JP2011140398A - Provision of object to imaging system adapted to image multiple side of object - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an efficient system and method for conveying objects of millimeteric dimensions. <P>SOLUTION: The system for conveying objects of millimeteric dimensions includes: a transferor that comprise multiple tunnels through which the objects propagate to an areas selected out of an imaging area, an electrical testing area, and a sorting area; wherein the transferor utilizes gas pressure differentials to convey the objects through the tunnels; and a feeder that comprises a first container, a second container, multiple tunnels, an intermediate modules; wherein the feeder is arranged to apply a sequence of pulses of vacuum and pressure for inducing objects within the second container to enter the multiple tunnels of the transferor via the multiple tunnels of the feeder; wherein the first container is arranged to receive up to a first amount of objects; and wherein the intermediate module is arranged to convey objects from the first container to the second container such that an amount of objects that are within the second container is less than a half of the first amount. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

[001] This application claims priority from US Provisional Application No. 61 / 293,728, filed Jan. 11, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[002] The present invention relates to systems and methods for inspecting objects, such as, but not limited to, small, elongated electrical objects such as, but not limited to, electrical objects.

  [003] Appearance is one of the inspection methods performed by comparing an image of an object to be inspected with a reference image. For example, in the case of imaging one or two sides of a wafer or printed circuit board, the image is taken from a vertical or lower field for inspection, which is a simple task.

  [004] For hexahedral objects, this procedure is more complicated. Such testing is necessary for many products, some of which are very small or large. For example, all aspects of electrical objects (ceramic capacitors, chips and resistors) used in microelectronics production need to be inspected, and automatic optical inspection of various defects such as dimensional measurements, ceramic defects and terminal defects You can tell by using the system.

  [005] US Pat. No. 4,912,318 “Inspection Equipment for Small Bottles” and US Pat. No. 4,219,269 “External Appealance System”, both of which are used to image the entire side of an object, are assigned to Kajiura et al. Although disclosed, these systems have several drawbacks.

  [006] Objects such as but not limited to small capacitors can be damaged during or prior to the inspection process. Dust and object pieces can clog inspection equipment.

  [007] Measuring the absolute electrical properties of an object, such as a capacitor, is a relatively long process that limits the throughput of the inspection process.

US provisional patent application 61 / 293,728 US Pat. No. 4,912,318 U.S. Pat.No. 4,219,269

  [008] There is an increasing need to provide efficient systems and methods for transporting objects to be inspected, tested, and sorted, particularly millimeter-sized objects having an elongated shape.

  [009] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system is provided for transporting objects of millimeter dimensions. The system comprises (a) a transporter comprising a plurality of tunnels through which an object is transported to an area selected from an imaging area, an electrical test area and a sorting area. A transporter that utilizes a gas pressure difference for the purpose of: (b) a feeder comprising a first container, a second container, a plurality of tunnels, and an intermediate module; , Configured to apply a series of pulses of vacuum and pressure to direct an object in the second container to enter the plurality of tunnels of the transporter via the plurality of tunnels of the feeder, The container is configured to receive up to the first quantity of objects, and the intermediate module is configured to receive the first quantity from the first container such that the quantity of objects in the second container is less than half of the first quantity. Configured to transport objects to two containers That.

  [0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a feeder is provided. The feeder includes: (a) a first container configured to receive a first quantity of an elongated shaped capacitor having dimensions of millimeters; (b) a gas supply system; and (c) a plurality of feeders. A second vessel configured to apply a series of vacuum and pressure pulses to induce the capacitor to enter the plurality of output tunnels of the feeder toward the output tunnel of the feeder, A second vessel in which the tunnel is shaped to facilitate the longitudinal transfer of the capacitor within the tunnel, and a series of pulses of vacuum and pressure are provided by the gas supply system; (d) in the second vessel And an intermediate module configured to transport the capacitor from the first container to the second container such that the amount of the capacitor in the container is less than a quarter of the first quantity of the capacitor. .

