US3547262A - Apparatus for sorting miniature components - Google Patents

Description

United States Patent Inventors Roy 1. Adsmond:

Herbert P. Byrnes, Poughlreepsic, N.Y. Appl. No. 759,574 Filed Sept. 13. 1968 Patented Dec. 15, 1970 Assignce International Business Machines Corporation Armonli, N.Y. a corporation ol' New York APPARATUS FOR SORTING MINIATURE COMPONENTS 12 Claims, 16 Drawing Figs.

u.s. Cl. :09/73, 209/74. 209/81, 302/42 Int. Cl. B07c 5/08 Field of Search 209/73, 74, 81; 302/42; 243/2, 19

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 734.540 7/1903 Gray 243/2 11/1967 Smith 209/81X 3,382.973 5/1968 Szmeretaetal.

Primary ExaminerAllen N. Knowles Attorneys-Hamlin and Jancin and Sidney A. Alpert ABSTRACT: Disclosed is fluidic apparatus for handling and testing miniature magnetic cores. A vibratory feeder conveys the cores into the main flow channel of a fluidic handling element. First and second ports are spaced along the main flow channel and are connected to electrofluidic transducers for alternately applying vacuum and pressure into the main flow channel to advance the cores from a hold station to a test station. At the test station, a reciprocating probe effects tests upon the cores. Downstream from the test station are at least two secondary flow channels and associated ports for directing the cores into one of the secondary channels as determined by the tests thereon.

PATENTED DEB] 519m SHEET 1 OF 6 F E G i E7? TRANSDUCER E/F TRANSDUCER INVENTORS T. ADSMONQD HERBERT P. BYRNES q ag v/T ROY ATTORNEY PATENTEU DEC] 5 I970 3; 547262 SHEET 2 OF 6 PATENTEU nan 519m SHEET 5 OF 6 FIG. 7 TIME (MILLISECONDS) FUNCHON (i 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 CORE POSITION 5 0N SENSOR OFF HOLD PORT PRESSURE PRESS U R VACUUM TEST PORT PRESSURE 3555 13 VACUUM ADVANCED PROBE RETRACTED Q WJIEAR PORT PRESSURE V 3 759 ATMOSPHERE REJECT i PRES OIR V ATMOS E ACCEPT PORT PRES M}1R E AS}JWRE ATMOS E HS. 8 flew 5 ELECTRO CLOCK J5 FLUIDIC v TRANSDUCER 234 250 7 ss\ 4s SINGLE snacLE ELECT SHOT 9.5101 /i46 4 NSDUCER cm smeLE SINGLE PROBE 14o ACTUATOR 18 1e smcu: ELECTRO FLUIDIC baa TRANSDUCER 152 128 21 .eow snason' 50 240 ELECTRO FLUI 5 smcLE SINGLE TRANS n 0 SHOT T s 62 c 52 L0 ELETRO 242 SW TRANSD PATENTED m1 5 mm FUNCTION SHEET 5 HF 6 CORE POSIT ION SENSOR TEST PORT PRESSURE HOLD PORT P URE 7 CORE PROBE P'REssuRE VACUUM ADVANCED RETRACTED PRESSURE ATMOSPHERE VACUUM APPARATUS FOR SORTING MINIATURE COMPONENTS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the field of handling and testing miniature components,and more particularly to improved apparatus useful for sorting miniature magnetic cores.

Miniature electrical and magnetic components, and especially miniature magnetic cores of the type-used in computer memories, present exceedingly difficult-handling and testing problems. If it is considered that certain magnetic cores weigh only about 13 micrograms, and measure only approximately 13 mils in outer diameter by 3 mils in height, these problems can be readily appreciated. Cores of this type, as well as certain other miniatureelectrical and magnetic components, appear to the human eye as no more than particles of dust, yet they must be individually tested and ten sorted to ensure their uniform properties. I 1

lntlie field of magnetic core sorting, there have been many approaches to theproblem of handling these miniature components, with theaim of increasing the speed and accuracy at which the components can be handled and tested. One major conventional approach is a mechanical handler-sorter that involves serial feeding and physical contact with each core by a probe that carries the core by its inner diameter. This type of device has inherent speed limitations and vibration and other mechanical reliability problems. In one new approach, illustrated in copending application Ser. No; 737,68l, of Baker-ct al., high handling speeds and extreme accuracy are achieved by a mechanical feeding device that'incorporates a parallel, rather than the usual serial feeding of cores and does not involve the probe carrying approach. That approach represents a vast improvement over the prior sci-called mechanical sorters. Its speed is in the order of two to fivetimes greater than other known mechanical sorters, and. its accuracy and reliability are unsurpassed.

