Abstract: A vacuum-actuated article handling tool includes an electrically conductive wand body that is selectively coupled to a pickup tip by a static dissipative connecting assembly. The connecting assembly preferably includes a rigid, electrically insulative cap. The cap is rigid in order to securely hold the tip and is electrically insulative in order to prevent direct contact of the conductive tip to the conductive wand body. The connecting assembly includes a resistive member that is preferably flexible. The flexibility allows the resistive member to conform to the shape and position of the tip, so that a repeatable tip-to-wand electrical connection is made. The resistive member is formed of a material that achieves a desired current-limiting resistive path, thereby providing protection for handled articles that are susceptible to damage by electrostatic discharge.

Abstract: A battery-powered portable tool for handling electronic workpieces, such as semiconductor wafers, wherein a desired pressure differential is generated by a serial connection of vacuum pumps. The tool includes a number of features which minimize the generation of particulate matter. The pumps are sealed in an airtight chamber to prevent the release of particles created during operation of the pumps. The tool is exhausted directly to the ambient atmosphere to prevent pump exhaust from disturbing particles within the tool. The valve is designed to provide a quick release of even lightweight workpieces and to minimize the sliding of valve components against each other. Submicron filtering removes any particles from the pump exhaust.

Abstract: A hand-held surface mount pick having a handle and a bellows. The handle includes a vacuum passageway with an evacuation opening at a first end and a plurality of closely spaced vents along an intermediate region. At an end opposite to the evacuation opening is a fitting for attachment to a source of vacuum. The bellows is connected to the first end and is in fluid communication with the vacuum source via the fitting and in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere via the vents. A protective shield is coupled to the handle at the first end. The bellows has a relaxed condition in which a portion of the bellows extends beyond the protective shield to contact an electronic component. Upon contact with the component, the vents are covered by the finger of a user, thereby creating a vacuum within the bellows to draw the component into the protective shield.