Abstract: A method of transferring of integrated circuit devices into and/or out of a plurality of underlying sockets having contacts and mounted to a board, comprising the steps of (A) disposing a socket presser block across at least some of the plurality of sockets, the presser block defining a matrix of cutouts and ribs and being configured to assume a first position in which the presser block is movable and a second position in which the matrix of cutouts is adapted to align with the sockets, (B) placing the presser block in the first position and moving the presser block so the cutouts are aligned with the sockets, and (C) placing the presser block in the second position and transferring the devices into and/or out of the sockets.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring of integrated circuit devices or other devices into and/or out of a plurality of sockets includes at least one guide rod; a presser housing slidingly coupled to the at least one guide rod; a socket presser block movably coupled to the presser housing and a handle assembly. The presser block defines a matrix of cutouts and ribs and is configured to assume a first position in which the presser housing is slideable on the guide rod and a second position in which the matrix of cutouts is aligned with corresponding underlying sockets mounted to a board and in which at least some of the ribs push on the underlying sockets to retract contacts thereof to allow the devices to be transferred into and/or out of the underlying sockets through the cutouts.