Abstract: A carrier tape for receiving, seating, storing and transporting components having an upper surface, a lower surface, four corners and four sidewalls. The tape includes a strip of material with a plurality of pockets. Each pocket includes a plurality of corner guides with angled engagement members for guiding, centering and supporting a component by its lower peripheral corner without any other contact between the component and the pocket. The pocket may include at least one support shelf positioned so as to contact a corner of the component upon misalignment of the component and thereby prevent further downward movement of the component in the pocket.

Abstract: A connecting member, used for serially connecting two carrier tapes, comprises a base film, a belt-like reference band substantially fixed on the base film, a bonding tape adhering on the base film, and a cover film covering the bonding tape. A straight reference face is provided on a longitudinal side of the reference band closely to the bonding tape.

Abstract: A carrier tape including a main body; plural pockets arranged on the main body and configured to contain goods therein, wherein the pockets have depths greater than the thickness of the main body, and wherein the pockets are arranged at equal intervals in a longitudinal direction of the main body; and plural dummy pockets arranged on the main body, wherein the dummy pockets extend away from the main body no less than the pockets. The dummy pockets can be replaced with ribs having a plate shape. A container including the carrier tape and a resin cover tape which covers the pockets and the dummy pockets. The container can be reeled.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are presented herein for uniformly sealing and peeling a cover tape to/from a carrier tape. The carrier tapes of the present invention include surface transitions that minimizes/eliminates surface irregularities and distortions such that the cover tapes can be uniformly sealed and peeled from the carrier tapes. The surface transitions act as physical barriers to prevent propagation of surface irregularities and distortions from the thermoformed pocket area into the heat bonding zones. The surface transitions also act as stiffening members to keep the heat bonding zones as flat as possible during subsequent handling of the carrier tape. The surface transitions may be in the form of continuous ribs and/or step portions.

Abstract: A ring-shaped device is provided for protecting an electrostatic discharge sensitive electronic component. The protective device has a thin film support structure, adhesive material for securing the support structure to the leads of the electronic component, and conductive material for electrically connecting the leads together. The adhesive material may be a pressure sensitive adhesive. The conductive material may be an annular layer of metal deposited on the support structure. In addition, a central opening is provided in the support structure to accommodate a top portion of the electronic component. The electronic component may be protected while it is stored, handled and assembled into a larger system or device, such as a circuit board. The protective device may be used with a variety of electronic components, including components with different leads configurations and also taped components.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are presented herein for uniformly sealing and peeling a cover tape to/from a carrier tape. The carrier tapes of the present invention include surface transitions that minimize/eliminates surface irregularities and distortions such that the cover tapes can be uniformly sealed and peeled from the carrier tapes. The surface transitions act as physical barriers to prevent propagation of surface irregularities and distortions from the thermoformed pocket area into the heat bonding zones. The surface transitions also act as stiffening members to keep the heat bonding zones as flat as possible during subsequent handling of the carrier tape. The surface transitions may be in the form of continuous ribs and/or step portions.

Abstract: A damper continuous feeding body having a plurality of punched out dampers, each of which is constituted by a viscoelastic body and a restraint body which are laminated on each other, wherein surfaces of the viscoelastic bodies are pasted on a release surface of a continuous liner so that the plurality of dampers are arranged at a predetermined pitch. The damper continuous feeding body allows dampers to be pasted by an automatic machine so as to improve the accuracy of the pasted positions of the dampers and to enhance the efficiency in pasting, and further whereby the dampers can be prevented from being exposed to contamination.

Abstract: A system for inspection components that are sealed within tape is provided. The system includes a light source that can illuminate the components through a tape layer. A polarizer is used to polarize light from the light source, the components, and the tape layer, so as to reduce glare and reflected light. An image system receives light from the polarizer and stores image data for each component.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are presented herein for protecting electronic components from damage during transport or “drop testing.” A packaging system of the present invention includes a novel cover tape bonded to a carrier tape, which cover tape includes a foam layer attached thereto on its underside. The foam layer prevents excessive movement of the electronic components within the cavities, thereby protecting the leads and other parts of the components from damage. The method for protecting the components in the cavities of the carrier tape includes attaching the foam layer on the underside of the cover tape before sealing the cover tape on the carrier tape. When the cover tape is bonded to the carrier tape with the components placed in the cavities, the foam layer prevents excessive movement of the components therein.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are presented herein for uniformly sealing and peeling a cover tape to/from a carrier tape. The carrier tapes of the present invention include surface transitions that minimizes/eliminates surface irregularities and distortions such that the cover tapes can be uniformly sealed and peeled from the carrier tapes. The surface transitions act as physical barriers to prevent propagation of surface irregularities and distortions from the thermoformed pocket area into the heat bonding zones. The surface transitions also act as stiffening members to keep the heat bonding zones as flat as possible during subsequent handling of the carrier tape. The surface transitions may be in the form of continuous or intermittent ribs, step portions, or single or double sided grooves. Depressed portions in between the pockets can also be used to minimize the presence of surface distortions on the bonding zones.

