ECs to the EC mounting system  16  in the state in which the position of the system  18  is fixed relative to that of the system  16 . An image taking device  38  which takes an image of each EC held by the EC sucker  22 , is provided between the PWB conveying device  14  and the EC supplying system  18 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 2 , each of the EC-supply units  32  includes a frame  40  provided by a plurality of members which are integrally fixed thereto and which include a first member  42 , a second member  44 , a third member  46 , a fourth member  48  (FIG.  17 ), a fifth member  50 , and a sixth member  52 . The first member  42  has a shape like a wide and long plate. The second member  44  has a shape like an elongate block, and is fixed to the first member  42  such that the second member  44  extends parallel to the lengthwise direction of the first member  42 . The second member  44  includes a pair of first positioning projections  54  and a single second positioning projection  55 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , each of the two tables  30  has a plurality of first positioning grooves  56  which are formed at a predetermined pitch in the X direction. Each of the EC-supply units  32  is attached to one of the two tables  30  such that the two first positioning projections  54  are fitted in one of the first positioning grooves  56  and the second positioning projection  55  is fitted in one of a plurality of second positioning grooves (not shown) of the one table  30 . Thus, the each EC-supply unit  32  is positioned relative to the one table  30  in the widthwise direction of the each unit  32 , i.e., in the X direction. In addition, an inclined surface  58  ( FIG. 2 ) of a front one of the two first positioning projection  54  of the each EC-supply unit  32  engages an inclined surface (not shown) of the one table  30 , so that the each unit  32  is positioned relative to the one table  30  in the lengthwise direction of the each unit  32 , i.e., in the Y direction, and is prevented from moving up off the upper surface of the one table  30 . Moreover, the each unit  32  is fixed to the one table  30  by a corresponding one of a plurality of unit fixing devices (not shown) which are provided corresponding to the plurality of second positioning grooves. Thus, a plurality of EC-supply units  32  are fixed to each table  30  such that respective EC-supply portions of the units  32  are arranged along a straight line parallel to the X direction, the widthwise direction of each unit  32  is parallel to the X direction, and the lengthwise direction of the each unit  32  is parallel to the Y direction. Each of the two cars  34  is supplied with electric power from the EC mounting system  16 , and each of the EC-supply units  32  is supplied with electric power from a corresponding one of the two cars  34 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 5 ,  6 , and  7 , each EC-supply unit  32  supplies an EC tape  62  which holds a plurality of ECs  60 . The EC tape  62  is of the embossed-carrier type, and includes a carrier tape  64  and a top-cover tape  66  which cooperate with each other to hold the ECs  60 . The carrier tape  64  includes a pair of end portions  68  which are located on widthwise opposite sides of the tape  64 , respectively, and which extend in the lengthwise direction of the same  64 ; and a number of embossed portions  70  which project downward from between the two end portions  68 , at a predetermined pitch in the lengthwise direction of the tape  64 . The ECs  60  are accommodated in the embossed portions  70 , respectively, and respective upper openings of the portions  70  are closed by the top-cover tape  66  adhered to the carrier tape  64 . Each of the embossed portions  70  provides an EC accommodating pocket. Thus, the ECs  60  are held by the carrier tape  64  at a predetermined pitch in the lengthwise direction of the tape  64 . The width of the top-cover tape  66  is shorter than that of the carrier tape  64 , and one of the two end portions  68  of the tape  64  that is not covered by the top-cover tape  66  has a number of feed holes  74  which are formed through the thickness of the tape  64 , from a top surface  72  thereof to a back surface  73  thereof, and which are arranged in an array at a predetermined pitch in the lengthwise direction of the tape  64 . 
   The EC supplying system  18  can supply different sorts of EC tapes which have different widths and/or different pitches at which ECs are held by the EC tapes. For example,  FIG. 8  shows a different sort of EC tape  75  which has the same width as that of the EC tape  62  but holds ECs  60  at a pitch different from that of the EC tape  62 . In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the first EC tape  62  holds the ECs  60  at the smallest pitch and the second EC tape  75  holds the ECs  60  at a pitch two times longer than the smallest pitch. Other sorts of EC tapes than the first EC tape  62  have respective pitches “M” times longer than the smallest pitch. The number M is an integral number not smaller than two. The second EC tape  75  has dimensions different from those of the first EC tape  62 , but has the same structure as that of the same  62 . Accordingly, the same reference numerals as used for the first tape  62  are used to designate the corresponding parts of the second tape  75 , in FIG.  8 . 
   The EC tapes  62 ,  75  hold the ECs  60  whose respective widths correspond to the respective widths of the tapes  62 ,  75 , and the EC-supply units  32  supply the EC tapes  62 ,  75  whose respective widths correspond to the respective widths of the units  32 . That is, the wider EC tapes  62 ,  75  hold the wider ECs  60 , and the wider EC-supply units  32  supply the wider tapes  62 .  75 . The predetermined pitch at which the first positioning grooves  56  are formed in the upper surface of each table  30  is somewhat greater than the smallest width of the respective widths of the EC-supply units  32 . Therefore, some EC-supply units  32  whose widths are greater than the pitch of formation of the grooves  56  may be attached to the each table  30  such that the respective pairs of first positioning projections  54  of the units  32  are fitted in every second ones of the grooves  56 . Thus, each table  30  can simultaneously support different sorts of EC-supply units  32  which supply different sorts of EC tapes having different widths. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the first EC tape  62  has the smallest width of the respective widths of all the different sorts of EC tapes including the first and second EC tapes  62 ,  75 . Thus, some EC-supply units  32  each of which supplies the first EC tape  62  holding the ECs  60  can be attached to the each table  30  at the smallest pitch equal to the pitch of formation of the grooves  56 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , each EC tape  62 ,  75  is wound around a supply reel  76 . Each car  34  includes a container-like bucket  78  as an integral portion thereof. Each bucket  78  provides a reel-support member, and thereby provides an EC storing device. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , each bucket  78  has two arrays of rollers  79  each as a rotatable support member at two positions distant from each other in a front-rear direction parallel to the Y direction. The front array of rollers  79  are rotatable about a front common axis line parallel to the widthwise direction of each EC-supply unit  32 , i.e., the X direction, and the rear array of rollers  79  are rotatable about a rear common axis line parallel to the X direction. 
   Each bucket  78  has three partition-plate holding members  80 ,  81 ,  82  each as a partition-member holding member. The three holding members  80 ,  81 ,  82  are supported by a front surface, a rear surface, and a bottom surface of the each bucket  78 , respectively. Each of the three holding members  80 ,  81 ,  82  has a plurality of grooves  83  formed at the same pitch as that of formation of the first positioning grooves  56  of each table  30 , in a direction parallel to the widthwise direction of each EC-supply unit  32 , i.e., in the X direction, such that the grooves  83  are aligned with the grooves  56 , respectively, with respect to the X direction. A partition plate  84  as a partition member can be fitted in each of the grooves  83  of the first one of the three holding members  80 ,  81 ,  82 , a corresponding one of the grooves  83  of the second one of the three holding members  80 ,  81 ,  82 , and a corresponding one of the grooves  83  of the third one of the three holding members  80 ,  81 ,  82 . Each pair of partition plates  84  adjacent to each other cooperate with each other to define an inside space which can accommodate one supply reel  76 . Each supply reel  76  is fitted in the inside space defined between one pair of partition plates  84 , such that the reel  76  is rotatably supported on a corresponding pair of rollers  79  and is prevented from being moved in the widthwise direction thereof. Since each partition plate  84  has two recesses corresponding to the two arrays of rollers  79 , the each plate  84  is prevented from being interfered with by the rollers  79 . 
   Like the EC-supply units  32 , the supply reels  76  supply EC tapes whose respective widths correspond to respective widths of the reels  76 , and accordingly the wider reels  76  supply the wider tapes. Therefore, a plurality of partition plates  84  are attached to each bucket  78 , corresponding to the respective widths of the EC tapes supplied from the supply reels  76 . For example, the first EC tapes  62  each having the smallest width are supplied from the supply reels  76  each having the smallest width. In this case, the partition plates  84  are fitted in all the grooves  83  of each holding member  80 ,  81 ,  82 , so as to define the smallest inside spaces for accommodating the reels  76  having the smallest width. In the case of wide supply reels  76  which cannot be accommodated in the smallest inside spaces, the partition plates  84  may be fitted in every second ones of the grooves  83  of each holding member  80 ,  81 ,  82 , so as to define respective wide inside spaces which can accommodate the wide reels  76 . Thus, each bucket  78  can simultaneously accommodate different sorts of supply reels  76  having different widths. The distance between the front and rear holding members  80 ,  81  is greater than the outer diameter of of the supply reels  76 , and the intermediate holding member  82  is provided below a horizontal plane passing through the respective upper ends of the two arrays of rollers  79 . Thus, the supply reels  76  are prevented from being interfered with by the three holding members  80 ,  81 ,  82 . Accordingly, each supply reel  76 , having either a small or large width, can be fitted in an inside space defined by two partition plates  84  and can be supported on the rollers  79 , without being interfered with by any of the holding members  80 ,  81 ,  82 . 
   A bar code  88  is printed on a side surface of each supply reel  76 . In the present embodiment, the bar code  88  represents an identification number identifying a particular sort of ECs held by an EC tape supplied from the each reel  76 ; the dimensions of each EC; an initial number of the ECs held by the new EC tape from which no ECs have not been taken yet; the width of the EC tape; the pitch at which the ECs are held by the EC tape; and information indicating which one of the embossed-carrier type, the punched-carrier type, and the lead-wire-terminal-taped type the EC tape supplied from the each reel  76  is of. 
   As shown in  FIG. 2 , an EC tape  62  drawn from one supply reel  76  is fed by an EC-tape feeding device  90  of a corresponding EC-supply unit  32  at a predetermined pitch in the lengthwise direction of the tape  62 , in a direction parallel to the lengthwise direction of the each unit  32 . Thus, the ECs  60  are supplied one by one to a predetermined EC-supply position of the each unit  32 , while the top-cover tape  66  is treated by a top-cover-tape (“TCT”) treating device  92 . The EC sucker  22  sucks an EC  60  from each embossed portion  70  of the carrier tape  64 , at the EC-supply position of the each unit  32 . The EC-supply position is predetermined in a front portion of the each unit  32  that is near to the PWB conveying device  14  in the front-rear direction of the each unit  32 , i.e., in the lengthwise direction of the same  32 . The EC-supply portion of the each unit  32  includes the EC-supply position and a portion around that position. The widthwise direction of the EC tape  62  is parallel to that of the each unit  32 . 
   When the supplying of the ECs  60  from the EC tape  62  wound around the supply reel  76  advances and the consumption of the EC tape  62  comes near to the end, an operator replenishes a new EC tape  62 . More specifically described, first, the operator removes the current supply reel  76  supplying the terminal end portion of the current EC tape  62 , from the bucket  78 , removes the terminal end portion of the current tape  62  from the current reel  76 ., sets a new supply reel  76  to supply the new EC tape  62 , to the bucket  78 , and draws the initial end portion of the new tape  62  from the newsreel  76 . Then, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the operator manually connects, using a metallic connection member  100 , and a connection tape  102  as another sort of connection member, the terminal end portion  96  of the current tape  62  supplying the ECs  60 , to the initial end portion  98  of the new tape  62  to subsequently supply the ECs  60 . The connection member  100  and the connection tape  102  cooperate with the terminal end portion  96  and the initial end portion  98  of the two EC tapes  62  to provide a connection portion  103 . The operator connects the two EC tapes  62  to each other, at a position near the position where the current reel  76  supplying the current tape  62  is supported by the bucket  78 . In  FIG. 9 , the ECs  60  are not illustrated. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the tape connection member  100  includes a flat main portion  104  which is formed of a generally rectangular metal (e.g., iron) plate; a plurality of feed holes  106  (three holes  106 , in the present embodiment) which are formed through the thickness of the main portion  104 , at the same pitch as the pitch at which the feed holes  74  are formed in the carrier tape  64 ; and a plurality of caulking projections  108  (eight projections  108 , in the present embodiment) which project from the main portion  104  in a direction perpendicular thereto. The main portion  104  has a width not greater than twice the distance between the center of each of the feed holes  74  of each EC tape  62  and a side edge of one of the two end portions  68  that has the feed holes  74 . 
   Each of the caulking projections  108  has a height greater than the thickness of the carrier tape  64 . In the present embodiment, the eight caulking projections  108  include two sorts of projections, i.e., four Y-shaped projections  110  two of which project from one of lengthwise opposite end portions of the main portion  104  and the other two of which project from the other end portion of the same  104 ; and four inverted-J-shaped projections  112  two of which project from a first intermediate portion of the main portion  104  between one pair of adjacent feed holes  106  of the three feed holes  106  and the other two of which project from a second intermediate portion of the same  104  between the other pair of adjacent feed holes  106  of the three feed holes  106 . Thus, the two pairs of Y-shaped projections  110  are provided at two locations, respectively, which are distant from each other in the lengthwise direction of the main portion  104 , and similarly the two pairs of inverted-J-shaped projections  112  are provided at two locations, respectively, which are distant from each other in the lengthwise direction of the main portion  104 . The distance between the center of each of the opposite end feed holes  106  of the three feed holes  106  and a corresponding pair of Y-shaped projections  110  is equal to the distance between that center and a corresponding pair of inverted-J-shaped projections  112 . 
   The two pairs of Y-shaped projections  110  are formed by bending two pairs of projecting portions which respectively project from the lengthwise opposite ends of the main portion  104  in opposite directions parallel to the plane of the main portion  104 , such that the bent projecting portions extend in a same direction perpendicular to the plane of the main portion  104 , as shown in FIG.  12 . Each pair of Y-shaped projections  110  are arranged in the widthwise direction of the main portion  104 , as shown in FIG.  13 . Each Y-shaped projection  110  includes a bifurcated upper portion  114  which gives a generally. Y-shape configuration thereto. As shown in the enlarged view of  FIG. 14 , each Y-shaped projection  110  includes a base portion  116  having a generally trapezoidal shape. The width of the base portion  116  decreases in a direction toward the upper portion  114 , which is formed within a range corresponding to the greatest width of the base portion  116 . 
   Each inverted-J-shaped projection  112  is formed by cutting, and then bending, a portion of the main portion  104  such that the bent portion extends perpendicularly to the remaining portion of the main portion  104 , as shown in FIG.  12 . Therefore, the main portion  104  has four openings each having a shape corresponding to each projection  112 , as shown in FIG.  11 . As shown in the enlarged view of  FIG. 15 , each inverted-J-shaped projection  112  has a generally inverted-J-shaped configuration wherein an upper portion  118  of the each projection  112  is curved in a direction having a component parallel to the widthwise direction of the each projection  112 . The upper portion  118  is formed by forming a recess  120  in an inner one of widthwise opposite end portions of the each projection  112  and forming an upper end edge  122  which is inclined such that one of widthwise opposite ends of the upper end edge  122  on the side of the inner end portion of the each projection  112  is more distant from the main portion  104  than the other end of the same  122  on the side of the other, outer end portion. The recess  122  is defined by a generally concave curve. Thus, the upper curved portion  118  is formed within a range corresponding to the width of a base portion  124  of the each projection  122 . Like each pair of Y-shaped projections  110 , each pair of inverted-J-shaped projections  112  are formed side by side in the widthwise direction of the main portion  104 , and the two projections  112  are symmetrical with each other such that the respective upper curved portions  118  thereof project inward toward each other. 
