Abstract: A tray for the storage and transportation of multiple ball grid array (BGA) integrated circuit components in either of two component orientations. The tray has a lattice framework that defines discrete storage pocket areas. First inwardly facing tabs on the framework define a first support plane for engaging a component is a first orientation of the tray and component. Second inwardly facing tabs on the framework define a second support plane for engaging the component in the second orientation of the tray and component. The framework includes oppositely directed central and corner extensions that stabilize the component in the housing plane in either orientation and a registration structure for allowing the plural trays to be stacked for transport in either orientation.

Abstract: A system for storing integrated circuits in a stacked relationship comprising integrated circuit storage trays and spacer trays. Each integrated circuit storage tray has a storage pocket area for containing an integrated circuit. When portions of the integrated circuit protrude beyond the overall profile of the storage tray, a spacer tray can be interposed between adjacent storage trays. The spacer tray elevates an adjacent storage tray to clear the protruding portions of the integrated circuit. The spacer tray also includes tabs or other structures for overlying portions of each integrated circuit in an adjacent storage tray thereby to retain the integrated circuits within the storage tray.

Abstract: A carrier for a flatpack integrated circuit component. The carrier includes a square frame formed of a conductive plastic and a series of electrically isolating comb inserts for supporting terminals from a flat pack integrated circuit component. Elongated slots at each of the corners of the frame support linearly reciprocal slide tabs that move between first and second positions. In the first position a finger from each slide tab overlies the frame member; in a second position the finger overlies either a portion of the component housing or a portion of the comb inserts and at least one terminal from the integrated circuit in the comb at each corner thereby to retain the component in the carrier.

Abstract: An end stop for use in a magazine for carrying components. The end stop comprises a head that overlies one of a set aligned apertures in a magazine. A leg projecting from the head passes through the apertures to obstruct an opening at the end of the magazine. A retaining structure hinged to an intermediate portion of the leg extends toward the head and is spaced from a top wall of the structure. As the end stop is inserted, the wall of the magazine pivots the retaining means. After the retaining means passes through the wall, the retaining means relaxes to overlie the wall and capture the end stop to the magazine.

Abstract: A carrier adapted for diverse electrical and electronic components to facilitate shipping, handling and testing of these components. The carrier comprises a conductive frame and an electrically isolating insert. The insert electrically isolates each terminal lead of the component from other terminal leads as well as from all conductive material. The conductive frame abuts additional surfaces of the insulative insert, as well as forming most external surfaces of the carrier structure, thereby dissipating any electrostatic charges that can accumulate. The electrically isolating insert comprises a moldable plastic material having a limited amount of conductive filler such that the surface resistivity of the insert is at least 10.sup.10 ohms.

Abstract: A carrier system for PGA components comprising a carrier frame and a removable retaining means for capturing a PGA component against an insulating plate in the carrier frame. Bumpers at opposite ends of the carrier dissipate mechanical shocks to protect the component. A removable alignment means coacts with the carrier frame to facilitate the positioning of a PGA component on the insulating plate. A removal means facilitates the disengagement of the removable retaining means from the carrier frame when it is appropriate to remove the PGA component.

Abstract: A carrier adapted for diverse electrical and electronic components in flatpack packages to facilitate shipping, handling and testing of these components. The carrier frame supports the flatpack package with its housing and terminals in a central area of the carrier frame. A retention cover with depending legs interacts with the carrier frame outside the central area to lock the retention cover to the carrier frame. The retention cover has an open construction that facilitates access to the terminals for testing. A removal tool facilitates the release of the retention cover. The removal tool captures the carrier frame and allows the carrier frame to slide through the tool. A central structure in the removal tool deflects and releases the depending legs from the carrier frame thereby to release the retention cover.

Abstract: A tray for storage and transportation of multiple pin grid array (PGA) integrated circuit components. The tray has a lattice framework that defines discrete storage pocket areas. Each storage pocket area comprises a base support that spans portions of the framework and includes upstanding ribs that engage the integrated circuit component. The locus of the upstanding ribs of a given set constitutes a rectangle or square that is concentric with and spaced from the locus of other sets of upstanding ribs. Depending terminal pins from the housing lie between individual ones of the upstanding ribs. The trays are stackable.