Abstract: A flexible carrier tape system, suitable for housing components and for winding on a reel in high density, is disclosed, comprising an elongated base strip having a plurality of longitudinally spaced cavities with side walls having a step-like groove near the surface around the cavity, comprising further an elongated cover strip having a width matching the width of the cavity including the widths of the grooves, the cover strip sealed onto the base strip so that the cover strip rests on the step-like grooves. In one embodiment, the sealed cover strip forms a substantially uniform plane with the upper surface of the base strip. The thickness consumed by each tape winding becomes a minimum so that a high density of components can be stored and transported.

Abstract: Receiving pockets are formed by folding open-top box-like structures from paper. The structures are affixed in registration with holes in a tape substrate to receive objects to be packed therein. After the objects are packed, a covering tape is added to secure the packed objects in their respective receiving pockets. The receiving pockets, tape substrate and covering tape are all preferably of paper to permit environmentally friendly disposal after use by incineration or other disposal.

Abstract: A flexible carrier tape system, suitable for housing components and for winding on a reel in high density, is disclosed, comprising an elongated base strip having a plurality of longitudinally spaced cavities with side walls having a step-like groove near the surface around the cavity, comprising further an elongated cover strip having a width matching the width of the cavity including the widths of the grooves, the cover strip sealed onto the base strip so that the cover strip rests on the step-like grooves. In one embodiment, the sealed cover strip forms a substantially uniform plane with the upper surface of the base strip. The thickness consumed by each tape winding becomes a minimum so that a high density of components can be stored and transported.

Abstract: A connector module designed to be positioned on a carrying belt, the module having pins 30 for engaging in holes made on the carrying belt. The module and carrying belt assembly is designed to be used in a machine for automatically wiring connectors into bundles of cables and notably cables of the flexible circuit type.

Abstract: In a parts storing tape, a first stepped part which has the predetermined height and is more extended than the other inner side faces of a recessed part in the width direction and the longitudinal direction of the above parts storing tape is provided at each corner part of the recessed part. Thereby, even if the corner part of a storing part is more projecting outside than the other peripheral part, the above storing part can be supported without that its corner parts contact or stick in the inner side faces of the parts storing tape by each of the first stepped parts. At the same time, in a tape-shaped parts package, a tape-shaped cover and a parts packaging apparatus, projecting parts which have resilience and are elastic in the direction of thickness of the above tape-shaped cover are provided or can be provided respectively corresponding to each recessed part of the parts storing tape on the surface opposite to the parts storing tape of the tape-shaped cover.

Abstract: A component engagement member (7, 27) is provided at an opening part of a container having a storage recess (5, 25) for storing a component (10, 30). The component engagement member is releasably engaged with at least a part of an upper face of the component stored in the storage recess, thereby holding the component at a predetermined position. An inspection hole (11, 31) is opened at a part of the storage recess so as to allow inspection of the component stored in the storage recess from outside. An inspection member such as an inspection pin or the like can be inserted through the inspection hole from outside of a component storage unit and brought in contact with a connecting terminal of the stored component, thereby achieving inspection to the stored component.

Abstract: A system for inspection components that are sealed within tape is provided. The system includes a light source that can illuminate the components through a tape layer. A polarizer is used to polarize light from the light source, the components, and the tape layer, so as to reduce glare and reflected light. An image system receives light from the polarizer and stores image data for each component.

Abstract: Components (62-65) are consecutively taken out from a plurality of component feeders (52) which supply a multiplicity of components to a component feeding position (52a) in succession, transferred to a prescribed assembling position (54a, 154a, 157a), and assembled into a product (61), which is then transferred to and held in each of a multiplicity of holding recesses provided in a product storing means (53, 153). This method allows the components to be assembled into a product by a component assembling apparatus of compact and simple construction, as well as permits the assembled product to be held and carried in the holding recesses of the product storing means to the next step of the process.

