Computervision Corporation

Douglas P Simms

Anthony F White

Carl W Miller

A non-contacting, non-clogging, electro-mechanically operated marking device or inker for continuous or intermittently marking a semiconductor wafer die is disclosed together with a method of operating the device. The marking device has an ambient pressure ink reservoir within which is mounted a thin, capillary filament guide tube. A length of filament such as, fishline, is positioned within the tube and secured at one end to the plunger of a solenoid. The distal end of the filament is driven out of the capillary tube by the solenoid to force a small amount of the marking fluid or ink out of the reservoir and onto the die without the filament contacting the die. The solenoid coil is energized by a current pulse having a first current level and a second current level that is less than the first current level. The second current level provides a short holding current for the solenoid to prevent spattering of the marking fluid.

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Sunnyvale, CA, United States of America

Douglas P Simms