Parts storage and handling system

A parts handling system comprising:

• a plurality of elongated tubular conduits having passages with a track adapted to receive a plurality of electronic components lying thereon for movement along the length thereof in end to end relationship, said conduits connected in side by side relationship along the elongated portions thereof;
• drive means including at least one sprocket upon which said tubular conduits are driven for moving said tubular conduits in their respective side by side relationship in a manner whereby they create a linked series of tubular conduits forming a string of links in continuous relationship for delivering parts to an indexed location;
• a support frame for supporting said tubular conduits;
• stepped motor means connected to said drive means for moving said tubular conduits incrementally;
• external track means for associated indexing with respect to said tubular conduits for movement of parts therealong in their end to end relationship from said tubular conduits along the length of the track within said tubular conduits on which said parts rest;
• and,
• chain means for moving said parts along said external track means.

A process for moving and storing electronic parts comprising:

• providing a plurality of tubular elongated conduits having openings passing therethrough which are in side by side hinged relationship;
• providing support means upon which said tubular elongated conduits are supported;
• indexing said tubular elongated conduits with respect to a delivery point;
• providing a track in adjacent relationship to said delivery point;
• driving said parts from said tubular conduits outwardly by pushing them end to end toward said delivery point;
• and,
• moving said parts along said track for subsequent processing from said delivery point.