Universal material handling apparatus

Abstract

A material handling apparatus, including a pair of drive chains (each configured as a continuous loop oriented in a substantially vertical plane), and one or more rigid members are attached between the chains. A product carrier is supported by each rigid member, and a product (which may include one or more integrated circuit leadframes) rests in each carrier. As the chains simultaneously rotate at the same rotational speed, they translate each member, carrier, and product along a carrier path in a substantially vertical plane. One or more nozzle arrays (each comprising one or more nozzles) are positioned along the carrier path, preferably above the drive chains. Barriers are preferably positioned between the drive chains and selected ones of the nozzles to prevent exposure of the drive chains to some or all of the jets from the nozzles (and especially to abrasive, corrosive, or otherwise harsh jets such as deflashing slurry jets). The carriers are preferably shaped and dimensioned so that products of various types, shapes, and sizes may be placed therein. The carriers are preferably perforated to allow drainage of the jet material. In one preferred embodiment, means are provided for flipping each product at one or more desired locations along the carrier path. For example, the flipping means may serve to expose a second face of the product to a second nozzle array at a second treatment station along the carrier path, after a first face of the product has been exposed to a first nozzle array at a first treatment station along the carrier path.