Patent attributes
A chip holding apparatus includes a holding block disposed above a circuit board that is formed with a plurality of sockets for holding chips respectively. Each of the sockets is formed with a retainer for securely holding the chip. The chip holding apparatus further includes a lift assembly coupled operably to the holding block. The holding block is formed with a plurality of openings. The lift assembly moves the holding block to a lower position, in which, the holding block presses and disengages the retainers from the sockets in order to permit insertion of the plurality of chips into the sockets via the openings in the holding block, and an upper position above the lower position, in which, the retainers retrieve to its normal condition, thereby retaining the chips securely within the sockets, respectively.