Patents by Inventor Charles P. Nappen

Charles P. Nappen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Method and apparatus for docking a test head with a peripheral
    Patent number: 9897628
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for docking a test head to a peripheral. A docking pin (150) is moved past a projection (803) in a catch (802). The docking pin is further moved until the catch rotates and the projection in the catch engages a notch or indentation (152, 156) in the docking pin. A piston (620) is moved on to the catch so that the catch is prevented from rotating. The piston is further moved so that the test head is docked to the peripheral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: inTEST Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher L. West, Charles P. Nappen, Steven J. Crowell
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DOCKING A TEST HEAD WITH A PERIPHERAL
    Publication number: 20160202292
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for docking a test head to a peripheral. A docking pin (150) is moved past a projection (803) in a catch (802). The docking pin is further moved until the catch rotates and the projection in the catch engages a notch or indentation (152, 156) in the docking pin. A piston (620) is moved on to the catch so that the catch is prevented from rotating. The piston is further moved so that the test head is docked to the peripheral.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher L. WEST, Charles P. NAPPEN, Steven J. CROWELL
  • Test head positioning system and method
    Patent number: 8350584
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a device, comprising a base assembly, a plurality of carrier columns extending from the base unit, and a plurality of vertical support plates, each vertically movable along a respective carrier column and including a pivotal device mounting bracket. A pneumatic unit including a piston rod is associated with each vertical support plate such that vertical motion of the piston rod controls vertical motion of the respective vertical support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: inTEST Corporation
    Inventors: Charles P. Nappen, Christopher L. West, Steven J. Crowell
  • TEST HEAD POSITIONING SYSTEM AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20100045323
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a device, comprising a base assembly, a plurality of carrier columns extending from the base unit, and a plurality of vertical support plates, each vertically movable along a respective carrier column and including a pivotal device mounting bracket. A pneumatic unit including a piston rod is associated with each vertical support plate such that vertical motion of the piston rod controls vertical motion of the respective vertical support plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: InTEST CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charles P. Nappen, Christopher L. West, Steven J. Crowell