Apparatus for loading containers with objects

Abstract

An apparatus is described that is used to load containers with small objects similar to Flash memory SD or micro SD cards. The apparatus can be made in three configurations; a fully manual operated configuration, a manual configuration in combination with one or more automated machines, and finally as a fully automated handling apparatus. In its simplest form, the apparatus consists of a base plate with an attached bar containing a grooved bar member such that the jewel cases are restrained in the grooved bar member in such a way as to allow the jewel cases to be moved in a linear or circular direction and provide means such that the cases can be easily loaded with the objects and then removed from the base plate.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for use in loading containers with objects, the bottom of each of the containers having a fixture that holds the object and also having a protruding member along one of its edges the apparatus comprising:
 a base plate:   a grooved bar member attached to the base plate; the protruding member of the container bottom fits into the grooved bar member, such that when an open container is placed on the base plate inside the grooved bar member the container is constrained to travel in the grooved bar member allowing easy insertion of objects into the container by either manual or automated means.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , in which the protruding member of the bottom of the container is a latch mechanism. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , in which the container has a top and a bottom held together with a hinge and joined with a latch. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , in which the container is a plastic jewel case. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , in which the object is a Flash memory device. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , in which the grooved bar member allows easy insertion of the container therewithin by having a lead in area where the width of the grooved bar member is significantly wider than the protruding member on the bottom of the container. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , in which the grooved bar member allows easy extraction of the container constrained in the grooved bar member by having an exit area where the width of the grooved bar member is significantly wider than the protruding member on the bottom of the container. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the height of the grooved bar member is variable by allowing the grooved bar member to move in a direction perpendicular to the base plate of the apparatus. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the width of the grooved bar member is variable by allowing the grooved bar member to move in a direction parallel to the base plate of the apparatus. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , where an automated machine is used to insert an open container with a protruding member in the grooved bar member. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , where an automated machine is used to insert the object in a container that is constrained to travel in the grooved bar member. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , where an automated machine is used to close a container that is constrained to travel in the grooved bar member. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , where an automated machine is used to check whether an inserted object has been correctly placed in the container.