It is an object of the present invention to provide yet another approach-to the sorting of miniature components that provides high speed and extreme accuracy in handling and testing of the components.

It is another object of the present invention to provide improved apparatus, for sorting miniature magnetic cores that is simple in operation, relatively maintenance. free, and that achieves high speed and reliable results.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a fluidic handlingapproach toithe sorting of miniature components such as magnetic cores.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In the present application, there is exhibited apparatus that is able to handle, test and sort miniaturecomponents such as magnetic cores at high speed and with extreme accuracy. In the preferred embodiment, this end is achieved by entraining cores in a fluid stream, and positioning the cores at a plurality of stations along a fluid flow channel. In this regard, a vibratory feeder conveys the cores into a fluidic handling element having a main flow channel and one or more secondary fluid flow channels communicating with the main channel. First and second ports are spaced downstream of. the entrance to the main channel and connected to-electrofluidic transducers or other means for alternately applying vacuum or pressure pulses into the main flow channel. These alternate vacuum and pressure pulses convey the cores into the main flow channel to a hold station, and then to a test station. At the test station there is located-a reciprocating probe'and a contact head This new approach to the handling of miniature components is especially effective as it involvesvirtually no moving mechanical parts and hence eliminates the difficulties incurred by mechanical handling devices that operate at high speeds, such as vibration, wear and'the like. The approach takes advantage of a fluid transport medium in such as manner as, within present knowledge, has heretofore not been attempted. In this regard, while certain fluid type conveyors convey entrained particulate rnaterials, in such fluid conveyors no. attempt is made to position small yet discrete parts at various stationsalong the fluid flow path. Further, they provided no means for testing parts while stopped within the fluid flow path, nor is there any provision for sorting the parts from the flow path.

It will be appreciated that there are many other advantages to be derived by transporting miniature parts in a fluid stream. Included is the fact that in such a system, it is possible to limit physical movement to the fluid medium and to the parts carried in the fluid medium. Furthermore, the specd that may be obtained by such a systemmay even surpass the speed obtainable by the most advanced mechanical sorters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially broken away, illustrating a preferred form of the sorting apparatus'comprising the present invention; g

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective .view, partially broken away, illustrating a portion of the-apparatus including the fluidic handling element shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional viewltakenr generally on the plane of line 3-3 in FIG. 6A; 5

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view of the sensor head shown in FIG. I that is used with the sorting apparatus comprising the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view of the probe assembly shown in FIG. I used to test cores in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a top plan view, showing'a portion of the fluidic handling element shown in FIG. 1-3 with the top plate removed to aid in the illustration of the handling element;

FIGS. 6B-6E illustrate, in schematic form, the movement of cores through the fluidic handlingelement during a cycle of operation of the core sorting apparatus;

FIG. 7 is timing diagram i operation illustrated in FIGS. 6B-6E;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagramillustrating a preferred form of the circuit used with the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6A;

FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C illustrate alternate embodiments of the fluidic handling element shown in FIG. 6A; and

FIG. 10 is a timing diagram corresponding to the alternate fluidic handling element shown in FIG. 9C.

DESCRIPTION or TIIEPREFERRED, EMBODIMENTS General Operation ing apparatus 10 comprising the present invention. The sort-- ing apparatus 10 includes several major'assemblies mounted on or operatively connected with a base 12. Theseassemblies include a feedingassembly 14 for conveying miniature magnetic cores I6 to a sorting assembly 18, a sensing assembly or apparatus 20 and a probe assembly or apparatus 24.

Inorder to initially describe the operation of apparatus 10, only certain portions of these various assemblies need be described in detail. In the feeding assembly 14, the cores 16 are carried in a vibratory feeder 26 where they are fed to an outlet 28 (FIG. 2). The outlet 28 leads to the inlet 29 of the sorting assembly 18. In the sorting assembly 18 there is a fluidic handling element or device generally denoted by reference 30 that includes a main fluid or flow channel 32 corresponding to the cycle of I 32, including a hold port 38, a test port 40 and accept and reject ports 42 and 44 respectively that open at the juncture of channel 32 with channels 34 and 36. As shown partially schematically in FIG. 1, these four ports 38, 40, 42 and 44 are con- 'nected by flow lines or hoses 46, 48, 50 and 52 respectively to electrofluidic transducers designated in FIG 1 by reference numerals 56, 58, 60, and 62. These are devices that convert electronic signals to fluidic vacuum or pressure pulses. For example, suitable electrofluidic transducers are well known to "those skilled in the art, and may be either a valve such as is shown in US. Pat. No. 3,l87,762,'or may be conventional solenoid valve or translator such as those sold by Airmetic fValve, Inc. and shown in Product Engineering, Nov. 6, 1967,

at page 166 or by Covel Industries, as shown in Product Engineering, Oct. 23, 1967 at pages 63 and 64.