   The connection member  100  is used to connect respective particular portions of the terminal and initial end portions  96 ,  98  of the two EC tapes  62  that correspond to the feed holes  74  of the respective carrier tapes  64 . An exclusive tape connecting tool (not shown) is used by the operator to caulk the caulking projections  108  of the connection member  100  and thereby connect the two EC tapes  62  to each other. This tape connecting tool is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/108,243. The tape connecting tool has a plurality of positioning projections on which first the feed holes  106  of the connection member  100  are fitted and then the feed holes  74  of the terminal and initial portions  96 ,  98  of the two EC tapes  62  are fitted. Thus, one of the lengthwise opposite end feed holes  106  of the connection member  100  is aligned with one of the feed holes  74  of the terminal end portion  96  of the current EC tape  62 , the other end feed hole  106  of the connection member  100  is aligned with one of the feed holes  74  of the initial end portion  98  of the new EC tape  62 , and the intermediate feed hole  106  of the connection member  100  is aligned with respective semi-circular feed holes  74  of the two end portions  96 ,  98 . Each pair of inverted-J-shaped projections  112  are positioned between the semi-circular feed holes  74  and a corresponding one of the respective complete feed holes  106  of the two EC tapes  62 , and each pair of Y-shaped projections  110  are positioned between the two complete feed holes  106  of a corresponding one of the two EC tapes  62 . 
   When in the above-indicated state the operator operates the tape connecting tool, first, the Y-shaped projections  110  and the inverted-J-shaped projections  112  substantially completely penetrate through the respective carrier tapes  64  of the two EC tapes  62  and project out of the respective top surfaces  72  of the carrier tapes  64 . Then, the upper bifurcated portions  114  of each pair of Y-shaped projections  110  and the upper curved portions  118  of a corresponding pair of inverted-J-shaped projections  112  are bent toward each other. Consequently the main portion  104  is closely contacted with the respective back surfaces  73  of the two carrier tapes  64 , and the upper portions  114 ,  118  are closely contacted with the respective top surfaces  72  of the carrier tapes  64 , and cooperate with the main portion  104  to sandwich the respective end portions of the two carrier tapes  64  and thereby reliably connect the terminal and initial end portions  96 ,  98  of the two EC tapes  62  to each other. 
   After the respective carrier tapes  64  of the two EC tapes  62  are connected to each other by the connection member  100 , the respective top-cover tapes  66  of the terminal and initial end portions  96 ,  98  of the two EC tapes  62  are connected to each other with the connection tape.  102  which is formed of a synthetic resin, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . The connection tape  102  has a tacky material applied to one of opposite major surfaces thereof, and the operator adheres the connection tape  102  to the respective top-cover tapes  66  of the current and new EC tapes  62 . 
   Each of the third and fourth members  46 ,  48  as the two elements of the frame  40  of each EC-supply unit  32  has a shape like a thin plate, as shown in FIG.  17 . The third and fourth members  46 ,  48  cooperate with each other to sandwich the first member  42  in the widthwise direction of the each unit  32 , and are fixed to the first member  42 . A rear end of the third member  46  that is distant from the first member  42  and is near to the corresponding supply reel  76  supports a guide roller  140  as a rotatable guide member, via a lever  142 , such that the guide roller  140  is rotatable about an axis line parallel to the widthwise direction of the EC tape  62 . The EC tape  62  drawn from the supply reel  76  is engaged with the guide roller  140 , and is fed forward while being prevented from being moved in the widthwise direction thereof by a pair of flanges  146  of the roller  140  (only one flange  146  is shown in FIG.  16 ). 
   A detecting head  152  of a metal detecting device  150  as a connection detecting device is provided adjacent to, and on a downstream side of, the guide roller  140  in the direction in which the EC tape  62  is fed (hereinafter, referred to as the “EC-feed direction”). The detecting head  152  includes a block-like main member  156  which is fitted in a space defined between the third and fourth members  46 ,  48 , and is fixed to those members  46 ,  48  such that the main member  156  can be detached from the same  46 ,  48 . The main member  156  includes an upper end portion which projects upward from the third and fourth members  46 ,  48  and which has a shallow groove  158  and a deep groove  160 . The shallow groove  158  extends parallel to the EC-feed direction and has a width slightly greater than that of the carrier tape  64 . The deep groove  160  opens in the bottom of the shallow groove  158 , has a width smaller than that of the shallow groove  158 , and allows the embossed portions  70  of the EC tape  62  to pass therethrough. The deep groove  160  is provided at a position biased toward the fourth member  48  relative to the shallow groove  158 . The shallow groove  158  has a pair of support surfaces  162 ,  163  which support and guide the pair of end portions  68  of the EC tape  62 , respectively. The one support surface  162  on the side of the third member  46  has a greater width, and supports and guides the one end portion  68  having the feed holes  74 . The other support surface  163  on the side of the fourth member  48  has a smaller width, and supports and guides the other end portion  68  free of the feed holes  74 . Each of the support surfaces  162 ,  163  has two inclined surfaces  164  which are formed in opposite end portions thereof as seen in the EC-feed direction, respectively, such that each of the two inclined surfaces  164  is inclined downward in a direction toward a corresponding one of the opposite ends of the each surface  164 . The front and rear inclined surfaces  164  of the support surfaces  162 ,  163  guide the end portions  68  of the EC tape  62 , when each portion of the tape  62  enters and quits the metal detecting device  150 . 
   Two electrodes  166  are fixed by respective fixing devices (not shown) to two side surfaces of a particular portion of the main member  156 , respectively, that corresponds to the wide support surface  162 . The two side surfaces are distant from each other in the EC-feed direction. Each of the two fixed electrodes  166  extends in a vertical direction, and can be detached from a corresponding one of the two side surfaces. As shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , respective upper portions of the two electrodes  166  are bent, along the wide support surface  162 , toward each other with a predetermined space being left therebetween. Thus, the two electrodes  166  are distant from each other on a path along which the connection member  100  is moved when the EC tapes  62  are fed forward, and cooperate with the wide support surface  162  to support the one end portion  68  having the feed holes  74 . When the connection member  100  passes over the two electrodes  166 , the connection member  100  can simultaneously contact both of the two electrodes  166  and thereby electrically connect the same  166  to each other. 
   The two electrodes  166  of the detecting head  152  are connected via a wiring  167  to a connection detecting circuit  168  (FIG.  31 ). The detecting head  152  and the detecting circuit  168  cooperate with each other to provide the metal detecting device  150 . Thus, the metal detecting device  150  is a sort of contact-type sensor. In the state in which the two electrodes  166  are electrically connected to each other, the connection detecting circuit  168  produces a first signal; and in the state in which the two electrodes  166  are not connected to each other, the detecting circuit  168  produces a second signal different from the first signal. Usually, the two electrodes  166  are not connected to each other. When the metallic connection member  100  connecting between the two EC tapes  62  passes over the two electrodes  166 , the two electrodes  166  are electrically connected to each other via the connection member  100 . From the first or second signal supplied from the metal detecting device  150  or the connection detecting circuit  168  thereof, a unit controller  500  ( FIG. 31 ) recognizes that the connection member  100  is passing over the two electrodes  166 , and thereby detects the connection member  100  or the connection portion  103 . 
   After the EC tape  62  is guided by the guide roller  140 , the two end portions  68  thereof are supported and guided by the wide support surface  162  (and the two electrodes.  166 ) and the narrow support surface  163 , respectively, while the embossed portions  70  thereof enter the groove  160  and move in the same  160 . One of the two end portions  68  that has the feed holes  74  is pressed against the two electrodes  166  by a pressing roller  170  as a pressing member that is attached to the fifth member  50  fixed to the third member  46 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 17 , the fifth member  50  has a shape like a thin plate, and a lever  172  is attached to a rear end portion of the fifth member  50  such that the lever  172  is pivotable about an axis line perpendicular to the EC-feed direction. The pressing roller  170  is attached to the lever  172  such that the roller  170  is rotatable about an axis line parallel to the axis line of pivotal motion of the lever  172 . The lever  172  is biased by a spring member  174  as an elastic member as a sort of biasing device that is provided between the lever  172  and the fifth member  50 , so that the pressing roller  170  is biased in a direction toward the two electrodes  166 . Thus, the pressing roller  170  presses the EC tape  62  or the carrier tape  64  against the electrodes  166 . When the connection member  100  passes over the two electrodes  166 , the pressing roller  170  presses the connection member  100  against the electrodes  166 , so that the two electrodes  166  are reliably electrically connected to each other via the connection member  100 . Thus, the unit controller  500  surely detects the connection portion  103  of the two EC tapes  62 . 
   The lever  172  includes an operable portion  176  which is manually operable by the operator for pivoting the lever  172  against the biasing force of the spring member  174 , so that a space is produced between the pressing roller  170  and the electrodes  166  and an end portion of an EC tape  62  can be manually put in that space. After the end portion of the EC tape  62  is sandwiched between the pressing roller  170  and the main member  156  of the detecting head  152 , the operator releases the operable portion  176 , to allow the pressing roller  170  to press the one end portion  68  having the feed holes  74 , against the electrodes  166 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 16 and 18 , an upper portion of the fourth member  48  is bent perpendicularly toward the third member  46 , so that an upper surface of the bent upper portion of the fourth member  48  provides a horizontal support surface  180  which extends in the lengthwise direction of the each EC-supply unit  32  and which supports and guides respective bottoms of the embossed portions  70  of the EC tape  62 . One of opposite end portions of the support surface  180  that is nearer to the detecting head  152 , i.e., an upstream-side one of the opposite end portions as seen in the EC-feed direction has a guide surface  182  which is inclined downward in a direction toward the head  152 . The EC tape  62 , after having passed through the detecting head  152 , moves on the support surface  180 . The EC tape  62  moving on the support surface  180  is prevented, by the respective frames of two EC-supply units  32  adjacent to the each EC supply unit  32 , from moving in the widthwise direction of the tape  62 . 
   After the EC tape  62  is supported and guided by the support surface  180 , the tape  62  is guided by the sixth member  52  which has a groove  190  in a front portion of the each EC-supply unit  32 . As shown in  FIGS. 19 and 21 , the sixth member  52  has a shape like an elongate block, and is detachably attached to the front portion of the first member  42 . The first member  42  provides a main frame member; the sixth member  52  provides a tape-guide member; and the sixth member  52  attached to the first member  42  provides a tape-guide portion  192  of the EC-supply unit  32 . 
   The groove  190  extends in the lengthwise direction of the sixth member  52 , i.e., parallel to the EC-feed direction. As shown in  FIG. 21 , the groove  190  has a width and a depth which allow the embossed portions  70  to pass therethrough. The groove  190  is defined by a pair of side walls which provide a pair of support rails  198 ,  200 , respectively. The two support rails  198 ,  200  has respective upper end surfaces which provide respective support surfaces  202 ,  204  which support and guide the respective lower surfaces of the two end portions  68  of the EC tape  62 . The first support surface  202  is wider than the second support surface  204 , and supports the one end portion  68  having the feed holes  74 . The second support surface  204  supports the other end portion  68  free of the feed holes  74 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 21 and 24  ( 24 A and  24 B), lengthwise opposite end portions of the sixth member  52  have respective legs  206 . As shown in  FIG. 21 , the legs  206  are provided at respective locations distant from the first support surface  202  in the widthwise direction of the sixth member  52 . The sixth member  52  has two positioning surfaces  208 ,  210  which are perpendicular to each other. 
   A cover member  210  is attached to the sixth member  52 , and prevents the EC tape  62  from moving up off the support surfaces  202 ,  204 . As shown in  FIG. 21 , the cover member  210  has a generally inverted-U-shaped cross section and, as shown in  FIG. 20 , a top wall of the cover member  210  covers almost all portions of the groove  190  and the support surfaces  202 ,  204 . The cover member  210  has an opening  212  through which each EC  60  is taken by the EC sucker  22  of the EC mounting system  16 . 
   The cover member  210  is attached to the sixth member  52  such that the cover member  210  is movable in the lengthwise direction of the sixth member  52 , i.e., in opposite directions parallel to the EC-feed direction. Thus, the position of the cover member  210  relative to the frame  40  including the sixth and first members  52 ,  42  can be changed in the directions parallel to the EC-feed direction. A slide member  214  is movably or slideably fitted in an elongate hole  216  which is formed in the sixth member  52  such that the elongate hole  216  extends parallel to the EC-feed direction. As shown in  FIG. 25 , an axis member  218  is fitted in a front portion of the slide member  214  such that the axis member  218  extends perpendicularly to the EC-feed direction, i.e., parallel to the widthwise direction of the EC tape  62 . Opposite end portions of the axis member  218  project out of the slide member  214  on both sides of the sixth member  52 , and respective lengthwise intermediate portions of a pair of side walls of the cover member  210  are pivotally fitted on the projecting end portions of the axis member  218 , respectively. Thus, the cover member  210  is attached to the sixth member  52  such that the cover member  210  is pivotable about an axis line parallel to the widthwise direction of the EC tape  62 . The axis member  218  also functions to attach the slide member  214  to the sixth member  52  and attach the cover member  210  to the slide member  214 . The sixth member  52  has two elongate holes  220 , shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , which prevent the axis member  218  from being interfered with by the sixth member  52  when the cover member  210  and the slide member  214  are moved with each other. 
