Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an improved system for accepting, receiving and collecting rejected surface mount electronic components and more particularly to a system whereby a controllably intermittently operable conveyor belt accepts rejected components, maintains their separate identity, prevents further damage to the rejected component and allows the operator to inspect the rejected components without material interference with the production cycle. In an additional embodiment of the present invention, the system is also capable of limited supply functions as well, most likely in a counterflow direction.

Abstract: A top platform with interchangeable guide lanes for use on vibratory feed devices is described. The top platform comprises a rectangular deck member on which is attached a brace means including at least one elevator brace, and at least one holddown brace for holding one or more conventional anti-static delivery tubes in a ski-slope configuration. The top deck also comprises a plurality of mounting holes arranged in an orderly rank and file configuration to secure and facilitate adjustment of the guide lanes.

Abstract: A belt feeder for the rapid and successive in-line transportation of small electronic components. The belt feeder has an inclined dispensing portion with at least one dispensing lane, a conveyor portion having an intermittently moving conveyor belt and at least one conveyor guide lane superposed above the conveyor belt, and a receiving nose structure having at least one nest structure mounted thereon at the end of the conveyor belt and forming a nest. The inclined track is positioned adjacent and above the conveyor track to allow the components enough space to be successively dispensed to the conveyor belt from the dispensing lane and into the conveyor guide lane where the component is intermittently carried forward by the conveyor belt until it comes to rest within its nest.

Abstract: A magnetic vibrator sub-assembly for a vibratory feed device is described which provides uniform directional motion to component parts placed on its upper member through coaction of the upper member with an alternately energized electromagnetic field and restorative spring forces. The structure of the present invention involves the interconnection of a lower member and an upper member by one or more flat springs. The flat springs are angularly disposed between and support the upper member in superposed spaced, generally parallel relationship above the lower member. The springs are connected to both the lower and upper members in rabbet-type indentations such that the springs are confined by retaining barriers above, below and on the lateral edges of the springs. An electromagnetic coil is attached to the lower member and is employed to alternately flex and release the flat springs by alternately magnetically attracting (i.e., pulling down) and releasing the upper member.

Abstract: A vibratory feeder for in-line transportation of small electronic parts having a base mounted vibrator sub-assembly for importing controllable rectilinear movement to parts disposed with a channelled deck superposed thereto and deliver such parts reliably and uniformly to a pick point defined therein. The vibrator sub-assembly includes an upper and lower plate having a magnetic vibrator and a plurality of cylindrical springs operatively interposed therebetween.