A system and method for determining when a component supply reel for an automated assembly machine is close to depletion. The supply reel tape has indications such as marks that can be optically or magnetically read by a reader through which the tape passes as it is fed into the automated assembly machine,...http://www.google.com/patents/US7389920?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7389920 - Wireless inventory re-ordering system for surface mount technology pick and place assembly machines