   A lengthwise intermediate portion  222  of the slide member  214  has a great width, as shown in  FIGS. 20 and 23 , and a rear portion of the cover member  210  is engaged with the wide portion  222 . As shown in  FIG. 23 , the wide portion  222  has a through-hole  224  which is formed through the thickness of the slide member  214  in the widthwise direction thereof. A pair of engaging pins  226  each as an engaging member are fitted in axially opposite end portions of the through-hole  224 , respectively, such that the two pins  226  are oriented in opposite directions, respectively, and a spring member  228  biases the two pins  226  in those opposite directions, respectively, i.e., in respective directions in which the two pins  226  project out of the through-hole  224 . Each pin  226  has a stepped shape, and a large-diameter engaging portion  230  of the each pin  226  is fitted in an engaging hole  232  of the cover member  210 . Thus, the cover member  210  is attached to the wide portion  222  of the slide member  214 .  FIG. 24  shows a recess  234  which is continuous with each engaging hole  232  of the cover member  210  and which has a width smaller than the diameter of the each engaging hole  232 . Thus, when the operator pivots the cover member  210  in the state in which the engaging pins  226  are retracted into the through-hole  224  against the biasing force of the spring member  228  and respective small-diameter portions  236  of the two pins  226  are positioned in the respective engaging holes  232 , the cover member  210  can be disengaged from the pins  226  and can be pivoted about the axis member  218 .  FIG. 24  also shows a recess  238  of the sixth member  52  that allows the wide portion  222  to be moved relative to the sixth member  52 . The limit of movement of each engaging pin  226  due to the biasing action of the spring member  228  is defined by a movement-limit defining member (not shown). Thus, the pins  226  are prevented from coming off the through-hole  224 , which means that the movement-limit defining members also function as coming-off preventing members. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 19 and 21 , the first member  42  has two recesses  240  at two locations distant from each other in the lengthwise direction thereof. The sixth member  52  is placed on the first member  42  such that the legs  206  of the sixth member  52  are fitted in the recesses  240  of the first member  42 , the first positioning surface  208  is contacted with an upper surface  242  of the first member  42 , and the second positioning surface  209  is contacted with a recess-defining surface  244  of the first member  42 . Thus, the sixth member  52  is accurately positioned relative to the first member  42 , both in the widthwise direction of the each EC-supply unit  32  and in a vertical direction perpendicular to the widthwise and lengthwise directions of the same  32 . Bolts  246  each as a fixing device are used to attach the sixth member  52  to the first member  42  such that the sixth member  52  is detachable from the first member  42 . The upper surface  242  and the recess-defining surface  244  of the first member  42  function as positioning surfaces which position the six member  52  relative to the first member  42 , and cooperate with the positioning surfaces  208 ,  209  to provide a positioning device. The second positioning surface  209  also functions as a reference plane which defines a position of the sixth member  52  relative to the first member  42  in the widthwise direction of the each EC-supply unit  32 . 
   In addition, since the downstream-side leg  206  of the sixth member  52  as seen in the EC-feed direction is contacted with an end surface  247  of the downstream-side recess  240  of the first member  42 , the sixth member  52  is positioned relative to the first member  42  in the EC-feed direction. The upstream-side recess  240  as seen in the EC-feed direction has dimensions which allow, in the state in which the sixth member  52  is thus positioned relative to the first member  42 , the upstream-side leg  206  of the sixth member  52  to be fitted therein. A portion of the sixth member  52  that defines the positioning surfaces  208 ,  209  provides an attachment portion which is attached to the first member  42  as the main frame member. A portion of the sixth member  52  that includes the support rail  198  having the wide support surface  202  supporting the one end portion  68  having the feed holes  74 , provides a portion of the sixth member  52  that corresponds to the EC-tape feeding device  90 , or a sprocket  272  (described later) as an element of the feeding device  90 . The sixth member  52  has both the attachment portion and the portion corresponding to the EC-tape feeding device  90 , in the same half portion thereof as seen in the widthwise direction thereof. 
   In the state in which the sixth member  52  is fixed to the first member  42 , a screw  252  is screwed with the first member  42  such that the screw  252  extends through a through-hole  248  ( FIG. 24 ) formed through the thickness of the sixth member  52 , and through an elongate hole  250  ( FIG. 20 ) of the slide member  214 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 19 , the slide member  214  is fixed to the first member  42  in the state in which a head portion  254  of the screw  252  prevents the slide member  214  from moving up off the first member  42 . 
   Before the slide member  214  is fixed to the first member  42 , the position of the cover member  210  in the directions parallel to the EC-feed direction is adjusted. As shown in  FIGS. 20 and 24 , a rear portion of the slide member  214  has a plurality of conical holes  256  at a regular interval of distance in the lengthwise direction of the sixth member  52 . Since a ball  260  of a ball plunger  258  of the first member  42  is fitted in one of the conical holes  256 , the slide member  214  is positioned relative to the first member  42 , and accordingly the cover member  210  is positioned relative to the first member  42 . The slide member  214  has a plurality of center holes, and respective opening end portions of the center holes define the conical holes  256 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , the ball plunger  258  includes a cylindrical casing  262  which has an externally threaded outer circumferential surface and which accommodates the ball  260 , and a spring member  264  which biases the ball  260  in a direction in which the ball  260  projects out of the casing  262 . The casing  262  is screwed with the first member  42 . The movement of the slide member  214  is allowed by the retraction of the ball  260  into the casing  262  against the biasing force of the spring member  264  and the disengagement of the ball  20  from one conical hole  256 . When the ball  260  is engaged with another conical hole  256 , the slide member  214  or the cover member  210  is positioned relative to the first member  42 . 
   The position of the cover member  210  relative to the frame  40  including the first member  42  and the sixth members  42 ,  52  can be changed in the same number of steps as the number of the conical holes  256 , for example, to one position shown in FIG.  24 A and another position shown in FIG.  24 B. The position of the cover member  210  is changed in those steps depending on a dimension of the ECs  60  as seen in a direction parallel to the EC-feed direction, i.e., depending on a pitch at which the ECs  60  are held by the EC tape  62 . Whichever position the cover member  210  may take, the cover member  210  does not cover each EC  60  being fed to the EC-supply position, thereby allowing the each EC  60  to be taken from the embossed portion  70 , but covers the next or adjacent EC  60  on the upstream side of the each EC  60  being at the EC-supply position. 
   The cover member  210  is attached together with the sixth member  52  to the first member  42 , in the state in which the cover member  210  is attached to the sixth member  52 . After the sixth member  52  is attached to the first member  42 , the cover member  210  is moved in the EC-feed direction to a position corresponding to the pitch at which the ECs  60  are held by the EC tape  62  (hereinafter, referred to as “the EC-hold pitch”). In the state in which the ball  260  of the ball plunger  258  is engaged with one conical hole  256  and the sixth member  52  is positioned relative to the first member  42 , the screw  252  is screwed with the first member  42  through the elongate hole  250 , and thus the slide member  214  or the cover member  210  is fixed to the first member  42  in the directions parallel to the EC-feed direction. Therefore, even if vibration may be input to the each EC-supply unit  32 , the cover member  210  is not moved out of position relative to the first member  42 . Even in this state, the cover member  210  can be disengaged from the slide member  214  and pivoted about the axis member  218 . 
   When the operator sets an initial end portion of an EC tape  62  on the sixth member  52 , first, the cover member  210  is removed from the engaging pins  226 , is pivoted about the axis member  218 , and is moved away from the sixth member  52 . Next, the embossed portions  70  of the EC tape  62  are fitted in the groove  190 , so that the two end portions  68  are placed on the two support surfaces  202 ,  204 , respectively, and the feed holes  74  are engaged with projections of the sprocket  272  described later. Then, the cover member  210  is pivoted to cover the EC tape  62 , while the pins  226  are retracted into the through-hole  224  against the biasing force of the spring  228  to a position where the respective small-diameter portions  236  of the pins  226  are aligned with the respective recesses  234  of the cover member  210 . After the cover member  210  is pivoted and the small-diameter portions  236  are fitted in the respective engaging holes  232  through the respective recesses  234 , the operator releases the pins  226 . Thus, the engaging portions  230  are engaged with the respective engaging holes  232  because of the biasing action of the spring member  228 , and the cover member  210  is attached to the slide member  214 . In this state, the cover member  210  cannot be pivoted. Therefore, when the top-cover tape  66  is peeled from the carrier tape  64 , the cover member  210  cannot be moved. The EC tape  62  is prevented from moving in the widthwise direction thereof, because the embossed portions  70  thereof are fitted in the groove  190  and because the two end portions  68  thereof are prevented from moving in the widthwise direction thereof, by the two side walls of the cover member  210 . 
   After the sixth member  52  and the cover member  210  are thus fixed to the first member  42 , the position of the cover member  210  is changed when the current sort of EC tapes  60  are changed to another sort of EC tapes  75 . In this situation, the operator loosens the screw  252  and thereby unfastens the cover member  210  from the first member  42 . Then, the operator grasps the cover member  210 , and moves the slide member  214  or the cover member  210  while retracting the ball  260  of the ball plunger  258  into the casing  262  against the biasing force of the spring member  264  and thereby disengaging the ball  260  from one conical hole  256 . Though the screw  252  is not removed from the first member  42 , the movement of the slide member  214  relative to the screw  252  (i.e., the first member  42 ) is allowed by the elongate hole  250 . 
   The cover member  210  is re-positioned relative to the first member  42 , when the ball  260  is engaged with another conical hole  256  and the slide member  214  is positioned again relative to the first member  42 . After this re-positioning of the cover member  210 , the operator re-fastens the screw  252  and thereby fixes the cover member  210  to the first member  42  in the directions parallel to the EC-feed direction. In the present embodiment, the engaging pins  226  and the engaging holes  232  cooperate with each other to provide an attaching device which attaches the cover member  210  to the slide member  214 ; the slide member  214 , the conical holes  256  as engaging recesses as a sort of stationary engaging portions, the ball  260  as an engaging projection as a sort of elastic engaging portion, and the spring member  264  cooperate with each other to provide a stepwise position changing device  266 ; and the stepwise position changing device  266  cooperates with the axis member  218  and the elongate holes  220  to provide a cover attaching device  268 . 
   When the cover member  210  is moved to change its position in the directions parallel to the EC-feed direction, the axis member  218  is also moved together with the cover member  210  and the slide member  214 . Accordingly, at any position, the cover member  210  can be pivoted about the axis member  218 , so that an EC tape  62  can be set on the each EC-supply unit  32 . 
   Next, there will be described the EC-tape feeding device  90 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 19 and 22 , the first member  42  supports an axis member  270  such that the axis member  270  is rotatable about an axis line perpendicular to the EC-feed direction, i.e., parallel to the widthwise direction of the each EC-supply unit  32  and the widthwise direction of the EC tape  62 . A sprocket  272  as a feed member is attached to the axis member  270  such that the sprocket  272  is not rotatable relative to the axis member  270 . The sprocket  272  has a number of projections  274  which project radially outward from an entire outer circumferential surface of the sprocket  272 . The projections  274  are engaged with the feed holes of  74  of the carrier tape  64 . The sprocket  272  supports a ratchet wheel  276  whose diameter is smaller than that of the sprocket  272 , such that the ratchet wheel  276  is concentric with the sprocket  272  and is not rotatable relative to the same  272 . As shown in  FIG. 24 , the sixth member  52  has a recess  278  which prevents the sixth member  52  from interfering with the sprocket  272  and the ratchet wheel  276 . As shown in  FIG. 20 , the cover member  210  has a recess  279  in a portion thereof corresponding to the feed holes  74  of the carrier tape  64 , and the recess  279  prevents the cover member  210  from interfering with the projections  274  of the sprocket  272 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 20 and 22 , the axis member  270  additionally supports two pivotable members  280 ,  282  as two reciprocative members, such that each of the two pivotable members  280 ,  282  is reciprocatively pivotable relative to the axis member  270  about a common axis line. The ratchet wheel  276  has an annular shape, and is fixed with a plurality of pins  283  to the sprocket  272  such that the ratchet wheel  276  is concentrically positioned relative to the sprocket  272 . As shown in  FIG. 22 , the second pivotable member  282  includes a base portion which is located on the same plane as that on which the ratchet wheel  276  is located, and is bent at a lengthwise intermediate portion thereof from which an end portion thereof extends radially outward on the same plane as that on which the first pivotable member  280  is located. The two pivotable members  280 ,  282  have the same radial length from the common axis line thereof to the respective radially outer ends thereof. The ratchet wheel  276  may be formed as an integral portion of the sprocket  272 . 
   The two pivotable members  280 ,  282  support respective ratchet pawls  284 ,  286  at the same radial distance from the common axis line, such that the two ratchet pawls  284 ,  286  are pivotable about respective pins  288 ,  290 , are engageable with teeth  292  provided on an entire outer circumferential surface of the ratchet wheel  276 , and are biased toward respective directions in which the pawls  284 ,  286  engage the teeth  292 , by respective spring members  294 ,  296  which are provided between the pawls  284 ,  286  and the corresponding pivotable members  280 ,  282 . When each of the pivotable members  280 ,  282  is pivoted in a first direction (i.e., a counterclockwise direction in  FIG. 19 ; hereinafter, referred as “the forward direction”), a corresponding one of the ratchet pawls  284 ,  286  remains engaged with the teeth  292 ; and when the each pivotable member  280 ,  282  is pivoted in a second direction (i.e., a clockwise direction in  FIG. 19 ; hereinafter, referred as “the backward direction”), the corresponding one ratchet pawl  286 ,  284  is moved back over the teeth  292 . 
   Therefore, when each of the pivotable members  280 ,  282  is pivoted in the forward direction, the ratchet wheel  276  is rotated in its forward direction and the sprocket  272  is rotated to feed forward the EC tape  62 . This is an EC-tape feeding action of the EC-tape feeding device  90 . However, when the each pivotable member  280 ,  282  is pivoted in the backward direction, the corresponding one ratchet pawl  284 ,  286  is moved over the teeth  292  of the ratchet wheel  276 . This is a preparing action of the EC-tape feeding device  90  for its next EC-tape feeding action. Thus, each of the two pivotable members  280 ,  282  performs its forward and backward pivotal motions to feed forward the EC tape  62 . 
   A stepper motor  300  as a rotary drive source as an element of a drive device, and a motion converting device  302  cooperate with each other to pivot reciprocatively the two pivotable members  280 ,  282  in opposite directions, respectively, that is, in such a way that when one of the two members  280 ,  282  is pivoted in the forward direction, the other member  282 ,  280  is pivoted in the backward direction and, when the one member  280 ,  282  is pivoted in the backward direction, the other member  282 ,  280  is pivoted in the forward direction. The stepper motor  300  is supported by the first member  42  such that an axis line about which the rotor of the motor  300  is rotated is parallel to the common axis line of pivotal motion of the two pivotable members  280 ,  282 . The stepper motor  300  is rotated by an amount or angle proportional to the number of drive signals supplied thereto. 
   The motion converting device  302  includes a plate cam  306  as a rotary cam as a sort of cam, a bell-crank lever  308  as a cam follower, and two connection links  310 ,  312  each as a connecting device as a sort of motion transmitting device. An outer circumferential surface of the plate cam  306  provides a cam surface  314 . The plate cam  306  is attached to the first member  42  via an axis member  316  such that the cam  306  is rotatable about an axis line parallel to the common axis line of pivotal motion of the two pivotable members  280 ,  282 . When the rotation of the stepper motor  300  is transmitted to the plate cam  306  via gears  318 ,  320 ,  322 , the cam  306  is rotated. The cam surface  314  of the plate cam  306  has a generally elliptic shape which includes two identical portions having respective identical shapes, as seen in the circumferential direction of the cam  306 . More specifically described, the cam surface  314  includes two first portions the distance from the axis member  316  of each of which continuously increases in the circumferential direction of the cam  306 , and two second portions the distance from the axis member  316  of each of which continuously decreases in the same direction. The two first portions are distant from each other by 180 degrees about the axis member  316 , the two second portions are distant from each other by 180 degrees about the same  316 , and the two first portions and the two second portions are alternate with each other about the same  316 . Thus, the four portions in total are distant from one another by a regular angular interval of 90 degrees about the axis member  316 . 
