Patents by Inventor Michael V. Dowd

Michael V. Dowd 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: 5596283
    Abstract: Electrical test method and apparatus for performing the method. The method operates to determine an electrical characteristic of a node (2) disposed upon a surface of a substrate (3), such as a printed wiring board (PWB). The method includes a first step of providing relative motion between a probe (1) and the surface of the PWB. A second step measures the electrical characteristic during a time that there is relative motion between the probe and the surface of the PWB. In one embodiment of the invention the step of measuring measures capacitance while in another embodiment of the invention the step of measuring measures charge capacity. The step of providing relative motion, in one embodiment of the invention, includes the steps of maintaining the PWB stationary while linearly translating the probe over the surface. In another embodiment of the invention the step of providing relative motion includes the steps of maintaining the probe stationary while moving the PWB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Digital Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Richard I. Mellitz, Michael V. Dowd