Patent · US Expired

Dual stage latch and release mechanism

US6964577B1 · kind B1 · utility

0Cited by
0References
8Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 8, 2004
Grant dateNov 15, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 8, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01R31/2889
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

The present invention is a dual stage latch assembly with a cam follower pin mounted on a spring-tensioned arm, especially useful for vacuum test fixtures for printed circuit boards. The arm is spring-loaded on both sides, so that the arm is always biased to the upright and neutral position, regardless of which direction the arm is pivoted. A catch is provided to define the path of the cam pin and to hold the cam in certain positions. The cam pin follows a defined path around the catch, creating a first closed stage, a first release position, a second closed stage and a final release position.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.