Patent ID: 6695546
Filing Date: 2004-02-24
Classification: B65G,H01L

Abstract:
An elevation apparatus for a handler used for loading/unloading integrated circuit devices into/from a test tray, the apparatus comprising:a base plate; a pair of guide posts extending vertically from said base plate in spaced relationship; an up/down block slidably mounted to said pair of guide posts, said up/down block including a pair of columns extending vertically therefrom; a nozzle block affixed to said columns for displacement therewith, said nozzle block carrying a plurality of nozzles respectively coupled to a vacuum source; a pair of upper base blocks slidably disposed on said pair of guide posts; an aligner assembly disposed above said nozzle block and supported by said pair of upper base blocks; a pair of springs respectively disposed between said up/down block and said pair of upper base blocks, said pair of spring having a sufficiently high spring constant to upwardly displace said pair of upper base blocks responsive to a corresponding upward displacement of said up/down block; a drive assembly secured to said base plate and coupled to said up/down block for vertically displacing said up/down block, said drive assembly being driven to first displace said up/down block and said aligner assembly therewith into contact with a test tray, followed by a second displacement of said up/down block to displace the test tray into contact with a plurality of supporting jaws, and then followed by a third displacement of said up/down block to displace said nozzle block into contact with said aligner assembly, displacement of said aligner assembly being blocked by said contact between the test tray and the supporting jaws, wherein said pair of springs are compressed by said third displacement of said up/down block.