Multiple-pitch tape feeder with multiple peel positions

A multiple-pitch tape feeder, comprising:

• a carrier tape reel support for supporting carrier tape having any one of several predetermined pitches and a cover tape retaining components therein;
• a slidable tape guide with a tape window therein for exposing a component at a pick location adjacent a cover tape peel edge for peeling said cover tape from the carrier tape;
• a path for guiding said carrier tape from a carrier tape reel to the slidable tape guide;
• a carrier tape drive mechanism for engaging feed-holes regularly spaced along the length of carrier tape and advancing said carrier tape through said tape guide;
• a pitch selection cam repositionable by an operator, said selection cam having a plurality of positions, each corresponding to one of a plurality of predetermined pitch sizes, wherein movement of said selection cam is directly translated into movement of said slidable tape guide;
• a sensor detecting a position of the slidable tape guide;
• and
• a control unit, responsive to said sensors for providing a signal to said carrier tape drive mechanism, said carrier tape drive mechanism advancing the carrier tape a predetermined distance according to the pitch size.