Abstract: An embossed carrier tape includes a plurality of device pockets (device holes) in which electronic devices are held one by one; and support portions each of which is formed at a surrounding area of each of the device pockets. The support portions are of step-shaped on which the electronic devices are put and supported.

Abstract: The present invention is a part retainer for housing and retaining various electronic and mechanical parts wherein a retaining unit has an engaging piece that stably stops at both a position at which it protrudes toward the opening of a part housing space and a position at which it withdraws, and which can move between these two positions under a specified or more amount of force, and wherein when protruding toward the opening, the engaging piece prevents the part housed in the housing space from falling out.

Abstract: A component tape includes a carrier tape with an elongate cover tape applied over pockets of the carrier tape. The component tape includes information printed on a portion of the component tape. The printed information includes a count or quantity of electronic components carried by the component tape, where the count at a particular location on the component tape indicates the position of the corresponding electronic component on the component tape. An indicator is printed corresponding to each quantity count that indicates which component position of the tape corresponds to the printed count. The printed information may also include a variety of information associated with the components, information comprising part number, tolerance and value description, batch number, lot number, component manufacturer, and component vendor. The printed information is produced by direct marking, as with laser etching or printing, or by imaging.

Abstract: A component tape includes a carrier tape with an elongate cover tape applied over pockets of the carrier tape. The component tape includes information printed on a portion of the component tape. The printed information includes a count or quantity of electronic components carried by the component tape, where the count at a particular location on the component tape indicates the position of the corresponding electronic component on the component tape. An indicator is printed corresponding to each quantity count that indicates which component position of the tape corresponds to the printed count. The printed information may also include a variety of information associated with the components, information comprising part number, tolerance and value description, batch number, lot number, component manufacturer, and component vendor. The printed information is produced by direct marking, as with laser etching or printing, or by imaging.

Abstract: A plurality of discrete SMT pins are carried in bandoleer fashion. Each SMT pin has a base formed on its underside with solder flux vapor venting channels and a shaft with a longitudinal axis connected to the base. A consecutive series of identical pin holding segments are arranged in side-by-side or end-to-end fashion to provide a flexible strip windable about a reel. The strip is continuously injection molded of plastic as a plurality of strings each made up of a predetermined number of part holding segments with a forward portion of each string, except for leading string of the strip, being molded over a trailing portion of a preceding string. Each pin holding segment has a receptacle formed by a pair of opposing resilient fingers for frictionally removably holding a shaft of a corresponding SMT pin so that the pin can be inserted and removed in a direction substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of its shaft.

Abstract: In a parts storing tape, a first stepped part which has the predetermined height and is more extended than the other inner side faces of a recessed part in the width direction and the longitudinal direction of the above parts storing tape is provided at each corner part of the recessed part. Thereby, even if the corner part of a storing part is more projecting outside than the other peripheral part, the above storing part can be supported without that its corner parts contact or stick in the inner side faces of the parts storing tape by each of the first stepped parts. At the same time, in a tape-shaped parts package, a tape-shaped cover and a parts packaging apparatus, projecting parts which have resilience and are elastic in the direction of thickness of the above tape-shaped cover are provided or can be provided respectively corresponding to each recessed part of the parts storing tape on the surface opposite to the parts storing tape of the tape-shaped cover.

Abstract: A new continuous carrier for surface mount or other electrical or mechanical parts, and a method of fabricating same, formed by molding one or a pair of continuous flexible film strips to a side or sides of a series of desired electrical or mechanical components such that the components are attached to the single strip or filament or suspended between the film strips or filaments. Following the initial molding step, the components, while still supported by the film strips or filament, are subjected to secondary processing Examples are: providing electrically-conductive coatings on the component throughout or selectively, providing electrically-conductive traces on the moldings, or molding in a second molding stage a part of a different composition or shape to the initial molded part.

Abstract: A reel tape includes a base tape for reel winding, a chip mounting section on the base tape, on which a bare chip is to be mounted and an adhesive layer coated on the chip mounting section. The bare chip is provisionally bonded to the chip mounting section with the adhesive layer interposed therebetween such that the bare chip is detachable. Therefore, the bare chip can be detached from the tape for chip testing, for example, and mounted on the tape again after the testing. The reel tape further includes a protector, e.g. a bar, provided on the base tape and along the chip mounting section in a tape conveying direction. The protector prevents the bare chip from contacting an overlaying portion of the base tape when the base tape is wound on a reel.

