Patent ID: 6227373
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: B07C,G01R,Y10S

Abstract:
An apparatus for handling electronic devices in a system that assigns a category corresponding to one of a plurality of predetermined categories to said electronic devices and sorts said electronic devices according to said categories, the apparatus comprising:a plurality of platforms, each for supporting one tray that carries one or more electronic devices, and each platform corresponding to one of said categories;means for vertically stacking said plurality of platforms in a predetermined order according to said plurality of categories; andmeans for separating a group of stacked platforms vertically away from a platform located at a first position corresponding to a particular category of electronic device to expose a tray and enable the electronic device to be placed on said tray, wherein the separating means further comprises means for storing a platform on a latch that releasably engages said group of stacked platforms.