Chip storage insertion guide

Abstract

A chip storage and insertion guide includes a generally rectangular plastic housing with a top wall, side walls and end walls. The end walls define guide posts for insertion into matching apertures in a printed circuit board. The side walls are configured so that the pins of a new chip are bent inwardly slightly as the chip is gently forced into the rectangular guide until it is flush against the inside of the top wall. A handle portion of a pivoted arm mechanism extends transversely across the top wall at each end of the housing. Pivot arms at each end of the handle extend down the side walls and are attached thereto with pegs pivotally engaged in notches formed in the side walls. When the two arm mechanisms are pivoted outwardly, a shoulder portion of each arm moves upwardly to align a camming surface with the lower edge of the side walls thereby enabling the chip to be inserted in the socket of the printed circuit board. When the two arm mechanisms are pivoted inwardly, the camming surfaces move downwardly below the lower edge of the side walls to either disengage a mounted chip, or to prevent insertion of the chip until the posts are properly inserted in the apertures in the circuit board. The handle portions enable the user to easily grasp and manipulate the chip insertion guide.