The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 09, 2013
Filed:
Aug. 19, 2009
Gerald J. Parsons, Chester Springs, PA (US);
Michael P. Parsons, Chester Springs, PA (US);
Jobin N. Thomas, Downingtown, PA (US);
John Goldman, Elverson, PA (US);
John J. Mcgrath, Kenneth Square, PA (US);
Gordon Gar-tung Lo, West Chester, PA (US);
Peik-chein Khor, West Chester, PA (US);
Gerald J. Parsons, Chester Springs, PA (US);
Michael P. Parsons, Chester Springs, PA (US);
Jobin N. Thomas, Downingtown, PA (US);
John Goldman, Elverson, PA (US);
John J. McGrath, Kenneth Square, PA (US);
Gordon Gar-Tung Lo, West Chester, PA (US);
Peik-Chein Khor, West Chester, PA (US);
Communications Test Design, Inc., West Chester, PA (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for simultaneously testing multiple set-top boxes uses a test equipment structure or frame for receiving a known good set-top box and a plurality of set-top boxes to be tested against a known good set-top box. A movable shelf structure is provided for electrically connecting at least each set-top box to be tested by a single sliding motion. Connectors on a backplane are made moveable to adjust for slight variations in the position of the connectors on the set-top boxes. An infrared control system generates an infrared signal to transmit to each set-top box and other related equipment in the testing operation such as televisions and receivers such that the function of each set-top box and related equipment is the same at each instant. Analyzing equipment is provided to analyze at least the audio output of each set-top box being tested at a selected channel and compared to the audio output of the known good set-top box. The equipment may also include equipment for analyzing and comparing the video outputs. The test results are displayed for each set-top box being tested.