Abstract: A method for making a flexible carrier tape for storage and delivery of electronic components by an advancement mechanism is disclosed. The tape includes a strip portion having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a device for engagingly receiving the advancement mechanism; and a plurality of aligned pockets for carrying the electronic components. The pockets are spaced along the strip portion and opening through the top surface. The device for engagingly receiving the advancement mechanism includes a plurality of hollow protuberances that are spaced equally along the strip portion, open through the strip portion, and extend outwardly from the strip portion. The protuberances are adapted to receive the advancement mechanism within the hollow portion. The method includes simultaneously thermoforming the pockets and the protuberances to provide excellent registration therebetween.

Abstract: A tray is provided for transporting components, such as electronic components. The tray includes a frame and an insert that is releasably secured to the frame. The insert has a plurality of pockets formed therein for storing the components. Inserts having a variety of pocket sizes and arrangements may be secured to frames of a standard size.

Abstract: A flexible carrier tape for storage and delivery of electronic components by an advancement mechanism comprises: (a) a strip portion having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and means for engagingly receiving the advancement mechanism; and (b) a plurality of aligned pockets for carrying the electronic components. The pockets are spaced along the strip portion and open through the top surface. The means for engagingly receiving the advancement mechanism comprises a plurality of hollow protuberances that are spaced equally along the strip portion, open through the strip portion, and extend outwardly from the strip portion. The protuberances are adapted to receive the advancement mechanism within the hollow portion. Methods for manufacturing such carrier tapes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A carrier tape is provided for storing electronic components and for supplying those components seriatim to a machine. The tape comprises an aligned row of pockets formed in the tape, with each pocket having a plurality of ribs that define lead-retaining slots therebetween for retaining the projecting leads of the electronic components positioned therein. At least one of the electronic components positioned within the carrier tape has a different number of leads than the pockets have lead-retaining slots, to facilitate the storage and delivery of different sized components within the pockets of a single carrier tape.

Abstract: A carrier tape is provided for storing electronic surface mount components and for supplying those components seriatim to a machine. The tape comprises an aligned row of pockets formed in the tape, with each pocket having a plurality of lead-retaining portions for retaining the projecting leads of the surface mount components positioned therein. At least one of the surface mount components positioned within the carrier tape has less leads than the pockets have lead-retaining portions, in order to facilitate the storage and delivery of different sized components within the pockets of a single carrier tape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carrier tape for supplying electronic through-hole components seriatim to a machine. In one embodiment, the tape includes a plurality of aligned pockets each including two parallel rows of aligned apertures formed in the bottom wall portion of each pocket and adapted to grip the pins of the electronic components inserted therein to retain the components within the pockets.