Method and apparatus for part transfer and transport in an assembly line

A system for part transfer and transport, the system comprising:

• a first conveyor system for transporting a plurality of trays containing a two-dimensional grid of parts;
• a second conveyor system for transporting the parts to a predetermined destination in a linear arrangement, wherein the second conveyor system comprises a plurality of containers for carrying individual parts;
• and
• a selection apparatus for transferring a linear array of parts selected from the grid of the first conveyor system to the linear arrangement of the second conveyor system, the selection apparatus comprising:
• a pick and place apparatus for moving the parts, wherein the pick and place apparatus comprises:
• a first set of grippers for picking the linear array of parts from the tray along the first conveyor;
• and
• a second set of grippers for receiving the linear array of parts from the first set of grippers, and subsequently placing the linear array of parts into the plurality of containers for carrying individual parts along the second conveyor;
• and
• a feed screw defining a plurality of singulated part spaces separated by a part pitch along the second conveyor to facilitate insertion of the linear array of parts into the linear arrangement,
• wherein each singulated part space of the feed screw is sized to receive one of the plurality of containers of the second conveyor.