   Each of the above-indicated four portions of the cam surface  314  is so formed that the bell-crank lever  308  as the cam follower is pivoted according to a known modified constant velocity curve. Therefore, while the bell-crank lever  308  follows each of the above-indicated first portions of the cam surface  314  over 90 degrees, the lever  308  is first pivoted positive-acceleratedly, subsequently at a constant velocity, and then negative-acceleratedly (i.e., deceleratedly); and while the lever  308  follows each of the second portions of the cam surface  314  over 90 degrees, the lever  308  is pivoted, at respective angles or timings, strictly symmetrically with the pivotal motion thereof along the each first portion, therefore, is pivoted at respective acceleration values whose respective absolute values are equal to those of respective acceleration values at corresponding timings when the lever  308  follows the each first portion but whose positive or negative signs are opposite to those of the latter acceleration values. Thus, the cam surface  34  has a shape which assures that while the plate cam  306  is rotated at a constant velocity, the velocity of pivotal motion of the bell-crank lever  308  is smoothly increased from zero, is kept at a constant velocity for a while, and then is smoothly decreased to zero, and additionally is smoothly decreased from zero, is kept at a constant velocity for a while, and then is smoothly increased to zero. 
   The bell-crank lever  308  is attached to the first member  42  via an axis member  324  such that the lever  308  is pivotable about an axis line parallel to the common axis line of pivotal motion of the two pivotable members  280 ,  282 . The lever  308  includes two arms  326 ,  328  which support respective rollers  330 ,  332  which are engaged with two portions of the cam surface  314  that are angularly distant from each other by about 90 degrees. Therefore, as the plate cam  306  is continuously rotated in a certain direction, the bell-crank lever  308  is forcedly pivoted in its forward and backward directions, in an alternate manner, so that the two arms  326 ,  328  of the lever  308  are reciprocatively pivoted in a same direction by a same angle irrespective of which direction the lever  308  may be pivoted in. The forward and backward directions of pivotal motion of the lever  308  correspond to a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction in  FIG. 19 , respectively. 
   The two arms  326 ,  328  have a same length, and respective one circular end portions  334  of the two connection links  310 ,  312  are pivotally connected to respective end portions of the two arms  326 ,  328  that are at a same distance from the axis member  324 . The respective other circular end portions  334  of the two connection links  310 ,  312  are pivotally connected to respective end portions of the two pivotable members  280 ,  282  that are at a same distance from the axis member  270 . Each of the respective end portions of the two pivotable members  280 ,  282  and the two arms  326 ,  328  to which the circular end portions  334  of the two links  310 ,  312  are connected, has a recess  336  including a circular portion and a tapered portion. Thus, the respective circular end portions  334  of the links  310 ,  312  are pivotally connected to the respective circular portions of the respective recesses  336  of the pivotable members  280 ,  282  and the arms  326 ,  328 , on a common plane. In other words, the arms  326 ,  328 , the links  310 ,  312 , and the pivotable members  280 ,  282  are pivotally connected to one another on the common plane. The first member  42  supports a plurality of hold-down members  338  which prevent the connection links  310 ,  312  from coming off the arms  326 ,  328  and the pivotable members  280 ,  282 , respectively. 
   When the bell-crank lever  308  is pivoted reciprocatively, forward and backward, by the plate cam  306 , the two pivotable members  280 ,  282  are pivoted reciprocatively, forward and backward, via the respective connection links  310 ,  312 . However, the two connection links  310 ,  312  connect the two pivotable members  280 ,  282  to the two arms  326 ,  328 , respectively, such that the two members  280 ,  282  are pivoted by a same angle but in opposite directions, respectively, that is, such that when one of the two members  280 ,  282  is pivoted forward, the other member  282 ,  280  is pivoted backward and, when the one member  280 ,  282  is pivoted backward, the other member  282 ,  280  is pivoted forward. The two connection links  310 ,  312  are connected to the two pivotable members  280 ,  282  and the two arms  326 ,  328 , such that when the two members  280 ,  282  are positioned at respective middle angles of respective angular ranges within which the two members  280 ,  282  are allowed to pivot, the two links  310 ,  312  extend perpendicular to the corresponding members  280 ,  282  and such that when the two arms  326 ,  328  are positioned at respective middle angles of respective angular ranges within which the two arms  326 ,  328  are allowed to pivot, the two links  310 ,  312  extend perpendicular to the corresponding arms  326 ,  328 . The two arms  326 ,  328  have a same length, i.e., a same distance between the axis member  324  and each of the respective portions of the two arms  326 ,  328  to which the two links  310 ,  312  are connected. The two pivotable members  280 ,  282  have a same length, i.e., a same distance between the axis member  270  and each of the respective portions of the two members  280 ,  282  to which the two links  310 ,  312  are connected. Therefore, the two arms  326 ,  328  are always pivoted by a same angle in a same direction, whereas the two pivotable members  280 ,  282  are always pivoted by a same angle but in opposite directions, respectively. 
   When the bell-crank lever  308  is pivoted in its forward direction by the rotation of the plate cam  306 , the second pivotable member  282  is pivoted forward so that the sprocket  272  is rotated and the EC tape  62  is fed forward. This is one EC-tape feeding action of the pivotable member  282 . During this, the first pivotable member  280  is pivoted backward so that the first ratchet pawl  284  is moved back over the teeth  292  of the ratchet wheel  276 , and thus prepares for the next EC-tape feeding action thereof. When the lever  308  is pivoted in its backward direction, the second pivotable member  282  is pivoted backward so that the second ratchet pawl  286  is moved back over the teeth  292  of the ratchet wheel  276 , and thus prepares for the next EC-tape feeding action thereof, and the first pivotable member  280  is pivoted forward so that the sprocket  272  is rotated forward, and thus performs one EC-tape feeding action. When one of the two pivotable members  280 ,  282  is pivoted backward and a corresponding of the two ratchet pawls  284 ,  286  is moved over the teeth  292 , the ratchet wheel  276  is not rotated backward, because the other member  282 ,  280  is pivoted forward to rotate the ratchet wheel  272  forward. The ratchet wheel  276  cooperates with each of the two ratchet pawls  284 ,  286  to provide a one-way pivotal-motion transmitting device which transmits the forward pivotal motion of a corresponding one of the two pivotable members  280 ,  282  to the sprocket  272  but does not transmit the backward pivotal motion of the corresponding one pivotable member  280 ,  282  to the same  272 . Thus, the two one-way pivotal-motion transmitting devices commonly include the ratchet wheel  272 . 
   As described above, the cam surface  314  of the plate cam  306  has a generally elliptic shape including two identical portions having an identical shape. As indicated at solid line in  FIG. 26 , the first pivotable member  280  performs two EC-tape feeding actions and two EC-tape-feed preparing actions, while the plate cam  306  is rotated one time, i.e., over 360 degrees. The second pivotable member  282  does so but, as indicated at two-dot chain line, has an angular-phase difference of 90 degrees from the first member  280 . Each time the plate cam  306  is rotated by 90 degrees, the bell-crank lever  308  changes its pivoting direction, and the two pivotable members  280 ,  282  exchange their pivoting directions with each other and alternately perform their EC-tape feeding actions. As described above, the cam surface  314  is so formed that the bell-crank lever  308  is pivoted according to a modified constant velocity curve. As shown in  FIG. 26 , the acceleration (and deceleration), A, of each of the two pivotable members  280 ,  282  is smoothly changed, that is, the each pivotable member  280 ,  282  is smoothly accelerated from the velocity, V, of zero and smoothly decelerated to the velocity V of zero, and additionally is smoothly decelerated from the velocity V of zero and smoothly accelerated to the velocity V of zero. 
   Therefore, the inertia produced when the sprocket  272  and the ratchet wheel  276  are stopped is small. In addition, the biasing force of each of the spring members  294 ,  296  to bias a corresponding one of the ratchet pawls  284 ,  286  in a direction to engage the teeth  292  of the ratchet wheel  272  is predetermined at a value which can prevent the corresponding one ratchet pawl  284 ,  286  from being pivoted by the sprocket  272  and the wheel  276  against the biasing force of the each spring member  294 ,  296 . Thus, the sprocket  272  and the ratchet wheel  276  are prevented from being rotated in excess of an angular position which is given thereto by the forward pivotal motion of each of the pivotable members  280 ,  282 . Accordingly, each of the ECs  60  held by the EC tape  62  is accurately positioned at the EC-supply position of the each EC-supply unit  32 . 
   A pitch at which the EC tape  62  is fed when each of the two pivotable members  280 ,  282  performs one EC-tape feeding action, will be referred to as “the reference pitch”. The reference pitch is equal to the smallest one of respective different pitches at which ECs are held by different sorts of EC tapes. As described previously, in the case where different sorts of ECs having different dimensions are held at different pitches by different sorts of EC tapes, the different pitches are the reference pitch or the product of the reference pitch and an integral number M not less than two. Therefore, when the first EC tape  62  holding the ECs  60  at the smallest pitch, i.e., the reference pitch is fed over a distance equal to the reference pitch, the plate cam  306  needs to be rotated by 90 degrees to drive the sprocket  272  one time; and when the second EC tape  75  holding the ECs  60  at a pitch equal to twice the reference pitch is fed over a distance equal to twice the reference pitch, the cam  306  needs to be rotated by 180 degrees to drive the sprocket  272  two times. The first EC tape  62  provides a first sort of EC tape, and the second EC tape  75  provides a second sort of EC tape. Similarly, when an EC tape holding ECs at a pitch equal to the product of the reference pitch and the integral number M (not less than three) is fed over a distance equal to that product, the cam  306  needs to be rotated by (90×M) degrees to drive the sprocket  272 , M times. 
   Respective gear ratios of the gears  318 ,  320 ,  322  which transmit the rotation of the stepper motor  300  to the plate cam  306  are predetermined such that when the motor  300  is fully rotated one time, the cam  306  is rotated by 90 degrees and the sprocket  272  is driven one time. Therefore, when the sprocket  272  needs to be driven one time, the motor  300  is fully rotated one time; and when the sprocket  272  needs to be driven M times (not less than two), the motor  300  is rotated M times. Thus, the motor  300  can be easily controlled. 
   The first member  42  supports a rotation-stop-position detecting device  350  which detects that the plate cam  306  is positioned at any one of its four rotation stop positions which are equiangularly distant from one another by 90 degrees. The detecting device  350  includes a detection plate  352  fixed to the axis member  316  to which the plate cam  306  is fixed, and a rotation-stop-position sensor  354 . The detection plate  352  has four dogs  356  which are equiangularly distant from one another about the axis member  316 . The rotation-stop-position sensor  354  is provided by a transmission-type optical sensor which includes a light emitter and a light receiver. When the plate cam  306  is positioned at any one of the four rotation-stop positions, a corresponding one of the four dogs  356  interrupts the light emitted by the light emitter and prevents the light receiver from receiving the light. 
   Irrespective of whether the sprocket  272  needs to be driven one time or M times, the rotation-stop-position sensor  354  produces a stop-position signal, so long as the stepper motor  300  does not go out of synchronism and accordingly accurately stops the plate cam  306  at one of its rotation-stop positions. However, if the motor  300  goes out of synchronism and accordingly does not stop the cam  306  at any rotation-stop positions, the light receiver receives the light emitted by the light emitter and accordingly the sensor  354  does not produce the stop-position signal. Thus, the unit controller  500  recognizes that the stepper motor  300  is out of synchronism, and operates for eliminating the difference between the number of drive signals supplied to the motor  300  and the current rotation position of the same  300 . More specifically described, if the stop-position signal is produced when the motor  300  is additionally rotated by a predetermined small angle, the motor  300  is further rotated so that one of the dogs  356  is aligned with the respective centers of the light emitter and receiver as seen in the direction of rotation of the detection plate  352 . On the other hand, if the stop-position signal is not produced, the unit controller  500  immediately informs the operator of the occurrence of an abnormality, for example, operates an alarm device  532  ( FIG. 31 ) to produce an alarm sound in a manner described later. Alternatively, the controller  500  may do so after having tried a predetermined number of times to rotate additionally the motor  300  and thereby obtain the stop-position signal. 
   Next, the TCT treating device  92  will be described in detail. 
   As shown in  FIG. 27 , the TCT treating device  92  includes a TCT feeding device  366  and a TCT collecting box  368 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , the fifth member  50  fixed to the first member  42  has a shape like a plate, is thinner than the same  42 , and projects upward from the same  42 . The first member  42  provides a main frame member, the fifth member  50  provides a secondary frame member, and the first and fifth members  42 ,  50  provides respective elements of a frame  369  of the TCT feeding device  366 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 27 , a roller  382  is attached to a side surface of the fifth member  50  such that the roller  382  is rotatable about an axis line parallel to the widthwise direction of the top cover tape (“TCT”)  66 . The TCT  66  which is peeled from the carrier tape  64  is folded back about 180 degrees at an end of the opening  212  of the cover member  210 , and is engaged with the roller  382  such that the widthwise direction of the TCT  66  is substantially horizontal and is parallel to the widthwise direction of the each EC-supply unit  32 . The opening  212  of the cover member  210  and the roller  382  cooperate to define a path along which the TCT  66  is fed. The roller  382  has a pair of flanges (not shown) which prevent the TCT  66  from moving out of position in its widthwise direction. 
   The fifth member  50  supports a tension adjusting device  371  which is provided on an upstream side of the roller  382  as seen in the direction in which the TCT  66  is fed (hereinafter, referred to as “the TCT-feed direction”), that is, is provided such that the tension adjusting device  371  is nearer to the opening  212  of the cover member  210  than the roller  382 . The tension adjusting device  371  includes a roller-support lever  370  as a roller-support member, a roller  372  supported by the lever  370 , and a spring member  374  as an elastic member as a sort of biasing device. The roller-support lever  370  is attached, at one end portion thereof, to the fifth member  50  such that the lever  370  is pivotable about an axis line parallel to the widthwise direction of the TCT  66 . 
   The roller  372  is rotatably attached to the other end portion of the roller-support lever  370 . The lever  370  has a length which can cross the path of feeding of the TCT  66 , and supports the roller  372  such that the roller  372  is movable in a direction in which the roller  372  crosses the path. The spring member  374  whose one end is engaged with the fifth member  50  biases the roller-support lever  370  in a direction in which the roller  372  engages and bends the TCT  66  and thereby changes the path of feeding of the same  66 . The roller  372  has a pair of flanges (not shown) which prevent the TCT  66  from moving out of position in its widthwise direction. 
   The roller-support lever  370  includes a detection member  376  as a detectable portion that projects in a direction (i.e., clockwise in  FIG. 27 ) opposite to the direction in which the spring member  374  biases the lever  370 . The fifth member  50  supports a roller-position sensor  378  at a downstream-side end of locus of movement of the detection member  376  as seen in the direction of projection of the same  376 . The roller-position sensor  378  is provided by a transmission-type optical sensor which includes a light emitter and a light receiver and, when the roller-support lever  370  is pivoted or moved against the biasing force of the spring member  374  so that the detection member  376  interrupts the light emitted by the light emitter and prevents the light receiver from receiving the light, the sensor  370  detects that the lever  370  or the roller  372  has reached a predetermined position. The roller-position sensor  378  and the detection member  376  cooperate with each other to provide a roller-position detecting device  379 . 
