Micro Component Technology, Inc.

Arlon J Amundson

Robert J Wurscher

Jonathan P Buesing

A handler (10) for feeding integrated circuit chip carriers (42) into a test site (14) of the handler (10) is the subject matter of this patent application. Inventive features include apparatus whereby carriers (42) are pushed laterally from a bottom end (62) of a magazine track (26) into a conveyor station (58). A pusher bar (64) can include a ramp surface (128) to raise carriers (42) above the particular carrier (42) being moved into the conveyor station (58). Further, the inventive features include structure for remotely sensing the presence of a carrier (42) at the bottom end (62) of a track (26). A rotary shuttle (148) can be incorporated for transporting carriers (42), after they have been tested, to the output section (158) of the handler (10).

Integrated circuit component handler singulation apparatus

An air bearing and heating system for use in moving and heating integrated circuit chip carriers (12) prior to their being tested by an electronic tester (10) is the subject of this patent application. The system includes a magazine (18) having a plurality of tracks (24) spaced vertically therein. Each track (24) includes an air-permeable wall (62, 62') through which air in a plenum (52) beneath the wall (62, 62') seeps. The air forms a cushion on the surfaces (64) of the sloped tracks (24) in order to float chip carriers (12), positioned for movement down the tracks (24) therealong. The air can be heated by a heater (104) prior to the time it is introduced to form the air cushion so that the chip carriers (12) will be heated as they are floated down the tracks (24). Similarly, the system can be provided with a distribution member (28) by which carriers (12) are conveyed away from the test site (14) of the handler. The distribution member (28) can include a plurality of chutes (30) having structure similar to that of the tracks (24) in the magazine (18). Since carriers (12) passing down the chutes (30) have already been tested, the air creating the flotation cushion therein need not be heated.

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Saint Paul, MN, United States of America

Arlon J Amundson