Patent ID: 6121887
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: H05K

Abstract:
An apparatus for automatically detecting when a lead of an integrated circuit package is bent more than a predetermined bend distance, the integrated circuit package having a plurality of leads aligned in a row with a predetermined separation distance between each two adjacent leads, the apparatus comprising:a comb structure having a plurality of teeth;wherein a tooth of said comb structure fits between a respective two adjacent leads of said row of plurality of leads on said integrated circuit package when each of said respective two adjacent leads is bent toward each other with less than said predetermined bend distance as said comb structure is lowered toward said row of plurality of leads on said integrated circuit package;and wherein said tooth of said comb structure does not fit between said respective two adjacent leads when any of said respective two adjacent leads is bent toward each other with more than said predetermined bend distance as said comb structure is lowered toward said row of plurality of leads on said integrated circuit package;a monitor for detecting when any tooth of said comb structure does not fit between said respective two adjacent leads as said comb structure is lowered toward said row of plurality of leads on said integrated circuit package; anda warning indicator that provides a warning signal when any tooth of said comb structure does not fit between said respective two adjacent leads as said comb structure is lowered toward said row of plurality of leads on said integrated circuit package.