Thomas S Swain

US Patent:

45330433, Aug 6, 1985

Filed:

Apr 5, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/482121

Inventors:

Thomas L. Swain - Barrington RI

Assignee:

Monolithic Memories, Inc. - Sunnyvale CA

International Classification:

B65D 7302

US Classification:

206328

Abstract:

An integrated circuit package magazine and receptacle is provided in which one or both ends of a longitudinally elongated magazine tube (10) are cut-out to form inwardly facing spring gates (16) which have ends (18) abutting ends (22) of a series of integrated semiconductor packages (20) slidably contained on a rail surface (13) in the interior of the magazine. In its neutral inward position spring gate 16 functions to prevent egress of the semiconductor packages while allowing easy ingress of the packages by spring movement of the spring gate upwardly into a position in the same plane as the top wall (15) of the tube. The tube may take various exterior and interior configurations. Automatic release of semiconductor packages from the tube is provided by utilizing the tube in conjunction with a receptacle (30) having a longitudinal rail (34) onto which the magazine is insertable. The receptacle is of U-shaped cross-section and has an operating paw facing outwardly from the receptacle in a position to intersect and disable the spring gate (16) of the insertable magazine ( 10). A leaf spring (41) is provided to assist in guiding the magazine tube so that the paw engages and disables the magazine spring gate.