Wireless inventory re-ordering system for surface mount technology pick and place assembly machines

Abstract

A system and method for determining when a component supply reel for an automated assembly machine is close to depletion. The supply reel tape has indications such as marks that can be optically or magnetically read by a reader through which the tape passes as it is fed into the automated assembly machine, such as a surface mount technology (SMT) pick and place machine. Or, an RF tag may be used. The reader activates a transmitter, which transmits a signal to a local computer. The computer generates a message such as an e-mail for a supply facility computer to notify a worker to deliver a replacement reel. The marks are provided at a desired location along the length of the tape. In another approach, a message is generated when depletion of the reel is detected by a switch.

1 . A component reel for an automated assembly machine, comprising:
 a tape having components carried at periodic locations along the tape;   at least one indication at a location on the tape at which a predetermined portion of the component reel has been depleted;   wherein the at least one indication is adapted to be detected by a reader as the tape is fed to the automated assembly machine.   
   
   
       2 . The component reel of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the at least one indication is optically-readable.   
   
   
       3 . The component reel of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the at least one indication is magnetically-readable.   
   
   
       4 . The component reel of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the at least one indication comprises an RF tag.   
   
   
       5 . The component reel of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the components comprise components for a printed circuit board.   
   
   
       6 . The component reel of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the at least one indication encodes an identifier of a type of the component reel.