Abstract: A connecting hole is provided at one end of holder units oriented in a direction of connection of the holder units, and at the other end a connecting protrusion is provided which fits into the connecting hole and projects in a direction perpendicular to the direction of connection for engagement. The connecting protrusion is constructed by a pair of engagement pieces (15) disposed in parallel spaced relation in a direction perpendicular to the direction of connection and deformable toward each other. Locking protrusions are provided at a front end outer surfaces of the engagement pieces, which are adapted to engage peripheral edges of longitudinally opposite ends of the connecting hole for preventing dislocation. At one end of the holder unit in the direction of connection of the holder units there is provided a connection positioning hole and at the other end there is provided a connection positioning portion having a connecting protrusion which fits into the connection positioning hole.

Abstract: A carrier band of electronic parts which can carry electronic parts such as IC packages in good protected condition without spoiling the convenience of a carrier tape having convexities and sticking tape.

Abstract: A multifunctional shipping container for integrated circuits, and methods of using and reusing the container are described. The compact container coupled with foam inserts is dimensioned to securely ship and store integrated circuits in either tray or reel format. The container with an expandable cavity allows ease of access for loading and unloading the contents at multiple work stations, and may be converted to an in-house "tote". Multifunctionality of the container supports use as a shipping system from the tray or reel supplier, to the IC assembly and test site, to distribution centers, and to the IC customer, thus eliminating multiple costs of disposal, inventory and new shipping materials.

Abstract: This invention provides taped electronic components and a method of taping electronic components which can be used when a plurality of components are to be automatically mounted by an automatic mounting device. Sideways motion and twisting of the components are thereby prevented, and a plurality of components can be accurately positioned at predetermined intervals by taping leads in position. Leads on both edges of these components are arranged to be longer than other leads, and these longer leads are held in position by a tape. Further, after forming the leads and tie-bars in a one-piece construction when the leads are formed, the inner leads are cut short and the tie-bars are held in position with tape.

Abstract: A ring-shaped device is provided for protecting an electrostatic discharge sensitive electronic component. The protective device has a thin film support structure, adhesive material for securing the support structure to the leads of the electronic component, and conductive material for electrically connecting the leads together. The adhesive material may be a pressure sensitive adhesive. The conductive material may be an annular layer of metal deposited on the support structure. In addition, a central opening is provided in the support structure to accommodate a top portion of the electronic component. The electronic component may be protected while it is stored, handled and assembled into a larger system or device, such as a circuit board. The protective device may be used with a variety of electronic components, including components with different leads configurations and also taped components.

Abstract: An indicator based on the present invention for indicating the adhesion status between a substrate and the encapsulation layer of a packaged electronic device is characterized in that at least one indicating pattern and one indicating region surrounding the indicating pattern are formed on the substrate, the adhesion between the indicating pattern and the encapsulant is very good while that between the indicating region and the encapsulant is relatively poor, both the indicating pattern and the indicating region are covered by molding encapsulant which is stripped off when having become hardening, thereby the status of the indicating pattern appearing after stripping off the encapsulant can indicate the adhesion quality (integration quality) between the encapsulation layer and the substrate. The indicator realizes a non-destructive quality checking process in which each electronic device can be checked to achieve one hundred percent of quality control.

Abstract: A cover tape adapted to seal individual components in respective recesses of a carrier tape or a two dimensional carrier tray, including a randomly embossed layer, an adhesive layer covered over one side of the randomly embossed layer, and a non-adhesive layer adhered to the adhesive layer to prevent the components from adhering to the adhesive layer, the randomly embossed layer including an adhesion portion adapted for fastening to the carrier tape through the adhesive layer, a torn strip portion adapted to enhance the cohesive strength of the randomly embossed layer through the non-adhesive layer, and a stress concentration zone disposed between the contact border line of the adhesion portion and the contact border line of the non-adhesive layer, the torn strip portion being peeled off from the adhesion portion along the stress concentration zone before the removal of the encased components from the carrier tape, the applied tearing force to peel off the torn strip portion from the adhesion portion along th

Abstract: The present invention is a part retainer for housing and retaining various electronic and mechanical parts wherein a retaining unit has an engaging piece that stably stops at both a position at which it protrudes toward the opening of a part housing space and a position at which it withdraws, and which can move between these two positions under a specified or more amount of force, and wherein when protruding toward the opening, the engaging piece prevents the part housed in the housing space from falling out.

