a method for dispensing , receiving , storing , testing or binning packaged integrated circuit devices using at least one vertically - oriented , removable , tubular magazine disposed above a controllably - driven , rod - like indexing element extending from a drive below the magazine . a magazine , with an associated indexing element and drive , is configurable as an individual magazine module . the indexing element , under power of the drive , raises or lowers a vertical stack of devices to a desired level adjacent the top of the magazine to dispense or receive an individual device from a feed mechanism , such as a pick - and - place mechanism . a number of magazine modules may be assembled in a multi - module array , which is particularly suitable for binning tested devices , with a sort category being directed to each magazine .