Patent ID: 6264415
Filing Date: 2001-07-24
Classification: H05K,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for accurately transferring a predetermined number of IC (Integrated Circuit) packages from a first IC (Integrated Circuit) package storage tube to a second IC (Integrated Circuit) package storage tube, the apparatus comprising:a first tube platform having a support structure that holds said first tube platform at an inclination with respect to a horizontal axis such that said first tube platform supports said first IC package storage tube at said inclination when said first IC package storage tube is placed on said first tube platform;wherein said first IC package storage tube has walls for holding a plurality of IC packages contained within said first IC package storage tube;a second tube platform having a support structure that holds said second tube platform at an inclination with respect to said horizontal axis such that said second tube platform supports said second IC package storage tube at said inclination when said second IC package storage tube is placed on said second tube platform;wherein said second IC package storage tube has walls for holding a plurality of IC packages to be contained within said second IC package storage tube; andan IC (Integrated Circuit) package transfer wheel having a support structure such that said IC package transfer wheel is disposed between said first tube platform and said second tube platform, said IC package transfer wheel having a plurality of spokes radiating outward from a center of said IC package transfer wheel;and wherein an IC package from said first IC package storage tube encounters a stopping spoke of said plurality of spokes of said IC package transfer wheel when said first IC package storage tube is placed on said first tube platform, and wherein said stopping spoke prevents said IC package from entering said second IC package storage tube;and wherein turning of said IC package transfer wheel causes said stopping spoke to be lowered such that said IC package enters into said second IC package storage tube;and wherein said IC package transfer wheel includes motive means for turning said IC package transfer wheel by a predetermined angle to transfer one IC package from said first IC package storage tube into said second IC package storage tube;and wherein said motive means turns said IC package transfer wheel at said predetermined angle for each of said predetermined number of IC packages until said predetermined number of IC packages are transferred from said first IC package storage tube into said second IC package storage tube.