International Business Machines Corporation

Christian J Bunker

Robert Edward Brown

Jiann-Chang Lo

James Christopher Mahlbacher

James E Boyette, Jr

A linear actuator includes a stationary stator and an external armature moving with a coil moving within a magnetic structure. A linear bearing including a stationary track fastened to the stator and a moving track fastened to the armature extends on each side of the magnetic structure. In each linear bearing, balls rotate between the stationary and moving tracks with movement of the armature. During the process of manufacturing the linear actuator, the moving track of each linear bearing is loosely mounted to the armature, a pre-load force is applied to the moving track using a tool fastened to the armature, and the moving track is clamped in place so that the pre-load force is subsequently maintained.

Probe position actuator with an elongated stroke

A dual contact probe tip is provided within a flying probe circuit tester to make separate electrical contacts with a circuit under test at two closely-spaced test points. The tip includes a mounting block having an attachment section attached to a carriage of the tester and a pair of flexible cantilever sections, with a probe pin extending from a distal end of each of these cantilever sections to make contact with the circuit. One electrical path is established through the conductive mounting block and one of the probe pins. The other probe pin is coated with an insulating material except for its point and for a surface to which a wire is soldered, so that the other electrical path is established through this other probe pin and the attached wire. Each probe pin is tapered toward its point, and the probe pins extend from the mounting block at an oblique angle toward one another.

Growing community of inventors

Boynton Beach, FL, United States of America

Christian J Bunker