Pellet loader with pellet separator for molding IC devices

A pellet loading apparatus, comprising:

• a pellet dispenser, including:
• a tablet pusher including a plurality of support surfaces including a pusher mechanism mechanically coupled to each of said plurality of support surfaces for movement in a vertical direction upon actuation;
• a tablet holder on said tablet pusher including a plurality of locations framed by sidewall members aligned in said vertical direction that form columns having open tops for holding a plurality of pellet stacks each comprising a plurality of mold compound pellets;
• a pellet separator having a solid portion and apertures sized to fit around a portion of a top mold pellet in each said plurality of pellet stacks, wherein said pellet separator includes a pellet drive that provides lateral movement of said top mold pellets relative to under pellets in said plurality of pellet stacks so that after said lateral movement said top mold pellets are laterally offset from said under pellets, and
• a tablet lifter comprising a pellet stopper having a plurality of receiving positions for receiving and securing said top mold pellets upon receipt of said top mold pellets after a transfer actuation of said pusher mechanism.