DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Claim Objections
Claim 11 is objected to because of the following informalities: In line 4, after motor, the claim ends with a ".." (2 periods). The second period at the end of claim 11 should be deleted. Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Interpretation
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(f) Element in Claim for a Combination. – An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is invoked.
As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
(A) the claim limitation uses the term “means” or “step” or a term used as a substitute for “means” that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function;
(B) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g., “means for”) or another linking word or phrase, such as “configured to” or “so that”; and
(C) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.
Use of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means” (or “step”) are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word “means” (or “step”) are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action.
This application includes one or more claim limitations that do not use the word “means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because the claim limitation(s) uses a generic placeholder that is coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier. Such claim limitation(s) is/are:
“first vertical driving unit” in claim 1. Paragraph 0009 discloses that the corresponding structure for “[0009] The first vertical driving unit may include a first lifting shaft, and a first lifting element coupled to the first driving block and configured to move upward or downward under constraint by the first lifting shaft.”
“second vertical driving unit” in claim 1. Paragraph 0009 discloses that the corresponding structure for “[0010] The second vertical driving unit may include a second lifting shaft, and a second lifting element coupled to the second driving block and configured to move upward or downward under constraint by the second lifting shaft.”
Additional structure for the first vertical driving unit and the second vertical driving unit is disclosed as “[0016] Furthermore, at least one of the first and second vertical driving unit may further include a rotating unit configured to rotate the first or second lifting shaft. The rotating unit may include an internal threaded portion or an external threaded portion formed in the first or second lifting shaft, and an external threaded portion or an internal threaded portion which is formed on the lifting element corresponding to the first or second lifting shaft. [0017] The rotating unit may include a first pulley coupled to the first or second lifting shaft, a second pulley coupled to a driving motor, and a belt coupled to the first pulley and the second pulley.”
“first lifting element” in claim 2. Paragraph 0045 discloses that the corresponding structure for the first lifting element may be that “Furthermore, the first lifting element 62 may be configured as a nut-shaped element (hereinafter referred to as a nut), and may preferably include, in a certain section, a thread that correspond to the thread of the first lifting shaft 61. ” Paragraph 0046 alternatively discloses that “As another example, the first lifting shaft 61 may be a stator of a linear motor, in which case the second lifting element 62 may be a mover of the linear motor (e.g., a moving slider) .”
“second lifting element” in claim 3. Paragraph 0048 discloses that the corresponding structure for the first lifting element may be that “a second lifting element 62" (a nut-shaped element or a mover of the linear motor)”
“a rotating unit” in claim 9. Paragraph 0016-17 discloses that the corresponding structure for the first lifting element may be that “[0016] Furthermore, at least one of the first and second vertical driving unit may further include a rotating unit configured to rotate the first or second lifting shaft. The rotating unit may include an internal threaded portion or an external threaded portion formed in the first or second lifting shaft, and an external threaded portion or an internal threaded portion which is formed on the lifting element corresponding to the first or second lifting shaft. [0017] The rotating unit may include a first pulley coupled to the first or second lifting shaft, a second pulley coupled to a driving motor, and a belt coupled to the first pulley and the second pulley.”
Because this/these claim limitation(s) is/are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, it/they is/are being interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
If applicant does not intend to have this/these limitation(s) interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may: (1) amend the claim limitation(s) to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the claimed function); or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitation(s) recite(s) sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claim(s) 1-4 and 7-8 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102a1 as being anticipated by Lee (KR 102244580 B1).
As to claim 1, Lee discloses a die ejector (ide ejector 100) comprising:
an ejector module (“ejector unit 110) including an ejecting block (a plurality of ejector members 112”) that comes into contact with dicing tape (“dicing tape 24”);
a first driving block (one of either the “flange 114a” or “flanges 114b, c, d”) configured to perform, through upward or downward movement thereof, first upward or downward movement of the ejecting block;
a second driving block (the other of the “flange 114a” or “flanges 114b, c, d”) configured to perform, through upward or downward movement thereof, second upward or downward movement of the ejecting block;
a first vertical driving unit configured to move the first and second driving blocks upward or downward simultaneously (one of either “a second drive unit 176 for elevating and lowering the second drive shaft 174 may be included.” or “a driving unit 160 for elevating the driving shaft 158”); and
a second vertical driving unit configured to move only the second driving block upward or downward (other of either “a driving unit 160 for elevating the driving shaft 158” or “a second drive unit 176 for elevating and lowering the second drive shaft 174 may be included.”).