  [0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for transporting multi-dimensional objects of millimeter dimensions. The method includes: (a) receiving a first quantity of an object by a first container; and (b) an intermediate module coupled between the first container and the second container. Supplying objects from the first container to the second container such that the amount of objects within is less than 10 percent of the first amount of objects; and (c) entering a plurality of tunnels in the transporter Applying a series of pulses of vacuum and pressure to guide the object, and (d) supplying the object to an area selected from the imaging area, electrical test area and sorting area through multiple tunnels of the transporter The supply of the object can include utilizing a gas pressure differential to transport the object longitudinally through the tunnel of the transporter.

  [0012] The present invention is described herein by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description of the drawings in particular, it should be emphasized that the individual items shown are illustrative and for the purpose of discussion for purposes of illustration of various embodiments of the invention.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a feeder in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. [0013] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a feeder in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. [0013] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a feeder in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. [0013] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a feeder in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. [0013] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a feeder in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. [0013] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a feeder in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. [0014] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a portion of a system according to an embodiment of the invention. [0015] FIG. 4 is a portion of a feeder according to various embodiments of the invention. [0015] FIG. 4 is a portion of a feeder according to various embodiments of the invention. [0015] FIG. 4 is a portion of a feeder according to various embodiments of the invention. [0015] FIG. 4 is a portion of a feeder according to various embodiments of the invention. [0015] FIG. 4 is a portion of a feeder according to various embodiments of the invention. [0015] FIG. 4 is a portion of a feeder according to various embodiments of the invention. [0016] FIG. 6 illustrates the effect of a gas pulse on an object, according to one embodiment of the invention. [0016] FIG. 6 illustrates the effect of a gas pulse on an object, according to one embodiment of the invention. [0016] FIG. 6 illustrates the effect of a gas pulse on an object, according to one embodiment of the invention. [0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a method according to an embodiment of the invention.

  [0018] In the following specification, the invention will be described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. However, it will be apparent that various modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

  [0019] Since the apparatus embodying the present invention is composed mostly of electronic objects and circuits known to those skilled in the art, the details of the circuit are provided for an understanding and evaluation of the concepts underlying the present invention. And in order not to obscure or deviate from the teachings of the present invention, they will not be described to the extent that they are considered necessary as described above.

  [0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, millimeter sized objects, such as elongated capacitors, are transferred to a plurality of tunnels in the feeder. The feeder includes a first container, a second container, a plurality of tunnels, and an intermediate module. The feeder is configured to apply a series of vacuum and pressure pulses to induce an object in the second container to enter the plurality of tunnels of the transport via the plurality of tunnels of the feeder. can do. The first container can be configured to receive up to a first amount of object.

[0021] The term "container" means any structural element or elements that can hold, store, and house elements.
[0022] FIGS. 1-6 illustrate feeders 11-16 according to various embodiments of the invention.

  [0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a feeder 11 that includes (i) a plurality of tunnels 5001-5016, (ii) a first container 20, (iii) a second container 40, and (iv) an intermediate module 33. Indicates.

  [0024] The feeder 11 is configured to apply a series of pulses of vacuum and pressure to guide an object in the second container 40 to enter the plurality of tunnels 5001-5016. The first container 20 is configured to receive up to a first amount of object. The intermediate module 33 is adapted to transport objects from the first container 20 to the second container 40 such that the amount of objects in the second container 40 is a part of the first quantity, in particular a small part. Composed. This portion can be 1 / N of the first amount, where N can be any number greater than two. In particular, the number of objects in the second container 40 can be less than 1 percent of the first amount of the capacitor.

  [0025] The first quantity of objects may include a large number of objects. This first amount is 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, 10,000, 20000, 30000, 40000. 50,000, 60000, 70000, 80000, 90000, 100000, 200000, 300000, 400000, 500000, 600000, 700000, 800000, 900000, 1000000, and more.

