Mark Clinton Brooks

US Patent:

6854585, Feb 15, 2005

Filed:

Dec 17, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/322217

Inventors:

David Brooks - Oceanside CA, US
Mark Brooks - Oceanside CA, US

International Classification:

B65G047/24
B65G027/00
B65G027/16

US Classification:

198394, 1987521, 198766

Abstract:

A directional small part transporter and sorter simultaneously imparts upon a part-carrying platen reciprocating movements along one or two horizontal axis perpendicular to each other and a third vertical axis. A stack of slidingly coupled carriages are each independently driven by a stepping motor. Each motor is coupled to a carriage by means of a mechanism that translates the rotation of the motor into a linear translation of the coupled carriage by means of a worm screw or transmission belt. An electronic module controlled by a data processor allows for adjustment of the duration, amplitude, frequency and phase relationship of the three periodical movements of the platen. A part reservoir along the platen can be either raised to deliver parts onto the platen or lowered below the platen ledge to receive parts off the platen. The transporter and sorter may be used in connection with various electronic component manufacturing processes.