   The limit of pivotal motion of the roller-support lever  370  due to the biasing action of the spring member  374  is defined by a stopper member  380  supported by the fifth member  50 , and the limit of pivotal motion of the lever  370  in the direction toward the roller-position sensor  378  is defined by a stopper member  381  supported by the fifth member  50 . The second stopper  381  is provided at a position which assures that the stopper  381  stops the lever  370  after the detection member  376  interrupts the light emitted by the light emitter of the roller-position sensor  378 , and before the member  376  interferes with the sensor  378 . 
   The TCT  66  which is engaged with the roller  372  is additionally engaged with the roller  382 , and is further pinched by a pair of feed gears  384 ,  386  as TCT-feed rotatable members. The tension adjusting device  371  is provided on an upstream-side of the feed gears  384 ,  386  in the direction of feeding of the TCT  66 . The axis line of rotation of the roller  382  is level with respective meshing portions of the feed gears  384 ,  386 . Thus, the TCT  66  which leaves the roller  382  easily enters and leaves the feed gears  384 ,  386  in a direction perpendicular to a straight line connecting between respective axis lines of rotation of the feed gears  384 ,  386 . 
   The two feed gears  384 ,  386  have a same size and are provided by respective moldings each formed of aluminum. As shown in  FIG. 28 , end portions of each tooth  388  of each feed gear  384 ,  386  are rounded to provide rounded portions  390 . The first feed gear  384  is rotated by a rotary drive device  394 . As shown in  FIG. 28 , an axis member  396  is supported by the fifth member  50  such that the axis member  396  extends parallel to the widthwise direction of the TCT  66 , i.e., a direction perpendicular to the direction of feeding of the TCT  66 , and the feed gear  384  is rotatably attached to the axis member  396 . A worm wheel  398  is provided as an integral portion of the first feed gear  384 . The worm wheel  398  is meshed with a worm  402  which is supported by a support block  400  fixed to the fifth member  50 , such that the worm  402  is rotatable about an axis line perpendicular to the widthwise direction of the TCT  66 . When the worm  402  is rotated by a DC (direct current) motor  408  as a sort of electric motor as a drive source, via gears  404 ,  406  (FIG.  27 ), the feed gear  384  is rotated. 
   The DC motor  408  is attached to a bracket  410  fixed to the fifth member  50 , such that an axis line of rotation of a rotor of the motor  408  is parallel to the axis line of rotation of the worm  402 , that is, is perpendicular to the widthwise direction of the TCT  66 . The worm  402  and the worm wheel  398  cooperate with each other to transmit or transform the rotation of the rotor of the DC motor  408  about the axis line perpendicular to the widthwise direction of the TCT  66 , into the rotation of the feed gear  384  about the axis line parallel to the widthwise direction of the TCT  66 . Therefore, the each EC-supply unit  32  can have a smaller widthwise dimension as compared with the case where the DC motor  408  would be provided such that the axis line of rotation of its rotor is parallel to the widthwise direction of the TCT  66 . The worm wheel  398 , the worm  402 , and the gears  404 ,  406  cooperate with one another to provide a rotation transmitting device  312 , which cooperates with the DC motor  408  to provide the rotary drive device  394 . 
   The second feed gear  386  is rotatably supported by a gear-support lever  420  as a rotatable-member-support lever as a sort of rotatable-member-support member that is pivotally attached to the fifth gear  50  at a level higher than the first feed gear  384 . A spring member  422  as an elastic member as a sort of biasing device that is provided between the lever  420  and the fifth member  50  biases the lever  420  in a direction toward the first feed gear  384 . Thus, the second feed gear  386  can be moved toward, and away from, the first feed gear  384 . The straight line connecting between the respective axis lines of rotation of the two feed gears  384 ,  386  is vertical, and the two feed gears  384 ,  386  are meshed with each other on the vertical straight line. 
   The gear-support lever  420  includes an operable portion  424  which extends in a direction parallel to the widthwise direction of the TCT  66 . The operator pivots, with his or her fingers, the operable portion  424  of the lever  420  against the biasing force of the spring member  422 , and thereby moves the second feed gear  386  away from the first feed gear  384 . In this state, the operator can insert an end portion of the TCT  66  in between the two feed gears  384 ,  386 . When the operator releases his or her fingers from the operable portion  424 , the second feed gear  386  is biased and moved toward the first feed gear  384 , so that the end portion of the TCT  66  is pinched between the respective teeth  388  of the two feed gears  384 ,  386 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 28 and 29 , the two feed gears  384 ,  386  have, at respective axially middle portions thereof, respective annular scraper grooves  430 ,  432  which are formed in respective outer circumferential surfaces thereof. Two scrapers  434 ,  436  are partly fitted in the two scraper grooves  430 ,  432 , respectively. The scrapers  434 ,  436  are provided by respective metallic thin plates. 
   The first scraper  434  provided for the first feed gear  384  includes a lengthwise middle narrowed portion whose width assures that the middle narrowed portion can be fitted in the first scraper groove  430 ; two lengthwise intermediate widened portions which are located on both sides of the middle narrowed portion and whose width is equal to that of the first feed gear  384 ; and lengthwise opposite end portions whose width is greater than that of the gear.  384 , as shown in  FIG. 29 , and is somewhat smaller than the distance between the fifth member  50  and a cover member  438  which is fixed to the support block  400  to cover the feed gears  384 ,  386 . The cover member  438  is provided adjacent to the feed gears  384 ,  386  in a direction parallel to the respective axis lines of rotation of the gears  384 ,  386 , such that the cover member  438  covers a side surface of the fifth member  50  from an upstream portion of the side surface with respect to the respective meshing portions of the gears  384 ,  386  as seen in the direction of feeding of the TCT  66 , via a portion of the surface corresponding to those meshing portions, to a downstream portion of the surface adjacent to the TCT collecting box  368 . The cover member  438  cooperates with the first and fifth members  42 ,  50  to provide the frame  369  of the TCT feeding device  366 . 
   The narrowed middle portion of the first scraper  434  is fitted in the first scraper groove  430 , the two widened portions of the same  434  on both sides of the middle portion that are not fitted in the groove  430  are bent along the first feed gear  384 , and the two end portions of the same  434  are fixed to the support block  400 . That is, a portion of the first scraper  434  is fitted in the first scraper groove  430 , such that that portion of the scraper  434  is present in the respective meshing portions of the two feed gears  384 ,  386 . Thus, the first scraper  434  is continuously present from a position upstream of the first feed gear  384  to a position downstream of the same  384  as seen in the direction of feeding of the TCT  66 . Since the first scraper groove  430  is deeper than respective tooth grooves of the teeth  388  of the first feed gear  384 , the portion of the first scraper  434  that is present in the meshing portions of the feed gears  384 ,  386  does not interfere with the feeding of the TCT  66 . In addition, the first scraper  434  starts guiding the TCT  66  just when the TCT  66  leaves the meshing portions of the feed gears  384 ,  386 . All the above explanations are true with the second scraper groove  432 , the second scraper  436 , and the second feed gear  386 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 29 , the first scraper  434  has an opening  440  which is for preventing the scraper  434  from interfering with the worm  402 . The first scraper  434 , except for its middle portion fitted in the first scraper groove  430 , is provided in close contact with the cover member  438 , which contributes to preventing the TCT  66  from entering a space possibly left between the cover member  438  and the first feed gear  384 . 
   Like the first scraper  434 , the second scraper  436  provided for the second feed gear  386  includes a lengthwise middle narrowed portion whose width assures that the middle narrowed portion can be fitted in the second scraper groove  432 ; and two widened portions which are located on both sides of the middle narrowed portion and whose width is equal to that of the second feed gear  386 . The narrowed middle portion of the second scraper  436  is fitted in the second scraper groove  432  of the second feed gear  386 , the two widened portions of the same  436  on both sides of the middle portion that are not fitted in the groove  432  are bent along the second feed gear  386 , and opposite end portions of the same  436  are fixed to the gear-support lever  420 . That is, a portion of the second scraper  436  is fitted in the second scraper groove  432 , such that that portion of the scraper  436  is present in the respective meshing portions of the two feed gears  384 ,  386 . Thus, the second scraper  436  is continuously present from a position upstream of the second feed gear  386  to a position downstream of the same  386  in the direction of feeding of the TCT  66 . The second scraper  436 , except for its middle portion fitted in the second scraper groove  432 , is provided in close contact with the cover member  438 , which contributes to preventing the TCT  66  from entering a space possibly left between the cover member  438  and the second feed gear  386 . A material having a low friction coefficient, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, is applied to respective surfaces of the scrapers  434 ,  436  that are exposed to the path of feeding of the TCT  66 , to lower respective friction coefficients of those surfaces of the same  434 ,  436 . 
   Thus, the two scrapers  434 ,  436  are provided for the two feed gears  384 ,  386 , respectively, such that the scrapers  434 ,  436  are continuously present from the upstream side of the gears  384 ,  386  to the downstream side of the same  384 ,  386 , that is, the respective one widened portions of the scrapers  434 ,  436  are present on the side of an inlet of the meshed gears  384 ,  386 , that is, on an upstream side of the same  384 ,  386  in the direction of feeding of the TCT  66 , and the respective other widened portions of the scrapers  434 ,  436  are present on the side of an outlet of the gears  384 ,  386 , that is, on a downstream side of the same  384 ,  386  in the same direction. An angle contained by the respective widened portions of the two scrapers  434 ,  436  at each of the inlet and the outlet of the meshed gears  384 ,  386  is greater than 45 degrees, most preferably, greater than 120 degrees. 
   The TCT  66  fed by the feed gears  384 ,  386  is collected by the TCT collecting box  368 . The collecting box  368  is provided on a downstream side of the feed gears  384 ,  386  in the direction of feeding of the TCT  66 , and is detachably attached to the fifth member  50 . As shown in  FIG. 30 , an upper end portion of a rear portion of the fifth member  50  is first bent toward a widthwise middle portion of the each EC-supply unit  32  and then bent vertically upward to provide a positioning portion  452  which extends in the lengthwise direction of the unit  32 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 27 and 30 , the TCT collecting box  368  includes two beam members  454 ,  456  each of which has a shape like a thick block, and two thin side plates  458 ,  460  which are fixed to respective side surfaces of the beam members  454 ,  456 , and has a front and a rear opening as seen in a direction parallel to the direction of feeding of the TCT  66 . The beam members  454 ,  456  and the side plates  458 ,  460  are formed of a metallic material, such as aluminum, which contributes to preventing the TCT  66  from adhering to the collecting box  368 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 30 , the rear opening of the TCT collecting box  368  that is more distant from the feed gears  384 ,  386  than the front opening thereof is closed by a lid  464  which is formed of a magnetic material and which is pivotally attached to the first beam member  454  via an axis member  462 . The lid  464  is kept closed because the lid  464  is attracted by a magnet  466  fixed to the second beam member  456 . Since the lid  464  has a window  468 , the operator can look into an inside space of the box  368  through the window  468 . Since the window  468  is covered by a transparent resin sheet  470 , the TCT  66  does not “leak” from the box  368 . 
   The front opening of the TCT collecting box  368  that is near to the feed gears  384 ,  386  is kept open, and provides an inlet  472  through which the TCT  66  flows into the box  368 . As shown in  FIG. 27 , the first beam member  454  includes a TCT-guide projection  474  which projects obliquely upward and frontward, toward the first scraper  434 , and which guides the flowing of the TCT  66  into the box  368 . Polytetrafluoroethylene is applied to respective inner surfaces of the beam members  454 ,  456 , the side plates  458 ,  460 , the lid  464 , and the guide projection  474  that are exposed to the inside space of the box  368 , to lower respective friction coefficients of those inner surfaces and thereby prevent the TCT  66  from adhering thereto. 
   As shown in  FIG. 30 , the first beam member  454  has a positioning groove  476  formed in a widthwise middle portion thereof. The operator fits the positioning groove  476  on the positioning portion  452  of the fifth member  50 , thereby positioning the TCT collecting box  368  in the widthwise direction thereof, and then moves the box  368  forward on the positioning portion  452 . Thus, the box  368  is attached to the fifth member  50 . Similarly, the second beam member  456  has a positioning groove  478  formed in a widthwise middle portion thereof, and the operator fits the positioning groove  478  on another positioning portion  480  of the fifth member  50 , thereby positioning the box  368  in the widthwise direction thereof. 
   Two ball plungers  482  are provided on both side surfaces of the positioning portion  480  of the fifth member  50  (only one plunger  482  is shown in  FIG. 27 ; the fifth member  50  is indicated at two-dot chain line but the one ball plunger  482  is indicated at solid line and broken line for easier understanding purposes only). Each of the two ball plungers  482  includes a casing  484  having a threaded outer circumferential surface; a ball  486  as an engaging member that is accommodated in the casing  484 ; and a spring member  486  as an elastic member as a sort of biasing device that biases the ball  486  in a direction in which the ball  486  projects out of the casing  484 . The TCT collecting box  368  is moved to a position where the respective balls  484  of the two ball plungers  482  project and engage respective conical holes  490  as engaging holes which are formed in the second beam member  456 , so that the box  368  is positioned in the lengthwise direction thereof. Since the box  368  is thus engaged with the fifth member  50 , the box  368  is prevented from moving out of position due to, e.g., vibration exerted thereto. In this state, the TCT-guide projection  474  projects toward the first scraper  434  provided for the first feed gear  384 , to a position adjacent to the scraper  434 , and guides the TCT  66  from the scraper  434  to the box  368 . The operator can remove the box  368  from the fifth member  50 , by drawing the box  368  in a direction away from the fifth member  50 , thereby causing the balls  486  to be pushed back into the casings  484  against the biasing forces of the spring members  488 , and moving the box  368  rearward. As shown in  FIG. 27 , the gear-support lever  420  includes a closing portion  492  which extends parallel to the widthwise direction of the TCT  66  and which prevents the TCT  66  from “leaking” out of the inlet  472  of the box  368 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 27 , a fixed handle member  550  is detachably attached to an upper end portion of the fifth member  50 , such that the fixed handle member  550  is positioned in the widthwise direction of the each EC-supply unit  32 . A movable handle member  552  is supported by the fixed handle member  550  such that the movable handle member  552  is movable in a direction parallel to the lengthwise direction of the each unit  32 . A rear end portion of the movable handle member  552  projects rearward from the fifth member  50 . The operator can draw or move the movable handle member  552  rearward by grasping the projecting end portion of the member  552 . The operator attaches and detaches the each unit  32  to and from the table  30 , while grasping the movable handle member  552  drawn out of the fifth member  50 , and carries the each unit  32  while grasping the fixed handle member  550  with the movable handle member  552  being drawn out. 