  [0026] The object in the second container 40 is supplied with vacuum and pressure (supplied by the gas supply system 30) to guide the object in the second container 40 to enter a plurality of tunnels 5001-5016. A series of pulses are received. These pulses can cause these objects to collide. By supplying only a small portion of the overall volume of objects to be tested to the second container 40, each object receives fewer pulses and fewer collisions.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, the amount and severity of clogging is also reduced by reducing the number of objects in the second container 40.
[0028] FIGS. 2-6 illustrate an intermediate module (indicated at 33 in FIG. 1) that includes at least one controller 70, a conduit 55, and a valve 60. FIG. When the valve 60 is opened, it facilitates the supply of objects from the first container 20 to the second container 40. Controller 70 is configured to control this valve. This can include sending commands to the valve, but this need not be the case.

  [0029] The controller 70 can apply various control mechanisms. For example, the valve 60 can be open during a predetermined open interval. The length of the duration between these open periods and adjacent open periods can be predetermined. In addition or alternatively, the controller 70 can receive feedback and adjust the open or closed period accordingly.

  [0030] The controller 70 is configured to estimate the amount of an object in the second container 40 and to control the valve 60 to selectively supply an object to the second container 40 in response thereto. can do.

  [0031] The controller 70 may receive feedback from one or more image sensors, as well as alternatively from one or more weight sensors. The one or more image sensors include an object in the first container 20, an object in the second container 40, an object output from the first container 20, an object passing through the intermediate module 33, Images of objects that reach the imaging area of the system and objects that pass through tunnels 5001-5016 can be acquired.

  [0032] Image sensors can be positioned at multiple locations in the system and can assist in estimation. FIG. 4 shows a first image sensor 81 that images the interior of the first container 20 and a second image sensor 82 that is arranged to image an object that exits the second container 40. FIG. 6 shows a first image sensor 81 that images the interior of the first container 20 and also shows a controller 70 that receives an image of an object placed in the imaging area. The latter image can be provided by an imager 306 that images any imaging region from the imaging regions 510, 520, 530, and 540 (of FIG. 7). FIG. 7 shows an imager 306 that images an object in the imaging region 540. Note that the imager 306 can send an image of the object to the controller 70. Note that the system can include multiple imagers, such as having one camera per imaging area.

  [0033] The weight sensor can be positioned at multiple locations in the system and can assist in the estimation. FIG. 5 shows a first weight sensor 83 that weighs the object placed in the second container 40 and a second weight sensor that weighs the object placed in the first container 20. 84. The weight sensor can weigh the container and the object, or can only measure the object weight. Such a weight sensor can form the bottom surface of a space in a container in which an object is placed. For example, referring to FIG. 9, the weight sensor can form bottom portions 335 and 336.

[0034] The number of sensors can be different from two. For example, more sensors than a single image sensor can image the interior of a first container or a second container.
[0035] As indicated above, the feeders of FIGS. 4-6 differ from one another by their sensors. Note that these feeders may differ from each other depending on other features such as the location of the conduit 55. For example, the feeder 12 of FIG. 2 receives an object from a conduit that supplies the object to an inlet (not shown) formed on the vertical wall of the second container 40. The feeders 13-16 of FIGS. 3-6 receive an object from a conduit that supplies the object to an inlet (not shown) formed on the top of the second container 40.

[0036] It should be noted that the shape and size of either the first container 20 and the second container 40 can be different from the rectangular shape shown in FIGS.
[0037] The gas supply system 30 may introduce a gas difference between the first container 20 and the second container 40, or otherwise from the first container 20 to the second container 40. The gas difference can be used to guide the object to move. For example, a gas pulse can push the object through the conduit 55 and a vacuum pulse (eg, inhalation) can guide the object into the second container 40. In addition or alternatively, the gas pressure in the first container 20 can be higher than the gas pressure in the second container 40. Both the first container 20 and the second container 40 can be at least partially sealed to maintain a pressure different from the ambient pressure.

