Patents by Inventor Eric D. Collingbourne

Eric D. Collingbourne 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: 5994909
    Abstract: An automated system and method for testing circuitry utilizes robotics to place probe leads at selected points on a circuit board with extreme precision. The robotics includes motors and associated control software. The control software can process user input and direct the motors to place the probe leads. The control software also directs the probe to perform the testing and provides the test results to the user. Three motors position the probe leads as directed by the control software. The motors utilize a polar coordinate positioning system. A rotational motor positions a second probe lead in a rotational direction relative to a first probe lead. A radial motor positions the second probe lead in a radial direction relative to the first probe lead. A Z-direction motor positions both probe leads in a Z-direction relative to the circuitry and engages the probe leads with the circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventors: Brian K. Lucas, Eric D. Collingbourne