mined interval. For this reason port 38 has been designated as a hold port. After the predetermined interval, a positive pres- :sure pulse is applied by transducer 56, over flow line 46, to

hold port 38. This pulse releases the core. Substantially simultaneously, vacuum is applied by transducer 58 over line.48 to test port 40 to convey the released core thereto. That core is then held at test port for a predetermined interval, while certain tests are performed thereon.

Testing of the core held at the test station adjacent test port ,40 commences only after the sensing apparatus 20 determines ,whether the core is properly seated at thetest station in a manner to be described in detail hereinafter. If it is' determined by the sensing apparatus 20 that the core is incorrectly positioned adjacent the test port 40, or that a defective or :broken core is at the test station, the sensing'apparatus signals electrofluidic transducer 78. The transducer '78 is connected by fluid flow lines or hose 76 to a clearing port 74. By actuation of the transducer 78 under the control of sensing apparatus 20, a positive air pulse through clearing port 74 discharges the defective core back or upstream in flow channel 32 through inlet 29.

flf the sensing apparatus 20 senses that a core is correctly positioned at the test station adjacent test port 40, a probe 80, carried on probe support member 82 that is a part of probe as- :sembly 24, is inserted through the opening in the core 16 (Fig. 3.).into engagement with electrical contacts 91 and 93. In this manner, predetermined tests are carried out on the core. These tests, and the circuits required therefor are not shown specifically herein, but are well known to those skilled in the art. Reference may be made to 1.1.8. Pat Nos. 2,984,300, 2,711,519 and 2,669,025 and the aforementioned copending application, Ser. No. 737,681 for a description of circuits and "tests upon magnetic cores suitable for-use with sorting apparatus 10. After the core is tested at the test station a positive pulse of air applied through test port 40 conveys the core away from the test station along the main flow channel 32. In accordance with the invention, the test circuitry, which is shown schematically in FIG. 8, operates either the electrofluidic transducer 60 or the electrofluidic transducer 62 in order to direct the core into one of two secondary flow channels 34 or -36. This is the manner in which the cores are sorted in accordance with the invention. The port 42, referred to as the accept port, is generally in line with the secondary flow chanhe] 34, and the port 44, referred to asthe reject port, is generally in line with the secondary flow channel 36. If the core tested is acceptable, the transducer 60 is actuated, causing a pulse of air to be applied through accept port 42 across the end of the main fluid flow channel 32 and into the channel 34. When the tested core reaches the end of the main fluid flow channel 32, it is directed by the air pulse from port 40 ihto the secondary flow channel 34 and then into a container for acceptable cores. If the core tested had been unaccepta ble, it would have been directed into channel 36 by a pulse from transducer 62 through reject port 44. In this fashion, cores are conveyed, tested and sorted by apparatus 10, with a minimum of moving parts and at high rates of speed.

Detailed Description The vibratory feeder 26 of the aforementioned feeding assembly 14 includes a feed bowl 84. Feed bowl 84 is of the type normally used with vibratory feeders, and includes a main receiving area 86 into which a plurality of the cores 16 are loaded, and several of the usual inclined feeding tracks 88 and 90, leading to an upper final feeding track 92. Final feeding track 92 is provided with an essentially hyperbolic or funnelshaped portion 94 formed by sidewall 96 leading to the outlet 28 (FIGS. 2, 6A). The funnel 94 permits sufficient numbers of cores to be available to enter the fluidic handling element 30 as a number of rows of cores that progress along the bowl tracks are gathered and funneled continuously to the outlet 28. Further, in order to prevent jamming of cores at the outlet 28, a low pressure stream of air from a horizontally disposed air jet (not illustrated) is directed across the neck of the funnel 94, adjacent the outlet 28 and just above the first level of cores on the final feeding track 92. The sidewall 96 of the funnel 94 is able to retain all but the stacked cores, which are blown back onto the portion 87 or into main receiving area 86 of the bowl 84. With this funnellike configuration, it was found that sufficient cores could be furnished to the outlet 28, and hence into the fluidic handling device 30 to test and sort cores at a rate exceeding 100 per second.

