Micro Component Technology, Inc.

Ecodyne Corporation

Jonathan P Buesing

Richard D Anderson

John J Dyer

Robert J Wurscher

Arlon J Amundson

James P Buettner

A soft-handling drop shuttle for use in an integrated circuit device handler. The invention includes a shuttle assembly (10) which pivots from a first position, in registration with an intake chute (36), and a second position, in registration with a discharge chute (50). The shuttle assembly (10) includes a shuttle lower jaw (14) for supporting an integrated circuit device (38) during its transfer, and a shuttle upper jaw (22), which is pivotally attached by an upper jaw pivot shaft (32) to the shuttle assembly (10). Upper jaw (22) retains the integrated circuit device (38) within the shuttle assembly (10) during the movement of the shuttle. The shuttle upper jaw (22) includes a stop portion (54) and an associated leaf spring (28) for retaining and clamping the integrated circuit device (38) within the shuttle assembly (10). Interchangeable shuttle lower jaws (14, 14') enable adaptation of assembly (10) to accommodate integrated circuit devices (38) of varying sizes and types.

Soft-handling drop shuttle

The device of this invention is an integrated circuit singulator apparatus comprised of several arm assemblies (14, 18, 34) which act in concert to isolate or singulate an individual integrated circuit for testing of the accuracy of the circuits therein. This integrated circuit handler can accommodate integrated circuits of varying dimensions. The various arm assemblies (14, 18, 34) act to control movement of the integrated circuit devices on a track (12) without damage occurring to the integrated circuit devices.

Singulatory 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.

Integrated circuit component handler movement and heating system

A dispenser for an aqueous solution of a chemical, such as potassium permanganate, that should be confined at all times encloses the chemical in a lightweight disposable jar. The dispenser is actuated by a valve that has a relatively large float on one end of a stem and a diaphragm at the other end of such stem. It is not necessary for the user of the chemical to ever remove it from the container in which it is sold.

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Saint Paul, MN, United States of America

Jonathan P Buesing