See the translation, disclosing:
The ejector driving unit 150 includes a driving head 156 coupled to a lower surface of the lifting head 152 and a driving shaft 158 coupled to the driving head 156 and extending downward from the driving head 156. ), and a driving unit 160 for elevating the driving shaft 158. In this case, the drive shaft 158 may include an upper drive shaft 158a connected to the drive head 156 and a lower drive shaft 158b connected to the upper drive shaft 158a through the lower cover 134. have.
As an example, the driving unit 160 may include a cam 162 and a motor 164 for rotating the cam 162, and on the cam 162 at a lower portion of the driving shaft 158 The cam follower 166 in the form of a roller to be disposed may be mounted. A second elastic member 168 may be disposed in the lower cover 134 to provide an elastic force downward so that the cam follower 166 is in close contact with the cam 162.
See later in the translation, disclosing:
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the die ejector 100 is disposed under the lowermost flange 114d, and has a stopper head 170 for limiting downward movement of the lowermost flange 114d, and the lowermost end In order to adjust the height of the flange 114d, it may include a stopper driving unit 172 that lifts and lowers the stopper head 170. As an example, the stopper head 170 may be configured to surround the lifting head 152 and the driving head 156, and the stopper driving part 172 is coupled to the lower portion of the stopper head 170 and the A second drive shaft 174 extending downward from the stopper head 170 to penetrate the lower cover 134 and a second drive unit 176 for elevating and lowering the second drive shaft 174 may be included. .
As an example, the second drive unit 176 may include a second cam 178 and a second motor 180 for rotating the second cam 178, and the second drive shaft 174 A second cam follower 182 in the form of a roller disposed on the second cam 178 may be mounted on the lower portion of the. A third elastic member 184 may be disposed in the lower cover 134 to provide an elastic force downward so that the second cam follower 182 is in close contact with the second cam 178.
See also later in the translation, disclosing:
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ejector driving unit 150 may raise the lifting head 152 so that the ejector members 112 as a whole protrude from the upper surface of the hood 120, through which The edge portion of the die 22 to be picked up may be separated from the dicing tape 24. After the ejector members 112 are raised, the stopper driving part 172 may adjust the height of the stopper head 170 to limit the height of the lowermost flange 114d. For example, the stopper driving part 172 may raise the stopper head 170 so that the stopper head 170 is in close contact with the lower surface of the lowermost flange 114d, and subsequently, the innermost ejector member ( While the ejector members 112a, 112b, and 112c except for 112d) descend, the lowermost flange 114d may be supported.
The ejector driving unit 150 may lower the lifting head 152 after the stopper head 170 is raised. At this time, the uppermost flange 114a and the outermost ejector member 112a connected to the elevating head 152 through the connection pins 154 may descend first, and then the lowermost flange 114d and the Excluding the inner ejector member 112d, the remaining flanges 114b and 114c and the remaining ejector members 112b and 112c may descend. In particular, it is preferable that the ejector members 112a, 112b, and 112c except for the innermost ejector member 112d are sequentially lowered from the outside toward the inside. To this end, the elastic members 140 may have an elastic force gradually increasing downward. For example, the elastic force of the elastic member 140a between the second flange 114b and the third flange 114c positioned under the uppermost flange 114a is the third flange 114c and the lowermost flange 114d. ) May be configured to be smaller than the elastic force of the elastic member (140b) between.
See Also Figures 1-3, below:
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As to claim 2, Lee discloses wherein the first vertical driving unit comprises a first lifting shaft (one of “driving shaft 158” or “second driving shaft 174”), and a first lifting element (one of “guide member 169” or “second guide member 186”) coupled to the first driving block and configured to move upward or downward under constraint by the first lifting shaft.
