Patents by Inventor Christopher A. Lopez

Christopher A. Lopez 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: 7482825
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) package testing apparatus integrates a temperature sensor, heater (or cooler), and controller within a single modular unit. The controller is a microprocessor embedded within the modular unit and in communication with the sensor and heater. The controller allows a selected testing temperature to be input by a user via a communications link to the controller. Each IC package has its testing temperature individually controlled by a controller. The module is easily attached and removed from an open-top socket through the use of latches on the testing socket. Many IC packages can be quickly placed and removed from testing sockets when a matrix of sensors and heaters (or coolers) are located on a single top attach plate with the sensors and heaters (or coolers) individually spring-loaded on the single top attach plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Wells-CTI, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Lopez, Brian J. Denheyer, Gordon B. Kuenster
  • Publication number: 20080238466
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided which preferably combines temperature sensing and prediction for more accurate temperature control of integrated circuits. An IC temperature sensing and prediction device includes a current sensing device that measures current passing through an IC, and a temperature control apparatus that measures a surface temperature of the IC. The device further includes an electronic controller that calculates the power consumed by the IC according to the measured current and adjusts the temperature of a heater or cooler responsive to the measured surface temperature and power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: WELLS-CTI, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Lopez, Brian J. Denheyer
  • Patent number: 7394271
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided which preferably combines temperature sensing and prediction for more accurate temperature control of integrated circuits. An IC temperature sensing and prediction device includes a current sensing device that measures current passing through an IC, and a temperature control apparatus that measures a surface temperature of the IC. The device further includes an electronic controller that calculates the power consumed by the IC according to the measured current and adjusts the temperature of a heater or cooler responsive to the measured surface temperature and power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Wells-CTI, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Lopez, Brian J. Denheyer
  • Publication number: 20080054926
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) package testing apparatus integrates a temperature sensor, heater (or cooler), and controller within a single modular unit. The controller is a microprocessor embedded within the modular unit and in communication with the sensor and heater. The controller allows a selected testing temperature to be input by a user via a communications link to the controller. Each IC package has its testing temperature individually controlled by a controller. The module is easily attached and removed from an open-top socket through the use of latches on the testing socket. Many IC packages can be quickly placed and removed from testing sockets when a matrix of sensors and heaters (or coolers) are located on a single top attach plate with the sensors and heaters (or coolers) individually spring-loaded on the single top attach plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: WELLS-CTI, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Lopez, Brian Denheyer, Gordon Kuenster
  • Patent number: 7312620
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) package testing apparatus integrates a temperature sensor, heater (or cooler), and controller within a single modular unit. The controller is a microprocessor embedded within the modular unit and in communication with the sensor and heater. The controller allows a selected testing temperature to be input by a user via a communications link to the controller. Each IC package has its testing temperature individually controlled by a controller. The module is easily attached and removed from an open-top socket through the use of latches on the testing socket. Many IC packages can be quickly placed and removed from testing sockets when a matrix of sensors and heaters (or coolers) are located on a single top attach plate with the sensors and heaters (or coolers) individually spring-loaded on the single top attach plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Wells-CTI, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Lopez, Brian J. Denheyer, Gordon B. Kuenster
  • Publication number: 20070075721
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) package testing apparatus integrates a temperature sensor, heater (or cooler), and controller within a single modular unit. The controller is a microprocessor embedded within the modular unit and in communication with the sensor and heater. The controller allows a selected testing temperature to be input by a user via a communications link to the controller. Each IC package has its testing temperature individually controlled by a controller. The module is easily attached and removed from an open-top socket through the use of latches on the testing socket. Many IC packages can be quickly placed and removed from testing sockets when a matrix of sensors and heaters (or coolers) are located on a single top attach plate with the sensors and heaters (or coolers) individually spring-loaded on the single top attach plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Publication date: April 5, 2007
    Applicant: WELLS-CTI, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Lopez, Brian Denheyer, Gordon Kuenster
  • Patent number: 7187189
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) package testing apparatus integrates a temperature sensor, heater (or cooler), and controller within a single modular unit. The controller is a microprocessor embedded within the modular unit and in communication with the sensor and heater. The controller allows a selected testing temperature to be input by a user via a communications link to the controller. Each IC package has its testing temperature individually controlled by a controller. The module is easily attached and removed from an open-top socket through the use of latches on the testing socket. Many IC packages can be quickly placed and removed from testing sockets when a matrix of sensors and heaters (or coolers) are located on a single top attach plate with the sensors and heaters (or coolers) individually spring-loaded on the single top attach plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Wells CTI-LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Lopez, Brian J. Denheyer, Gordon B. Kuenster
  • Publication number: 20060290370
    Abstract: A system and method are provided which provides more accurate temperature control of integrated circuits. A system for testing integrated circuit (IC) packages comprises a plurality of IC testing socket bases arranged on a testing board and configured to receive a plurality of IC packages. A plurality of IC testing socket lids are arranged to attach to the testing board. Each IC testing socket lid comprises a temperature sensor to thermally contact the IC package and measure a surface temperature of the IC package, a heater or cooler to directly contact the IC package, and an electronic controller to receive signals from the temperature sensor. The electronic controller is programmed to change the temperature of the heater or cooler responsive to the measured surface temperature of the IC package. A plurality of cooling devices individually removes heat generated by the plurality of IC packages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: December 28, 2006
