Fixture, carrier ring, and method for processing delicate workpieces

An apparatus for handling a workpiece, comprising:

• a frame having a perimeter with an opening and a support structure located in the opening adapted to support the workpiece on the frame;
• retention means mounted to the frame for retaining the workpiece on the frame;
• a fixture adapted to assemble and disassemble the workpiece to the frame, the fixture having movement means for moving the frame relative to the fixture, and engagement means for actuating the retention means relative to the frame and the workpiece;
• and wherein
• the frame has a slit extending around the perimeter for use during processing of the workpiece.

An apparatus for handling workpieces, comprising:

• a plurality of frames, each having a perimeter with an opening and a support structure located in the opening adapted to support one of the workpieces on the frame;
• a spring mounted to each of the frames for selectively retaining the workpieces on the frames;
• and
• a fixture adapted to simultaneously assemble and disassemble the workpieces to the frames, the fixture having elevation means for simultaneously moving the frames in a vertical direction relative to the fixture, and engagement means on the fixture for simultaneously deflecting the springs on the frames out of the openings such that the springs disengage the workpieces, and releasing the springs into the openings such that the springs engage the workpieces.

A method of handling workpieces, comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a fixture, a frame with a retainer, and a workpiece, the fixture having an elevator with first and second positions, and an actuator with first and second positions;
• (b) placing the frame in the fixture;
• (c) moving the actuator from the first position to the second position to retract the retainer, and moving the elevator from the first position to the second position to expose the frame;
• (d) placing the workpiece on the elevator;
• (e) moving the elevator from the second position to the first position to withdraw the frame and the workpiece, and moving the actuator from the second position to the first position to release the retainer and retain the workpiece on the frame;
• and
• (f) moving the elevator from the first position to the second position to expose the frame and the workpiece as an assembly.