The vibratory feeder 26 includes a bowl stem 100 supporting the feed bowl 84. The bowl stem 100 is mounted in an adjustable arm 102 that is vertically movable with respect to upright leg 104 of a support membergenerally designated by reference numeral 106. The support member 106 is mounted on base 12 and may also be adjustable. horizontally with respect tothe base on tracks or the like (not illustrated). The arm 102 and'member 106 are adjustable so as to permit the feed bowl 84 to be adjusted with respect to handling device 30. A vibratory motor 108 is also mounted on arm 102 and connected with stem 100 in order to provide the drive means for the vibratory feed bowl 84. As will be appreciated, the cores 16 are fed by vibration in the feed bowl 84 through the outlet 28 as described above. However, as will also be appreciated, other means for feeding or conveying the cores through outlet 28 may be provided such as gravity or magnetic feeders.

As mentioned briefly above in the description of the general operation of sorting apparatus 10, the sensing apparatus 20 is provided to actuate selected circuits of apparatus 10 in accordance with the sensed position of the cores at the test station adjacent port 40. The sensing apparatus 20 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 in particular. Essentially, the apparatus 20 consists of an optical position sensor 21 including a microscopelike housing 112. Mounted within the housing 112 is a photodetector 118 mounted in a removable cap 114 and located at a preselected distance above a fiber optic bundle 120 mounted in collar 122. The fiber optic bundle 120 permits visual sighting through housing 112 when cap 114 is removed, thereby permitting the sensor to be manually adjusted. A beam splitter 124 and an objective lens 126 are located in the lower end of the housing 112. Illumination is provided by a conventional microscope-type lamp (not illustrated). Another element of sensing apparatus 20 is a light sensitive oscillator 132 for electronically monitoring the light level on the test sta-. tion adjacent port 40. The light sensitive oscillator 132, shown in block form in FIG. 8, is shown in greater detail and described in IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletins, Volume 8,.

rays down through the lens 126 onto the test station. The light rays are then reflected back from the surface of the test station area up to the objective lens, through the beam splitter 124 and through the fiber optic bundle 120 where they form a magnified image of a core 16 located at-the test station. The light rays are received by the photodetector 118 which is connected by leads 128 and 130 respectively to the oscillator 132 and a DC power supply (not illustrated); The sensor 21 is calibrated so that a correctly positioned core. at the test station will reflect enough light so that the output voltage from oscillator 132 is at a preselected level. Any diminution in the amount of light reflected, as will occur whena coreisincorrectly positioned at the test station or when a broken core, etc. is located thereat, is picked up by the detector. 118 and results in a corresponding diminution in output voltage from the oscillator 132. The oscillator 132 is connected to core position logic circuit 134, that includes conventional level detectors (not illustrated) set to the preselected voltage received from oscillator 132.. The level detectors switch when the preselected voltage is detected, driving either'the single shot 146 or 270 as will be explainedfurther below. In this fashion, the sensor 21 controls the further operation of the apparatus as will become apparent hereinafter.

The probe assembly 24 is operated under control of the light sensitive oscillator 132 and core position logic circuit 134. The probe assembly 24 includes a probe actuator 140 that, in the preferred embodiment, is a voice coil driver such as the type used in loud speaker systems. Theprobe actuator 140 comprises essentially a body member 142 carrying a movable diaphragm 144 that is driven in the conventional manner by a coil (not illustrated). In'the 'exemplification, the coil is electrically connected to the core position logic circuit 134 by a pair of single shots 146 and 148' (FIG. 8). Mounted on the probe support member 82 is a split electrical probe 80 having upper andlower portions 154 and 156 respectively. The probe 80 is generally of the same type as shown in greater detail in the aforementioned copending application Ser. No. 737,651.

As mentioned above in conjunction with the general operating description of the invention, the cores 1 6 are fed from the outlet 28 of feed bowl 84 through the inlet 29 of fluidic handling element 32. The fluidic handling element 30 is shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6A, and reference to these FIGS. should now be made. As will be seen first in FIG. 2, the fluidic handling element 30 includes a fluidic handling platform or member 160 in which the flow channels 32, 34 and 36 are formed. In order to cover the channels 32, 34 and 36, and thereby form fluidtight passageways, a cover member denoted by reference numeral 164 is provided. The cover member 164 has been removed from FIG. 6A in order to more clearly show the configuration of the fluidic passages in platform 160. The cover member 164 includes an upper plate 166 and a lower glass plate 168 on the bottom surface thereof. The glass plate 168 is in direct overlying engagement withthe top surface of platform 160 and provides the closing means for the channels 32, 34 and 36.

