Abstract: A stirring machine and method for automated mixing of multi-part encapsulants used for coating microelectronic devices such as integrated circuits. The stirring machine includes a variable speed motor; a stirring rod coupled to an output shaft of the motor; a lead screw for vertical adjustment of the stirring rod; a stirring head secured to the stirring rod, the stirring head including at least two spaced apart arms, each of the arms being radially equidistant form the axis of rotation; and a control system for varying the rotational rate and height of the stirring head and the duration of stirring. The stirring machine and method significantly reduce the amount of air entrained in encapsulants in accordance with existing manual methods of production, thereby reducing the time required for de-airing encapsulants.

Abstract: In a method and system for loading a magazine capable of feeding the material into a molding machine, a material to be loaded is placed into a hopper above the magazine. The magazine is slidably seated on a slide plate. The slide plate is moved with a reciprocating motion, causing the magazine to move with a reciprocating motion, and causing the material to fall from the hopper to the magazine. The reciprocating motion of the magazine may be allowed to lag behind the reciprocating motion of the plate, and may, at times, include motion in a direction opposite that of the slide plate. The step of moving the slide plate may include rolling the plate on a plurality of bearings. The motion of the magazine may be limited relative to the slide plate, using at least one stop. A pneumatic cylinder may be included to actuate the at least one stop. The operation of the pneumatic cylinder may be controlled with a solenoid valve.