   As shown in  FIG. 30 , the movable handle member  552  has, in an outer circumferential surface thereof, two flat surfaces  553  as rotation preventing surfaces that extend in a direction parallel to the lengthwise direction of the member  552  and that prevent the member  552  from rotating relative to the fixed handle member  550 . In addition, the movable handle member  552  has, in the outer circumferential surface thereof, two chamfered portions that extend in the lengthwise direction of the fixed handle member  550  and that have respective surfaces  554  to one of which a bar-code seal  556  is adhered. A bar code representing identification information identifying the each EC-supply unit  32  from the other EC-supply units  32  is printed on the bar-code seal  556 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , the carrier tape  64  from which the ECs  60  have been supplied is guided by a guide member  494  provided on the car  34 , to a tape cutter  496 , so that the carrier tape  64  is cut into small pieces by the tape cutter  496  and the small pieces are collected by a collecting box  498 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 31 , each of the EC-supply units  32  includes a unit controller  500  including three computers (not shown) which are exclusively used to monitor the connection of two EC tapes  62  on the each unit  32 , control the stepper motor  300 , and control the DC motor  408 , respectively. In addition, the connection detecting circuit  168  of the metal detecting device  150 , the rotation-stop-position sensor  354 , the roller-position sensor  378 , and an operation panel  502  are connected to the unit controller  500 .  FIG. 32  shows a flow chart representing a connection monitoring routine which is stored in a read only memory (“ROM”) of the first exclusive computer which monitors the connection of two EC tapes  62 , and a random access memory (“RAM”) of the first computer includes, in addition to a working memory, a reference-identification-information memory  504 , an input-identification-information memory  506 , an identification-information-input-time memory  508 , a connection-portion-detect-time memory  510 , and a remaining-amount counter  512 . A processing unit (“PU”) of the first computer includes a timer. 
   As shown in  FIG. 31 , the unit controller  500  of each EC-supply unit  32  is connected to a car-side controller  520  which is provided on each car  34 , and exchanges information with the car-side controller  520 . Each of the two car-side controllers  520  is connected to a mounting-system controller  530  which is employed by the EC mounting system  16 , and exchanges information with the mounting-system controller  530 . The mounting-system controller  530  controls the alarm device  532  and a display device  534  which are employed by the EC mounting system  16 , such that the alarm device  532  generates an alarm sound and the display device  534  displays information describing an error which has occurred. A bar-code reader  538  is connected to the each car-side controller  520 . The mounting-system controller  530  is connected to a host computer  540 , and exchanges information with the host computer  540 . 
   In the CB assembling system  10  constructed as described above, the EC sucker  22  is moved to take an EC  60  from one of the EC-supply units  32  and mount the EC  60  on a PWB  20 . After the EC sucker  22  takes the EC  60  and before the sucker  22  mounts the EC  60  on the PWB  20 , the image taking device  38  takes an image of the EC  60  held by the EC sucker  22 , and the mounting-system controller  530  calculates, based on image data representing the taken image, X-direction and Y-direction position errors of the EC  60  held by the EC sucker  22  and a rotation position error of the EC  60  about an axis line of the EC  60 . In addition, before the EC  60  is mounted on the PWB  20 , another image taking device (not shown) takes respective images of two reference marks which are affixed to two portions of the PWB  20 , respectively, that are diagonally distant from each other, and the controller  530  calculates, based on image data representing the taken images, X-direction and Y-direction position errors of each of a plurality of EC-mount places on the PWB  20  where ECs  60  are to be mounted. After the X-direction and Y-direction position errors of the EC  60 , the X-direction and Y-direction position errors of the EC-mount place where the EC  60  is to be mounted, and the rotation position error of the EC  60  are corrected, the EC  60  is mounted at the EC-mount place on the PWB  20 . 
   Each of the EC-supply units  32  is waiting for supplying the following EC  60 , in the state in which the preceding EC  60  has been taken from the embossed portion  70  of the carrier tape  64 , that is, in the state in which the empty embossed portion  70  is positioned at the EC-supply position. The mounting-system controller  530  selects one of the EC-supply units  32  that is next to supply an EC  60  to the EC sucker  22 , and sends, to the unit controller  500  of the selected unit  32 , a command that commands the exclusive computer of the unit controller  500  to operate the stepper motor  300  and thereby feed the EC tape  62 . 
   The stepper motor  300  is rotated by an amount needed for the following EC  60  to be moved to the EC-supply position, depending upon the pitch at which the ECs  60  are held by the EC tape  62 . Since the pitch at which the ECs  60  are held by the first EC tape  62  is the smallest pitch equal to the reference pitch, the stepper motor  300  is controlled to rotate the plate cam  306  by 90 degrees. Consequently one of the two pivotable members  280 ,  282  performs one EC-tape feeding action (i.e., one forward motion) to feed the EC tape  62  by a distance equal to the reference pitch. That is, one EC-tape feeding action of the pivotable member  280  or  282  causes the sprocket  272  to be driven one time, so that the following EC  60  is moved to the EC-supply position. Each time the sprocket  272  is driven one time, one EC  60  is supplied to the EC sucker  22 . Hereinafter, this EC supplying step will be referred to as the single-feeding-action EC supplying step. 
   In the case where one EC-supply unit  32  feeds the second EC tape  75  and supplies the ECs  60  from the same  75 , the pitch at which the ECs  60  are held by the tape  75  is twice the reference pitch, and the stepper motor  300  is controlled to rotate the plate cam  306  by 180 (i.e., 90×2) degrees. Thus, the two pivotable members  280 ,  282  alternately perform respective EC-tape feeding actions (i.e., respective forward motions), each one time, so that the sprocket  272  is driven two times and the following EC  60  is moved to the EC-supply position. Since one EC  60  is supplied to the EC sucker  22  each time the sprocket  272  is driven M (e.g., two) times, this EC supplying step will be referred to as the M-time-feeding-action EC supplying step. The exclusive computer of the unit controller  500  that controls the stepper motor  300  provides a tape-feed control device which controls the number of rotations of the stepper motor  300 , depending upon a pitch at which ECs are held by an EC tape, so that the EC tape is fed by a distance equal to the pitch. 
   In the case where one EC is supplied to the EC sucker  22  each time the sprocket  272  is driven one time, the EC sucker  22  is lowered in synchronism with the feeding of an EC tape in response to the single driving of the sprocket  272 . Meanwhile, in the case where one EC is supplied to the EC sucker  22  each time the sprocket  272  is driven M times, the EC sucker  22  is moved downward in synchronism with the feeding of an EC tape in response to the last or M-th driving of the sprocket  272 . The mounting-system controller  530  functions as a synchronism control device which controls the EC sucker  22  such that the EC sucker  22  is move downward concurrently with at least a portion of the single or M-th feeding of an EC tape, or immediately after the single or M-th feeding of the EC tape has ended. In the case where the EC sucker  22  is move downward concurrently with at least a portion of the single or M-th feeding of an EC tape, the single or M-th feeding of the EC tape ends before the EC sucker  22  takes an EC from the EC tape, that is, the leading EC of the EC tape is moved to the EC-supply position before the EC sucker  22  sucks and holds the leading EC. Since the mounting-system controller  530  can obtain, from the unit controller  500  of each EC-supply unit  32 , information relating to the feeding of the EC tape, i.e., information relating to the driving of the sprocket  272 , the mounting-system controller  530  can control, based on the obtained information, the downward movement of the EC sucker  22 . 
   As described above, the cam surface  314  of the plate cam  306  is so formed that each of the two pivotable members  280 ,  282  is pivoted according to the modified constant velocity curve shown in FIG.  26 . More specifically described, the bell-crank lever  308  is smoothly accelerated from the speed of zero, subsequently pivoted at a constant velocity, and then smoothly decelerated to the speed of zero, so that each of the two pivotable members  280 ,  282  is smoothly accelerated from the speed of zero, subsequently pivoted at a constant velocity, and then smoothly decelerated to the speed of zero. Therefore, the feeding of the EC tape  62  can be started and stopped with reduced vibration, and accordingly each EC  60  can be prevented from jumping out of the embossed portion  70  or changing its posture in the embossed portion  70 . 
   In addition, since the two pivotable members  280 ,  282  alternately perform respective EC-tape feeding actions and substantially continuously drive the sprocket  272 , the EC tape  62  is fed forward without cease. Therefore, even in the case where the pitch at which ECs are held by an EC tape is M times longer than the reference pitch, the EC tape can be fed quickly. 
   The second exclusive computer of the unit controller  500  controls the stepper motor  300  and thereby controls the feeding of the EC tape  62 . This exclusive computer, a drive circuit (not shown) for driving the stepper motor  300 , and the rotation-stop-position detector  350  cooperate with one another to provide a drive-source control device. 
   As described above, if the stepper motor  300  goes out of synchronism, the second computer of the unit controller  500  performs countermeasures including additionally rotating the stepper motor  300  by a small angle, so as to obtain the stop-position signal produced by the rotation-stop-position sensor  354 . On the other hand, if the unit controller  500  cannot eliminate the error that has occurred, because of the out-of-synchronism state, between the number of drive signals supplied to the motor  300  and the current rotation position of the same  300 , the mounting-system controller  530  controls, based on the commands supplied from the unit controller  500  via the car-side controller  520 , the alarm device  532  to produce an alarm sound indicating that an abnormality has occurred, and controls the display device  534  to display a screen image describing what the abnormality is. 
   When the EC tape  62  is fed forward, the stepper motor  300  is operated and simultaneously the DC motor  408  of the TCT feeding device  366  is operated. Thus, the TCT  66  is fed forward while being peeled from the carrier tape  64 , so that the TCT  66  is collected into the TCT collecting box  368 . This means that the TCT feeding device  366  also functions as a TCT peeling device. 
   When the DC motor  408  is operated, the two feed gears  384 ,  386  are rotated to feed the TCT  66 . Since the amount of peeling of the TCT  66  from the carrier tape  64  is limited by the end of the opening  212  of the cover member  210 , the TCT  66  is peeled from the carrier tape  64  by an amount equal to the amount of feeding of the carrier tape  64  or the EC tape  62 . Since it is required that the TCT  66  be accurately peeled by the amount equal to the amount of feeding of the carrier tape  64 , the feed gears  384 ,  386  are rotated to feed the TCT  66 , by an amount more than the amount of feeding of the carrier tape  64 . 
   The above-indicated excessive rotation of the feed gears  384 ,  386  is allowed because then the tensile force of the TCT  66  is increased and accordingly the roller-support lever  370  is pivoted against the biasing force of the spring member  374 . The DC motor  408  is stopped before the stepper motor  300  is stopped, and accordingly the feed gears  384 ,  386  are stopped before the feeding of the carrier tape  64  is stopped. As the carrier tape  64  is fed after the stopping of the feed gears  384 ,  386 , the roller-support lever  370  is pivoted by the biasing action of the spring member  374 , so that the TCT  66  is peeled from the carrier tape  64 . While the carrier tape  64  is fed, the tensile force of the TCT  66  is adjusted by the lever  370 , so that the TCT  66  is fed while being peeled, without being loosened. 
   More specifically described, the amount of feeding of the TCT  66  is somewhat more than that of the carrier tape  64 , and accordingly the roller-support lever  370  is positioned, because of the increased tensile force of the TCT  66 , at a position nearer to the roller-position sensor  378  than the stopper member  380 . Though the lever  370  is pivoted against the biasing force of the spring member  374 , the lever  370  is not contacted with the stopper member  380  and the TCT  66  is not loosened. However, as the feeding of the EC tape  62  is repeated and the peeling and feeding of the TCT  66  is repeated, eventually the detection member  376  of the lever  370  is detected by the roller-position sensor  378 , so that the DC motor  408  is stopped. Thus, the tensile force of the TCT  66  is prevented from exceeding a predetermined value, and the TCT  66  is prevented from being broken. As the EC tape  62  is fed after the DC motor  408  is stopped, the lever  370  is pivoted by the spring member  374 , so that the TCT  66  is peeled from the carrier tape  64  while being stretched out. If the time period in which the TCT  66  is fed by the operation of the DC motor  408  has not ended yet when the lever  370  is pivoted by the biasing action of the spring member  374  and accordingly the roller-position sensor  378  no longer detects the detection member  376 , the DC motor  408  is started again to rotate the feed gears  384 ,  386  and thereby feed the TCT  66 . 
   The roller-position sensor  378  can detect an abnormality which occurs to the TCT feeding device  366 . For example, if the DC motor  408  continues to operate, for some reason, even after the feeding of the EC tape  62  ends, the tensile force of the TCT  66  is increased and the roller-support lever  370  is pivoted against the biasing force of the spring member  374 , so that the detection member  376  is detected by the roller-position sensor  378 . Thus, the unit controller  500  can recognize that an abnormality has occurred to the DC motor  408  or a control circuit to control the motor  408 , and can stop the operation of the motor  408 . Thus, the TCT  66  is prevented from being broken. In addition, the unit controller  500  commands the mounting-system controller  530  to control the alarm device  532  and the display device  534  to inform the operator of the occurrence of abnormality. The third exclusive computer of the unit controller  500  controls the DC motor  408  based on the detection signals supplied from the roller-position sensor  378 . Thus, the exclusive computer of the unit controller  500  that controls the DC motor  408  of the TCT feeding device  366  provides a TCT-feed stopping device. 
   The TCT  66  which has been peeled from the carrier tape  64  and fed by the feed gears  384 ,  386  flows into the TCT collecting box  368  through the inlet  472  thereof. Since the two feed gears  384 ,  386  are rotated while the respective teeth  388  thereof mesh each other and pinch the TCT  66 , the TCT  66  is surely fed forward. In addition, the second scraper  436  provided for the second feed gear  386  can surely peel the TCT  66  from the teeth  38  of the gear  386 , even if the TCT  66  may be adhered to the teeth  38  because of a tacky material possibly left on one major surface of the TCT  66  that has been adhered to the carrier tape  64 . Thus, the TCT  66  is prevented from remaining adhered to the teeth  388  of the second feed gear  386  and interfering with the feeding of the following portion of the TCT  66 . The other major surface of the TCT  66  on which no tacky material is provided is contacted with the first feed gear  384 . The first scraper  434  which is provided for the first feed gear  384  peels, even if the TCT  66  may hang down onto the gear  384  because of its own weight, the TCT  66  from the teeth  388  of the gear  384  and thereby prevents the TCT  66  from jamming on the gear  384 . 
   In addition, the respective bent, widened portions of the two scrapers  434 ,  436  that are provided on the side of the outlet of the two feed gears  384 ,  386  open about 120 degrees. Accordingly, the TCT  66  is not adhered to the scrapers  434 ,  436  and is smoothly fed to the TCT collecting box  368 . Since polytetrafluoroethylene is applied to the respective surfaces of the scrapers  434 ,  436  that face the path of feeding of the TCT  66 , and the inner surfaces of the box  368 , to lower their respective friction coefficients, the TCT  66  is not adhered to those elements  434 ,  436 ,  368 . 
   The operator can look into the inner space of the TCT collecting box  368  through the window  468  and judge whether the box  368  is full of the collected TCT  66 . If a positive judgment is made, the operator opens the lid  464  and removes the TCT  66  from the box  368 . Alternatively, the operator can remove the full box  368  from the fifth member  50 , and replace the full box  368  with a new, empty box  368 . At this time, the operator cuts the TCT  66  at a portion thereof near the feed gears  384 ,  386 , and inserts the cut end of the TCT  66  into the new box  368 . Alternatively, a container may be placed in the inside space of the box  238 . In the last case, the operator replaces the container full of the collected TCT  66 , with a new, empty container. 
