Vacuum placement system and method, and tool for use therein

Abstract

A system for conveying chips from a container to a predetermined position on top of a chip socket. A vacuum-held hand tool having a handle is supplied with a vacuum or with a positive air pressure at its working face, as controlled by placement of a digit of the operator with respect to an air exhaust port on the handle. The bottom or working face of the tool is provided with a recess fitting the outline of a chip to be picked up by the tool working face, to hold the chip fixed on the tool as it is carried by the tool to a position atop the socket, where it is discharged by flow of air from the working face when a digit of the operator is applied to the exhaust port of the tool. A first set of pins protruding normally from the working face of the tool assures proper lateral positioning of the tool with respect to the container in which the chip is originally located, by mating with depressions in the container, and a second set of pins protruding from the working face assure proper lateral positioning of the tool and chip with respect to the socket by fitting against the socket near its corners. Indicia on the tool cooperate with corresponding indicia on the container and socket, to aid in proper orientation of tool with chip during pick-up and tool with socket during chip discharge.