Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for the automatic operation of a manipulator to move a test head or peripheral into position for proper alignment and docking of the test head with the peripheral. Examples of peripherals include a handler and a prober. Sensors are provided to obtain relative positional information of the test head in the relation to the peripheral, allowing a controller to issue instructions to the manipulator to correct differences in each of the six degrees of freedom between the mating surfaces of the test head and the manipulator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for the automatic operation of a manipulator to move a test head or peripheral into position for proper alignment and docking of the test head with the peripheral. Examples of peripherals include a handler and a prober. Sensors are provided to obtain relative positional information of the test head in the relation to the peripheral, allowing a controller to issue instructions to the manipulator to correct differences in each of the six degrees of freedom between the mating surfaces of the test head and the manipulator.

Abstract: A system for positioning a test head for compliantly docking the test head with a prober, handler, or other peripheral for automatically testing electronic components. The system includes a plurality of backdrivable linear actuators. Each actuator has a first end mechanically coupled to the test head and a second end mechanically coupled to a support for holding the test head, for example, a manipulator. In a first mode, a control system applies inputs to the actuators for variably extending the actuators to establish a desired position of the test head relative to the support. The desired position is generally a centered position of the test head within a compliance range; however, it may also be a non-centered position that tends to align the test head with the peripheral. In a second mode, the control system stops varying the input to the actuator. The actuator tends to maintain its position, but complies with external forces applied to the test head.

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 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 shaving razor including a handle and three blade units each connected to the handle by a respective mounting structure that provides a pivotal connection of the blade unit to the mounting structure about a pivot axis that is transverse to the cutting edge, and also provides controlled up and down movement of the blade unit thereby permitting each said blade unit to conform to the contour of a surface being shaved. The handle has an index finger indent on a top surface, and thumb indent on the bottom surface, and is shaped to match the curvature of a user's hand.

Abstract: A docking mechanism for docking a test head with a peripheral includes a latching mechanism that extends from a pneumatically actuated piston. The latching mechanism includes a latch barrel, a latchpin, and a biasing spring. The latchpin moves within the latch barrel for establishing latched and unlatched positions. An application of fluid pressure to the latchpin via a first fluid path causes the latchpin to advance to the latched position. A release of fluid pressure from the first path causes the latchpin to retract, in compliance with the biasing spring, to the unlatched position. An application of fluid pressure via a second fluid path to a surface of the piston causes the latching mechanism as a whole to retract. When the test head and peripheral are latched together, this retraction causes the peripheral to be pulled down against the test head, and thus causes electrical connections to be formed between the test head and a device under test.

Abstract: A docking mechanism for docking a test head with a peripheral includes a latching mechanism that extends from a pneumatically actuated piston. The latching mechanism includes a latch barrel, a latchpin, and a biasing spring. The latchpin moves within the latch barrel for establishing latched and unlatched positions. An application of fluid pressure to the latchpin via a first fluid path causes the latchpin to advance to the latched position. A release of fluid pressure from the first path causes the latchpin to retract, in compliance with the biasing spring, to the unlatched position. An application of fluid pressure via a second fluid path to a surface of the piston causes the latching mechanism as a whole to retract. When the test head and peripheral are latched together, this retraction causes the peripheral to be pulled down against the test head, and thus causes electrical connections to be formed between the test head and a device under test.

Abstract: A shaving razor including a handle and three blade units each connected to the handle by a respective mounting structure that provides a pivotal connection of said blade unit to said mounting structure about a pivot axis that is transverse to the cutting edge, and also provides controlled up and down movement of said blade unit thereby permitting each said blade unit to conform to the contour of a surface being shaved. The handle has an index finger indent on a top surface, and thumb indent on the bottom surface, and is shaped to match the curvature of a user's hand.

Abstract: A shaving razor including a handle and three blade units each connected to the handle by a respective mounting structure that provides a pivotal connection of the blade unit to the mounting structure about a pivot axis that is transverse to the cutting edge, and also provides controlled up and down movement of the blade unit thereby permitting each blade unit to conform to the contour of a surface being shaved. The handle has an index finger indent on a top surface, and thumb indent on the bottom surface, and is shaped to match the curvature of a user's hand.

Abstract: Methods and devices for dispensing fluids are provided, including a method of dispensing a fluid into an elongated chamber having a bottom that is at least partially closed. The method includes (a) inserting a dispensing tube into the chamber until a delivery end of the tube is adjacent the bottom of the chamber; (b) dispensing a predetermined quantity of the fluid through the delivery end into the chamber; and (c) moving the delivery end away from the bottom of the chamber, during dispensing, at a rate that maintains the delivery end on the surface of the fluid in the chamber throughout dispensing.

Abstract: A telephone status recognition and bypass system includes a plurality of status recognition units, and a controller. Each status recognition unit interfaces a subscriber's telecommunication line between a plurality of peripheral services and to a switch network, and includes status monitoring circuits and an SRU switch. The status monitoring circuits monitor status of calls incoming to and outgoing from the service subscriber, and produces status signals representative thereof. The SRU switch switchably interconnects the service subscriber, the switch network, and the peripheral services, for telecommunications in response to switching control signals. The controller is responsive to the status monitoring circuits, and produces switching control signals as a function of the status signals.