  [0038] FIGS. 2-6 show a gas supply system 30 connected to the first vessel 20 by a gas conduit 31 and connected to the second vessel 40 by gas conduits 32 and 33. FIG. Note that the number of gas conduits can differ from those shown in these figures. It should further be noted that one or more gas conduits can be connected to the conduit 55 of the intermediate module 33.

  [0039] As further shown in FIGS. 10-16, the feeder may be configured to introduce at least one induction gas pulse that induces an object to enter the tunnels 5001-5016. The feeder can also be configured to introduce at least one reject gas pulse that excludes objects from the tunnels 5001-5016. The gas supply system 30 can supply at least one reject gas pulse followed by at least one induction gas pulse. The induction gas pulse can be followed by one or more reject gas pulses. The reject gas pulse can be followed by one or more induction gas pulses. The relationship between the number of gas pulses for each of these types can change over time.

  [0040] Note that this system includes multiple tunnels. These tunnels are equivalent to conduits, lines, grooves or any other element through which an object can travel, particularly sealed or partially sealed elements. The tunnel can have any combination of square cross section or round cross section or rectangular shape. This tunnel of feeders can be a tunnel of transporters, but these elements can have their own separate tunnels.

[0041] FIG. 7 illustrates a portion of system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 7 shows a second container 40 but does not show the various other elements shown in FIGS. 1-6 (for ease of explanation).

  [0043] The system 10 includes a second container 40, a first longitudinal transfer device 110, a first rotation module 210, a second longitudinal transfer device 120, and a second rotation module 220. A third longitudinal transporter 130, a third rotation module 230, a fourth longitudinal transporter 140, a processor 160, a sorting unit 170 and an imager 306.

  [0044] These tunnels 5001-5016 may be interrupted by rotation modules 210, 220, 230 and 240, but pass through various longitudinal transporters. In either case, the object is rotated, imaged, and propagates along the tunnel to be finally sorted. Additionally or alternatively, the system 10 can include a test area in which an object is tested (eg, electrically tested). For simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that the test area is one of the imaging areas. Further in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, this imaging area is replaced with one or more test areas. This test region can include tunnels 5001-5116 and electrodes that contact objects disposed within the tunnel.

  [0045] FIG. 7 further shows different sides 801-804 of the object, which are images of different imaging regions. These side differences are given by the rotation introduced by the rotation modules 210, 220, 230 and 240.

[0046] FIGS. 8-9 illustrate a second container 40 and portions thereof according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] The object is inhaled (or otherwise supplied) into one or more inlets (such as inlet 41) of the second container 40 and then (through the tilted inner space 46) to the second It can fall toward the tunnels 5001 to 5016 via the outlet 45 of the container.

  [0048] The second container 40 has an upper portion 42 for receiving an object (from the intermediate module 33), an intermediate portion 44 defining an interior space 46 having a long narrow opening 45, and a bottom portion 48. This internal space 46 includes a tilted space 333 defined by a first bottom portion 335 and a second bottom portion 336. The first bottom portion 335 can be oriented with respect to the second bottom portion 336. FIG. 9 shows a tilted first bottom portion 335 and a horizontal second bottom portion 336. The tilted first bottom portion 335 is oriented so that the position above the first bottom portion 335 is higher than the tunnels 5001-5016.

  [0049] FIG. 10 shows that the bottom portion 48 includes four horizontal (subsurface) air conduits 301, 302, 303, and 304. FIG. The plurality of openings at the upper level of the bottom portion 48 can affect the capacitors that fall through the openings 45 toward the tilted space 310 so that the air supplied through these conduits. Can be driven. This air can be replaced with another gas, which can be supplied by the gas supply system 30.