   When the supplying of the ECs  60  advances and eventually the remaining amount of the current EC tape  62  wound on one supply reel  76  decreases to a small amount, the alarm device  532  and the display device  534  inform the operator of this situation and command him or her to connect another EC tape  62  to the current EC tape  62  now supplying the ECs  60 . More specifically described, first, the operator removes the current EC tape  62  from the current supply reel  76 , removes the current supply reel  76  from the bucket  78 , sets another supply reel  76  in the bucket  78 , and connects another EC tape  62  wound on the new supply reel  76 , to the current EC tape  62  supplying the ECs  60 . The connection of the two EC tapes  62  are carried out using the above-described metallic connection member  100  and the connection tape  102 . In the present embodiment, another EC tape  62  which is to be connected to the terminal end portion  96  of the current EC tape  62  being fed by the EC-tape feeding device  90  to supply the ECs  60 , is a new one which has not supplied any ECs  60 . The respective operations of the alarm device  532  and the display device  534  will be described in detail later. 
   The first exclusive computer of the unit controller  500  monitors the connection of two EC tapes, according to the connection monitoring routine shown in FIG.  32 . First, at Step S 1 , the computer judges whether identification information identifying an EC tape has been input. When the operator connects two EC tapes, he or her operates, before or after the connection, the bar-code reader  538  to read in the bar code  88  of the supply reel on which the following EC tape to be connected to the current or preceding EC tape  62  is wound, and the bar code printed on the bar-code seal  556  adhered to the EC-supply unit  32  feeding the preceding EC tape  62 . The bar code of the EC-supply unit  32  is read in, in the state in which the movable handle member  552  is drawn out of the fixed handle member  550 . Since the bar-code reader  538  is connected to the car-side controller  520 , the car-side controller  520  sends, based on the identification information represented by the read-in bar code of the EC-supply unit  32 , the identification information represented by the read-in bar code  88  of the following EC tape, to the unit controller  500  of that EC-supply unit  32 . Thus, a positive judgment is made at Step S 1 . 
   On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made at Step S 1 , the control of the computer goes to Step S 3  to judge whether a connection portion  103  has been detected. If a negative judgment is made at Step S 3 , the current control cycle according to this routine ends. 
   If a positive judgment is made at Step S 1 , the control goes to Step S 2  to store the input identification information identifying the following EC tape, in the input-identification-information memory  506 . In addition, the computer reads in a time which is measured by the timer when a positive judgment is made at Step S 1 , and stores the read-in time in the identification-information-input-time memory  508 . Step S 2  is followed by Step S 3 . Since a connection-detect position where the detecting head  152  is provided is distant from a tape-connect position where the two EC tapes are connected to each other, a certain time is needed for the connection portion  103  to be fed from the tape-connect position to the connection-detect position. Therefore, at an early stage, a negative judgment is made at Step S 3 . 
   Whether the operator may have read in, or may have failed to read in, using the bar-code reader  538 , the bar code  88  of the following EC tape, before or after connecting the two EC tapes to each other, a positive judgment is made at Step S 3 , when the connection portion  103  reaches the detecting head  152  and the connection member  100  electrically connects the two electrodes  166 , that is, when the detecting head  152  detects the connection portion  103 . Then, the control of the computer goes to Step S 4  to judge whether any identification information is present in the input-identification-information memory  506 . In the case where the operator has failed to read in the bar code  88  of the following EC tape when connecting the following EC to the preceding EC tape  62 , no information is present in the memory  506  and a negative judgment is made at Step S 4 . Thus, the control goes to Step S 5 . 
   At Step S 5 , the computer sends, to the mounting-system controller  530  via the car-side controller  520 , commands to operate the alarm device  532  and the display device  534  to inform and indicate that the operator has failed to read in the bar code  88  of the following EC tape, and stop the operation of the EC mounting system  16 . More specifically described, the mounting-system controller  530  controls the alarm device  532  to generate an alarm sound, and controls the display device  534  to display a message that the operator has failed to read in the bar code, and indicate a particular EC-supply unit  32  which is feeding the following EC tape whose bar code  88  has not been read in. The mounting-system controller  530  can identify the particular EC-supply unit  32 , based on the particular unit controller  500  which has sent the commands to operate the alarm device  532  and the display device  534 . In addition, the controller  530  stops the operation of the EC mounting system  16 . 
   The current control cycle ends with Step S 5 , and the computer starts with Step S 1  in the next control cycle. If the operator reads in the bar code  88  of the following EC tape and inputs the identification information represented by the read-in bar code  88 , a positive judgment is made at Step S 1 , and Steps S 2  and S 3  are performed. If the EC mounting system  16  is started again after the reading of the bar code  88 , a connection-detect signal is virtually produced, and a positive judgment is made Step S 3 . Thus, Step S 4  is performed. Since the identification information is present in the memory  506 , a positive judgment is made at Step S 4 , and the control goes to Step S 6 . It is usual that the system  16  is resumed after the reading of the bar code  88 . Steps S 1  and S 3  are repeated till identification information is input and the system  16  is resumed. 
   Thus, in the present embodiment, it is judged whether identification information has been input when two EC tapes are connected to each other and, before the identification information is input, no ECs are mounted on a PWB  20 . Thus, each EC-supply unit  32  is prevented from supplying ECs from an incorrect sort of EC tape, and the EC mounting system  16  is prevented from mounting an incorrect sort of ECs on a PWB  20 . 
   If a positive judgment is made at Step S 4 , the control goes to Step S 6  to read in a time which is measured by the timer when a positive judgment is made at Step S 4 , and store the read-in time in the connection-portion-detect-time memory  510 . Step S 6  is followed by Step S 7  to subtract the time stored in the memory  508 , from the time stored in the memory  510 , and judge whether the thus obtained time difference is smaller than a reference time difference. Since Step S 7  is carried out only when a positive judgment is made at Step S 4  and Step S 2  must have been carried out before Step S 4 , the computer can compare the time difference between the two times, with the reference time difference. 
   The above-indicated time-difference comparison is performed to exclude the identification information which has not been input in relation with the connection of two EC tapes  62 , and avoid a wrong judgment that the identification information has been input in relation with the connection of two EC tapes. Since the connection-detect position and the tape-connect position are distant from each other, it needs a certain time for the connection portion  103  to be moved from the tape-connect position to the connection-detect position. This time can be estimated based on the distance between the tape-connect position and the connection-detect position (i.e., a length of the preceding EC tape  62  between the detecting head  152  and the connection member  100  when the two EC tapes are connected to each other); the pitch at which the ECs  60  are held by each EC tape  62 ; and the rate at which the each EC-supply unit  32  supplies the ECs  60  from the each EC tape  62 , that is, whether or not the each unit  32  continuously supplies the ECs  60 . Therefore, the reference time difference is predetermined to be somewhat longer than the thus estimated time. Thus, if the connection portion  103  is detected within the reference time difference after the following EC tape is connected to the preceding EC tape  62  and identification information is input, it can be judged that the input identification information is the identification information which has been input in relation with the connection of two EC tapes. In addition, the reference time difference is predetermined to be long enough to be able to judge that the input identification information is the identification information which has been input in relation with the connection of two EC tapes, even in the case where the operator reads in the bar code  88  of the following tape before connecting the two EC tapes to each other. 
   On the other hand, if no connection portion  103  is detected within the reference time difference, a problem may have occurred. For example, in the present CB assembling system  10 , after the EC mounting system  16  starts mounting the ECs  60  on the PWBs  20 , the bar code  88  of one supply reel may be read in for some reason although, in fact, no EC tapes are connected. Even in this case, a positive judgment is made at Step S 1  and, at Step S 2 , the time when the positive judgment is made is read in and stored, and the identification information is stored in the input-identification-information memory  506 . If subsequently the operator does not fail to read in the bar code  88  of the following EC tape connected to the preceding EC tape  62 , then new identification information represented by the read-in bar code  88  is stored in the memory  506  in place of the old identification information. In this case, therefore, no problem occurs. On the other hand, if the operator fails to read in, the memory  506  keeps the identification information which has not been input in relation with the connection of two EC tapes, and the identification information causes a positive judgment to be made at Step S 4 . In the latter case, however, since the identification information or bar code  88  has been input or read in a considerably long time before the two EC tapes are connected to each other, the time difference between the inputting of the identification information and the detection of the connection portion  103  is greater than the reference time difference. Thus, a negative judgment is made at Step S 7 , since it is judged that the identification information stored in the memory  506  cannot be the identification information input in relation with the connection of two EC tapes. 
   If a negative judgment is made at Step S 7 , the control of the computer goes to Step S 8  to delete the information stored in the input-identification-information memory  506  and send, to the mounting-system controller  530  via the car-side controller  520 , commands to stop the operation of the EC mounting system  16  and operate the alarm device  532  and the display device  534  to inform and indicate that identification information has been input, but not in relation with the connection of two EC tapes, and that the reading-in of the bar code  88  has not been done in relation with the connection of two EC tapes. After Step S 8 , the current control cycle ends, and the computer operates in the same manner as described above in the case where the reading-in of the bar code  88  has not been done and a negative judgment is made at Step S 4 . 
   If the time difference between the inputting of the identification information and the detection of the connection portion  103  is smaller than the reference time difference, appositive judgment is made at Step S 7 , and the control goes to Step S 9  to judge whether the identification information identifying the following EC tape connected to the preceding EC tape  62  is identical with reference identification information identifying a correct sort of EC tape  62  to be connected to the preceding tape  62 . The reference identification information is supplied from the host computer  540  and is stored in the reference-identification-information memory  504 . A negative judgment made at Step S 9  means that the following EC tape actually connected to the preceding one  62  is not the correct sort of EC tape  62  to be connected to the preceding one  62 . In this case, the control goes to Step S 10  to produce a set of inappropriate-tape-connection information indicating that the input and stored identification information is not identical with the reference identification information. More specifically described, the set of inappropriate-tape-connection information includes information indicating that an incorrect sort of EC tape has been connected; information specifying a particular EC-supply unit  32  to which the incorrect sort of EC tape  62  has been connected; the identification information identifying the correct sort of EC tape  62  to be connected; and the identification information identifying the incorrect sort of EC tape  62  which has been actually connected. Step S 10  is followed by Step S 11  to delete the information stored in the memory  506  and send, to the mounting-system controller  530  via the car-side controller  520 , commands to stop the operation of the EC mounting system  16 , operate the alarm device  532  to inform the operator of the fact that an incorrect sort of EC tape  62  has been connected, and operate the the display device  534  to display the set of inappropriate-tape-connection information. In addition, the computer sends the set of inappropriate-tape-connection information to the controller  530 . 
   If a positive judgment is made at Step S 9 , the control goes to Step S 12  to set, as a count number, C, of the remaining-amount counter  512 , the sum of the number of ECs  60  held by the following EC tape  62  connected to the preceding one  62  and the number of ECs  60  held by the preceding one  62  between the connection-detect position and the EC-supply position. Since the distance between the connection-detect position and the EC-supply position is known in advance based on the designing of the each EC-supply unit  32 , the computer can calculate, based on this distance and the pitch at which the ECs  60  are held by the each EC tape  62 , the number of ECs  60  held by the preceding EC tape  62  between the connection-detect position and the EC-supply position. In addition, the computer deletes the information stored in the input-identification-information memory  506 , since that information is no longer needed, in the present connection monitoring routine, after a positive or negative judgment is obtained at Step S 9 . 
   Step S 12  is followed by Step S 13  to judge whether one EC  60  has been supplied, that is, whether the EC sucker  22  has taken one EC  60  from one embossed portion  70 . The computer makes this judgment based on the information supplied thereto from the mounting-system controller  530  which controls the EC taking operation of the EC sucker  22 . If a positive judgment is made at Step S 13 , the control goes to Step S 14  to subtract one from the count number C of the remaining-amount counter  512 . Step S 14  is followed by Step S 15  to judge whether the count number C is equal to, or smaller than, a reference number, C S . That is, the computer judges whether the remaining amount of the ECs  60  held by the EC tape  62  has decreased to a considerably small amount. At an early stage, a negative judgment is made at Step S 15 , and the control goes back to Step S 13 . 
   Steps S 13  to S 15  are repeated till a positive judgment is made at Step S 15 . Meanwhile, if a positive judgment is made at Step S 15 , the control goes to Step S 16  to send, to the mounting-system controller  530  via the car-side controller  520 , commands to operate the alarm device  532  and the display device  534  to inform and indicate that the remaining amount of the ECs  60  has decreased to the small amount. More specifically described, the computer sends information based on which the alarm device  532  generates an alarm sound requesting the operator to replenish a new EC tape  62 , and based on which the display device  534  displays a message requesting the operator to replenish a new EC tape  62 , and additionally displays the particular EC-supply unit  32  whose ECs  60  have decreased to the small amount, and the particular sort of EC tape  62  to be connected. Step S 16  is followed by Step S 17  to reset the count number C of the remaining-amount counter  512 , to zero, and the current control cycle ends. 
   As is apparent from the foregoing description, in the present embodiment, the bar-code reader  538  provides an input device; and a portion of the first exclusive computer of the unit controller  500  that carries out Steps S 9  and S 10  of the connection monitoring routine of  FIG. 32 , provides an inappropriate-tape-connection-information producing device, which cooperates with the input device to provide a tape-connection-relating information producing device. A portion of the first computer that carries out Steps S 1  and S 4  provides an input judging device; a portion of the first computer that carries out Steps S 2 , S 6 , and S 7  provides a connection-relating-input judging device; a portion of the first computer that obtains, at Step S 12 , the initial number of the ECs  60  that are present on the EC tape  62 , from the input identification information, provides an initial-amount obtaining device; a portion of the first computer that carries out Steps S 13  and S 14  provides a remaining-amount obtaining device; and the alarm device  532  and the display device  534  cooperate with each other to provide a non-input informing device or an inappropriate-tape-connection informing device. 
   The EC-tape feeding device  90  carries out the step of feeding the EC tape  62  and thereby supplying the ECs  60 , one by one, to the EC mounting system  16 ; the operator carries out the step of connecting the two EC tapes  62  to each other; the operator carries out the step of operating the bar-code reader  538  to read in the bar code  88  as the identification information; the metal detecting device  150  carries out the step of detecting the metallic connection member  100  and thereby detecting the connection portion  103 ; and the mounting-system controller  530  carries out the step of stopping the operation of the EC mounting system  16 , based on the command supplied from the first computer of the unit controller  500 . The first computer of the unit controller  500  carries out the step of obtaining, at Steps S 13  to S 15 , the remaining amount of the ECs  60  that are present on the EC tape  62 , and carries out the step of informing, at Step S 16 , the operator of the fact that the remaining amount of the ECs  60  is not more than a reference amount. The information read in by each bar-code reader  538  is input to the corresponding car-side controller  520 . Since the ECs  60  supplied from the EC-supply units  32  supported by the two cars  34  are mounted on the PWBs  20 , it can be said that the EC supplying system  18  is part of the EC mounting system  16 . Therefore, it can be said that the inputting of the bar code  88  (i.e., the identification information) to each car-side controller  520  is also the inputting of the same to the EC mounting system  16 . 
