Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1977-1985
Title: **Innovator Spotlight: Dana Roberts Townsend**
Introduction
Dana Roberts Townsend, a talented inventor based in Fishkill, NY, has made significant contributions to the field of integrated circuit testing through her innovative designs. With two patents registered under her name, Dana has showcased her expertise and creativity in engineering.
Latest Patents
Dana's latest patents include:
1. **Modular Test Probe**: This patent details a test probe utilizing a buckling beam array specifically for testing integrated circuits. It features a pair of identical sets of guides positioned on either side of a centerpost to align the buckling beams. One embodiment offsets the holes in one set of guides by a key to induce prebow in the beams. Another embodiment induces prebow through a floating asymmetric separator situated on the centerpost. The design ensures that when a force is applied to the probe, the beams deflect differently but apply a uniform force to the IC's surface, regardless of height variations.
2. **Multiple Site, Differential Displacement, Surface Contacting Assembly**: This invention describes a multiple site probe designed for simultaneous probing of various chip site clusters of pads. The assembly includes a mounting plate equipped with several groups of adjustably mounted probes. Each group interacts with cams and cam followers that offer differential displacement based on their distance from a fixed reference on the mounting plate. An actuator linked to the cams enables the simultaneous actuation necessary for compensating accumulated tolerances or substrate shrinkage.
Career Highlights
Dana Roberts Townsend is currently employed at the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), a leading company in technology and innovation. Throughout her career, she has focused on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of integrated circuit testing through her groundbreaking inventions.
Collaborations
During her career, Dana has worked alongside notable colleagues such as Louis H. Faure and Howard Thomas Johnston, Jr. Their collaboration highlights the power of teamwork in driving technological advancements and innovative solutions in the field.
Conclusion
Dana Roberts Townsend's contributions to the world of patents and invention make her a notable figure in the realm of integrated circuit technology. Her inventive spirit and collaborative efforts have paved the way for more efficient testing methodologies, showcasing the impact of innovation on modern technology.