  [0050] The inclined space 310 is shaped to prevent the objects 666 from stacking up and down. This inclined space 310 can be relatively narrow and its height is approximately equal to the height of the object 666 and can be smaller than the height of the two objects 666. Thus, objects in this space cannot be stacked on top of each other (in a vertical dimension).

[0051] Note that this tilted space can be replaced by a relatively narrow, substantially horizontal space or any other space of any shape.
[0052] Object 666 enters tunnels 5001-5006 by an air pulse (or continuous gas pressure) that reaches from gas supply system 30 via conduit 301 and then through opening 306 (shown in FIG. 10). It can be forced to move toward. These air pulses can be applied when the tilted space 310 is only partially filled or contains only a few objects.

[0053] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the space 310 is not tilted and can be horizontal.
[0054] Objects proximate to the inputs of tunnels 5001-5016 are shown in FIG. 11, such as openings indicated by 320 (1) -320 (16) and 330 (1) -330 (16). It can be guided to move into the tunnel by a gas pulse or gas pressure (also called induction gas pulse) supplied via any of the parts. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an object can be removed from the tunnel opening by introducing one or more reject gas pulses or an exhaust gas pressure. This is illustrated in FIGS.

  [0055] The openings 320 (1) -320 (16) are arranged in a staggered fashion, with odd openings receiving gas via conduit 302, while even openings receiving gas via conduit 303. receive. This gas can be supplied in a pulsed manner, in a continuous manner, or a combination thereof. This gas pulse can be delivered simultaneously to conduits 302 and 303 in an overlapping or non-overlapping manner.

[0056] The reject gas pulse or reject gas pulse may be supplied via openings 320 (1) -320 (16) or by other openings (not shown).
[0057] Conduit 304 supplies gas via openings 330 (1) -330 (16) (in a pulsed manner, in a continuous manner, or a combination thereof). This gas enters tunnels 5001-5016 via openings (such as openings 340 (12) and 350 (12) formed on both sides of tunnel 5012 and shown in FIGS. 12 and 13). This opening can be formed at the side wall of the tunnel and can guide the object to exit the tunnel. It can prevent the object from returning to the tilted space 310 (via the tunnel). They can be used to fire relatively strong gas pulses that help clean the tunnel.

  [0058] Any of the gas conduits 304, 303, 302 (or another gas conduit not shown) is used when applying an exhaust gas pulse or an exhaust gas pressure that excludes an object in the tilted space 310 from the tunnel opening. Note that you can.

[0059] FIGS. 14-16 illustrate multiple objects 666 and multiple tunnels 5001, 5002 and 5003 of a feeder according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0060] This feeder includes a plurality of tunnels, such as tunnels 5001-5016 of FIGS. 5c and 5d. FIGS. 12-14 show only three of these tunnels, namely tunnels 5001-5003. The object can be guided to enter these tunnels and propagate towards the tunnel of the transporter by inducing so-called induced gas pulses. These inductive gas pulses can be introduced by inhaling gas from the exit formed in or near the tunnels.

  [0061] Typically, after a period of guiding the objects to enter the feeder tunnels, the remaining objects are moved into these tunnels to prevent or at least slow down additional objects from being transported through these tunnels. May gather near the tunnel opening.

[0062] This problem can be solved or at least reduced by introducing one or more gas pulses that remove objects from the tunnel.
[0063] The feeder thus comprises the following sequence of steps: (i) introducing at least one induction gas pulse that induces the object to enter the tunnel of the feeder; and (ii) the object from the tunnel of the feeder Introducing at least one reject gas pulse that eliminates can be carried out and these steps can be repeated many times.

  [0064] After introducing one or more reject gas pulses, the feeder can repeat the steps described above and can be initiated by introducing at least one induction gas pulse.

  [0065] After introducing one or more reject gas pulses, the pressure developed in the space in which the object is placed is released through the tunnel, forcing the object into the tunnel (after being excluded) Note that you can.

