Apparatus and method for label application to trays for receiving semiconductor chips

Abstract

An apparatus for consistently and accurately applying adhesive bar code labels to a target surface on the edge of trays such as JEDEC trays. The bar code applicator includes a base having a label seat for supporting a bar code label that is to be applied to a JEDEC tray. Slidably disposed within a carriage way on the base is a carriage for holding a JEDEC tray. The carriage has a plurality of structural features that allows for the accurate and repetitive longitudinal and lateral alignment of a JEDEC tray within the carriage. The carriage also has a target window. The label seat extends up from the carriage way and into the target window of the carriage, thereby enabling a label resting on the label seat to make contact with the target surface of a JEDEC tray supported within the carriage when the carriage is moved downward with respect to the base. To prevent adhesion of the bar code label to a target surface prior to the proper alignment of the JEDEC tray within the carriage, a plurality of biasing elements and a plurality of retaining elements are disposed between the carriage and base and function to maintain the target surface of a JEDEC tray at a vertical separation distance from the adhesively backed bar code label. Application of the label is effected by pressing downwardly on the JEDEC tray to compress the biasing elements and place the label in the label seat in contact with a lateral edge of the tray.