Patents by Inventor David Randle Hess

David Randle Hess 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: 11821912
    Abstract: Methods of producing augmented probe system images and associated probe systems. A method of producing an augmented probe system image includes recording a base probe system image, generating the augmented probe system image at least partially based on the base probe system image, and presenting the augmented probe system image. The augmented probe system image includes a representation of at least a portion of the probe system that is obscured in the base probe system image. In some examples, a probe system includes a chuck, a probe assembly, an imaging device, and a controller programmed to perform methods disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: FormFactor, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony James Lord, Gavin Neil Fisher, David Randle Hess
  • Publication number: 20210373073
    Abstract: Methods of producing augmented probe system images and associated probe systems. A method of producing an augmented probe system image includes recording a base probe system image, generating the augmented probe system image at least partially based on the base probe system image, and presenting the augmented probe system image. The augmented probe system image includes a representation of at least a portion of the probe system that is obscured in the base probe system image. In some examples, a probe system includes a chuck, a probe assembly, an imaging device, and a controller programmed to perform methods disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Anthony James Lord, Gavin Neil Fisher, David Randle Hess
  • Patent number: 11016121
    Abstract: Methods of controlling the operation of probe stations and probe stations that perform the methods. The methods including generating a test routine by constructing a substrate map, receiving a test subset input from a user, and updating the substrate map to incorporate information regarding which devices under test (DUTS) of a plurality of DUTs are in a test subset of a plurality of DUTs. The methods also include receiving a pre-test subset input from the user, wherein the pre-test subset is a subset of the test subset, and updating the substrate map to incorporate information which DUTs of the test subset are in the pre-test subset. The methods further include executing the test routine by moving a probe assembly to each DUT in the test subset, selectively performing a pre-test routine on each DUT that is in the pre-test subset, and electrically testing each DUT in the test subset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: FormFactor, Inc.
    Inventors: Sia Choon Beng, David Randle Hess, Chunyi Yin Leong
  • Publication number: 20190369141
    Abstract: Probe stations for testing a plurality of devices under test and associated methods are disclosed herein. The methods include generating a test routine and executing the test routine. The probe stations include probe stations that perform the methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventors: Sia Choon Beng, David Randle Hess, Chunyi Yin Leong
  • Patent number: 10365323
    Abstract: Probe systems and methods for automatically maintaining alignment between a probe and a device under test (DUT) during a temperature change. The methods include collecting an initial image of a planar offset fiducial and determining an initial height reference of a height offset fiducial. The methods further include changing a temperature of the DUT, automatically maintaining a planar alignment between a probe and the DUT during the changing, and automatically maintaining a height alignment between the probe and the BUT during the changing. The probe systems include a chuck, which defines a support surface configured to support a substrate that includes the DUT, and a probe head assembly, which includes a probe configured to contact a corresponding contact pad of the DUT. The probe systems further include a substrate thermal module, which is configured to regulate a temperature of the DUT, and a controller programmed to execute the methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: FormFactor Beaverton, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Douglas Andrews, David Michael Newton, David Randle Hess
  • Publication number: 20170146594
    Abstract: Probe systems and methods for automatically maintaining alignment between a probe and a device under test (DUT) during a temperature change. The methods include collecting an initial image of a planar offset fiducial and determining an initial height reference of a height offset fiducial. The methods further include changing a temperature of the DUT, automatically maintaining a planar alignment between a probe and the DUT during the changing, and automatically maintaining a height alignment between the probe and the BUT during the changing. The probe systems include a chuck, which defines a support surface configured to support a substrate that includes the DUT, and a probe head assembly, which includes a probe configured to contact a corresponding contact pad of the DUT. The probe systems further include a substrate thermal module, which is configured to regulate a temperature of the DUT, and a controller programmed to execute the methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Peter Douglas Andrews, David Michael Newton, David Randle Hess