Abstract: A device and method are for characterising component carriers provided with a plurality of electrical components to be fitted. The device includes at least one data carrier which is coupled to the components to be fitted, and in which at least technical data of the components is stored. The data carrier can be detected and read, and is designed in such a way that it can store other technical component data, logistical component data and/or operating data of the fitting installation. It is thus possible to take into account all operating states of a fitting installation, defective components, defective fitting processes, etc. during a fitting process in a fitting program, and/or to evaluate the corresponding data, and use it for optimizing and improving the fitting process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for characterising component carriers (100, 200, 310) provided with a plurality of electrical components (110, 210) to be fitted, and to a method for using one such device. Said device comprises at least one data carrier (150, 250, 350) which is coupled to the components (110, 210) to be fitted, and in which at least technical data of the components (110, 210) is stored. Said data carrier (150, 250, 350) can be detected and read by means of a processing unit, and is designed in such a way that it can store other technical component data, logistical component data and/or operating data of the fitting installation. It is thus possible to take into account all operating states of a fitting installation, defective components, defective fitting processes etc. during a fitting process in a fitting program, and/or to evaluate the corresponding data, and use it for optimising and improving the fitting process.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for transferring software to programmable components and a placement system for placing components on substrates. The components are placed on substrates via a placement system with a plurality of processing units, which are connected with each other via an interface. The processing units can be controlled in order to place the components. Software that is to be transferred to the components may be transferred to the components via the interface and contact devices that are provided on the processing units.

Abstract: An uncovering apparatus may be used on a belt conveyor of a pick-and-place installation having a transporting belt loaded with pick-and-place elements. The pick-and-place elements are covered by a flexible covering and a rigid covering, which may be coupled to one another. This makes it possible for pick-and-place elements to be removed successively in different positions by a removal arrangement without other pick-and-place elements not being covered at any point in time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a longitudinal conveyor for conveying electronic components (5) in bar stock magazines (2) along a conveying line (1) by means of a slide (3), which is inserted into the magazine and which is driven by a linear motor with stationary electromagnets (4) and with a permanent magnet placed on the slide. According to the invention, it is not necessary to transfer the components out of customary extruded magazines and into special conveying magazines.

Abstract: Placement element release device and release system for placement elements having at least one multiple placement element belt which has, transversely with respect to its transport direction at least two tracks along which placement elements are arranged in openings. A transport apparatus is provided, by which the multiple placement element belt can be transported in the transport direction and the openings can be positioned in a collection position. In this case, in the collection position a plurality of placement elements corresponding to the number of tracks are arranged next to one another transversely with respect to the transport direction, and, in the region of the collection position, a screen which can be displaced relative to the placement elements is arranged above the multiple placement element belt in such a way that the placement elements can be covered, and can be released by the screen.