As will be noted in FIGS. 2 and 3 in particular, there is a eutout portion 220 in upper plate 166 that permits the cores to be seen as they travel through the fluidic handling element 230.

In order to test cores while they are atthe test station adjacent test port 40, there is a vertical passage or probe hole 170 in the platform 160, and a corresponding vertical passage or probe hole 172 in glass cover plate 168(FIGS. 2 and 3).

' The probe holes 170 and 172 permit the upper portion 154 of probe 80 to pass through the opening in a core 16 located at the test station, in the manner shown in FIG. 3. The contacts 91 and 93 are mounted between the upper plate 166 and glass plate 168, and are positioned in the cutout position portion 220 in plate 166 for making electrical connections with the two sides of the split probe 80. Lower contacts '181 and 183 may also be provided. as shown in FIG. 3 in order to complete the electrical connection through the lower portion 156 of the probe 80 with contacts 91 and 93 respectively. The contacts are connected to an appropriate test circuit 236 (FIG. 8) in the manner explained in the aforementioned US. Pat. Nos.

2,985,300, 2,711,519, and 3,669,025, and the aforementioned copending application Ser. No. 737,681.

In order to permit air to flow between the various transducers 56, 58, 60, 62 and 78 and their various associated ports 38, 40, 42, 44 and 74, the platform 160 is provided with a plurality of passageways 183, 184, 186, 188 and 190 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6A. The flow lines or hoses 46, 48, 50, 52 and 76 are mounted in a connecting block 180' permitting these hoses to communicate respectively with the passageways 182190. The passageways 182-190 are formed in the bottom surface of the platform 160 which is covered by a lower plate 194 to complete the passageways. Vertical holes 200, 202, 204, 206, and 208 in platform 160 connect the hoses 46, 48, 50, 52 and 76 with the passageways 182, 184, 186, 188 and 190. At the outlet ends of these passageways, each is connected respectively to another vertical hole 210, 212, 214,.216, and 218 in platform 160. The vertical holes 210-218 communicate respectively with the ports 38, 40, 42, 44 and 74. In this manner, the electrofluidic transducers 56, S8, 60, 62and 78 are connected to the hold port 38, the test port 40, the accept port 42, the reject port 44, and the clear port 74 respectively.

A single cycle of operation of the sorting apparatus V will now be described in conjunction with FIGS. 6A-6E, 7 and 8. In FIG. 6A, a core 16A is shown as it would appear if correctly positioned at the test station adjacent the hold port 40 in the main fluid channel 32. It is assumed that this is a start position for the cycle to be described, with the core 16A having been drawn into the main fluid channel by vacuum applied at test port 40 and held at the test station by this vacuum. In'FIGS. 6B, 6E, 6D and 6E the letters A, V and P, respectively represent atmosphere, vacuum and pressure as they are applied through the various vertical holes 210, 212, 214, 216 and 218 in the platform 160 to the various ports 38, 40,42, 44 and 74.

After the core'16A is drawn to the test station adjacent test port 40, with the test port 40 having vacuum applied thereto as shown in FIG. 6B, vacuum is applied to hold port 38 in order to draw additional cores such as 168 into the main fluid channel 32. It is assumed that the sensor 21 has detected that the core 16A at the test station is correctly seated and accordingly, the electrofluidic transducer 78 associated with clearing-port 74 maintains the clearing port 74-at atmosphere. In addition, at this time the accept andreject ports 42 and 44 are also maintained at atmosphere.

Referring to FIG. 7, it will be noted that,-in the preferred embodiment, it takes the core position sensor 21 less than I millisecond to detect whether a core is correctly positioned at the test station and to signal the core position logic circuit 134 thereof. During this initial period, i.e., the-first millisecond, the pressure at the hold port 38 has cycled from positive pressure to vacuum. Further, the test port 40 is initially at vacuum and the accept and reject ports are initially at atmosphere. As shown in FIG. 8, a master clock 230 provides the timing means for the cycling of the sorting apparatus. The clock 230 is connected to two pairs of single shots 232 and 234 respectively, to the electrofluidic transducers 56 and 58 that control the pressure at the hold port 38 and test port 40. The master clock 230 is also connected to the core position logic circuit 134 and to core test logic circuit 236.

In operation, once the sensor 21 and oscillator 132 signal the logic circuits 134 that a core is correctly positioned at the that are associated with the accept and reject ports 42 and 44 I respectively. Accordingly, as determined by the core test logic circuit 236, either the transducer 60 or 62 will be actuated for directing the tested core from the channel 32 into either flow channel 34 or 36.