As to claim 3, Lee discloses wherein the second vertical driving unit comprises a second lifting shaft (other of “driving shaft 158” or “second driving shaft 174”), and a second lifting element (other of “guide member 169” or “second guide member 186”) coupled to the second driving block and configured to move upward or downward under constraint by the second lifting shaft.
As to claim 4, Lee discloses wherein the first driving block includes a hollow space therein, and wherein the second driving block is installed in the hollow space.
See the close up of Figure 3 below, showing a hollow space with the portions of flanges 114a-d inside of each other, which reads on the limitation of wherein the first driving block includes a hollow space therein, and wherein the second driving block is installed in the hollow space.
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As to claim 7, Lee discloses further comprising a stopper (stopper head 170; alternatively, locking protrusion 126) configured to limit upward movement of the first driving block so that when the second vertical driving unit operates, only the second driving block moves upward.
See the translation, disclosing:
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the die ejector 100 is disposed under the lowermost flange 114d, and has a stopper head 170 for limiting downward movement of the lowermost flange 114d, and the lowermost end In order to adjust the height of the flange 114d, it may include a stopper driving unit 172 that lifts and lowers the stopper head 170. As an example, the stopper head 170 may be configured to surround the lifting head 152 and the driving head 156, and the stopper driving part 172 is coupled to the lower portion of the stopper head 170 and the A second drive shaft 174 extending downward from the stopper head 170 to penetrate the lower cover 134 and a second drive unit 176 for elevating and lowering the second drive shaft 174 may be included.
…
Meanwhile, a second permanent magnet 136 for coupling between the hood 120 and the ejector body 130 may be provided on the intermediate tube 132 of the ejector body 130. Meanwhile, a locking protrusion 126 for limiting downward movement of the flanges 114 may be provided on an inner surface of the hood 120. As an example, a snap ring functioning as the locking projection 126 may be mounted on an inner surface of the hood 120.
See also the closeup of Figure 2, elements 126 and 170, below:
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As to claim 8, Lee discloses wherein the stopper comprises a locking protrusion formed on an outer surface of the first driving block and protruding outward to engage with an ejector housing.
See the translation, disclosing:
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the die ejector 100 is disposed under the lowermost flange 114d, and has a stopper head 170 for limiting downward movement of the lowermost flange 114d, and the lowermost end In order to adjust the height of the flange 114d, it may include a stopper driving unit 172 that lifts and lowers the stopper head 170. As an example, the stopper head 170 may be configured to surround the lifting head 152 and the driving head 156, and the stopper driving part 172 is coupled to the lower portion of the stopper head 170 and the A second drive shaft 174 extending downward from the stopper head 170 to penetrate the lower cover 134 and a second drive unit 176 for elevating and lowering the second drive shaft 174 may be included.
…
Meanwhile, a second permanent magnet 136 for coupling between the hood 120 and the ejector body 130 may be provided on the intermediate tube 132 of the ejector body 130. Meanwhile, a locking protrusion 126 for limiting downward movement of the flanges 114 may be provided on an inner surface of the hood 120. As an example, a snap ring functioning as the locking projection 126 may be mounted on an inner surface of the hood 120.
See also the closeup of Figure 2, elements 126 and 170, below:
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Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claim(s) 5-6 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Lee (KR 102244580 B1) as applied to claims 1-4 and 7-8 above.
As to claim 5, Lee does not disclose wherein the second lifting shaft and the second lifting element of the second vertical driving unit are installed in the hollow space of the first driving block.
However, as noted above in the rejection, Lee discloses wherein the first driving block includes a hollow space therein, and wherein the second driving block is installed in the hollow space.
See the close up of Figure 3 above in the rejection of claim 4, showing a hollow space with the portions of flanges 114a-d inside of each other, which reads on the limitation of wherein the first driving block includes a hollow space therein, and wherein the second driving block is installed in the hollow space.
Furthermore, hollow spaces are present throughout Lee, as the second lifting shaft and the second lifting element of the second vertical driving unit are installed in a hollow space in order to enable translational or linear movement.. Additionally, rearrangement of parts and changes in size and shape and integration of parts is very often obvious. MPEP 2144.04.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the filing of the invention to have utilized wherein the second lifting shaft and the second lifting element of the second vertical driving unit are installed in the hollow space of the first driving block by utilizing an obvious rearrangement of parts and changes in size and shape and integration of parts such as the hollow spaces under MPEP 2144.04.
