Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) device test handler which is adaptable to receive various customer tray configurations and automatically test the ICs within. The test handler comprises a customer tray magazine input area, a load section, a soak chamber, a test section, an unsoak chamber and an unload area. Two magazines containing customer trays with IC devices are input to the handler. An elevator mechanism raises the customer trays within one magazine at a time to a position which can be accessed by the loader of the test handler. A catcher device moves the trays to a buffer platform where the trays can be accessed by a transfer arm. The transfer arms moves the customer trays to one of two load stages. A pick and place apparatus removes the IC devices from each customer tray on the load stages and transfers them to a precisor for alignment and then to a test tray.

Abstract: A contact assembly for use in testing electronic devices such as integrated circuits (IC's) and the like. The contact assembly has a test fixture having a test contactor, a corresponding carrier module aligned on a test tray for positioning the electronic devices to be tested in alignment with the test fixture, and a vertical drive for driving the carrier module to meet with the test contactor. The vertical drive is provided with an individual drive for giving an additional contact force to said carrier module and said test contactor. The vertical drive further includes a lead pusher for ensuring ideal contact pressure for the leads of the electric devices with the test contactor. The carrier module is provided with a plurality of slits for separating the leads of the electric devices and inviting the test contactor.

Abstract: A contact assembly for use in testing electric devices such as integrated circuits (IC's) and the like is comprised of a test socket and a corresponding carrier module for positioning the electric devices to be tested in alignment with the test socket. The carrier module is provided with a holding mechanism for retaining electronic devices to be tested in their proper position in the seat of the module, the holding mechanism being retractable so as to not interfere with the electrical contact between the socket and the electric device. In another aspect of the present invention, the contact assembly is provided with a slide positioning mechanism for slidably positioning the electronic device in its proper location on the seat of the carrier module.

Abstract: A separation and transfer apparatus for use in an electronic test system for testing electronic devices such as IC's, and the like. The apparatus has a housing for holding in a horizontal position, a magazine containing such electronic devices, an air blower for blowing compressed air at the electronic devices at an angle through a slit of the magazine so that the electronic devices are separated from one another and urged in a desired direction, a piston pin for insertion into a space developed between the last electronic device in the magazine and one end of the magazine, an advancing apparatus for changing the horizontal position of the air blower and the piston pin and for expelling the electronic devices from the magazine, and a controller for controlling the timing of the air blowing, the movement of the advancing apparatus, and the operation of the piston pin.