  [0066] The feeder is responsive to events such as periodic, additionally or alternatively, a reduction in the rate of supply of objects by the feeder, agglomeration of objects in the space prior to the tunnel, etc. The steps can be repeated. The supply of objects can be monitored by an image sensor that can monitor the tunnel of the feeder as well as a contact sensor, magnetic sensor or other sensor.

  [0067] FIG. 14 illustrates the agglomeration of objects near the openings of tunnels 5001, 5002 and 5003. These objects agglomerate during the induction gas pulse application as indicated by the dashed arrows pointing towards the tunnel.

  [0068] FIG. 15 illustrates an object opening 320 (1) that affects airflow through the tunnels 5001, 5002, and 5003 as a result of applying one or more reject gas pulses (as indicated by the dashed arrows). , 320 (2) and 320 (3).

  [0069] The pressure difference introduced by the inductive gas pulse may be different from the pressure difference introduced by the reject gas pulse. The reject gas pulse can be made stronger and a higher pressure difference can be induced.

  [0070] FIG. 16 illustrates the agglomeration of objects near the openings of tunnels 5001, 5002 and 5003. These objects agglomerate during the induction gas pulse application as indicated by the dashed arrows pointing towards the tunnel.

[0071] FIG. 17 illustrates a method 170 for transferring multiple image objects of millimeter dimensions, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0072] At least some of the methods 170 or stages thereof may be performed by any of the systems or suppliers described above.

[0073] The method 170 begins by stage 171 of receiving a first quantity of an object by a first container.
[0074] After step 171, the amount of object in the second container is between the first container and the second container such that the amount of the object is a portion (eg, less than 10 percent) of the first amount of object. The intermediate module to be connected is followed by stage 172 of supplying an object from the first container to the second container. The supply of stage 172 can be monitored and determined based on at least one of the following, a predetermined timing plan, an estimate of the amount of objects in the second container, and the like. Box 179 in FIG. 17 shows control of the object supply by the intermediate module. This estimation can be made in response to, for example, weight measurements, object images, the number of electrically tested or sorted objects, and the like.

[0075] Step 172 is followed by step 173 of applying a series of pulses of vacuum and pressure to guide the object to enter the plurality of tunnels of the transporter.
[0076] Step 173 is followed by step 174 of supplying an object through the plurality of tunnels of the transporter to an area selected from the imaging area, electrical test area and sorting area. This supply of objects utilizes a gas pressure differential to transport the object longitudinally through the tunnel of the transporter.

  [0077] The method 170 can be repeated multiple times. Note that the first amount of objects can be increased to increase the throughput of the inspection process, while the amount of objects in the second container can be only a few times the number of tunnels. .

  [0078] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the boundaries between the functions of operation described above are merely exemplary. Multiple operation functions can be combined into a single operation and / or single operation functions can be assigned within additional operations. Further, alternative embodiments can include multiple instances of a particular operation, and the order of operations can be changed in various other embodiments.

  [0079] Thus, it should be understood that the basic design concepts presented herein are merely exemplary, and in fact many other basic design concepts that achieve the same function can be implemented. In summary, but still in a limited sense, any configuration of components that accomplish the same function is effectively “associated” so that the desired function is achieved. Thus, any two components that are combined to achieve a particular function herein are “associated with each other so that the desired function is achieved, regardless of basic design concepts or intermediate components. Can be regarded as Similarly, any two components so related may be “operably connected” or “operably coupled” to each other to achieve a desired function. Can also be considered.

  [0080] Moreover, the present invention is not limited to physical devices or units implemented with non-programmable hardware, but is programmable to perform desired device functions by operating according to appropriate program code It can also be applied to equipment or units. Furthermore, these devices can be physically distributed over multiple devices while functionally operating as a single device.

[0081] However, other modifications, variations, and alternatives are possible. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
[0082] The term "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed in a claim. Further, the terms “front”, “back”, “top”, “bottom”, “over”, “under” in the description and claims. Etc., where present are used for illustrative purposes and are not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. The terminology so used is that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in orientations other than those illustrated, for example, or otherwise described herein. As such, it should be understood that they can be interchanged with each other under appropriate circumstances.

