Manipulator for automatic test equipment test head
US5931048A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 3, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 28, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20341
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A manipulator for a test head connected to automatic test equipment through a heavy, inflexible cable. The manipulator includes a telescoping column assembly to which is mounted a vertical member. A cradle holding the test head is mounted to the vertical member. The cable is clamped at the vertical member to reduce the amount of force exerted by the cable on the test head. The cradle includes movable members to allow fine positioning of the test head, while maintaining the test head isolated from cable force. Course motion of the test head may be made by moving portions of the manipulator on the opposite side of the cable clamp from the test head. Precise positioning of the test head relative to a handling device is accomplished through a positioning mechanism at the interface between the test head and the handling device. To allow the positioning mechanism to operate, the manipulator has compliance which allows the test head to be forced into position by the positioning mechanism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.