Abstract: A cantilevered clip is provided for holding a stack of at least one tray and tray cover. Stack compressive forces applied by the clip are substantially limited to tray and cover edge portions. The clip has a channel base with left and right side walls attached for restricting movement of a stack in left and right directions. Pressure members are positioned orthogonal to at least one wall. An aperture is located adjacent to each pressure member and partially extends into each wall. Protrusions above the base extend inward towards the walls of the channel for captivating the stack in an upward direction.

Abstract: A wafer container comprising a base and a cover that nest together. The base includes a staggered wall structure composed of inner and outer walls. The staggered wall structure is arranged so that forces from side impacts are absorbed principally by outer wall segments. A rib on the cover restrains the outer wall segments from flexing beyond the inner wall diameter. Reference tabs on the base facilitate alignment of the base to the cover.

Abstract: A wafer container comprising a base and a cover that nest together. The base includes a staggered wall structure composed of inner and outer walls. The staggered wall structure is arranged so that forces from side impacts are absorbed principally by outer wall segments. A rib on the cover restrains the outer wall segments from flexing beyond the inner wall diameter. Reference tabs on the base facilitate alignment of the base to the cover.

Abstract: A clip is provided for holding a stack of at least one tray and tray cover. Stack compressive forces applied by the clip are substantially limited to tray and cover perimeter rail portions. The clip has a channel base with left and right side retaining walls attached for restricting movement of a stack in left and right directions. Left and right rods protrusions above the base extend inward towards the walls of the channel from the left and right side walls respectively for captivating the stack in an upward direction. Spring protrusions extend upward from the base on input and output ends of the channel, and are configured for applying an upward spring force on opposing bottom edge areas of the stack.

Abstract: A wafer container comprising a base and a cover that nest together. The base includes a staggered wall structure composed of inner and outer walls. The staggered wall structure is arranged so that forces from side impacts are absorbed principally by outer wall segments. A rib on the cover restrains the outer wall segments from flexing beyond the inner wall diameter. Reference tabs on the base facilitate alignment of the base to the cover.

Abstract: The invention concerns a tray having an integral latch that mates to a boss of an adjacent tray to form a stable stack. The latch may be incorporated into any type of tray, basket, or other container for storing articles. Multiple containers may be stacked together without the use of a detachable clip. Also disclosed is a tray that includes an array of posts extending downward to support the tray on a flat surface.

Abstract: A clip is provided for holding a stack of at least one tray and tray cover. Stack compressive forces applied by the clip are substantially limited to tray and cover perimeter rail portions. The clip has a channel base with left and right side retaining walls attached for restricting movement of a stack in left and right directions. Left and right rods protrusions above the base extend inward towards the walls of the channel from the left and right side walls respectively for captivating the stack in an upward direction. Spring protrusions extend upward from the base on input and output ends of the channel, and are configured for applying an upward spring force on opposing bottom edge areas of the stack.

Abstract: A wafer container comprising a base and a cover that nest together. The cover includes tabs on a lower portion that engage notches on the frame. The cover can be combined with the base without indexing to a precise opening on the frame. A handle on the cover enables an operator to easily rotate the container into a locked position. A ribbed pattern on the exterior surface of the frame enables the wafer container to be stacked with another wafer container.

Abstract: A tray for storing and handling delicate components is strengthened with a reinforcement bar. Reinforcement bars are arranged in parallel to enhance resistance against cracking and warpage of the tray. Each reinforcement bar may include a support structure. A radius on all or a portion of tray members having a sharp edge may serve to strengthen the tray further. Tray members including ribs, openings, indentations, and pockets can have all or part of their sharp edges covered with a radius.

Abstract: An injection molded container for storing and transporting wafers includes a base having a wafer area upon which to place a stack of a plurality of wafer assemblies, wherein each wafer assembly includes a wafer frame upon which is mounted a wafer. A protective wall apparatus is positioned around the wafer area, and includes at least one wall contour artifact. Each wafer frame according to the invention includes a corresponding opposite/mating artifact. The wall apparatus and wafer frame are configured so that the wafer frame must be oriented to mate the wall and frame artifacts in order for the wafer frame to be installed in the container.

Abstract: An injection molded container for storing and transporting wafers includes a base having a wafer area upon which to place a stack of a plurality of wafers. A protective wall surrounds the wafer area, and extends upward, having a first perimeter at the base and a second perimeter at a top wall extremity that is greater than the first perimeter, resulting in the wall being positioned with a draft angle to a line perpendicular to a plane of the base so as to facilitate removal of the container from an injection mold. This invention provides a plurality of wafer positioning columns, each having a surface with a line of contact rising perpendicular to the plane of the base. The lines of contact are positioned so as to restrict movement of a stack of wafers placed in the container.

Abstract: A clip is provided for holding a stack of trays and a tray cover. The clip has a base having a width providing clearance for a width of a tray and a cut-away relief area for finger access. First and second opposing resilient side walls and a resilient back wall extend upward from the base, forming a structure with an open front and top. First and second resilient, elongated and downwardly curved members are included, each having a proximal end attached to an upper front of a corresponding side wall, and a distal end attached to the back wall. The resilient members are positioned so as to apply pressure to first and second opposing perimeter portions of a tray placed in the clip.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are presented herein for protecting electronic components from damage during transport or “drop testing.” A packaging system of the present invention includes a novel cover tape bonded to a carrier tape, which cover tape includes a foam layer attached thereto on its underside. The foam layer prevents excessive movement of the electronic components within the cavities, thereby protecting the leads and other parts of the components from damage. The method for protecting the components in the cavities of the carrier tape includes attaching the foam layer on the underside of the cover tape before sealing the cover tape on the carrier tape. When the cover tape is bonded to the carrier tape with the components placed in the cavities, the foam layer prevents excessive movement of the components therein.