  [0083] Further, as used herein, the term “a” or “an” is defined as one or a number greater than one. Similarly, the use of introductory phrases such as “at least one” and “one or more” means that the same claim has the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least Another patent with the indefinite article "one (a)" or "one (an)", even when it includes indefinite articles such as "one" and "one (a)" or "one (an)" The introduction of claim elements should not be construed as limiting the scope of any particular claim containing such introductory claim elements to an invention containing only one such element. The same applies to the use of definite articles. Unless otherwise indicated, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. . Accordingly, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage.

10 System 11-16 Feeder 20 First container 30 Gas supply system 31, 32 Gas conduit 33 Intermediate module 40 Second container 41 Second container inlet 42 Upper part 44 Middle part 45 Second container outlet, Opening 46 Inclined inner space 48 Bottom part 55 Conduit 60 Valve
70 Controller 81, 82 Image sensor 83, 84 Weight sensor 110, 120, 130, 140 Transporter 160 Processor 170 Sorting unit 210, 220, 230, 240 Rotation module 301, 302, 303, 304 Air conduit 306 Imager 310 Tilt 320 (1) to 320 (16), 330 (1) to 330 (16) Opening 333 Inclined space 335, 336 Bottom part 340 (12), 350 (12) Opening 510, 520, 530, 540 Imaging Area 666 Object 801-804 Different Sides of Object 5001-5016 Tunnel

Claims (32)

