Patent ID: 6866470
Filing Date: 2005-03-15
Classification: H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of storing a tray stack having a plurality of individual trays carrying microelectronic devices, the tray stack having a first exterior tray at one end of the tray stack and a second exterior tray at an opposite end of the tray stack, the method comprising: inserting the tray stack along a load/unload path into a casing of a tray retaining device so that the first exterior tray contacts a cross-member of the tray retaining device, the cross-member being selectively movable relative to the tray retaining device; restricting the individual trays from moving laterally with respect to the load/unload path; and selectively impeding movement along the load/unload path in a first direction by moving a retaining element attached to the tray retaining device from a load/unload position to a storage position, the retaining element allowing the tray stack to move along the load/unload path in the load/unload position and the retaining element engaging the second exterior tray in the storage position to impede movement of the tray stack along the load/unload path in a second direction.