Abstract: A support arrangement for mechanically securing and electrically contacting electronic components has a support member consisting of an electrically conducting material and having a contacting side. The support member has perpendicularly projecting hollow pins at the contacting side. The hollow pins are stamped into the support member. The electronic components have connecting tabs including an opening. The tabs are placed onto the hollow pins. The hollow pins project through the openings and the tabs. The heads of the hollow pins are then mechanically deformed and engage radially outwardly the circumferential edge of the openings of the tabs.

Abstract: A feeder for a pick and place machine used in connection with the mounting of small discrete parts such as electrical and mechanical components comprises a frame and mechanisms connected to the frame for advancing a carrier tape product from a supply reel. The carrier tape product preferably includes a pair of spaced apart continuous parallel carrier tapes having a series of longitudinally spaced parts with opposite sides molded over adjacent inner side edges of corresponding ones of the carrier tapes so that each part bridges the two carrier tapes. The feeder further comprises a separation station mounted to the frame for receiving the carrier tape from the supply reel.

Abstract: The invention provides a carrier band of electronic parts, comprising: a band-type tape band 12, which has sprocket holes 13 and holes 14 at regular intervals; a one-side sticking tape 15, which is affixed to a back side of the tape band 12, wherein a sticking face of the tape is exposed from the holes 14 such that electronic parts A can be stuck at the sticking face of the tape and rolled up to a reel; and projecting portions 16, 16, which are formed in both side edges of a tape width direction of the holes 13 of the tape band 12 such that a distance between opposing pointed ends can be narrower than a width of the sticking tape 15, wherein both sides of the sticking tape 15 pushed up to an upper side of the holes 14 are supported by the projecting portions 16, 16.

Abstract: A sheet metal carrier strip for electrical pins used for the production of electrical multipole connectors, comprises a planar substantially rectangular base portion 24. Two rows of upright legs 26, 30 are formed at each longitudinal edge of the base portion 24. The legs 26, 30 are alternately arranged in parallel vertical planes transversely offset one from another by at least the thickness of the legs 26, 30. A recess 14, 16 is provided in each leg, the recess opening at the upper edge of the leg 26, 30. All recesses 14, 16 in pairs are transversely aligned and designed to insert a contact pin 34 respectively. An interspace formed between each pair of adjacent legs 26, 26 of each row of legs is smaller then the width of the legs 28 of the adjacent row of legs as measured in longitudinal direction of the carrier strip 10, so that a leg 26 of one row is overlapped by a pair of legs 28 of the adjacent row respectively as seen in transverse direction.

Abstract: A component carrier tape used for storing and transporting components, wherein the carrier tape comprises a single layer elongated flexible strip portion having properties suitable for storing and transporting a plurality of components. The single layer strip portion comprises a layer of thermoplastic polymeric foam and has a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a plurality of openings spaced along the strip portion and extending through the strip portion between the first and second surfaces for receiving the plurality of components. The carrier tape further includes a bottom strip bonded to the second surface of the strip portion, extending along the strip portion, and covering at least a portion of the plurality of spaced openings. The carrier tape may further include a top cover tape realeasably secured to the first surface of the strip portion, extending along the strip portion, and covering at least a portion of the plurality of spaced openings.

Abstract: A method of forming a chain of fuse-links made from an electrically conductive metal plate. Each fuse-link P4 has an arc-shaped fusing portion 1 and a couple of terminal portions 4, 4 constituting a pair of wing-shaped members connected to each end of the arc-shaped fusing portion 1. A carrier strap 9 has a plurality of vertical connecting pieces 8 each positioned at fixed intervals for retaining the plurality of fuse-links P4. Each of a plurality of interconnection pieces 7' is connected to the vertical connecting piece 8 at one end and connected to a side edge of specific side one of the couple of terminal portions at the other end. The other end of the interconnection piece 7' is bent so that the end edges of the couple of terminal portions 4, 4 rise above the carrier strap 9.

Abstract: A component collective includes component holders respectively holding components therein and connected to one another in the form of a tape carrier. Each of holders is provided with a cavity to accommodate the component, a lid for shutting an opening of the cavity, and a keeping device for keeping the lid at a closed position. An apparatus for feeding the component collective includes a device for transferring the component collective, a device for forcibly opening the lid means of the component holder transferred to a predetermined position, and a device for forcibly closing the lid of the component holder after a component is removed from the cavity.

