摘要 |
A conveying apparatus for sequentially feeding a plurality of stacked carrier members, each carrying a plurality of components to be assembled, to an automatic assembly retrieval area where the plurality of components can be retrieved to manufacture a desired product. The conveying apparatus includes a supply bin for storing a desired quantity of stacked carrier members and a feed mechanism which sequentially feeds one of the stacked carrier members from the supply bin to a conveyor mechanism. The conveyor mechanism conveys the supplied carrier member to the automated assembly retrieval area where the components are retrieved. Once all of the components are properly placed on a desired product, the conveyor mechanism conveys a new carrier member, containing a fresh supply of components, to the automated assembly retrieval area and simultaneously conveys the emptied carrier member to a collection bin which facilitates collection of the emptied carrier member. The supply and collection bins can be provided with an elevator assembly which maintains a desired spacing between an exit of the conveyor mechanism and a collection surface of the collection bin. |