Abstract: A clean and purge tool (CAPT) is provided and includes a nest assembly that stows an open hard disk drive (HDD). The nest assembly is rotated from an upward facing position to a downward facing position to dislodge particles from a media clamp of the HDD. The CAPT also includes a cover hingedly attached to the nest assembly and encloses the HDD. The CAPT also includes a spindle clamp assembly (SCA) mounted on the cover and has a vacuum tube configured to encapsulate the media clamp. The SCA includes an air purge nozzle extending into the vacuum tube. The CAPT dislodges particles from the media clamp when pulses of compressed gas are applied to the media clamp by a compressed gas source via the air purge nozzle and evacuates the particles from the vacuum tube when a vacuum is applied to the vacuum tube by a vacuum source.

Abstract: Provided is a component tape feeder apparatus comprising a single output module, a single component exposure module, operably connected to the single output module, and, a plurality of input modules, wherein each input module of the plurality of input modules is operably connected to the single exposure module. A corresponding method of feeding electronic components includes supplying a plurality of component tapes housing electronic components to the single exposure module, wherein the supplying involves receiving and forwarding of the plurality of component tapes by the plurality of input modules.

Abstract: Provided is a component tape feeder apparatus comprising a single output module, a single component exposure module, operably connected to the single output module, and, a plurality of input modules, wherein each input module of the plurality of input modules is operably connected to the single exposure module. A corresponding method of feeding electronic components includes supplying a plurality of component tapes housing electronic components to the single exposure module, wherein the supplying involves receiving and forwarding of the plurality of component tapes by the plurality of input modules.

Abstract: In recapitulation, the present invention is a method and apparatus for the reliable removal and installation of a component feeding system, such as a direct die feeder, within a printed circuit board or similar assembly machine such as those used in the assembly of printed circuit boards. The invention employs a docking channel operatively affixed to the assembly machine, where the docking channel includes at least a pair of parallel grooves into which alignment rails on the component feeder may be inserted. In this way, the position of the component feeder may be controlled. The docking channel may further include stops, safety locks, alignment pins and a transport device to facilitate easy removal and exchange of component feeders on an assembly machine.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for use within a die feeder associated with a circuit board assembly machines and includes, among other aspects and features, a cavity to capture and maintain the position of the die within a vacuum gripper. The invention also includes the interaction of a pair of nozzles whereas one moves within the nozzle tip containing the die cavity and has the ability to compensate for any offset between the nozzles.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for use within a die feeder associated with a circuit board assembly machines and includes, among other aspects and features, a cavity to capture and maintain the position of the die within a vacuum gripper. The invention also includes the interaction of a pair of nozzles whereas one moves within the nozzle tip containing the die cavity and has the ability to compensate for any offset between the nozzles.

Abstract: In recapitulation, the present invention is a method and apparatus for the reliable removal and installation of a component feeding system, such as a direct die feeder, within a printed circuit board or similar assembly machine such as those used in the assembly of printed circuit boards. The invention employs a docking channel operatively affixed to the assembly machine, where the docking channel includes at least a pair of parallel grooves into which alignment rails on the component feeder may be inserted. In this way, the position of the component feeder may be controlled. The docking channel may further include stops, safety locks, alignment pins and a transport device to facilitate easy removal and exchange of component feeders on an assembly machine.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for use in a die feeder used in automated assembly machines and includes, among other aspects and features, a novel nest for holding a die against a vacuum port and releasing same without an independently controlled vacuum source. The invention also includes a novel elevator mechanism, employed to lift the nest to a pick location and means for positioning and aligning the nest for precision travel and pick location placement.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for automatically storing and replenishing expandable wafers used in component feeders used in automated printed circuit board assembly systems, for example the Hover-Davis Direct Die Feeder (DDF). In the mass production of printed circuit boards automated pick-and-place equipment accepts die from “chip feeders” and then mounts them at a predetermined location on the circuit board. The present invention includes a wafer or tape reel storage bay and a gripping assembly that is moved by a gantry robot to retrieve a wafer or reel from the storage bay and automatically deposit it into a component feeder.

Abstract: A spindle motor is described having a motor stator, a motor rotor, the motor being energized to cause rotation of the rotor supporting a single disc or a stack of discs which is mounted in such a way that the rotating bottom or top (or both) disc surface is closely adjacent to a stationary disc drive casting surface. The squeeze film action in the remaining air gap provides significant damping of the disc vibration. Typical implementation use air gaps of 0.004″-0.006″ for 2½″ drives and 0.006″-0.10″ for 3½″ drives.

Abstract: A direct die feeder picks known good die from a wafer and places them on a conveyor belt, which conveys the die to a pickup location. Frame (111) supports a wafer (105) which is a wafer that is sawed while adhered onto a flexible film, which is then stretched and mounted in a ring (110). A fork member (125), on which a pick head (150) is mounted slides along a horizontal axis and frame (111) slides along a vertical axis to allow the pick head (150) to access any die from the wafer. A camera (160) is directed downward at a 45° mirror (162) adjacent to the pick head to capture images of the wafer and determine the precise locations of die and qualify them. The pick head (150) can pick die from the wafer and place them directly on the conveyor belt (170) in the conventional orientation, or pass the die to a flip head (140) which then shifts to the left and lowers the die down past the pick head, placing the die on the conveyor belt in the flipped orientation.

Abstract: A direct die feeder picks known good die from an expanded wafer and places them on a conveyor belt, which conveys the die to a pickup location. Frame (111) supports an expanded wafer (105) which is a wafer that is sawed and adhered onto a flexible film, which is then stretched and mounted in a ring (110). A fork member (125), on which a pick head (150) is mounted slides along an x-axis and frame (111) slides along a vertical axis to allow the pick head (150) to access any die from the expanded wafer. A camera (160) is directed downward at a 45.degree. mirror adjacent to the pick head to capture images of the wafer and determine the precise locations of known good die on the wafer. The pick head (150) can pick die from the wafer and place them directly on the conveyor belt (170) in the conventional orientation, or pass the die to a transfer head (155) which then shifts to the left and lowers the die down past the pick head, placing the die on the conveyor belt in the flipped orientation.

Abstract: The present invention replaces the current spindle motor ball bearing system of a hard disc drive by a system comprising three separate elements, including a self-pressurizing journal bearing for establishing radial stiffness which comprises a rotating shaft and sleeve with air or other fluid therebetween. A chevron or herringbone pattern is established on the sleeve or shaft to establish a self-pressurizing hydrodynamic bearing which maintains the stability of the system while providing for very simple manufacturing of the system. Additionally, a thrust bearing is defined based on the air pressure build-up between the housing for the disc stack and the disc stack itself. The term "integrated air-bearing" is used to name this thrust bearing because it is built up with components such as discs and housing which exist in any typical hard disc assembly.