   In the illustrated embodiment, the metal detecting device  150  as the contact-type sensor that includes the two electrodes  166  detects the metallic connection member  100 . However, it is possible to employ a non-contact-type metal detecting device. For example,  FIG. 34  shows an EC-supply unit  600  which includes a high-frequency-oscillation proximity sensor  604 . Since the other elements and parts of the EC-supply unit  600  are the same as those of each EC-supply unit  32 , the same reference numerals as used to designate those elements and parts of the each EC-supply unit  32  are used to designate the corresponding elements and parts of the EC-supply unit  600 , and the description thereof is omitted. 
   The high-frequency-oscillation (“HFO”) proximity sensor  604  is supported, like the detecting head  152  of the metal detecting device  150 , by a support member  608  in respective rear portions of a third and a fourth member  46 ,  48  of the EC-supply unit  600 . The support member  608  has a shape like a block and has, as shown in  FIGS. 34 and 35 , a first groove  610  which extends parallel to the direction of feeding of an EC tape  62  and which has a width somewhat greater than the width of a carrier tape  64  of the EC tape  62 , and a second groove  612  which opens in the bottom of the first groove  610  and which has a depth and a width allowing each of embossed portions  70  of the EC tape  62  to pass therethrough. The support member  608  additionally has a wide support surface  614  which has a greater width and which supports one of opposite end portions of the carrier tape  64  that has feed holes  74 , and a narrow support surface  616  which supports the other end portion  68  of the carrier tape  64 . 
   The HFO proximity sensor  604  is fitted in a portion of the support member  608  that corresponds to the wide support surface  614 , and an attaching member  618  attaches the HFO proximity sensor  604  to the support member  608  such that the proximity sensor  604  is detachable from the support member  608 . The HFO proximity sensor  604  extends vertically, such that the upper end surface of the sensor  604  is positioned below the wide support surface  614 .  FIG. 36  shows the principle of operation of the HFO proximity sensor  604 . The HFO proximity sensor  604  includes an oscillation coil  622  and an oscillation circuit  626 . If no object  624  (e.g., a metallic connection member  100 ) is present around the sensor  604 , the oscillation circuit takes a normal oscillation state. On the other hand; if an object  624  approaches the sensor  604 , the magnetic-force lines generated by the oscillation coil  622  cause the object  624  to produce an eddy current therein, which in turn affects the oscillation coil  622 , thereby stopping the oscillation of the oscillation circuit  626 . The HFO proximity sensor  604  includes a signal producing circuit (not shown) which produces different signals corresponding to different oscillation states of the oscillation circuit  626 . A unit controller  500  can recognize or detect the object  624  or the connection member  100  based on the signals supplied from the HFO proximity sensor  604 . 
   The EC tape  62  is fed while the two end portions  68  of the carrier tape  64  are supported on the two support surfaces  614 ,  616 , respectively. The one end portion  68  having the feed holes  74  is prevented by a pressing roller  170  from moving up off the wide support surface  614 . Even in this state, there is left some space between the one end portion  68  and the HFO proximity sensor  604 . When a metallic connection member  100  used to connect two EC tapes  62  to provide a connection portion  100  is moved on the wide support surface  614 , the connection member  103  is detected by the HFO proximity sensor  604 . Thus, the connection portion  103  is detected. 
   It is possible to employ a different sort of non-contact sensor than the HFO proximity sensor  604 . For example, it is possible to employ an optical detector such as a transmission-type photoelectric sensor, a reflection-type photoelectric sensor, or a color sensor.  FIG. 37  shows a transmission-type photoelectric sensor  644 . 
   Like respective TCTs  66  of two EC tapes  62  that are connected to each other with a connection tape  102 , respective carrier tapes  64  of the two EC tapes  62  are connected to each other with a connection tape  640  as a sort of connection member that is formed of a synthetic resin. The carrier tapes  64  are formed of a transparent synthetic resin, whereas the connection tape  640  is formed of an opaque synthetic resin. One of opposite major surfaces of the connection tape  640  is coated with a tacky material (or an adhesive material). The respective carrier tapes  64  of the two EC tapes  62  to be connected to each other, and the connection tape  640  are positioned relative to one another, by using a positioning jig, like in the case where two carrier tapes  64  are connected to each other with the connection member  100 . More specifically described, the connection tape  640  has a plurality of feed holes (not shown) at the same pitch as that at which each carrier tape  64  has the feed holes  74  and, after the two carrier tapes  64  are positioned relative to each other, the connection tape  640  is adhered to the two carrier tapes  64  such that the feed holes of the connection tape  640  are aligned with those  74  of the carrier tapes  64 . Thus, the two connection tapes  640 ,  102  cooperate with the terminal end portion of the current EC tape  62  and the initial end portion of the new EC tape  62  to provide a connection portion  642 . 
   The transmission-type photoelectric (“TPE”) sensor  644  includes a light emitting element  646  as a light emitter, and a light receiving element  648  as a light receiver, and is supported by a frame  40  of an EC-supply unit such that the two elements  646 ,  648  are located on both sides of a path of feeding of each EC tape  62 , i.e., above and below the path, i.e., on both sides of each EC tape  62  as seen in the direction of thickness thereof. The two elements  646 ,  648  are located, in the widthwise direction of the EC-supply unit, at respective positions corresponding to one of two end portions  68  of each carrier tape  64  that has feed holes  74 . The TPE sensor  644  includes a signal producing circuit (not shown) which produces different signals corresponding to different amounts of light received by the light receiving element  648 . An exclusive computer of a unit controller  500  judges, based on the signals supplied from the signal producing circuit of the TPE sensor  644 , whether each portion of each carrier tape  64  receiving the light emitted from the light emitting element  646  is the connection portion  642 . Thus, the signal producing circuit of the TPE sensor  644  and the exclusive computer of the unit controller  500  cooperate with each other to provide a judging device. 
   When the remaining portion of each carrier tape  64  other than the connection portion  642  including the connection tape  640  passes through the TPE sensor  644 , the light emitted from the light emitting element  646  transmits through the remaining portion of each carrier tape  64 , and the light receiving element  648  receives the light. However, when the connection tape  640  passes through the sensor  644 , the connection tape  640  prevents the transmission of the light emitted from the light emitting element  646 . Thus, the light receiving element  648  receives different amounts of light corresponding to the time when the connection portion  642  passes and the time when the remaining portion of each carrier tape  64  passes. Thus, the unit controller  500  can detect the connection tape  640  and thereby detect the connection portion  642 . 
     FIG. 38  shows a reflection-type photoelectric (“RPE”) sensor  660 . The RPE sensor  660  includes a light emitting element  662  and a light receiving element  664 . The two elements  662 ,  664  are supported by a frame  40  of an EC-supply unit, such that the two elements  662 ,  664  are located on a same side of a path of feeding of each EC tape  62 , i.e., above or below the path, i.e., on a same side of each EC tape  62  as seen in the direction of thickness thereof. In the present embodiment, the two elements  662 ,  664  are located below the path. In addition, the two elements  662 ,  664  are located, in the widthwise direction of the EC-supply unit, at respective positions corresponding to one of two end portions  68  of each carrier tape  64  that has feed holes  74 . The RPE sensor  660  includes a signal producing circuit (not shown) which produces different signals corresponding to different amounts of light received by the light receiving element  664 . An exclusive computer of a unit controller  500  judges, based on the signals supplied from the signal producing circuit of the RPE sensor  660 , whether each portion of each carrier tape  64  receiving the light emitted from the light emitting element  662  is the connection portion  642 . Thus, the signal producing circuit of the RPE sensor  660  and the exclusive computer of the unit controller  500  cooperate with each other to provide a judging device. 
   Like respective TCTs  66  of two EC tapes  62  that are connected to each other with a connection tape  102 , respective carrier tapes  64  of the two EC tapes  64  are connected to each other with a connection tape  670  as a sort of connection member that is formed of a synthetic resin. Thus, the two connection tapes  670 ,  102  cooperate with the terminal end portion of the current EC tape  62  and the initial end portion of the new EC tape  62  to provide a connection portion  672 . The carrier tapes  64  have a color (e.g., white) which reflects a more amount of light, whereas the connection tape  670  has a color (e.g., black) which reflects a less amount of light. When the remaining portion of each carrier tape  64  other than the connection portion  672  including the connection tape  670  passes through the RPE sensor  660 , the light emitted from the light emitting element  662  is reflected by the remaining portion of each carrier tape  64 , and the light receiving element  664  receives the light. However, when the connection tape  670  passes through the sensor  660 , the connection tape  670  absorbs the light emitted from the light emitting element  662 . Thus, the light receiving element  664  receives greatly different amounts of light corresponding to the time when the connection portion  672  passes and the time when the remaining portion of each carrier tape  64  passes. Thus, the unit controller  500  can detect the connection tape  670  and thereby detect the connection portion  672 . 
     FIG. 39  shows the principle of operation of a stacked-semiconductor (“SS”) color sensor  680  as a sort of non-contact sensor. The SS color sensor  680  includes a stacked-semiconductor or SS element  682  having three stacked semiconductor layers having different thickness values, and the SS element  682  separates incident light into two components having short and long wavelengths, respectively. More specifically described, the SS element  682  includes two P-N junctions each having a photovoltaic effect, that is, first and second layers  684 ,  686  cooperate with each other to provide the first P-N junction which measures an intensity of a light having a short wavelength and third and second layers  688 ,  686  cooperate with each other to provide the second P-N junction which measures an intensity of a light having a long wavelength. 
   Generally, silicon used as semiconductors transmits a light having a long wavelength and absorbs a light having a short wavelength. Meanwhile, a light having a short wavelength has a great energy. Therefore, while those facts are taken into consideration, the first layer  684  is formed with a thickness of about 500 nm and the second layer  686  is formed with a thickness of about 1,000 nm, so that the first and second layers  684 ,  686  have a maximum sensitivity wavelength of about 600 nm and the third and second layers  688 ,  686  have a maximum sensitivity wavelength of about 870 nm. An exclusive computer of a unit controller  500  determines a color based on the ratio of the light intensity measured by the first and second layers  684 ,  686  to that measured by the third and second layers  688 ,  686 . Thus, so long as a carrier tape  64  and a connection tape having significantly different colors are employed, the exclusive computer of the unit controller  500  can detect the connection tape and thereby detect a connection portion of two EC tapes  62 . 
   The color sensor is not limited to the SS color sensor  680 . For example, it is possible to employ, as the color sensor, a photoelectric colorimeter which includes three sorts of optical filters having different spectral sensitivities, and three optical sensors. 
   Even in the case where the TPE sensor  644 , the RPE sensor  660 , or the color sensor  680  is used, it is possible to employ a metallic connection member  100  to connect two carrier tapes  64 . In this case, the carrier tapes  64  and the connection member  100  are required to have significantly different transmission factors, reflection factors, or colors. 
   In each of the illustrated embodiments, the two bar-code readers  538  are connected to the two car-side controllers  520 , respectively. However, it is possible that a number of bar-code readers  538  be connected to a number of unit controllers  500 , respectively. 
   In each of the illustrated embodiments, the alarm device  532  and the display device  534  are employed in the EC mounting system  16 . However, it is possible that each car  34  or each EC-supply unit  32  employ the alarm device  532  and the display device  534 . 
   In each of the illustrated embodiments, each supply reel  76  has the bar code  88  which is directly printed thereon. However, it is possible to adhere a seal on which a bar code  88  is printed, to each supply reel  76 . 
   In each of the illustrated embodiments, each unit controller  500  includes the three exclusive computers for monitoring the connection of two EC tapes  62 , controlling the stepper motor  300  (i.e., the feeding of each EC tape  62 ), and controlling the DC motor  408  (i.e., the feeding of each TCT  66 ). However, it is possible that each unit controller  500  employ a single computer common to those operations. 
   It is not essential that each unit controller  500  be associated with the operation panel  502 . That is, the panel  502  may be omitted. 
   In each of the illustrated embodiments, the feeding device (i.e., the EC-tape feeding device  90 ) which feeds the EC tape  62 ,  75  includes the motion converting device  302  which includes the cam (i.e., the plate cam  306 ) and the cam follower (i.e., the bell-crank lever  308 ) and which converts the rotation of the stepper motor  300  as the rotary drive source into the respective reciprocative pivotal motions of the two pivotable members ( 280 ,  282 ), and the two one-way pivotal-motion transmitting devices (i.e., the ratchet wheel  276  and the ratchet pawls  284 ,  286 ) which transmit the respective forward pivotal motions of the two pivotable members to the feed member (i.e., the sprocket  272 ). However, the EC-tape feeding device is not limited to the illustrated one  90 . For example, the feeding device may employ a double-action fluid-pressure-operated cylinder device (e.g., a double-action air-pressure-operated cylinder device) as a sort of reciprocal drive source, and a motion converting device which converts the reciprocative motion of a reciprocative member of the fluid-pressure-operated cylinder device into the respective reciprocative pivotal motions of the two pivotable members. Otherwise, it is possible to pivot, based on a drive force of a drive source which is separate from each EC-supply unit  32 ,  600 , the two pivotable members and thereby cause the feed member to feed each EC tape  62 ,  75 . In each of the latter cases, it may, or may not, employ a cam and a cam follower for controlling the velocity of each of the two pivotable members. 
   In each of the illustrated embodiments, the EC-tape feeding device  90  includes the two pivotable members  280 ,  282 . However, the EC-tape feeding device  90  may be modified to include only a single pivotable member. 
   In each of the illustrated embodiments, the TCT feeding device  366  feeds the TCT  66  while peeling the same  66  from the carrier tape  64 , and collects the same  66  in the TCT collecting box  368 . However, it is possible to treat the TCT  66  peeled from the carrier tape  64 , in different manners. For example, it is possible to employ a take-up reel which takes up the peeled TCT  66 , or an introduction pipe which introduces the peeled TCT  66  to a TCT collecting space. 
   In each of the illustrated embodiments, the TCT feeding device  366  also functions as the TCT peeling device. However, it is possible to employ a TCT feeding device and a TCT peeling device which are separate from each other. 
   In each of the illustrated embodiments, after the EC sucker  22  takes one EC  60  from one embossed portion  70  of each EC tape  62 , the EC-supply unit  32 ,  600  feeding the each EC tape  62  waits for supplying the next EC  60 , in the state in which the emptied embossed portion  70  remains at the EC-supply position of the unit  32 ,  600 . However, it is possible that the unit  32 ,  600  wait for supplying the next EC  60 , in the state in which the next EC  60  is fed to, and held at, the EC-supply position of the unit  32 ,  600 . That is, after the EC sucker  22  takes one EC  60  from one embossed portion  70  of each EC tape  62 , the each EC tape  60  is immediately fed so that the next EC  60  is moved to, and kept at, the EC-supply position of the unit  32 ,  600 . 
   It is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied with other changes, improvements, and modifications that may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention defined in the appended claims.