Invented by Digi-Key engineers Shane Heinle and Reid Landsrud, the tray is said to be a safer and more efficient way of transporting broken pack integrated circuits
Digi-Key secures US Pat. No. D968,957 for its tray to transport and store electronic components. (Credit: PR Newswire/Digi-Key Electronics)
US-based electronic components distributor Digi-Key Electronics has received United States Patent Number D968,957 titled Tray for Transporting and Storing Electronic Components.
Invented by Digi-Key engineers Shane Heinle and Reid Landsrud, the tray is said to be a safer and more efficient way of transporting broken pack integrated circuits.
According to the firm, the trays are one-fourth the size of the industry standard JEDEC trays. This allows for less packaging and shipping waste for things that are purchased in lower quantities.
For commercial production of the tray, the firm worked with Minnesota companies Holland Molds of Wadena, Minnesota, RTP Company of Winona, Minnesota, and CCI of New Hope, Minnesota.
Digi-Key ESD programme senior supervisor Shane Heinle said: “To me, everyone at Digi-Key is an engineer, and we have to make things work every single day.
“I’m glad to have had three Minnesota companies to work with for this project as this is truly a local product from idea to production that is having global implications for our customer base.”
The firm has received attention in recent years for developing a proprietary technology to clean warehouse totes during the start of the Covid-19 outbreak. This first patent represents Digi-innovative Key’s culture.
Digi-Key resident maintenance technician supervisor Reid Landsrud said: “It’s amazing the amount of packaging we save by using this smaller tray which offers the exact same benefits as the standard larger tray, just right-sized for the number of components we ship often.
“We are able to send components in a smaller shipping box, with a smaller moisture barrier bag, a smaller amount of desiccant and a lower shipping cost; decreasing shipping and packaging prices and lessening the environmental impact.”
Digi-Key offers around 13.4 million components from more than 2,300 manufacturers. The company has a range of products in stock and ready for shipping anytime.
The range of digital tools and solutions from Digi-Key helps engineers and procurement specialists do their work more effectively.