초록 ▼

A self-aligning tray carrier for supporting a tray carrying a large group of ICs therein. The invention includes self-aligning, cooperative tray carrier and tray transport configurations to ensure precise, repeatable alignment of a tray carrier with an underlying tray transport through gravity alone

A self-aligning tray carrier for supporting a tray carrying a large group of ICs therein. The invention includes self-aligning, cooperative tray carrier and tray transport configurations to ensure precise, repeatable alignment of a tray carrier with an underlying tray transport through gravity alone when a tray carrier which has been raised off the transport is again lowered into supporting contact therewith. Another, optional, feature of the mutually cooperative configurations of the tray carrier and tray transport permits the tilting of the tray carrier while still supported on the transport so as to effect precise alignment of IC packages carried in rectangular recesses on a tray on the tray carrier with respect to common alignment points (i.e., the same corner of each tray recess) to facilitate repeatability of the IC package surface location being marked on each IC package borne by the tray. Such alignment may be further enhanced by vibration or tapping of the tray carrier while in a tilted orientation. A lift mechanism for lifting the tray carrier above the tray transport is also disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A tray carrier apparatus, comprising:a tray transport;an actuator configured for moving the tray transport along a path;a tray carrier disposed on the tray transport;a vertically extendable and retractable lift mechanism located adjacent the path and configured to engag

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A tray carrier apparatus, comprising:a tray transport;an actuator configured for moving the tray transport along a path;a tray carrier disposed on the tray transport;a vertically extendable and retractable lift mechanism located adjacent the path and configured to engage and vertically move the tray carrier when the tray transport is in proximity to the lift mechanism;at least one first structure disposed on an upper surface of the tray transport; andat least one second structure disposed on a lower surface of the tray carrier, the at least one second structure located and configured for mutual engagement with the at least one first structure, the at least one first structure and the at least one second structure cooperatively configured to self align the tray carrier on the tray transport without securement of the tray carrier to the tray transport when the at least one second structure mutually engages the at least one first structure.