Abstract: A test fixture for printed circuit boards wherein the circuit board being tested is clamped to a vacuum actuated diaphragm plate by the same vacuum that actuates the diaphragm plate. The vacuum is automatically applied to both the diaphragm plate and the clamp means when the cover on the test fixture is closed. A bridge extends over, and is in clamping contact, with the circuit board. The bridge is supported from platens in vacuum chambers on the upper side of the diaphragm plate.

Abstract: A fixture to support an electronic board and to be connected to a tester for testing the electronic board. The fixture has a fixed support, a vertically movable first carrier on the fixed support mounting an electronic board, a vacuum chamber for moving the first carrier, spring means for vertically moving the first carrier away from the fixed support, a second carrier mounted on the first carrier for vertical motion, a vacuum chamber for moving the second carrier relative to the first carrier downwardly toward the fixed support, and spring means connected between said first and second carriers for moving the second carrier relative to the first carrier upwardly away from the fixed support.

Abstract: A two level test device for testing printed circuit boards is disclosed, including a housing defining an open chamber and a support platform displaceably connected with the housing for closing the chamber and for supporting the circuit board to be tested. A vacuum device is connected with the housing for creating a negative pressure within the chamber to displace the platform from a first rest position to second and third test positions. In the platform second position, the circuit board contacts the terminal of a test pin for functional testing of the board and in the platform third position, the circuit board contacts the terminals of a pair of test pins for in-circuit testing of the circuit board. The test device is characterized by a stop plate for arresting displacement of the platform in its second and third positions. The stop plate includes a plurality of projections and the housing bottom wall contains a plurality of recesses corresponding with the projections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for plating a selected portion of the surface of an article in which the non-plating surfaces of the article are covered by a non-porous elastic material to which pressure is applied to provide an liquid-tight seal between the elastic material and the mating surface of the article. An electrical conductor extending through the elastic material contacts the article allowing current to pass through the article when placed in a plating bath for depositing on the selected surface a metallic coating such as chromium. The article is mounted within a carrier composed of the non-porous elastic material which is formed to cover all of the non-plating surfaces of the article. The carrier is positioned within a fixture in which is provided means to apply pressure on the carrier thereby providing the liquid-tight seal between the carrier and the article.