Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for testing electrical or optical devices. The invention includes a test fixture having a base component, a first rail and a second rail coupled to the base component, a top component coupled to the first and second rails, and an interposer coupled to the first and second rails.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a system of fabricating a barrier wall between the testing and tester volumes of an environmental test chamber. This aspect may use a plurality of pallets adapted to receive a device under test and a testing apparatus, a framework adapted to receive a plurality of pallets, and a plurality of insulation bricks associated with the plurality of pallets. The insulation bricks may be adapted such that they can cooperate to form an insulating barrier between the device under test and the testing apparatus.

Abstract: A dispensation device having a nozzle defining a chamber and a dispensation orifice which communicates with the chamber. A transfer pin is moveably received within the chamber and moveable between a retracted position and a dispensing position. In the dispensing position, a portion of the contact end extends out of the chamber through the dispensation orifice. A driven element contacts the transfer pin, with the drive element magnetically coupled to a driven element. A drive element is oriented to magnetically move the driven element and thus magnetically position the transfer pin.

Abstract: A wireless LAN communications system capable of supporting communications within a multidisciplinary group or team of individuals, each person equipped with a wireless LAN radio and assigned to one of a number of possible roles in carrying out the mission of the team. A multicast IP address corresponding to a specific role within the group, a multicast IP address corresponding to a specific subgroup within the group, or a multicast IP address corresponding to a generic subgroup within the group is assigned to each LAN radio.

Abstract: A wireless LAN communications system capable of supporting communications within a multidisciplinary group or team of individuals, comprising a plurality of LAN radios that transmit, receive and route messages. Radios that are within range of each other send messages directly to each other. Radios that are within two hops of each other extract route information from the specific roles within the group and periodic update messages sent by the LAN radios. Radios that are more than two hops from each other use modified ad hoc multicast routing protocols.

Abstract: The present invention is a testing apparatus which includes a contact connector comprised of a housing with contact blades extending from the housing. The contact blades are pivotally mounted to the housing by pivot rods. A biasing element is coupled to the contact blades, providing resistance against rotary movement of the contact blade in one direction. In one embodiment, the housing has a comb structure including a plurality of slots and slot division walls between the slots. A spacer is disposed in each of the slots, and the contact blades are aligned with the slot division walls.

Abstract: The subject invention includes a coupling device for coupling a tooling arm to a robotic arm assembly. The coupling device includes a sensing mechanism which monitors relative distances within the coupling device in order to detect displacement in the coupling device. The coupling device also includes an adjustment method for setting the level of force required to execute a breakaway between the items being coupled, while providing a minimum magnetic holding force great enough to assure that robotic arm accelerations and de-accelerations can not cause the inertia or momentum to dislodge the tooling arm from the robotic arm assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is a hard drive test fixture for supporting a hard drive during quality control testing. The test fixture includes a pan having a base. Rails are attached to the base of the pan for providing structural support to the pan and for positioning of the hard drive. A connection card is removably attached to the rails and is adapted for connection to the hard drive. The test fixture includes an ejection rod for facilitating removal of the hard drive from the test fixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ESD and EOS protection method and apparatus that can be easily implemented in existing disk drive designs and manufacturing process. One apparatus embodiment includes a first conductive member electrically connected to a first terminal of a magnetic head element; a second conductive member electrically connected to a first second terminal of the magnetic head element; and a variable conductive member, such as a variably conductive member. One method embodiment includes operably connecting a first conductive member to a first terminal of a magnetic head element; operably connecting a second conductive member to a second terminal of the magnetic head element; and operably connecting a variably conductive member, such as a variably conductive polymer, to the first conductive member and to the second conductive member.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a system of fabricating a barrier wall between the testing and tester volumes of an environmental test chamber. This aspect may use a plurality of pallets adapted to receive a device under test and a testing apparatus, a framework adapted to receive a plurality of pallets, and a plurality of insulation bricks associated with the plurality of pallets. The insulation bricks may be adapted such that they can cooperate to form an insulating barrier between the device under test and the testing apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention involves a photolithographic process, and apparatus and material for use therein, for producing etched or eroded areas or holes in a selected pattern on or in the surface of fine workpieces, such as small diameter tubes. One aspect of the present invention is a photolithographic process for producing a selected pattern on a nonplanar surface of a workpiece using at least one mask to define the selected pattern. The process includes the acts of applying a photoresist material to the workpiece and aligning the mask with the nonplanar surface of the workpiece. The mask may have an inner surface that corresponds to the nonplanar surface. The process may also include the acts of exposing and developing the photoresist material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a head tester for testing heads having a read element and a write element. The tester comprises a substrate on which a read coil is positioned to be sensitive to the write element of the head. A write coil is also formed on the substrate and this coil is positioned such that the read element of the head to be tested is sensitive to the write coil.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a system of fabricating a barrier wall between the testing and tester volumes of an environmental test chamber. This aspect may use a plurality of pallets adapted to receive a device under test and a testing apparatus, a framework adapted to receive a plurality of pallets, and a plurality of insulation bricks associated with the plurality of pallets. The insulation bricks may be adapted such that they can cooperate to form an insulating barrier between the device under test and the testing apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention involves a photolithographic process, and apparatus and material for use therein, for producing etched or eroded areas or holes in a selected pattern on or in the surface of fine workpieces, such as small diameter tubes. One aspect of the present invention is a photolithographic process for producing a selected pattern on a nonplanar surface of a workpiece using at least one mask to define the selected pattern. The process includes the acts of applying a photoresist material to the workpiece and aligning the mask with the nonplanar surface of the workpiece. The mask may have an inner surface that corresponds to the nonplanar surface. The process may also include the acts of exposing and developing the photoresist material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cost-effective method and apparatus for controlling engine speed. One embodiment generally comprises a controller and a linear actuator. The controller generates a plurality of voltage pulses having a duration and frequency related to a difference between a desired engine speed and an actual engine speed. The linear actuator converts the plurality of voltage pulses into a throttle position.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a variably conductive shunt is provided for protecting a read/write sensor element, e.g., an MR read element, which has first and second terminals. A variably conductive member is electrically connected between the first and second terminals. The variably conductive member conducts charge when a potential sufficient to damage the element is applied across the first and second terminals thereby protecting the element from the charge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a head gimbal assembly comprising a slider and a connector cable. The connector cable is attached to the slider using a Z-axis adhesive, whereby electricity is conducted through the adhesive film thickness but not within the plane of the adhesive.