Abstract: An inspection apparatus and method of inspection enable an inspector to conduct visual inspection of film carrier tapes for mounting electronic components in a natural sitting position regardless of the magnification of a magnifier. The inspection apparatus is compact to permit effective use of the space inside the inspection room. The inspection apparatus includes a feed reel and a take-up reel adjacent to each other, and an inspection part that is located so that the adjacent feed and take-up reels are in the order of the feed reel and the take-up reel in relation to the inspection part. A film carrier tape from the feed reel is transported in a substantially vertical direction to the inspection part and is inspected with a magnifier along a substantially vertical direction.

Abstract: A transportation apparatus for a film carrier tape for mounting electronic components comprises an unwinding side tension applying means 21 for applying a tension on the unwinding side to the film carrier tape 3, and a winding side tension applying means 23 for applying more larger tension on the winding side to the film carrier tape 3 than the tension on the unwinding side, and thereby the film carrier tape 3 is transported in such a condition that the gear protrusions 31 of the drive gear 17 are not abutted with the edges of the transportation direction side in the sprocket holes 40 of the film carrier tape 3.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus and method of inspection enable an inspector to conduct visual inspection of film carrier tapes for mounting electronic components in a natural sitting position regardless of the magnification of a magnifier. The inspection apparatus is compact to permit effective use of the space inside the inspection room. The inspection apparatus includes a feed reel and a take-up reel adjacent to each other, and an inspection part that is located so that the adjacent feed and take-up reels are in the order of the feed reel and the take-up reel in relation to the inspection part. A film carrier tape from the feed reel is transported in a substantially vertical direction to the inspection part and is inspected with a magnifier along a substantially vertical direction.