Venturedyne, Ltd.

Robert J Holmes

Peter A Liken

George J Bouwman

The invention is an improvement in a carrier of the type used for testing circuit boards in an environmental test chamber. The improvement includes a plurality of frame-supported, spaced-apart shelves. Pairs of shelves are used to hold circuit boards being tested. The position of at least one shelf in such a pair is adjustable to select the proper dimension to support circuit boards of any of several particular sizes. In a highly preferred arrangement, shelves are arranged in two groups. At least one of the two or more shelves in each group is adjustable so that the carrier simultaneously accommodates circuit boards of differing sizes for test. Arrangements are shown whereby circuit boards of varying heights and/or lengths can be mounted in the carrier for simultaneous testing.

Carrier for testing circuit boards

An improved system for testing electrical circuit boards in an environmental test chamber includes a carrier moveable into and out of the chamber. The carrier supports a relatively large number of printed circuit boards to be tested by exposure to extremes of temperature, for example. Each board is electrically linked to a carrier-mounted multiple-conductor 'gang' connector. The chamber has a multiple-conductor gang receptacle into which the connector is plugged as the carrier moves fully into the chamber. Such arrangement provides a way to electrically monitor board testing by instruments outside the chamber. An automated insertion/extraction assembly powers the carrier between an interconnect position and a disconnect position. The circuit boards are handled as a group of 'unit' and the assembly provides both automatic connection and disconnection upon initiation by the chamber operator. Circuit board testing may thereby be accomplished accurately and more expeditiously than with earlier systems.

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Grand Rapids, MI, United States of America

Robert J Holmes