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).
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Patent number: 9897628Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 18, 2014Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: inTEST CorporationInventors: Christopher L. West, Charles P. Nappen, Steven J. Crowell
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Publication number: 20160202292Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2014Publication date: July 14, 2016Inventors: Christopher L. WEST, Charles P. NAPPEN, Steven J. CROWELL
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Patent number: 9347804Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 30, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: inTEST CorporationInventors: Herman Josef Weissacher, Wei Guan, Christopher L. West, Charles Paul Nappen, Steven J. Crowell
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Publication number: 20140202269Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2013Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: INTEST CORPORATIONInventors: Hermann Josef WEISSACHER, Wei GUAN, Christopher L. WEST, Charles Paul NAPPEN, Steven J. CROWELL
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Patent number: 8618822Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 19, 2008Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: inTEST CorporationInventors: Hermann Josef Weissacher, Wei Guan, Christopher L. West, Charles Paul Nappen, Steven J. Crowell
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Patent number: 8350584Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 26, 2007Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: inTEST CorporationInventors: Charles P. Nappen, Christopher L. West, Steven J. Crowell
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Publication number: 20110057674Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2008Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: inTEST CorporationInventors: Hermann Josef Weissacher, Wei Guan, Christopher L. West, Charles Paul Nappen, Steven J. Crowell
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Publication number: 20100045323Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2007Publication date: February 25, 2010Applicant: InTEST CORPORATIONInventors: Charles P. Nappen, Christopher L. West, Steven J. Crowell