Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

The following specification discloses a parts handling and storage system that can be directed toward the handling and storage of electronic components. The storage portion comprises a movable cabinet on wheels having a plurality of elongated tubular members or channels that receive components or parts along the length thereof. The tubular members or channels are driven on a linked basis parallel to each other by a gear movement and chain drive. In this manner, the channels themselves in their linked relationship form a chain of axially elongated links. Each respective channel or tubular member can be indexed at a given point for exposing the parts therein, so that they can be moved therealong into an adjacent track or channel or other handling means. The storage cabinet and tubular channel members when combined with an extended track can be associated at the end of the track with a second storage cabinet for receiving the parts after they have been processed from the first storage cabinet. The processing of the parts can be at an intermediate location along the track between the two respective storage cabinets in the form of a processing unit such as a bonder, a wire test device, or other electronic or parts processing device. The entire combination of the storage cabinet, tracks and parts handling system can be combined to provide a complete system for storage of parts, processing and movement of parts from one station to another.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim