Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for testing integrated circuits and permanently affixing the ICs which are successfully tested to a product level carrier substrate. A modular test oven is used which allows the chips to be electrically and thermally tested with the chips non-permanently affixed to a carrier substrate. If all of the chips on the carrier substrate test good, then the temperature within the oven is elevated, thereby reflowing the solder balls and permanently affixing the chips to the carrier substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for testing integrated circuits and permanently affixing the ICs which are successfully tested to a product level carrier substrate. A modular test oven is used which allows the chips to be electrically and thermally tested with the chips non-permanently affixed to a carrier substrate. If all of the chips on the carrier substrate test good, then the temperature within the oven is elevated, thereby reflowing the solder balls and permanently affixing the chips to the carrier substrate. This card can then be used in the manufacture of an electronic device without the necessity of reworking the burned-in ICs. Further, if any of the chips fail the burn-in testing, the time and overhead required for reworking is minimized since the chips are not permanently attached.

Abstract: A glue plate module automatically establishes layers of adhesives thereon periodically interposed between an upper pin plate and a lower lift plate. The pin plate carries a plurality of pendantly disposed and releaseable transfer pins arranged on the plate in a pattern corresponding to that of a desired adhesive dot pattern to be placed on a component board. The pins momentarily contact the adhesive layer to receive adhesive dots. The lift plate supports a circuit board to be populated with the adhesive dot pattern. Means are provided to periodically move the pin plate and lift plate together in momentary contact whereby the adhesive dots carried by the pins are transferred to the board surface in the desired pattern. Conveyor means positioned virgin board onto the lift plate prior to adhesive transfer and remove the boards thereafter. Means are provided to compensate for non-uniform distances between pins and correlative board locations receiving adhesive dots caused by board warpage or the like.

Abstract: An attachable feed and delivery system for envelopes in a high speed, batch printer (14) environment is described. Included is a hopper (10) having input (30) and output sections (32) separated from each other by a spring loaded bail (34). The transport path to and from the print station includes a picker/separator (90) located adjacent to the input section of the hopper. Fresh envelopes are urged toward the pick area by the spring loaded bail (34). Endless belts (56) passing through the base (50) of the hopper (10) assist in urging printed envelopes into the output area (32).

Abstract: There is disclosed an envelope hopper for attachment to a printer requiring envelopes. Spring members provided with adjustable throats for permitting passage of a single envelope are biased downward against the upward force of the supply stack for compensating for changes in relative position of the uppermost envelope and the throats during separation from the stack.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a wire matrix print head print wire guiding device which allows automatic insertion of manufacturing wires in a mold, which wires after molding define curved passageways in the molded print wire guiding device through which the print wires may subsequently be automatically threaded. The molding apparatus includes a great enough plurality of thin, apertured inserts for supporting the manufacturing wires so that an aperture in each insert, through which a manufacturing wire passes, directs the manufacturing wire into the corresponding aperture in the next adjacent insert in the mold. The print wire guiding device manufactured with this apparatus and method is inexpensive to assemble with print wires in a wire matrix print head, because the print wires can be threaded by automated means.

Abstract: A daisy wheel printer print package including a daisy wheel print element and a cartridge. The cartridge is adapted to have the print element inserted thereinto and maintained in a latched and properly oriented position for either acceptance by a printer or storage and shipping. When the package is installed in a printer, the print element is adapted to be unlatched for rotation within the cartridge for printing. Also, the cartridge is adapted to have the print element unlatched and removed therefrom.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, engaging and disengaging a selection motor drive hub and a daisy wheel print element. Included therein and utilized therefor are means for permitting a pivoting of a ribbon cartridge and means for connecting the ribbon cartridge to a selection motor. The motor and cartridge are connected such that upon a pivoting of the ribbon cartridge for (1) a print element change, the hub is translated out of engagement with the print element, and (2) continued printing, the hub is translated into engagement with the print element.

Abstract: A daisy wheel printer carrier for print element and ribbon cartridges. The carrier is made up of a frame having a vertically oriented print element cartridge receptacle adjacent one end and support means for carrying a pivotable ribbon cartridge adjacent the other end. The frame is structured to be mounted on adjustable eccentric rails for slidable translation toward and away from a printer platen, and for orientation relative to the platen upon adjustment of the rails.

Abstract: An under-the-cover automatic font changing apparatus for a daisy wheel printer which utilizes a print element housed in a cartridge during printing. The apparatus is adapted to exchange print elements in the cartridge. Included in the apparatus are an elongated and vertically oriented rack, a plurality of print element holding means located along the rack, drive means for vertically elevating and lowering the rack in a single plane, and means for causing a selection motor drive hub included in the printer to be translated toward and away from the print element for a print element change. During printing, the drive hub is for rotating the print element housed in the cartridge. Cooperating with the apparatus is a carrier positionable along and above the rack and carrying the cartridge. The cartridge has spring means included therein for cooperating with the drive hub upon insertion of one of the holding means into the cartridge.

Abstract: A printer carrier for carrying both a selection motor and a carrier for print element and ribbon cartridges. The printer carrier is made up of a frame, adjustable rails, and a leadscrew follower, and is structured to be mounted on escapement rails. The adjustable rails are for accepting the selection motor and the carrier for print element and ribbon cartridges. Upon adjustment of the rails, the motor and cartridge carrier are oriented relative to a printer platen. The follower is for connecting the apparatus to a leadscrew for controlling escapement along the escapement rails.

Abstract: A cartridge for housing a daisy wheel print element during printing use and non-use. The cartridge has a front, sides, and a back, and is structured to substantially enclose the print element. Included in the makeup of the cartridge are (1) a slot in the top of the front for accommodating a print hammer during printing operations, (2) an orientation opening generally centralized within the front to accept a matching orientation protrusion carried by the print element, (3) a loading opening in the bottom for insertion and removal of the print element, (4) a card holder carried by the top of the back, (5) a ribbon guide carried by the top of the front, and (6) a center bowed leaf spring located within the cartridge. The lower end of the spring acts against the lower inside of the back and the bow acts against the inside of the front adjacent the orientation opening.

Abstract: A daisy wheel printer print element adapted to be housed and oriented in a cartridge during printing and storage. The element has a hammer impact side and a printing side and is made up of a circular central hub, petals connected to the hub and extending radially therefrom, and types carried on the outer extremities of the petals on the printing side of the element. The central hub is dish shaped with its protruding side on the impact side of the element. Carried on the protruding side of the central hub is an orientation protrusion having a stabilizing surface engulfing the axis of rotation of the element. The orientation protrusion is for cooperating with a matching opening in the cartridge. The stabilizing surface is for cooperating with a mating face on a selection motor drive hub. Within the orientation protrusion is a depression also engulfing the axis of rotation of the element. Located within the depression and radially displaced from the axis of rotation of the element is a drive opening.

Abstract: Apparatus for facilitating printer paper feeding. The apparatus is made up of a yoke and a platen channel carrying a paper aligner and feed rollers. The yoke has downwardly extending legs with a detent therebetween. The apparatus is rotatably positionable on a rod mounted parallel to the platen, and the detent is for accepting the rod. The downwardly extending legs are for cooperating with a tooth of a rotatable comb for causing rotation of the apparatus on the rod. The channel serves as a paper deflector and guide for guiding paper about the platen. Within the channel are openings through which front and rear feed rollers carried by the channel extend. Also within the channel is an aligner opening for accepting the paper aligner which is positionable within the aligner opening. The paper aligner has a downwardly extending leg for cooperating with another tooth on the comb to position the aligner within the aligner opening.