Abstract: A semiconductor device ejector/sorter for use in an automated handler for randomly sorting a sequential input of semiconductor devices to one of a series of output tracks depending on a predetermined condition. As each semiconductor device is moved into alignment with the appropriate output track, a controller operates an ejector which uses a flexible push rod to eject the semiconductor device onto the track.

Abstract: A transport mechanism for an automated integrated circuit handler comprises a belt having a plurality of pockets thereon. Each pocket is adapted to carry a single integrated circuit therein and is also adapted for the automatic injection or integrated circuits thereinto and ejection of integrated circuits therefrom. None of the transport functions is gravity-driven. In addition, each pocket has slots therein which allow a test apparatus access to the leads of each part for electrical testing. The belt carries the pockets sequentially past a loading station at which parts are injected, a test station at which testing takes place and at least one output location at which parts are ejected. A high throughput integrated circuit handler capable of handling 60,000 parts per hour or more can be achieved with the disclosed transport mechanism.

Abstract: An integrated circuit sleeve handler comprises an input hopper, a first conveyor for sequentially removing individual sleeves from the hopper, an orientor for uniformly orienting the sleeves, a second conveyor for cooperating with the first conveyor to align each sleeve at a sleeve unloading station, a buffer for temporarily holding empty sleeves, a third conveyor for receiving empty sleeves from the buffer and moving them to and past a sleeve loading station and to an output bin and a fourth conveyor for cooperating with the third conveyor to align each sleeve with the sleeve loading station. Thus, all of the sleeve handling needs for an automated integrated circuit handler can be met with a single apparatus which needs very little manual intervention.

Abstract: An end cap for an integrated circuit sleeve comprises a body portion which fits inside the sleeve and prevents unwanted removal of integrated circuits therefrom and a passage through the body portion which is adapted to permit passage of a pusher mechanism therethrough. The pusher is inserted into the sleeve through the end cap to push integrated circuits out of the opposite end of the sleeve. This end cap reduces the amount of pre- and post-handling manual labor involved in insertion and removal of end caps by one-half.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting packaged integrated circuit parts and feeding them into the input reservoir of a high-speed handler and tester. Parts slide down an input track to the bottom of a fiber-faced belt stretched around two vertically disposed rollers. The leads of the packaged parts are held in frictional contact with the belt fibers which lift the parts to the top of the handler. Efficient operation is accomplished by providing for loading and unloading parts at the same approximate location.

Abstract: An apparatus for the high-speed handling of integrated circuit parts. The apparatus consists essentially of two parts, a test wheel and a sort wheel. It singulates parts from a reservoir of untested parts, moves the parts to electrical contacts for test, moves the tested part out of the contacts and sorts the part into the proper bin.