Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Hewlett-packard Company

Edward Steketee

John Bernard Medberry

Benno M Guggenheimer

Brad E Clements

David Hwang

James D Adams

Andrew M Terry

An edge detector with sub-micron accuracy. The edge detector comprises two single mode optical fibers with an optical path between them. One fiber is coupled to a laser light source, and creates a light beam. The other fiber is coupled to an optical power detector. The optical power reaching the optical power detector is determined by how much of the light beam is obscured by an object. Thus the position of the edge of the object may be determined from the optical power measured by the detector. The edge of an object may be positioned automatically according to the optical power measured by the detector.

Sub-micron accuracy edge detector

A strain relief comprises a generally cylindrically shaped, spool-like member having at least one radial slot therein that extends along a portion of the length of the cylindrically shaped, spool-like member. The radial slot divides the cylindrically shaped, spool-like member into a first hemi-spool portion and a second hemi-spool portion. The radial slot also defines a bridge section that connects the first and second hemi-spool portions. The bridge section is severable to allow the second hemi-spool portion to be separated from the first hemi-spool portion.

Expandable strain relief for flexible cable-like members

An improvement in the enclosure assembly for automated testing devices. The enclosure includes various modular components, such that one components contains common elements and another component contains unique elements. The common elements may be elements found in a design family and the unique elements may be the unique feature of a device in a design family. The customized and common components are mounted in a chassis and enclosed with a cover.

Test fixture customization adapter enclosure

A single action card engagement mechanism having a connector block facing locking blocks. The connector block and locking blocks are spaced apart to receive a circuit card. The connector block provides pogo pins in register with card pins on the card. Spring mechanisms tend to push the pogo pins towards the card. At the other end, each locking block has a profile facing the connector block. The profile includes a recess in which the edge of the card is received and retained when the card is located in final position between the connector and locking blocks. In operation, the card pin edge of the card is presented to the connector block. Advantageously aligned using guide pins located on the card received into corresponding guide holes in the connector block, the card pins are moved up to touch the contact heads on the pogo pins. The opposing edge of the card, now resting near the top of the locking block, is now slid along the profile. As the edge of the card slides along the profile, translated motion at the connector block end causes the card pins to depress the pogo pins against their spring mechanisms in a substantially straight line. Eventually, at the locking end, the sliding edge of the card traverses the profile and 'clicks' in to the recess. The spring mechanisms of the pogo pins now fulfil the dual function of encouraging good electrical contact at the points of contact between the pogo pins and the card pins, as well as retaining the locking block edge of the card in the recess.

Single action mechanical/electrical circuit card engagement mechanism

A test fixture clamping system is described for holding a circuit board in a test fixture for testing. The clamping system includes upper and lower frame members which are pivotably connected, a pressure plate carried by the upper frame member and being movable between raised and lowered positions, cams carried by the upper frame member and being movable so as to move the pressure plate from a raised position to a lowered position, and a handle for controlling movement of the cam. Preferably the cams include rollers which move on ramps carried by the pressure plate for smooth and easy movement.

Test fixture clamping system

A printed circuit board guide and support is disclosed which provides for mounting printed circuit boards into a housing while eliminating the need for screws or a complex housing design.

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Ft. Collins, CO, United States of America

Edward Steketee