As to claim 6, Lee does not disclose wherein the first driving block comprises a guide portion provided on an inner surface thereof, and wherein the second driving block comprises a sliding portion constrained by the guide portion so that the second driving block moves upward or downward along the guide portion.
However, Lee discloses that the driving blocks are nested within each other and can slide or change position relative to each other. See the close up of Figure 3 below, showing a hollow space with the portions of flanges 114a-d inside of each other, which reads on the limitation of wherein the first driving block includes a hollow space therein, and wherein the second driving block is installed in the hollow space.
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Additionally, rearrangement of parts and changes in size and shape and integration of parts is very often obvious. MPEP 2144.04.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the filing of the invention to have utilized wherein the first driving block comprises a guide portion provided on an inner surface thereof, and wherein the second driving block comprises a sliding portion constrained by the guide portion so that the second driving block moves upward or downward along the guide portion by utilizing an obvious rearrangement of parts and changes in size and shape and integration of parts such as the hollow spaces under MPEP 2144.04.
Claim(s) 9-11 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Lee (KR 102244580 B1) as applied to claims 1-4 and 7-8 above, and further in view of Gaunekar (US 20050198799 A1) and Nakamura (US 5755373 A).
As to claim 9, Lee does not disclose wherein at least one of the first and second vertical driving units further comprises a rotating unit configured to rotate the first or second lifting shaft, wherein the first or second lifting shaft includes an internal threaded portion or an external threaded portion, and the first or second lifting element includes an external threaded portion or an internal threaded portion.
However, Gaunekar and Nakamura makes obvious wherein at least one of the first and second vertical driving units further comprises a rotating unit configured to rotate the first or second lifting shaft, wherein the first or second lifting shaft includes an internal threaded portion or an external threaded portion, and the first or second lifting element includes an external threaded portion or an internal threaded portion. Gaunekar discloses using a rotary motor. Additionally, mechanical structures such as threaded portions or screws are conventional transmission/linkage mechanisms used to convert rotational motion of a rotary motor into translational motion. See especially paragraphs 0003-0004, discussing conventional die ejector systems, and discussing the Nakamura reference:
[0003] Traditionally, die bonding machines use die ejection systems based on some kind of transmission/linkage mechanism used to convert rotational motion of a rotary motor into translational motion used for facilitating ejection of a die. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,373 for a "Die Push-Up Device" discloses a mechanism including a push-up needle raised and lowered by a cam that is actuated by a rotary motor.
[0004] FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram showing various parts of a conventional ejection system in greater detail. The ejection pins 1 are held by a collet 1a, which is mounted at the end of a shaft 2. A roller 15 is affixed to the lower end of the shaft. A rotary motor 20 is used to drive a high precision cam 16, which actuates the shaft 2 through the roller 15 in order to reduce friction. Typically a step-down transmission consisting of a timing belt 18 and pulleys 17, 19 is used to drive the cam 16. Any other suitable transmission mechanism may be used.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the filing of the invention to have utilized wherein at least one of the first and second vertical driving units further comprises a rotating unit configured to rotate the first or second lifting shaft, wherein the first or second lifting shaft includes an internal threaded portion or an external threaded portion, and the first or second lifting element includes an external threaded portion or an internal threaded portion as suggested by Gaunekar’s rotary motor and transmission/linkage mechanism used to convert rotational motion of a rotary motor into translational motion in order to facilitate the linear motion needed to eject a die.
As to claim 10, Lee does not disclose wherein the rotating unit comprises a first pulley coupled to the first or second lifting shaft, a second pulley coupled to a driving motor, and a belt coupled to the first pulley and the second pulley.
However, Gaunekar makes obvious wherein the rotating unit comprises a first pulley coupled to the first or second lifting shaft, a second pulley coupled to a driving motor, and a belt coupled to the first pulley and the second pulley.
