| 摘要 |
<p>A sorting system sorts selectable sequences of different types of integrated circuit packages into sticks for subsequent insertion into a printed circuit board by an automatic inserter. A module (36) is positionable in a vertical plane to pick up a package from the end of any selectable one of a plurality of package dispensing runways (16) in a regular rectangular array and to deposit the picked-up package in any selectable one out of a plurality of package receiving runways (18). The module (36) comprises an arm (38) and a gripper (40), the arm (38) extending the gripper (40) towards the plane. The gripper (40) has upper and lower jaws (120, 122) for gripping a package. The runways (16, 18) are formed by the parallel proximate association of U-shaped sections (84, 100) astride the adjacent walls (88, 102) of any pair of which a package can sit. The lower jaw (122) of the gripper (40) passes between the adjacent walls (88, 102) to seize the body of a package between the rows of legs. </p> |
