Patents Assigned to Automated Test Engineering, Inc.
  • Patent number: 5436567
    Abstract: A two-sided probe and clamshell fixture embodiment of the present invention comprises a vacuum-actuated bed-of-nails for probing the bottom side of a printed circuit board (PCB) device-under-test (DUT) and a pushrod-actuated bed-of-nails for probing the top side of the printed circuit board device-under-test. The fixture comprises a base, a bottom frame, and a bottom plate that are sealed for vacuum actuation by a gasket. When in place, the DUT completes the vacuum seal and the bottom bed-of-nails which includes a patterned array of spring loaded probe pins reaches through the bottom plate to contact probe points on the DUT. A set of push rods attached to the base push out through the bottom frame and operate a set of gear boxes attached to the outer edges of a top plate within a top frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Automated Test Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Wexler, Jeffrey L. Smith