See especially paragraphs 0003-0004, discussing conventional die ejector systems, and discussing the Nakamura reference:
[0003] Traditionally, die bonding machines use die ejection systems based on some kind of transmission/linkage mechanism used to convert rotational motion of a rotary motor into translational motion used for facilitating ejection of a die. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,373 for a "Die Push-Up Device" discloses a mechanism including a push-up needle raised and lowered by a cam that is actuated by a rotary motor.
[0004] FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram showing various parts of a conventional ejection system in greater detail. The ejection pins 1 are held by a collet 1a, which is mounted at the end of a shaft 2. A roller 15 is affixed to the lower end of the shaft. A rotary motor 20 is used to drive a high precision cam 16, which actuates the shaft 2 through the roller 15 in order to reduce friction. Typically a step-down transmission consisting of a timing belt 18 and pulleys 17, 19 is used to drive the cam 16. Any other suitable transmission mechanism may be used.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the filing of the invention to have utilized wherein the rotating unit comprises a first pulley coupled to the first or second lifting shaft, a second pulley coupled to a driving motor, and a belt coupled to the first pulley and the second pulley as suggested by Gaunekar timing belt and pulleys with in order to convert rotational motion of a rotary motor into translational motion in order to facilitate the linear motion needed to eject a die.
As to claim 11, Lee does not disclose wherein the first or second lifting shaft comprises a ball screw or a stator of a linear motor, and the first or second lifting element comprises a nut or a mover of the linear motor.
However, Gaunekar discloses and makes obvious wherein the first or second lifting shaft comprises a ball screw or a stator of a linear motor, and the first or second lifting element comprises a nut or a mover of the linear motor. As to the ball screw and nut, Gaunekar teaches “some kind of transmission/linkage mechanism used to convert rotational motion of a rotary motor into translational motion used for facilitating ejection of a die” and mechanical structures such as threaded portions or screws are conventional transmission/linkage mechanisms used to convert rotational motion of a rotary motor into translational motion. See especially paragraphs 0003-0004, discussing conventional die ejector systems, and discussing the Nakamura reference:
[0003] Traditionally, die bonding machines use die ejection systems based on some kind of transmission/linkage mechanism used to convert rotational motion of a rotary motor into translational motion used for facilitating ejection of a die. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,373 for a "Die Push-Up Device" discloses a mechanism including a push-up needle raised and lowered by a cam that is actuated by a rotary motor.
[0004] FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram showing various parts of a conventional ejection system in greater detail. The ejection pins 1 are held by a collet 1a, which is mounted at the end of a shaft 2. A roller 15 is affixed to the lower end of the shaft. A rotary motor 20 is used to drive a high precision cam 16, which actuates the shaft 2 through the roller 15 in order to reduce friction. Typically a step-down transmission consisting of a timing belt 18 and pulleys 17, 19 is used to drive the cam 16. Any other suitable transmission mechanism may be used.
As to the stator of a linear motor, Gaunekar teaches a stator and linear motor. See the abstract, disclosing stator and linear motor alternatives.
The invention provides a die ejector system and method for removing a die from an adhesive surface. The system comprises an ejector tool that is operative to move relative to the die whereby to push the die. The ejector tool may consist of a collet holder and an ejector pin array. A shaft holds the ejector tool and is in turn coupled to a forcer of a linear motor. The forcer is movable relative to a stator of the linear motor. After the die is pushed by the ejector tool, a die pick-up device removes the die from the adhesive surface.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the filing of the invention to have utilized wherein the first or second lifting shaft comprises a ball screw or a stator of a linear motor, and the first or second lifting element comprises a nut or a mover of the linear motor as suggested by Gaunekar’s rotary motor and transmission/linkage mechanism or stator and forcer mechanism as both are used in order to facilitate the linear motion needed to eject a die.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to GEORGE R KOCH whose telephone number is (571)272-5807. The examiner can also be reached by E-mail at george.koch@uspto.gov if the applicant grants written authorization for e-mails. Authorization can be granted by filling out the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) Form.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, PHILIP C TUCKER can be reached at (571)272-1095. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/GEORGE R KOCH/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 1745
GRK
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