Abstract: A guidance system for guiding an intervention device such as a needle to a target location such as a vessel while remaining within a field of view of an imaging device such as an ultrasound. The guidance system may include an attachment mechanism for removable attachment to a specific ultrasound probe or which is adaptable to multiple different probes. A guidance mechanism may extend outwardly from the attachment mechanism for guiding the angle and depth of the intervention device. The guidance mechanism may include a plurality of openings through which the intervention device may be selectively inserted, with each opening being configured for a different angle and/or depth. Alternatively, the guidance mechanism may include a single opening that is adjustable along an arcuate path. A release mechanism may be included to allow the intervention device to be safely removed from the guidance mechanism without undue movement of the intervention device.

Abstract: A contact assembly for a testing system for testing integrated circuit devices is disclosed. The contact assembly includes a first blade, a second blade, and an elastomer configured to retain the first blade and the second blade. The first blade and the second blade are electrically conductive. The first blade and the second blade are arranged in a cross configuration so that the first blade and the second blade form a substantially X-shape when assembled. The elastomer is at least columnar in part and non-conductive.

Abstract: A contact assembly for a Kelvin testing system for testing integrated circuit devices is disclosed. The contact assembly includes at least one grouping of blades including a first force blade, a second force blade, a first sense blade, and a second sense blade; an electrical insulation layer disposed between the first force blade and the first sense blade and between the second force blade and the second sense blade; and an elongated elastomer. The elastomer is configured to be retained by the first force blade, the second force blade, the first sense blade, and the second sense blade. Each of the first force blade, the second force blade, the first sense blade, and the second sense blade includes a recess having an opening and sized to receive and retain at least a portion of the elastomer.

Abstract: A contactor assembly for a testing system for testing integrated circuit devices includes a contact, and a housing having a contact slot. The contact is receivable in the contact slot. The contact includes a tip, a body, and a tail; and is configured to be in a free state, a preload state, and an actuated state. The housing includes a housing backstop. When the contact is in the preload state, a contact backstop of the contact is biased against the housing backstop.

Abstract: A pair of pliers includes an upper structure, a lower structure including a lower handle, an over center linkage, and a lock member. The lock member is movable between a locking configuration and a release configuration. When the lock member is in the locking configuration, it prevents pivoting movement of the lower handle from a closed configuration and retains jaws of the pliers in a closed position. When the lock member is in the release configuration, it enables the lower handle to be moved away from the closed configuration and allows the jaws to move to an open position. Movement of the lock member from the locking configuration to the release configuration requires sequential movement of the lock member in a first direction and then in a second direction. The second direction is different than the first direction.

Abstract: A pair of pliers includes an upper structure, a lower structure including a lower handle, an over center linkage, and a lock member. The lock member is movable between a locking configuration and a release configuration. When the lock member is in the locking configuration, it prevents pivoting movement of the lower handle from a closed configuration and retains jaws of the pliers in a closed position. When the lock member is in the release configuration, it enables the lower handle to be moved away from the closed configuration and allows the jaws to move to an open position. Movement of the lock member from the locking configuration to the release configuration requires sequential movement of the lock member in a first direction and then in a second direction. The second direction is different than the first direction.