Asshown in FIGS. 6C and 7, during the interval from 6 to 1 1 milliseconds, the probe 80 is retracted and stabilized and the test port is switched from vacuum to pressure. Preferrably,

"in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the pressure and vacuum levels found to be most satisfaci I tory are between I and 3 pounds per square inch. During the I to II millisecond interval, as pressure is applied at the test port 40, the core 16A is conveyed from the test station along the main flow channel 32 as indicated by reference arrow 250 :(FIG. 6C). Also, since it was assumed that the core 16A was a satisfactory or acceptable core, the coretest logic circuit 236 actuates the electrofluidic transducer 60 which changes the state of accept port from atmosphere to pressure. Of course, at this time, the pressure at reject port 44 would remain at atmosphere; however, if the core had tested as unsatisfactory, {the reject port 44 would be at positive pressure and the accept 42 would remain at atmosphere. As shown in FIG. 6C when the core 16A reaches the juncture of main-flow channel 32 with the secondary flow channels 34 and 36, the air pressure from accept port 42 directs the core 16A into the accept channel 34. Also, as this core is being sorted, the following core ZI6B, shown in FIG. 6D at the hold station adjacent hold port .138, is conveyed from the hold station to the test station as ,shown in by comparing FIGS. 6D and 6E. Thus, at the interval [between 12 and 13 milliseconds, the test port40 cycles from t pressure to vacuum (FIGS. 6C and 6D), and at the interval between I3 and I4 milliseconds, the hold port 38 cycles from z vacuu m to pressure (FIG. 6B). This releases the following core 16B from the hold station and permits it to be drawn to Y the test station, while preventing additional cores from being ,drawn into the main flow channel 32.

As shown in FIG. 6E, the core 168 is almost fully seated at ,the test station adjacent test port 40, and the previous core ,16A is conveyed out through accept channel-34 as indicated ,by direction arrow 252. The core 16A is conveyed through accept outlet 254 (FIG. 2) into a vertically extending tube 256.

The tube 256 preferrably leads to a vessel for containing ac- ,ceptable cores. Similarly, there is a reject outlet 258 that leads to a vertical tube;260 and to a reject vessel. The core 168 will -,ultimately be seated at the test station adjacent test port 40 at which time the previously described cycle will be repeated.

' While the function of the clear port 74 was omitted from the *iiabove description, itwill be appreciated that if the sensor 21 idetects an incorrectly seated core, the light sensitive oscillator $132 signals the core position logic circuit 134 of this, and the ,isingle shot 270 actuates the electrofluidic transducer 78 to slightly different geometries or layouts of the fluidic handling member 160 may be used. Several alternative fluidic handling elementsare shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C and designated respectively as 160A, 160B, and 160C. Referring first to FIG. [9A, the fluidic handling member 160A includes an inlet 29A that is adapted to receive cores from'the outlet of a vibratory @feeder (not illustrated). In this embodiment, the main fluid channel 32A has a slightly different configuration, with a right angle bend adjacent itsinlet 29A. A hold port 38A is still located immediately adjacent the inlet 29A. and downstream thereof is a test port 40A providing a test station for a core 16 and including a probe hole 170A. This embodiment also includes a clearing port 74A. However. in the embodiment 160A, there is only an accept port 42A. If a core tested is unacceptable, it is displaced from the test station by a positive pressure pulse through test port 40A. It is conveyed along the flow channel 32A and passes out the reject channel 36A into passage 258A. It is only when a core tested is acceptable will a positive pulse be provided through the accept port 42A to direct the core into the accept channel 34A and then into the accept passage 254A.

FIG. 98 illustrates the second alternative embodiment of the fluidic handling member, designated as 1608. In this embodiment, there is an inlet 298 to the main fluid channel 328 that will receive cores from the vibratory feed bowl. In this embodiment, the cores are conveyed directly to a test station under the control of a test port 40B. In other words, the hold port and hold station are eliminated. Further, the main flow channel 328 is bifurcated, or essentially T-shaped. with the secondary flow channels 348 and 36B forming the Crossbars of the T. Also, in this embodiment, the accept port 42B opens into the bottom wall of secondary channel 368 adjacent the test station and the reject port 448 opens in the bottom wall of the secondary channel 343 adjacent to, but on the opposite side of the test station. In order to convey the core along the accept channel 34B, a pressure pulse .is provided through the accept port 42B. If the core is to be directed into the reject channel 368, a positive pulse is applied through the reject port 448.