A transporter comprising a plurality of tunnels, wherein the object is transported through the tunnel to an area selected from an imaging area, an electrical test area and a sorting area, the transporter transporting the object through the tunnel A transporter that utilizes the gas pressure difference to
A feeder comprising a first container, a second container, a plurality of tunnels, and an intermediate module;
A series of pulses of vacuum and pressure to guide the object in the second container to enter the plurality of tunnels of the transfer device via the plurality of tunnels of the supply device Is configured to add
The first container is configured to receive up to a first volume of an object;
The intermediate module is configured to transport objects from the first container to the second container such that the amount of objects in the second container is less than half of the first quantity. A system for transporting millimeter-sized objects.   The intermediate module includes a controller, a conduit and a valve, and when the valve is opened, the supply of an object from the first container to the second container is facilitated, and the controller The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured to control   The system of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to open the valve during a predetermined spaced apart open period.   The intermediate module comprises a controller configured to estimate an amount of an object in the second container, and the controller controls the valve based on the estimation of the amount of an object in the second container. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured to control.   The system of claim 1, wherein the intermediate module comprises a controller configured to estimate the amount of an object based on an image of the object in the second container.   The system of claim 1, wherein the intermediate module comprises a controller configured to estimate the amount of an object based on an image of the object output from the second container.   The intermediate module is configured to estimate the amount of an object based on an image of the object acquired by an imager configured to acquire an image of the object within the imaging region. The system of claim 1, comprising a controller.   The system of claim 1, wherein the intermediate module comprises a controller configured to estimate the amount of an object based on the weight of the object in the first container.   The system of claim 1, wherein the intermediate module comprises a controller configured to estimate the amount of an object based on the weight of the object in the second container.   The intermediate module is configured to transport an object from the first container to the second container by applying a gas difference between the first container and the second container. The system described in.   The feeder is configured to introduce at least one inductive gas pulse that directs an object to enter the tunnel of the transport, and the feeder excludes at least one object from the tunnel of the feeder; The system of claim 1, configured to introduce one reject gas pulse, wherein the at least one reject gas pulse is followed by the at least one induction gas pulse.   The system of claim 11, wherein the feeder is configured to repeatedly induce a reject gas pulse and an induction gas pulse.   The system of claim 11, wherein the feeder is configured to induce a reject gas pulse in response to the transfer of an object through the tunnel of the feeder.   The system of claim 11, wherein the feeder is configured to periodically induce a reject gas pulse.   The tunnel of the transport is preceded by a space configured to receive the object, the height of the space being designed to prevent an object from being placed on top of another object; The system of claim 11.   The system of claim 11, wherein the pressure difference introduced by the induction gas pulse is different from the pressure difference introduced by the reject gas pulse.   The intermediate module moves objects from the first container to the second container such that the amount of objects in the second container is less than one tenth of the first amount of objects. The system of claim 1, configured to transport.   The intermediate module transports objects from the first container to the second container such that the amount of objects in the second container is less than 5 percent of the first amount of objects. The system of claim 1, configured as follows.   The intermediate module moves objects from the first container to the second container such that the amount of objects in the second container is less than a quarter of the first amount of objects. The system of claim 1, configured to transport. A feeder,
A first container configured to receive a first amount of an elongated-shaped capacitor, dimensioned in millimeters;
A gas supply system;
A second container configured to apply a series of pulses of vacuum and pressure to induce a capacitor to enter the plurality of output tunnels of the feeder toward the plurality of output tunnels of the feeder; Wherein the tunnel of the feeder is shaped to facilitate longitudinal transfer of the capacitor within the tunnel, and the series of pulses of vacuum and pressure are supplied by the gas supply feeder. Two containers,
The capacitor is transported from the first container to the second container such that an amount of the capacitor in the second container is less than a quarter of the first amount of the capacitor. An intermediate module.   The intermediate module comprises a controller, a conduit, and a valve that facilitates the supply of an object from the first container to the second container after opening, wherein the controller controls the valve. Item 21. The feeder according to item 20.   The feeder of claim 21, wherein a controller is configured to open the valve during a predetermined open period spaced.   The intermediate module comprises a controller configured to estimate an amount of an object in the second container, the controller based on the estimation of the amount of an object in the second container 21. The feeder of claim 20, configured to control a valve.   21. The feeder of claim 20, wherein the intermediate module comprises a controller configured to estimate the amount of an object based on an image of the object in the second container.   21. The feeder of claim 20, wherein the intermediate module comprises a controller configured to estimate the amount of an object based on an image of the object output from the second container.   The intermediate module is configured to estimate the amount of an object based on an image of the object acquired by an imager configured to acquire an image of the object within the imaging region. 21. The feeder of claim 20, comprising a controller.   21. The feeder of claim 20, wherein the intermediate module comprises a controller configured to estimate the amount of an object based on the weight of the object in the first container.   21. The feeder of claim 20, wherein the intermediate module comprises a controller configured to estimate the amount of an object based on the weight of the object in the second container.   21. The feeder of claim 20, wherein the intermediate module is configured to transport an object from the first container to the second container by applying a gas difference.   The feeder is configured to introduce at least one inductive gas pulse that directs an object to enter the tunnel of the transport, and the feeder excludes at least one object from the tunnel of the feeder; 21. A feeder according to claim 20, configured to introduce one reject gas pulse, wherein the introduction of the at least one reject gas pulse is followed by the introduction of at least one induction gas pulse.   The tunnel of the transport is preceded by a space configured to receive the object, the height of the space being designed to prevent an object from being placed on top of another object; 21. A feeder according to claim 20. Receiving a first quantity of an object by a first container;
The intermediate module coupled between the first container and the second container causes the amount of an object in the second container to be less than 10 percent of the first amount of object. Supplying an object from one container to the second container;
Applying a series of pulses of vacuum and pressure to guide an object to enter a plurality of tunnels of the transporter;
Supplying an object through the plurality of tunnels of the transporter to an area selected from an imaging region, an electrical test region and a sorting region, wherein the supply of objects is longitudinally through the tunnel of the transporter A method for transferring a plurality of images of an object of millimeter dimensions comprising the step of utilizing a gas pressure differential to transport the object to the surface.