Abstract: A carrier system for facilitating the production of electrical assemblies with electrical components including a component carrier and a fixture for facilitating component insertion and removal with the carrier. The carrier comprises an open rectangular peripheral skirt with a transverse support plate for engaging a component housing. Spaced flexible bowed retaining arms extend across the peripheral skirt. Each arm has a clip extension for securing the component housing in the carrier. Central operating structures on each retaining arm facilitate movement between first and second positions. Slide tabs on each arm coact with the peripheral skirt to prevent rotation of the retaining arms during motion. Operating tabs are spaced at fixed positions relative to the peripheral skirt. Supporting plates interconnect each tab to a respective operating arm that is positioned within the peripheral skirt as a function of component housing size.

Abstract: Carriers for electronic components in transistor outline packages with terminals arranged in circular or rectangular arrays. The carrier has a conductive frame including a planar portion, side rails and a housing section disposed along an axis transverse to the planar section. The housing contains an insert of insulating material with apertures disposed in an array corresponding to the terminal array thereby to grip at least some of the terminals and electrically isolate those terminals from each other. The insert has a length along the transverse axis that is at least coextensive with the terminals thus to isolate the terminals completely. A portion of the insert extends along the planar surface and the insert is open to receive the terminal test leads or other mechanisms for testing the component. Specific embodiments for TO packages with a different terminal arrays are disclosed.

Abstract: A carrier adapted for diverse electrical and electronic components to facilitate shipping, handling and testing of these components. The carrier comprises a conductive frame and an insulative insert. The insulative insert electrically isolates each terminal lead of the component from other terminal leads as well as from all conductive material. The conductive frame abuts additional surfaces of the insulative insert, as well as forming most external surfaces of the carrier structure, thereby dissipating any electrostatic charges that can accumulate.

Abstract: A carrier system for PGA components comprising a carrier frame and a removable retaining means for capturing a PGA component against an insulating plate in the carrier frame. Bumpers at opposite ends of the carrier dissipate mechanical shocks to protect the component. A removable alignment means coacts with the carrier frame to facilitate the positioning of a PGA component on the insulating plate. A removal means facilitates the disengagement of the removable retaining means from the carrier frame when it is appropriate to remove the PGA component.

Abstract: A snap on bumper for protecting integrated circuits and like components from damage during various handling operations. The bumper comprises end portions that overlie the ends of the components and absorb shock. Interconnecting struts interconnect the ends and have a bowed construction to enable a range of distance variations between the ends. Lip portions on each end facilitate a positive clamping of the bumper to the component.

Abstract: A spring for each end of a tubular carrier to secure them against sliding and slipping within the tube. The spring having a tongue carrying on its tip an upwardly jutting pin which is upwardly resilient. The pin latches into through apertures in the top wall of the carrier and may have a camming means forward of the pin comprising a pair of ramps extending forward and down from the pin and symmetrical about a longitudinal axis.The tongue has a base and in one embodiment extends rearward of the base. In a preferred embodiment the tongue has a base and extends forward of the base. The tongue may have a surround, and in the preferred embodiment the tongue may extend forward of a lower ledge at the rear of the surround.In use, as the spring enters the carrier against a chip, the pin is cammed down. When the spring is compressed against the chip sufficiently, the pin enters an aperture in the top wall of the carrier, and latches the spring.

Abstract: An injection-molded single piece holder for a plastic leaded chip carrier having "J" leads. The holder is made of conductive plastic and has two flexible, snap-acting arms which engage the top surface of the chip carrier to retain it in the holder while at the same time protecting the "J" leads and leaving them exposed for testing. The holder has supporting surfaces with contours which match those of chip carriers to assure a predetermined orientation of each carrier in the holder. The holder has one or more locating notches for engaging corresponding ribs in a magazine to insure that plural holders stored in the magazine all have the same orientation within the magazine.

Abstract: A plastic spring for each end of a tubular carrier, or magazine, used to transport integrated circuits, especially ceramic IC's, to secure them against sliding or chipping within the tube is formed with a finger grip, or stop pin end and an opposite IC contacting end, the ends being joined by a plurality of integral sections of flexible, resilient elastomeric material of rhombus, or diamond, shape joined along the longitudinal center line by integral webs to form a one piece, flat, thin body of uniform outside depth and width and fitting in the space between the upper and lower parallel walls of the tubular carrier. The spring is preferably carbon conductive to avoid static build-up.