The third alternative embodiment of the fluidic handling member is shown in FIG. 9C and designated by reference numeral C. In this embodiment, the cores 16 are conveyed from a vibratory feeder 26C having a hyperbolic funnel 94C leading to inlet 29C of the main fluid channel 32C. Cores 16 are conveyed into the inlet 29C to a test station adjacent the test port 40C in the main flow channel 32C. The fluidic handling platform might be formed as a portion of the vibratory feeder itself as suggested in FIG. 9C. The cores 16 are tested in the manner mentioned heretofore while at the test station, and when the test is completed the cores are moved to a hold station adjacent a hold port 38C. An accept port 42C opens to the main fluid flow channel 32C,,and there is a recess 43C in the main fluid flow channel wall adjacent port 42C. The cores progressing through the fluidic handling member 160C are directed from each port directlytoward their. destination. In this manner, more efficient transfer occurs and there is less chance of a core bumping the walls of the main lluid flow channel or another core and being damaged.

An addition to this embodiment of the fluidic handling element 160C is a plurality of vents in the main fluid flow channel 32C and the accept and-reject channels 34C and 36C. Each of the vents is designated by reference numeral 37C and is mere- Iy an opening in the channel floor to atmosphere. The purpose of these vents is to help dump or relieve pressure resulting from the eject or positive pressure pulses from the various ports. In addition, the vents help to establish a preferred air v flow pattern within the fluidic handling element I60C. It will be also appreciated that the vents 37C may be included in the other embodiments, including the embodiment shown in FIGS. l3, 9A and 913 above.

If a tested core is acceptable, when it is conveyed from the hold station by a pressure pulse applied to hold port 38C, it is received in the recess 43C adjacent the accept port by vacuum applied at the accept port 42C. The accepted core is thereafter ejected into the accept channel 34C. The recess 43C helps stop the core which is to be accepted. Unless instructed to cycle to vacuum by the core test circuitry, the accept port remains at atmosphere, and cores progressing toward the junction of the accept channel 34C and reject channel 36C are permitted to continue directly into the reject channel 36C.

Turning now to FIG. 10, the timing cycle that is associated with the fluidic handling member 160C is illustrated. As will be noted, the test and hold port pressures cycles have been reversed. Thus, a core moves directly to the test station under the influence of vacuum at test port 40C. A sensor, such as previously described sensor 21, operates initially when a core is received at the test station to detect correctly seated cores. Substantially simultaneously therewith, a previously tested core, present atthe hold station is ejected or conveyed therefrom by a positive pulse ofair-from port 38C. Assuming that the previously tested core was unacceptable, as indicated in the first portion of the timing cycle and labeled the accept port pressure remains atatmosphere, permitting the core to pass into the reject channel 36C. After approximately one millisecond, during which time the probe is advanced to-test position, a test cycle is initiated on the'core currently at the test station. The test cycle takes approximately 2 milliseconds, and at 3 milliseconds time the retraction of the probe begins. With the probe retracted, at approximately 4 milliseconds cycle time, a positive pulse ofair is applied to the test port 40C ejecting or conveying the core to the hold station which has vacuum applied thereto. Immediately thereafter, at 6 millisecond cycle time, that core is conveyed toward the reject channel 36C.It is'assumed that this core'also was unacceptable and was permitted to pass into the-reject channel 36C. However, in the following cycle, labeled 2," the core tested is assumed to be acceptable, and, asseen in FIG. 10 is stopped at recess 43 as vacuum is applied to accept port 34C at l0 millisecond cycle time. While further cores are conveyed into the fluidic handling device 160C and tested, at millisecond cycle time, labeled 3," this acceptable core is ejected by a pressure pulse applied at accept port 42C, into the accept channel 34C. Thus. it is seen that in'approximately 16 milliseconds of cycle time, three cores are sorted. As shown by the timing diagram of FIG. 10, the configuration or layout of the fluidic handling member of FIG. 9C lends itself to parallel occurence of functions. It is therefore apparent that sorting apparatus utilizing the fluidic handling'mernber 160C is even faster than that shown in thepreferred embodiment in FIGS. 1-3 and 6A, achieving a potential 4 to 6 millisecond cycle time.

In summary, it will be understood that the sorting apparatus 10 described herein. including the alternate forms of the fluidic handling member 160, represents a technique for'handling discrete miniature components such as magnetic cores by using fluid transportprinciples. While the invention is directed to sorting of magnetic cores, it will be appreciated that the fluidic principles regarding the handling of miniature components may be applied to other thansorting apparatus.

