Abstract: A method for automated alignment between a plurality of electronic components and at least one testing device for receiving the electronic components for testing which includes defining a fiducial marker and positioning a moveable imaging device relative to a stationary imaging device, such that the fiducial marker is within a field of view of the moveable imaging device and within a field of view of the stationary imaging device. The moveable imaging device determines, with respect to each of the at least one testing device, a first offset between the testing device and the fidicual marker. The stationary imaging device determines, with respect to each electronic component, a second offset between the electronic component and the fidicual marker. Alignment is effected between each electronic component and the testing device in accordance with the first and second offsets.

Abstract: A method for automated alignment between a plurality of electronic components and at least one testing device for receiving the electronic components for testing which includes defining a fiducial marker and positioning a moveable imaging device relative to a stationary imaging device, such that the fiducial marker is within a field of view of the moveable imaging device and within a field of view of the stationary imaging device. The moveable imaging device determines, with respect to each of the at least one testing device, a first offset between the testing device and the fidicual marker. The stationary imaging device determines, with respect to each electronic component, a second offset between the electronic component and the fidicual marker. Alignment is effected between each electronic component and the testing device in accordance with the first and second offsets.

Abstract: Structures and fabrication methods of micromachined all-metal relays on silicon chips are described. The relay comprises a copper blade, electroformed into the lithographically patterned areas, with suitable dimensions of 1 mm.times.2 mm.times.0.01 mm (width.times.length.times.thickness) and a plurality of longitudinal slots to facilitate fabrication of the blade. The relay is actuated by electrostatic force, and no conduction current is required to hold the relay at either "on" or "off" state. Preferably, the relay is used in combination with a suitable arc suppression circuit.

Abstract: Nesting electrical connectors comprising a substrate and a silver-nickel-carbon electrodeposit atop the substrate. The electrodeposit is at least about 0.5 micrometers thick, and comprises about 10 to about 25 atomic percent nickel which is dispersed as a discontinuous phase throughout a continuous phase of the silver and has a Scherrer grain size less than about 5 nanometers. The carbon comprises about 5 to about 15 atomic percent of the deposit and has a non-crystalline graphite structure.

Abstract: A magnetically latching solenoid apparatus is characterized by a non-magnetic armature carrying a permanent magnet having poles aligned with the throw axis of the device. The poles of the magnet are substantially aligned with corresponding pole pieces and define respective variable air gaps therebetween. The apparatus assumes one of two bistable magnetically latched states according to the one of the air gaps across which the magnetic attractive force exceeds the magnetic attractive force across the other of the air gaps. Single or dual winding coils temporally excitable unidirectionally or bidirectionally and, in the case of dual winding coils mutually exclusively or contemporaneously, to cause the latch state to change.

Abstract: A low-energy, long-life, magnetic latching apparatus includes a permanent magnet, an electro-magnet and a bi-stable armature. The magnetization axes of the permanent magnet and the electromagnet are substantially parallel to maximize respective flux coupling. Back-iron is located immediately adjacent the permanent magnet opposite the electro-magnet such that the permanent magnet is intermediate the back-iron and electro-magnet. The armature is arranged to minimize any air-gap between the armature and permanent magnet occasioned by the pivotal movement thereof. The back-iron provides for an increased permanent magnet working point and parallel flux path for electro-magnetic flux.