Method and apparatus for flattening cover tape
First Claim
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1. A part packaging apparatus for packaging parts in a carrier tape having serially spaced-apart compartments and at least one flange extending alongside the compartments, and for applying a cover tape over the carrier tape, the carrier tape and cover tape traveling in a downstream direction, the apparatus comprising:
- a part placement head adapted to position parts in the carrier tape compartments;
a cover tape applicator for laying the cover tape over the carrier tape;
a flattening apparatus having a leading edge that contacts the cover tape to smooth the cover tape; and
a sealing apparatus downstream of the flattening apparatus to seal the cover tape to the carrier tape.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for flattening cover tape prior to the cover tape being sealed to a carrier tape. The apparatus includes a cover tape flattener with a leading edge angled in the direction of the moving carrier tape and cover tape. The method and apparatus provide for smoothing the cover tape and sealing the cover tape to the carrier tape.
20 Citations
29 Claims
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1. A part packaging apparatus for packaging parts in a carrier tape having serially spaced-apart compartments and at least one flange extending alongside the compartments, and for applying a cover tape over the carrier tape, the carrier tape and cover tape traveling in a downstream direction, the apparatus comprising:
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a part placement head adapted to position parts in the carrier tape compartments;
a cover tape applicator for laying the cover tape over the carrier tape;
a flattening apparatus having a leading edge that contacts the cover tape to smooth the cover tape; and
a sealing apparatus downstream of the flattening apparatus to seal the cover tape to the carrier tape. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of smoothing cover tape and sealing parts in a carrier tape having serially spaced-apart compartments and at least one flange extending alongside the compartments, the method comprising:
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positioning parts in the carrier tape compartments;
applying the cover tape over the carrier tape;
applying pressure on the cover tape with a flattening apparatus having a leading edge as the cover tape travels in a downstream direction;
smoothing the cover tape as it travels under the leading edge of the flattening apparatus; and
sealing the cover tape to the carrier tape. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A part packaging apparatus for packaging parts in a carrier tape having serially spaced-apart compartments and at least one flange extending alongside the compartments, and for applying a cover tape over the carrier tape, the carrier tape and cover tape traveling in a downstream direction, the apparatus comprising:
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a part placement head to position parts in the compartments;
an inspection module to inspect the part in the carrier tape compartment;
a flattening apparatus including a plate that glides across the cover tape, the plate having a leading edge that contacts the cover tape to smooth the cover tape, the leading edge angled in the downstream direction and extending to the outer edges of the carrier tape, a wire that extends through the plate such that the plate pivots about the wire, and at least one mounting clamp securing the end of the wire to the packaging apparatus, wherein the wire biases the plate into contact with the cover tape;
a sealing apparatus to seal the cover tape to the carrier tape; and
a seal inspection module to inspect the part in the compartment through the cover tape. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A part packaging apparatus for packaging parts in a carrier tape having serially spaced-apart compartments and at least one flange extending alongside the compartments, and for applying a cover tape over the carrier tape, the carrier tape and cover tape traveling in a downstream direction, the apparatus comprising:
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a part placement head to position parts in the compartments;
an inspection module to inspect the part in the carrier tape compartment;
a flattening apparatus including a tube roller that rolls across the cover tape to smooth the cover tape, the tube roller having a leading edge that contacts the cover tape to smooth the cover tape, the leading edge angled in the downstream direction and extending to the outer edges of the carrier tape, a wire that extends longitudinally through the tube roller to define an axis of rotation for the roller, and at least one mounting clamp securing the end of the wire to the packaging apparatus, wherein the wire biases the tube roller into contact with the cover tape;
a sealing apparatus to seal the cover tape to the carrier tape; and
a seal inspection module to inspect the part in the compartment through the cover tape. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29)
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Specification