Component Carrier Tape

Abstract

A component carrier tape includes a longitudinal flexible strip having a plurality of component receiving pockets positioned therein. The component carrier tape further includes a plurality of indicators positioned longitudinally on the longitudinal strip and configured for indicating the position of each of the plurality of pockets. The indicators are positioned between adjacent pockets.

1 . A component carrier tape comprising:
 a longitudinal flexible strip;   a plurality of pockets longitudinally positioned in the longitudinal strip and each configured for receiving a component therein; and   a plurality of indicators positioned longitudinally on the longitudinal strip and configured for indicating the position of each of the plurality of pockets, the plurality of indicators positioned between adjacent pockets.   
   
   
       2 . The component carrier tape of  claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal strip has first and second parallel longitudinal edge surfaces, and at least one of the edge surfaces includes a plurality of equally spaced advancement holes for receiving an advancement mechanism. 
   
   
       3 . The component carrier tape of  claim 1 , further comprising a cover releasably secured to a top surface of the longitudinal strip, extending along the strip, and covering the plurality of pockets. 
   
   
       4 . The component carrier tape of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of pockets has a depth from a top surface of the longitudinal strip that is greater than the thickness of the longitudinal strip. 
   
   
       5 . The component carrier tape of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of indicators is a protrusion. 
   
   
       6 . The component carrier tape of  claim 5 , wherein the protrusion is substantially elliptical. 
   
   
       7 . The component carrier tape of  claim 5 , wherein the protrusion is substantially oblong. 
   
   
       8 . The component carrier tape of  claim 5 , wherein the protrusion is substantially polygonal. 
   
   
       9 . The component carrier tape of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of indicators is a recess. 
   
   
       10 . The component carrier tape of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of indicators is a printed feature. 
   
   
       11 . The component carrier tape of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of indicators is a punched feature. 
   
   
       12 . The component carrier tape of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of indicators is positioned on a recessed surface of the longitudinal strip. 
   
   
       13 . The component carrier tape of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of indicators is a protrusion positioned on a recessed surface of the longitudinal strip.