Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Repko

Thomas A. Repko 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: 7757363
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer may be secured to a wafer support system by causing a supported surface of the semiconductor wafer to be at a lower gas pressure than an exposed surface of the semiconductor wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Wilk, Frank Joyce, Douglas Kreager, Thomas A. Repko
  • Patent number: 7523010
    Abstract: A method for automatically inserting connectors and coupling test probes to circuit boards, such as computer system boards and the like. The method is implemented via an apparatus that enables connectors to be automatically inserted into mating connectors on a circuit board device under test (DUT). Connectors may be automatically inserted along 1-4 axes. The apparatus includes replaceable probe/connector plates that are DUT-type specific, as well as DUT-type specific side access units. The apparatus may also be used for inserting memory devices and microprocessors, and further enables peripheral devices to be operatively coupled to expansion bus connectors on the DUT. In one embodiment, a single actuator is employed to actuate up to four insertion axes simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Repko, Frank W. Joyce, Teik Sean Toh, Douglas P. Kreager
  • Patent number: 7421365
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically inserting connectors and coupling test probes to circuit boards, such as computer system boards and the like. The apparatus enables connectors to be automatically inserted into mating connectors on a circuit board device under test (DUT). Connectors may be automatically inserted along 1-4 axes. The apparatus includes replaceable probe/connector plates that are DUT-type specific, as well as DUT-type specific side access units. The apparatus may also be used for inserting memory devices and microprocessors, and further enables peripheral devices to be operatively coupled to expansion bus connectors on the DUT. In one embodiment, a single actuator is employed to actuate up to four insertion axes simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Repko, Frank W. Joyce, Teik Sean Toh, Douglas P. Kreager
  • Patent number: 7154257
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically testing circuit boards, such as computer system boards and the like. The circuit board device under test (DUT) is loaded into an automated test apparatus (tester), which includes a mechanism for automatically connecting test electronics to various DUT circuitry and I/O ports via corresponding connectors on the DUT. A type of DUT is identified, and a corresponding set of tests are performed to verify the operation of the DUT. Appropriate power signals and sequencing are also applied to the DUT, as defined by it type. Data logging is performed to log the results of the testing. The apparatus includes replaceable probe/connector plates that are DUT-type specific and corresponding universal electronics and cabling to enable a variety of different board types to be tested with the same apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Chanh Le, Say Cheong Gan, Thomas A. Repko, Frank W. Joyce, Teik Sean Toh, Douglas P. Kreager, Yoong Li Liew
  • Patent number: 7110905
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically testing circuit boards, such as computer system boards and the like. The circuit board device under test (DUT) is loaded into an automated test apparatus (tester), which includes a mechanism for automatically connecting test electronics to various DUT circuitry and I/O ports via corresponding connectors on the DUT. A type of DUT is identified, and a corresponding set of tests are performed to verify the operation of the DUT. Appropriate power signals and sequencing are also applied to the DUT, as defined by it type. Data logging is performed to log the results of the testing. The apparatus includes replaceable probe/connector plates that are DUT-type specific and corresponding universal electronics and cabling to enable a variety of different board types to be tested with the same apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Chanh Le, Say Cheong Gan, Thomas A. Repko, Frank W. Joyce, Teik Sean Toh, Douglas P. Kreager, Yoong Li Liew
  • Publication number: 20060179632
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer may be secured to a wafer support system by causing a supported surface of the semiconductor wafer to be at a lower gas pressure than an exposed surface of the semiconductor wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: Brian Wilk, Frank Joyce, Douglas Kreager, Thomas Repko
  • Patent number: 7055229
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer may be secured to a wafer support system by causing a supported surface of the semiconductor wafer to be at a lower gas pressure than an exposed surface of the semiconductor wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Wilk, Frank Joyce, Douglas Kreager, Thomas A. Repko
  • Publication number: 20060100813
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically inserting connectors and coupling test probes to circuit boards, such as computer system boards and the like. The apparatus enables connectors to be automatically inserted into mating connectors on a circuit board device under test (DUT). Connectors may be automatically inserted along 1-4 axes. The apparatus includes replaceable probe/connector plates that are DUT-type specific, as well as DUT-type specific side access units. The apparatus may also be used for inserting memory devices and microprocessors, and further enables peripheral devices to be operatively coupled to expansion bus connectors on the DUT. In one embodiment, a single actuator is employed to actuate up to four insertion axes simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: May 11, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Repko, Frank Joyce, Teik Toh, Douglas Kreager
  • Publication number: 20060100814
    Abstract: A method for automatically inserting connectors and coupling test probes to circuit boards, such as computer system boards and the like. The method is implemented via an apparatus that enables connectors to be automatically inserted into mating connectors on a circuit board device under test (DUT). Connectors may be automatically inserted along 1-4 axes. The apparatus includes replaceable probe/connector plates that are DUT-type specific, as well as DUT-type specific side access units. The apparatus may also be used for inserting memory devices and microprocessors, and further enables peripheral devices to be operatively coupled to expansion bus connectors on the DUT. In one embodiment, a single actuator is employed to actuate up to four insertion axes simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: May 11, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Repko, Frank Joyce, Teik Toh, Douglas Kreager
