Retention latch for packaging apparatus

Abstract

A method and apparatus for handling sensitive components includes a tray having an array of integral latches. A portion of each latch serves to maintain the components on their respective mounts. The method of using the tray involves displacing the latch with an end effector to enable automated removal of the component from the tray.

1 . An apparatus for handling workpieces comprising: 
 a tray having a major surface;    an array of mounts attached to the major surface upon which at least one workpiece is placed;    an array of latches integrally formed with the tray, wherein each latch is separated from the workpiece by a narrow space.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the array of mounts are adjacent to the array of latches.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a hook on one end of each latch is above a retention space adjacent said workpiece.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the latch comprises a resilient spring in which a portion of the spring is below the plane of the major surface.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the hook restrains excessive movement of a workpiece positioned below the latch.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the latch is orthogonal to the major surface of the tray.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of clam  1 , further comprising a plurality of standoffs on the major surface.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the workpiece comprises a read/write head, head suspension, micro-actuator, or head gimbal assembly.  
   
   
       9 . An apparatus for handling a plurality of workpieces comprising: 
 a tray having two endwalls and two sidewalls and a major surface adapted to support the workpiece;    an array of mounts attached to the major surface wherein each mount receives a workpiece;    an array of resilient members attached to the major surface and separate from the array of mounts, at least one resilient member being above one of the plurality of workpieces; wherein each resilient member maintains each workpiece on its respective mount.    
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein part of the resilient member is below the plane of the major surface.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein each resilient member has a hook on one end above a retention space adjacent said workpiece.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the resilient member comprises a latch, spring, clip, or similar mechanism.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the resilient member restrains excessive vertical movement of the workpiece.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the sidewalls of the tray are provided with a chamfered rib for stacking purposes.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the workpiece comprises a read/write head, head suspension, micro-actuator, or head gimbal assembly.  
   
   
       16 . A method of using an apparatus for handling a workpiece comprising a unitary structure that includes: 
 a) providing a tray having an array of latches and an array of mounts on a major surface;    b) inserting a workpiece on one of the array of mounts beneath a latch that is integral with the tray;    c) robotically displacing the latch into an extended position; and    d) then removing the workpiece from the tray.