Patents by Inventor Steven J. Crowell

Steven J. Crowell 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: 9897628
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for docking a test head to a peripheral. A docking pin (150) is moved past a projection (803) in a catch (802). The docking pin is further moved until the catch rotates and the projection in the catch engages a notch or indentation (152, 156) in the docking pin. A piston (620) is moved on to the catch so that the catch is prevented from rotating. The piston is further moved so that the test head is docked to the peripheral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: inTEST Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher L. West, Charles P. Nappen, Steven J. Crowell
  • Publication number: 20160202292
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for docking a test head to a peripheral. A docking pin (150) is moved past a projection (803) in a catch (802). The docking pin is further moved until the catch rotates and the projection in the catch engages a notch or indentation (152, 156) in the docking pin. A piston (620) is moved on to the catch so that the catch is prevented from rotating. The piston is further moved so that the test head is docked to the peripheral.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher L. WEST, Charles P. NAPPEN, Steven J. CROWELL
  • Patent number: 9347804
    Abstract: A test head manipulator system comprising a base structure, a main arm unit configured to support a test head and to be moved relative to the base structure, an actuator having a range of motion of L, and an enhancement mechanism positioned between the main arm unit and the actuator and configured such that movement of the actuator a first distance causes the main arm unit to move a second distance that is greater than the first distance. Additionally, a fluid control system for controlling a test head manipulator system. The pneumatic control system includes a regulator configured to controllably provide an output pressure to the main fluid actuator, and a second fluidly controlled actuator configured to adjust the regulator to modify the output pressure provided to the main fluid actuator. The second actuator is configured to be positively positioned in at least four operating modes with each operating mode causing the regulator to provide a different output pressure to the main fluid actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: inTEST Corporation
    Inventors: Herman Josef Weissacher, Wei Guan, Christopher L. West, Charles Paul Nappen, Steven J. Crowell
  • Publication number: 20140202269
    Abstract: A test head manipulator system comprising a base structure, a main arm unit configured to support a test head and to be moved relative to the base structure, an actuator having a range of motion of L, and an enhancement mechanism positioned between the main arm unit and the actuator and configured such that movement of the actuator a first distance causes the main arm unit to move a second distance that is greater than the first distance. Additionally, a fluid control system for controlling a test head manipulator system. The pneumatic control system includes a regulator configured to controllably provide an output pressure to the main fluid actuator, and a second fluidly controlled actuator configured to adjust the regulator to modify the output pressure provided to the main fluid actuator. The second actuator is configured to be positively positioned in at least four operating modes with each operating mode causing the regulator to provide a different output pressure to the main fluid actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: INTEST CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hermann Josef WEISSACHER, Wei GUAN, Christopher L. WEST, Charles Paul NAPPEN, Steven J. CROWELL
  • Patent number: 8618822
    Abstract: A test head manipulator system comprising a base structure, a main arm unit configured to support a test head and to be moved relative to the base structure, an actuator having a range of motion of L, and an enhancement mechanism positioned between the main arm unit and the actuator and configured such that movement of the actuator a first distance causes the main arm unit to move a second distance that is greater than the first distance. Additionally, a fluid control system for controlling a test head manipulator system. The pneumatic control system includes a regulator configured to controllably provide an output pressure to the main fluid actuator, and a second fluidly controlled actuator configured to adjust the regulator to modify the output pressure provided to the main fluid actuator. The second actuator is configured to be positively positioned in at least four operating modes with each operating mode causing the regulator to provide a different output pressure to the main fluid actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: inTEST Corporation
    Inventors: Hermann Josef Weissacher, Wei Guan, Christopher L. West, Charles Paul Nappen, Steven J. Crowell
  • Patent number: 8350584
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a device, comprising a base assembly, a plurality of carrier columns extending from the base unit, and a plurality of vertical support plates, each vertically movable along a respective carrier column and including a pivotal device mounting bracket. A pneumatic unit including a piston rod is associated with each vertical support plate such that vertical motion of the piston rod controls vertical motion of the respective vertical support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: inTEST Corporation
    Inventors: Charles P. Nappen, Christopher L. West, Steven J. Crowell
  • Publication number: 20110057674
    Abstract: A test head manipulator system comprising a base structure, a main arm unit configured to support a test head and to be moved relative to the base structure, an actuator having a range of motion of L, and an enhancement mechanism positioned between the main arm unit and the actuator and configured such that movement of the actuator a first distance causes the main arm unit to move a second distance that is greater than the first distance. Additionally, a fluid control system for controlling a test head manipulator system. The pneumatic control system includes a regulator configured to controllably provide an output pressure to the main fluid actuator, and a second fluidly controlled actuator configured to adjust the regulator to modify the output pressure provided to the main fluid actuator. The second actuator is configured to be positively positioned in at least four operating modes with each operating mode causing the regulator to provide a different output pressure to the main fluid actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: inTEST Corporation
    Inventors: Hermann Josef Weissacher, Wei Guan, Christopher L. West, Charles Paul Nappen, Steven J. Crowell
  • Publication number: 20100045323
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a device, comprising a base assembly, a plurality of carrier columns extending from the base unit, and a plurality of vertical support plates, each vertically movable along a respective carrier column and including a pivotal device mounting bracket. A pneumatic unit including a piston rod is associated with each vertical support plate such that vertical motion of the piston rod controls vertical motion of the respective vertical support plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: InTEST CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charles P. Nappen, Christopher L. West, Steven J. Crowell