  • Patent number: 6999888
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically inserting connectors and coupling test probes to circuit boards, such as computer system boards and the like. The apparatus enables connectors to be automatically inserted into mating connectors on a circuit board device under test (DUT). Connectors may be automatically inserted along 1–4 axes. The apparatus includes replaceable probe/connector plates that are DUT-type specific, as well as DUT-type specific side access units. The apparatus may also be used for inserting memory devices and microprocessors, and further enables peripheral devices to be operatively coupled to expansion bus connectors on the DUT. In one embodiment, a single actuator is employed to actuate up to four insertion axes simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Repko, Frank W. Joyce, Teik Sean Toh, Douglas P. Kreager
  • Publication number: 20050139228
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer may be secured to a wafer support system by causing a supported surface of the semiconductor wafer to be at a lower gas pressure than an exposed surface of the semiconductor wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Publication date: June 30, 2005
    Inventors: Brian Wilk, Frank Joyce, Douglas Kreager, Thomas Repko
  • Patent number: 6819099
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting and aligning a circuit board, such as a computer system board and the like, during testing. The apparatus includes a carrier plate having a plurality of holes arrayed in a grid. The holes are used for coupling various alignment components to the carrier plate. These alignment components include fixed tooling pins, adjustable tooling pins, and alignment blocks. In one embodiment, a template is employed to align the alignment components based on a form factor of the circuit board to be tested, wherein different templates are employed for circuit board-types having different form factors. The circuit board is supported by a plurality of plastic threaded fasteners to form a gap between the circuit board and the carrier plate. The templates are also used to locate these plastic supports. The carrier plate further includes a pair of alignment bushings for aligning the carrier plate relative to a test apparatus in which the carrier plate is to be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Repko, Frank W. Joyce
  • Publication number: 20040189281
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically testing circuit boards, such as computer system boards and the like. The circuit board device under test (DUT) is loaded into an automated test apparatus (tester), which includes a mechanism for automatically connecting test electronics to various DUT circuitry and I/O ports via corresponding connectors on the DUT. A type of DUT is identified, and a corresponding set of tests are performed to verify the operation of the DUT. Appropriate power signals and sequencing are also applied to the DUT, as defined by it type. Data logging is performed to log the results of the testing. The apparatus includes replaceable probe/connector plates that are DUT-type specific and corresponding universal electronics and cabling to enable a variety of different board types to be tested with the same apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Chanh Le, Say Cheong Gan, Thomas A. Repko, Frank W. Joyce, Teik Sean Toh, Douglas P. Kreager, Yoong Li Liew
  • Publication number: 20040064285
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically inserting connectors and coupling test probes to circuit boards, such as computer system boards and the like. The apparatus enables connectors to be automatically inserted into mating connectors on a circuit board device under test (DUT). Connectors may be automatically inserted along 1-4 axes. The apparatus includes replaceable probe/connector plates that are DUT-type specific, as well as DUT-type specific side access units. The apparatus may also be used for inserting memory devices and microprocessors, and further enables peripheral devices to be operatively coupled to expansion bus connectors on the DUT. In one embodiment, a single actuator is employed to actuate up to four insertion axes simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas A. Repko, Frank W. Joyce, Teik Sean Toh, Douglas P. Kreager
  • Publication number: 20040064288
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically testing circuit boards, such as computer system boards and the like. The circuit board device under test (DUT) is loaded into an automated test apparatus (tester), which includes a mechanism for automatically connecting test electronics to various DUT circuitry and I/O ports via corresponding connectors on the DUT. A type of DUT is identified, and a corresponding set of tests are performed to verify the operation of the DUT. Appropriate power signals and sequencing are also applied to the DUT, as defined by it type. Data logging is performed to log the results of the testing. The apparatus includes replaceable probe/connector plates that are DUT-type specific and corresponding universal electronics and cabling to enable a variety of different board types to be tested with the same apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Chanh Le, Say Cheong Gan, Thomas A. Repko, Frank W. Joyce, Teik Sean Toh, Douglas P. Kreager, Yoong Li Liew
  • Patent number: 6543562
    Abstract: An earth moving machine having a frame that supports an engine and a radiator that is located proximate a rear end of the frame. A service center module is positioned between the engine and the radiator. The service center module has a support member, a support plate on an upper surface of the support member, a back plate that is perpendicular to the support plate, and at least one mounting location on the back plate for mounting one or more components that may require routine maintenance such as an air tank, an ether aid, an air dryer, or a transmission filter. The central service center module increases maintenance efficiency by locating components, which may require routine maintenance, in a single easily accessible location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Thomas A. Repko, Viresh B. Shah, Kevin J. Wilkening