Patents by Inventor Bruce L. Cowgill

Bruce L. Cowgill has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7685885
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a test head weight compensation device includes at least one constant force spring connected between a test head assembly of the automated test equipment system and a test head supporting structure to apply a constant supportive force to the test head assembly. The at least one constant force spring is mounted to the test head supporting structure with a distal end of the constant force spring is attached to the test head assembly. Alternately, the constant force spring is mounted to the test head assembly with the distal end of the constant force spring connected to the test head supporting structure. The test weight compensation device may include pulleys attached to the supporting structure or the test head assembly with the constant force spring passed through the pulley to multiply the force of the constant force spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce L. Cowgill
  • Publication number: 20090145241
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a test head weight compensation device includes at least one constant force spring connected between a test head assembly of the automated test equipment system and a test head supporting structure to apply a constant supportive force to the test head assembly. The at least one constant force spring is mounted to the test head supporting structure with a distal end of the constant force spring is attached to the test head assembly. Alternately, the constant force spring is mounted to the test head assembly with the distal end of the constant force spring connected to the test head supporting structure. The test weight compensation device may include pulleys attached to the supporting structure or the test head assembly with the constant force spring passed through the pulley to multiply the force of the constant force spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Bruce L. Cowgill
  • Patent number: 7507099
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an interface assembly is provided which is capable of connecting with a receptor. The interface assembly includes a connector, a base, and a linkage set between the connector and base. The linkage can include a spring assembly and a cable assembly. The connector is capable of connecting with the receptor to form electrical connections, fluid connections or other such connections. The spring assembly is a deformable member that is attached to the base and to the connector, such that the connector is capable of moving in six degrees of freedom. The cable assembly is attached to the base and the connector. The cable assembly is capable of limiting motion and positioning of the connector in at least one degree of freedom. As such, the cable assembly can set the connector at an initial position or within an initial region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce L. Cowgill, Keith J. Breinlinger