The principles take advantage of the low inertia of thesmall devices being handled, permitting the devices themselves to move under the influence of a fluidmedium. While there is shown a particular sensing assembly 20 and probe assembly 24, it will be appreciated that other sensingand probe means may be used with the present apparatus, for example, an electrofluidic type probe actuator. 7

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it would be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form an'd detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

We claim: 1. Apparatus for positioning miniature components at a plurality of stations along a fluid flow channel comprising:

means for conveying the miniature components into the fluid flow channel; first port means located adjacent the fluid flow channel for positioning the components at an adjacent first station; second port means located adjacent the fluid flow channel for positioning the components at an adjacent second station; and I a means for alternately applying vacuum and pressure through said first and second port means to intermittently advance the components from the first station to the second station along said fluid flow channel. 2. Apparatus for positioning miniature components at a plurality of stations along a fluid flow channel comprising:

means for conveying the miniature-components into the fluid flow channel; first port means located adjacent the fluid flow channel for positioning the components at a first station;

second port means located adjacent the fluid flow-channel for positioning the components at a second station; means for alternately applying vacuum and pressure through said first and second port means to advance the components from the first station to the. second station along said fluid flow channel, and means located adjacent the second station for testingthe components while they are at the second station. 3. The apparatus of claim 2 including third and fourth port means located adjacent the fluid flow channel; and means operative in response to said testing means for applying pressure through said third and forth port means in order to transport the components from the fluid flow channel into anaccept channel or a reject channel.

4. Apparatus for positioning miniature components at a plurality of stations along a fluid flow channel comprising:

means for conveying the miniature components into the fluid flow channel; first port means located adjacent thefluid flow channel for positioning the components at a first station; second port means located adjacent the fluid flow channel for positioning the components at a second station; means for alternately applying vacuum and. pressure through said first and second port means to advance the components from the first station to the second station along said fluid flow channel; means at the second station for testing components; and means at the second station for sensing the prcsenceofa correctly positioned component at the second station and for actuating said testing means. 5. The apparatus of claim 4 including another port means located adjacent the fluid flow channel; and

means for applying pressure through said another port means in response to the detection of an incorrectly positioned component byv said sensing means in order to discharge such incorrectly positioned components from the fluid flowchannel. 1 6. Apparatus for positioning miniature components at a plurality of stations along a fluid flow channel comprising:

means for conveying the miniature components into the fluid flow channel;v I first port means located adjacent the fluid flow channel for positioning the componentsat a first station; second port means located adjacent the fluid flow channel for positioning the components at a second station; means for alternately applying vacuum and pressure through said first and second port means to advance the components from the first station to the second station along said fluid flow channel; and said conveying means including means for preventing more than one component from entering the fluid flow channel. 7. The apparatus of claim 1 including vent means opening to the fluid flow channel for relieving the pressure in the fluid flow channel from said pressure applying means.

8. Apparatus for sorting miniature components according to a specific property thereof, comprising;

means defining a main fluid channel for successively receiving a plurality of the miniature components;

a hold station in the main fluid channel for receiving the miniature components that enter the. main channel;

a test station in the main fluid channel for receiving the miniature components when they leave the hold station;

valve means associated with said hold station and said test station for alternately applying vacuum and pressure to said main fluid channel to transport the miniature components between said hold station and said test station.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 including:

means associated with said test station for-testing the miniature components received at said test station;

,means defining first and second branch channels communicating with said main fluid channel for receiving the miniature components after they have been tested; and

valve means associated with at least one of said first and second branch channels for directing the miniature components into said at least one of said first and second branch channels as they leave the main fluid channel.

10. In apparatus for sorting miniature parts, the improvement comprising:

a fluidic element having a main fluid channel and at least two branch channels communicating with said main fluid channel;

port means opening into said main fluid channel;

vacuum applying means communicating. with said port means for holding the miniature parts at the port means;

test means located generally adjacent the port means for performing preselected tests upon theminiature parts while they are held at said port means;

means for conveying the miniature parts. along said main fluid channel;

at least another port means opening to one of said at least two branch channels; and 1 air pressure applying means communicating with said at least another port means for directing the miniature parts from said fluid flow channel into a selected one of said branch channels.

11. The apparatus of claim wherein said conveying means includes valves means for alternately applying vacuum and pressure to said main fluid channel through said port means.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 further including vent means located in said main fluid channel for relieving the pressure in 15 said rnain fluid channel.

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