Abstract: A modular feeder system (1) for supplying electrical components to a pick-and-place machine (14). The feeder system (1) has a two dimensional array of electrical component feeder modules (3), an electrical component storage hopper (4), a pick up location (5) and a component transfer passage (6) allowing component transfer from the hopper (4) to the pick up location (5). Further, the modules (3) are selectively removable from said array.

Abstract: A feeder system (1) and method supplies electrical components (20) to a pick-and-place machine (14). The feeder system (1) has a hopper (2) coupled by a passage (4) to a pickup location (3). The electrical components (20) are provided by air blasts to a first air outlet (6a) associated with the hopper (2) to agitate the components (20). Air blasts are concurrently supplied to a second and third air outlets (6b, 6c) located in the passage (6b) to thereby retain at least some of the components (20) therebetween. The third air outlet (6c) is disposed between the pickup location (3) and the second air outlet (6b) and in use an air blast from said third air outlet (6c) is effected immediately before an air blast from said second outlet (6b) is effected.

Abstract: A feeder (1) for supplying magnetically attractable electrical components (20) to a pick-and-place machine. The feeder (1) comprises a hopper (2) for storing the components (20) and a pick up location (3) for supplying the components to the pick-and-place machine. A passage (4) provides communication between the hopper (2) and pick up location (3). An air jet outlet (6) in passage (4) provides for propelling the components (20) and one or more magnets (35) are located adjacent an intermediate portion of the passage (4) and provide a magnetic field to assist in reducing the velocity of said components (20) passing through the intermediate portion.

Abstract: An indicator system (1) having a plurality of hoppers (2) for supplying electrical components (20) to respective dispensing locations. There are actuators (9) associated with the hoppers (2), the actuators (9) being movable during the dispensing. There is a sensor (13) selectively actuatable by some of the actuators (9) when the components (20) in one of the hoppers (2) are below a desired number or threshold level. The system (1) also has a visual indicator (14) coupled to the sensor (13) to provide a warning signal indicative of when the components (20) in one of the hoppers (2) are below the desired number.