Patent ID: 8408080

Claim:
A pneumatic sorting matrix for transporting and positioning small component parts for inspection, comprising: a base having a surface defined by a plurality of raised rows and at least one recessed row between said raised rows, and at least two parallel grooves traversing each of said raised rows and partially defining a first pneumatic part pathway and a second pneumatic part pathway; a first slide inlay slidably mounted in said at least one recessed row, said first slide inlay being defined by a groove traversing said first slide inlay parallel to the grooves of said raised rows, and fully defining said first pneumatic part pathway when said first slide inlay is in a first position, and fully defining said second pneumatic part pathway when said first slide inlay is in a second position; an air supply in communication with said first pneumatic part pathway and said second pneumatic part pathway for blowing a component part there along; a first actuator for selectively shifting said slide inlay between said first and second positions to shuttle a component part between said first and second pneumatic part pathways; and a programmable logic controller in communication with said pneumatic actuator and said air supply for controlling traverse of said blown component part down said first pneumatic part pathway, said second pneumatic part pathway, or a combination of said first and second pneumatic part pathways.