Abstract: A manipulator for supporting heavy as well as lighter test heads in a small footprint includes a body and an interface for supporting a test head from behind. The interface includes a first portion fixedly attached to the body and a second portion fixedly attached to the rear of the test head. The first and second portions of the interface are rotatably coupled together to allow rotation of the test head about its approximate center of mass. Although the weight of the test head is entirely borne from the rear, the test head can still be moved with relatively little applied force, thereby satisfying the requirements for compliant docking.

Abstract: A rotatable drum for use in a plotter, or similar device, that provides vacuum for holding the film or other media to the drum's surface, so as to easily accommodate films of various sizes. The drum includes first and second journals and a plate mounted on the circumference of the first and second journals. At least one of the journals has defined on its circumference circumferential channels. The plate has interior and exterior sides, and the first and second journals and a portion of the plate's interior side define a chamber. The plate's exterior side has defined thereon a plurality of grooves. In one embodiment, at least one of the grooves, associated with a first film size, is in fluid communication with the chamber, and some of the remaining grooves, associated with the larger film sizes, are in fluid communication with the channels. A vacuum is supplied to the chamber, and a valve is provided for controlling fluid communication between the channels and the chamber.

Abstract: A mechanism for clamping a flexible metal printing plate to the circumferential surface of a rotatable plotter drum is provided. The clamping mechanism includes a mounting member affixed to the drum's surface. The mounting member has a passage aligned radially with respect to the drum. A slidable member extends through the passage and past the drum's axis of rotation. The slidable member has, at one end, a head and, at the other end, a weight. The clamp head is disposed further from the axis of rotation than the mounting member and adjacent the drum surface so as to permit clamping between the head and the drum surface. The slidable member is disposed so that its center of mass is opposite the drum's axis of rotation from the head. A mechanism, such as a compressed spring mounted between the weight and the mounting member, is provided for urging the slidable member so as to force the head towards the drum surface. An actuator having two modes is also provided.