Patents by Inventor James H. Ihrke

James H. Ihrke has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Apparatus for counting electronic components
    Patent number: 5694443
    Abstract: The present invention includes a component feeder having a portable frame that is adapted to be moved between, and installed at, a plurality of assembly machines in which the portable frame is adapted to receive a reel containing a roll of tape with components mounting on the roll of tape. The component feeder also includes a component advancing mechanism mounted on the portable frame, wherein the component advancing mechanism is adapted to advance the roll of tape by one of the components. A counter in the component feeder is mounted on the portable frame and electrically connected to the component advancing mechanism, wherein the counter detects and counts each advancement of the roll of tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stone, Michael J. Zelinski, Thomas M. Wappes, James H. Ihrke, Char L. Brown, Tony D. Foster, Gerald F. Simon