    Applicant: WELLS-CTI, LLC, AN OREGON LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
    Inventor: Christopher Lopez
  • Publication number: 20060238212
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) temperature sensing device includes a temperature sensor positioned within a conductive temperature sensor housing and a thermal insulator surrounding the conductive temperature sensor housing. The sensor housing and thermal insulator are positioned within an IC temperature control block that heats or cools the IC. The temperature sensor housing comes into thermal contact with an IC undergoing burning-in, testing or programming. The temperature sensor housing provides a short thermal path between the IC under test and the temperature sensor. The thermal insulator thermally isolates the temperature sensor from the temperature control block so that the temperature sensor predominantly measures the temperature of the IC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: October 26, 2006
    Applicant: WELLS-CTI, LLC, AN OREGON LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
    Inventor: Christopher Lopez
  • Patent number: 7123037
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) temperature sensing device includes a temperature sensor positioned within a conductive temperature sensor housing and a thermal insulator surrounding the conductive temperature sensor housing. The sensor housing and thermal insulator are positioned within an IC temperature control block that heats or cools the IC. The temperature sensor housing comes into thermal contact with an IC undergoing burning-in, testing or programming. The temperature sensor housing provides a short thermal path between the IC under test and the temperature sensor. The thermal insulator thermally isolates the temperature sensor from the temperature control block so that the temperature sensor predominantly measures the temperature of the IC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: WELLS-CTI, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher A. Lopez
  • Publication number: 20060164111
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided which preferably combines temperature sensing and prediction for more accurate temperature control of integrated circuits. An IC temperature sensing and prediction device includes a current sensing device that measures current passing through an IC, and a temperature control apparatus that measures a surface temperature of the IC. The device further includes an electronic controller that calculates the power consumed by the IC according to the measured current and adjusts the temperature of a heater or cooler responsive to the measured surface temperature and power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Applicant: WELLS-CTI, LLC, an Oregon Limited Liability Company
    Inventors: Christopher Lopez, Brian Denheyer
  • Publication number: 20060145718
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) package testing apparatus integrates a temperature sensor, heater (or cooler), and controller within a single modular unit. The controller is a microprocessor embedded within the modular unit and in communication with the sensor and heater. The controller allows a selected testing temperature to be input by a user via a communications link to the controller. Each IC package has its testing temperature individually controlled by a controller. The module is easily attached and removed from an open-top socket through the use of latches on the testing socket. Many IC packages can be quickly placed and removed from testing sockets when a matrix of sensors and heaters (or coolers) are located on a single top attach plate with the sensors and heaters (or coolers) individually spring-loaded on the single top attach plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Applicant: WELLS-CTI, LLC, an Oregon limited liability company
    Inventors: Christopher Lopez, Brian Denheyer, Gordon Kuenster
  • Patent number: 7042240
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) package testing apparatus integrates a temperature sensor, heater (or cooler), and controller within a single modular unit. The controller is a microprocessor embedded within the modular unit and in communication with the sensor and heater. The controller allows a selected testing temperature to be input by a user via a communications link to the controller. Each IC package has its testing temperature individually controlled by a controller. The module is easily attached and removed from an open-top socket through the use of latches on the testing socket. Many IC packages can be quickly placed and removed from testing sockets when a matrix of sensors and heaters (or coolers) are located on a single top attach plate with the sensors and heaters (or coolers) individually spring-loaded on the single top attach plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Wells-CTI, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Lopez, Brian J. Denheyer, Gordon B. Kuenster
  • Publication number: 20050206368
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) package testing apparatus integrates a temperature sensor, heater (or cooler), and controller within a single modular unit. The controller is a microprocessor embedded within the modular unit and in communication with the sensor and heater. The controller allows a selected testing temperature to be input by a user via a communications link to the controller. Each IC package has its testing temperature individually controlled by a controller. The module is easily attached and removed from an open-top socket through the use of latches on the testing socket. Many IC packages can be quickly placed and removed from testing sockets when a matrix of sensors and heaters (or coolers) are located on a single top attach plate with the sensors and heaters (or coolers) individually spring-loaded on the single top attach plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Publication date: September 22, 2005
    Applicant: WELLS-CTI, LLC, an Oregon limited liability company
    Inventors: Christopher Lopez, Brian Denheyer, Gordon Kuenster
  • Publication number: 20050189957
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) temperature sensing device includes a temperature sensor positioned within a conductive temperature sensor housing and a thermal insulator surrounding the conductive temperature sensor housing. The sensor housing and thermal insulator are positioned within an IC temperature control block that heats or cools the IC. The temperature sensor housing comes into thermal contact with an IC undergoing burning-in, testing or programming. The temperature sensor housing provides a short thermal path between the IC under test and the temperature sensor. The thermal insulator thermally isolates the temperature sensor from the temperature control block so that the temperature sensor predominantly measures the temperature of the IC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Publication date: September 1, 2005
    Applicant: WELLS-CTI, LLC. an Oregon limited liability company
    Inventor: Christopher Lopez
  • Publication number: 20020150375
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing an optical fiber in the wall of a modulator housing utilizes a metal crimp to compress sealingly a elastomer sleeve against the optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Henry H. Hung, Christopher A. Lopez, Majid Malakia