Abstract: A flexible carrier tape used for protecting components while they are being transported, wherein the carrier tape comprises a strip portion having a component-receiving surface and first and second longitudinal edge surfaces. A plurality of walls extend from the component-receiving surface between the first and second longitudinal edge surfaces, and the walls extend longitudinally along the carrier tape. The carrier tape further comprises an adhesive on at least a portion of the component-receiving surface between at least one of the plurality of walls and one of the first and second longitudinal edge surfaces.

Abstract: A flexible carrier tape used for protecting components while they are being transported, wherein the carrier tape comprise a strip portion having a component-receiving surface and first and second longitudinal edge surfaces. At least two side walls having inner and outer major surfaces extend upwardly from the component-receiving surface between the longitudinal edge surfaces forming at least one component-receiving area. The inner major surface of at least one side wall is inclined inwardly toward the component-receiving area, forming an angle greater than 0 degrees but less than 90 degrees with the component-receiving surface of the carrier tape. When a component is placed in the component-receiving area, the inclined inner major surface advantageously exerts a force on the component that prevents the component from moving within or falling out of the component-receiving area.

Abstract: A carrier system for an integrated circuit carrier assembly composed of a carrier member supporting an integrated circuit. The carrier system enables a number of carrier assemblies to be flexibly and sequentially interconnected, so as to form a flexible and continuous chain of carrier assemblies. The carrier system is characterized by interconnecting the carrier assemblies with a single tape that facilitates accurate alignment and placement of the carrier assemblies within the carrier system, and minimizes the risk of an adhesive buildup on the equipment used to handle the carrier system and separate the carrier assemblies from the carrier system.

Abstract: A new continuous carrier for surface mount or other electrical or mechanical parts, and a method of fabricating same, formed by molding one or a pair of continuous flexible film strips to a side or sides of a series of desired electrical or mechanical components such that the components are attached to the single strip or filament or suspended between the film strips or filaments. The film strips may be provided with sprocket holes or other equivalent structure for advancing the film strips during the molding process and for reeling up the resultant assembly onto a reel for sale or distribution to a PCB assembler. The latter places the reel of molded parts onto a conventional feeding device. The parts are then separated from the supporting strips or filament, picked-up by a pick-and-place device and placed onto the PCB in the normal manner. The filament or strip may be constituted of plastic, paper or metal.

Abstract: A PLCC/LCC container for storing and shipping of PLCC/LCC packages in a side-by-side arrangement includes a tubular body member (24), a first end plug member (26a), and a second end plug member (26b). The tubular body member has a first end and a second end. The tubular body member has a bore of a rectangular cross-section extending therethrough between the first end and the second end. The tubular body member includes an upper wall section (34), a lower wall section (36), and a pair of opposed side walls (38,40) all integrally connected together. There are provided end portions (48, 50) formed on the lower wall section for supporting only small portions of the top surface adjacent to the side edges of the PLCC/LCC packages so that top and bottom surfaces thereof are substantially suspended freely between offset intermediate portions on the respective upper and lower wall sections of the tubular member.

Abstract: A carrier tape is provided with a large number of accommodating recesses with each recess having a bottom surface, the top surface being open to accept an electronic part. Each accommodating recess is provided with resilient retainer arms formed together as a unit extending from the top surface of the recess, the resilient retainer arms permitting the electronic part to be inserted into the recess but preventing it from falling off.

Abstract: A carrier tape for electronic or electrical devices which contains a pocketless support film, a fastening layer on the support film, and a deformable cover film separably attached to the fastening layer. The devices are sandwiched between the fastening layer and the cover film, which deforms to provide an enclosure for the devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a carrier tape for storage use of super-miniaturized electronic components, by which the reflection of irradiated light which might cause detection errors cab be prevented, the product inspection can be performed easily and quickly, and number of stored pieces and remaining un-used pieces can be easily and quickly counted, when the presence or absence of deformation--which might take place on the lead portion of the electronic components being stored in the carrier tape--is examined by the optical equipment on the lead portion kept on the carrier tape. The surface of said base component can be treated to form a film to prevent the light reflection or to absorb the light, such as by painting with resins or ink which doesn't reflect the light, or by immersion. Alternatively, the color of the base component is selected to be black.

Abstract: A flexible carrier tape for storage and delivery of components by an advancement mechanism, comprises a strip portion, a plurality of aligned pockets spaced along the strip portion for carrying the components, wherein each pocket includes a bottom wall, and a non-pressure sensitive adhesive comprising a thermoplastic elastomer block copolymer on the bottom wall of the pocket for retaining a component in the pocket.