US 7,000,310 B2 · Method of handling a workpiece

Abstract

A method for handling workpieces such as hard disk drive sliders during a debonding process uses a fixture having two sets of finger-like projections that are interleaved. The sets are movable relative to each other to space apart the sliders after they are processed from their original row configuration. The post-processing separation is required to properly debond the sliders. The fingers on each set are closely interleaved to reduce the amount of displacement required to adequately separate the sliders for debonding. After the sliders are displaced, they are directly debonded into the inspection trays. This design eliminates the need for manual handling of the workpieces during these phases of manufacturing.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A method of handling a workpiece, comprising:

(a) providing a workpiece having a first configuration;
(b) mounting the workpiece on a fixture;
(c) processing the workpiece while the workpiece is mounted to the fixture;
(d) cutting the workpiece into pieces that remain mounted to the fixture and in the first configuration;
(e) articulating the fixture such that the pieces are oriented in a second configuration;
(f) positioning the pieces in receptacles that are arranged in the second configuration and inverting the fixture with the pieces attached in order to position the pieces in the receptacles;
and then
(g) dismounting the pieces from the fixture such that the pieces remain in the receptacles and retaining the pieces in the receptacles with the fixture while the pieces are being dismounted from the fixture.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method of handling a workpiece

Life of this patent

Method of handling a workpiece

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17