Vacuum placement system and method, and tool for use therein

A system for picking up a small electrical component, in a proper orientation, for inspection and transporting the component between a container and a socket, comprising:

• a hand held vacuum tool having a handle, a working face, an exhaust port that is coverable and uncoverable in response to movement of a digit of the holder of the tool, and internal passages within the tool that communicate with the working face and the exhaust port;
• first posts on the working face of the tool that cooperate with the container to properly position the tool relative the container for picking up or discharging the component thereto;
• second posts on the working face of the tool that cooperate with the socket to properly position the tool relative the socket for picking up or discharging the component thereto, the second posts further cooperating with the component to maintain the proper orientation of the component when picked up by the tool;
• visually-observable indicia on said tool for indicating a predetermined proper orientation of the tool with respect to the component and the socket;
• and
• a pressurized-air system and associated air lines interconnected with the internal passageways in the tool to provide vacuum or positive pressure at the working face in response to the covering and uncovering of the exhaust port.

A system for picking up a small electrical component, in a proper orientation, for inspection and transporting the component between a container and placement in a socket, comprising:

• a hand-held tool operated by the hand of the holder to pick up, transport and discharge the component;
• visually-observable indicia on said tool for indicating a predetermined proper orientation of the tool with respect to the component and the socket;
• physical keying members on said tool that include
• a first set of physical keying members that cooperate with the container to properly position the tool relative the container for picking up or discharging the component and
• a second set of physical keying members that cooperate with the socket to properly position the tool relative the socket for picking up or discharging the component thereto, the second set of physical keying members further cooperating with the component to maintain the proper orientation of the component when picked up by the tool to assure proper placement in the socket.